Over 70 OPs and their guests enjoyed a fabulous evening at the Cavalry & Guards Club for the annual OP London black tie dinner on Friday 24 November 2017. The occasion also provided the perfect opportunity for the ‘Class of ‘77’ to hold a reunion to mark their 40 years since leaving school.
Cavalry & Guards Club member, David Parker (75-84) sponsored the event, which took place in the elegant Field Marshal’s Room following a drinks reception in the adjoining Garden Room.
Tom Nash (68-77), acting on behalf of outgoing President, Andrew Wilson (89-99) who was unable to attend, introduced the Headmaster, Mark Ronan, for the welcome speech during which he gave an update on the school and thanked OPs for their generous support of the campaign for the new Art and Design Centre which was already being used for teaching.
After the meal, Tom introduced and announced Trevor Loten (70-80, current staff) as the new OP President to a rapturous round of applause. In his inaugural speech, Trevor thanked Andrew for his years of dedicated service to Association in his role as President. He also presented David Parker with a small gift of thanks for securing the venue for the dinner. He spoke of his aspirations for the OP Association to build on the solid platform that was already in place and hoped to see many OPs at the various upcoming events. He also spoke about how the OP Association was joining forces with the school to launch the Pocklington School Careers and Business Network. Finally, he invited OPs and guests to raise a glass in a toast to the school and the OP Association.
Following the dinner, many OPs moved on to the The Rose and Crown pub in Old Park Lane where the ‘after-party’ was soon in full swing as OPs enjoyed reminiscing and catching up with old friends.
Trevor Loten commented: “I was delighted with how the evening went. It is a brilliant event for OPs to come to and I hope other groups will be encouraged to get together at the dinner next year.”
The date for next year’s dinner is Friday 23 November 2018 and the venue is to be confirmed.
Please click here to view photos from the dinner in a Flickr album.
A copy of the guest list can be downloaded here.