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The Third Turnbull Heck Lunch

21st April 2015, OMT Club, Sandy Lodge

St. Anastasius the Sinaite

Well, what a happy coincidence that the date of this luncheon coincided with so many other causes for celebration. Not only the feast day of the above saint and that of St Apollo and Companions (not to mention St. Froduiphus) but also the anniversary of Sir Robert ‘Bobby’ Charlton CBE’s 100^th appearance for England (and he scored a goal!). And of course as all readers will be well aware, the birth of our dear sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second is commemorated on this very day. Third time lucky indeed and uncanny, not to say inspired, planning by the organisers.

The meeting, greeting and drinking foyer hustled and bustled with people of all ages (if you count the catering staff) and echoed to the sound of acquaintances being renewed and the crack of arthritic joints. We hope for more and younger joints next year to add that invaluable balance to proceedings.

After Grace, the fare started modestly with a bread roll. After which delicacy, the usual very high standard of erstwhile luncheons was maintained. A particular favourite of the writer was the Aioli, unpretentious in appearance but possessing a great enhancing quality.

The luncheon was well supported as evidenced by the list of attendees below. However, there were a number of surprise absentees, some at the last moment. I will not mention them by name as I feel they should not be given the oxygen of publicity and also because if some hadn’t dropped out I could not have attended myself.

We were treated to a great musical finale by Thomas Compton, a Sixth Form Monitor from the School, who demonstrated amazing virtuosity on his electric violin. Music has now become an established, not to say integral, part of these festive occasions and serves as a great addition to the proceedings; long may it continue.

Wine, women and song all enhanced the occasion but special thanks must again go to John Heck, Ian Turnbull and their better halves and helpers.

Despite the absence of our very own Maestro, the School song was given a rousing rendition.

Roger Dromard