The 4th Annual Dinner for Old Marlburians based in the Gulf was another resounding success. 20 of us (14 Marlburians and 6 non Marlburian spouses) gathered at the Capital Club, Dubai's premier business club, for drinks, dinner and and dancing. Those present spanned a 48 year period at the college, from 1955-2003! The majority came from Dubai, but there was also a strong contingent from Abu Dhabi.   

Back row: Jeremy Brinton (B1 1983-87), David Good (B2 1955-60), Peter Smith (C2 1956-60), William Wells (C2 1984-89), Joanna Mollo (nee Longworth) (MO 1989-91), Charles Benson (TU 1990-95), Rupert Wise (B3 1970-75), Bill Attenborough (CO 1966-70), Sundeep Rao (B3 1984-89), Marcus Good (B1 1993-98),

Front row: Lizza Scott (nee Thresher), Zainab Shather (MM 1998-2000), Miranda Wells (nee Lescher) (B3 1987-89), Charlotte Cochrane-Dyet (MM 1998-2003)

Some 72 OMs 1979 Leavers gathered in the RAC, Pall Mall to look each other over after thirty years. The Reunion was put together by Roger Backhouse (C3 1974-79), who has two sons in Littlefield: Alex (U6th) and Theo (Hundreds). It took months of persistence to track down as many OMs as possible from this vintage crop.

By unanimous verdict, the Reunion was a resounding success. The years fell away as drink and conversation flowed. There was much hilarity as we reminisced about ignominious moments of our schooldays. Old friendships were renewed but the evening didn't seem long enough to catch up with everybody so many people plan to meet up in the New Year to carry on where they left off.
    
It was particularly good to see Frank Gardner (LI 1974-79) in fine form after his serious injuries in 2004. On a poignant note, surplus funds from the event have been donated to the Rory Peck Trust in memory of its founder Juliet Peck (Crawley) (BH 1978-79) who died in 2007.  

Photo courtesy of Marc Bryan-Brown (C1 1974-79) see http://www.bryan-brown.com/omreunion/photo/ for full size picture http://bryan-brown.com 

The OM Club City Dinner was again held at the RAF Club, Piccadilly. This year an unprecedented number of OMs aged 25 and under came to the event, mainly thanks to Harry Vickers (SU 2000-05) and Charlie Kendrick (C1 1998-2003) who both organised tables. The Master was the Guest at the Dinner and was able to talk about all the developments at the College, including the new Marlborough Malaysia project. The President, Tim Suter, delivered a witty speech and made special mention of Major James Scott (LI 1942-46) who was the oldest OM present, and Past President, Professor Alan Gillet (C2 1944-48) who presided over the first City Dinner, 20 years ago.

Contact Cricket Blues Secretary william.caldwell@tateandlyle.com

The lunch for B1 1949 leavers was a great success ...more»

A group of ten who left Summerfield in 1959, accompanied by three wives, met at Marlborough on 8^th October 2009. Many of them had not met over the preceding 50 years. We were joined for drinks at Godot’s by Martin Evans, Terry Rogers and Bill Nicholas the current housemaster. Some probably apocryphal reminiscences of Coggs, the then housemaster were exchanged. After a convivial lunch the party was shown round the House by the head of house and entertained to tea by some of the sixth form girls where an interesting and amusing collection of archives from the time, including the house diaries, were on display. The day concluded with a tour of College where we were accompanied by the Dame, Anne Carter . The group comprised: Richard Allan, Anthony Ellis, Nicholas Gulliford, David Innes-Wilson, Mark Lee, Patrick Lepper, Charles Messenger, George Lock, Stephen Pedley and Peter Young accompanied by the Mrs Gulliford, Innes-Wilson and Lock.

Football Match at the College, 2:15pm on 1st XI pitch on the athletics track. The two teams were well matched and the final score was 2 all. Contact Freddie Naish at omfootball@live.co.uk if you would like to join the OM Football Club.

