OC annual dinner 6th November 2021 – The highlight of the OCs calendar for 2021.

This was an eagerly awaited OC dinner, given that we were unable to hold a dinner in 2020. So, on a rather mild November evening, after much anticipation, we were thrilled to finally gather together to celebrate with old friends - it was such a great relief to finally be able to meet in person. We will never again take the privilege and joy of socialising together for granted!

We had a great turn out with well over 100 attending, ranging from the oldest OCs who left in 1950s right through to the newest OCs who left in the last two years. The evening started as it always does with a pre-dinner glass of fizz, held this year in the foyer of Bishops Palace which had a wonderful display of artwork produced by pupils and a very moving display of photos of those OCs who served in WW1 and WW2 and who had sadly lost their lives in service.

After pre-dinner drinks guests were invited through to the dining hall which had been beautifully set up and dressed by Teresa Stephens head of house-keeping and the school maintenance team. After Headmaster, Jeremy McCullough, had welcomed guests, Bob Jennings was invited to offer grace, which he still remembered from his school days (1965-71), well done Bob!

We had a delicious menu prepared and served by Phil Dimond and his team at Holroyd Howe. There was a choice of starters with a Trio of Tortellini in a rich tomato sauce and a Classic prawn cocktail. The main course options were slow roasted shoulder of lamb or sun blushed tomato crusted salmon, both served with dauphinoise potato, roasted baby carrots & tender stem broccoli or a Wild mushroom risotto with parmesan crisps. Deserts were a salted caramel baked cheesecake or a fresh fruit pavlova, all beautifully presented and decorated. There was a good selection of wines and fizz available for the dinner, and we are extremely grateful to Derek Barnett for organising the drinks for the dinner.

Following the meal, Simon Quinn, OC President, offered our first Toast of the evening to The Queen. Then, following a short break, we had our speeches.

Simon Quinn, OC President, began by welcoming our guests Richard Berry President of the Old Bristolians, Rowan Henry President of the Old Cathedrialians Society, and newly invited Honorary Life Members of the Old Colstonian society, Ali Willis and Julie Tovey, both who have served as teachers at Colston’s for 25 years! Simon also welcomed the new OC Vice President, who needed no introduction, as Len Collacott, who has been a great support of the OC Rugby Club and Old Colstonian Society for many years. Simon thanked Tracy Mace, OC coordinator, for her work in organising the dinner and presented her with a beautiful bouquet from the florist, Sarah Tynan. After providing an update on both the Rugby and Golf clubs, Simon concluded his speech by offering two Toasts – the first to The Headmaster and all staff at Colston’s for their hard work and dedication across the last 18 months during the pandemic and secondly to Our Founder and Absent Friends.

Our next speech was from the Headmaster who spoke of how well the school was doing despite having to cope with the challenges imposed by the pandemic. He welcomed Nick Baker, chair of governors and gave a brief update on the school’s name. A thorough consultation has taken place, trying to bring the whole school body together unitedly taking the school forward to future success. The overriding issue is the school’s future and the economic sound stability of the school’s long-term future, and the Headmaster was pleased to report that the school is currently outstanding in all areas.

After offering a Toast to Floreat Colstona, the Headmaster welcomed our keynote speaker, Pat Lam Bristol Bears coach, who played for the All Blacks in the 90’s, was captain of Samoa and played for the Barbarians. He was head coach in Auckland 2004-2008 then head coach of Connacht Rugby, Ireland before joining Bristol Bears in the summer of 2017 as head coach. He has transformed Bristol Bears and won the 2020 European rugby challenge cup.

Pat gave a very inspiring speech, offering a very clear understanding of how he motivates his players by following the 4 ‘P’s’ – People, Purpose, Perseverance and Performance. He also explained how when he came to Bristol, he visited a few prominent independent schools which did not inspire him, until he visited Colston’s which impressed him and led to him sending his two children to the school.

The evening was rounded off with an excellent social gathering in the OC Pavilion where Derek had the bar open for everyone who wanted to carry on chatting. Indeed, afterwards many of the younger OCs headed into Bristol for a night on the town. So, a fabulous night was had by all!

Tracy Mace