Starting with a concert showcasing the talents of Bristol Grammar School’s musicians on Friday evening, and ending with the Old Bristolians’ hundredth annual dinner on Saturday night, this year’s Charter Day weekend was jam-packed with wonderful events.

On Friday (16 March) staff, parents, and students past and present gathered for the Senior School Concert. This year, thanks to the generous support of the Old Bristolians’ Society, the concert took place in the inspiring surroundings of Clifton Cathedral, moving to a Friday night so as to provide a fitting curtain-raiser for the OBs’ hundredth annual dinner the next day.  The wide variety of performances, from both ensembles and individuals, were all of a high standard and made for a very enjoyable evening for all those lucky enough to attend.
 

Saturday saw the school community gather again, this time at Bristol Cathedral, for the annual Charter Day service, commemorating the award of the School’s charter in 1532.  With the Lord Mayor in attendance, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol, led the service, which was followed afterwards by coffee in the Chapter House.

In the afternoon, Wales v France, and England v Ireland paled into insignificance compared to the Rugby fixture of the day. Playing on the First XV pitch at Failand, BGS “Legends” took on a team of veterans from the Old Bristolians’ Rugby club. The match was played at a really good level and in the best of spirits, with Rugby being declared the winner (although for those interested in keeping score, it ended BGS Legends 7, OBs’ RFC Vets 14).

The day was brought to a close with the OBs’ hundredth annual dinner in the Great Hall. With 380 guests, the hall was full to capacity with OBs enjoying good food and excellent company. A full report of the dinner can be read here.

We do hope that former pupils returning to the School and to Failand enjoyed the chance to revisit BGS and renew some old acquaintances.