After last year’s washout, it was a relief to see the sun shining on Saturday 6th June for the annual OD v Staff cricket match. The staff included a former Zimbabwean international plus several stooges from the Antipodes, so things didn’t look too hopeful for the ODs. They fielded a strong team however, with the captain, Mike Bellhouse (a former Middlesex player) and several other experienced cricketers.

The ODs opened the batting and were doing well with the formidable presence of Fred Bellhouse, Mike’s brother, hitting fours and sixes. Sadly he hit a six over the boundary fence – immediate dismissal according to an old Dragon custom. The remaining batsmen finally took the total to 154 all out.

The staff then headed for the wicket and scored a very quick 100 with Rob Dow powering the ball for six in every over. It was a relief when he retired on 50 – another of those friendly Dragon customs! A conveniently timed downpour at tea time gave the ODs fresh hope for a draw, but the sun re-emerged and the staff went on to 156-8 and were the worthy winners.

It was a fun and relaxed day and good to see ODs from several decades coming back to play at the School. To view more pictures of the match please click here.

If you would be interested in playing for the ODs next year, please contact Shelley Greensted on 01865 315415 or email shelley.greensted@dragonschool.org

On Friday, 4th June, our post-exam pupils were treated to a photography day with renowned UK photographer, Duncan Raban. Over the years, Duncan has photographed some of the world’s most well known faces including Princess Diana, Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and Tony Blair to name just a few. Over the past four years he has had unprecedented access to behind the scenes at Great Ormond Street Hospital and his work there was documented in a major piece in the Sunday Times magazine in May. Luckily for us Duncan also works selectively with schools and the children spent the day learning to take spontaneous pictures like a professional.

The day was divided into sections with each section focusing on a particular task. Tasks ranged from ‘flying like airplanes’, ‘popping out from behind trees’ and ‘strutting down a catwalk’. These tasks gave children the opportunity to learn how to capture moving images, improve on portrait shots and take animated, fun photographs.

Duncan works with David Wallace, Old Dragon and Chairman of The Reputations Group. The Reputations Group is a strategic marketing and communications consultancy and also has interests in media businesses including photography and film.

Our appreciation and thanks go to Duncan, David and his enthusiastic team for a wonderfully inspirational day behind the camera.

To learn more about Duncan Raban’s photographic services or The Reputations Group, contact dwallace@thereputationsgroup.com

6^th Annual London Lecture

An Evening with Rageh Omaar (OD 1980)

‘From Al Jazeera to the BBC – A Life in Journalism’

The 6th Dragon London Lecture was held on Monday 17th May at Deloitte’s offices in the City which had kindly been provided by OD and current Governor, William Touche.

154 people packed the Lecture Theatre to hear Rageh give a fascinating and often amusing account of his years as a foreign correspondent in worn torn areas of the world.  A lively question and answer session was followed by a drinks reception which gave guests the opportunity to chat with Rageh and meet up with former friends and teachers.

The second OD golf day of the year took place at Frilford Golf Club on Friday 23rd April. The weather was perfect as 17 ODs battled it out for the Inky Flask, eventually won by Simon Smith (OD 1977).

The next OD golf day is on Friday 24th September at St. Enodoc in Cornwall.  For further information or to sign up to play, please contact Shelley Greensted in the OD Office. 

The photo below shows Eric Auckland, Richard Wynne and Alan Ambrose.

How often does it happen these days? You walk into a room full of familiar faces and the only thought that comes to mind is ……… a blank! Fortunately, since this was a Dragon event, everyone was helpfully labelled and gradually, as the mists cleared, old friendships were rekindled! There were distinguished broadcasters, eminent QCs, barons of both industry and commerce, soaring legal eagles, high domed academics and many more besides. Rumour had it that a recently knighted ex-Lord Mayor of London was also carded, although sadly he didn’t appear!

The Headmaster spoke welcomingly, the Chairman of Governors spoke bravely (for a self-confessed “Little Man” that is!) and Lucius Cary spoke nostalgically of marbles and lurkey, of clothes tests and ice rinks, of inspirational teaching and the best start in life that any of us could have had. After a distinctly non-“school dinners” feast we mingled contentedly and summoned up the spirit of “Carmen Draconiense” – you know, the bit about “a warmth at the heart”, “a something that makes them remember” and “draining the dregs of the flagon”!

Fifty(ish) people meeting after half a century means that there are some 2,500 years to catch up on – far too much for one evening, but what a wonderful time we had trying!

Thanks and kind regards to all concerned.
Garth Lewis – aged 63yrs, 5 mths.

50th Reunion - 1959/60/61 - Click here for further photographs of this event.