Dressed in black tie, 73 guests gathered at King's Ely for the 111th Old Eleans Annual Dinner on Saturday 10 October. Following a drinks reception in the Lower Hall, guests made their way to the historic Monastic Barn, where the tables had been beautifully laid for the occasion.

The evening's three-course menu began with smoked salmon cannelloni, accompanied by horseradish crème fraîche, apple, fennel, cucumber and dill. This was followed by chicken stuffed with cep mushrooms and tarragon, served with a confit leg croquette, potato fondant, glazed leek, cavolo nero and a rich roast chicken jus.

To finish, guests enjoyed warm treacle tart with Bramley apple, cultured cream ice cream and lemon thyme, before attention turned to the evening's guest speaker, Chris Marshall.

An Evening of Laughter with Chris Marshall

The evening's guest speaker was Old Elean Chris Marshall (Acremont 1984–86; King's Ely 1986–95), whose entertaining address brought plenty of laughter to the Monastic Barn.

Chris entertained guests with tales from his 25 years as a pantomime dame, alongside fond memories of growing up at King's Ely, where his father, John Marshall, was a longstanding member of staff.

John sadly passed away in June 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and a deep connection to the School. His life and contribution to King's are remembered in his obituary, which can be read here.

A Special Honour for Rosie Holliday-Dowdy

A particularly special moment of the evening came as Old Eleans President Jo Dick presented Rosie Holliday-Dowdy with Honorary Membership of the Old Eleans Club, recognising her 17 years of dedicated service as Honorary Secretary. Following Jo's words of appreciation, guests joined in a warm round of applause as Rosie received her certificate.

Few people have a connection to King's Ely quite like Rosie. Having first joined the School in December 1973, she has been a familiar and much-loved presence within the King's community for more than five decades.

Generations of pupils, parents, staff and visitors will remember Rosie from her years in Main Reception. Although she retired from that role in December 2022, her affection for King's soon brought her back, and she continues to work in the School's Health and Wellbeing Centre.

Alongside her work at King's, Rosie has devoted 17 years to the Old Eleans Club, helping former pupils maintain their friendships and connections with the School. Her extraordinary contribution was also recognised in 2024, when she received a Bishop's Commendation for Outstanding Service.

Rosie once famously remarked: "If I was a stick of rock and you cut me in half, I think that it would say King's Ely."

Her Honorary Membership is a fitting recognition of someone whose dedication, warmth and loyalty have touched so many within the King's community.

Save the Date: The 112th Old Eleans Annual Dinner

We look forward to welcoming Old Eleans and their guests back to King's Ely for the 112th Annual Dinner on Saturday 16 October 2027.

Further details will be announced in due course.