On the night of the dinner it was raining hard, with the wind blowing to the point that it was turning umbrellas inside out. This didn’t stop OIs from venturing out to one of the highlights of the Clubs calendar.
After the formal business of the AGM, (which was very well attended) the Headmaster, Nicholas Weaver, conducted a quick tour of the chapel where the doves art installation was displayed. The impressive sculpture of nearly 800 ceramic doves suspended from the ceiling was cleverly lit with coloured lights which form beguiling shadows on the walls. The artwork, which commemorates the end of WWI, is proving to be a spectacle to be admired. This wonderful project was generously supported by the Club which enabled it to be realised.
Little School was transformed into a subtlety lit bar with poseur tables and comfortable chairs. OIs, looking splendid wearing dinner jackets and evening dresses, circulated with enthusiasm and enjoyed captivating conversation.
On entering Great School, the ceiling was covered with snowflakes, and a star curtain covered the entire back wall provided the backdrop for beautifully decorated tables.
The evening culminated with several speeches, Tim Passmore recounted his school days and made guests laugh with his own analysis of his school reports and we were delighted to be joined by speaker Andrew Ward OI, Vice President Marketing and Customer Experience for Jazeera Airways. Andrew gave anecdotes of his time working in the airline industry, some of the major campaigns he has been involved with and the celebrity encounters he has enjoyed. The Headmaster provided an enjoyable update on news from the School, and thanked OIs for their continued involvement and support of both the Club and the School.
