Saturday 21 June, Midsummer’s Day, was the perfect day to host our Summer Gathering in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the College.
A ‘Garden Party’ style event, Quad was set up with multiple gazebos stocked with tempting refreshments and House flags fluttered in the gentle breeze. The occasion rightly attracted a lot of interest and in the end it was the question of ‘will it be too hot?’ rather than ‘will it rain?’ that caused a bit of a dent in attendance. Nonetheless, the College was delighted to welcome over 350 guests back to Bradfield.
Upon arrival guests enjoyed a welcome drink and mingled freely with alumni ranging from the Class of 1950 to the Class of 2021 including notable returning alumnus Louis de Bernières (D 68-72). B House put in a particularly strong showing being the most numerous group to return. Alongside our alumni, we were delighted to welcome former members of staff including Colin Burgess (SCR 72-18), HSMs Quentin Edwards (SCR 75-92) and Christopher Saunders (SCR 64-80), Edward Fairbairn (SCR 82-02), Sandie Ankers (SCR 02-24), Richard Osborne (SCR 67-88), Hailz Osborne (SCR 85-98) and Amanda Barr (SCR 91-95) who jointly directed the 1995 performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Special mention should also go to Dr David Wright, MBE (E 48-53), President of the 1850 Society, who manned his stand with diligence. Of note, if anyone has chosen to leave a legacy to the College he would be delighted to know so that they can be invited to future 1850 Society gatherings.
Following an address by Al MacEwen, Head of Engagement, guests were encouraged to congregate under their House colours before being whisked away on History Tours of the College led by current staff and pupils. Those who did not fancy the exertion opted for more leisurely wanderings to the St Andrew’s Study Centre and to marvel at the 175 timeline that now adorns Bloods corridor. Some also took self-guided tours following the trail of the new 175 Information Boards that now denote the key historical features of the campus.
Brimming with newly obtained Bradfield facts or at least having had a great opportunity to natter with old contemporaries and make new Bradfield friends, guests returned to Quad hungry and ready to indulge in the splendid afternoon tea prepared by the Bradfield catering team. Delicious savoury and sweet spreads of sandwiches, sausage rolls and small cakes topped by mounds of strawberries and cherries, not forgetting the ice cream! A real treat for all.
During tea Dr Christopher Stevens addressed the gathering, warmly welcoming everyone back to the College, delighting in the ability to share such a glorious summer’s day with so many friends and emphasizing the importance of the Bradfield community to the College.
With time pressing on, many of the attendees made their way eagerly to the Greek Theatre for the fitting opening performance of the 175 Summer Play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in the Greek Theatre. The perfect end to what had been an amazing summer gathering.
WOW! BRADFIELD EXCELLED ITSELF YESTERDAY. IT WAS A TRIUMPH AND MY FAMILY ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE
