The Old Brutonian Association Presidents Lunch in Celebration of 500 Years of the King's Foundation

September 19th 2019

Old Brutonian Association (Alumni) #KingsBruton500

As part of the School’s continuing 500^th celebrations, past and present Old Brutonian Association Presidents attended the first OBA Presidents’ Lunch at Buck’s Club in Mayfair London.

Also present were the current OBA Vice President, Treasurer and Honorary Secretary. The lunch was an opportunity to share stories amongst OB Presidents and to remember the original OBs who had established the organisation.

On arrival the group met for a champagne reception. The Grace was given by Chris-Rhys-Jones (OBA President 2003-2006) and David Fleming, the current OBA President, gave the Loyal Toast and main address. He said it was his honour to hold the Presidency during the School’s remarkable 500^th Anniversary and that he was particularly pleased that of the twelve OB Presidents still living, ten where able to attend the lunch.

In his address, he stated that "our school is in a golden age" and from the OBA’s perspective we "had much to be proud of". He went on to thank Rose Vigers-Belgeonne for the fine job she does as Honorary Secretary, regularly going beyond the call of duty to further the OBA.

He reminded all present that some 350 metres from where they were seated, the OBA had begun life one summer’s evening on 27^th June 1892, during the final decade of Queen Victoria’s reign, at Limmer’s Hotel, Hanover Square, when thirty-five old boys from King’s School Bruton had gathered for a reunion dinner. There is an account of the occasion in The Dolphin School Magazine for that summer term (pictured below).

The Old Brutonian Association was formed at the start of the next calendar year, 1893, with the stated aim that the Association should “maintain and promote contact amongst Old Brutonians and support the interests of those attending the School”.

He continued to say that in this time of uncertainty, Old Brutonians have a constant with the OBA and it has been a source of friendship, comradery and support for many over the years. He thanked all for attending and proposed a toast to the OBA and the wise Old Brutonians of 1892.

Richard Sullivan (OBA President 2006-2009) was invited to propose a Floreat Brutonia toast to the School following which those present shared some amusing stories from their time at school and during their OBA Presidency.

A most enjoyable time was had by all. Those attending included former OB Presidents: Roger Gallanaugh, Peter Phillips, Keith Loney, Sally Snook, Chris Rhys-Jones, Richard Sullivan, John Longman, Ian Stuart, Kirsten Palmer, David Fleming as well as current Vice President Gemma Bruton, Treasurer Michael West and Hon Secretary Rose Vigers-Belgeonne.

Apologies were received from Peter Canning and Tim Blanning.

David Fleming - President, Old Brutonian Association