The New York chapter of Old Tonbridgians met for our annual dinner on Saturday 15 October 2022. There were lots of familiar faces and some new ones too for what was a very enjoyable evening in the Reading Room at The Whitby Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Everyone felt very much at home and that we had found our venue for the foreseeable future.

James Priory and Andy Whittall joined us from the school. We were very grateful to them both for making the effort to be with us. James deserves a special thank you because his flight was diverted to Boston! And Andy deserves a special thank you for bringing school swag: the tote bags were a nice touch (and a neat way to carry all the important marketing literature), and the paperweights marking the opening of the Barton Science Centre were very welcome, although they must have played havoc with his luggage allowance.

We were also joined by Tracy Fu and Sharon Wee, current parents. Sharon and Tracy are based in New York and are active members of the school community, so it was great to have them with us. They also hosted a smaller group, including James and Andy, the next day at the Metropolitan Museum, for a tour of the Tudors exhibition with the curator no less. A very special treat.

The last few years have offered few opportunities to connect directly with the School. This was the first OT dinner since 2019 that we’ve had members of the Common Room attending, which made it all the more special. It really was great to have James and Andy with us, and we urge any OTs from across the US to connect with either myself or Ignacio; we’re always delighted to meet new OTs who are here in New York, whether they’re here for a long time or just a good time!

No doubt we’ll be back at the Whitby Hotel next Fall, so please make a note in your diaries to join us if you can.

Dom McMullan (PH 92-97)