On Thursday 25 April, pupils and parents were witness to an occasion of historical significance. It is not often that Charterhouse has had the honour of welcoming a former Prime Minister and Sir John Major’s visit to Charterhouse was (according to Second Year Specialist Theo, who introduced and thanked the speaker) the first in nearly half a century. It certainly did not disappoint.
Arriving in the afternoon, Sir John was given time to tour some of the School grounds and watch the 1st XI Cricket team enjoying a competitive match against Eton. In the evening he gave his lecture to a packed Hall in which he offered powerful insights into many pressing issues of the day. He outlined his views on Brexit, which he described as an act of “incomprehensible self-harm” for Britain. Other highlights included stories of various encounters he had had with world leaders including Nelson Mandela and George Bush Snr, and he concluded with an amusing tale involving Boris Yeltsin, a 747 and three vodkas.
Importantly, he stressed how these leaders all shared one thing in common. When they were at the ages of many of the Carthusians who were present that evening, they could not possibly have imagined that they would reach such heights and successes. Therefore, he said it was vital that the generation of Carthusians present in Hall moved into adult life with a determination to contribute to the betterment of the world. An inspirational message for all.
On concluding his speech to rapturous applause, Sir John made time for many pupils (and, indeed, some adults) to take dozens of photographs and he shook scores of hands. Following this, Sir John and his chief of staff, Dame Arabella Warburton, attended a dinner with a select group of pupils, the Head and Senior Deputy Head.
Charterhouse thanks Sir John Major for visiting the School. A man of undoubted integrity and decency, Sir John’s visit was appreciated immensely by all pupils, parents and staff who were privileged enough to be in attendance.
