The Old Elizabethan Association

A record 219 diners attended the 150th Old Elizabethan Dinner. The numbers were too great for the College Hall, so the splendid surroundings of St James were packed to capacity for the actual Dinner and pre-dinner drinks took place in the College Hall so the College connection was retained. John Fitzgerald (6372) took a photograph of everyone on the College steps.

It was superb that so many members came over from the UK just to attend the dinner. Visiting diners included UK OE stalwart John Stranger 4669, who had organised a charter flight from UK for the 100th Dinner, youngest exile Lynn Lewis (4467), Geoffrey Heggs (4151), Nicholas Thomas (4211), Stephen Walters (4709), Mike Capper (5435) and many others.

It was also pleasing to see so many younger new members gathering. Some went to great lengths to get here including two OE pilots Simon Crook (6487) and Peter Girard (8581) who flew a Virgin Airbus A340 from Chicago! Maybe a ‘1st’ in aviation history! There was also a table with six Degnen OEs from the same family!

There was very much a sense of a special occasion and this was matched by the speeches. The Guest of Honour was Dr Elizabeth Grantham, the daughter of Henry Milnes, the wartime principal who so ably managed the move to Derbyshire and the ongoing independent operation of the school there. Her memories as a young girl growing up at the school were extensive and detailed and proved fascinating. The full text of her speech can be read here.

OE President Mike Eades (6529) spoke of the work of the Association and paid tribute to the work of the retiring Honorary Secretary, Gresham Barber (5159). Mention was made of those who sadly had left our ranks during the year, including Alan Hunter (4243) and Ken Fletcher.

Lyndon Trott (6722) spoke eloquently about the special character of the school and the vital role it plays in producing suitable young men to occupy important roles in business, politics and the professions as he proposed the toast Floreat Collegium.

The Principal, George Hartley, gave an upbeat report about the College’s activities during the year demonstrating that students are involved and making an impact, in an astonishingly wide range of activities.

Retiring Senior Prefect Sam Frank (9445) spoke about his time at the school and paid tribute to the work of the OEA. He demonstrated that Elizabeth College is still producing fine young men.

The singing of Carmen Elizabethanum brought proceedings to a close, but the talking, reminiscing and renewing of acquaintances went on long into the evening on this very special day.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of you, who have supported the Dinners during my time as Secretary as I think it is vital to the Association that these diners are successful as they satisfy one of the main objectives of the OEA, namely to foster and promote fellowship amongst Old Elizabethans.

Gresham Barber (5159)
Honorary Secretary

The pictures
John Fitzgerald (6372) took the photos and they can be seen on his website. Copies can be ordered through him

List of diners