The Newsletter of the Old Grovian Association

Old Grovian Reunions
The past year has seen many OG Reunions, the 2014 Leavers reunion (which
is now held annually for the newest Old Grovians) was a great success with
over 60 OG’s coming back to the school to catch up with friends and chat
about their first term away from the Grove. We will be hosting the 2015
Leavers Reunion on Friday 18th December.
The Lancashire and Cheshire Reunion was held on Friday 20th March at the
Mitre Hotel in Manchester. This reunion was chaired by Chris Taylor (52-57)
and well attended by Old Grovians living on the other side of the Pennines.
At the end of June we held our Summer OG Reunion. The weekend was
packed with cricket, tennis, kids entertainment and musical performances.
This reunion has evolved over the last couple of years and is now a well
established family event where OG’s, current pupils and staff can enjoy the
beautiful grounds, excellent entertainment and celebrate the end of the
academic year.
On 10th September the annual London reunion was held at the Walrus &
Carpenter, Monument. This is a reunion which captures what being an Old
Grovian is all about; OG’s of different ages mingle, share memories and
laughter as they reminisce on their time at the Grove. This is an event which
we would really like to grow and encourage people to attend. If you live in
London and would be interested in attending this event please get in touch.
90's Reunion......
November OGA reunion weekend was kick started on the Saturday evening
by a lively gathering of 90’s leavers, who through forethought and attention
to detail had gathered in the Stansfield Arms to reaffirm bonds before
returning to the “scene of the crime (or crimes)”, as it were.
The initial assault was led by a hardy group of diehards who appeared
desperate to engage with former teachers and have confirmed to partners,
spouses and friends how good they actually were. Next arrived some serial
offenders, a little reticent in case others present recalled the errors of their
ways, or the “follies of youth”. Finally the stragglers arrived, several of who
were already finding the pace pretty hard going and wishing more local
accommodation had been booked. The group were welcomed by a rousing,
inspirational and witty speech by the incoming Chairman, who was
unjustifiably heckled by several who should know better. Chief suspects were
believed to be Messrs Zammit, Jones, Pickles and Brosnan, but we await
confirmation ahead of further proceedings which are pending (cctv footage
is currently away being scrutinised). Also there was a disdainful attempt to
hijack the evening as a Southerns reunion, which was swiftly dispelled by the
majority of those present sober enough to recall that this was a fairly typical
of the delusions of this house during the 90’s.
What is probably best described as a very “convivial” evening followed,
good company, excellent and substantial amounts of food courtesy of WGS
catering dept and seamless recollections from many happy and some sad
times.
As midnight loomed closer the Cinderella Chairman, hopefully having
planted a few seeds among the gathering to consider directing some of their
self proclaimed largesse back into the school’s sports scholarship and
bursary funds, bade a discreet farewell as a number of dedicated stalwarts
planned which venues in Leeds were to benefit from their patronage now
that they had “warmed up”.
All in all a great evening which all seemed to enjoy. Not sure what shape they
were in the following morning, as not many made it to chapel!(unlike this
writer) I would commend such a gathering to all and recommend you
contact Sam to look into doing something similar for your generation or
decade. Please let us know - we want to encourage you back, there is so
much change to see in your old school - it is a school you can be proud of.
Thanks Sam, a great night, much appreciated by all who attended. The
commencement of the Lockwood Era was toasted in a fitting style.
6
Roger Howard OGA Chairman