Thought For The Day – Thursday 2nd October 2025
It Takes Everyone
There was a quiet, and humble, student who came to Room CO5 yesterday who was very apologetic for “only” giving one item to the “Food Bank”. This student is inspirational. This student is a legend.
For it only takes one item, one act of kindness. That one act, that one item, will mean the absolute world to someone. It is never “just” one.
The student was symbolic. Because at T.B.S.H.S., and in the community and world as a whole, everyone plays their part. Every role is a great role, however seemingly small. Every character is a main character.
That will be seen again as the new “T.B.S.H.S. All-Weather Pitch” is formerly opened later today by distinguished former football international and Premier League footballer Mr. James Collins. Mr. Collins reached the very top of his profession, and was, and is, a leader and role model on and off the field. Mr. Collins was capped 51 times by Wales. Born in Newport, Wales, Mr. Collins made 404 senior appearances for the great and historic clubs of Cardiff City, West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Ipswich Town. Mr. Collins encapsulated and encapsulates our values of commitment, aspiration, respect, integrity, and community. We greatly thank Mr. Collins for his time today.
As we do those playing in the memorable match marking the opening of this epic venue. The game will be between the 1st XI of T.B.S.H.S. and an “All-Stars” team, comprising staff and former students.
We never forget our history. We always acknowledge our sources. That is respect. That is truth. We know we “stand on the shoulders of giants”.
The existence of this facility, indeed the existence of this new school, was only made possible by leaders and supporters. Mr. Fordham, Mr. Stock, and all Governors, past and present; Mr. Reeve; Ms. Engel; county, town and local influencers, leaders, representatives, and supporters; many other unsung heroes.
We very greatly thank “The Football Foundation”, for their exceptional and massive generosity. A community venue for the community at T.B.S.H.S., and beyond. We equally thank local councils.
This day is also for those who built the foundations. We should never forget all those who generously donated in the early period of fundraising, current and former parents, students, and staff. Their names are rightly, and symbolically, honoured at the entrance to facility. They sowed the seed, and demonstrated the commitment, in those key early days. A vision inspired, and driven, by Mr. Reeve, who single-handedly raised £8600, running an ultra- marathon in the Lake District in 2022, and Ms. Engel, who also and equally worked tirelessly month after month, year after year, on fundraising, whilst the rest of the new school was being built. Leadership from the front once again. Vision became reality.
Equally important, today, the 2nd of October, is also National Poetry Day and this is a great opportunity to both thank the English department for all the brilliant and wonderful work they do.
On National Poetry Day we celebrate the beauty, economy, eloquence, power of poetry to capture and express emotions, people, places, times, and truths. A poem really can be our friend and guide.
The theme of National Poetry Day today is the U.K. is “Play”. Most appropriate for our historic day today.
“The Black and Gold”, on Beaumont Avenue, would certainly make for a great poem.
It really does take everyone. The quiet givers. The carers. The thinkers. The players. The coaches. The poets.
From all who contributed to, and made possible, “T.B.S.H.S. All-Weather Pitch”, to those celebrating World Poetry Day, to a student, and other students, binging one item for the “Food Bank”.
Have a great day.
