Afternoon Tea 2025

On Tuesday 25th June, the school welcomed back a group of OMTs who left forty-five years ago or more for our annual Afternoon Tea. Undaunted by the heat of one of the summer’s hottest days, guests returned from across the decades – including a number from the 1960s and 70s, as well as Jessel Harris (OMT 1951), who was visiting the school for the first time in many years.

The afternoon began with tours of the school, led by members of the Lower Sixth. There was much interest as groups rediscovered old haunts – such as the old Scout room – and spotted familiar form rooms. One group paused proudly after discovering the Monitors’ Board that they carved their names in so long ago!

But it was not only the familiar sights that turned heads. Upon visiting the DET building and seeing all of the technology available to design students today, many declared that, if they were pupils at school today, they would never leave it! The newly refurbished gym also drew attention – and not just because of the deliciously cool air-conditioning.

Back at the OMT Clubhouse, guests enjoyed a fabulous tea served by our excellent catering team. Scones, sandwiches, cake, and plenty of tea flowed as friends caught up, swapped memories, and enjoyed conversation with the Development Office team and our new school Archivist, Isabel Hesketh, who was on hand to share some fascinating material from the archives.

The Head Master, Simon Everson, and Chaplain, James Fields, joined the gathering and spoke with many of the OMTs and their guests, taking the opportunity to share updates from school life today and to hear stories from times gone by. Special mention must go to Ivan Nabarro, one of our talented Upper Sixth form students, who played background music from his jazz piano repertoire.

Following tea, guests were invited to enjoy informal tours of the state-of-the-art Julian Hill Cricket Centre before walking across the fields to the 1st XI pitch, where the annual match against the MCC was nearing its close. It was the perfect way to end a relaxed and heartwarming afternoon, bringing together OMTs across the generations in the spirit of fellowship and happy memories.