28-06-2025
Old Johannians commemorated Gaudy Day
St John's College welcomed back generations of Old Johannians for a reimagined Gaudy Day, earlier this month, for a celebration rooted in heritage and community spirit.
Gaudy Day has been a highlight on the College calendar.
The tradition began in 1912 as the Old Boys' Gaudy, with Fr Nash choosing the name from the Latin gaudeo, meaning 'rejoice,' in keeping with Oxford college commemorations.
This year marked the first reimagining of Gaudy Day since its inception, combining the celebration with the Derby Day against St Alban's College.
The Old Johannian Mass in the Memorial Chapel remained the day's centrepiece. The Old Johannian and College Choir performed together, continuing a legacy introduced by Noel Iverson in 1955.
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The program celebrated 70 years of choral tradition with James Gordon's O Rex Gloriae, Widor's Messe, and new compositions by Cameron Upchurch and James Geldenhuys (Fleming 2019), including the first performance of Agnus Dei from his Missa S. Ioannis. African hymnody, under the direction of Sidumo Nyamezele, reflected the College's Christian African identity.
Executive Headmaster, Stuart West and President of the Old Johannian Association, welcomed guests to the Old Johannian Lunch on the Long Walk overlooking Burger Field, the perfect vantage point to watch the Blues run onto the field for the main rugby match.
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The 1st XI hockey match on the Astro ended in a 3-3 draw, while the 1st XV rugby encounter on Burger Field saw the Blues fall 34-24 to St Alban's. Both matches showed the St John's spirit in every tackle, goal, and sideline cheer.
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