LONDON DOLLAR ACADEMY FP CLUB ANNUAL DINNER 2009
One sports day and a reunion has been the extent of my Dollar contact since leaving eleven years ago. Perhaps this is better than many FPs manage, so I shouldn’t grumble, but recently I had the urge to get back in touch with life at Dollar. So, when a particularly enthusiastic 1998 classmate of mine suggested the annual dinner of the London Dollar Academy Club, I had no hesitation in signing up. Actually, I’m fibbing – I took some convincing. At first reaction, I imagined that these events were the preserve of a more mature FP, and no place for a recent(ish) leaver. I’m happy I was wrong.
Gregor Stenhouse (1998), Chris Dale (1998), Thomas Rose (2008), Kathleen O'Carroll (2004), Philip Morgan (1998), Fiona Wills (2006), Andrew Grant (1994), Mhairi Clark (2002), Calum Daniel (2002), Krysto Nikolic (2002), Euan Mackay (2002).
The venue for this year’s dinner was the impressive Imperial College in South Kensington. Welcomed with champagne, the reception provided a pre-dinner opportunity to meet FPs with combined Dollar experiences spanning several decades – from 1943 to 2008 in fact. On exchanging stories, it was quickly apparent that FPs from all eras share a great deal of common ground. From what I can tell, the antics of boarders in the ’50s are remarkably similar to those of the ’90s. I’ll say no more.
Thomas Rose (2008), Gregor Stenhouse (1998), Alastair Stewart, Chris Dale (1998), Philip Morgan (1998)
The excellent food was followed by a highly entertaining speech by Alastair Stewart, the ITN News presenter, on life as a journalist. His thoughts on the responsibilities of journalists and the future of the profession made for a thought-provoking after-dinner debate, with the post-speech question time proving that when it comes to expressing opinions, we’re an energetic bunch at Dollar. The Rector rounded off proceedings with an update on developments at the school before announcing that he will be stepping aside at the end of this academic year. I’m sure I speak for many FPs when I wish him a very happy retirement.
Fiona Donaldson Grounds, Rob Gibson, Jane Waddell
Although she asked me not to, I must thank Elizabeth Heath for organising a fantastic evening. The opportunity to hear the Dollar news, to see old friends and to meet FPs from other eras was fabulous – to quote my excitable ’98 colleague “I can’t wait for the next one”. If you’re in the London area, the next event will be in June 2010. I’d highly recommend getting involved.
Chris Dale (FP 1998)
Alastair Stewart and the Rector
