Friends of St Mary's
Friends of St Mary’s Hold First Reunion Dinner
The new organisation set up by St Mary's College in Crosby for its former pupils, parents and staff held its inaugural reunion dinner recently.
Around 150 people attended the Friends of St Mary's event at the Marriott Hotel in Liverpool city centre including one ex-pupil - Anthony Brophy – who had flown in from Hong Kong to be present.
The attendees ranged from pupils who had been at the college as long ago as the early 1950s to young people who left the school just a few summers ago.
On arrival at the Marriott guests were entertained by the St Mary’s string quartet playing a varied programme of music from classical pieces through to Andrew Lloyd Webber favourites.
Following the four-course dinner and speeches there was more music from popular Merseyside combo Dr Duke and dancing until the early hours.
The VIP guest at the inaugural dinner was distinguished diplomat Sir Ivor Roberts who was educated at St Mary’s in the early 1960s.
Sir Ivor, who served as British Ambassador to Yugoslavia, the Republic of Ireland and finally Italy, is the current President of Trinity College Oxford.
Sir Ivor said: ‘My life really has gone full circle - from St Mary’s I went on to Oxford and then into the diplomatic service and now, 40 years later, I’m back at Oxford and speaking at a St Mary’s dinner. Even though it’s a long time ago now I have fond memories of my time at the school, especially the Head Teacher who showed so much faith in me by encouraging me to apply for a scholarship at Oxford.’
Commenting on the event Michael Mansour, Chair of the Friends of St Mary’s said: ‘We were all delighted at the success of our first dinner. There was a really good atmosphere with guests enjoying the opportunity to catch up with old friends and teachers. It was particularly gratifying that some people had travelled so far to attend. This demonstrates again that there is a national and international family of people with a connection with St Mary’s, which is why we established the Friends organisation as a focus for their links with the school.’
Mr Mansour also revealed that in 2008 - the first full year for the new organisation - the Friends will be developing its programme of events and other activities.
It is hoped that VIP guests at future events will include other former pupils such as broadcasters Laurie Taylor and Will Hanrahan, comedian Tom O’Connor, poet Roger McGough, media mogul Lord John Birt and the Archbishop of Birmingham, Vincent Nichols
For further information on Friends of St Mary's, please visit their website by clicking on the link below.
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