With 136 OPs intermingling over curry and beer in the Atrium and Tuck Shop area, the success of this 'casual' event surpassed expectation. There was plenty of catching up with old friends, re-acquainting with those from other years, and delight at the presence of staff members - Keith Perry, Alastair Mackenzie, Dave Rollitt, Phil McGuinness, David Bussey, Owen Toller and Peter King.
Many, having not revisited the school since departing in their blazers a quarter of a century before, showed no hurry to leave on this occasion, staying until the evening's end, whereupon several clusters were reported to have repaired to various pubs in Barnes and Hammersmith.
The following encomia, taken from the many emails of gratitude, seem to capture the spirit in which the event was received:
"...I really enjoyed meeting up with the small fraction of those who attended and was sorry to have to leave before getting around to everyone..."
"...it was great to see the school again..."
"...it gave me great pleasure to catch up with people so many years after we left school and, indeed, so many years since we last talked to one another..."
As always, much thanks must be directed towards the production team of Ian Bester and Georgie Robertson in the OP Club office, for their sterling work in putting on this event.
Paul McGuinness (1978-83)
Canada Dinner - 29 May 2010
There was a spirit of pride as the group got acquainted and discovered that there were other Old Paulines living north of the US border! While most attendees called Toronto home, there were OPs who had travelled from Pennsylvania, from Montreal (including the 'senior' of the group who left the school in 1942) and others from Santa Fe, New Mexico! The evening started with a welcome address by John Spencer (1963-66), followed by an excellent meal. Following dinner, we were treated to a short film which provided the group, most of whom had left the School over 20 years ago , with a perspective on St Paul's through the eyes of modern Paulines. The High Master then updated us on recent events at the School, and specifically the plans for the facilities to be renewed if the school is to remain relevant to future generations of Paulines.
Dr Stephen talked passionately about the need and the opportunity for all Old Paulines to participate in the project. The event was to finish officially at 10pm but many chose to stay far longer while engrossed in multiple conversations, and finally left with promises of maintaining new-found acquaintances. The power of Old Pauline ties has finally been felt in the Land of the Maple Leaf!
John Spencer (1963-66)
OPBN Business Breakfast - 12 May 2010
60 Old Paulines and Old Paulinas, together with some prefects from St Paul’s and St Paul’s Girls School, attended the Business Breakfast held in London recently at Holman Fenwick Wilan LLP, hosted by Anthony Woolich (1975-80) and Richard Crump (1971-74).
Sophie Raworth, Old Paulina and BBC One newsreader, presenter and journalist was the guest speaker. With her natural charm and grace, Sophie spoke about some of the realities she has to deal with working on live TV. And with a wonderful sense of humour she spoke about the hype and interest following the General Election which had been held just a few days earlier. Sophie then answered questions from the guests before everyone had the opportunity to mix and make new contacts.
Other OPBN events in 2010 will include the Media, Arts and Journalism Dinner on 13 October and a Food and Wine tasting evening in November.
USA Annual Dinner – 10 April 2010
Finance Dinner – 25 March
It was not until I saw a clipping of the Financial Times report, a week or so after the evening had taken place, that I realised exactly how fortunate the school community was for the Finance Dinner to have taken place.
After the panel discussion the dinner provided a great opportunity to mix with OPs and hear about how decisions they made at School had affected them in later life. It highlighted what can be forgotten: going to a school like ours is only an opportunity, not a guarantee for success. We must all thank the Old Pauline Club for such an exciting evening, as well as all the attendees who we hope to be in contact with in future.
Benjamin Sullivan (Lower 8th)
Evensong Feast 2010
180 Old Paulines, choir members and their parents attended this year’s Evensong Feast Service in St Paul's Cathedral. The joint choir of St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Girls’ School sang beautifully, with Ryan Hepburn, from the St Paul’s School Music Department, playing the organ. The Right Reverend Michael Colclough, Canon in Residence, read the first lesson (Amos 6) and the OP Club President, Nicholas Carr (1963-67), read the second (1 Corinthians 6. 1-11).
Afterwards guests enjoyed a short walk from the Cathedral, down Cheapside, to the Mercers’ Hall where a buffet dinner and drinks were served to 110 guests.
In keeping with tradition, the Club President welcomed everyone and made the presentation of books to the School Librarian, Alexandra Aslett, who then gave thanks for the generous donation. Among the books purchased this year was one by OP James Mather (1992-97) entitled Pashas : Traders and Travellers in the Islamic World. Another was one written about OP Paul Nash (1903-06) by Brian Webb: Paul Nash and John Nash (Design).
The evening was very relaxed and guests were able to enjoy the beauty of the Great Hall kindly offered to us by the Mercers’ Company.Please enjoy some photographs from the dinner at the Mercers' Hall below.