Marking five decades since leaving the College, OS from the Class of 1974 gathered to celebrate cherished school memories, rekindle friendships, and share life’s adventures. The 2024 50th anniversary reunion, which included OS from the classes of 1973 and 1975, featured a revised event format that enhanced campus visit opportunities.

This year, the reunion was hosted biennially on a Saturday, highlighted by a formal dinner with the new Head, John Maguire, and an exclusive chance to stay overnight in our modern boarding accommodations. Early arrivals were treated to an informal campus tour, followed by a champagne reception and an intimate three-course meal in the senior school library. OS President Nick Reynolds (HH, 08-12) warmly welcomed OS, their partners and former staff from the early 1970s, while the Head, John Maguire,  reflected on his first half-term at the College and the developments over the past 50 years over coffee after dinner.

The event was filled with a convivial atmosphere as guests walked the paths of their youth, some even revisiting their old common room to relive past adventures. It was an honour to welcome OS, some returning for the first time in 50 years, and four former staff members, providing a unique opportunity to reconnect and reflect on shared experiences in the classroom, house, and on the sports fields.

The dinner concluded, but the reunion continued for six guests who stayed overnight in Robert Pearce House, enjoying a delicious breakfast before their final goodbyes. The well-appointed, comfortable en-suite boarding rooms proved to be the perfect place for OS to stay during their visit back to the College.

This intimate event created lasting memories for all who attended on 19 & 20 October. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us, including OS partners, and look forward to crossing paths again in the near future.

OS Guests

Peter Berendt (GH, AH, 66-74)
Rob Brittain (MJH, HH, 67-74)
Tim Howard-Smith (GH, HH, 66-75)
Alan Musgrove (GH, HH, 66-74)
Bob Robertson (GH, HH, 64-73)
John Samson (MJH, HH, 68-75)
Tim Sheridan (MJH, HH, 68-73)

Bernie Cotton MBE, Geography Master, Tutor: Hayward & Alliott House (71-77)
Garry Hudson, Head of Modern Languages, Alliott House Housemaster (73-13)
Bob Kisby, History & PE Master, Young House Housemaster (73-11)
Robert McKean, Prep School Latin Master (66-87)
Nick Reynolds, (HH,08-12) OS President 24-26

College Staff

John Maguire, Head of Bishop’s Stortford College
Stefanie Giblin, Director of Development
Jennifer Law, Senior Development Officer (Engagement)
Wendy Dodd, Development Officer (Legacies and Regular Gifts)

The full album of reunion photographs below can be seen by logging in to your portal account or by registering to join.