Southern Regional Reunion

The idyllic grounds of Hall Grove School in Bagshot, Surrey, were the venue for a southern regional reunion on June 29th 2008. Catriona Graham (née Merrylees, Hn ’83) is the Headmaster’s wife at Hall Grove and she and her husband, Alastair, kindly hosted a fun-filled afternoon for over 60 adults and children.

Members of the Bryanston Society (OBs, former parents and former staff) based in the south-east were invited. The event proved particularly popular amongst those with young children - not surprising given the wide range of activities available, which included a bouncy castle, swimming, cricket, tennis and ever-popular pony rides. So, to the background sizzle of burgers on the barbecue and whoops of children playing, OBs were able to catch up over a picnic lunch and a glass of rosé.

Many thanks are due to the Grahams for all their hard work in making the afternoon such a success and perhaps especially to Alastair who not only excelled as barbecue chef, but also found time to be the lifeguard at the swimming pool!
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Class of 1998 and Class of 1988 Reunions

Saturday 21 June 2008
Bryanston welcomed back the Classes of 1998 and 1988, on a damp midsummer’s day. Unfortunately we could not use the new climbing tower because of the rain overnight but the drizzle did nothing to dampen the spirits of our guests. Tours of the new buildings and boarding houses with current pupils acting as guides proved very popular and our pupil volunteers were kept very busy.

The reception was held in a marquee on the AV lawn, where Sarah Thomas welcomed the OBs, their families and former staff back to Bryanston. Mike Thorne and his catering team produced a delicious lunch in the dining room and while their parents relaxed and caught up with old friends our younger visitors were kept entertained with a colouring table. After lunch many wandered off to watch the various matches or simply to revisit old haunts. The official reunion concluded with afternoon tea and the chance to watch the Leavers’ DVD from 1998 (of which there are a limited number available. Please contact Anne Macfarlane brysoc@bryanston.co.uk if you would like a copy). The reunions carried on long into the night at The Crown Hotel for the Class of 1998 and at The Langton Arms for the Class of 1988.
Photo gallery
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Bryanston's 80th Birthday Celebration

House of Lords
24th April 2008
Thursday 24th April saw 260 members of the Bryanston family gathered at The House of Lords for a reception in the Cholmondley Room to celebrate Bryanston’s 80th birthday. The weather was kind and the Terrace, with its panoramic view of the Thames, was enjoyed by many. Bryanstonians travelled from far and wide to be there; indeed the first person to book in, Frederick Wolff (D ’39), brought his family over from the States especially for the occasion. Former member of staff Michael Murray rescheduled his trip to the UK from Australia in order to be there and the Chirgwin sisters, Jacquie (G ’76) and Margaret (Pk ’79), had to fly back to Australia later that same night.

There were Bryanstonians old and young: although the subject of some debate on the night, the oldest was Eric Thompson (D ’38) aged 88, followed closely by Frederick Wolff aged 87 and the other Eric, Eric Warburg (H ’39) aged 86. As well as OBs from every subsequent generation there were parents current and former and several members of staff. The evening ended far too quickly but many went on to dinner in town.

Our thanks to Nicholas Phillips, who spoke wittily and eloquently, for hosting this memorable event
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Eastern Regional Lunch

Jesus College, Cambridge
11th March 2008
Jesus College played host to the second Bryanston Society Regional Lunch on 11 March 2008. All members of the Bryanston Society (OBs, parents current and former and former staff) living in the east of England were invited. We were delighted to be joined by 25 OBs, ranging in age from 86 to 32, and their spouses, three former parents, a former member of staff, John Watson, and by Margaret Garrett, widow of David (D ’54).

The day started with coffee at 11.30, followed by a lively and interesting presentation by Head of History and OB, Pippa Quarrell, on life at Bryanston today, emphasising that although the buildings may have changed, the ethos of the school has not. This was followed by a reception and a sumptuous lunch in the lovely Upper Hall. As you can see from the photographs (more...), the atmosphere was particularly convivial and everyone enjoyed reliving old memories. Several guests who had not been back to Bryanston since their school days resolved to return soon. As Sarah Thomas said in her closing speech, Society members are very welcome to visit the school at any time without the need for a special invitation: just contact Nick Adams or Anne Macfarlane to arrange a visit.
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