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Record number attend Biennial Dinner commemorating FWW

03 November 2014

In October 2014, a record number of over 190 Old Edwardians attended the 41st Biennial Dinner.

The black-tie event began with a concert from the school Swing Band in the Ruddock Hall followed by a drinks reception and a sumptuous four-course dinner served in Big School.

To commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War there were two guest speakers during the dinner. Colonel Oliver Lee OBE (1991) gave an emotive speech about the human cost of the First World War and drew parallels to the courage shown by the 2,000 men he commanded in Afghanistan, 100 years later. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Keen (1977) spoke with gravitas about the First World War, the role of Old Edwardians and the 254 who died during the conflict. The evening culminated with a speech from the Chief Master, John Claughton (1975) and a rousing rendition of the school song.

The two guest speeches can be downloaded via the links below and photos from the evening can be viewed here.

Colonel Oliver Lee OBE (1991) - Biennial Dinner 2014 speech

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Keen (1977) - Biennial Dinner 2014 speech