Saturday 17 June 2023
OH Ball
Despite the shortage of anticipated summer weather of 2023, we were thrilled on the 17th of June to be able to make the most of a break in the weather and even managed some sunshine to anoint the first OH Ball in over 20 years.Starting with fizz and canapés on the lawn of Old Deanery; Dr Gray (current HCS headmaster) gave a wonderful Welcome Speech. Reminding OH’s that the school really does belong to OH’s and encouraging all past pupils and friends of the school to come back and visit whenever they can. After a quick corralling of the troops, we made our way across the Cathedral Close to the Green Dragon hotel for the main event. Delicious Herefordian Roast Beef with all the trimmings followed by Lemon posset proved an enormous hit and washed down with plenty of wine for those partaking! The disco finished to a roar of “play another tune” and within a flash the party was over! We were delighted to be able to welcome so many OH’s back for the ball and guests were able to mingle and catch up with old friends as well as make new ones. There were a range of age groups from 2021 Leavers up to 1980 and plenty in the middle as well. Opening the event to partners added an extra friendly feel to the evening, although plenty of the guests chose to come “Stag”, the overriding sense in the Green Dragon ball room was one of joy. Throughout the dinner all that could be heard was chatter and laughter, the finest reflection of an evening being enjoyed. There really is nothing like crossing that hallowed ground of the Cathedral Close, dressed up to the nines on a Summers evening, to bring out the best in everyone! I’d like to thank the OH committee for their support in making this event happen, as well as the grant from OH funds to enable us to keep ticket prices as low as possible and a special thank you to Helen Pearson and Claire Morgan Jones for their help in the Development Office. Talented photographer Isla Hampton perfectly captured the merriment of the evening and we’re very grateful to Brightwell’s for their kind sponsorship of the reception drinks and canapés. We are very keen to hold future similar black-tie events and would ask OH’s to put a place holder in the diary now for next year’s OH Summer Ball: Saturday 15th June 2024. Details to follow. Verity Coleman