The 175th OEA dinner took place in London on 12 October, marking a special occasion—the 200th anniversary of Elizabeth College's re-chartering. To commemorate this milestone, the event was expanded into a larger celebration, allowing Old Elizabethans to invite their partners to join them. The venue for the evening was the stunning Lansdowne Club in Mayfair, with the dinner held in its magnificent ballroom. The grandeur of the room did not go unnoticed, with many guests commenting on its opulent decor and historic charm.

A total of 136 diners attended, ranging in age from 19 to 84. Among the youngest was last year’s Senior Prefect, Sam Davidson (11630), who opened the evening with the list of remembrance. This was followed by Simon Ross (7148) offering grace, and John Stranger (4669) proposing the Loyal Toast. After a delicious first two courses, Principal Jenny Palmer (8989) took the floor to deliver an engaging update on the College’s recent achievements, including some exciting sporting highlights that drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience. She also spoke about the pivotal moment of the College’s re-chartering, noting how it turned the future of the College around and led to the construction of the iconic main building, now a defining feature of the St Peter Port skyline. It was noted that the dinner also marked a special milestone as it was the first time a father and daughter, both OEs, attended the dinner together.

The evening’s Guest of Honour, Stephen Jones (6950), was introduced by President Andy Niles (7423). He captivated the audience with stories of his Antarctic expeditions, seamlessly blending humour with fond memories of his time at the College. Committee member Zoe Gosling (8993) brought the evening to a close with the traditional Floreat. Her reflections on being one of only four girls at the College during her sixth form years added a heartfelt and personal touch to the occasion.

It was a truly memorable evening, full of lively conversation, laughter, and shared memories, as OEs and their partners reconnected with old friends and made new connections.

Special thanks go to the OEA Committee and the College’s Development and Marketing team for organising such a fantastic event and Stephen Jones for being a splendid Guest of Honour. Thanks also go to Rugfoot Photography for the photographs which you can browse in the gallery below or on the photos page of Network OE.