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SIR ROGER GALE MP - OLD HARDYEANS CONGRATULATE NEW KNIGHT, EDUCATED AT HARDYE’S DORCHESTER

The Old Hardyeans have congratulated Sir Roger Gale MP on being knighted in the New Years honours list.

Roger Gale was educated at Hardye’s School, Dorchester, from 1955 and 1962, having been born in Poole. He became a pirate disc jockey on Radio Caroline, before being elected to Parliament as the MP for Thanet North 28 years ago.

In November, he hosted the Old Hardyeans’ annual London Dinner- "a splendid meal in the splendid surroundings of the Palace of Westminster," said Old Hardyeans President Michel Hooper-Immins, addressing 53 Old Hardyeans and their wives in the palatial Dining Room of the House of Commons.

Observing that Roger Gale has posted many pictures on his website, the President of the Old Hardyeans noted that none included the club’s distinctive blue and gold tie. The President went on to present Roger Gale with an Old Hardyeans tie, as thanks for his hospitality at the House of Commons.

Writing to the new knight, President Michel Hooper-Immins says: "On behalf of Old Hardyeans everywhere, I congratulate you on being knighted in the New Year’s Honours List. Richly deserved for 28 years service to the House of Commons, I know you have achieved a great deal for the people of East Kent over almost three decades. However, your education in Dorchester, at Hardye’s School- three years ahead of me- will have been a fine foundation to life and we all have benefited from the superb teaching at Hardye’s. I believe you may be the first Old Hardyean to be knighted.

Thank you again for making Old Hardyeans and their wives so welcome on our recent visit to the House of Commons. Everyone in the party enjoyed the splendid dinner in splendid surroundings, then the visit to the crypt later. On our third visit to the House of Commons, your hospitality and kindness were much appreciated. I hope we will see you wearing the Old Hardyeans tie, with which you were presented, on future occasions!"

Sir Roger Gale MP is quoted as saying: "I feel that this is, first and foremost, not a political but a public service award. My wife Suzy and I have been engaged in community work since long before I became a Member of Parliament in 1983. When I was elected we decided together how we were going to work and we have just gone on doing it ever since. I regard this as an enormous honour, particularly granted as it is, at the start of Her Majesty`s Diamond Jubilee year. It is, though, an honour that belongs to my wife, Suzy, who has worked alongside me and supported me throughout every day that I have been a Member of Parliament and who, together with three long-suffering and wonderful children, continues to do so." [www.kentnews.co.uk]

At the House of Commons Dinner, on 14 November, there was a special welcome for Michael Foley, newly appointed Headmaster of The Thomas Hardye School, to his first Old Hardyeans event. "He has made a splendid start and I am confident Michael Foley will lead the Thomas Hardye School to ever greater successes," said the President. "I have reassured him that the Old Hardyeans have pledged their support to the school. I am delighted to hear Michael intends to create an archive of the new and the old schools. My old friend Peter Foster has already promised not only his help, but his considerable personal archive to start this excellent project."

"I can now say I made my maiden speech in the House of Commons," joked Michael Foley," who went on to stress the importance of leadership and the high expectations of students in these modern times.

Michel Hooper-Immins acclaimed Tony and Julia Moore, recently retired from Thomas Hardye School and newly elected Honorary Members of the Hardyeans Club. "We thank them for their good and long service to the school and for their consistent support of the Old Hardyeans."

The President then welcomed Jean Lang, Chairman of Thomas Hardye School Governors, to the House of Commons dinner. "I did say about five annual general meetings ago that I hoped more Old Hardyeans would become Governors," Michel Hooper-Immins told diners. "Since then the governing body has acquired my illustrious predecessor Professor Hugh Griffiths and Tony Foot, but I should still like to see a few more Old Hardyeans as School Governors. Certainly some will have the interest, the commitment and the experience to fit that vital role in developing our school."

"We meet in the House of Commons, the mother of Parliaments," continued Michel Hooper-Immins. "Tradition is important here and so it is to the Old Hardyeans. The London Dinner is one of our most enduring traditions, so I’m delighted it is continuing. Our Secretary Tony Day has organised much of tonight’s landmark dinner. Thank you Tony for your good work for the Old Hardyeans. I am also grateful to Treasurer Alan Brown, who successfully collected all the money- not an easy job!"

Old Hardyeans Chairman Colin Lucas was unable to attend- "I bring apologies and good wishes from Colin, often described as the engine room of the Old Hardyeans," concluded the President. "I can tell you his recent operation was completely successful and Colin is recovering, but misses this London Dinner for the first time in decades. Can I ask you to stand and raise your glasses to Colin Lucas and his continued recovery." The company then stood to toast Colin Lucas.

Old Hardyeans attended from London, Kent, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Somerset, Devon and Dorset, as well as two visiting members from Recife in Brazil and Connecticut USA.

The excellent 2011 London Dinner at the House of Commons, began with lightly curried cauliflower veloute, with cauliflower pakora. The main course was grilled breast of Gressingham duck with creamed thyme potato, served with wood-smoked parsnips and pear sauce. Apple Tart Tatin, with honey and walnut ice cream was a superb dessert.

Photographs attached:

1. Michael Foley and Sir Roger Gale MP stand in front of the Old Hardyeans in the Norman splendour of Westminster Hall. Photograph by Michel Hooper-Immins.

3. Sir Roger Gale MP [left] and Michel Hooper-Immins. Photograph by Peter Foster.