On a glorious Summer’s day, we were pleased to welcome back over 150 Old Bedfordians and guests to the School on Saturday 1st July 2017 for the annual ‘At Home’ reception and lunch. The day started with tours of the School in the morning, the AGM, 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 in the morning. It was lovely to welcome John Holland-Kaye (76-83) and his family back to School for the day. John is CEO of Heathrow and was the guest of honour at this year’s Prize Giving. He reflected on his time at the School and how it had helped shape him. He, in particular, recognised the key contributions of a number of staff along the way. There was a wonderful atmosphere in the grounds as all the boys and their parents streamed out afterwards and enjoyed a drinks reception, live music and picnics whilst the ‘At Home’ took place.
In the morning, we held 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 and also commented on areas that had changed, with a number of new developments to the site in recent years. One of the highlights of the tour was Phil Stone’s captivating talk about the Observatory and Planetarium, which really captured everyone’s attention.
The main OB ‘At Home’ drinks reception took place at 12.30pm, at the marquee by the Langham Pavilion. Grace was led by our most senior OB present, John Castle (45-48) and then everyone enjoyed a delicious three-course lunch! David Murray, the President, thanked those present for supporting the Club, and in particular all those who volunteer across the globe and, in so doing, help develop the work of the Club. David then 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, during which he thanked the OB community for their ongoing support, highlighting how the boys benefit from this in so many ways.
During the day, guests had the opportunity to enjoy the Head Master’s Invitation XI v 1st XI. The Head Master’s XI had a good number of OBs in the team and came away triumphant!
It was great to welcome people that had travelled from as far as Hong Kong, Singapore, France, Canada and the States, as well as a number of former staff.
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 a superb occasion and we are already looking forward to next year!