There was a great atmosphere at the School as we welcomed back 200 OBs and guests for the annual ‘At Home’ reception and lunch on Saturday 6th July 2019. The day started with tours of the School in the morning, the AGM, a drinks reception followed by a delicious three-course lunch. Once again, Speech Day also took place on the last day of the academic year, with Prize Giving in the Great Hall in the morning.
The day kicked off with reunions for the Classes of 2009 (with 30 OBs getting together from this year group!), 1999, 1989, 1979, 1969 and 1959. 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 at St Luke’s, Science Laboratories, Library, Music School and Chapel. The tour sparked many good memories from OBs and several commented on how impressed they were by the School’s recent developments and additions.
The main OB ‘At Home’ drinks reception took place at 12.30pm, at the marquee by the Langham Pavilion 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! David Murray (69-76), the President, 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. He thanked the OB community for their ongoing support during what has been a particularly difficult year for both the School and the OB Club and took the opportunity to remember Richard Garrett who sadly passed away last December.
Thank you to all who came and enjoyed the day with us (some from as far afield as Australia!) and a special thank you to those who arranged tables and encouraged contemporaries to attend. It was a superb occasion and we are already looking forward to next year!