Over 140 Old Brutonians and Honorary Old Brutonians gathered together at the majestic Apothecaries’ Hall on Friday 3^rd December for the annual OBA London Lunch. 

The lunch is perhaps the highlight of the OBA calendar, as not only are guests treated to fine food and fine wine, but it is also a chance for people to reunite, reminisce and remember their time at King’s. There was fair representation of OBs from across the ages - this year the youngest was 27 and the oldest 90! This year was particularly special as over 20 of those who went on the 1991 Rugby Tour to New Zealand and Fiji gathered together, including teacher Monica Ashton. Other Honorary OBs in attendance included Rose Vigers-Belgeonne (Secretary of the OBA, who so ably organised the event), ex-Headmaster Tony Beadles and David Hindley, amongst others.  

Gemma Brunton (W92/94), the OBA recently appointed President, gave a rousing speech, praising the School for how it has dealt with the challenges of COVID and thanking Headmaster, Ian Wilmshurst, for his excellent leadership during some turbulent years. She also gave thanks to the Old Brutonian Community for their generosity and support in helping families adversely affected by the pandemic; the OBA support several bursaries during the year and has kindly increased the number of bursaries for this academic year. Janey de Nagle Costello (W95/97) is the Vice-President, the first time both positions have been filled by women.

The lunch concluded with the singing of Jerusalem and the School Anthem, toasts and of course, Port! Following the Lunch, several OBs went on to a nearby pub, and some even went on to a supper. 

Emilie Head, Assistant Secretary of the OBA, said of the event ‘This is my first London Lunch and what an event it was! It was a complete joy to meet so many OBs in person and to see the camaraderie and fun that everyone was having. As a mother of a current King's Bruton pupil, I am much cheered that she will be part of this wonderfully warm and inviting Association. I am also looking forward to inviting more OBs to future events - we have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.’

If you would like to know more about the OBA, please contact Emilie at [email protected]

The Old Brutonian Association website