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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
LENTEN VISIT 2012 – ROUGHSHOD THEATRE COMPANY
CHAPLAIN’S NEWS
The Lenten visit is an annual
event that focuses on the
spiritual. This year we were
delighted that the York
community theatre company,
Roughshod, made a return visit
to school. This dynamic group
performed in assemblies and to
all of the First Years, in addition
to running workshops with
smaller groups throughout the
day. They provoked both
laughter and tears as they told their very real life stories
through drama. They encouraged us to think about what we
believe and why we believe it. They also challenged us to
look beyond life in the UK, in particular at the hidden costs in
our electronic goods and the horrendous working conditions
of some of the producers.
It was a powerful experience for all those who were privileged
to see them perform.
DALAI LAMA IN MANCHESTER
On the 16 th June 2012, the Dalai Lama came to the MEN Arena
in Manchester to give an inspirational speech to young people
entitled ‘Stand Up and Be the Change’. In this speech he
shared his views about forgiveness and internal happiness. He
told the youths in the audience that the 21 st century belonged
to them and that “My generation belongs to the 20th Century,
it has already gone, so my generation are ready to say bye
bye.” He told the audience about his beliefs and way of life
and how he never gave up hope through his difficult childhood;
“At the age of 16 I lost my freedom. At the age of 24 I lost
my own country. During these 50 or 60 years I have faced a
lot of problems but I never give up hope. Hope based on
truth, hope based on reason.” He taught about his Buddhist
principles and morals and shared his views for an ideal future,
free from violence and conflict. Russell Brand accompanied the
Dalai Lama and he also participated in the introduction and
questions and answers; “I’m very conscious that I have to be
very respectful and polite, like if it was the Queen or
something. Or your Nan”. The Dalai Lama was also
accompanied by a translator who translated the questions into
Tibetan, as he could not speak fluent English. The audience
also watched video speeches from Desmond Tutu and a girl
who forgave the killer of her father after listening to the Dalai
Lama teachings about forgiveness.
The Dalai Lama’s tour aimed to
spread the 76-year-old
Buddhist’s teachings of peace
and understanding to
youngsters. The crowd at
Manchester Arena was mainly
made up of under-25s who were
given free tickets for the event.
The Dalai Lama told the
audience the future was in the
hands of young people who
could make change happen.
He enlightened us with inspirational talks and came out with
some motivating ideas. He said vision, warm-heartedness and
determination were necessary and that young people were
more open-minded than older generations.
His talk really filled me with happiness and left me feeling
thoughtful. As I walked out of the building I felt like my voice
mattered and the Dalai Lama spread confidence and morale
throughout the audience.
Ciara Berragan (4Z)
Jaina Mistry (4W)
CONFIRMATION - JULY 2012
In our 525 th year, the setting was St Mary’s Church in
Stockport, another institution founded by Edmond Shaa. Pupils
were in the congregation and choir. Elspeth Wallace (U6)
joined Stopfordians of all ages, from Brinnington to Bramhall,
to be confirmed by the Bishop of Stockport in a moving
service. Confirmation is when a young person or adult makes
for themselves the promises made for them at baptism. Elspeth
gave the following reason for making this decision.
I think I have always been aware that I was a Christian and,
although I didn’t go to church, I still believed in God and
wanted to live by what I believed was the right way by Him, so,
when a friend invited me to join a Christian youth group about
six years ago, I jumped on the chance to learn more in a
friendly environment with people my age. It was nice to learn
more in this way about God, but recently I’ve joined St
Georges choir, and going to church twice every Sunday and
enjoying being immersed in Christianity and surrounded by
other Christians has made me sure that I want to be like
them. I think I’m finally beginning to understand and fully
think about what I’m learning about God instead of getting the
general gist and moving on like I have in the past. I’ve been
thinking about getting confirmed for a while now, and now I’m
18 I think I’ve spent long enough debating about this decision:
I’m old enough by law to know my own mind, so why not act
on something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time?
Rev. L.E. Leaver
The Year’s News 17