Old Fettesian Events 2021–2022

29th September – Fettes in Conversation with Tech Entrepreneurs Jonathan Quin (Mo 1991–1992) and Conrad Irwin (Inv-Ca 2000–2007)

Tech Entrepreneurs Jonathan Quin and Conrad Irwin joined us on 29th September 2021 for a live webinar with audience Q&A to talk Start-ups, Technology and Innovation.

Jonathan co-founded World First in 2004, with the goal of making it faster, easier, safer and cheaper to make international payments. The business grew to 700 people and $15 billion of turnover with offices in 7 countries. It was in the top 100 fastest growing companies in the UK five times, was twice awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, and Jonathan was a finalist of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year. World First was acquired by Alipay in 2019.

Conrad is a programmer and startup founder. He focuses on creating software to help people feel happier and more productive. Currently the CTO of Superhuman, he is working on improving professional communication by helping you get through your email in half the time. Conrad was recognised in the Forbes ‘30 under 30’ in consumer technology in 2019 for his work at Rapportive and Superhuman.

During this interesting and insightful conversation, we heard how they got started, their thoughts on technology and on innovation. We learned of their start-up journeys and the phases of creating and growing a successful business. They talked about scaling and the pitch and partnership with investors for growth funding. Topics explored in the questions included what makes a good team and how to find the right employees, where are the global hubs for developers and, is email dead? We are extremely grateful to both Conrad and to Jonathan for giving us their time and for their very valuable insights.

This event is available for you to listen to as a podcast by visiting bit.ly/3OkT4uk or by searching ‘Fettes Community’ on your usual podcast provider.

2nd October – OFA AGM

On Saturday 2nd October, the Old Fettesian Association AGM 2021 took place via Zoom. OFs joined us from all corners of the world to hear updates from the President of the OFA, Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984) and the Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present). As well as the usual approval of Honorary Fettesians and the Fettesian Trust Trustees, there was an overview of all the OFA activity in the last 12 months delivered by OF Coordinator, Vivienne Clark (Staff 2020–present).

We are so grateful to the OFs who joined us for meeting, but would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support of the OFA and wider Fettes community.

If you couldn’t attend, you can watch the recording here – bit.ly/3na4sNB

15th October – Dedication of the New War Memorial Plaques

Friday 15th October 2021 marked 100 years since the Fettes College War Memorial was unveiled. We chose this day to commemorate not only the Centenary of the War Memorial, but also to dedicate the new additional plaques for the Lost Boys:

40 Old Fettesians and eight school employees who lost their lives through war, 1896–2004

36 Old Fettesians who lost their lives on peacetime military service, 1892–1986

We are very grateful to the Fettesian Trust for their support with this project and for their support in recording this important ceremony.

If you would like to watch a beautiful recording of the event to hear the names being read by the Head, prayers from the Chaplain and a short address by staff member David McDowell (Staff 2005–present) along with Senior CCF participation, a piper and a moving performance of the Last Post, please visit bit.ly/3zFKqCi.

28th October – Dubai Drinks

On the evening of Thursday 28th October, Middle East OF Regional Representative Luke Daly (Ca 2001–2006) very kindly hosted a drinks reception at Folly, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. This was Luke’s first event as the OF Regional Rep for the

Middle East and we were so thrilled to see OFs and members of the Fettes community gathering together in such a beautiful setting.

I think we can all agree the photo from the event is fantastic!

2nd November – Fettes in Conversation: Climate Change with Martin Lees

To coincide with COP26 taking place in Glasgow, we were honoured to be joined by climate change expert Martin Lees (CE 1955–1960) on 2nd November to hear his thoughts on climate change. It was a fascinating conversation that was attended live by over 400 members of the Fettes community including OFs, current and past parents and current students and staff. Martin is a true expert in sustainability and climate change having been working with governments across the globe on these critical issues for the last 26 years. If you have not yet heard this conversation or would like to listen again, we have released the recording of the event as a podcast so you can listen to it wherever suits you best. To listen, visit bit.ly/3xyvtiI or search ‘Fettes Community’ on your usual podcast provider.

14th November – Remembrance Sunday

It was a pleasure to be able to invite Remembrance regulars to the College Remembrance Day Service, on Sunday 14th November 2021, to honour all those Fettesians who died and those who served their country during two World Wars and in other conflicts.

Over 40 guests attended and it was good to welcome people in person to Fettes again for a Chapel Service with the Upper Sixth and the Act of Remembrance at Fettes War Memorial with the whole school.

Although the traditional OF photo in front of the War Memorial could not take place due to social distancing, we did manage to capture a physically distanced photo from above featuring most of the OFs in attendance.

It was clear from the conversations over coffee, that the guests thoroughly enjoyed being there for such a special event.

18th November – OF Dinner in British Columbia, Canada

Old Fettesians of British Columbia held a dinner on 18th November 2021, at Casa di Amici in West Vancouver, the same restaurant as past years but under new management (the original chef) and with a modified name. Still excellent food as before.

