Our Guest Speaker for 2025, Mr Blake Dark
The evening began at 6:30pm with an address from the Hon Sec, welcoming everyone to this year's ORC Dinner and in particular welcoming our Student Guests.
Following on from The Grace, offered this year by the Chairman's wife, Bonnie Tyrrell, we were treated to a magnificent three-course dinner, provided by Bay Tree Caterers; only interrupted after the first course by an auction of a special proof copy of "The Chatham House Story", which raised £65 for the Club. The winning bid was placed by Mr Graham Sole.
Following the Dinner we were delighted to have as our special guest after-dinner speaker, Mr Blake Dark; an old boy and a previous Sports Captain of both Larkins and Pearce Houses and a School prefect.
His talk, entitled "Medical Miracles", dealt with improved outcomes in recent years for patients with Hepatitis C, and other previously incurable diseases, from the point of medicine procurement and delivery. His talk was met with several interesting questions with only time drawing his fabulous talk to an end.
The Chairman, Mr Mike Tyrrell, then gave the Loyal Toast, followed by a Toast to the School by David Carr, the Hon Sec.
The Head Teacher Debra Liddicoat, was then presented with a painting of the Lower Cricket Square (previously the Junior Cricket Pitch) for the School, purchased by the ORC with a donation to the RNLI and re-framed by the ORC. The painting was created by an unknown artist and former pupil but came to us via the estate of the late Arthur Maxted, an Estate Agent and former pupil of the School.
The assembly was then treated to a rendition of The School Song. "Here where the feet of Englishmen...", followed by the National Anthem.
It's probably fair to say that this year's DInner was both well attended and well received by all.
If you'd like to attend next year's ORC Annual Reunion Dinner it will be held in the Dining Hall at 6:30pm, following the OR Club's AGM, on Suturday 27th June 2026, please contact the Hon Sec with your details at: HonSec@oldruymians.co.uk to reserve your seat at the Dinner.
