The group of ten musicians, led by Mr Mike Wren played a great mix of music as guests enjoyed a drinks reception. 

Once the guests were seated for dinner OI Chairman, Nick Allen held a short EGM to ask guests to vote in the new OI President for 2024 - Mr Ray East. Ray played cricket for Essex and England, is well known to the OI community, serving as he did for many years as Ipswich School’s cricket coach and chief groundsman.

After grace was said the guests enjoyed a four course meal while pianist, Nigel Virley played. Later, there were speeches by the outgoing OI President, Sir Neil Garnham who had a good contingent of the Class of 1977 to join him for the evening. Next to speak was the keynote speaker, Hannah French (OI 1998-13) who talked through her journey from Prep School to picking up a hockey stick, Senior School and then to Buckingham Palace via the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. Hannah talked about the inspiration she had received from others and how that drive and fire had made her determined to overcome injury to play for Team GB.

Headmaster, Nick Weaver gave an entertaining talk about what the School students had achieved and participated in during the past twelve months and he received a standing ovation to his dedication to the School for the past 14 years.

After the speeches there was plenty of time for the OIs and their guests to mingle and catch up with each other and some took the opportunity of having a caricature drawn to take home at the end of the night.

We hope you will join us again next year!