On Friday 15th September, Old Suttonians young and old gathered at the Sutton Masonic Lodge for the 90th Annual Reunion Dinner to mark another year of the Association’s, and the school’s activities. 

In our first dinner back on the ‘home turf’ of Sutton for a few years, it was a pleasure to see all manner of Suttonians pour into the bar before the dinner: recent leavers, current and former staff and Sutts of many a generation shook hands and clinked glasses before formal festivities began. When guests were seated, they heartily tucked into the excellent food and the room was filled with recollections and reminiscences of life at school. 

As with tradition, we heard several speeches. Our chairman Martin Armstrong outlined the state of play of the Association, making the particular reference to the need for Old Suttonians to dig out their old football or rugby boots and get back playing. Gordon Ironside also gave the Silent Toast, paying tribute to three Old Suttonians who had lost their lives in the past year: Brian Fyffe Robinson (1929-2020), Ian David Pearce (1965-2023) and Martin Campbell Kai-Fong White (1985-2023). 

Current Head Student Ben Roberts delivered a rousing speech about life at SGS, with of course a few thinly veiled jokes about the teachers and CCF! Unfortunately Headmaster, Ben Cloves, was unwell on the evening, but Head of PE Tony Blunt stepped into the breach to share his wisdom and wit on life at Sutton Grammar School in 2023. Lastly, Ray Pletts was inducted as an Honorary Life Member of the Association to mark his distinguished service to the school, both in and out of the classroom. Ray spoke fondly about both his time at the school as a boy and indeed Head of Geography - he even (nearly) managed to stick to that fabled five minute speech time!

To conclude, the raffle winners were announced (organised and prizes supplied, as ever, supplied by Martin Armstrong) and they were delighted with their bottles of port. A tour of the venue was offered, which plenty enjoyed and then, for many, it was back to the bar to continue to share anecdotes about years gone by. 

It was, all in all, a tremendous evening enjoyed by all in attendance. A convivial experience for not just old friends but those who are meeting at the dinner for the first time, who can strike up a conversation over the shared love of the school and Association.

Watch this space for details about next year’s Annual Reunion Dinner!