From Midday to Midnight: The 2025 West Country Lunch
There are events… and then there are events to remember.
Last weekend’s Old Honitonians West Country Lunch, held at the beautiful Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth, certainly falls into the latter
category.
With nearly 60 Old Honitonians gathered for the occasion, the atmosphere was filled with warm reunions, shared stories, and plenty of laughter. As two OHs perfectly put it, “we thought it was the most enjoyable West Country lunch we’d been to.” Another attendee captured the spirit of the day by saying, “I caught up with two guys I hadn’t seen in over 50 years, and it was great!”
The lunch itself was delicious, with Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding a 'hit' as usual and a particularly popular pudding was the Sticky Ginger sponge. Compliments were shared across the room!
A huge thank you goes to Duncan and his exceptional team at the Victoria Hotel for their service and hospitality throughout.
Reflections and Remembrance
A true highlight of the afternoon was a rousing and heartfelt address from OH legend Nigel French, who spoke with his typical humour and conviction about the club and his time and antics whilst at Allhallows. His words also honoured the recent VE Day commemorations and paid moving tribute to the OHs who gave their lives for the freedoms
we hold so dearly today. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and values of our community.
Stories, Smiles & A Surprise Twist
The room echoed with the sound of shared anecdotes and easy laughter — a testament to the enduring bonds formed at school and beyond. It was also a moment to recognise those who make
events like this possible. Huge thanks to Nigel French for his inspiring speech, Victoria Berry, for
her organisation, without which the lunch would not have
happened and David Richardson, the Club’s Treasurer, for all of his help with both financial side of the lunch and of course, the Club as a whole!
And then came the twist…
What started as a lovely afternoon lunch carried on well into the night, with several OHs making the most of a stay in Sidmouth. The post-lunch gathering turned into an unofficial “after-show
party” that went on until midnight, just in time to celebrate Nik Milner’s birthday in true OH
style. A very Happy Birthday, Nik – we’re so glad we could raise a glass (or two!) with you.
Finally, there were a number who couldn’t make it on the day, due to illness and other commitments, may we take this opportunity to say we hope you feel better soon and we will see you at another event in the future; a full list of 2025 events here and save the date for the 2026 West Country Lunch- May 9th!
See this and all OH events HERE.
