Old faces hove into view, only very slightly dimmed by the passage of time, and the room buzzed with laughter, stories, and the unmistakable warmth of shared history. The Headmaster spoke beautifully, highlighting the extraordinary success of the modern Ronian: scholarships galore, triumphs on the games field, and the singularity of both the place and the people it produces.

It was a joy to see some of the giants of old: Sandie, Mr Buckles, and Richie V-S among them, mingling with the newest generations of Old Ronian boys and girls, who were faultlessly charming and endured the nostalgic claptrap of their forebears with admirable grace.

n what is now perhaps a rather unfashionable poem by Sir Henry Newbolt, Vitai Lampada, the torch of life is spoken of being passed from generation to generation. And while mercifully few of us are having to deal with being in Sudan with “The Gatling jammed and the Colonel dead”, save perhaps Waitrose on Christmas Eve, the sentiment remains: our schooling should prepare us for life in the wider world.

From the look around the room at this joyous event, it’s clear that Saint Ronan’s continues to send its sons and daughters out into the world “with a joyful mind,” bearing that torch “like a flame.” It’s hard to find much higher praise.

Thank you, Mr and Mrs Lewis, for hosting such a special evening in a gorgeous setting. Please can we do it all again soon?*

Floreat St Ronan’s.

Ben Howroyd (OR)

*Mrs and Mrs Lewis would like to reply. 'Yes, this will absolutely be an annual fixture and all ORs will be very welcome - we loved meeting them all'.