The College continues to thrive and evolve, keep up and excel in all aspects of providing the best care and attention to its students.  Next year marks the 200th anniversary of the College’s rechartering in 1824.  As many of you will be aware, the College was founded 460 years ago in 1563 by the royal command of Queen Elizabeth I to provide education in Guernsey.  For two and a half centuries, the school tottered on the brink of extinction.  In 1824, the island’s Lt-Governor, Sir John Colborne, set up an enquiry into the state of the College, the result of which was the re-chartering which led to a renaissance of the school.  A new building was commissioned and remains one of the largest civil construction projects in the island.  If you wish to learn more about the College’s fascinating history, the re-chartering and College’s exile to escape the German occupation in Guernsey during WWII, I would encourage you to read ‘A History of Elizabeth College’ by OE Bruce Parker (4747).  As a celebration of such a momentous event, the OEA are in the throes of organising what will be a night to remember in London in October 2024.  For those of you who were there, this will be modeled on the Drapers Hall event organised by the OEA in 2016.  This will take the place of the regular OEA London Dinner and spouses/partners will be invited so keep an eye out for further details.   

September 9th saw the official opening of the ATP at the Memorial Field.  Many activities were arranged for all to participate; my children certainly made the most of them!  The Junior School Choir were showcased and an OE vs College hockey match took place on the new pitch.  Huge thanks to all who helped on the day and organised the event. 

The OEA grants have been in full flow this year assisting with the purchase of a new vehicle for the College rifle club, student trips to Kenya, South Korea for the Scouts World Jamboree as well as some sporting grants, and not least contributing to the fabulous ATP mentioned above.  These all go on to enhance the students' experience and enjoyment in their chosen field.  We hope that there will be many more grants being awarded in the future. 

My thanks go to the President, OEA Committee, and Kate Earl, Sara Wright and Jennie Doucy in the Development & Marketing Office for all their support with the OEA. 

I hope to see you all soon at one of our many OEA events during the course of the next year and do feel free to get in touch at oea@elizabethcollege.gg with any suggestions or comments you may have for the Committee. 

KC Tang (8786)

Honorary Secretary