Two hundred and twenty OBs, partners, former staff and guests attended a very special Dinner on Saturday 26th November to celebrate the 125th Anniversary Year of the Old Bedfordians Club. Held in the Great Hall at Bedford School, we were delighted to welcome OBs of all ages, including many new and familiar faces, to the occasion.
After a drinks reception in the Café Bar, guests made their way to the Great Hall where the evening was started off in style by the Bedford Sharps, a barbershop quartet made up of current boys at the School, Harry Guthrie (U6th), Logan Jones (U6th), Felix Asare (L6th) and Silas Saunders (5th Form). The Bedford Sharps performed several songs, including a great rendition of the Beatles classic ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’! Grace was then led by Head of School, Fraser Dingwall.,
We then enjoyed a delicious four-course meal, a particular highlight of which was the beef, donated by Richard Canvin (51-58) of Dovecote Park. Many thanks go to him and the other Old Bedfordians in the food and wine industry whose produce was showcased throughout the evening.
The Loyal Toast, given by Chairman of the OB Club, Chris Williams (68-79), was followed by the Head Master, James Hodgson. We were then treated to an entertaining speech from Guest of Honour, David Fletcher (58-69), who regaled us with some very funny anecdotes from his time at the School! Afterwards, President of the OB Club, David Murray (69-76) gave a short speech before OBs rounded off the evening with a fantastic rendition of the School song, ‘Bedford by the River’, led by Christopher Burr (58-69), as well as a spirited version of ‘O Talayla’.
Many thanks to all who joined us to mark such an important milestone for the Club, we hope to see you all again next year!