Celebrating Lifelong Connections at the OE Reunion Weekend

The annual RGS Worcester Old Elizabethans Reunion Weekend took place on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 September, bringing together RGS alumni (OEs) for a series of events including the OE Dinner, the five-year reunion for the Class of 2020 and the OE Golf Day. The weekend was marked by a strong sense of connection, celebration and goodwill, as OEs re-established friendships, shared experiences from their schooldays and reflected on the influence of RGS in shaping both their personal and professional lives.

The Class of 2020, whose final year was disrupted by the pandemic and who were unable to celebrate their Graduation at the time, were particularly pleased to gather for their first OE reunion. Since leaving RGS, members of the Year group have already embarked on varied and distinguished careers, with alumni now working as a West End Costume Designer, in Politics, Medicine, Finance, Law including as a Barrister, and as Teachers amongst many other careers. Their reunion in Joe’s Café was a lively occasion, with conversation and laughter quickly filling the room. The group expressed their enthusiasm for maintaining links with the School, particularly in supporting the Careers Department and the Foundation Office.

The OE Golf Day once again proved to be a highlight of the weekend, attracting both familiar faces and new players. The event provided an enjoyable opportunity for alumni to connect in an informal setting, and bookings are already being taken for the 2026 tournament.

The weekend culminated in the annual OE Black Tie Dinner, held in Perrins Hall. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to walk around the Quad and view the grounds, which provided the backdrop for nostalgic photographs. The Foundation Director welcomed the guests, the catering team provided a wonderful dinner and then the Headmaster gave a speech that updated alumni about the School and recent achievements. During the speech, he encouraged alumni to ‘shout about RGS’ and celebrate all that is happening at the School. Representing the Class of 1995 which was marking its 30th anniversary since leaving RGS, former School Captain Simon Finley (1988-95)  responded, giving an amusing and touching speech which included his and those of his Year group’s fond memories of their time at the School. Toasts were raised to OEs everywhere and to the School. 

For many OEs, this was their first return to the School in 30 or 40 years, while the oldest guest in attendance began his education at RGS in 1947 under Headmaster Henry Pullinger, a time before the Hillard and Pullinger buildings were even constructed.

The Dinner provided a reminder of the strength and diverse make-up of the RGS community. OE’s who are current and former RGS parents were well represented, and even included father and son, Neil Hickling (1960-67) and James Hickling (1988-95). Alumni travelled from across the United Kingdom as well as from Germany, the USA and even Australia, underlining the enduring connection OEs feel to RGS Worcester regardless of distance or the passage of time.

In addition to its social and celebratory aspects, the weekend was important to the School’s fundraising work. Many donors and supporters attended both the Golf Day and the Dinner, and the events offered an opportunity to thank them for their generosity and commitment.

As we look ahead to Open Morning, it is a privilege to be able to share with prospective pupils and parents the strength of the lifelong bond that exists between RGS Worcester and its alumni. The annual OE Reunion Weekend embodies this enduring relationship and we are most grateful to all who contributed to its success.