Sparkling celebrations at the 2024 Diamond Lunch 

After an unseasonably blustery start to the week the sun was shining on the College as we welcomed our special OS guests for the Diamond Lunch, an annual lunch for those OS who left at least forty two years ago.

Champagne greeted OS and their guests and conversation flowed as the camaraderie of shared College experiences were exchanged. Friendships were refreshed and renewed and new connections, previously unknown were made.

Mingling in the shadow of the Memorial Hall all were keen to come together for a pictorial memory of what felt, right from the beginning, to be a very special occasion.

Stepping out of the sunshine and back into what was for many, the swimming pool changing rooms of their school days, guests gathered for a delicious three course lunch in the rotunda within the Ferguson Lecture Building. Grace was eloquently recited by John Rycroft (RPH, 64-69) and guests were seated with contemporaries, the Head and Development team for lunch.

Once appetites were satisfied and many more stories were shared, John Banks (DBH, 45-51) rose to his feet to share a heartfelt vote of thanks to the College for arranging and hosting the lunch, gratitude that was warmly accepted by the Head on behalf of the School.

Over coffee the Head shared her pride in the academic and extra curricular successes of the College and detailed the growing outreach and partnership work that the School is dedicated to building upon in the coming years, ensuring that the College is not just ‘in’ Bishop’s Stortford but very much ‘of’ Bishop’s Stortford as well. Aspects of current College life were shared, equality of the number of Houses and the size of pupil numbers proving food for thought for those that attended the College 50,60 or even 70 years before.

Richard Price (GH, HH, 54-63) echoed John Banks’ vote of thanks on behalf of OS President Nick Reynolds (HH,08-12) who was unfortunately unable to join the event due to prior holiday commitments.

Some guests bid a fond farewell before others joined Jennifer and Wendy for a gentle wander around the campus and down memory lane. The beautifully renovated School House, art block, swimming pool and new boarding houses captured imaginations as to personal experiences at the College and those of the pupils who attend today. Gasps of appreciation accompanied views of the immaculate grass on Middle and Lower Greens and congratulatory wishes were shared for the hard work and dedication of the talented College Grounds team.

The brief but convivial tour ended back in the Ferguson Lecture Theatre and fond farewells were shared, with definite promises to gather again in the near future. Old memories relived and new memories made.

Gracious thanks extended to all who joined us for the event, many travelling considerable distances to do so, it was a real privilege to have welcome everyone back to their school. 

Event photographs can be viewed in the gallery below.