UK Dinners
Edinburgh Dinner 2012
- Friday 3rd February
- Roxburghe Hotel, Lord Cockburn Room, 38 Charlotte Square, EH2 4HQ
- £55 per person/ £30 under 25s for pre dinner drink, 3 course meal and coffee
- Time 7.00-7.45pm start
- Dress code Lounge suits
Contact Andrew Fisher afisher@blueyonder.co.uk t: 07500119778
On Saturday 4th February lunchtime, if any OMs would like to meet up for a few drinks in a local pub in Edinburgh before the rugby then please get in touch with the Club office.
e: sk@millhill.org.uk t: 0208 906 7949
Welsh Dinner 2011
28th October at the Cardiff & County Club, Westgate Street, Cardiff. 7-7.45pm, black tie.
Contact Ronnie Boon for further details - Phone: 01446 750569 Mobile: 07793 057152
Email: ron.boon@merthyr.gov.uk
Manchester Dinner 2010
There is nothing like a spot of northern hospitality to encourage a mere southerner to set off up the M1 to Leeds or M1 and M6 to Manchester. Thus it was that fellow Hertfordshire stalwart, Tom Oxenham, man of Essex, Russell Cowan, and I could have been found being well fed, watered and entertained at this year's northern dinner at the St James' Club, Manchester on Friday 12th November. It is clearly a tribute to our good taste that not only was the School represented by the Head Master, but also by the Bursar, Bruce Fraser and Foundation fund raiser in chief, Nick Priestnall. Above all of course those present were able to welcome Michael Corby, newly inducted President of the Club.
This is a function which is traditionally well attended so it was perhaps unfortunate that the Life Governors' meeting at the School the following day kept some away. However it is unlikely that this detracted from the general enjoyment of the occasion which was ably organised as ever by John Elliott. It was good to see one time organisers of the north-western and north-eastern dinners, now residents of Italy and France respectively, Peter Huston and Windsor Roberts, neither apparently worse for the experience of living in Euroland and happily both still fluent in English. Oliver Holt reminisced about times past, Dominic Luckett and Nick Priestnall reported encouragingly about times present at NW7, the President addressed us with a dexterity comparable to the skills he once demonstrated on squash court and hockey pitch and John Elliott kept it all going as only John can. It was also good to see President of the St James' Club Graham Elliott, Sam Duckworth, who lives so far in the English north that he never misses the Scottish dinner, John Halliwell and my fellow Collinsonian, Roger Evans, to mention a few. Apologies to those I haven't named and warmest thanks to everyone for making the southern end so welcome. As ever the St James' Club came up trumps. That John Elliott and I got back afterwards to Sandbach was due entirely to our wives.
Attendees:
John & Angela Elliott, Mike Corby , President OMC, Dominic Luckett Headmaster, Bruce Fraser, Bursar, Nick Priestnall, Director Foundation Appeal, Russell Cowan, Peter & Jan Huston, Robin Barlow, John & Sue Watkiss, Windsor Roberts, Roger & Judy Evans, John Farmer, Tom Oxenham, Oliver Holt, San Duckworth, John Halliwell
John Watkiss
South West Dinner in Taunton
An excellent South West dinner was held on Friday 19th November 2010 at the Taunton County Cricket Club. Although there were three guests from the School, including the Headmaster, it was pleasing to see that it was very much attended by local OMs although ‘local’ involved some who had travelled from Devon, Wiltshire and Wales. It was also good to see David Short, our previous Vice-President, down from Cambridge to experience this dinner, which, since it is held only biennially, had not fallen within his year of office.
The dinner began with a moving tribute to Donald Hall, former master and regularly attendee, by Colin Barnes (see obituary page to read about Donald). A tasty meal with guinea-fowl as the main course was followed by a number of other speeches. The Headmaster reported on the School while Mike Corby, President, gave a moving account of his recent experiences at the School Remembrance Day. Mike also recalled one or two amusing anecdotes about his Winterstoke days; on one occasion his housemaster and mentor, Percy Macallister, challenged Mike, as a callow Fourth former, to a game of squash. Having duly beaten Mike, Percy then said ‘I’ll see you back at the House for tea – and I will never play you squash again as I think you may become rather good at it.’ (Mike of course went on to be English amateur squash champion).
