Familiar And Not-So-Familiar Faces Return For Old Breconian Day 2013

The traditional format of Old Breconian Day is a tried and tested formula which brings together Old Breconians from all generations around a day of celebration and fun. With something for everyone, this year’s Old Breconian Day was no exception.

As in previous years, the day commenced with a Service of Matins at 11.00 am in the College Chapel, conducted by the College Chaplain, the Reverend Stephen Baker. The sermon was delivered by the Very Reverend Huw G Thomas (Orchard, 53-58). Following rafter-raising singing and quiet reflection in Chapel, a drinks reception was held in the ‘Tunnel’ area and then followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch in the Dining Hall.

The invited group to this year’s reunion was all those who attended Christ College prior to 1969 but as usual, the day saw Old Breconians from all generations come along and join in the celebrations. It was particularly joyful to see former pupils return to the school for the first time since they left – in some cases over 40 years ago – and meet up with old friends and contemporaries. With the years slipping away like sand through an hour glass, much reminiscing and laughter could be heard.

On the sporting front, Old Breconians played the 1st XI Cricket team in a thrilling match which saw the Old Breconians win by 6 runs.

Up in the Library and R J Boulton Archive, Felicity Kilpatrick produced a fascinating exhibition around the 1541 project she was undertaking with pupils at Christ College. The project aims to tell the school’s history using 15 facts and 41 objects. Old Breconians were invited to vote for the three objects from the 8 on display that they felt should be included in the project. OBA Chair, Andrew Lewis, was amongst many OBs who cast their vote.

Later that day Felicity gave a presentation on the project and the work of the archive to a group of enthralled OBs.

With the Art and Photography exhibition open in the Conference Room and many impromptu visits to houses to seek out old studies and ‘dorms’, there was much to add to the happy mix of friendships renewed and memories shared.