We were blessed with glorious summer weather as Old Bedfordians and guests joined us for the much-anticipated return of the annual ‘At Home’ on Saturday 9th 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.
The day kicked off with various year group reunions – including 16 from the ’82 and ’83 leavers. Old Bedfordians at these reunions and others who were interested enjoyed a good catch-up over coffee in the Memorial Hall before being taken on a tour of the school which 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 addition…with one commenting, “It truly is wonderful to be back. To be standing in the same field I played rugby in as a boy. There is a sense of comfort in seeing how, although things have moved on with the times (as they should), some things have remained constant.”.
The School’s Prize Giving was held in the Great Hall in the morning – with the Head Master sharing a poignant message with the ’22 leavers: “You have learnt all sorts of ways to thrive; how to keep your minds strong, fresh and optimistic. Every single one of you has individual talents to bring to the world around you and I know you’ll all be using these talents wisely as you stride on to life beyond Bedford School.” There was a real buzz in the air as all the boys (our newest members of the OB Club) and their parents streamed out afterwards and enjoyed picnics on the campus.
The main OB ‘At Home’ drinks reception took place at 12.45pm, in the marquee by the main school building, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the Head Master’s Invitation XI v 1st XI cricket match. Grace was led by the OB Club Chairman, Craig Mitchell (64-74) before everyone tucked into their lunch! Club President, Martin Snaith (53-63), then thanked guests for supporting the Club and asked everyone to join him as he toasted the school. This was followed by the Head Master’s speech and 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, ranging from a ’48 to a ’22 leaver, who all 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 prestigious Cutlers’ Hall, London, on Friday 18th November 2022. We do hope you will join us – it’s a great opportunity for a reunion with school friends!
