It is a genuine privilege to be part of a community where Old Stortfordians return 40, 50, 60 and even 75 years after leaving the College, still connected by shared memories and a deep affection for the place that shaped them. This year’s OS Diamond Lunch captured that spirit beautifully, as we welcomed 72 guests back to campus, each having left in 1984 or earlier, and together representing an impressive four decades of College history.

The day began with a sparkling reception in the Memorial Hall, where the joy of reunion was unmistakable. Conversations flowed easily, laughter echoed through the space, and the traditional group photograph on the Memorial Hall steps provided a moment of shared pride and nostalgia.

Guests then enjoyed a delicious three‑course lunch in the Ferguson Lecture Theatre, though for many, it will forever be remembered as the College swimming pool of their school days. The familiar setting, transformed yet still recognisable, sparked a wonderful flurry of stories and memories. After lunch, a gentle wander around campus offered the perfect opportunity to stretch legs, enjoy the sunshine, and take in the surroundings that continue to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.

The Head offered a warm welcome and an engaging update on College life, celebrating achievements in the classroom, on the stage, and across the sports fields. His good‑humoured admission that his former sporting loyalties as an Old Felstedian have been swiftly replaced by a wholehearted passion for College sport earned a particularly enthusiastic round of applause.

We are immensely grateful to all who joined us, many of whom travelled long distances and navigated motorway closures to be part of this special occasion. Their commitment to staying connected enriches the entire OS community and reminds us of the enduring strength of the Stortfordian bond.

The Diamond Lunch remains a cherished opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and showcase the stunning environment that continues to inspire generations.

Looking ahead, our Diamond Lunch in 2027 will take us off campus to a venue with strong ties to the College. Details will be shared as soon as arrangements are confirmed, and we look forward to welcoming guests once again.

List of OS attendees

John Banks (DBH, 45-51)

Martin Gunn (GH, DBH, 44-52)

Tom Hutchinson (GH, DBH, 48-56)

Graham James (GH, DBH, 49-55)

Richard Wood (GH, AH 49-56)

David Neilson (SHb, 54-58)

David Short (HH, 52-56)

Mike Boggis (GH, HH, 51-59)

Edward Inglis (GH, AH, 51-59)

Clive Lendon (AH, 56-60)

Paul Fishpool (GH, AH 53-61)

Fran Lambert (GH, SHb, 53-62)

Tim Moore (GH, RPH, 53-60)

Merlin Usher-Smith (HH, 57-60)

Richard Price (GH, HH, 54-63)

John Tedder (RPH, 59-63)

David Clare (GH, HH, 56-64)

John Ridge (RPH, 60-65)

Richard Joscelyne (SHb, 60-66)

Andrew Gebhart (GH, HH, SUH, 61-68)

Tony Rea (HH, SuH 63-68)

Peter Smith (AH, 64-68)

Andrew Collins (GH, SHb, 62-67)

John Savage (AH, 63-67)

Victor Knight (GH, HH, 63-69)

John Rycroft (RPH, 64-69)

Stephen Crane (GH, SuH, 63-70)

Andrew Batchelar (GH, RPH, 63-71)

Mark Brett (AH, 66-71)

Nigel Morris (SHb, 66-71)

David Hood (GH, SuH, 67-72)

Edward Sharpe (SH, 69-73)

Peter Berendt (GH, AH, 66-74)

Stephen Hiner (SHb, 70-74)

Tim Howard-Smith (GH, HH, 66-75)

Tim Sheridan (MJH, HH, 68-73)

Laurence Brittain (MJH, HH, 69-76)

James Marsh (RPH, 72-77)

Charles Sherwood (Cross) (GH, AH 70-77)

Matthew Turner (GH, AH, 70-77)

Matthew Glason (MJH, SuH, 70-80)

Irene Pearman (YH, 78-80)

David Silk (GH, AH, 72-80)

Roger Smith (GH, MJH, SH, 71-80)

Rob Freake (GH, RPH, 76-81)

Jonathan Hirst (MJH, RPH, 76-83)

James Shanks (GH, RPH, 76-82)

William Tate (MJH, SuH, 75-83)

Fiona Tate (Allan) (YH, 81-83)

Darryl Tooth (GH, RPH, 75-83)

Piers Wood (AH, 78-83)

Robert Garrett (GH, SH, 77-82)

Full event gallery can be viewed by registering for, or logging into an online portal profile.