Archive · Historical record
Founder's Day Dinner 2026
Saturday 31 October 2026, the Dining Hall, Christ's Hospital, Horsham — marking 200 years since the first recorded dinner in 1826.
The occasion
The dinner was held at Christ's Hospital in Horsham, gathering Old Blues of every generation with the Head, the Clerk and representatives of the school. The evening was black tie, and was followed by a CH Giving Day charity auction ahead of CH Giving Day on 24–25 November.
- Chair
- Chief Steward Bryan Hall (Prep. A, Ma. A & Col. A 1964–73)
- Guest of Honour
- John Franklin MA (Headmaster 2007–17), with his wife Kim
- Response
- Major General (Retd.) Roger Lane RM CBE (Mid. B 1966–72)
Toastmaster: Keith Reading, Fellow of the Professional Toastmasters' Guild.
Toasts
- The Pious and Immortal Memory of King Edward VI — proposed by the Chief Steward, honoured in solemn silence
- Church and King — followed by the National Anthem
- The Religious, Royal and Ancient Foundation of Christ's Hospital — proposed by the Guest of Honour, with 'Votum' sung after; response by Major General Roger Lane
The day's programme, as published
- AfternoonHertford Centre open for tea, coffee and changing
- 2:15 & 3:05 pmMuseum viewings and school walking tours
- 4:00 pmChief Steward and guests' photographs, King Edward VI statue
- 4:10 pmGroup photograph in front of the Dining Hall
- 4:30–5:00 pmChapel service
- 5:15 pmDrinks reception, east end of the Dining Hall, with music from Old Blues and pupils
- 5:55 pmChief Steward's procession
- 6:00 pmChief Steward's welcome, Grace and dinner
- c. 7:15 pmGrace, toasts and speeches
- c. 8:00 pmCH Giving Day charity auction
- c. 9:00 pmAfter-dinner drinks
- 10:00 pmCarriages
- 11:00 pmOptional after-party at Be At One Battersea, 85 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HW — about a five-minute walk from Clapham Junction station; closing at 2:00 am
Menu
Reception
Graham Beck Brut and Brut Rosé (Vintner's Selection) NV
Starter
Wild Mushroom & Autumn Squash Risotto
gremolata, black olive and truffle mille-feuille
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Private Bin, Marlborough NZ, 2025
Main
Maple & Orange Glazed Duck Breast
roast beetroot, seared fig, celeriac & parsnip purée, black plum & madeira jus
Château de Pierreux, Brouilly, France, 2023
Vegetarian main
Pithivier of Autumn Vegetables
heritage carrot, mushroom compote, black cabbage, potato purée, red wine & burnt onion jus
Dessert
Autumn Fruit Pavlova
gingerbread, blackberry ice cream & mango coulis
To finish
Coffee
Graham's Late Bottled Vintage; Taylor's First Estate Reserve
Ticket prices in 2026
Concessionary prices were offered to encourage younger Old Blues to attend.
Old Blues over 30 & all guests
Aged 30 and over
£100
Old Blues (concession)
Aged 26–29 inclusive
£80
Old Blues (concession)
Aged 25 and under
£60
Travel and facilities
- A minibus ran from Christ's Hospital station at 13:39, 14:10, 14:39, 15:10 and 15:39, returning from outside the Court Room at 20:37, 21:07, 21:37 and 22:07.
- The Chief Steward's farewell between 8:45 and 9:15 pm left time to reach London Victoria before 11 pm.
- Changing facilities were available at the school for afternoon attendees.
The setting
