Members Gather for a Forward‑Looking Old Dovorian Club AGM
Old Dovorian Club Annual General Meeting
Held in the 12th‑Century Refectory, Dover College, Sunday 5 July
The Old Dovorian Club gathered on Sunday 5 July for its Annual General Meeting, held in the magnificent 12th‑century Refectory at Dover College — a space that continues to embody the long‑standing bond between the College and generations of Old Dovorians. The historic setting offered a fitting backdrop for a meeting focused on tradition, renewal, and shared purpose.
The Club was delighted to welcome Mrs Penny Mathews, Vice President of the Club, and Mr James Ryland, Vice President and Chairman of the Dover College War Memorial Fund. Their presence, alongside Club members and past and present staff of the College, reinforced the strength of the wider Old Dovorian community.
A particular highlight of the meeting was the attendance of Mr Phil Tattersall‑King, Headmaster of Dover College. Mr Tattersall‑King delivered an engaging and insightful update on life at the College, reflecting on recent developments, ongoing initiatives, and the exciting plans taking shape for the future.
His remarks acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the College — and the independent school sector more broadly — over the past 18 months, while emphasising the resilience and ambition that continue to define Dover College today.
Outgoing President Mr Edward Lewis expressed his gratitude to the Headmaster for hosting the AGM and spoke about the continued strengthening of collaboration between the College, the Old Dovorian Club, and the wider OD community. His remarks underscored a shared commitment to ensuring that Old Dovorians remain closely connected to the life and progress of the College.
Election of Officers and the Appointment of a New President
A significant moment in the AGM was the formal handover of the Club Presidency. After three years of dedicated service, Mr Edward Lewis passed the role to Mr Roger Kagan, offering his warmest wishes for a successful and fulfilling term of office.
Mr Kagan expressed sincere thanks to Mr Lewis for his leadership during a period of considerable transition and restructuring within the Club. He highlighted the importance of the modernisation work undertaken over recent years — work that has helped shape a Club ready to meet the expectations of Old Dovorians in the 21st century.
Looking ahead, Mr Kagan reaffirmed his commitment to building on these strong foundations, noting the remarkable progress made over the past 12 months in strengthening cooperation and shared purpose between the Club and Dover College.
The AGM confirmed several key officer roles for the coming year:
• Mr Edward Lewis — Chairman
• Mr Robert McAlpin — Club Secretary
• Mr Richard Robinson — Club Treasurer
In addition, the Club welcomed a new committee member:
• Mr Nathan Harris — Elected to the Committee and currently Chairman of Governors for Dover College, further strengthening the vital link between the Club and the College community.
These appointments reflect the Club’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, forward‑looking governance and to ensuring that Old Dovorians continue to play an active role in shaping the future of their community.
Following the conclusion of formal business, attendees enjoyed a buffet lunch — a welcome opportunity for Old Dovorians, staff, and friends of the College to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the Club’s renewed sense of purpose. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie, optimism, and pride in the enduring legacy of Dover College and Old Dovorian’s
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Old Dovorian Club Registered Address – HMS Wellington, Temple Stairs | Victoria Embankment | London WC2R 2PN