On Friday 6th September, the 91st Annual Old Suttonians Association Reunion Dinner was held in Sutton. This year, we marked the occasion by inducting Steve Bangs as an Honorary Life Member (HLM) of the Association.

Steve was joined by Suttonians of all ages, but there was certainly a good number of his contemporaries from his time as a pupil at school, and many more who have enjoyed Steve’s PE teaching over the last 44 (!) years.

As ever, the bar at Sutton Masonic Hall was busy before the dinner as Suttonians enthusiastically caught up with old friends and staff members; it certainly takes plenty of cajoling to get reminiscing Sutts seated in time for the meal.

Chairman of the Association, Marting Armstrong, formally welcomed everyone to the event and Shane Higgs said grace before the 70 attendees tucked into their starters. As ever, Gordon Ironside gave the Silent Toast to pay respect to the Suttonians who have died in the past year. He recalled the lives of former students Bernard Godding (1943-2023), Andrew Horton (1968-2023) and Neil le Bihan (1976-2023). Gordon also spoke fondly about Roy Kingsford, a caretaker at the school between 1993 and 2016, who sadly also passed earlier this year.

Current Headmaster Ben Cloves spoke about life at the school and we also heard a pupil’s perspective, with Head Student Joseph Dean recounting the plethora of extra-curriculum offerings students have enjoyed in the last twelve months. The Chairman also outlined a year in the life of the Association, with a new football XI taking to the field for the upcoming season. Thanks also to Martin for organising and supplying prizes for the raffle. Several bottles of port and a copy of Sue Barker’s autobiography went to good homes.

Finally, Tony Blunt had the honour of welcoming Steve Bangs as an HLM of the Association. Steve’s speech recounted many memorable moments from his legendary SGS career, with many more shared in the bar at the conclusion of the event.

Once again it was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all in attendance. A convivial experience for not just old friends, but also for those who are meeting at the dinner for the first time, who strike up conversations over the shared love of the school and Association. To the school!