The OE Golf Day
Once again, players were blessed with glorious early autumnal golfing weather to kick off the weekend’s events after first enjoying the obligatory pre-match bacon rolls and coffee. Ten teams made a 9am shotgun start on the Worcester Golf and Country Club which was in impressive condition considering the damage done by the long dry summer.

The Stableford team competition for the Biggs Rodway Quaich was as close a competition as we have ever had with just 3 points separating the top five teams and a count back needed to separate the top two teams.

The winning team comprised Ruud Hercik (1996-09), Ashley Dawson (2000-09) and Sam Humphrey (2002-08) and only just edged the runners-up team of Andy Price (1974-79), Ken Monk (ex-staff), Andy Hills (1972-79) and Phil Lancaster (1972-79).

Sue Cockrell (RGS past parent) won the Britannia Plate in the ladies Stableford competition while Ruud achieved a double by securing the OE Golf Cup with a very impressive gross score of 70. Honourable mentions go to Phil Lancaster for closest to the pin, Gail Halford (ex-staff) for longest drive (ladies) and Andy Price for longest drive (men).

Leaving years for OEs golfers ranged from 1958 to 2009 showing how golf has the capacity to unite RGS alumni from across the generations. We look forward to more recent leavers joining this growing event as we target reaching the maximum 72 players in 2026. Players can Save the Date as Friday 11 September with booking details to follow soon.
 

The Class of 2020 Five-year Reunion
Following hot on the heels from the OE golf day came the opportunity to welcome members of the Class of 2020 back to RGS for their five-year reunion in Joe’s Café, aka their Sixth Form Common Room. Special mention goes to Ella Gray for her networking skills in rounding up classmates.

It was a very vocal group of young OEs who represented their year group with the laughter and pleasure clearly conveying how much the return to RGS meant to them. The Headmaster thanked everyone present along with those unable to attend but who had sent messages of support. Mr Pitt observed that the Class of 2020 had its final assembly in March of that year because of the impending Covid pandemic that led to the lockdown and social isolating. It is a credit to the Class members that they have overcome the huge challenges Covid presented to forge their new careers in fields including as medicine, law, teaching and costume designing.

Those present have already committed to returning for their ten-year reunion and in the meantime, many will be offering their services to the RGS Careers Department to help inspire and inform the pupils following in their footsteps. We look forward to their joining the Green Army later this term at upcoming Hockey and Rugby fixtures against our local Worcester rivals.

The OE Reunion Dinner
The weekend culminated in the annual OE Black Tie Dinner, held in Perrins Hall. Guests took the opportunity to walk around the Quad and view the grounds, which provided the backdrop for nostalgic photographs before enjoying a pre-dinner drinks reception with the musical accompaniment provided by Upper Sixth student, Sasha, on the piano. A selection of archive material was on display and the sight of contemporary haircuts in old photos drew particular attention.

Following a tasty dinner the Headmaster gave a speech that updated alumni about the School and many notable recent achievements which received a warm reception. Mr Pitt encouraged alumni to ‘shout about RGS’ and to celebrate all that is happening at the School.

Representing the Class of 1995, which was marking its 30th anniversary since leaving RGS, former School Captain Simon Finley (1988-95) responded to the Headmaster, delivering an amusing and touching speech which included his and those of his year group’s fond memories of their time at the School. Toasts were raised to OEs everywhere and to the School's continued success.

For many OEs, this was their first return to the School in 30 or 40 years, while the oldest guest in attendance, Martin Sobey, began his education at RGS in 1947 under Headmaster Henry Pullinger, an era before the Hillard and Pullinger buildings were even constructed.

The Dinner provided a reminder of the fascinating and diverse make-up of the RGS community with the Class of 1985 represented along with Whiteladies boarders from the late 60s / early 70s, a number of 1970s leavers and a group of friends from the early 1990s who were amongst the first intake when the School reverted to independence. Former teachers Alan Bennett, Tim Curtis and Barrie Rees were also present to reunite with some of their former charges.

OE’s who are current and former RGS parents were well represented amongst the diners and this year even included an OE father and son pairing of Neil Hickling (1960-67) and James Hickling (1988-95). Alumni travelled from across the UK as well as from Germany, the USA and even Australia, underlining the enduring connection OEs feel to RGS Worcester regardless of distance or the passage of time.

In addition to its social and celebratory aspects, the weekend was important to the School’s fundraising work. Many donors and supporters attended the Golf Day and the Dinner, so the events offered an opportunity to thank them again for their generosity and commitment.

The RGS Open Morning took place seven days after the OE Dinner. It was a privilege to be able to share with prospective pupils and parents the strength of the lifelong bond that exists between RGS Worcester and its alumni. The annual OE Reunion Weekend embodies this enduring relationship and we are most grateful to all who contribute to its success.