RGS AMERICAN FRIENDS BACK TOGETHER!

Until last week, 2017 was the last time Reigatians connected with each under the banner of our established RGS American Friends group. RGS gatherings in both New York City and San Francisco brought our overseas community together reuniting friends, old and new, following a five-year break.

New York City Gathering

THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

The Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, joined Foundation Director, Jonny Hylton for the New York leg of the trip, welcoming almost twenty Reigatians to Foxy John’s in the heart of the ‘Big Apple’, opposite Grand Central Station. This connected group is our most established in the USA, spearheaded and driven by our RGS American Friends President – Michael Lloyd (’86).

The concept of a ‘Global Village’ is one that was prevalent on the night with Reigatians that had just touched down in NYC receiving guidance and advice from experienced ‘New Yorkers’ living in the city for over twenty years including former pupils from New Jersey, Brooklyn and even Bermuda!

The Headmaster addressed the room with a comprehensive update of RGS, highlighting the recent outstanding GCSE and A Level results, RGS International school sites and the value and importance of being a Pilgrim, on a good purpose in a modern-day world.

Our huge thanks go to Michael Lloyd for his help in organising the evening and for his speech that captured the true essence of being a Reigatian, retelling the joy he experienced in 1981 learning he was to receive one of the first bursaries RGS had to offer, and the subsequent impact this has had on his life – thank you Michael. The event was a great success, and it was magnificent to see so many…Englishmen in New York!

Jonny Hylton, Foundation Director, welcomed and thanked everyone for attending before introducing Sean Davey, Head of Foundation. Sean summarised the importance of making connections, especially overseas and the spirit of being a Reigatian which now extends to our RGS International Schools overseas – a lot has changed in the last five years.

Our thanks go to Andy Paul (’75) for his wonderful support of our social mobility work and his help in selecting a venue for the night. As a key contact on the West Coast, Andy has promised to hold the next San Francisco gathering at his bar in Sonoma… something to look forward to!

San Francisco Gathering

Whilst we have held West Coast gatherings before, this was the inaugural event in San Francisco. Therefore, it was no surprise that 15 Reigatians celebrated by taking over the Mayor’s Office at Momo’s, located in the shadow of the impressive San Francisco Giants Stadium, Oracle Park to celebrate!

Reigatians from every century from the 1960s to 2000s shared stories of their time at RGS (Mr Louis featured heavily with his patrolling of the one-way system!) and a convivial atmosphere was enjoyed by all.