A wonderful Model United Nations event was held on Saturday 24th February at Reigate Grammar School. Attended by a range of students, former students and staff, all to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the running of MUN at Reigate Grammar School. The event was a surprise and thank you for Julian Sergeant, who has run MUN throughout this time. He only discovered the event was happening that morning, and was still surprised when he arrived to find some of the founding club members from 1997: James Gater, Alan Bates and Simon Lucas.

Fantastic speeches were delivered by Dr Chris Ballinger JP (’96), Alan Bates and Dr Suda Perera (’04), all talking about different aspects of the importance of the UN in what is often portrayed as an increasingly divided world. They all spoke of the importance MUN had on their time at school and particular special thanks to the quiet, but tenacious manner of Mr Sergeant to which everyone felt a debt of gratitude for his hard work with MUN. Sentiments echoed by the other attendees Alan Belmore (’08), Grace Burns (’09), Rose Stanley (’15), Rachel Stirrat (’09) and current students Jas, Ved, Benedict, George, Jo, Harry, Fraser, Louis and Aaron.

Current students got the chance over lunch to speak with the MUN’ers, now a mixture of Councillors, University Professors, Lawyers, Military Consultants, Entrepreneurs, Civil Servants, Politics students and graduates. The conversations accentuating the success of so many former students, allowing our current RGS students the opportunity to envision what their own futures may hold.

The Headmaster, Shaun Fenton said “it has never been more important for students to develop diplomatic and negotiating skills.”

Former MUN’er James said “Whether serving with British Forces around the world, or working for Presidents and Ministers many and varied, I have drawn directly on the lessons learned from my involvement in MUN. I can honestly say that I would not be the person that I am today without having had that opportunity. It therefore gives me enormous joy to see MUN continuing after 25 years, but also in such strength and with such senior engagement from the school.

Please pass on my thanks to Jas, Ved and Benedict, in whom I can see the very same passion and drive which germinated in Room S9 all those very many years ago.”

Overall, a lovely afternoon was had by all and a very sincere thank you to Julian for all he has done for MUN, and to the organisers of the lunch, particularly Jas and Ved for their great idea!

Click here for more images from the event.