Senior Old Stoic (SOS) Lunch

2 May 2023

On Wednesday 26 April, Stowe welcomed 200 Senior Old Stoics (aged 70 and older), for a Centenary SOS lunch and reunion in honour of this special year.  For the first time ever, the lunch was held in the Chapel, which was transformed to a magnificent and fitting lunch venue. 

Our guests were joined by the Head and other members of staff for a drink reception and a three- course lunch.  Luke Chauveau (Cobham 87), Chair Old Stoic Society, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Society, before handing over to John Fingleton (Chatham 66).  John was pleased to say that four children of the first cohort of 99 boys were present at the lunch, and he also remembered those Old Stoics who have passed away recently. 

After lunch, Dr Anthony Wallersteiner addressed the audience, reminding them of what makes Stowe and Stoics unique.  He remarked on the outstanding contribution Old Stoics have made to the world and thanked them for their continued support of the School.  Guests were then treated to a musical recital by Stowe musicians and singers, followed by a rousing piece by Jonathan Kingston on the Chapel organ and a rendition of Jerusalem sung by all.  The event finished with a group photograph.   

This was an Old Stoic Society event run by Bev Kelly and Stephanie Reeder but was made possible thanks to a range of people.  Many thanks go to House Staff, Housekeeping, Security, Maintenance, Stowe Catering, Estates, the Chaplain, the Music School, the General Office Team and the Development Team.  It was a great team effort. 

As one of our guests said afterwards, “It was a great credit to Stowe to mount such an event just for the benefit of its more elderly alumni.  I feel sure that my father - who was one of the First 99 - would have been hugely impressed with how the School has prospered since his day and would have been honoured to be recognised for the part that his family had 
played in the School's development.”