Nine OFs attended: Andrew F Milligan MBE (SH 1938–1941), our resident nonagenarian (97); Nigel Grant (Ca 1949–1952); Sandy A Aird (Ki 1955–1959); Jonathan Maillie (CE 1956–1960); Michael J Weddle (Ki 1956–1959); Derek V Morris (CE 1966–1971); Denis Morris (CE 1967–1972); Mike L Robertson (Ca 1967–1972); David G Tait (JS-Gl 1975–1984).

David G Hunter (Gl 1948–1953) should have been there but he lives in the city of Chilliwack up the Fraser Valley. As the result of an “atmospheric river” just over a week prior to the dinner, the Fraser Valley was devastated as were several other areas of the province. Chilliwack was an island with all road and rail communications broken. We missed him because he always regales us with his adventures.

As usual, a good evening was had by all.

If there are any new “Old” Fettesians and Fettesiennes in British Columbia, please make your presence known to the Regional Representative for Canada, Nigel Grant (Ca 1949–1952) at: pngrant35@shaw.ca

19th November – Fettes in Conversation: Finance and Climate Change

After COP26 was over, we hosted a Fettes in Conversation: Finance and Climate Change webinar with Global Head of ESG Research at HSBC, OF Wai-Shin Chan (Gl 1993–1998). This webinar reflected on the outcomes of COP26 as well as the broader Finance and Climate Change topic. It was attended by students, staff, OFs and parents and is available to listen to by visiting bit.ly/3aTiYGC or searching ‘Fettes Community’ on your usual podcast provider.

10th December – Hong Kong Christmas Dinner

Three generations of OF Leavers from the 1980s, 2000s, and 2010s had a Christmas dinner in Dec 2021 in Hong Kong. Attendees are keen to have more female OFs to attend future events in order to achieve better gender balance!

16th December – London Old Fettesian Carol Service

Despite the pandemic and the rise of the Omicron variant a small congregation chose to gather together at St Michael’s Church in London on 16th December 2021 for the annual London Old Fettesian Carol Service. Around fifty OFs from across the generations participated in the traditional service of Carols and Lessons with mulled wine and delicious mince pies alfresco on what was conveniently a mild evening for some socially distanced socialising before Christmas.

The Service was led by Revd Robin Weekes (JS-Mo 1983–1991). Peter Foggitt (Ki 1998–2001), Director of Chapel Music at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, kindly played the organ for us. A bijou Chapel Choir of seven who were in exceptional voice complimented the congregational carols with harmonies and small group solo verses.

The lessons were read by Henry Cave, President of the OFA (SH 1980–1984), Revd Jonathan Simpson (Ca 2001–2006), Samantha Brown (Ar 1992–1997) and James Weatherby, Senior Deputy Head (Staff 2007–present) and the Christmas Message was delivered by Revd Mark Simpson (Inv-Gl 1992–2000).

Special thanks must go to Revd David Simpson (Mo 2001–2006) who continues to organise the London OFA Carol Service so brilliantly. This year the gourmet mince pies were kindly provided by Jemima Hastings-Dasent (CE 1988–1992) and the team at Leakers Bakery (www.leakersbakery. co.uk).

We do hope that many OFs will be able to join us for this year’s Christmas service on 14th December 2022.

21st January 2022 – Newcastle OFA Dinner

It was such a pleasure to gather Old Fettesians from the North East of England together at the Northumberland Golf Club for good food and conversation on Friday 21st January.

This was not only the first OF Dinner of 2022 but the first time OFs have been able to gather for dinner in the UK since the pandemic started in March 2020. Spirits were high in Newcastle across the generations, with representation from 1951 through to 2015.

The dinner began with a brief update from the College by Karen Jones (née Houston) (Ar 1989–1991, Staff 2012–present), Fettes Community Engagement Manager. Iain Nicholson (Ca 1953–1957) delivered very warm words of welcome and friendship and Regional Representative for the North East of England, Alastair Ross (JS-GL 1981–1990) delivered a message of thanks to all who had joined us.

February – Fit in February

Throughout February members of the Fettes community were encouraged to get out and about to take part in the month-long friendly competition “Fit in February” with Strathallan School.

After 2,385 activities (runs or walks) were completed in week 3 of the challenge, there were only 3km between us and Strathallan. The Fettes community completed a tremendous effort of 6,844km with Strathallan edging slightly ahead on 6,847km.

By the end of the month though Fettes had taken the lead completing a total of 28,147km across the whole month. Between both schools an impressive 55,378km were covered in the 28 days.

Well done to everyone who took part in this challenge and counted towards that amazing total!

4th March – Handover of new school flag

Over the years our School flag has begun to look a little worse for wear, so we were delighted when the OFA generously offered to gift a new flag to Fettes. The design remains the same and will no doubt bring back memories for many OFs reading this update.

