On Saturday 20th April over 100 OPs gathered tor a weekend of celebration, catching up with friends and sharing memories.  The programme of events began on Saturday evening with a welcome drinks reception followed by dinner in the Mess Hall.  This was the perfect opportunity for the Society to celebrate and recognise the Head, Thomas Garnier and his wife Alexandra and their nineteen years of dedicated service to the College.  After a short welcome from Rory Copinger-Symes CBE (OP 1979 - 1983)  grace was given by Merrick Rayner (Vice President) before everyone took their seats for a delicious three course dinner accompanied by an excellent selection of wines and port provided by OP Tom Bendall of Wallingford Wines. 

Phillip Plato, Chairman of the OP Society, proposed the Loyal Toast, and then addressed the room with a warm and heartfelt speech reflecting on his time as Chairman of the Society and the close working relationship and bonds that had been formed between the Head and the Society and it's members.  He highlighted the value that both he and the Society have placed on the support they have received from both Thomas and Alexandra during their tenure at the College.  Phillip also drew attention to the fact that the evening also marked the centenary of the first OP meeting that took place in 1924.  The Head then responded to the Society, emphasising how the support and friendship that he and his family had received over the last 19 years had meant so much to him  On behalf of the OP Society, Thomas and Alexandra were presented with a Silver Armada Dish and the Head also received a Old Pangbournian belt.

After the formalities were over guests continued to catch up over port and coffee.  The weekend had begun in style and with the OP March Past taking place the next morning, a few wise souls began to head home.

An enormous thank you goes to OP Mike Matthews (1975 - 1980) for all his fantastic photographs, a selection of these can be found below.