Gordon's OM Presidential Year

Wednesday 20 th November   - Belmont School Just back from visiting Belmont School.  I had been invited by the Head Leon Roberts to look around. I was not a Belmont pupil, and therefore knew surprisingly little about the school. In the deep recesses of my memory I recall going across to Belmont to play a game of rugby when I was at MHS (65-69)…..but I cant remember against whom and why we played there (although Leon tells me that it isn’t/wasn’t unusual). Anyhow, the school today is amazing! The facilities are top notch, and the investment over the years is clear to see. There are 548 pupils ( which is large by prep and primary school standards) and Leon tells me that demand is very high. My visit coincided with an open day for 11+ entries…which is now the fastest growing segment, being the 11+ entry to the Foundation. The D&T and Science labs are impressive as are the IT and Music. Then there are the grounds which are more extensive than I had realised.

Friday 15 th November – OM Golf Society AGM and Dinner The OMGS dinner was held at the East India Club in St James Square, London -a very handy and appropriate location given that it is also the “Public Schools Association”.  This is one of my regular events which is always well attended and very enjoyable. Attending this year as President was fun and I was able to wear the full chain for the second time that week (Armistice Day on Monday being the other) without developing “neck-ache”! I was sitting next to Gordon Hawes and Noyan Nihat. I had been asked by Colin Nunn (Secretary) to say a few words which I prepared. I was delighted that Jane Sanchez also attended and spoke before me as this allowed my speech to be shortened which was a benefit to all present. Our other guest speaker was Nick Owen of Halford Hewitt fame, and indeed many other roles. Nick had previously attended the golf dinner, but that was 10 years ago….(where has the time gone?). Nick is a gifted and ex

Monday 11 th November – Armistice Day An impressive and moving Armistice day at MHS! I had attended last year as Vice President. Last year saw the 100 th anniversary of the conclusion of the first world war, and the service had been focused on those who had died during that conflict. This year the organisation and standard was every bit equal to that of last year.  Angela attended with me and the focus this year was on those who died in the 2 nd world war. Photographs of each former pupil were displayed on the chapel walls and as Jane Sanchez read out the name of each one their picture appears on the screen above the alter. The weather was perfect – cool but dry. The ceremonies had begun with the school lined up in the quad and the “planting” of a bell in the chapel garden for each OM who died during the 39-45 years. We then proceeded to the memorial arch on the Ridgeway for the laying of the wreaths and the last post. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of

Monday 28 th October – Visit to Alford House Nigel Baker, William Maunder-Taylor and Nick Priestnall invited me to visit Alford House in Kennington – just off Kennington Lane. I suspect that like many OMs, I have heard about Alford House (AH) for so long and seen the reports in Martlet but never really gave too much thought as to what goes on there and has been achieved. Well, on Monday evening I visited AH and was given a tour. Firstly, I was surprised at the location; I must have passed it so many times without realising that it was there, as I had many an occasion over the years to visit the Kennington area. I was shown around by Tim Saunders who is the Manager of the Club and Site and has been involved with AH one way or another for much of his life having succeeded his father in the role. I was equally surprised by the scale of the facility and the size of the main rooms and halls. Whilst these are let out to theatre groups and the local community there is also

Saturday 12 th October – 150 th anniversary of rugby at MHS. A rainy old day.  Watched an invitational OMs take on invitational Foundation team – 12-12 – fair result.  Standing on Topfield touchline with players running around in chocolate and white shirts reminded me of school days when it was mandatory to watch the 1 st XV if one wasn’t engaged in sport – but without the chanting. Followed by a reception, speeches from Graeme Roberts (capt of centenary MHS team and my golf foursomes partner), and Nigel Wray. Hosted by Aaron Liffchak, Director of Sports at MHS. A good turnout despite the weather. I was delighted to meet Stephen Wright, Matthew Fowler, Richard Horton and Jay Flynn (over from USA for this) all of whom I hadn’t seen since leaving school or playing rugby in the early 1970s. Also had a chat with Chris Dean former maths master during my time – still doing some teaching Cambridge way. This day was also supposed to have been the 50 th anniversary

Friday 4 th October – installed as President at National Liberal Club dinner hosted by President Richard Llewellyn. Nice to see that Richard had invited his son and daughter – makes it a family affair. Good turnout and excellent food – commented on by everyone – which was catered by the Royal Horse Guards hotel next door. A really enjoyable evening, and a real honour to be installed as President. I am looking forward to meeting many OMs on my travels and at UK based events. Delighted to see so many familiar faces. Also, wonderful to see Ian Turnbull and Graham Chase whom I really hadn’t seen much of for a long time – Ian was a direct contemporary. Also pleased to meet David Standard whom I hope to see in Melbourne, and Leon Roberts head of Belmont. Angela and I sat next to Roger Chapman former Chair of Court and David Woodrow and Andrew Welch. Had hoped to have a Murray house table…next year we will – there certainly are enough of us!

President’s Log – 2019/20 It's a great honour to elected adn installed as President of the Old Millhillian's Club for the year 2019/20. I hope to record the places and people that I meet during my year in office. Rather a challenge for me as I am good with faces and poor with names! So I will have to make an effort to record and take photos whenever I can. I shall be attending as many club, section and professional events as I can and together with Angela (my wife) we shall be travelling to Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, New York and Toronto.