A small ceremony was held on Friday 4th March, when President of the OFA, Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984) officially handed over the bright new flag, on behalf of the OFA, to Fettes. In between rain showers, the Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present) and Henry, the Heads of School, Elliot Wilson (PS-Gl 2016–2022) and Freya Bathgate (PS-Ar 2015–2022) and the Pipe Major, Clara Johnson (PS-Ar 2014–2022) all gathered on the east roof for the handover, before the flag was raised to the wonderful sound of the bagpipes.

Fettes is very grateful to the OFA for this generous gift, which will be enjoyed by current students and alumni for generations to come.

4th March – Black Tie Dinner

The OFA were absolutely delighted to be able to host the first black-tie dinner at Fettes College since 2019. OFs were warmly welcomed back onto campus to the rousing sound of piping from current students, Pipe Major Clara Johnson (PS-Ar 2014–2022) and Archie Simpson (Mo 2017–2022). The event had all the hallmarks of the Commem dinner. The top table were piped in before Rob Harrison (Staff 1992–2021) kindly said the Fettes Grace. Everyone was then all seated for an amazing dinner that was well received by all and described by one OF as the best food he has ever had at Fettes. Following dinner, the Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present) and the President of the OFA, Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984) both delivered fantastic speeches. Pipers Clara and

Archie returned for a toast with the President after which they played a medley of songs, much appreciated by those in attendance.

After some much needed catching up and a few glasses of wine, the evening was rounded off by an enthusiastic rendition of Floreas Fettesia, wonderfully led by Tom Worlledge (PS-Mo 2009–2016) and Hugh Findlay (PS-Gl 2007–2015).

It was a very special evening, and we are grateful to all those who joined us that made it so. It felt wonderful to host an in-person event once again after so long.

8th April – NYC Dinner

The first in-person event in three years was held in New York following the AGM of our US charity, Friends of Fettes Inc. Due to last minute Covid call offs and cancelled flights, the final number round the table was 16. Most of the attendees were new to the NYC gathering and it was a great opportunity to talk about the Fettes of today, share memories and discuss what type of events people would like in the future. The guests certainly enjoyed themselves.

8th April – Yorkshire Drinks

OFs were invited to join Regional Representative for Yorkshire, Dariel Pitt (Ar 1982–1984) for drinks at the Sora Sky Bar at the Malmaison in York. A fun evening was had sharing stories and catching up in an atmospheric venue. As a bonus, the view of York was fabulous but it was still a little too cold to sit outside.

Everyone who attended enjoyed it and appreciated the more informal nature of the event.

7th May – Bath Lunch

The Old Fettesian Association were delighted to welcome OFs to The Bathwick Boatman in Bath for lunch on Saturday 7th May. This event, kindly hosted by OF Regional Representative for the South West of England, Nigel Shepherd (Mo 1975–1979), was well attended and enjoyed by everyone there.

Thank you to all who came along to make it such a wonderful occasion. Saturday 6th May 2023 has already been pencilled in for next year’s lunch, so mark your diaries and we will be in touch closer to the time with further details.

27th May – Summer Reunion

Around one hundred OFs from across the generations gathered together for the second of our Commem replacement reunion events, on Friday 27th May.

They enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere on the Head’s Lawn with cocktails and delicious food. There was much reminiscing, mingling and laughter, particularly when looking at the range of archival photographs on display to help OFs remember their time at Fettes. Guests were warmly welcomed by current Lower Sixth student Will Farquharson (Ki 2018–present) playing the pipes and short speeches were delivered by the President of the OFA, Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984) and the Senior Deputy Head, James Weatherby (Staff 2007–present).

It was fantastic to see how OFs embraced this alternative event, especially the Classes of 1990 and 1991 who attended in large numbers.

28th May – Fettes Festival

On Saturday 28th May, 400 members of the Fettes community, including current families, Old Fettesians and staff gathered together on campus for a wonderful day in the sunshine at the Fettes Festival. The day was relaxed and full of fun for every generation.

Aside from an absolutely delicious BBQ lunch there was so much to do including touch rugby, hockey, the fantastically well received Fettes Family Trail, the low ropes course and frisbee golf. After lunch, guests were able to enjoy the Old Fettesians of 1990 Cricket XI vs the Fettes Community Scratch XI. To help everyone cool down, ice cream was available for all, thanks to the generosity of Graham’s the Family Dairy, who supported the event.

One of the day’s highlights was a Tug of War competition like no other, when a large team of children were victorious over slightly taken aback catering and staff teams. This was followed by a stunning finale performance by the Reunion Pipe Band, a great feat from some who had only attended Zoom practice sessions and were in the band some decades ago. The spirit of the Fettes community is truly alive and well.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on campus and helped to make it the joyful, celebratory occasion it was!

We are delighted to see the return of in-person events at Fettes College and in various regions around the world. Our Regional Representatives are working to plan events and establish deeper connections with the OFs in their region. A full list of OF Regional Representatives can be found on page 48 so you can contact your local representative.

To keep up to date with upcoming events, please sign up to the Fettes Community Portal (fettescommunity.org) where we will share details of our plans. We very much look forward to seeing you at an event in the future.