The Dinosaur Club Luncheon took place on Thursday 27 September 2018 at The Bridge Hotel in Walshford near Wetherby. Over 40 guests gathered for this biennial event, including OPs and their spouses and partners, former and current teaching staff and Headmaster, Mark Ronan.
This was the fourth Dinosaur Luncheon to take place since its inception in 2011. David Richardson (46-53) came up with the idea to hold an event specifically for OPs who left the school 50 years ago or more and with a little bit of help from the OP office, the Dinosaur Club Luncheon was born! Originally planned to take place once every three years, the event was so popular that OPs voted to hold it every two years instead.
The most senior dinosaurs in attendance were Brian King (39-45) and Derek Bradley (39-49) and the youngest dinosaur was Malcolm Binns (59-67) who was attending the event for the first time.
Thanks go to David Leggot (48-55) for bringing in some of his photographs from School which prompted much reminiscing and plenty of stories! Thanks also to Paul Hutton (49-56), for grace (delivered in Latin and English!), to Trevor Loten (70-80, OP President) for his welcoming speech, David Richardson for proposing the toast and to Headmaster, Mark Ronan, who gave a brief address.
In his toast, David thanked the Headmaster for his service to the School and on behalf of the Dinosaurs, wished him well in his new position as he leaves the School at the end of the Michaelmas term to become Headmaster of the King’s Hospital School in Dublin. David remarked on the multiplicity of skill and expertise and the chatter, laughter and friendship which was evident in the room and reflected on how this is drawn from the ‘Spirit of Pock’ which is still very alive in the School today.
In his reply, Mark Ronan thanked the Dinosaurs for their good wishes and commented that although he was leaving for pastures new, a part of him would always remain in Pocklington. He thanked the OP Association for their support, particularly in respect of the campaign for a new Art and Design Technology Centre.
In summing up, Mark agreed that OPs do indeed reflect the ‘Spirit of Pock’ which is certainly evident in the School today. This focusses not only on academic achievement, but on facilitating young people to be well rounded, confident individuals which we are proud of.
Click here to view the guest list of those who attended this year.
Click here to view the photo gallery on Flickr.
The date for the next Dinosaurs Luncheon will be in September 2020. OPs who left in 1970 or earlier will be eligible to attend, so look out for further details to be announced nearer the time.