What a memorable weekend it has been! Old Malvernians and Ellerslie Old Girls returned to Malvern College for this year’s Commemoration weekend – a celebration of the founders and benefactors of the school and the Malvernian community – held from Friday 21st to Saturday 22nd March. With over 350 people attending events throughout the two days, the weekend was filled with nostalgia, celebration, and connection.
Celebrations began on Friday evening with a special 10-year reunion for the Class of 2015. More than 70 Old Malvernians from across the world reunited, sharing stories of the past decade and reminiscing about their school days. Teachers Sarah Angus, Justin Major (8.86-91), Mark Hardinges (1.91-96), Chey Hooper-West, Jen Major, and Emma Brown, alongside members of the Malvernian Society, joined the festivities in The Longy, where drinks and delicious homemade stone-baked pizzas added to the relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. We were delighted to see the friendships that remain so strong after ten years.
Running alongside the 10-year reunion was a welcome dinner for our soon-to-be OMs, offering Upper Sixth pupils an introduction to the Malvernian Society’s work. Pupils learned about the various clubs, societies, and events available to them after leaving the College. We now look forward to officially welcoming them into the Malvernian Society upon their departure at the end of the summer term.
Saturday started with the Annual General Meetings of Malvern College and the Malvernian Society. The meeting provided a chance to reflect on the College’s recent achievements and discuss exciting future developments.
A highlight of the day was the Commemoration Chapel service, during which the Headmaster led the formal Act of Commemoration. The entire College community came together for this moving tradition, and alumni will be pleased to know that a stirring rendition of Jerusalem was sung with great enthusiasm.
Guests then joined Malvern College staff for a celebratory lunch, where Headmaster Keith Metcalfe and Malvernian Society Chair Tim Straker (3.68-72) welcomed guests. College Prefect, Catherine also spoke passionately about her experiences at Malvern and her personal journey of growth.
The afternoon brought an exciting line-up of sports matches between OMs and current pupils, with football, hockey, netball, rifle shooting, and rackets providing thrilling competition. Alumni enjoyed the opportunity to play once more at their alma mater, while pupils benefited from the challenge of competing against seasoned players.
Commemoration culminated with the OM Club Dinner in St Edmund’s Hall – a true celebration of the Malvernian community. Our guest speaker, Sam Glover (5.90-92) gave an entertaining and inspiring talk about his remarkable solo row across the Atlantic Ocean last year, emerging as the fastest solo competitor in The World’s Toughest Row. Sam completed the 3000-mile race in an extraordinary time of just 42 days, three hours, and 15 minutes. Sam’s resilience, adaptability and problem-solving skills came to the fore – a true embodiment of the Malvern Qualities. Thank you to Sam for also sharing his experiences with our pupils on Friday evening.
We were also delighted this year to see alumni reunions taking place throughout the world – California, Barbados and India to name but a few! Commemoration was a wonderful weekend of everything ‘Malvern’ and it was a pleasure to welcome so many of our community back to the College.
