Gatherings
Old Citizens regularly get together, either as year groups, geographical groups or because they share similar occupations. If you'd like our help to organise any UK-based events, please email info@jcc.org.uk.
Melbourne Old Cits
The OCs group in Melbourne, Australia met up on Saturday 26 June 2010 for lunch at 'Waves on the Beach' in Frankston, south east of Melbourne, Australia. Organised by Tony Hyde, the event brought together (front left, clockwise): Jeremy Joseph (CLS 1954-1964), Philip Jones (1955-1961), Sandy Miller, Muriel Miller (CLSG 1938 to 1943), Joe Spencer (1974-1984), Mike Beadle (1976-1984), Mandy, Alice and Daniel Spencer, John Treverton (1944-1948), Stella and Tony Hyde (1942-1948), Mary Jones and Dom Joseph.
Movida nightclub social
On 24 June, 60 Old Cits who left CLS in 2007 and later, enjoyed a social gathering at one of London's most prestigious nightclub, Movida. Organised by 2008 leaver Sam Kohli, the night soon picked up pace after everyone had become reaquainted and as Sam said: "the City Boys enjoyed the party like only City Boys know how.' Photos to follow.
2000-2003 Leavers
The School hosted a reunion for 2000-2003 leavers on Monday 14 June, which was attended by about 50 Old Cits. The sun was shining on the concourse as alumni and teachers enjoyed each others' company, talking about their school days.
CLS Bursary Trust Dinner
This year's CLS Bursary Trust Dinner, held at Tate Modern on 10 June, attracted over 200 guests including Old Cits, parents, teachers and their friends and family. A fantastic £250,000 was raised, which will be match-funded by the City of London Corporation, to give a total of £500,000 towards the Bursary Trust.
(Photo by Graham's Images, www.grahamsimages.com)
Inaugural Entrepreneurs' Club Dinner
About 30 Old Cits attended the inaugural event of the Entrepreneurs' Club at 1 Lombard Street, London on Tuesday 25 May 2010. Spanning all generations, the attendees heard Tim Levene (CLS 1983-1991) talk about his career so far, including his spell as boss of the commercial and international divisions at Betfair, the online bookmaker. This was followed by a sit-down meal in a private dining room at the old banking hall, which is now a Michelin star restaurant. The aim of this fledgling club within the CLS alumni association, started by Old Cit Simon Cummin, is to provide a socialising and networking opportunity for existing and developing entrepreneurial Old Cits to meet and discuss their ventures. Three larger events a year are planned.
1972/3/4 Leavers
Old Cits Nigel Primmer and Koolesh Shah organised a get-together of alumni who left CLS in 1972/3/4 on Thursday 22 April 2010. It was a relatively small gathering of about 20 Old Cits in a private area of the luxury Hotel Indigo in Paddington. Thanks go to Nigel for bringing everyone together and Koolesh for providing the lovely venue and refreshments.
Creative Industries Professionals Gathering
A melting pot of creative talent met at the School on Thursday 25th February 2010 to share their experiences in a range of sectors including journalism, advertising, film and music. About 15 undergraduate Old Cits attended the event, along with 20 or more professionals, including Michael Apted, President of the Directors Guild of America and Director of numerous films and TV series.
The undergraduates, currently studying a wide variety of courses at university, gained an insight into how they might gain a foothold in the creative sector, while the professional Old Cits were pleased to offer their advice and network with others in related industries.
Finance Professionals Gathering
More than 50 Old Citizens either established in the finance sector or looking for opportunities in the industry, attended a gathering at the School on Thursday 4th February 2010. Introductions between undergraduates and professionals were made by Gary Griffin (Second Master), Nigel Baglin (Head of Careers) and our President, Richard Jones, following a pre-gathering talk by Nigel, and the feedback was very positive.
One undergraduate commented: "The event organised tonight was brilliant. I reckon the list of City alumni is much more glittering than my college's, and you do a much better job of putting on events to allow old boys to meet each other (I think I had three offers of internships tonight alone)."
