Held during the School’s Open Day on 15th June, 2013
REVIEW OF THE SOSA ANNUAL REUNION, compiled by Christine and Ian Weatherhead.
Meeting up for coffee and cakes in the marquee on the playing fields under windy, cloudy ominous conditions, does that sound like a Sibford Reunion Weekend?
Holmby House reunion for some. Local B & B’s for others……they all gathered at Sibford, some beforehand, some on the day.
There are hardly any words to describe this extremely special day and for some, weekend reunion. It seems to have been enhanced by the 50th anniversary gathering of those who left around 1963 which was superbly organised by Paul Frampton. An excellent buffet lunch was organised for this group of around 60 people some of whom hadn’t been back to Sibford since leaving school. This seems to be a strong pointer to encouraging future year group gatherings.
It seems the Association has been blessed with a particularly capable and happy committee who have worked hard in the most jovial of ways to bring together numerous Old Scholars to mark what was called by the ‘Head’, Michael Goodwin as ‘transformation’. The Old Scholars and The School have an exceptionally good and happy working relationship. This was apparent throughout the weekend.
Tours of the school were enjoyed by Old Scholars – positive change was noted – not only in the art building and the swimming pool but the fabulously renovated Main Hall – what a difference. The school is flourishing academically, in the community, in the area of horticultural and in sports.
Throughout the weekend, or day, the Quaker ethos emerged – some returning for the first time in many years, others having returned for the umpteenth time. All of them recounting thoughtfully what Sibford and the Quaker ethos had taught them. The recurring theme was, they learned whom they were and why they were at Sibford and how they could make a small significant difference to the world in which they were fortunate enough to live. What Old Scholars had carried through their lives intangibly? Everyone so enjoyed meeting up with old students they hadn’t seen perhaps in a long time. Interesting life projects were shared and a good laugh remembered of shared times gone by.
Our President, Edd Frost gave a moving, as well as an amusing President’s Address at his delicious and well attended Presidential Dinner. By the way, the catering manager Mark Higgins and his staff are excellent not only providing delicious food but the presentation was artful as well which made a fun gathering even more fun. The catering staff seem to be people who obviously enjoy what they are doing and the Old Scholars were very grateful.
It was such fun to see the School in action on their Open Sports Day too.
A great reunion, a joy to attend. On behalf of all who attended, thank you to everyone who worked so diligently to put it all together. Hopefully we shall meet again next year.