Founders Day 2024 took place in what can best be described as monsoon conditions.  However this didn't dampen spirits and everyone was determined to give Alexandra and Thomas Garnier a true Pangbourne send off after ninteen years at the helm of the college and also bid farewell to the Upper Sixth as well as a number of much loved staff members.

After hastily rearranging the schedule to make the most of the breaks in the weather, the day began with prize giving in the marquee.  Mr Andrew Bond, Vice-Chair of Governors began proceedings by introducing the Guest of Honour, Mr Mark Hutchinson, before paying tribute to Thomas and Alexandra for the outstanding contribution they have made to the College over nearly two decades.  Mr Garnier then delivered his speech with the help of the two Chiefs of College, Jemimah Nusi and Will Rownton-Lee.  During his speech he paid tribute to those staff who are leaving the College including Mrs Sam Greenwood and Mr James Bamforth, tributes to these staff members wil be appearing in the next edition of the Pangbournian Magazine along with a full tribute to Mr and Mrs Garnier.  The prizes were then distributed and the Kings Gold Medal awarded to Jemimah and Will.  At the end of the formalities Andrew Bond invited Alexandra to join Thomas on the stage where they received a standing ovation, as the assembled guests thanked them, the emotion of the moment was palpable.

As the time came to leave the marquee, a well timed pause in the rain offered the perfect opportunity to take to the parade ground where the College put its best foot forward and delivered a perfect Pangbourne parade.  Finally the Guard took up their positions for Beat Retreat just as the heavens openend.  Despite the deluge making the task even harder, they performed fantastically and as the Upper Sixth gathered under the flagpole one last time the rain stopped as sodden lids were tossed in the air.