Old Bedfordians and guests joined us for the Club’s annual ‘At Home’ on Saturday, 6th July. Guests enjoyed catching up with old friends and tours of the school in the morning, followed by the AGM, a drinks reception, and a delicious three-course lunch in the marquee overlooking the cricket pitches.
The day kicked off with various year group reunions, including those for the 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, and 2014 leavers. Old Bedfordians at these reunions and others who were interested enjoyed catching up over coffee in the Memorial Hall before being taken on a tour of the school. The tour included visits to the Quarry Theatre, Observatory, The Gilbert Lloyd Gallery, Music School, and Chapel. The tour sparked many fond memories, as OBs of all ages reminisced about their time at Bedford. Many, who had not returned for some time, also commented on how impressed they were by recent developments and additions, with one commenting, “It truly is wonderful to be back. To be standing in the same field I played rugby in as a boy is a sense of comfort, seeing how, although things have moved on with the times (as they should), some things have remained constant.”
Speech Day was held in the Great Hall in the morning, with guest of honour OB William Kendell (69-79), who spoke passionately about his entrepreneurial journey.
The main OB ‘At Home’ drinks reception took place at 12:45 pm in the marquee by the main school building. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, guests were not able to enjoy the Head Master’s Invitation XI vs. 1st XI cricket match. Grace was led by ex-Captain of Boats, John Beresford (59-64), before everyone tucked into their lunch. Club President Richard Northern MBE (63-72) then thanked guests for supporting the Club and asked everyone to join him in toasting the school. This was followed by the Head Master’s speech and a toast to the Old Bedfordians Club, in which he thanked the OB community for their ongoing support.
We’d like to express our gratitude to all who came and enjoyed the day with us and extend a special thank you to those who arranged tables and encouraged contemporaries to attend. It was wonderful to welcome back OBs from all different eras, especially the 1964 1st VIII, all of whom shared a great sense of camaraderie.
We are already looking forward to our next major event in the OB social calendar – the OB Annual Dinner – which will be hosted at the headquarters of the Civil Engineers, London, on Friday, 22nd November 2024. The guest of honour is the Master of New College, Oxford Miles Young (63-72). We do hope you will join us – it’s a great opportunity for a reunion with school friends!