On Wednesday 17^th June 2009, over 60 OM Leavers of 1989 attended a drinks party at Bedford & Strand wine bar in Covent Garden to "celebrate” 20 years since leaving the College. Considering the majority of the leavers hadn’t seen each other since their last day at school, the evening was a tremendous success and everyone seemed to enjoy seeing so many old(er) faces. The big debate was whether the guys or girls had aged better over time – perhaps we will have to wait until we have all hit 40 to have a definitive answer to that question! There were some sore heads in the morning which seems a good sign of successful evening.

The general consensus was that something similar should be arranged every 2 or 3 years and hopefully by that stage a few more emails will have been collected and we will be able to get an even better turn out.  Click here for YouTube Pictures.

James Hey (B1 1984-89)

A Garden Party to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Girls coming to Marlborough was held in the Master's Garden on 9th May. The event was a huge success with over 300 OM Girls, Old Beaks, current Beaks, partners and children. The afternoon began with a lunch in the Master's Lodge for the first Girls, with ten of the first fifteen attending, as well as three previous Masters including Professor John Dancy who made a very moving speech during the afternoon. Full report from Penny Linnett, nee Willink (CO 1074-76) ...more»

John and Angela Dancy with eleven of the first fifteen Girls to come to Marlborough

The OM Chartered Surveyors' Club held a Dinner on 21st April at the Army & Navy Club, Pall Mall with 37 attending including Sarah Hamilton-Fairley, Club President, Nicholas Sampson, the Master and Martin Evans, Club Secretary. Paul Orchard-Lisle, CBE, TD, DDL, Past President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Past Chairman of the College Council was in the Chair and Professor Alan Gillett, OBE, DSc, MA, FRICS, Past President of the Marlburian Club (1979-1980) also spoke. This very successful occasion was organised by James Gillett, Grandson of H E Gillett who founded the OM Chartered Surveyors' Dinners in 1952 when another Old Marlburian, John Arnold-Foster (CO 1903-06) was President of the RICS.

This Year's Annual Black Tie Dinner, held at the RAC on Wednesday 4th March, was once again a great success with 114 OMs and their partners attending. Our oldest attendee was retired Judge, Bill Freeman (1934-38) and our youngest two Senior Prefects, Jamie Gibson (C2) and Becky Lane (EL). We were delighted to have so many young OMs, including tables of 2002 and 2005 leavers which resulted in the best ever attendance of under 25s.

The Master's informative speech affirmed the School's core values of scholarship and service and detailed plans for the future. During her warm tribute to Marlborough College, The President, Sarah Hamilton-Fairley, recalled the School's supportive and inspiring atmosphere. As a current parent she had been delighted that the School continued to embody W. B. Yeats' belief that "education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire".

President Elect, Tim Suter (C2 1970-74) and President 2008-09, Sarah Hamilton-Fairley (B2 1972-76)at the Annual Dinner 2009

The 2007 Leavers' Christmas Reunion was held in The Atlas pub in Fulham, marking the seventh year running that the Marlburian Club has supported such an event.

There was a very good turnout of over 100 OMs from this year group and the buzz and conviviality of the occasion indicated a most successful evening.

The Club Secretary gave a brief run down of the advantages of being a Member of the Club and then introduced the President, Sarah Hamilton-Fairley. The President welcomed everyone on behalf of the Club and gave a warm and amusing speech. Alec Kingham (LI) a former Senior Prefect, thanked the Club for their generosity on behalf of those OMs attending and the evening went on until the small hours.

Over 70 Old Marlburians got together in London for a reunion organised by Ledwyn Delaisse (Preshute 71-76) and Penny Willink (Cotton 74-76). A very jolly evening was had by all at the Cobden Club; many people had not met for over 30 years, and there were many amusing re-encounters.  All present were surprised by how the warmth and friendships continued as strongly as ever despite the passage of time.

The Sussex dinner was held at the Star Inn in Waldron, near Heathfield on Friday 14th November. It was a fantastic evening: excellent food, wine and company. The event was held in a separate room, which was just as well as the noise volume was very loud and Marlburian! The oldest OM present was 77 and the youngest 36 and 21 OMs attended in total. 

