Newcastle ONA Dinner 2025

The 99th Newcastle ON Dinner was nothing short of spectacular, with a record-breaking turnout of over 220 Old Novocastrians returning to the RGS.  The evening was filled with nostalgia, reconnection, and joy with many ONs celebrating commemorative reunions marking 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and even 60 years since leaving the school. 

The buzz of conversation and laughter echoed through the main hall; once a place of assembly for these very students, now transformed into a space of shared memories and renewed friendships. 

Once seated in the school’s dining hall, guests were treated to a delicious North East feast, lovingly prepared by the talented RGS Catering team using locally sourced produce and suppliers. 

We were honoured to welcome Sir Max Hill KC (ON 72 - 82) as our distinguished guest speaker who candidly and humorously engaged the whole room with memories of staff members from his time at the RGS.  Sir Max's address reached a truly moving crescendo with a standing ovation for fellow guest John Armstrong, who taught at RGS from 1972 to 2003.  The heartfelt tribute was a powerful testament to the countless lives he touched during his three decades at the school. 

The unique bond of the Old Novocastrian community was truly brought to life when the entire room of intergenerational ONs, rose to their feet, waving RGS500 flags in a rapturous and emotional rendition of the newly re-versioned school song, Triumphans. It was a moment of unity and pride that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening and the enduring connection to RGS. 

For our reunion guests, the fun continued on Saturday morning with full tours of the school, a visit to the RGS archives and a welcome fish and chip lunch in the school canteen.  

Mark your calendars for our next ON celebration:  

London ON Dinner: Thursday 12th March 2026  

One Great George Street, Westminster.  

Last year was a sell out so book your tickets early here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/royal-grammar-school-newcastle/t-eapkmoy 

There is a subsidised ticket price for a limited number of ONs under 25 yrs.