OPs and guests congregated at the prestigious RAF Club once again for the annual OP black tie dinner held on Friday 15 November 2024. Hosted by the OP President on behalf of the Old Pocklingtonian Association, the dinner attracted a good mix of OPs from different generations for what was current Headmaster, Toby Seth’s last OP London dinner before he moves to Whitgift School in September 2025.

Tony Morris (52-55) was the most senior OP present, noting that next year will mark 70 years since he left school, while the Class of 2019 represented the most recent leavers in attendance. Several former boarders were also there including Fenwick-Smith boys: Josh Wagstaff (6-14), Conor McCabe (7-14), Oli Dawson (11-13), Jacob Brown (10-17), Henry Foster (09-19), and Thomas Luo (15-17), much to the delight of their former Housemaster, Patrick Dare, who thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with them all.

Other staff at the event were External Relations Director, Sheena McNamee, Development Officer, Jenny Preston, OP Liaison Officer, Rachel Dare, and Archives Volunteer, Doc Dyson (Former Staff, 88-18). A full guest list is available here.

After the meal, OP President, Charlie Lambert (01-08) thanked the Headmaster on behalf of OPs for his leadership of the School during his six-year tenure and wished him well for the future. He also acknowledged Becky Lovelock, Toby’s successor, who will become the first female Head in the School’s 511-year history. Toby responded with an update about the School. He spoke about his abiding memories of his time in East Yorkshire and emphasised the importance of fee assistance and the School’s Bursary programme during such challenging times.

Following the formalities, OPs were eager to continue their conversations over a few drinks, drifting back to the Churchill bar to round off a superb evening.

Charlie said, “A brilliant event once again. It was a pleasure to return to the RAF club and to see so many returning OPs alongside those attending for the first time. The dinner is a special time of year where stories are shared, friendships renewed and school life celebrated.

This year Pock Connects was a key topic of conversation and it is great to see OPs becoming involved with this programme.”

OP Peter Fairley (59-63) commented: “Yet another very successful occasion at the RAF Club. Thank you for all the time and trouble you take to organise it for us.”

Thank you to all who came to the event. The date for next year’s dinner will be announced soon.