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Gervase Phinn: The best kind of advert
Some years ago, I visited Ampleforth College. I had been invited by the then headmaster to attend a school drama production and the VIP reception beforehand.
I duly arrived in good time and parked my car (an old black Volvo estate) in front of the main building.
Two young students, dressed in smart sports jackets and flannels, approached me.
"Would you mind parking around the back, sir," said one as I emerged from the car.
"This area is reserved for the VIPs." I didn't enlighten them that I was there for the reception and had been told to park in this spot but drove the car to where I was directed.
"You are rather early, sir," said one of the boys. "Would you like to look around the college?"
"That would be splendid," I replied.
The two boys took me on a tour around the college, one of them explaining that on entering the library we should keep our voices down.
There followed a short history of the college and abbey, details of the old boys, the sporting successes and I was told that much of the furniture and fittings were by the famous woodcarver "Mouseman" Thompson.
"And how are you finding the Volvo?" asked the
other boy.
I explained that, with four young children, it was ideal. It was roomy and comfortable, a little heavy on petrol but very safe and reliable. It was getting on a bit but had a good few miles left on it yet.
The boy, clearly something of an expert on cars, then proceeded to suggest various other vehicles in which I might be interested should I be changing
the car.
Eventually, I admitted that I was expected at the headmaster's reception. The two boys looked horrified and apologised for asking me to park in the general car park.
"Not to worry," I said. "We have had a most interesting conversation. You were excellent guides."
Schools can have all the glossy brochures they like but the best advertisements are the students, the way they speak and behave. These two young men gave a splendid impression to a visitor: confident, courteous, and good humoured.
Some five years later, I was featured on a BBC radio programme and was asked for a favourite piece of music to end.
The track I chose, Panis Angelicus was one featured on the superb Ampleforth College CD Spiritus performed by two young brothers.
Listening to the piece sung in such beautiful clear voices makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
I arranged to visit Ampleforth again hoping that perhaps two of the younger boys could perform the piece to end the radio programme.
I parked my car (a smart new Toyota Avensis) in front of the main building and I climbed out. Two senior students in smart grey suits were walking past.
One of them smiled.
"I see you've changed the Volvo, sir," he said.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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