The Old Library at Pembroke College Cambridge was the very appropriate venue for a memorable but poignant gathering on 29th October, the 40th Annual Dinner of the Cambridge & Oxford Old Grammarians’ Society. Because of members’ advancing years and diminishing attendance, the organisers (Chris Joyce and Ray Wells, Howard Kirby having had to step down) had decided that this would be the final COEGS Dinner to be arranged at a Cambridge or Oxford College.

This year’s dinner marked the 60th anniversary of the first, the latter having also been held at Pembroke College, Rex Shaw’s alma mater. In line with established tradition, a large image of him presided over the proceedings in the form of a photograph taken by Robert Bethel (also a Pembroke Old Grammarian) at the subject’s request in the mid-1960s. Later enlarged, mounted and framed, it has suitably adorned the COEGS dinners for many years. Considered a photographic masterpiece, the subject looks down upon the photographer as he would later upon the assembled diners. Ray Wells, who has been the custodian for many years, has had the role of carefully transporting the picture – together with one of John Morris – annually to the COEGS dinners. Following this final appearance, the intention is that the pictures will be transferred to the Eastbourne Old Grammarians’ Association with Ray retaining the role of custodian.

The dinner drew thirty-five attendees including COEGS members and other Old Grammarians plus their partners and guests. During the evening Master of Ceremonies Chris Joyce read out messages from COEGS members and others unable to attend, including from Chris Bounds, Colin Brook and Steve Westgate who, together with Peter Clarke, had been at the inaugural dinner in 1962.

The Guest of Honour was Professor Peter Clarke Litt.D., FBA who proposed the toast jointly to the Society and to the memory of R. W. Shaw. His remarks reflected his own memories of his time at Eastbourne Grammar School and of the impact on himself and on the School of Rex Shaw, whose vision – successfully delivered – was to assemble, as C. J. Blackburn’s long-serving team retired, a staff of outstanding younger teachers capable of inspiring pupils across a range of subjects to gain places at Cambridge or Oxford.

Should the occasion indeed prove to have been the last COEGS Dinner at Cambridge or Oxford, the series concluded in and with appropriate style. The organisers do have it in mind to explore whether future COEGS events might be feasible in Eastbourne, perhaps to be arranged jointly with EOGA.