Former pupils had two opportunities for school reunions in December. Firstly the Ipswich Dinner was held in Great School on Saturday 16 December. Jazz IS, a pupil ensemble led by Mr Wren, performed a fabulous array of music whilst guests enjoyed a drinks reception before their four course meal.

A former Ipswich School cricket coach and head groundsman, Mr East, was voted in as the new Old Ipswichian President for 2024, and there were speeches by the outgoing OI President, Sir Neil Garnham, and Mr Weaver, who received a standing ovation for his dedication to the school for the last 14 years.

This year’s guest speaker was OI Hannah French, who talked through her journey from Prep School to Buckingham Palace, via the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. Hannah talked about the inspiration she had received from others and how that had made her determined to overcome injury to play for Team GB.

After the speeches there was plenty of time for the OIs and their guests to mingle and catch up with each other, with some taking the opportunity to have a caricature of them drawn. The second event was just before Christmas, when fifty OIs met at Arlingtons in Ipswich for the First Five Years Out Reunion. It was a great evening as many had just arrived home from university or from working away, and there was of catching up over drinks and nibbles with their friends, teachers and the Headmaster.

Paul B, Emily H and Alice C, Year 13