OLD EDWARDIANS' ASSOCIATION

“A great dinner” was the overwhelming comment heard from so many of our guests wit a great turn-out of eighty Old Edwardians at Bramall Lane last week. We were delighted to have such a response to this year’s event with such a broad age range from starting years of 1943 to 1997 and we're grateful to all those who supported this year’s event, with many travelling from all corners of the country to attend!

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The Tony Currie Suite did us proud and we once again received super attention, service and quality of food. I must also say that the SUFC staff made the organisation of the dinner very straightforward from my perspective, and everyone seemed to conclude that the venue works well for us with plenty of space to move around after dinner to chat to old friends and new.

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The age spread among attendees stretches over a startling 60 years commencing with David Kirkman 1943 and Frances Pinder leaving in 2005!!  Mention, as always, has to go to our two eldest Old Edwardian stalwarts - David Kirkman 43-53 and Brian Hall 45-52 whom we all enjoy talking to. This balanced very nicely by our youngest (don’t worry, didn’t ask the ages!!)  guests Charlotte Sweet 97-03 and Frances Pinder 97-05.

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Quite significant to see twelve new faces attending for the first time – from 59-66 Pete Jepson, Tony Heathcote, Rowan Moorwood and Stuart Wade, Simon Norris 68-73, Charlotte Sweet, Frances Pinder, David Sidery 58-65, John and his wife, Tracy Little 67-74 and Mike Buckland 71-76.

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It was also very important for us to welcome a table of eleven from the School with Headteacher Linda Gooden bringing her Leadership Team for the first time. We were thrilled to see everyone, and this follows a lot of work the committee has done with Linda to reinforce links, communications, goodwill and look at new ways of working together. Thank you to Linda and the LT for coming to enjoy the evening with us!

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After dinner, short addresses were made by President, John Parr and Linda Gooden. John, as instructed(!!) kept it brief, but very poignantly pointed to the importance of the Association, its dependence on members and their subscriptions, and the increase in funds raised this past year through a doubling of subscriptions to record levels, and to increased communications and feedback through newsletters etc This has led, logically, to increased levels of support for the school – the latest being full sponsorship of one student to go on a week-long German field study trip to Vienna.  And there is more to come - so watch this space!! Finally, John gave heartfelt thanks, on behalf of the committee, to all attendees for making the effort to keep the spirit of the Edwardians alive and contribute ever more to supporting the school!

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Linda, following an introduction about herself and to each of the  Leadership team, gave a lovely and highly inspiring assessment of current students incredible achievements, a tribute recognising the importance of the Old Edwardians old and new and, how the history of the school is not something that is forgotten but, more importantly,  is embraced by staff and students today. A very warm and sincere thank you to Linda for her participation and for her efforts in helping to raise the profile of the OEs within the framework of today’s school.

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To end the evening there was plenty of time to mix and socialise and it was pleasing to see lots of interaction and chatting with the Leadership Team. I understand several members have already offered their services and experience to the school and also have expressed an interest in visiting the school again. Linda has asked that anyone interested should contact Jo Jackson to start things rolling jjackson15@kes.sheffield.sch.uk .

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Likewise, for the Leadership team – anyone with ideas for future sponsorship/prizes/support etc please contact John Parr president@old-edwardians-sheffield.com and Pete Kersh info@old-edwardians-sheffield.com  .

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On behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone most sincerely for supporting the dinner. It is an important fund-raising event of course, but more importantly, I think, it’s simply a great opportunity to meet old friends and new with one huge common bond and spirit that ties us all together.

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We look forward to seeing you again next year and hope you will be able to encourage other friends to come and join us!

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Deepest thanks again.

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John, Keith, Terry and Pete

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CLICK ON "ANNUAL DINNER" ABOVE FOR THE DROP DOWN MENU AND THEN "GALLERY DINNER 2026" FOR MORE PICTURES OF THE EVENING

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