On Saturday 18th November, OBs gathered to celebrate their ongoing relationship with the school at the annual OB Dinner. The evening began in the café bar with a drink’s reception, before proceeding to the Main Hall for a fabulous three course meal, plenty of wine, and some excellent speeches.
New OB Club President, Richard Northern (63 – 72), opened the dinner, welcomed guests and introduced the Head Master, James Hodgson, who gave an update on school business. Richard then returned as Compere, introducing this year’s guest speaker, Ali Malek KC (68 – 74).
Ali is recognised as one of the UK’s leading Commercial KCs. In 2021, he was elected as Master Treasurer at Gray’s Inn, and was appointed Chairman of Lloyd’s of London Enforcement Board. In 2022, he became Chair of Chambers, in recognition his long service at the Bar.
Ali is a keen supporter of the school, serving as a member of the governing body for the last decade and, most recently, joining Bedford’s first Development Board to help guide fundraising efforts for the New Academic Building on Burnaby Road, and the James Surtees Philpotts’ Bursaries Programme.
Ali gave an excellent, and very funny, speech about his time at the Bedford, his career, and his belief that schools needs to prepare young people for the world they will inherit, rather than just equipping them with good grades.
Amongst many important points Ali made during his speech, he reminded guests that Bedford School probably needs them now more than ever. With the looming threat of changes to VAT status for Independent Schools, and the rising costs of the vital new development on Burnaby Road, he encouraged everyone in the OB community to offer what support they feel able to.
Speeches were then replaced by the happy sounds of guests catching up with old friends or making new ones. The occasion went on late in the evening, with some even choosing to carry on the revelry in Town. The OB Club would like to thank everyone who attended, and to assure you we are already working on next year’s event! Keep your eyes on the calendar as we will be announcing a save the date very soon.