Other speeches included a nostalgic recollection by Christopher Ousey of the family’s long association with the School, recalling that his wife was a direct descendent of John McClure. Finally David Short humorously regaled us with his experiences at last year’s Leeds dinner.
It was a very good evening and many thanks to Michael Henderson who has run the dinner so successfully for many years but now intends to stand down. Much of that success has been due to his painstaking planning: a successor will soon be announced.
Those attending: Colin Barnes, Angela Bewsher, Gowen Bewsher, Ronnie Boon, Denise Boon, Rodney Coffin, Tim Corbett, Mike Corby, Angela Drake, Graham Drake, Erica Henderson, Michael Henderson, Paul Hodgson, Janet Huston, Peter Huston, Richard Llewellyn, Nicholas Lowe, Dr Luckett, Dominic, John Milnes, Marie Milnes, Barbara Ousey, Christopher Ousey, Anne Penfold, Daphne Petrie, David Petrie, Robert Priestley, Nick Priestnall, Jane Saunders, Martin Saunders, David Short, John Sorotos, Gavin Turner.
For more images from the South West Dinner, visit our gallery.
Cambridge Dinner 2010
The Annual Cambridge Dinner was held in St John’s College on Friday, 14th May. The dinner was a complete sell-out with fifty OMs and their guests gathering for drinks in the Old Music Room before sitting down to dinner in the beautiful Wordsworth Room, both in the College First Court It was a pity that the College could not seat more than fifty as eight weeks prior to the dinner there was a waiting list. However, as a result of a few late cry-offs all those who wanted to come were ultimately accommodated.
Principal among the guests were our President, David Short and his wife Juliet, the Headmaster Dominic Luckett and the Chairman of the Court of Governors, Professor Michael Proctor. A number of Old Millhillians were attending for the first time including Robert Lethbridge, currently Master of Fitzwilliam College and our Vice-President Michael Corby. It was also good to see four of our current undergraduates there as well.
Jim Roberts, in welcoming the gathering, produced a menu of a Cambridge dinner held in the Lion Hotel in 1914 which had been signed by many of those present including the Headmaster Sir John McClure. It was noted that while the 1914 gathering had been able to listen to a piano solo and ‘cello solo by two of our undergraduates as well as a song by another while enjoying an eight course meal, no-one present felt able to offer a song to the current gathering.
The President gave an account of his year in office to date which he was thoroughly enjoying and very much looking forward to the European weekend in Berlin and his trip to America, New Zealand and Australia where he would be dining with local Old Millhillians. He reported on the current healthy state of the Club and made particular reference to the recent arrangements regarding Headstone Lane. He then proposed the Toast to the School.
The Headmaster, who was attending in spite of not feeling at all well, responded by giving the gathering a summary of the recent successes of the school both in the academic and non-academic fields. He assured us that the school would continue to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor, William Winfield (who was also present with his wife Margaret) and that it would continue to hold precious the virtues of giving every student the opportunity to maximise on his or her potential. He then proposed the Health of the Club.
Finally, as is customary at the Cambridge Dinner there were a series of questions put by some of those present to which the three main guests were able to answer with much eloquence and conviction.
The dinner closed at 11.p.m. when we were meant to leave the College, although it was well after that before the last person departed, with everyone hoping to be able to come to the dinner in 2011 which, through Michael Proctor’s good offices, will probably be held in Trinity College. An even larger number is hope for.
For more images from the Cambridge Dinner, visit our gallery.
