A Memorable Evening at the Grand Hotel: Annual Dinner Highlights

The second Friday of the Michaelmas term marked another triumphant annual dinner, a cherished highlight in the ES calendar, hosted at the elegant Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. Over 110 attendees gathered for an evening of celebration, starting with a welcoming glass of fizz and a rousing performance by the College’s Jazz Band.

After a welcome from Development Director Emma Garrett (Nugent 1984–86), the Grand Hotel excelled, serving a superb three-course meal in its majestic dining room. Recently appointed chair of the Eastbournian Society Ian Henley (Gonville 70–75), had some inspiring words to introduce the beginning of his tenure, and introduce the guest speakers for later in the evening.

The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated ‘Head-to-Head’ when the current College Headmaster Tom Lawson along with Chris Saunders, College headmaster from 1981 to 1993 captivated their audience with their anecdotes, rich with humour and nostalgia. The laughter said it all.

The evening ended with a raffle featuring an array of fantastic prizes which added nearly £3,000 to the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal.  Our grateful thanks go to the generous prize donors: Grand Flowers, Nigel Strofton, Wingrove House, and Worplesdon Golf Course . And a big thank you to Alex Vanotti (Watt 1994–96) who was chief photographer.