ollowing a full day of celebrations including the opening of the Lyonian Pavilion, it was nice to be in out of the rain and seated with friends old and new.

There were year groups from across the decades and groups who had played football and cricket together at Pinner View for many years. In this year of celebrations to mark 140 Years by far the largest year group represented was 1976 who had left in the millennium year of the School. They had been reunited, many for the first time since leaving, during the afternoon and still had plenty to catch up.

Reverend Hugh Wikner, Chaplain to the OLA said grace and Joe Kerridge, President of the OLA opened the evening.

The bar continued to be in demand and dinner was served. As is traditional at this event, time is taken to respectively remember those who have passed away and this year there some very memorable names to include.

Joe Kerridge gave the Loyal Toast and thanked the School for welcoming the OLs on this special day, and for the work and support resulting in the Lyonian Pavilion, the new home of the Old Lyonian Football Club.

Katherine Haynes, Head of The John Lyon School responded providing an outline of activities at the School over the past year and future plans.

In a break with tradition a comedian was booked for the evening provided a very light hearted end to the dinner.

With a rousing rendition of “40 Years On” the evening came to a close, allowing those to return to the White Horse or head over to enjoy the bar at the Lyonian Pavilion.