Despite the threat of thunderstorms in the weather forecast, over 100 OBs and their guests joined us for the OB’s annual ‘At Home’ reception and lunch, which took place on Saturday 8th July. The day started with tours of the school, the Club AGM, and a drinks reception followed by a three-course lunch in a marquee on the playing fields.
Once again, Speech Day also took place on the last day of the academic year, with Prize Giving in the Great Hall. It was lovely to welcome Hugh Elliott (73-83), the British Ambassador to Spain and non-resident Ambassador to Andorra, as the guest of honour. Hugh reflected on his time at school and in particular his old school reports, which made interesting reading! There was a wonderful atmosphere in the grounds as all the boys and their parents streamed out onto the 1st XV pitch afterwards and enjoyed a drinks reception, despite the fact that the heavens chose that moment to open, and they played the game of ‘how many people can squeeze under a gazebo’!
In the morning, we hosted a number of year group reunions. Old Bedfordians from all the years enjoyed a coffee and catch-up in the Memorial Hall before a tour of the school, taking in the Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, the Library, Music School, Observatory, and the Planetarium, amongst other areas. OBs reminisced as they walked through their old school, sharing good memories and funny stories, and also commented on areas that had changed, with a number of new developments to the site in recent years.
The main OB ‘At Home’ drinks reception took place at 12.30pm, in the marquee by the Langham Pavilion, having been chased inside by a peal of thunder and a short-lived burst of rain. This did not dampen the proceedings and following Grace led by Chair of the OB Club, Craig Mitchel (64-74), and the Loyal Toast by Hugh Elliott, the OBs sat down to a delicious three course lunch. Outgoing Club President Martin Snaith (53-63) welcomed new President Richard Northern (63-72) to the post and said how delighted he was to see so many different age groups coming together for the ‘At Home’. The Head Master, James Hodgson then gave the toast to ‘The Old Bedfordians Club’ and said how pleased he was to welcome the Chair of Governors, Sir Clive Loader, and Lady Loader, to the lunch.
Thank you to all who came and enjoyed the day with us and a special thank you to those who arranged tables and encouraged contemporaries to attend. It was great to welcome people that had travelled from as far afield as the States, Canada, and Norway, as well as a number of former staff.
It was a superb occasion, and we are already looking forward to next year!
More photos to follow
