Rhubarb Issue 12: November 2023

ST EDWARD’S

president’s REPORT James MacDonald-Smith (Sing’s,1981-1985) L ooking back at this edition of Rhubarb I’m reminded of what a busy and enjoyable year it has been. achievements of both the School’s girls and boys with the boys winning the PE Cup (fuller reports on this I know appear elsewhere). I was fortunate to be able to attend all six days to brush down my Rhubarb blazer and cheer on the crews. It was a further joy to don the Rhubarb blazer again in September at the most amazing celebration of rowing – read more on page 90.

WELCOME

After three years as President, including the unsettling Covid years, David Smart (Field House, 1968-1972) stepped down as President of the OSE

James MacDonald-Smith

Society. During his tenure, the OSE Society has flourished.Virtual events such as the Wine Tasting and Quiz were warmly supported and as we have emerged from the Covid years, the in-person events have grown both in number and in attendance. I would like to take this opportunity to, once again, thank David for all his help, unwavering support and steadfast loyalty – and for setting me a tough act to follow. David continues to be part of the Beyond Teddies team as Legacy Manager, growing the opportunity for OSE to support the Society in their Wills and more recently, launching the free Will writing service with Bequeathed (see page 11 for details). I would also like to thank the OSE Executive Committee for their time and commitment.We have two members for each decade, providing a robust and broad group of OSE who help shape the work we do with strategic thought, practical advice and opinions. They are an impressive bunch and you can read more about these individuals on the next page. Please do take the opportunity to make contact with the representatives for your decade, we really do like to hear what fellow OSE are up to. As I take on the role of President, I look forward to meeting many of you.The success of the Society is based on the OSE who engage with it and each other and make it a dynamic and relevant society. Amongst my highlights last year were the two Rhubarb Reunites dinners that I went to, both extremely well attended and ably hosted. I would very much like to thank the Beyond Teddies team and all involved for their hard work in making these, as well as the Special Gaudy, huge successes. It would be extremely remiss of me to not mention Henley Royal Regatta and the

Rhubarb Reunites 40-50 years, May 2023

The Celebration of Rowing Dinner, September 2023

I’m always interested in feedback and ideas of how we can improve what we do. Please do reach out to me through the Beyond Teddies teamonOSE @ stedwardsoxford.org or 01865 319438.The OSE Society is your society and it is important to me and the OSE Committee that we strive to achieve what you, the alumni, want. Looking forward to the year ahead we have much to be excited and positive about.The Cup & Dagger Club, our first regular-giving programme was established earlier in 2023, providing the opportunity for members of our community to give amounts from as little as £1.60 per month.There have already been a number of OSE who have signed up and you can now see the Cup & Dagger badges worn with pride. See page 10 for details.

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