Attendees:
The President David Short & Judith
The Headmaster Dominic Luckett
Michael Proctor
Aguilar-Aron Dan & Sarah
Aye-Maung Ronnie & Joan
Baldwin Matthew
Besent John & Sheila
Bonner Alan
Braithwaite Roddy
Chapman Roger
Corby Mike
Cowan Russ & Gillian
Davis Samantha
De Mesquita Edward
Dean Chris
Dickinson Richard & Celia
Elliott John & Angela
Hibberdine Stuart
Hubbard Ray & Dorothy
Lai Flora
Lethbridge Robert
Loeffler Frank
Marcou Nick
Marris Anthony
Prichard Karen
Roberts Jim & Jill
Roberts John
Russell Lucy
Skinner Bill
Toulson Alan & Sarah
Turner Fiona & Paddy
Turner Gavin
Welch Andrew
Westoby Jerry
Williams Adrian
Winfield Edward
Winfield Frances
Winfield William & Margaret
Wright John
Scottish Dinner Friday 12th March 2010
The Scottish Dinner took place in the Lord Cockburn Room at the Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh. There were 8 attendees including the President David Short and his wife Juliet, Stuart and Christine Hibberdine, Sam Duckworth, Claire Erskine Murray and the organiser Andrew Fisher and his wife. It was an enjoyable evening and thank you to Andrew Fisher for organising the event.
Northern Dinner 13th November 2009
The OM's Northern Dinner held on Friday the 13th November 2009 was seen in with a typical generous drizzling of northern rain which failed to dampen our spirits for the evening ahead. Having all liaised with Windsor Roberts through the medium of Facebook, an online event enabled us to communicate together and get back in touch. This year was the first time both Leeds and Manchester combined for the Northern Dinner and future dinners will alternate between the two cities each year.
The young Northern OM contingent comprised seven Leeds University Students and one from Manchester University. The majority of us have been in the North for 3/4 years, having left Mill Hill in 2006 but the youngest member was Charlie Ensor who is a Fresher this year, having just left Mill Hill in June 09. With all of us studying various degree courses from Maths to Medicine, Drama to Design, this is the first time we've been to such an event and we're all so glad we did.
Having assembled for pre dinner drinks at my house we made our way to the venue for the evening. As we walked up to the impressive building on Albion Place Leeds, rain pouring off our rarely used smart evening wear, our excitement and anticipation for the night’s events grew. Stepping into the warm and inviting Club LS1 we made a beeline to the Bar where everyone was congregating. A beer or two down and hunger was setting in, however, unlike the usual ping of the microwave or pop of the toaster, dinner was signaled with the sharp strike of a Gavel and we proceeded into the dining room.
The evening was a great success and all of the YOM's had a great time. Even though a lot of us live near one another it is not always easy to meet up and this dinner was a brilliant opportunity not only to meet the other OM's in the North but to also see our friends and a few familiar faces. In particular, it was great to see Jamie Monaghan who was my and two others’ housemaster at Mill Hill. Catching up with him and hearing about the improvements in School House as well as the growth and development of the CCF was really pleasing to hear and we all enjoyed his presence at the dinner table although we did not envy his early departure the next morning to teach and referee Saturday Rugby in equally miserable weather. We also met the OMC's new President, David Short. He spent a considerable amount of time speaking with all of the YOM's and was very enthused to see us at the event. We look forward to seeing him at the next event.
The Headmaster’s report on the school's successes was really encouraging and gave us an insight into the changes going on across the Foundation in the relatively short time since we have left. We all look forward to visiting the school in the near future to see these changes for ourselves.
On behalf of myself and my fellow YOM's in Leeds and Manchester we would like to pay special thanks to those who came up from North London and to Windsor Roberts for organising a great evening thoroughly enjoyed by all. We all look forward to the next event and hope to spread the word to other YOM's up north and increase the attendance for next years gathering.
For more images from the Northern Dinner, visit our gallery.
Cambridge Dinner 24th April 2009
This year we again resumed our peregrinations and dined at Trinity College by the kind invitation of Mike Proctor. The Reception was held in the beautiful surroundings of the Old Combination Room overlooking Great Court and the dinner next door in the Allhusen Room.
David Short welcomed the guests, including the Club President, Alan Toulson, the Headmaster, Dominic Luckett, and the Chairman of the Court of Governors, Mike Proctor. It was a delight to welcome among the thirty six people present William and Margaret Winfield and their son and daughter Edward and Frances, both OMs up at Cambridge, and another undergraduate, OM Flora Lai.
To perpetuate the memory of the founder of the dinner Tony Bell, the loyal toast was followed by a new toast to his memory. After the speeches the usual lively question and answer session ensued. Rumour has it that a few members who shall be nameless were still celebrating well into the early hours of the morning.
