St George’s Day was celebrated in style for Commonweal School students when the music department responded to a plea from the Mayoress of Swindon, Sue Barnes, to play in Swindon Town Centre. Forty students from the choir and concert band, thinking ‘green’, marched into town and performed under the canopy outside Debenhams. Busy shoppers stopped to watch and listen and for many it really cheered up there day.

“My thanks to the wonderful Commonweal choir and band for their St George’s Day performance in the Town Centre in aid of the Mayor Charities and the Commonweal School Fund. Shoppers and passers by were in for a real treat and gave generously. This was a wonderful initiative to involve the town in celebrating England’s patron saint,” commented the Mayor Michael Barnes.

In response Alison Sutcliffe the Head of Music at Commonweal replied,” It’s wonderful to take part in the Saint George’s Day celebrations. The students love taking part ‘out and about’ in the community. It was pleasing to see so many people enjoying our music. One chap who attended Commonweal 40 years ago had a jolly good time and it brought back lots of memories of his old school. I think we as a nation should be very proud of our heritage and celebrate this day with gusto!”