The Manchester Dinner took place on Friday 7th February at the charming Statham Lodge Hotel in Lymm. Old Wrekinians and their guests assembled in the bar for a drink before making their way to the dining room where our orders were taken. The luxury of choosing from a menu on the evening of a dinner is one rarely encountered these days, and there is always plenty of choice. The food at the Statham Lodge is very high quality and this is just one of the many great things about the Manchester Dinner.

There was then time to get to know those on each table a little more before looking over the minutes from last year’s meeting. The AGM of the Manchester Branch is notoriously short, and with no challenges to the committee positions, this year was no different. Dinner was served and enjoyed by all before the Branch President, John Kay addressed the attendees. John had received apologies from a number of OWs not able to attend the evening, and one most interestingly from an OW living in Australia, a contemporary of a number of the OWs in the room, John was able to provide an update on some of his adventures since leaving Wrekin having sent his best wishes for the evening. It was much appreciated by them and testament to the fact no matter how far you travel, the School and the people that make it what it is, remain with you.

The Headmaster, Tim Firth, then provided a state of the union address on the “three Rs”: Roll, Resources and Results.  Wrekin’s most recent achievements in sport, music and academically were highlighted, whilst those in the room were, as all OWs are, encouraged to come to School and see for themselves all that Wrekin is capable of achieving.

It was an excellent evening and we hope very much that more Old Wrekinians will be able to join us next year.

Manchester Dinner 2020 List of Attendees