A total of 96 Old Maidstonians and guests attended this year’s Annual Supper on Friday 25^th March 2011.

A slightly changed menu proved popular, with a selection of main courses including chicken tikka masala, beef goulash and vegetarian lasagne leaving many people spoilt for choice!  Compliments were received from many members on the quality of the food. 

Outgoing President Paul Clifford hosted the evening with typical affability, and his guest, the broadcaster and economist, Andrew Dilnot CBE gave an entertaining speech drawing on his eleven years at the Institute for Fiscal Studies and on his role as Prinicpal of St Hugh’s College, Oxford, which he has held since 2002.

Headmaster Nick Argent spoke passionately about his commitment to selective education and of his concerns at the impact the coalition government’s cuts to education funding were likely to have on MGS’ ability to maintain its sixth form provision at its current level. He urged all those who shared his views to lobby against the cuts.

School Captain Tom Woods replied to the speeches, after multi-talented Jordan Wooler not only received the Alec Stewart memorial tankard but also played the school song as deputy for David Leeke.  The Ted Clifford memorial award for excellence in History was received by Harry Butcher.

All the speeches are published in the OMS Newsletter, due to be published by the end of April 2011.

The following points were noted at the Committee Meeting:

·         The provision of name badges, for which we have Peter Weaver to thank, were a great success and enabled members to identify each other.

·         John Clayton has agreed to organise the next Annual Supper with Graham Belson assisting.

·         The estimated profit from the 2011 Annual Supper will be about £145, which will go into the General Revenue Account to offset operational costs.

·         It was agreed that in future the top table should take their buffet before the remaining members.

There was discussion as to whether or not ‘marshalling’ was required to deliver tables to the buffet in an orderly manner and to avoid queues.  Tony Webb offered his services, but it remains to be decided if that should be adopted as several members previously expressed their dislike of being ‘herded’ to the buffet.

John Clayton, Annual Supper Organiser

April 2011