On Saturday 3 May, we were delighted to welcome back over 30 Old Fishes and their families for the annual Old Fishes BBQ, held as part of the School's Open Day. Bathed in glorious sunshine, the event was a joyful celebration of friendship and shared memories.

Guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch served in the beautiful Magdalen Garden, reconnecting with old school friends and catching up on news in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. The day provided a wonderful opportunity to revisit favourite corners of the school and discover how much has changed over the years.

“It was so lovely (and interesting) to have more access this year to the East and West Wings, both upstairs and down,” shared one attendee. “And the Art Room, and remind ourselves where the old Linen Room was, and the Tuck Shop!” Their sentiment was echoed throughout the day as Old Fishes were welcomed by friendly staff and enthusiastic students keen to hear stories from decades past.

Our senior prefects acted as hosts for the afternoon, guiding visitors on tours and soaking up the stories of school life from earlier eras. “Everywhere we went were kindly staff eager to hear of our school days decades ago,” remarked a guest. “Outside, it was so interesting and pleasant to visit the stables, its school, with its robotic horse! And also the farm and that pond. My goodness—there is so much for these lucky New Hall girls and boys to see and do.”

For many, the sheer scale of the school’s transformation was a revelation. “It’s astonishing how much has changed since the ’60s, when we were just 120 girl boarders. Did I hear correctly that there are now 1,400 pupils, 300 of whom board?” one amazed Old Fish reflected. “If we’d tried to imagine the future back then, I doubt any of us would have foreseen such a transformation—or the incredible facilities now on offer.”

Particularly popular was the chance to visit the Riding School, now home to a state-of-the-art electronic horse. “I had no idea you could be taught to ride on an electronic horse, let alone jump!” laughed one guest. “I’d have welcomed one of those in my childhood!”

The event truly was a trip down memory lane. “All in all, it was a fascinating day, with delicious food to keep us going,” summed up one grateful Old Fish. “Please do pass on my grateful thanks to the charming Oliver for his patient guidance, and for so generously giving up more time than planned to indulge our wish to revisit old haunts not on the original programme. Thanks again to you and everyone involved in organising such an enjoyable day.”

Thank you to all who joined us for this special occasion. We look forward to welcoming even more Old Fishes back next year for more memories, laughter, and sunshine.