Thought For The Day – Friday 30^th January 2026

The town of Bishop’s Stortford derived its name when the settlement of “Storteford”, with a population of less than one of our year groups, and named after the River Stort, was purchased by William, the then Bishop of London, for £8,  in 1060.

The crest of the town, and T.B.S.H.S., reflects the River Stort and the Bishop’s Mitre.

Last Friday, it was a great honour for The Bishop’s Stortford High School to host a very distinguished, and history-making,  Bishop.

The Right Reverend Dr. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, C.D., M.B.E., the Bishop of Dover and the Bishop in Canterbury.

Bishop Rose is the United Kingdom’s first black woman Bishop.

Bishop Rose is a former Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and the House of Commons.

A member of the “Windrush Generation”, who led, and helped rebuild, the United Kingdom after the Second World War, and came in their “Sunday Best” from the Caribbean,  Bishop Rose was born, and raised, in Jamaica, educated at Montego Bay High School for Girls.

Indeed, Bishop Rose’s autobiography is called “The Girl from Montego Bay”.

Always be proud of your, and our, identity and roots.

It was equally coincidental,  and wonderful, that one of the students in Bishop Rose’s presentation knew all about Montego Bay.

Bishop Rose commenced the seminar by learning, and writing down, all student names. This was symbolic as well as practical.  It was very much a discussion with a personal touch, meeting people where they were and are. Bishop Rose was very keen to engage, learn, listen, and share.

Bishop Rose humbly talked of her life and vocation or calling, sharing how she had to show resilience in life, journeying from poverty to palaces, and never forgetting her roots en route, on her journey.

Bishop Rose articulated her journey to the Christian faith, passionately communicating about the importance of joy and justice, love and compassion, respect and diversity, in belief and practice.

Bishop Rose has stood against racism, sexism, and classism.

Bishop Rose engaged with theological, philosophical, and moral questions from students.

After the seminar, students were very greatly inspired by Bishop Rose’s happiness, honesty, humility, and wisdom.

Very appropriately, Bishop Rose’s birthday. last Monday,  was on the same day as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day.  

Last Friday, Bishop Rose spread colour, growth, smiles and deep thinking, and thoughtfulness.

A Rose in our school and town.

Bishop Rose in Bishop’s Stortford and The Bishop’s Stortford High School.