The Trusty Servant May 2020 Issue 129 | Page 43

No.129 The Trusty Servant Grogan Dinner in Cape Town: David Fellowes reports: Faced with the prospect of some free time in Cape Town in the New Year, a group of both resident and visiting OWs and their guests were corralled at the scenic Steenberg Estate’s Clubhouse for a dinner on 8 th February 2020. 30 attended the reception, whilst 27 stayed on for dinner, during which they were fortunate enough to listen to an extraordinarily informative and entertaining talk on South Africa and its prospects by Clem Sunter (E, 57-63), the renowned scenario planner and strategist, who is still highly sought- after on the global stage. The dinner was billed as ‘The Grogan Dinner’, in honour of Ewart Scott Grogan (D, 1888-91), who became the first man to trek from The Cape to Cairo, finishing his epic journey in 1900, and who achieved much more besides! Toasts were raised to both Grogan and Win Coll by the evening’s Sen Man, Robin Hammond (K, 43-48), who had organised the previous OW reunion in South Africa at the Inanda Club, Johannesburg in about 1990. Six Wykehamical decades were represented, as were eight Houses, including three from Grogan’s Kenny’s. Hots were not held, though golf-swings may have been discussed. OW Drinks Reception: on Wednesday 26 th February 2020, 60 OW stalwarts gathered in the Drawing Room of Merchant Taylors’ Hall, which is beautifully decorated with stunning silk hand-painted Chinese wallpaper. For many this was their first opportunity to meet the Headmaster Dr Tim Hands. A most enjoyable evening. David Anderson & Alan Loveall David Fellowes, Charles Holloway & Julian Roskill Roger Vickers & Calum Sillars HM & David Hannay Malcolm Burr (C, 46 – 51) wrote a chapter on Grogan in his acclaimed All from the Same Place and the latter also featured as a Notable Kennyite in a booklet produced for the recent 150 th Anniversary Dinner. Showcase of Winchester Music: on Thursday 12 th March 2020, again at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, David Thomas, Master of Music, introduced some of the school’s finest musicians who played solos, duets, quartets, and a piece for no fewer than eight cellos. This was rounded off with a performance by the school’s leading close harmony group, Cantores Episcopi, directed by David Hurley (E, 76 – 80). Clem Sunter Robin Hammond all tied up A magical occasion. Cello Octet David Thomas introduces Cantores Episcopi 43