Senior Old Andreans gathered at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, on Wednesday 3 June 2026 for a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable OA Seniors Luncheon. The Stewart Room provided the perfect setting for a collegial and intimate afternoon of connection, reflection and renewed engagement with College.
Headmaster Tom Hamilton welcomed guests and set the tone for the occasion, speaking to the enduring sense of belonging that defines the Andrean community and the shared responsibility of shaping its future. A highlight of the afternoon was the exclusive first screening of the new 175th Anniversary video, unveiled to this audience for the very first time since its completion.
Guests were then taken through the vision and strategic direction of the 175th Campaign, with Tom Hamilton and Antony Clark outlining the keystone priorities that will guide St Andrew’s College toward its bicentenary in 2055 – rooted in heritage, while boldly shaping the future.
The luncheon also included several special moments of recognition:
• Brian Wakeham (Merriman 1966) was presented with College cufflinks by Ant Clark in honour of his lifelong service to the OA community and his many years as Treasurer of the Grahamstown United Schools Trust (GUST).
• Five members of the All Time Benefactors Club – David Lardner-Burke, Andrew La Trobe, Steve Sparrow (Harry Birrell Scholarship Trust), Graham Louden-Carter and Doug Mullins – were recognised with gifts of Field Bars, a proudly South African product founded by Lee Hartman (Graham 1988).
Following an excellent lunch, the programme continued with reflections, fellowship and a reaffirmation of the shared values that bind Old Andreans across generations and continents. A further highlight was the traditional toast to St Andrew’s College, delivered by outgoing UK Branch Chairman Peter Goldsworthy (Graham 2000), who spoke movingly about the friendships, memories and enduring spirit of College.
The occasion also marked a transition in leadership within the UK Branch, as Peter formally handed over to incoming Co-Chairs Max Ryan (Mullins 2017) and Chris Brown (Armstrong 2013); and David Springer (Merriman 2005) was announced as incoming Treasurer of GUST, taking over from Brian Wakeham.
Our sincere thanks go to all who attended, and in particular to those who continue to support and strengthen the global Andrean network. Events such as these affirm that, no matter where life takes us, the connection to College remains strong and deeply valued.
We look forward now, with the hope of the continued support and engagement of our Old Andreans as we journey together towards our future 175th fundraising celebrations and beyond.
Here’s to fellowship, legacy, and the future of St Andrew’s College.
NEC ASPERA TERRENT
175 Campaign:
https://175.sacschool.com/175-brochures/
