There was a smaller turnout for the Annual Dinner this year, with just 74 attending what was still a most enjoyable evening at the R.A.F. Club. The meal and the service provided were of the usual high standard throughout the evening and it was particularly pleasing to see at least half a dozen recent Head Boys in attendance.

The President, Michael Tucker, spoke of his time as a boarder at Shebbear, in what were far more spartan conditions than exist nowadays. He also commented on how much he had enjoyed his time in office, affording him the opportunity to visit the college on a number of occasions which included the Rounsfell Dinner, Speech Day and the OSA cricket match.

Simon Weale then gave a highly entertaining report on the school – mentioning the fact that the college had so far resisted the instalment of wind turbines, but had welcomed the arrival of both the biomass plants and solar panels, which were already helping to cut energy costs considerably. He also commented on the strength and importance of sport at Shebbear, and in particular the girls’ sport – quite appropriately, given that the guest this year was, Serena Ham, the Head of Girls’ Games.

Head Boy, George Daniel, and Head Girl, Katie Trask then spoke eloquently, reiterating the headmaster’s comments about the thriving sport at the college and recognising the importance of occasions such as the Reunion Dinner.

It was then the time for Michael Tucker to hand over the President’s chain of office to Andrew Friend, who received it gladly and said how much he was looking forward to the year ahead, in which he hoped to further develop the links between the OSA and the college.

After dinner, it was good to see so many retiring to the bar to continue their conversations and catch up with old friends.