David M.V. Short
Past Presidents Luncheon April 2009
Eleven past Presidents and guests Club Chairman, Andy Mortimer and Club President Alan Toulson, gathered for the annual Past Presidents lunch, which was held at the Army and Navy Club on April 16th. Past President. Gowan Bewsher was the senior member there (President 1992/3) and as is tradition, the immediate Past President organised the event.
After Stewart Hibberdine nearly choked on his red wine it was clear that the wine was past its best and the Club arranged for new bottles. It was great to see Ronnie Samuels in attendance after a long illness and he has suggested that the lunch be held at the National Liberal Club in future which is the home of the OMs Club.
St Bees Association
The weekend of Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April, 2009, saw the final formal gathering and meeting of the St Bees Association. The occasion was inevitably one of mixed emotions, both of sadness and celebration: the Association was started by CDL David Smith and Michael Berry in 1988 to celebrate the Schools remove to St Bees during the Second World War but now with ever fewer members able to attend it has been decided to bring formal events to a close.
The members stayed at Low Wood Hotel on Lake Windemere and formalities began with the AGM on the Saturday, followed by a dinner, generously provided by Michael Berry’s sons, Simon and Tim. A number of informal speeches included an entertaining contribution by Katherine Whitehorn, daughter of ‘The Baron’. One of the first recorded events at St Bees supposedly was the young Katherine playing chopsticks on a recently downloaded piano at St Bees Station. The following day’s coach tour included a visit to St Bees School and the day concluded with an informal buffet lunch at the Masters Common Room, Queens Hotel, in the High Street.
So the Association has come to a formal closure and sadly the last Chairman, Peter Hamilton-Gray (Collinson 42-46) died only a fortnight later, having stoically braved illness to attend the reunion.
Leeds Dinner
The Yorkshire & North East Dinner was held on Friday 15th September at the Castle Grove Masonic Hall in Headingley, Leeds where 30 OMs and guests gathered on a perfect Yorkshire evening (no it was a balmy late summer evening for those of you who think Watford Gap is North!). Ages ranged from 35 Nigel Smart to 75 Michael Sweetman. Our guests were John Elliott (the Club President, 0); Angela Elliott, William Winfield (the Headmaster) Terry Allan (the immediate past President) and Marianne Allan.
After a splendid meal Windsor Roberts (Area Representative for the North East) welcomed everyone to Yorkshire and particularly those who had travelled a fair distance to be at the event. During the meal, Martin Walker had led Windsor to believe that it had become a tradition at Yorkshire Dinners for the Area Representative to take wine with all those OMs born in Yorkshire. Since Windsor is from the other side of the Pennines, Martin suggested that Mandy Roberts replace him - as she was apparently born in Yorkshire. After the toast Mandy quite loudly said she had been born in Grantham not infact in Yorkshire, and Windsor said "That's why YOU drank the toast as I wasn't born in Yorkshire!". Fortunately Allan Prosser-Harris, David Franklin and Dai Rees were not in attendance and Windsor passed the full blame onto them!
Windsor then congratulated William Winfield on his achievements since becoming Headmaster, thanked him for his support of the regions and hoped he would still visit the North East as a guest of the Yorkshire OM's. The President, John Elliott then entertained those assembled with a few tales from his travels over the last 10 months with particular reference to Australia and New Zealand and proceeded to present Windsor with a set of OM blazer buttons which will be put to good use! William Winfield spoke with great passion about the accomplishments of the pupils at Mill Hill School over the last 12 months and reiterated the important role he feels the Old Millhillians Club plays in their development.
With the formalities over, it was time to retire to the bar to reflect on an enjoyable evening and renew friendships.
