SADLY DEPARTED

Welcoming OFs back to Fettes

It was wonderful to be able to welcome more than 350 Old Fettesians back to Fettes on Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October. The atmosphere was one of friendship and reunion with such delight at being able to see the Boarding Houses and enjoy the grounds once again.

The Head, Helen Harrison, joined guests for drinks on Friday evening and took the opportunity to share her bold, exciting vision, ‘Fettes Moving Forward’. On Saturday there were the formalities of the AGM of the Old Fettesian Association, opportunities to support school sports matches and a very well attended and insightful Careers Lunch.

In the evening we trialled a Saturday Chapel before dinner, which was very special and something that we will repeat in future years. We are grateful to Peter Sutton (SH 1979–1984) for his poignant address, and to the Chapel Choir who were in good voice. Congregational singing from our guests and members of the Sixth Form was at a roofraising volume singing much loved hymns. It was a joy to be back in Chapel where every previous school day had begun. Our immense thanks go to the catering team for a delicious three course black tie dinner with short introductory speeches from our outgoing President of the OFA, Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984), our incoming President, Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992) and Senior Deputy Head, James Weatherby (Staff 2007–present)

After dinner, members of the Fettes College Pipe Band treated us to a powerful and nostalgic performance for the Loyal Toast before our evening came to a close with a high spirited rendition of Floreas Fettesia from every table in the room. The true spirit of life-long Fettes friendship was evident as everyone left at the end of a marvellous occasion.