On Saturday 23^rd May, Old Fettesians based in the USA gathered online for our first ever virtual event, ‘Coffee & Catch-up with the Head’.

OFs were keen to meet up after the annual New York gathering, due to take place in April, was postponed due to COVID-19. We are hoping to reschedule the New York Drinks Reception to Friday 13^th November, circumstances permitting, so please save the date.

The Coffee & Catch-up was attended by OFs located over 1000 miles apart in the USA, from New York to Alabama and Florida. It was brilliant to have a wide range of the Fettes community represented, with OFs who had attended school in the 1940s all the way up to the 2000s, and most decades in-between. We were delighted that Fred Graham-Yooll (Gl 1946-1950) chose to join us on his 88^th birthday.

Old Fettesians were given an update from Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes, and had the opportunity to ask questions about the school, which is currently delivering a Learning from Home programme to pupils. Technology is also being used to connect the OF community with the launch of the Fettes Community portal, and attendees were encouraged to join the 900+ members who have already registered.

Jones Pharr (Ca 1995-1996), President of Friends of Fettes College Inc., outlined the activities of the Fettes community in the USA, adding that we are keen to organise more regional events across the country. Amanda Forsyth (Ar 1982-1984), President of the Old Fettesian Association, confirmed that plans for the 150^th anniversary of Fettes are in progress, and reported that she was excited to have seen a special preview of our forthcoming book, Fettes: Our Place which sits at the heart of our plans.

We would like to thank all attendees for taking part in our first virtual event which was a very enjoyable way to catch up with OFs. The Old Fettesian Co-ordinator, Victoria Shearer, is happy to help other OFs arrange an online gathering for your region or class. Please email ofa@fettes.com to get in touch with Victoria.