Gaudy Day: Welcoming our OJs Home

On Saturday, 7 June, St John's College welcomed back generations of Old Johannians for a reimagined Gaudy Day, a celebration rooted in heritage and community spirit.

For over a century, Gaudy Day has been a highlight on the College calendar. The tradition began in 1912 as the Old Boys' Gaudy, with Fr Nash choosing the name from the Latin gaudeo, meaning "rejoice," in keeping with Oxford college commemorations. This year marked the first reimagining of Gaudy Day since its inception, combining the celebration with the Derby Day against St Alban's College.

The morning began with coffee and rusks in David Quad, accompanied by Lebeko Mosunkutu (UV Fleming) on piano. The Old Johannian Mass in the Memorial Chapel remained the day's centrepiece. The Old Johannian and College Choir performed together, continuing a legacy introduced by Noel Iverson in 1955. The program celebrated 70 years of choral tradition with James Gordon's O Rex Gloriae, Widor's Messe, and new compositions by Cameron Upchurch and James Geldenhuys (Fleming 2019), including the first performance of Agnus Dei from his Missa S. Ioannis. African hymnody, under the direction of Sidumo Nyamezele, reflected the College's Christian African identity.

The Revd Fr Angus Paterson, himself an Old Johannian, delivered the sermon. The service also featured the presentation of the 2025 Golden Eagle Award to Dr James Ridley (Nash 1958|Sixth Form 1959), whose six-decade journey from St John's to international academic distinction represents intellectual excellence, humility, and quiet leadership.

Following Mass, Old Johannians gathered for tea in David Quad, while the Common Room hosted the Adsum Tea for those who matriculated in 1980 or earlier. Historical tours from the Pelican Quad allowed OJs to see what was new at the College while revisiting familiar spaces, and the College Museum was open for visits.

Mr Stuart West, Executive Headmaster and President of the Old Johannian Association, welcomed guests to the Old Johannian Lunch on the Long Walk overlooking Burger Field, the perfect vantage point to watch the Blues run onto the field for the main rugby match.

The weekend’s sporting fixtures provided excitement and drama. The 1st XI hockey match on the Astro ended in a 3-3 draw, while the 1st XV rugby encounter on Burger Field saw the Blues fall 34-24 to St Alban's. Both matches showed the St John's spirit in every tackle, goal, and sideline cheer. Earlier in the week, the traditional OJ vs First XI hockey fixture had taken place, with the 1st XI winning 5–0, with a hat-trick from Connor Cooper.

As Gaudy Day continues to evolve, St John’s College remains committed to honouring the past while building connections for the future. Through Chapel, music, sport, memory, and conversation, this day reminds us of the strength and unity that spans generations of the St John's community.

To all our Old Johannians — thank you for returning home.

Pictures: Steve Lawrence