On October 12, 2002, six Old Blues and guests met at the Weeburn Country Club, Connecticut, to attend the 450th Anniversary Founder's Day Dinner. The splendidly renovated Weeburn Country Club provided an appropriate venue for what transpired to be a hospitable and enjoyable evening. Most of the Old Blues and guests journeyed from New York City. Keith Worker (Col A 79) and his wife Laura traveled the furthest to attend, making the journey from Pennsylvania. Michael Allen (Ma A 59) who organized the dinner resides in Connecticut.

Efforts are being made to coordinate Old Blues in the United States. Many Old Blues are on e-mail lists and can readily be informed about Housey related events. Dinners, such as the 450th Anniversary Founders' Day Dinner, are an excellent way to bring Old Blues together, to make new friends and to learn what is going on at Housey. (Last year Keith organized a dinner in Philadelphia that was very well attended.) In addition, Friends of Christ's Hospital, a US charity formed to raise money for Christ's Hospital, has successfully tracked down Old Blues and welcomed them into the fold.

Jim Bell (Ma A 59), who spent a year at Housey as an American exchange student, brought with him CH memorabilia, including photographs of the 1st XV and the St, Mathew's Day parade, a Blue Book, a rule book and toilet paper stamped with a CH emblem. The artifacts provoked memories of favored masters, disfavored rules and the achievements of contemporaries. Both Jim and Clem Hastie (Ma A 59) had participated in the American exchange program and they both spoke of their enjoyment at attending a British school and of the unique challenges CH provided. The conversation also concerned the present and the future of the School. Michael recounted his recent visit to London to attend the Founders' Day Service at St, Paul's Cathedral. Henry Young (Mid 91) talked of a recent visit to Housey and his admiration for the new Grecian's accommodation. The interest in present day CH was transparent. Richard Sydenham (Ma A ?) and Michael discussed the efforts CH has made to attract qualified teachers and how the School intends to maintain high standards of education. The financial future of CH was also discussed as was the success of Friends of Christ's Hospital in raising funds for new development.

We toasted Christ's Hospital, read Grace and enjoyed the bread pudding (prepared specially for the evening). Michael presented us with a program from the St. Paul's service. The evening was fun and interesting and hopefully a similar event will be arranged soon. Thank-you to Michael for arranging and sponsoring the evening and to the Old Blues and their guests for making the evening such a success.

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