THE GLORIOUS 12TH MAY
According to Headmaster, Mark Mortimer and Old Verlucian John Baddley, after three times something becomes a tradition. We were delighted therefore that the Headmaster and Mrs Mortimer hosted the third Macdonald Boys’ Lunch on the 12th May, now a fixture in the Old Verlucian calendar. The Macdonald boys of course are Old Verlucians who attended the School during the Headship of the iconic Ian Macdonald,1940-50.
We were particularly pleased to welcome more guests this year thanks to the efforts of Mike Mitchell who gathered a further troupe of Macdonald boys to add to the existing group. Mike travelled from France to attend the lunch and Bruce A McIntyre a former consul general made the journey from Spain. They were warmly welcomed.
John Baddley started proceedings with the Latin grace from the Macdonald era and also asked the gathering to remember absent friends. Most poignantly, Hugh Thomas, who died the previous week after a fall. Hugh, a former Chief Executive of the NHS in Wales and a supporter of the two previous lunches died suddenly. John’s wonderful eulogy to Hugh was appreciated by all, particularly Hugh’s brother Tim, who represented his brother at the meal. Masaru Makimura, who is awaiting surgery in Japan was also remembered. His letter to the Headmaster confirming his attendance at next year’s lunch was appreciated by all.
Following a fine meal and the now customary exchange of memories and laughter which has become a hallmark of these lunches, the Headmaster awarded the new recruits their OV ties and presented John Baddley with the English prize he claimed he should have won sixty seven years ago! We are sure that he will enjoy reading the memoirs of that great Headmaster of Rugby School and old boy of Lord Weymouth School, Thomas Arnold.
After a nostalgic tour of School House and the Fives Court and confirmation that they will return, the Macdonald boys left their old school. ‘Haste ye back’ as the saying goes!
Graeme McQueen, Head of Development