This year's City Dinner was once again held in the elegant surroundings of The RAF Club, Piccadilly. The Dinner was a great success with well over 60 OMs. Guest of Honour, Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville - former Cabinet Minister and MP for the City of London and Westminster - made a witty speech peppered with wonderful anecdotes about the City. Club President, Sarah Hamilton-Fairley also made a pertinent and amusing speech. OMs of all generations were represented: Cyril Horsford, CVO (CO 1943-47) and Past President, Alan Gillett, OBE (C2 1944-48) were our two oldest while Tom Mucklow (CO 2003-08) was the youngest. Thanks to Duncan Stratford and the Club Secretary for all their hard work in making this event a success.

The third OM reunion Dinner for OMs living in the Gulf was held at the Capital Club, Dubai on 13th November 2008. The event was even bigger and better than last year’s. Organised by Rupert Wise (B3 1970-75) and Miranda Wells, nee Lescher (B3 1984-89), there were 17 OMs and several spouses. Those present covered a period of 45 years at the school, from 1955 until 1997, including many younger OMs who have recently moved to the region. Most of the OMs were Dubai based, but others traveled some distance, notably, the Alstons, from Oman. There was plenty of catching up, banter and new friends being made and the evening went on until the early hours with dinner, drinks and dancing.

October is a gorgeous time in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Old Marlburian Club was especially fortunate this year in spending a weekend at the historic Shawnee Inn, at Shawnee-on-Delaware, courtesy of Inn-owners Charles and Ginny Kirkwood. 

The gathering was an eclectically enjoyable mix of OMs, current students, parents of current and former students, and a sizable delegation from the College, including Master Nick Sampson, Sir Hayden Phillips (Chairman of the Marlborough Council), Martin Evans and Neil Croucher (Foundation Director). There was even a jolly cluster of very young people whom we are considering to be OMs-in-training.

Activities for the weekend included golf on the excellent course (or simply driving around in the golf carts, which for my 14-year-old was just as much fun); canoeing and kayaking on the Delaware river; walking the grounds and swimming. In addition, there were several delightful meals, a talk by the Master, and excellent company at the bar afterwards!

The Kirkwood family has been close to Marlborough since the 1980’s: with all five children attending the school, family gatherings are already mini-reunions! We are very grateful for their including us as the extended family for what was a very special get-together. 

Sharon Agar (B2 1975-77) Contact details OM Clubs in the Americas ...more»

Over 150 OMs attended Club Day. Although primarily for Girls who came to the College between 1968-1989, OMs from all generations were represented, including our oldest, Dr Frank Hanford (C3 1927-33). The day included an exhibition of 40 Years of the Girls at Marlborough and an Evensong Service with a Choir of OM Girls directed by Mark Williams (C3 1976-80). Nearly £660 was raised for Help the Heroes at the morning Chapel Service. Click on AGM Minutes 2008.doc to upload a copy of the latest Minutes including a summary of the Master's Speech.

Robert Drewett (C3/BH 1972-77) organised an excellent Dinner at the Merchants' Hall, Bristol on Friday 6th June. The weather was most kind and 30 OMs joined the President, Tony Hill and the Master at this most enjoyable function. The Merchants' Hall was the perfect setting for a formal Dinner and it was good to hear the President bringing everyone up to date on Club affairs and the Master gave his usual excellent speech followed by a most interesting Q&A session.

The Club Secretary was very pleased to see five members of C1 at the Dinner: Andrew Atkinson (C1 1984), Jason Diwan (C1 1987), Charlie Bladen (C1 1984) Duncan Stoddart (C1 1987) and Nathan Diwan (C1 1984) as he had been their House Master.

An enjoyable Dinner was held in Paris on Friday 30th May 2008 at Le Congres Auteuil, a brasserie of repute in the 16th Arrondissment. The Dinner was organised by Christopher Wicker (LI 1968-72) and there were eighteen in all at table. The Club President, Tony Hill and the Master, Nicholas Sampson, made the journey from England, as did the evergreen Club Secretary, Martin Evans. The Master spoke most eloquently after a very witty introduction by Tony Hill. It was a splendid evening in every way and the President later joined David Fahie (C2 1963-67), Christopher Wicker and the Club Secretary at the most exclusive Night Club in Paris where an Exhibition of the work of Peter MacDonald (B1 1997-2002) was being launched. It was altogether a most enjoyable evening and all agreed that Paris in the Spring is a lovely place to be!

