OE Reunion Weekend is a Resounding Success!

It was lovely to welcome back former pupils and staff to the School for our Alumni Weekend. We enjoyed a number of events, including the Alumni Golf Day, a Reunion for the Class of 2019, Tours of the School, a Reunion Lunch, a Rowing Reunion at the Boathouse and an Alumni Dinner on Saturday evening. Development & Alumni Relations Manager Sophie Borrillo-McLellan shared the following summary below:

“With a fantastic inaugural Reunion Weekend in 2023, the Old Elizabethans (OE) Reunion Weekend 2024 had lots to live up to! 2024 was bigger and better with well over 200 OEs joining us over the weekend.

We began on Friday with our annual OE Golf Tournament. With Worcester Golf and Country Club looking splendid in the beautiful sunshine, 44 players, ranging from 2009 to 1954 leavers, took to the course for a fun morning of golf and socialising. Whilst everyone joked that the quality of golf varied throughout the day, the level of enjoyment was undeniably high throughout, with friendships being rekindled and new relationships made. Congratulations must go to David Veale (OE, 1953-60), Rob Gray (OE, 1966-70), Ian Schofield (OE, 1968-73) and David Owen (OE, 1968-75), who were worthy winners of the Biggs Rodway Quaich with a score of 44. Ruud Hercik (OE, 1996-09) won the OE Golf Cup with a spectacular 2 under par gross score.

Friday evening saw us welcome back the Class of 2019 for their Five-Year Reunion which we held in Joe’s Café on Gordon House. The former pupils were joined by the Headmaster and former teachers whom the OEs were excited to see again. Five years has seen much change and so there was an abundance of catching up on university experiences, careers, travels, personal achievements, and exciting extended studies. What was clear throughout the evening was the connection the group had with one another and the School, with so many fond memories being shared. The Headmaster had some lovely words of welcome for the Class of 2019, remembering their stellar examination results, sporting triumphs and spectacular performance of ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’ amongst some of their Upper Sixth memories.

Saturday morning began with Tours of School where alumni enjoyed a trip down memory lane, as well as the opportunity to explore the newer additions to the School site. Ably led by our wonderful Prefect team, the OEs had great fun exploring RGS again.

Tours were followed by our ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s Lunch where OEs who left School in those decades reunited in Eld Hall for some tasty food (apparently much improved since school lunches of the past!)  and the chance to catch up with RGS friends. Huge fun was had by all, with the archives display especially prompting many conversations and reminiscences.

The day continued with OE Rowing on the River Severn. We were joined by a group who remembered fondly their rowing days at RGS, one of whom left the School in 1955! The weather stayed perfect for the OEs to take turns in a coxed four, rowing up and down the river they remember so well, with many memories and funny stories coming to light.

At 7.00pm on Saturday evening the OE Reunion Dinner was held in the splendid surroundings of Perrins Hall. Guests were welcomed with amazing Jazz music courtesy of three current Upper Sixth musicians, and the room was abuzz with happy chatter and laughter. With a bumper turnout representing all decades and reunion groups, we were delighted to be joined with guests ranging from the Class of 2004 to 1955. The OEs enjoyed a wonderful three-course meal and some words from Headmaster, John Pitt, who was able to reflect on what has been a wonderful year for RGS. OE Adam Callaghan (1997-04) was guest speaker, sharing some side-splitting RGS memories whilst also reflecting on a pivotal time in RGS history as their Year group was the first to become co-educational. As ever, carriages at 11.00pm became carriages at…. well, you know how it goes!

A huge thanks to all who joined us over the weekend. We so enjoyed welcoming everyone back and look forward very much to further Foundation events and next year’s Alumni Weekend. The date is booked so OEs, please do pop 12 and 13 September 2025 in your diary!”