The opening of the new library

Mark Hanley-Browne, headmaster with Professor Peter Goddard and chairman of Governors Francis Abbott

The official opening of the New Library took place on Thursday 1oth May 2007 in the presence of the Governors, past members of the Common Room, OEs and present members of the school. Professor Peter Goddard officially cut the ribbon to declare the Library open.

Peter is an OE, and was Master of St. John's College, Cambridge until 2004 before becoming the Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Princeton, USA. Peter gave a very nostalgic and warm speech about the teachers at Emanuel who inspired him to follow an academic career later in life.

Tony Jones, Senior Librarian and Professor Marquand

We were also joined by Professor David Marquand, who is also an OE, and who was Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford until 2002. David was one of the founding members of the SDP party and has published many books on politics and history. His brother, Richard, was a successful Hollywood film director and directed many well known films including Star Wars, "Return of the Jedi", and "Jagged Edge" (Richard was also an OE). Two of the main reading rooms in the New Library have been named after Peter Goddard and David Marquand, in recognition of their contribution to education. It was a great pleasure to welcome these two distinguished academics back to the School.

The new library

Governors enjoy the party

Claude Scott, Ray Grainger and Peter Goddard

Peter Goddard, retired headmistress Anne-Marie Sutcliffe and chairman of Governors Francis Abbott

Michael Mills, Mike Markland and Derek Saunders

Sixth formers Sophie Harries, Catherine Walker, Kate Thackara and Anna McLachlan