List of Attendees:
John Elliott (50- 55)
President OMC & Angela Elliott
William Winfield, Headmaster
Terry Allan (45 – 49) & Marianne Allan
Jim Roberts (45 – 50)
Jill Roberts
Bill Skinner (49 – 55) & Meg Skinner
Sam Duckworth (49 – 53)
Ian Adams (44 – 49) & June Adams
Ronnie Aye Maung (45 – 50) & Joan Aye Maung
David Jenkinson (47 – 51) & Rae Jenkinson
Dudley Reed (47 – 52) & Judith Reed
Michael Sweetman (43 – 48) & Shirley Sweetman
Paul Taylor (50 – 54) & Lindsay Taylor
Philip Baines (39 – 43) & Janet Baines
Ronnie Cohn (59 – 63) & Barbara Strand
Noyan Nihat (82 – 88)
Windsor Roberts (79 – 85) & Mandy Roberts
Nigel Smart (83 – 88)
Jim Walker (61 – 67)
Martin Walker (66 – 71)
Scottish Dinner
The biennial pre Calcutta Cup match OM's Scottish Dinner was held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, in the Lochnagar Room, on Friday 24 February, at 7.30pm. All OM'S / Partners / Guests were invited whether attending the match or not. For those requiring tickets for the game, there were a limited supply on a first come first served basis.
The cost was £39 a head for a three course meal, plus coffee, tea and a selection of chocolates, and this price included a pre-dinner drink and gratuities (University Undergraduates £35). Table wines and other drinks could be ordered on the night and were at personal cost. Dress was lounge suits.
We were glad to welcome all participants to Edinburgh.
Andrew Fisher
OM's Scottish Secretary
North West Dinner Nov 2008
As always the St James's Club in Manchester provided an intimate and inviting venue for the North West dinner. On Friday 14th November nearly 40 Old Millhillians and friends met for a most convivial evening: the guests enjoyed some excellent fare, including some delicious lamb and fine wines and, as always, the service was most attentive. Former President, John Elliott MBE, had worked tirelessly to make the evening such a success and left nothing to chance: many thanks to him for his efforts and to his ever supportive wife, Angela.
It was a most enjoyable evening and Robert Harley won the sweepstake on the speeches, only 37 minutes in total, but these occasions are increasingly challenging to organise as the number of traditional Old Millhillian families and individuals in the North declines. Many had travelled from the South and from over the Pennines but the thinking at the moment is that the Leeds/ Yorkshire dinner and the North West/Manchester dinner should combine into a single annual Northern dinner, being alternately hosted by the white and red roses.
South-West Dinner November 2008
An impressive table of memorabilia brought in by guests was a highlight of the South-West dinner at Taunton Cricket Club on Friday 28 November and provoked much discussion and interest. These included School caps from 100 years and 80 years ago, dozens of assorted photos, including one of the main School building before Top Field was laid out, and documentation from the founding of the OMs Club. School Rules from 1945 included detailed instructions about 'beatings', and there were letters from Sir John McClure, whose grandson Christopher Ousey was present. OM Rodney Coffin wore his father's OM blazer from 1922 and had his father's shooting caps from School and Bisley (Rodney, himself, has represented England at shooting).
There were some 40 guests, both OMs and their wives, and congratulations for all the organisation to Michael Henderson, abetted by his wife, Erica, who did the beautiful table decorations. The excellent occasion and meal was enjoyed by all. It was good to welcome Dr Dominic Luckett to his first South-West dinner, and he gave an upbeat review of the School, while the President, Alan Toulson, and outgoing Chairman, John Watkiss, proposed or answered the various toasts.
For more images from the South West dinner, visit out gallery.
Cambridge Dinner 9th May 2008
List of Attendees for the Cambridge Dinner:
Matthew Baldwin
John & Sheila Besent
Rodney Borgartz
Russell & Gillian Cowan
Christopher Dean
John & Angela Elliott
Dr. & Mrs. Dick Dickinson. Austin Field
Matthew Frise
Robert Harley
Ian Jarvis
Tim John
Christopher Knights
Nick Priestnall
Raymond Revell
John Roberts
David Short
Gerry Westoby
Adrian Williams
Ronny Cohn
Dominic Luckett
Michael Proctor
Cambridge Dinner 2007
There was a very good turn out at Corpus Christi College on March 23rd . A new room was used in the College, which met with the approval of those attending. The evening was mixed with a tinge of sadness as it was William Winfield’s last dinner as Headmaster. Grace was taken by Rev James Field , who was also attending for his last time. The President Geoffrey Vero made a speech covering his recent travels in the Far East and William gave us the usual most interesting report on School activities. Students at Mill Hill today are very fortunate to be able to enjoy their studies in excellent surroundings and with activities which must be the envy of many other schools.
