121st Annual OV Dinner

On Saturday 14 September, we were delighted to open the doors to College Hall and welcome OVs from across the generations to the 121st Annual OV Dinner.

The evening began with Welcome Drinks as guests, resplendent in their black-tie best, enjoyed champagne and ‘Nozeco’ while catching up with their old school friends. This year’s Chappel Memorial Award Winner, which recognises the oldest OV present who has not previously won, was OV Alec Mackie (Cl 47-56). Alec was accompanied by Acting Head, Dr Alison Oliver (Hon OV), as he signed the Chappel Award book.

There was a fantastic turnout from the years of 1989, 1994, and 2004, with a special mention for the 1979 and 1964 cohorts, all of whom were celebrating milestone anniversaries. The ‘Archives’ Boards, up on the College Hall stage, helped resurrect many long-forgotten memories!

The compére for the evening was OV and Hon Secretary of the OV Committee, Nick Stephens (Br 77-84). We were honoured to have OV, The Rev’d Martin Loveless (Cr 54-64) offer the Grace before the delicious three-course dinner began.

Following the Dinner, all those gathered toasted The King, before OV Ed Bolton (K 79-89) took to the lectern, representing the largest year group attending. Ed’s speech drew cheers from the attending year groups as they received their namechecks; he then continued his speech by drawing on his, and his friends, own experiences of King’s and life beyond.

Ed concluded his speech before handing over to Alison Oliver, with a toast to the “Health and prosperity of the School”, joined by all gathered.

On behalf of the School, Alison thanked Ed for his speech and welcomed all present. Sharing an update on the good health of the school, Alison also wished Kittermaster and Oswald Houses a happy birthday as they mark 40 years since inception and encouraged OVs to keep in touch with the School. You can read her speech in full here.

The weekend was completed with the traditional Sunday Eucharist in Worcester Cathedral. It was wonderful to have OV David Head (Cl 52-60) and Acting Head Dr Alison Oliver (Hon OV) representing the OV community with their readings during the service.

You can see all the photos from the evening on the Vigornian Hub Galleries!