The annual Founders Dinner took place on Thursday 7 March, a dinner celebrating when Loughborough Grammar School was founded, recognising Thomas Burton as its Founding Father.

Attended by Grammar School Head, Helen Foster, and organised by Head Boy Anshul and the Head Boy Committee, it is the most formal evening in the LGS calendar for Year 13 students. At the dinner Sergeant Nick Hall, CCF staff instructor, was welcomed back to deliver his key-note speech, with the boys also receiving their gift of a bow tie.

Anshul was delighted to attend this traditional dinner which marks the departure of Year 13 students. He says: ‘The evening was a blend of elegance and nostalgia, where alongside receiving the iconic leavers’ bowties, we were treated to a series of heartfelt speeches and toasts.’

The night began with a short speech welcoming the guests and outlining the formalities of the evening, followed by the youngest member of the cohort present saying grace.

For Anshul, the highlight of the evening was Sergeant Hall’s speech, who was invited as the guest of honour by his year group. He says: ‘His words deeply resonated with me and all present, with the perfect touch of nostalgia.’

Since the first dinner was held in 1992, the Cadbury’s Crème Egg awards have been held, with this event also sharing in the tradition. Anshul says: ‘These awards were a nod to the less academic but equally memorable aspects of the year group’s time together. These awards were delivered by myself and the Head Boy Team.’

The evening concluded with a final toast to the school founder, and a rendition of the School Hymn. The first verse, according to tradition, was sung as a solo by the Head Boy.

Anshul adds: ‘The Founder’s Dinner proved to be a remarkable send-off for the departing Year 13 students, blending tradition, heartfelt speeches, and camaraderie in a memorable evening.’