All attendees were circulated short career summaries or aspirations of those participating prior to the event to try and create as productive a networking evening as possible. This format will be tested again at the next professional gathering, this time for those in the creative industries, later this month.
Oxford University Reunion
On Tuesday 2 February 2010, CLS Alumni currently at Oxford University gathered at Jesus College for an informal reunion hosted by Shahpur Patell, Home Bursar of Jesus, and an Old Citizen (1970), and organised by OC Hursh Mehta (2008).
Plenty of wine and canapés, all courtesy of Shahpur Patell, were consumed as one and all mingled and reminisced about their days at school. Remarks such as "Edmundson and Murphy had their second baby" were met with delight, while mentions of "Dr Pearce just retired" were met with gasps of horror. For some, this was an opportunity to see old acquaintances from the years above and below after a long time. For others, it was a chance to finally meet up with friends, who at best would get a quick hello if they happened to cross each other on the morning rush to lectures.
Given that about 10% of City leavers get in to Oxford every year, a revival of alumni events at the university was greatly welcomed. A good time was had by all, and demands for more reunions in the future certainly won't be ignored!
1987/8/9 Leavers
A reunion of Old Citizens who left the School in 1987-89 was held on 25 January 2010. These OCs started school in the old building, moving over to the current site in 1986/7.
1991/2/3 Leavers
On 30 November 2009, Old Cits who left CLS in 1991/2/3 came back to School for a reunion, along with a number of current and former teachers.
Old Cits in Australia
Tony Hyde (1942-1948), who organises alumni get-togethers in Victoria, Australia, has sent us this picture of another excellent lunch enjoyed by Old Citizens and their partners in Frankston, Melbourne overlooking the beach on Port Phillip on 14 November 2009.
Those around the table were, starting at the front left and going clockwise: Dawn Beadle, Dom Joseph, Jeremy Joseph, Mary Jones, Philip Jones, Sandy Miller, Muriel Miller, John Treverton, Stella Hyde, Tony Hyde and Mike Beadle.
Tony has been in contact with two other Old Citizens in the area, Jo Spencer (74-84) and Jason Frankl (85-92) but they were unable to attend. Their next lunch is on Saturday 20 February 2010. Anyone who would like to join them please let Tony know at cahyde@surf.net.au.
1976-77-78 Leavers
A number of old friends met on the evening of Wednesday 1 July 2009 at the familiar haunt of the Black Friar, to celebrate the imminence or passing of their 50th birthdays.
Back row from left to right - Edward Mace, Mark Fox, Tom Salusbury, Peter Silverstone, Tony Bogod, Jeremy Turk. Front row - Zia Ahsan
1999 Leavers
On the evening of Thursday 4 June 2009 there was an informal gathering in the Concourse at the School for all OCs who left in 1999. It was organised by Robert Sykes, one of their number, who is currently teaching Modern Languages at CLS.
Armed Forces
On the evening of Thursday 11 June 2009 there was an informal gathering at the School for all OCs with a military connection. Please contact Alan Willis if you'd like to attend future events.
Construction Industry
On Tuesday 12 May 2009 there was an informal gathering at the School for all OCs working in the construction industry (engineers, surveyors, architects...) providing the opportunity to network and reminisce with peers and staff, as well as tuck into a buffet supper. For details of the next function please contact Nigel Baglin (Careers Master at the School).
Financial Sector
The inaugural Financial Sector gathering was held at the School on 12 November 2008. There's a full report, together with a gallery of photos, on the School web site. For details of the next function please contact Nigel Baglin (Careers Master at the School).
Lawyers
The fifth Lawyers Dinner, was held at the Guildhall Club on 18 November 2008. For details of the next function please contact Isaac Livne.
Medics, Dentists and Vets
Medics, Dentists and Vets met at the School on 16 April 2008. There's a full report, together with a gallery of photos, on the School web site. For details of the next function please contact Nigel Baglin (Careers Master at the School).