Dartford Grammar School was founded in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The school sits on the A2, the Rochester Way, which was—and still is, for the most part—a main artery from London to Dover, passing through Rochester and Canterbury. Notable 'Old Boys' of the school include Peter Bradford, and the somewhat lesser-known Mick Jagger. Non-Britons may or may not be aware that a Grammar School in the UK is a select secondary education establishment, attended by pupils aged 11–18. This year represents the 53rd anniversary of my 'graduation', as Americans would call it. How can that be—I'm so young!

Our school song, Floreat Dartfordia, was composed by 'Jacko' Steane, a former master at the school. I will not profess to being able to remember accurately every word of every verse of the song after all these years, but here's an attempt. I'd be pleased to hear from anybody who has an authentic version, including the sheet music.

Floreat Dartfordia
"May Dartford [Grammar School] Flourish"
by S.J. Steane

Where Caesar's legions
tramped the road
from London to the sea;
By hill and dale
where Darent flowed
along the fertile lea.

Where Chaucer's joyful
pilgrims came,
and Tyler's angry throng,
our famous school
we now proclaim
in loud, exalted song:

Chorus
Floreat in saecula!
Floreat Dartfordia!

In happy hours and days serene
Her sons have sought, together;
the triumph of the sun-lit green;
the sport for winter weather;
the light of Science and of Art;
the roll of an ancient glory;
the noble mind; the patriot's part;
the World and England's story.

Now all who here
together stand
this joyful anthem raise
and pledge to school
and Motherland
our duty, love and praise.

And Wilson, Havelock,
Vaughan and Daeth
though time and chance
may sever
will stand in memory
and faith
within our hearts forever.

Chorus
Floreat in saecula!
Floreat Dartfordia!

Hmm, I wonder if we could get Mick to record this.....