William will be missed dearly but he will leave a legacy, which will be appreciated by everyone for years to come. He has been a true friend to Cambridge Dinner Old Millhillians. Discussion continued across the table after the speeches. The main subject which we discussed was the problem ahead for the School. That is to satisfy the Charities Commissioners that Mill Hill School should continue to enjoy it’s Charity status. It seems as though with the plans ahead this will be achieved. After good food, good wine and good company the evening finished late in the evening – we all enjoyed another evening at Corpus Christi. It was good to see some new members attending.
Those attending were: William Winfield, Geoffrey and Frankie Vero, Ronnie and Barbara Cohn, Nic Marcou, Tim John, Claire Erskine Murray, Robert Harley, Rod Borgartz, Gerry Westoby, Alan Bonner, David Short, Rev Christopher Davies, Judith Herbertson, Rev James Field, Anthony Marris, John Watkiss, Matthew Baldwin, Howard and Geraldine Ring, Andrew and Susie Savage, Nick Priestnall, Christopher Knights, John and Sheila Bessent, Jim and Gill Roberts, Russell and Gillian Cowan, and Tony Bell. Bruce Fraser, the School's Bursar had to cry off due to illness at the last moment.
Cambridge Dinner 2006
The 26th Cambridge Dinner April 28 2006.
Twenty seven OMs and guests gathered in Corpus Christi on a beautiful evening. The pre dinner drinks enabled everyone to meet before enjoying a fine meal in The Parker Room of the College. The room provides a very good atmosphere for us to enjoy our event. We were privileged to have the company of the President and Angela attending. Unfortunately the headmaster was not able to attend , but Andrew Gaylor kindly attended in his place. John Watkiss the Club’s Chairman and Geoffrey Vero, the Vice president and Franki his wife were also with us.
After an excellent dinner The President, John Elliott gave us a few well chosen and amusing words which were much appreciated. He also presented Tony Bell with a set of Old Millhillian blazer buttons, which Tony stated, he would treasure for ever! It was a very kind and generous gesture. Andrew Gaylor spoke with much conviction about the School and all the fine achievements in which Mill Hill students of today become involved. A great education, in the broadest sense of the word. The world visits made by many must motivate all those who are fortunate enough to travel. John Watkiss explained the developments within the OMs Club, which are placing the Club on a very strong basis for future development.
It did not seem long before the candles had to be blown out and we now look forward to next year, when, unfortunately, we hope to entertain the Headmaster for the last time before his retirement.
Those attending:
John and Angela Elliott
Geoffrey and Franki Vero
Andrew Gaylor
John Watkiss
Jim and Gill Roberts
Graham Elliot
Mike and Jacki Piercy
Ray Revell
Nic Marcou
Mathew Baldwin
Anthony Morris
Rod and Chris Borgartz
Tim John
David Rodda
Mark Norris
Gerry Westoby
Robert Harley
Maikka Simpson
James Field
David Short
Ian Jarvis and Tony Bell
Manchester Dinner
The North West dinner was held in Manchester on Friday 18th November 2005. A total of over 50 people sat down to enjoy the 32nd consecutive annual Manchester dinner since its re-establishment in 1974. Following a toast by the President, John Elliott, MBE (50-55) Peter Huston proposed the toast to Absence Friends.
Peter welcomed our special guests, Lyn Duncan, Head of Belmont, Pauline Bennet-Mills, Head of Grimsdell and her husband Carey, Tim Corbett, Hon. Sec. OMC, and the Bursar, Bruce Fraser, plus all the ladies present, including Jean Berry who came at the special request of Roddy Braithwaite, in recognition of all the help her late husband, Michael, had given to him with the history of the school.
Peter closed the formal proceedings by thanking the St. James’s Club for an excellent meal and service, and reminding everyone that the next Dinner had been set for the 8th December, 2006, so as to avoid a clash with the South West Dinner.