The London Chapter’s 2023 Annual Dinner was held on Friday 23 June at the Naval & Military “In & Out” Club, welcoming the arrival of Headmaster David Roberts among Reds Old and Newer.
Henry Lawton (2005) again excelled as the evening’s host member, leveraging his unique access to fine South Australian beer and wine, with chilled Coopers whetting the palate of even the most philistine among us.
As is tradition, our Master of Toasts, Colin “SuperCat” Frearson (1989), set the scene with a fantastic introductory toast, the Loyal Toast to King Charles III – the first to a King in this group’s experience. Expansive, pensive and incisive, the impeccably dressed feline prepared us well for what followed. In reply, Lawton was all class.
The Group then settled and tucked into a delicious dinner, and warm conversation flowed between members who knew each other well, and more recent arrivals. It was a truly welcoming and classically Princes atmosphere from the beginning drinks until the closing Ubers.
Next up, Le Chat Super raised a glass to the School, and an outstanding reply was offered by our Headmaster. David Roberts shone in his debut address to an historically convivial and friendly but always unruly cohort, outlining very promising change and development at the School, and within the Community, while empathically conveying fidelity to our precious history and legacy. It was clear to All that Mr Roberts is passionate about the School and that under his stewardship it is in very good hands indeed.
In a slight break with recent convention, Leigh “Big Bird” Schelvis (2002) was unable to attend to deliver the President’s message, due to the arrival of another Little Schelvo – hearty congratulations were made to that man, with Hugo “Huge” Martin (2011) stepping into the breach with flair.
Rounding off the verbals was the Great David “DG Ross” Gray (1962), making the Toast to the Inner Ratbag (and this year a nod to the late Frank Garrett), before a group photo and a powerful rendition of “The Princes First XVIII”, as always to the amusement and bewilderment of the Club staff.
A strong core (around 80% - outstanding follow commitment) of the Group then made the onward journey to Little Italy in Soho, for wedding dancefloor vibes. This venue of mixed repute is now somewhat of a de facto home for the Old Reds, allowing us in en masse yet again, somehow forgetting our performances of recent years (and forgetting to charge a number of us on arrival). A range of dancefloor performances were displayed, with several outstanding contributions, and the team retiring hurt at times and in situations appropriate to respective circumstances.
Just a fantastic evening for a very close group, reflective of the very special community and history of our dear Kent Town.
Onwards to next year – fac, fortia, et patere to all.
Nicholas Pontt (1990)
London Dinner Convenor
