On Saturday 19th October we gathered for our annual OC Society Dinner, and what a truly memorable and well attended occasion it was this year.

We were delighted to host our honorary guests Peter Jakobek, Alumni Manager and former President of the Old Bristolians and the current Presidents of both Old Bristolians and Old Cathedralians, James Harris and James Davies respectively.

This year, the evening was enjoyed by OCs from across the generations, ranging from the 1940s through every decade right up to last year – a span of some 80 years – a real testimony to the enduring pull of visiting our Alma Mater and nurturing lasting friendships once again.

Guests met in the Bishop’s Palace for drinks reception and then, upon taking their seats in the dining hall, had the privilege of hearing OC President Vishal Balasingham’s keynote speech, where he shared his poignant journey of arriving in the UK from Malaysia at the age of 10 and his transformative boarding experience. Vishal's reflections were a powerful reminder of how our great school helps us create lifelong friends and enduring bonds, with the support of the whole OC community.

A special note of thanks should be extended to the school catering team who served a fantastic three course meal for all to enjoy, and to the amazing team organised by OC Matt Leek who ensured the drinks continued to flow throughout the dinner.

Headmaster Jeremy McCullough spoke about how these are exciting times for the school, noting how we can all be so proud of the achievements of the current crop of students across academia, sports and arts. It is clear the school continues to thrive and prepare the next generation of OCs well for life after school.

The evening was further enlivened by professional comedian and OC James Dowdeswell, who regaled us with his unique comical take on life at the school, the importance of our school motto to ‘go and do thou likewise’ and hilarious stories of his OC school friends, many of whom were present to be the butt of his jokes! James's humour and warmth truly stole the show, making the night unforgettable.

Upon returning to the stage, our President was able to bestow Honorary OC memberships to Yvette Lewis, currently Breakfast and After School Club Supervisor in the Prep School, who has completed a remarkable 35 years’ service with the school and to Diane Thomas who has completed 25 years working in Reception and Admissions and to Mark Eyles who has completed 25 years as Head of Geography.

After the formal proceedings, it was wonderful to see so many guests continue the evening in the OC pavilion where there was a lively hum of animated conversation long into the night (some later than others!).

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made this event so remarkable. Your presence and participation are what makes our OC Society so unique and vibrant. Here's to more wonderful gatherings and shared memories!

Simon Quinn & Matt Leek

The Annual Dinner in 2025 will take place at The Collegiate School on Saturday 18th October - why not try and get your year group to make it a date?