The Old Elizabethan Association

Some have said it was the best. It was certainly one of the best! The 146th Old Elizabethan Association Dinner was held in the College Hall on Friday 3rd July 2009. With a full house of 120 Old Elizabethans and guests, the atmosphere was buzzing as everyone sat down to dinner at 1900hrs.

Among the guests were Mike Higgins, Head of Physics, retiring after 41 years at College, Dot Carruthers, College Development Officer and Rick Le Page, soon to leave for Bisley with the College shooting team.

The occasion was notable by having two knights of the realm, eight Jurats, a Deputy Bailiff, but unfortunately a table of advocates! We were pleased to welcome our new President, Michael Eades (6529) who conducted the proceedings with much humour and confidence.

The Guest of Honour was Alan Cross, who has just retired from his post as Vice Principal (Academics) and Director of Studies. Having taught at College for 32 years he recalled many amusing tales of his recruitment and let us into some secrets about his then principal, Richard Wheadon.

The Senior Prefect Oliver Collas (9582) then delivered a very confident, well-spoken and fluent speech. This was followed by The President asking Nick Argent to accept, on behalf of the College, the Argent Cup, donated by the OEA through the Manchester Fund to commemorate Nick’s time at College and his excellent coaching of hockey, for the annual battle between Elizabeth College and Victoria College. The cup has been engraved with all the winning Hockey Teams going back to 1924. Woe betide the first College team that allows it to go to Jersey!

Mark Dunster (7566) then rose to his feet and delivered a fine speech, recalling how his mother, objecting to his awful reports became so used to writing on a yearly basis, that he was sure her last letter to the College was received some 3 years after he had left!

The past President Jerry Girard, after a few words of thanks to Nick Argent for his huge support to the OEA, asked the Senior OE present, Sir Charles Frossard, to present a leaving gift in recognition of his 8 years as Principal of Elizabeth College.

The Principal, after giving his thanks, delivered his last Principal’s address outlining the College’s achievements, both academic and sporting over the last year. He received a standing ovation that lasted for many minutes.

Carmen, robust as ever and sung from the heart of every OE present, brought the formal part of the Dinner to a close. Off to the Bar!

Pictures of the 2009 Dinner