We were delighted to welcome back many of our Old Hymerian community to join us for this year's Garden Party.  The weather thankfully improved, so we really could call it a Summer Garden Party.

This year, the Garden Party was opened by OHA President, Will Hairsine, OH 1992-1997, and Headmaster, Justin Stanley.  Mr Stanley spoke to the crowd about the long-running tradition of this annual event.  A look into our archives indicated that the event is about 100 years old, with the first reference in The Hymerian being found in 1925.  Unfortunately, the reference doesn't mention whether it was the first time the event had been held, but there was a Flannel Dance afterward!  A Garden Party was held for the 50th Anniversary of the Old Hymerians Association in 1970, so it is likely, the annual event started somewhere between 1920 and 1925.

Our Old Hymerian tent was set up for the occasion, to welcome back former students and staff, with a glass of fiz,z and the opportunity to join us on a tour of the school during the day.  Luckily for us, we were near the 'Aunt Sally' stall, allowing us to see the students target their teachers in order to get them wet.  Sam Clare, OH 1988-98 and Greg Bone, OH 1986-96 (pictured), now both work at the school and had the pleasure of volunteering for this year's 'Aunt Sally'.

We were delighted to see Natasha Saleh, OH 2001-03 return to the school, bringing her family along with her.  It was also nice to see Peter Mason, OH 1991-1998, Mark Dixon, OH 1981-1991, Bennet Foreman, OH 1986-1993, Mark Butters, OH 1985-1995, Kaysie Windeatt née Howes, OH 1994-96 and Helen Sivell-Thompson (née Whittaker), OH 1989-1996 also wandering the grounds with their children. 

Vic Doughty, OH 1951-1960 also dropped by our tent to say hello.  Five generations of his family attended Hymers College over the years, going back as far as 1895.  More recent leavers, Jamie Key, OH 2012-2018, and Henry Pell, OH 2008-2018 were also visiting the area and had a tour of the school.

The annual Old Hymerians v Hymers 1st XI cricket match took place during the Garden Party.  Batting first, the OH’s posted a very strong 194 from their 30 overs (Mahir Yousuff, OH 2002-12, Jonathan Clark, OH 1980-1990, Dan Leather, OH 2000-10, Thomas McGurk, OH 2000-2008, all contributing with the bat).  Hymers 1st XI were a long way behind the run rate until a late flurry from their skipper, Methum, going at 17 an over for the last 4 overs, left Hymers needing 3 from 1 delivery to win (Methum needed 2 for his century), a run out going for the third run off the final delivery saw the game finish in a tie! Callum also chipped in with a very handy 52.

Old Hymerians playing were Mahir Yousuff, Jonathan Clark, Amit Chawla OH 2000-10, Tom McGurk, Max Brocklesby OH 2012-22, Dan Leather, Joel Chapman OH 2008-18, George Clark OH 2011-21, Finn Starky OH 2013-23, Neel Dutta OH 1999-2009 and Ankit Chawla OH 2012-22.

Former Chemistry and Games teacher Paul Meadway, OH Staff 1992-2022 couldn't miss the opportunity to see some cricket, along with Edward Clark, OH 1950-1958 watching two generations of Clarks (Jonathan and George) playing, and Mike Whitehead, OH 1964-1972.

Will Hairsine OH 1992-1997 and OHA President	Justin Stanley Headmaster