Busy reunions and the latest leavers

Last weekend provided the wonderful day of reunions which Julie and Jane, with others, had worked so hard to facilitate. On a bright, clear day which lacked only warm sunshine, 60 former members of MGS Scout Troop 2 lunched in the Paton Library (named after the High Master credited with starting the great MGS tradition of outdoor activities), surrounded by the albums and other memorabilia of their past camps. We no longer have scout troops in the school, but the spirit of adventure lives on in the camps, treks and Duke of Edinburgh activities which keep boys and staff busy most weekends and holidays.


Scarcely was lunch over when further guests started to arrive for afternoon tours prior to the evening reunion dinner organised for Old Mancunians who joined the school prior to 1951. Travelling from as far away as New Zealand and California, more than 200 nostalgia-fuelled OMs toured the school's modern buildings, watched the 1st XI record a resounding cricket victory and enjoyed fine wines and delicious food before being entertained by Stewart Platt's memories, the High Master's remarks and music (including old school songs) from the Close Harmony Group. It became in the end quite a late night for most of us.

We have been delighted by the number of appreciative comments about the reunions reaching the Development Office this week.

So much, for now, for the past. For a couple of days this week the office has resembled a high-class market stall, as the hoodies for the leavers of 2010 have arrived and been sorted for distribution next Wednesday, the Upper Sixth's last day in school prior to exams. This modern leavers' tradition involves a nickname on each student's hoody, with the 2010 spelled out in the names of the whole year-group. A great memento to take on to university and beyond. I wonder whether any of these will re-emerge in years to come as their aged owners make their way back to Fallowfield in their turn for their Reunions?