The Association's annual reunion dinner returned in September 2022 after a COVID-induced three-year hiatus. And what a pleasant sight it was to see Old Suttonians – of all generations – reuniting over dinner and drinks served up in Wimbledon’s Hotel du Vin ballroom. 

Old Suttonians, ranging from ex-students and staff, through to serving teachers and head students, came together to mark another year of the Association’s activities. Of particular significance this year, was the inducting of five former Sutton Grammar staff members into the Association as Honorary Life Members (HLM). The award has tended to be reserved for staff who have served the School and the Association with distinction, often over an implausibly long period of time. And this year, was a bumper edition, as we made up for the COVID period in which the School saw a number of staff retire or move onto new ventures.

And so it was, at this dinner, we inducted Shane Higgs, Hugh Barlin and Richard Mundy into the Association. Also welcomed into the Association as HLM – albeit in their absence – were Simon Shergold, Neil Price, Colin Leonard, and Elaine Beech.

As is custom, those present were invited to share some reflections of their time at SGS. And whilst they all, despite strong reassurances to the contrary in advance, ignored the five-minute restriction on speeches, it was clear to all just how much their respective experiences of SGS – the school, students, and staff – meant to them. And it was for those there present – many of whom had been taught by or worked with them - a pleasure to be able to honour them in this way.

Beyond the presentation of these HLM, we must thank both the Headmaster, Ben Cloves, and Keeran Kirubakaran (Head Student) who provided a colourful update on life at SGS, reminding many of those present just why it was they still wished to stay connected to the School in this way.

And even after all this joviality, there was still time for the traditional raffle (with thanks to Chairman, Martin Armstrong, for provision of the prizes) before Old Suttonians departed, some trekking across the hostile terrain of Wimbledon Common, in search of refuge.

For those of you out there that don’t routinely consider attending these events, you need know only two things. The first being, if you enjoy pleasant (if not exquisite) food and drink, and the no-strings attached opportunity to mix with an interesting bunch of people – all drawn together by our common link back to SGS – then you will not regret coming. The second is that if, after all, you realise you really didn’t enjoy it, then you need never give it a go again.

So, in September of this year, whether on your own, or with others, why not give the Old Sutts dinner a go?