THE EAGLE Sports & Societies
Always fond of establishing new traditions, we have instituted the ‘Gents in London’, a group of recently-graduated Gents who sing at engagements in London and otherwise for us whilst we are away; ‘Gents in London’ has become our permanent backup team. Our greatest traditions however are, of course, our set at the famous May Ball and our infamous Garden Party. The Long Vacation holds in store a plethora of engagements, from the many weddings and dinners to concerts in churches and auditoria in Geddington and Minchinhampton. On top of these, we continue our dedication to singing in schools around the country, with a workshop and performance planned in St Alban’s School. We are also singing in September at a high-profile wedding in Germany. The groom, himself a Johnian and knowing The Gents, has booked us in for a trip to Oktoberfest – I have a feeling that some Gents may never return! It is matter of great sorrow for us to see a group of very talented young singers leave St John’s at the end of the year: Ed de Minckwitz, Johnny Langridge, Leo Tomita, Tristan Hambleton and Francis Williams. We also say goodbye to our Senior Organ Scholar of the last two years, Tim Ravalde, as he moves on to be Assistant Organist at Chichester Cathedral. We are lucky enough to hold on to Pablo Strong and Bradley Smith as lay clerks for 2010–11.
SPORTS & SOCIETIES
I would like to thank the Master and his wife for their insatiable support of all that we do; the College for all that it does for our benefit; and Caroline Marks for her tireless work behind the scenes. I am also indebted to all of The Gents for helping to make this year a success, especially to Francis who has been an invaluable help to me throughout. It has been an immensely enjoyable year for me and I hand over now to Huw Leslie, elected as my successor, wishing him the best of luck in what I’m certain will be another excellent year. Basil McDonald Manager
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