Dear OCs

As we approach Christmas 2023, in this the 121st year of The Society, I write to you with best wishes for an enjoyable and relaxing festive period - wherever in the world you may be - and that 2024 is a successful and happy year for you and your family.  Christmas is a time for family and friendships to be cherished and in some cases renewed and re-established and I hope that is the case for everyone.  Opportunities exist for exactly this with the Campbell College Carol Service (17th December), and Christmas Drinks (15th December).  Further details can be found by following the links.

Update

As most of you should know, since Walter Murphy's retirement, I have been carrying out the duties as Interim OC Manager.  During that time we have held a successful OC Society Ball in October at the college, and a very successful OC Society Business Lunch in November at The Ulster Reform Club.  Our thanks go to our hosts on both occasions and the help that they afforded me, to all of those that attended and also to those that have contacted me reporting how much they enjoyed the event.

The Old Campbellian Magazine

This years magazine will not be delivered prior to Christmas.  Council are currently reassessing the best time to deliver the magazine and will advise accordingly in the near future as to when it will arrive with you.  With that in mind, anybody who wishes to submit an article or piece of news, or better yet submit an advert or donation, can therefore still do so by contacting oldcampbellianeditor@gmail.com .

Could I also urge you to please check your contact details that we hold for you, to ensure that you will receive a magazine.  You can do this yourself by logging into the website and updating your details.  There are a number of magazines returned each year and this is a cost that the society should not have to bear.

The Annual Dinner 2024

On Friday 9th February 2024, The Annual Dinner of The Old Campbellian Society will take place with our first ever female President, former Olympian, Mrs Julie Brown (nee Parkes(7062)).  The guest speaker will be well known comedienne Nuala McKeever and the cost will be £65.  These tickets are now live on the website and can be purchased by clicking on the link.

Venue TBC

London OC Dinner - 30th May 2024

On Thursday 30th May 2024, the London dinner will be restablished at The Army & Navy Club in Pall Mall.  Our first ever dinner took place in Belfast in 1903 which saw the formation of The Old Campbellian Society, as we still know it today. Many dinners have subsequently taken place in London and beyond.  Following a hiatus in recent years of the London dinner we are extremely pleased to reintroduce it.  

The guest speaker will be David Caves (8240).  Ticket price is £95 (covering a three course meal and half a bottle of wine per head).  London OCs and those further afield are encouraged to bring a guest.  

This event will go live for booking next week (so please keep an eye out for an email advising you of same) and early booking is recommended as interest is expected to be high.

Sponsor a Brick and support the Building for the Future Sports Appeal

As many of you will be aware the latest phase in College refurbishment commenced with the development of the sports hall.

The overall refurbishment of the Sports Buildings will cost nearly £6million and is taking place in 3 phases.  Phase 1 (a state-of-the-art Fitness Suite) is nearing completion and the college are now raising funds towards Phases 2&3 (including a new gymnasium, a climbing wall, classrooms and changing rooms).

As a Voluntary B Grammar school, the College funds major capital projects such as this, entirely on its own, and completion of this work will not be possible without support from our Campbell Community. At least £1million is required to support the completion of Phases 2 & 3.  

You can now: 

'Sponsor a Brick' and become part of the CCB Supporters' Wall which will take pride of place at the front entrance of the new CCB Sports Buildings.

Please click here or read below to find out more details around this unique opportunity or reach out to our Development Director, Cathy Law. 

Finally please once again accept my best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, to both yourself and your loved ones.

Dermot Parker (7467)