The 2024 OS AGM saw a landmark update to the OS Society Rules, evolving the previous Committee structure to welcome the creation of new ‘Network Leader Roles’ where OS experienced in communications, events, sports, mentoring and career development and fundraising will be invited to join the Committee and work closely with the College Development Office in their activities.

An outstanding turnout of OS spanning six decades of College attendance were present to extend the gratitude of the whole OS community to Charles Olley (MJH, SuH, 67-76) as he stepped down after 37 years dedicated volunteer service as OS Treasurer. After Charles delivered his 37th set of OS Society accounts, OS President 23-24 Steve Ross (GH, SHa, 65-72) presented Charles with some tokens of the Committee’s immense gratitude for his unwavering commitment. The role of OS Society Treasurer passes to OS Past President Chris Forster (MJH, SuH,82-90).

The agenda moved to the important work of the election of the new OS President, with Steve Ross (GH, SHa, 65-72) stepping down after assuming the important role for a year to help guide the Committee through the recent period of change. Bringing his unprecedented third term of office to a close, Steve passed on the chains of office to Nick Reynolds (HH,08-12) who will undertake the role as 46th OS President from 2024-26. Nick shared a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the Committee, the College and the OS Community to Steve for his tireless dedication to achieving the modernisation of the OS Society Rules. Gifts were exchanged and Steve graciously accepted.

Reflecting on his recent tenure, Steve notes:

"The last year has seen some changes, but I have also been thinking of other changes since I was last in the Presidential chair in 2012 - here are a few snippets! 

Firstly looking back, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Development Office we have now a bigger number and broader variety of events to tempt OS back to the School, ranging from sport, age group reunions, dinners and careers and networking events. As we go forward, I am sure we will capitalise on this as a new group of OS volunteers sharing our expertise wherever needed and helping to further support the School’s events programme.

Secondly and during the past year, we have added OS Rugby 7s to the range of OS sports on offer thanks to the efforts of OS Vincent Young (RPH, 07-12) and his team, as they did brilliantly in their first tournament last July. On the sporting theme, it was tremendous to see Mabel R. competing in the School 1st X1 as the first female to play in the boys team, expertly knocking the OS X1 all over the pitch during the family fun day, we look forward to Mabel joining the OS cricketers from 2025!

And lastly, we have a brand new flagship title for a high quality 56 page hardcopy magazine that is a great read. The 'Old Stortfordian' will keep OS abreast of what is happening in the school and across the thriving OS community. The magazine contains lots of news and features about OS of all ages - all in all a great piece of work by Jennifer Law, Stefanie Giblin and OS John Rycroft (RPH,64-69). If you have news to share, I encourage you to submit it to Jennifer for future inclusion.

It has been a great honour to serve as your President, and I know that my successor Nick Reynolds will take the office to new heights as we look forward to working together on so many new initiatives"

As means of introduction new OS President Nick Reynolds (HH, 08-12) shares:

"It has been a real pleasure to serve on the OS Committee for a number of years, and I am honoured to now be elected President.

I feel a bit anxious about my tenure, considering the stellar work done by Steve Ross before me.

We now have a great platform on which the OS Committee can work collaboratively with the College and the wider OS Community and I will be hoping to build on this in the coming months."

The College joins the OS Committee and OS Community to thank Steve Ross and Charles Olley for their outstanding service and offers a hearty welcome to Nick Reynolds in his new leadership role, all at the College very much looking forward to working with Nick and the Committee in the months and years ahead.

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