Fifty members of the College legacy club, the Devonshire Society, and other friends of the school made the long journey to Derbyshire for what was a most enjoyable occasion.

A champagne reception, attended by the Duchess, was followed by a short speech from the Headmaster during which he announced to warm applause that the proposed new music school on the Corner Cottage site will be named the Birley Music School. This is in recognition of the outstanding contribution made to the school by former Headmaster Michael Birley and his wife Ann, who were both present.

Before lunch the guests were treated to a fine performance of Borodin's Second String Quartet by College pupils Katherine Rogers, William Kunhardt-Sutton, Christo Smallwood and Jack Shepherd. An entertaining programme of recorded College music was then introduced by Director of Music Graham Jones, showcasing the quality and diversity of music at the school and the new music technology facilities.