Class of 2020 Graduation Brunch

On Saturday 7 September, we welcomed back our Class of 2020 for their Graduation Brunch. Autumn rain didn't dampen the morning, and we had an excellent turnout.

Over 60 of our Class of 2020 arrived to catch up with old friends and chat about their journey over the past 4 years.

Two of the RGS Foundation Ambassadors, Emi W and Fazeeha M were on hand to register and welcome our guests and we were delighted that Mrs Gunning, Miss Pope and Miss Cooper were able to join us in the festivities, which the students just loved. Our former students talked about the dreaded year that 2020 brought and being the generation that didn't return to sit exams after leaving school. They agreed that it was a strange time as they never really got to say goodbye. They felt like so much had happened since their last memories of being in school.

There was a tasty brunch on offer, fresh fruit cups, bacon rolls and sweet treats, as well as Bucks Fizz and fresh smoothies. The fizz flowed as Headmaster Shaun Fenton came along to chat with the former students and find out about how they have been getting on. A few told tales of travelling, others of how they have finished studies and are beginning their career path. We even had inspiration from their time at school with one former student going into teaching. Others still have some months left before they call time on their studies, and we look forward to hearing what their next chapter looks like.

After some time to reminisce, Mr Fenton took to the floor and welcomed everyone back. He reminded everyone that this is their school, that they will always be welcome and to make sure they keep in touch. He went on to talk about the 350 anniversary celebrations and how the year that RGS was founded was also the year that Sir Christopher Wren laid the first stone for St Paul's Cathedral.

The Headmaster handed the floor over to Jonny Hylton, RGS Foundation Director (RGS 1992-1999), who this year is celebrating his own 25-year reunion of his departure from the school. Jonny spoke with fondness for the school and how life's journey changes with each passing decade but that we are all joined by an invisible thread as Reigatians. Mr Hylton spoke about the recently launched Reigatian Hub which is like a 'LinkedIn for Reigatians', and how this platform will allow you to network globally, with RGS at its core.

After a group photo outside the Harrison Centre, we wished everyone a fond farewell as they headed into town to continue their catch up. We reminded them that their next reunion would be 10 years, and we look forward to hearing about where the journey takes them until then.