As there were no buildings to officially open, this year’s OW Day on Saturday 7th May reverted to a traditional day with a good turnout of OWs, old and young.

The OW Chapel Service followed the AGM, then OWs had drinks with Acting Head, Margie Burnet-Ward in the Atrium of the ALC, soon to be known once again as School House.

A delicious buffet lunch followed in the Dining Hall where there was much chat and reminiscing.

The cricket match, played in sunny weather this year, produced an exciting finish and OWs enjoyed tea in the new Pavilion. The relaxed atmosphere continued with the early evening hog roast which proved popular with the younger generation in particular.

The day finished with a special Dinner in the evening, hosted by Jeremy Beaty (J H 1948-1955) who had organized a reunion of those who left 50 years ago – over 30 people from the 1995 era attended and talked long into the night… Jeremy says “How does a school get established, perpetuate itself and improve over time? For Wycliffe it was the founder’s vision and a well established culture, plus solid values and sound ethics, all deeply embedded and embraced by the later leaders. Wycliffe has done it. I am proud to be an Old Wycliffian”. “The evening was a great success. I do hope it sets the stage for more 50th Anniversary Reunions”. So…

Next year OW Day will be on Saturday 6th May 2006 featuring another reunion dinner for the ‘late 1950s’ leavers and a family day for the ‘mid-1980s’ leavers.

“I would like to thank all of you who had anything to do with the recent OW day which was a very memorable one for me and I’m sure many others. For the organisation, the catering staff who provided a magnificent meal for us,to Jess (I think that was her name), the sixth form student who gave us a guided tour and put up with the frequent comments about how it was in our days, to the Chaplain for her excellent address and to someone who provided us such good weather.”

“It was most pleasurable to visit on OW day this year. The school did everything to make us really old boys feel very much at home.”