A Night to Remember: The 122nd Annual OV Dinner in College Hall

There are few evenings in the OV events calendar that capture the spirit of community, tradition, and celebration quite like the Annual OV Dinner, and the 122nd gathering was no exception. Held on Saturday 13 September 2025 in our historic College Hall, this black-tie event welcomed OVs from across the generations for a night of reconnecting, reflecting, and revelry.

The doors opened at 7pm for Welcome Drinks, with College Hall, steeped in memory and tradition, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening that honoured the past while celebrating the present. The layout ensured that year groups could sit together, rekindling friendships and sharing stories from their time at King’s.

The evening officially began with a warm welcome from the evening’s Compère, OV Nick Stephens (Br 77-84 and Old Hawfordian), followed by the announcement of the Chappel Award winner: Barrie Smith (Ca 44-49), recognised as the most senior OV in attendance. Grace was led by OV Reverend Martin Loveless (Cr 57-64 and Old St Alban’s), setting a thoughtful tone before guests enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner served by AC Events Catering.

One of the highlights of the evening was the speech by OV Richard Protherough (S 93-95), representing the largest year group present: the Year of 1995. His words resonated with many, striking a balance between humour, nostalgia, and heartfelt appreciation for the enduring OV community, finishing with a Toast to the School, before handing over to the new Head of Foundation, Ben Charles. Ben, acknowledging this was his first OV event of his tenure, spoke of the strong bond between past and present members of the King’s community, reminding all OVs that they are and always will be very welcome back at School.

Throughout the evening, the photographer captured countless moments of joy and camaraderie. You can see all the photos in the Vigornian Hub HERE

The weekend continued with a Eucharist Service at Worcester Cathedral on Sunday morning, where Ben Charles and OV Nick Stephens played key roles in representing the School. Despite road closures due to the Worcester City Runs, many OVs made the journey to attend, further demonstrating their commitment to the OV community.

Whether reconnecting with old friends, meeting new faces, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of College Hall, the 122nd Annual OV Dinner was a resounding success, reminding all of the strength and warmth of the OV network.