Events in 2009
Annual Dinner 2009
The 2009 Annual Dinner of the Club was held in the David Bawtrey building at PGS on Saturday 12th December. This year was a very special occasion as the Dinner was dedicated to the memory of Roger Harris, a member of the PGS teaching staff for well over 30 years and Honorary Secretary of the Club for more than a quarter of a century, who died in November 2008. More than one hundred OPs and guests, including Roger's wife, Iris, and their son and four daughters, enjoyed the traditional excellent seasonal fare provided by the school caterers led by Reg Way.
As has been the case in recent years, rather than being seated at long sprigs, diners sat around small tables, which led to a more informal atmosphere. Judging from the level of conversation and the general atmosphere, there is little doubt that the occasion was greatly enjoyed by all present. This was confirmed by the letter received afterwards from Iris expressing her and her family's appreciation of how beautifully and sensitively the evening had been arranged and adding that it was a wonderful occasion at which they were delighted to once again meet so many friends from the past.
After the meal, the OP President, Max Lankester, briefly mentioned Roger's unrivalled contribution to both PGS and the Club and then went on to describe the ever increasing co-operation between the Club and the School, for example in establishing a common database, including an OP section on the school's website and in the field of joint publications. He ended by proposing a toast to the School to which the Headmaster, Mr James Priory, replied in his usual lively and entertaining way, summarising yet another outstanding year for PGS, not only in terms of academic results but in extra-curricular activities.
Mr Priory ended by proposing a toast to the Club to which Matt Ostler replied. Then, Matt briefly expressed his sincere appreciation of all that Roger had meant to him while at school, saying experiences in the CCF, in outward bound activities and on the sports field and the values that Roger had inculcated in him had stood him in excellent stead throughout his life.
A most enjoyable evening concluded in the traditional way with diners socialising informally until the bar ultimately closed. During the course of this memorable occasion, an additional £881 was raised towards the cost of building a climbing wall in the Sports Hall, which is to be dedicated to Roger's memory.
© Copyright The Old Portmuthian Club 2010. Last updated on 20 February 2010. 
