The Old Witleians Summer Reunion, held on Saturday 29 June at King Edward’s Witley, for the second year running fell on an incredibly hot day with temperatures reaching into the 30s! Although some Old Witleians were unable to join us, we were, once again, delighted to welcome many to the day’s activities.
As in previous years, the day began with registration and refreshments in the Library at 10.30am and, following a welcome speech from Mr John Attwater, Headmaster, guests made their way to the chapel service which was led by the Headmaster. The service included the anthem ‘O Thou the Central Orb’ by Charles Wood, sung by the King Edward’s choir, and three other songs including the School Hymn written by former Headmaster ACB Bellerby (1926 and 1951). Following on from the service, guests were invited to the Selborne Room for a delicious, hot buffet lunch created and served by the School’s excellent catering team. The Headmaster gave his thanks to the Old Witleian guests for their continued support and annual visits over coffee which was followed by a thank you, goodbye and good luck speech to Mr Attwater by Old Witleian Fred Deane. At the end of July, the Headmaster left King Edward’s to start his new role as Principal of King’s Ely in Cambridgeshire.
After moving outside into the Quad for the traditional group photograph, guests were invited to take part in various tours of the School. For some, this included a visit to the new Modern Foreign Languages Dept on North Side (old dorms) and a reminiscent visit to the dining hall. At the same time, the Old Wits v School cricket teams took to the pitch with much needed refreshments for everyone in the Pavillion at the start, and again at teatime including a BBQ.
“Really Enjoyed the Chapel Service and address. Tasty and interesting lunch. Excellent Art and DT exhibitions. Good opportunity to talk with Old Wits.”
For all other guests, afternoon tea and cake was ready in the Selborne Room on their return from the various tours. Throughout the day King Edward’s memorabilia was on sale ranging from books, glass paperweights, enamel keyrings and cufflinks to bracelet charms and ties. For the first time, guests were invited to view two art exhibitions i n the Art Department and Bunker Gallery, and a Design Technology exhibition in the new Engine Room on South Side.
In the evening, the annual free Proms in the Park concert took place located on the lawn outside QMH. All guests were invited to bring a picnic to enjoy whilst relaxing on the lawn listening to the excellent School music ensembles and soloists. Our Parents Association, KESPA, ran a bar selling drinks and a fantastic hog roast which filled the air and was hard to resist.
“A great day had by at least three of us old boys from the Hambledon era. We managed to have very good old tales and those near by were a little envious of our adventures of always being hungry and to the effect that we in the dark days of rationing!“
