LONDON DINNER The Great Hall at Lincoln's Inn hosted the 2015 Annual MGS London Dinner. The event was opened by OM Michael Booth QC, who welcomed guests to the venue, before Jimmy Campbell, the Chairman of the London and South East section of the OMA, gave an opening address. Following the meal, the High Master, Dr Martin Boulton, marked MGS' Quincentenary with a talk about the School's 500-year history, which included three building moves and escaping financial ruin on more than one occasion. The High Master also outlined his vision that social diversity will remain at the
top of his agenda over the coming years, before thanking OMs for their continued support for the Bursary Fund. OM and Specialist Journalist of the Year Michael Crick then opened up a question and answer session, and expressed his views on subjects as diverse as Jeremy Corbyn, HS2 and the ex-manager of his beloved Manchester United, Alex Ferguson, in his traditional and insightful way. He also praised the quality of staff and teaching at MGS and the co-curricular activities open to boys. Sandip Jobanputra with guest speaker Michael Crick
NEW YORK DINNER For most Americans, a 500th anniversary of a country, never mind of a school, would be unfathomable. Yet they came, from across Canada, America and even some from Britain to New York for the same purpose, to break bread with northerners. Simon Jones has been instrumental in ensuring that OM sections in far reaches are established and, with this in mind, he used the lure of Dr. Martin Boulton and Ian Thorpe (or simply a good meal) to bring us together. Unlike most reunions, we spanned generations, were neither classmates nor peers but very quickly found that our MGS histories, positive or otherwise, formed fast bonds. As the night progressed, Old Boys shared their stories and we were humbled. Some,
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sons of weavers and factory workers, told of how the direct grant system and MGS enabled them to shatter glass ceilings as they became academic pioneers and leaders of industry. Others just revelled in the joy of hearing English being spoken properly. In true American style, one led the charge and pledged thousands of dollars for boys to have the same advantages he received. With such a kick start, we hope that the North American chapter will not only play a significant part in the needs-blind objective but also become a touchstone for all the OMs who find themselves on this side of the pond. Robert Garson (OM 87–94)