On Saturday 21st October, the Head, Andrew Hobbs and his wife Damaris along with Jessica Newman, Director of Development and Jonny Grew, President of St Gregory’s Society, joined OGs in Malta for the triennial St Gregory’s Society gathering.
The weekend was an enormous success, with special thanks to David Briffa (Ra75), Peter Camilleri (B87) and the De Piro Family who ensured the weekend ran smoothly, keeping everyone busy.
First on the agenda was the option to watch the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Adrian Koe (C65) commented “There were 110 yacht entries setting off in groups at 10-minute intervals from 11.00 am to 12 midday. Rain and a reasonable wind were good for the first start but were followed by almost no wind, meaning considerable bunching, until 12, when a properly enjoyable wind pushed the last group out at a reasonable pace. We had moved to a new viewpoint by then and the reverberating echo from the starting cannon round Grand Harbour gave us some 6 or more iterations of the Boom. Very Dramatic!”
This led to a lively afternoon reception lunch at Cisk Tap, The Brewhouse. With so many OGs and guests in attendance, the informal reception provided the perfect atmosphere for mingling and kindling old and new friendships. Following the delicious canape-style lunch, we took part in the Farsons Brewery Experience tour, the biggest brewers in Malta where Michael Farrugia (S98) is the deputy CEO. “We had the history of brewing using the old copper kettles planned in 1946 and used until the new century, a tour of pictures and videos with clearly understandable procedures of processes and then long term Company History. We agreed to skip the modern brewery and went on to taste the products of the microbrewery and a large selection of crudités. Chatting, finding connections old and new, and making arrangements for future events. All in all, it was what camaraderie and alumni meetings are all about. Roll on 2026” said Adrian Koe (C65).
On Sunday, we reconvened at St John’s Co-Cathedral for mass, followed by a welcome reception at Casa Rocca Piccola by the kind invitation of the Marquis De Piro (C56), the perfect way to end an enjoyable weekend.
