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Concordia Winter 2024

OMT Classic Car Club Spring Meet 2025: Saturday 5 April 2025 at 11am Join us for our seventh annual meeting at the school, Sandy Lodge. We will again be assembling at the west end of the Long Drive and driving to the OMT Clubhouse in what is now our traditional ‘Cavalcade of Classics’. There will be plenty of time to socialise and view the cars on display, followed by a wonderful lunch and guest speaker. To book your place or become a member, please email: omtccc@gmail.com

Sir Thomas White Lodge The Masonic Lodge for people with a connection to Merchant Taylors’ School Freemasonry is a worldwide society of like-minded men of any race, religion or political belief; it is a charitable organisation that donates millions of pounds each year to various good causes, large and small. The ‘head office’ of English Freemasonry is at Freemasons’ Hall, near Covent Garden. This wonderful Art Deco building was designed by H.V. Ashley (1886–1889), an OMT, and is open to visitors on most days. The accompanying pictures give just a small idea of the extraordinary interior, which may look oddly familiar because it has featured in many films and television programmes, including Spooks , over the past 20 years. Over the last few years, London Freemasons have been the cornerstone funders of two new helicopters for the London Air Ambulance and high-reach, escape-ladder vehicles for the London Fire Brigade. Hundreds of donations have also been made to other good causes in the London area. Freemasonry offers people the chance to meet others who derive a deep satisfaction from working together, both in our Lodges and in seeking to improve the society that we share. Masons meet in Lodges where the members have a common interest. Members of the Sir Thomas White Lodge have a connection with Merchant Taylors’, whether that is as a former student, a parent of a current or former student, or a current or former member of the staff. The Sir Thomas White Lodge was one of the earliest Public Schools Lodges and is the oldest Merchant Taylors’ alumni organisation. Formed in 1879, it predates the OMT Society and Rugby Club and it will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2029. In addition to regular meetings, which take place four times a year, members (and their friends and families) meet socially throughout the year and are actively involved in supporting Merchant Taylors’ School. At the last Public Schools gathering at the school in 2004, we raised over £10,000 for charities related to the school. We are part of a network of Public Schools Lodges that meet, intermingle, support each others’ meetings and dine together — all of which creates wonderful opportunities for expanding our friendship groups. There is a popular misconception that you have to be invited to join a Lodge. In fact, it is the other way round: all you have to do is ask. Please do get in touch if you are interested in joining Freemasonry or just want to find out a bit more. We are looking for new members to join the OMT Lodge and welcome inquiries from anyone with an interest in what we do. We will be happy to meet you in an informal setting. There is no pressure to join; that decision is yours and yours alone. If you are already a Freemason looking to visit our Lodge or thinking about becoming a member, we would also love to hear from you. You can contact the Lodge secretary at ntrichards69@ gmail.com or the Lodge Membership Officer at richard@ wyndhamsmith.co.uk , either of whom will be pleased to help.

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About the Club The OMT Classic Car Club (OMTCCC) was re-formed in 2017, having lain dormant since the early 1970s. The Club brings together OMTs, their friends and families with a common interest in sharing their love of cars. It is worth noting the term ‘Classic’ encompasses a wide range of cherished vehicles from multiple eras, so all cars are welcome — both old and new. You don’t even need to own a vehicle to become a member. The Club arranges two main events each year: one in spring at the school and the other in autumn at a range of different motoring venues. More informal pub meets are often organised between the main events. There is currently an annual subscription of just £10. If you are an OMT you are welcome to join our Private Facebook Forum; simply search for OMT Classic Car Club and apply online to become a member. You can also email the Club Committee: omtccc@gmail.com

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