Old Cobhamite Reunion
7 October 2018
On Sunday 7 October, we were delighted to welcome 100 Old Cobhamites to Stowe for a farewell tour of the old Boarding House, in anticipation of the opening of the new Cobham, which will take place on 28 October 2018.
The day began with tea and coffee in the Marble Saloon, which was very welcome, as some of our guests had travelled long distances to attend the day.
Colin Dudgeon (Development Director) welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending. James Peppiatt (Cobham Housemaster) followed by reading amusing excerpts from the previous and current Cobham house books, before inviting our guests to stroll down to Cobham for a free flowing tour. This was a highlight for many of our guests, as some had not been back to their house for a number of years and were especially pleased to be able to search for themselves in the House photographs. Feeling very nostalgic, and remembering their time fondly, our guests made their way back to the Marble Hall for pre-lunch drinks but not before asking where the pond had gone!
Our catering team, as always, produced a most delicious lunch for our guests to enjoy.
After lunch, the Headmaster, Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, entertained our guests with a speech about the history of Cobham and the reasons behind the decision to embark on building a new Boarding House, as well as the exciting development plans to turn the current Cobham into the two new day houses of ‘Cheshire’ and ‘Winton’. John Arkwright (Cobham 69), whose wonderful idea it was to hold the day, thanked the Headmaster and the Old Stoic Society for hosting the event.
As the speeches ended, a short presentation film of the new Cobham was played for our guests to enjoy before taking the short walk down to the new site, for the group to see the progress of the house. Regrettably, original plans to allow our guests a walk through had to be postponed due to the beautiful hot summer, causing a delay in completion of the new building.
As the day came to a close, our guests were able to enjoy a walk through the gardens before making their way back to the Marble Hall for afternoon tea.
A special mention must go to Mr Anthony Smith (Cobham 60) and Mrs Lore Smith, both of whom had travelled from the USA, and Mr Michael Legg (Cobham 57) from Switzerland, so that they could enjoy the day with us.
Click here to see the photographs.