The Old Diocesan Issue 13 - Magazine - Page 101
ODU NEWS
UPDATE FROM THE MITRE
From coffee at The Mitre to reunions, rugby and another
memorable annual dinner, ODU Director Andy Wood looks
back on six months defined by a simple thread: connection
T
he past six months have
been busy and rewarding
for the OD Union. What
I enjoy most about the role is
seeing the many different ways
in which ODs connect with one
another and with Bishops, whether
it is over a cup of coffee at The
Mitre, at a reunion after 20, 30
or 50 years, on the rugby field,
or simply through an unexpected
meeting with an old friend.
This year we tried something
new with our annual dinner
at Kelvin Grove, moving it
to June. (See page 100.) The
cooler winter weather meant an
indoor celebration, and I thought
this added enormously to the
atmosphere. There was a real sense
of warmth and camaraderie in
the room. Particularly encouraging
was the number of younger ODs
who attended – their energy and
enthusiasm brought something
fresh to the evening.
Our guest speaker, the new
Chairman of Council Niall Carroll
(1981O), gave a well-received
address on the values, vision,
heart and soul of Bishops, and
the opportunities and challenges
facing the school as it charts its
course into the future. It was an
inspiring evening, and a fitting
reminder of the responsibility
we all share for the future of the
school and the OD community.
June also saw the 2006 and 2016
year groups return to Bishops for
their reunions over the weekend
of the BishBosch match. There’s
something particularly special
ODU Director Andy Wood has been at the forefront of an increase in activity
at The Mitre in the past year. Here he is, right, with Nicky Bicket (1973F, sitting),
and Thomas van Poucke (1999O), branch secretary for Mauritius.
about watching old friends
reconnect after many years.
For many reunion groups, a visit
to the Chapel and the opportunity
to sing Psalm 150 together remain
highlights of the weekend, evoking
memories and reminding us of the
shared faith and experiences that
bind generations of ODs together.
In August, we hosted our second
Interschools Alumni 7s rugby
festival at Lutgensvale. Six
teams took to the field – three
OD sides, alongside teams from
Michaelhouse, St Andrew’s
and Rondebosch Boys. It was
competitive, physical and great
fun, with Michaelhouse eventually
winning a thrilling final against
St Andrew’s. The tournament is
gaining momentum, and I am
looking forward to seeing it
become a regular fixture in
the alumni sporting calendar.
(See page 102.)
The Mitre has developed into a
vibrant centre for the wider Bishops
community. Every morning, ODs
and parents drop in for coffee,
a chat and, often, a visit to the
school to see it in action. I love
to watch ODs wander through
the House galleries, looking at
old photographs and trying to
find themselves, friends and
familiar teachers.
We have hosted guest speakers,
reunions from schools including
Pridwin Prep and Falcon College,
business launches, and private
events. Increasingly, ODs are
also using The Mitre for family
occasions, such as birthdays,
weddings and memorial services.
THE OLD DIOCESAN | 97
