The much-anticipated Mothers’ Dinners were held on 29 and 30 August, continuing a cherished tradition at St Paul’s College. These special evenings invite mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and other significant women to join their sons and daughters in experiencing the warmth of College hospitality.
Guests were welcomed with drinks, followed by a formal dinner and musical performances, before concluding the evening with relaxed conversation and entertainment in the Salisbury Bar.
Friday Evening Highlights
The Chaplain, Rev’d Antony Weiss, opened the evening with a warm welcome and Grace. Senior Student Tilly Walker offered a heartfelt Toast to the Mothers, with Catherine Brenner responding with a Toast to the Sons and Daughters. Academic Dean Lucy Willman proposed the Toast to the College. A musical interlude featured Sebastian Stagg, accompanied by Josephine Allan, performing Ideale by Paolo Tosti.
Saturday Evening Highlights
The Warden, Rev’d Dr Ed Loane, welcomed guests and pronounced Grace. Junior Dean Katie Tyo proposed the Toast to the Mothers, with a touching response and Toast to the Sons and Daughters from her mother, Liz Ritchie-Tyo. The Warden then proposed the Toast to the College. Musical entertainment was provided by Charlotte Hocking, Freya Carmody, Abigail Ballhausen, and Rex Bouvier, who performed ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers.
Salisbury Bar Entertainment
On both nights, the College band Downhill Romance—featuring Daniel Paridis (drums), Rex Bouvier (guitar), Felix Power (bass, voice, keys), and Lockie Walter (voice, keys, guitar)—kept the energy high in the Salisbury Bar with their vibrant performances.
With Gratitude
St Paul’s College extends sincere thanks to the Holmes à Court family and Vasse Felix, as well as the Toll family, for their generous support of the Mothers’ Dinners again this year.
