On Tuesday 23 November 2021, the Henry Smith Club social gathering on the 22nd floor of The Shard provided the opportunity for members to socialise for the first time in just over two years. With the backdrop of magnificent views across the London, guests were treated to delicious canapés and refreshments throughout the evening. Our thanks go to Rob Pierre, HSC member, RGS parent and Jellyfish CEO, for hosting this event at his impressive office venue.

Sir Peter Gershon (RGS 1958-65), HSC President, was delighted to welcome guests and highlight the significant impact of the Henry Smith Club on our Changing Lives campaign; supporting 12 scholars at RGS and raising in excess of £1,000,000, an impressive statistic.

Sean Davey, Head of Foundation, took pride in informing guests (and showing off the trophy!) of the recent Social Mobility Award for School of the Year which RGS received recently, in recognition of our Changing Lives campaign, #RGSWeCare project and Nightingale Fund – a wonderful accolade to receive.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from one of our first bursary recipients, Sayinthen Vivekanantham who left RGS in 2009. Sayinthen spoke of his time at RGS and expressed his gratitude for the support which enabled him to attend. After leaving RGS, Sayinthen went to Imperial College London to study medicine before becoming an Academic Doctor in the field of AI and machine learning. Sayinthen spoke of his passion for entrepreneurialism (specifically when it comes to property) and soon realised that the medical world could not satisfy his burning commercial appetite. So in 2020, he took the plunge, putting his medical career on hold to start up Homey, a new initiative that looks to streamline the home buying process for all stakeholders. An impressive young man who will continue to do great things!

We are hoping to hosting the HSC annual dinner once again in May – date and venue to be confirmed.