BY HANNAH GRAHAM

LAST month honoured guests, dignitaries and students alike gathered at the front of the prestigious upper school Queen Elizabeth’s, Wimborne, for the unveiling of their brand new sculpture, 'SIGN'.

It was created by renowned sculptor Jonathan Clarke, who was also present at the ceremony.

Among the guests were the Wimborne Minster Trustees who kindly donated the money to create the amazing piece of artwork.

Other attendees included the school governors, the Mayor and Mayoress of Wimborne, The Old Winburnians, students, and the guest of the Right Revd Nicholas Holtham, Bishop of Salisbury, to see this beautiful representation of the school's heritage and mark its place at the front of the school.

The ceremony itself was extremely successful in educating and inspiring all that attended and informing people of the new opportunities that have arisen because of the sculpture.

To open the ceremony five students - Freya Burn, Millie Watkinson, Emily Wright, Abigail Ford and Susannah Hawker - performed an exceptional dance.

The Bishop of Salisbury said the artwork 'forces people to notice it and interact with it’ and and how much he believes it will benefit the school and everyone in it.

Famous filmmaker Alex. J. Wright - maker of renowned film - King Richard III: Making of the Tomb - attended to take footage for a film about the sculptor Mr Clarke, who has created many other outstanding sculptures in the past.

Headteacher Martin McLeman made an inspirational speech he said it was‘a day which has so much significance for our school and our community'.

He described the QE Trustees as ‘the guardians of our heritage and guides for our future’.

His speech continued on to outline the importance of the day and the sculpture.

After the ceremony concluded, guests were invited to the foyer for light refreshments, which gave the guests time to mingle and discuss the beautiful work of art that has brought the local community together.

During this time live music was played by some of the schools most talented musicians - Philippa Almond, Rebecca Jenkins, Kate Miller Sparkes and Anna Whitehead - the best way to end this momentous occasion.