2026 SOF London Lunch was a joyous affair

Monday 16 Feb 2026

After extensive research carried out by our Hon Gen Sec Simon Dougherty (G60-67) last year, the majority of OFs who responded were interested in a lunchtime gathering in London. We therefore met for the first time at the George Inn conveniently located for the Underground and near the world famous Borough Market.

For those who are not familiar with the George Inn, it is a remarkable pub dating back to at least the 16th century and rebuilt after the Southwark fire of 1676, the George remains a fascinating indicator of London’s colourful history and is the last remaining galleried inn left in London. It is owned by the National Trust.

The venue proved to be a great success and we were looked after well by the staff in the Winchester Room upstairs after drinks at the bar beforehand.

Those in attendance, which included some who had not attended an OF event in 35 years were : Simon Dougherty (G60-67), Maggie Dougherty (Guest), Chris Essex (K69-75), Tim Mitchell (R67-77), Richard Pryce (K73-78), David Turnbull (R54-59), Nick Jacob (K67-75), John Walker (S70-75), Andrew Cobbold (S75-80), David Carr (S67-74), David Hallgarten (R58-62), Bruce Mayhew (S49-54), Richard Graves (S77-82), Mike Coker (R90-98), Mark Waters (R88-98), John Ellerby (G67-75), Andy Slade (K71-75), Louise Slade (Guest), David Lowe (S66-68), Brian Smith (S53-57) and Clive Smith (S54-58). Sadly Nigel Burnip (S58-65) and Charlotte Lamb (V01-08) were able to make it on the day.

Arrangements for this event have been a team effort with Chris Essex arranging the venue and menu, Tim Mitchell arranging the publicity and Simon Dougherty undertaking the administration.

Pictured below left to right (1st picture) : David Lowe (S66-68), Simon Dougherty (G60-67), Maggie Dougherty (Guest), Tim Mitchell (R67-77), Richard Graves (S77-82), Andrew Cobbold (S75-80), Andy Slade (K71-75), Louise Slade (Guest), Bruce Mayhew (S49-54)

Pictured below left to right (1st picture) : John Ellerby (G67-75), Nick Jacob (K67-75), David Turnbull (R54-59), Brian Smith (S53-57), Mark Waters (R88-98), Mike Coker (R90-98), David Hallgarten (R58-62), Richard Graves (S77-82), Clive Smith (S54-58), David Carr (S67-74) and John Walker (S70-75)