Rhubarb 2024

W e were lucky enough to welcome Leia Zhu (Oakthorpe, 2021-2023),‘The Violin Girl’, for a special performance in the Olivier in September last year, accompanied by pianist Kaoru Wada. OSE, parents and staff as well as local Oxford residents were invited to enjoy a programme which included the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and three pieces by Saint-Saëns. LEIA ZHU PERFORMS AT ST EDWARD’S 18th SEPTEMBER 2023

Leia’s spectacular performance lasted an hour and ended with Rondo Capriccioso by Saint-Saëns, which was greeted by a standing ovation from those in the audience.

Leia also performed during the morning’s School Assembly – a truly inspirational start to the week for all the pupils.

OSE EVENTS

O n 7th October 2023, 12 people gathered for the North Wales and North West regional lunch at The Church Green in Lymm, Cheshire. It was a splendid occasion and a chance to don rhubarb apparel.We heard fascinating stories from people's lives as well as just having a good chat. The President of the OSE Society, James MacDonald-Smith, told us about accessing OSE information on the school website and the new Cup and Dagger Club for those who wish to make regular donations to School. He also expressed his hope, which we all share, that the number of people attending these lunches will increase and will include younger OSE, both male and female. John Wiggins, the school representative, talked about the Warden's priorities and passed on other news, which is always an important part of the regional lunches.

REGIONAL

NORTHWALES AND NORTHWEST LUNCH 7th OCTOBER 2023

Report by Tim Day (Tilly’s, 1969-1974)

Before we left, we stood for a hearty rendition of the school song. Not all of us were experienced at this, so the words were helpfully provided by Mike Cox.

The following attended the lunch: Mike Ajello (Mac’s, 1957-1960), Michael Cox (Mac’s, 1959-1964) and Heather; Tim Day (Tilly’s, 1969-1974) and Rosie; James MacDonald-Smith (Sing’s, 1981-1985 and President of the OSE Society); Nick McFerran (Field,1984-1989) and Sam; Patrick Milroy (Field, 1960-1965) and Clare; John Tours (Segar’s, 1952-1955) and John Wiggins (St Edward’s School). Apologies were received from other OSE in the region.

OVERSEAS

ONTHE ROCKS: SYDNEY GATHERING 4th NOVEMBER 2023

Report by Ian Stuart (Field House, 1971-1976)

A ttendees at the Sydney drinks were Simon Petch (Segar’s, 1959-1964), Mark Hopkinson (Sing’s, 1969-1973) and Martin Lynch (Kendall, 1979-1983), photographed here from left to right. Both Mark and Martin have been regular attendees, but this was Simon’s first outing which was pleasing. Given there were only three OSE there, I understand from Martin it was a very entertaining evening!

78