An excellent luncheon was held by the President, Tony Hill for Past Presidents and wives at the Carlton Club on May 14th. Pre-prandial drinks were served in the library before going in to a first class lunch in the Cabinet Room, surrounded by the portraits of former Conservative Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers. Sir Michael Latham, a former Chairman of the Carlton Club, talked about the history of the Carlton Club in a fascinating short talk. After the meal, the President introduced the Master, Nicholas Sampson, who gave his usual excellent speech and updated us all about what is happening at the College. A vote of thanks was proposed by Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville and a final thanks was given by Sir Eric Yarrow, Bt who is the most senior Past President of the Club.  Caption: Sir Desmond Rice, Peter Bedford and Sally Macfadyen.

Pippa Walker kindly hosted an extremely enjoyable Spring Supper at her magnificent house situated in a stunning location at the foot of the Malverns. Over 50 OMs and their partners enjoyed the wonderful ambience and delicious food. Club Secretary, Martin Evans, delivered an amusing speech which included some anecdotes about old beaks, and Club President, Tony Hill, added a few apposite and witty words of his own. The cheese course included cheeses from each of the Five Counties which were Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Radnorshire. The Club would like to thank Pippa Walker and her husband Andrew who so graciously organised and hosted this memorable event.

The Annual Dinner was held at the RAC, Pall Mall and was a most enjoyable evening with 110 OMs, spouses and partners attending. The RAC laid on an excellent Dinner in the newly refurbished Mountbatten Room, which made a superb setting and entertaining speeches were made by the Club Secretary, the President and the Master, who brought us up to date with all that was going on at the College. Well done to all those who made the effort to attend. 

Pictured are Jeremy Oates (SU 1976-81), Katrina Ure (1979-81), Jeremy Light (1976-81) and Past President, Susanna Spicer (SU 1979-81)

The Centenary at St. Mary’s Tottenham – founded as the Marlborough College Mission in 1884 – recalled the work and witness of its first vicar Edward Floyer Noel Smith (C1 1863-68) at the centenary of his death.

On Friday 14^th March, Douglas Dales, Chaplain of Marlborough College, preached at a Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s. A Centenary Dinner was held on Saturday 15^th, where the Church welcomed Jack Thomas, grandson of the great Bursar of Marlborough and son of Rev Arthur Thomas (B1 1896-1903) - Junior Curate at St. Mary’s the year after Noel Smith’s death - and his wife Imogen. Among those dining were Julia Edwards (LI 1969-70) and her husband John.

In his homily on Palm Sunday the Bishop of London announced that Edward Floyer Noel Smith would be added to the London Diocesan Calendar of Holy Men and Women – a local saint for the diocese.

The 2006 Leavers’ Christmas Reunion was held in the The Atlas pub in Fulham, marking the sixth year running that the OM Club has supported such an event. There was a very good turnout of over 90 OMs from this year group and a most enjoyable and successful evening was had by all. The Club Secretary mentioned that this was a gathering of the tallest OMs he had seen in recent years and then introduced the President, Tony Hill. The President welcomed everyone and extolled the virtues of the Marlburian Club in a brief and witty speech and Fynn Vergos, a former Senior Prefect, thanked the Club for their generosity on behalf of those OMs attending.

Festival of Remembrance

The TN21 Dinner at The Star Inn in Waldron was a great success. Nine Old Marlburians attended, and such a good time was had by all, the group are aiming to increase their numbers for next year. A provisional date of Friday 14th November has been agreed. If you are living in or near TN21, or would like to meet up with old friends in the area, please contact Jeremy Coltart on tallwood@coltart.org.

In the picture, from left to right, Robin Bather (B2 1955-60), Peter Pyemont (C1 1953-57), David Bushill (C3 1949-53),  Michael Virtue (C2 1949-54). Jeremy Coltart (PR 1950-54), Christopher Pyemont (PR 1960-65), Christopher Corfield (B1 1963-67), Will Barnes Yallowley (C2 1982-87) and Michael Sargent (CO 1956-60)

Another dinner is planned for Friday 14th November 2008 and will be open to any OMs within range of Waldron.