About the Association

The Old Michaelian Association was found by Donald Cormack in 1947 when it numbered just a handful of members. Today the Association is stronger than ever, maintaining contact with over 800 members throughout the world. The Old Michaelian Association is one of the oldest Prep School Old Boy Associations in the world and this year will celebrate its 63rd anniversary.

The Association can trace its history back to the end of the Second World War, during which Donald Cormack had served with the British armed services in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. It was from his traumatic experiences during the War and a desire to remember the sacrifice of others that the Old Michaelian Association was born. Upon his return to the UK, Donald Cormack took up the role of Headmaster at St. Michaels (A role which was then deputy to the Warden, Father T.G. Blofeld) and whilst organising a memorial to Old Boys killed during the War, he conceived the idea of forming an Old Boys Association.

In 1947, Donald issued the first termly newsletter to the Old Boys. The newsletter included contributions from current pupils and news of Old Michaelians written by Donald. The first Old Michaelian Association meeting was held in 1948 at St. Ermins Hotel, Westminster. At this meeting, it was decided that "The Old Michaelian Club" should hold an annual re-union dinner in the Christmas holidays and a summer function to be held in Otford. This tradition continues today with the annual re-union dinner held at the end of March and the Old Michaelian Day, which is held during June in the school grounds.

Life at St. Michaels engenders a strong community spirit amongst its pupils, with the many pupils who have passed through the school gates coming away with strong memories. The Old Michaelian Association strives to continue this spirit beyond your years at St. Michaels.

At the first Old Michaelian dinner, a Georgian silver porringer was donated to the club to be used as a "Loving Cup". In the following years it became tradition for the cup to be passed between Old Michaelians at the dinner to signify the solidarity of the organisation and the responsibility that each holds for another. Today, the cup reminds Old Michaelians of their community spirit.

The Annual Dinner

Traditionally, the Annual Dinner was held during the Christmas period in London. However, in more recently this was moved to the end of March to avoid the busy Christmas period.

The Annual Dinner is a more formal function to which all members of the Old Michaelian Assoication are invited. The evening is always a great occasion with members from many different year groups catching up and swapping stories.

The Old Michaelian Day

The Old Michaelian Day is held within St. Michael's grounds at the invitation of the Headmaster. The OM Day is an informal event for Old Michaelians and family to enjoy each other's company and the beautiful school grounds. Visitors are amply catered for with a five star barbeque and first class sports. Events for the day typically include: