Wycliffe buzzed with activity and excited voices as friends old and new came back to school to join in the many events which had been organised throughout the day.
There were special reunions which brought together OWs who left in 1958, 1983 and 1998 and anyone who had been in Robinson House, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a BBQ and even the weather was warm and sunny at times.
The day began with the OW Society AGM, followed by the start of the cricket match between the School and OW XI and the Chapel Service at 11.30 am. We were delighted to welcome back Revd Lucy Holt (nee Weaver - IG 1981-1983), one of the 'Class of 1983' who gave the address. The retiring collection raised £235 for Winston's Wish, a Cheltenham based charity which helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent or sibling.
The Head, Margie Burnet Ward, greeted everyone over drinks in the School House Atrium and gave a special welcome to Anthony Robinson and his family, son of Thomas Lloyd Robinson, former President of the College, after whom the house is named.
A delicious buffet lunch was enjoyed by nearly 200 people in Wycliffe Hall as more friends were reunited and stayed chatting over coffee.
After lunch the tennis and netball players enjoyed some good matches and OWs and current pupils had a go at croquet on Ivygrove lawn. Many OWs were taken on tours of the campus by current pupils and enjoyed going down memory lane as well as marvelling at the wonderful facilities available to pupils today.
More OWs arrived in time for tea and the Hog Roast and the conclusion of the cricket match which this year was won by the School team who reached the target of 136 set by the OW XI with only losing 1 wicket. The 1983 and 1958 Reunion Groups stayed on for Dinner in the evening so a very happy and successful day came to an end in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Thanks to Robin Griffiths and Robin Fawcus who tracked down some missing Leavers of 1958 to join in the 50-year celebration
and to Rich Whitelock and Jamie Rogers and for being the driving force behind the Class of ‘83 Reunion
"The new buildings are spectacular but haven't changed the feeling of the place".
" The school and grounds looked in great shape ,and as I walked around on the tour I felt extremely proud to be a past pupil of such a wonderful place. We all have such happy memories of our time at Wycliffe and it was a treat to be able to share those times with each other once again."
"It was a truly, memorable, wonderful weekend for all of us as we took our trip down'Memory Lane'.
Delicious food, welcoming staff and pupils and of course Wycliffe looking at its very best. All in all a day to remember. "
The 2008 timetable of events was:
Time |
Event |
09.30 |
Registration and Coffee in Wycliffe Hall |
10.15 |
AGM of the Old Wycliffian Society in the Council Chamber in Wycliffe Hall
|
11.30 |
OW Chapel Service in Chapel |
11.30 |
Cricket Match – 1st XI v OW XI on 1st XI pitch - Frazer Hemming-Allen email: FHA@rugbyschool.net
|
12.15 |
Drinks with the Head in the Atrium of School House |
13.00-4.00 |
Robinson House 10 Year Celebration BBQ |
13.15 |
Buffet lunch in Wycliffe Hall |
14.30-16.00 |
Tennis matches v OWs - Cricket continues - Boathouse Open |
14.30-16.00 |
Croquet on Ivygrove Lawn
|
14.30 |
Tours of whole School Campus available leaving from Wycliffe Hall
|
15.00-16.30 |
School Shop open (adjacent to Sports Centre)
|
16.00 |
Tea at the Sports Centre
|
17.00 - 20.00 |
Hog Roast by Haywardsfield |
19.00 for 19.30 |
1958 Leavers Reunion Dinner in Wycliffe Hall |
19.00 for 19.30 |
1983 Leavers Reunion Dinner at Stonehouse Court Hotel |
Click Here for OW Day 2007
Click Here for OW Day 2005
Click here for OW Day 2004
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