Held at the prestigious Royal Air Force Club on Friday 7 November 2025, the dinner was a great success and offered the perfect occasion for OPs to reconnect with each other and the school.   

Amongst the guests were 2025 leavers Erin Fox (16-25) and Charles Roberts (11-25) attending at the invitation of OP President, Charlie Lambert (01-08) as a thank you for their service as the first OP & Development prefects during their final year at school.

Charles, who recently joined the OP committee said: “It was an honour to attend such a special event and realise that I am now part of a much larger network of OPs. I’m excited to play my part in shaping the future of OPs in my role on the committee and am very much looking forward to my first committee meeting.”

Eight OPs from the Class of 1976 held a mini reunion to plan for their 50-year reunion celebration next year, while many other OPs from year groups spanning 1952 to 2025 enjoyed catching up and sharing memories.

Staff attending were Becky Lovelock, Sheena McNamee, Charlie Lambert, Lucy Hornby, Patrick Dare, and Rachel Dare. It was a particularly poignant occasion for Sheena as her last official London dinner as External Relations Director before she retires at Christmas after 24 years at the school.

After a fabulous three-course meal, Charlie Lambert led the speeches, emphasising the importance of striving to achieve your ambitions whilst remaining true to yourself and the Pocklington School values of courage, truth, and trust, before introducing Becky as the new Head.

Becky gave an engaging and well-researched address highlighting achievements and memories from OPs’ time at Pocklington. She shared her ethos and aspirations for the school and updated everyone on her work on the strategic plan, Towards 2040.

Following the formalities, guests moved to the Churchill Bar to enjoy a final drink before heading home, bringing another memorable OP dinner to a close.

Reflecting on her first OP London dinner, Becky commented: “The evening was an absolute treat! Our OPs are delightful and so talented and engaging. I am looking forward to many more occasions.”

Charlie added: “Events like this remind me that the OP network is more than tradition; it’s a thriving, supportive community that grows stronger every year and one that I am proud to lead as OP President.”