Eastbournians Gather in Oxford

It was fitting somehow to mark the end of another academic year spending a summer evening with fellow Eastbournians in Oxford at the beautiful St Margaret's Hotel, kindly hosted by OE Tim Kourdi (Reeves 1974-79).

With bunting strung across the gardens, the distant beat of drums drifting across the city and conversations flowing freely under the parasols, it felt very much part of the great British summer season, nestled somewhere between Wimbledon, Test cricket and the World Cup.

A huge thank you to Andy Gillett (Wargrave 1970-73) for bringing everyone together. Gatherings like these give us all the chance to renew old friendships, make new ones and share stories from our time at Eastbourne College, Ascham and St Andrew's. It was particularly pleasing to see such a mix of generations represented, from recent leavers to alumni whose schooldays are several decades behind them. Thanks to Jon Seymour (Wargrave 1976-81) and his wife Caroline for driving up from Bath where they hosted a similar event in March.

It was also gratifying to catch up with John Ryley (Blackwater, 1975–80) most recently seen batting for the OEs on College Field on Speech Day, to hand deliver the artwork he successfully bid for in our recent Masterpieces Art Auction. ‘Eastbourne’ was a stunning piece I had my eye on, generously donated by Fi Nolan, mother of OE Edward Nolan (Wargrave, 2020–25) you can see more of her work here.

Abi Perry (School 2018-23) who studied at Oxford Brookes University made the journey to Oxford from Eastbourne and told us of her recent fundraising endeavours for homeless veterans - you can read more about The Big Sleep here. 

Many thanks to those from this particular part of the world who were unable to join us, for sending in your apologies. Events like these remind us of the strength of the Eastbournian community. Whether reminiscing about shared experiences or discovering new connections, bringing alumni together helps keep those lifelong bonds alive, and it is always good to provide an update on Eastbourne's latest achievements.

If any OAs or OEs around the UK or overseas would like to organise a local gathering whether that's in a pub, café, garden or other venue, we would be delighted to help with invitations and administration. Sometimes all it takes is one person to bring a community together - thank you again to Andy for being that person in Oxford, and for making events like this such a success.

OLD EASTBOURNIAN OXFORD GARDEN PARTY

Thursday 2nd July 2026

Bill Baxter  -  Gonville  1974-79

Alex Chartres  -  School  1992-97

Neville Creed  -  Powell  1969-74

Nigel Eagers  -  Blackwater  1969-74

Emma Garrett (Le Brocq)  -  Nugent  1984-86

Andy Gillett + Sarah  -  Wargrave  1970-73

Tim Kourdi  -  Reeves  1974-79

Alfie Leek  -  Gonville  2013-18

Grant Leonard  -  School  1986-91

Sophia Pain  -  Nugent  1981-83

Abi Perry  -  School  2018-23

Joseph Pickford + Rebecca  -  Blackwater  1976-81

John Ryley  -  Blackwater  1975-80

Jon Seymour + Caroline  -  Wargrave  1976-81

Jonathan Trigg + Jacqui  -  Wargrave  1968-73

Jonathan Winchester  -  Craig  1980-85