A new-look lunch. Well, just a tweak with the age range which we have lowered to over-50s so that we can include a greater cross-section of guests.

So, join us for an exquisite gathering as OEs come together for a splendid three-course meal at the prestigious St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club in Weybridge. This annual event, orchestrated by our host Peter Jamieson (Blackwater 1960-63), has firmly established itself as a cherished tradition.

Before indulging in the culinary delights, seize the opportunity to engage in leisure activities with access to the club's swimming and tennis facilities. For participation inquiries, please contact jt@eastbourne-college.org.uk or 01323 452314.

The cost covers a reception drink upon arrival, a delectable three-course lunch with wine, and concluding with coffee.

We are delighted to welcome our guest speaker Paul Mayhew-Archer (Reeves 1967-71) (pictured).

Paul has been trying to make us laugh for over 50 years. He fell in love with comedy at the College and wrote his first play while in the sixth form. His English teacher Philip LeBrocq encouraged him to put it on and hearing an audience laugh at something he’d written was the highlight of Paul’s adolescence. 

After studying at Cambridge for three years ('Wonderful') and teaching in Birmingham for three years ('Terrifying') Paul landed a job in BBC Radio and produced many series of 'I’m Sorry I haven’t a Clue', the quiz game which promised listeners a nail-biting contest followed by a nose-picking contest.

Around this time, Paul also wrote his first sitcom 'An Actor’s Life For Me' which attracted so many listeners on BBC Radio it transferred to BBC TV where it attracted so few viewers it was axed after one series. Luckily, however, one viewer who did like Paul’s show was another comedy writer who asked Paul if he fancied working with him on another sitcom about a woman vicar. And so The VIcar of Dibley was born.

Paul has worked on various other comedies over the years from 'Spitting Image' to an adaptation of 'Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot' starring Judi Dench, Dustin Hoffman and a hundred tortoises. Then, fifteen years ago, Paul was told he had Parkinson’s and noticed that the tortoises were getting to places more quickly than he was. 

Parkinson’s has given Paul experiences he wouldn't have missed for the world. It's given him something to write about and something to be funny about and it’s led to him making an award-winning documentary, many award-winning podcasts, and receiving an MBE for services to his illness.

And consider this. If Eastbourne College had not encouraged Paul all those years ago, what then? 

Paul is respected for combining humour with humanity and his contributions have left a lasting mark on British broadcasting and popular culture.

Ticket Information:

Standard Tickets: £65 (includes handling charge)

Donor Tickets: £60 (includes handling charge)

We’re pleased to offer the donor ticket to those who are regular donors to our Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal, members of the Devonshire Society, and major donors. If you’d like to become a regular donor and enjoy these benefits, please sign up via our website..

To pay for the event, please click 'I'd like to attend' below and follow the prompts.

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