|
Written by Angus Ross (Seconds 1959)
|
|
Wednesday, 23 May 2007 |
Once again we met at the House of Commons – under the sponsorship of Greg Barker OL – MP for Bexhill and Battle. On a dreary wet evening, we all filed through the airport-style security in a marquee outside St.Stephen’s entrance, past the splendour of Westminster Hall, through the Members’ Lobby and down to a marquee on the Terrace.
No problems with queuing for drinks this time. We were met at the door with ‘starter’ drinks and needed to go to the cash bar at the other end of the marquee only when the first lot had run out – a huge improvement over last time. Once again the event had attracted a capacity crowd (180 in all): many were disappointed.
House of Commons catering staff moved around the crowd dispensing nibbles from slate trays. John Hall was busy taking photos. Speeches, of course. First from Sir Tim Rice to welcome us all, to thank the Events team, (Anthony Eland, Simon Margaroli, Neesha Gopal and Catherine Reeve) for setting it all up - and to introduce Greg Barker. A few choice words from Greg on this most auspicious occasion – the day Tony Blair announced that he was standing down as Prime Minister.
Then it was the turn of Jonathan Gillespie – our 'new' headmaster - following the presentation of a cheque from the Club for £2000. He told us that all is well at Lancing. Exams are due to start at any moment - with high hopes of another good set of results. Among his new initiatives will be a ‘Sports Scholarship’ from next September. He thanked the Club for the cheque and will tell us in due course how it has been spent. Last year’s donation was spent on refurbishment of the Sixth Form Bar.
There was a considerable hubbub in the marquee as the weather confined us indoors. This time there was a noticeable increase in younger members – though as usual those of us from the '50s and '60s were able to find some familiar faces. Another glittering Club event. |
