Welcome to The Pelican Online, packed with news and reports, plus details of the many celebrations we have planned for our 125th anniversary year - including the return of the Commemoration Weekend!Following the sell-out Annual Dinner in 2006, which was addressed by Ann Widdecombe, this year’s Guest of Honour is none other than Philip Robinson. Known and loved by generations of OBs for his dry wit, his masterful direction of College theatre (often as part of the hugely successful Smith-Robinson partnership), and for gently pushing many a lazy student towards exam success, it is no wonder that half of the tickets have been sold already. It’s going to be a night of nostalgia with the Class of 1987 already booked and several other year groups re-establishing contact with one another. My strong advice is book early and drag your mates along too!
On 25 September we launch the Old Brightonian Pioneers Luncheon which will be held at one of Hove’s best kept secrets, Harry’s Restaurant. It’s open to all OBs over 60 - and their pals - and we really hope it will be the start of a new tradition in the OBA calendar. Join us!
For younger OBs there will be a gathering at The Brunswick in Hove. Details are being sent out separately but do look at the website which will be updated very soon.
And so to Commemoration Weekend. This has been reinstated thanks to the Headmaster who responded to the OBA’s desire to welcome the Leavers at the very point they become OBs. On saturday (30th June) a magnificent Ball will be held at Brighton Race Course to which all OBs, their family and friends are warmly invited, along with Leavers and their families. For the first time the OBA will host a reception after the Graduation Ceremony on the Sunday (1st July). Sunday will also see a Barbeque on the Home Ground (OBs are welcome to bring their own picnics), complete with Beer and Pimms tent and the traditional First XI match against the OBA. Tours of the campus will be conducted by Prefects and there will also be Water Polo and Tennis among other attractions. It is hoped there will be a Music Recital in The Hordern Room and an exhibition from the College Archives. It will be a fantastic event and quite different to the occasions we remember in the Great Hall on campus.
Please support these events. The Headmaster often tells me how impressed he is by the numbers of OBs who care so much about their old school and return either to the school or the many other events which take place over the year. If you haven’t been back for a while and curiosity is tempting you, give in. A warm welcome awaits you and we would be delighted to see you.
David Gold (S. 1986-91)
OBA President
PS: Thanks to the many Old Brightonians who send me their news, opinions, photos, memories, and yes, their moans and groans! Keep them coming - email me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
