2024 Annual Gathering

2024 Annual Gathering! 

This weekend, which also marked the 30th Anniversary of the Society, took place from 5-7 April in Hereford, in recognition of events in The Master of Maryknoll. The Gathering was based at the centrally located Green Dragon Hotel (one of the oldest hotels in Britain) for evening meals and activities, plus the AGM on Sunday. The Ballroom provided a memorable venue.

There were 92 attendees, some of whom arrived the day before, and 65 of whom stayed on for an additional night, in order to extend their weekend and take advantage of guided tours of Hereford on Sunday afternoon and a meal in a nearby Mediterranean restaurant on Sunday evening. 

Friday evening's buffet meal was preceded by a short introduction from Chris Eldon Lee, the BBC producer responsible for the 1994 Kaleidoscope radio programme, that led to the founding of the Society. It was followed the presentation of Peewit Awards, the cutting of the 30th Anniversary cake and a slide presentation reviewing the last year's events and activities. 

Saturday's programme offered choices, including tours of the Cathedral, the Mappa Mundi, the Chained Library, Hereford's Cider Museum, the Black and White Museum and a coach trip to Ludlow. Those opting for Ludlow were able to explore independently, join a guided tour, or walk in nearby Mortimer Forest, eventually calling in at The Lodge, Overton, which was the inspiration for Maryknoll back in 1950. The walkers ended up at Moor Park School, to which Robin Saville had been evacuated during WW2, as a pupil of Lancing College. 

Saturday's Fabulous Feast, back in the Ballroom, was followed by a very enjoyable Quiz, focused on Saville books.

Sunday's AGM was joined by some additional members on Zoom. The  venue for the 2026 Annual Gathering was decided, after much discussion and a vote: East Anglia. Although this marked the formal end of the 2024 Annual Gathering, many stayed on to tour Hereford and enjoy a second Fabulous Feast in La'De restaurant.