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The Johnson Hall was crowded on Thursday, 25th November, as Millfield played host to the OM of the Year Ceremony when an annual award is given to Old Millfieldians who have gone on to enjoy a distinguished career in their chosen profession.
MP David Heath (1963-1972; Edgarley & Day), entrepreneur Richard Caring (1962-66; Millfield), novelist Simon Mawer(1946-67; Shapwick) and triathlete Julie Dibens (1986-93; Edgarley & Warner, as Julie Ricketts) were the four ex Millfield pupils to receive the award this year.
Speaking with great pride about the recipients, John Davies, Secretary of the OM Society, said: "We have 20,000 OMs on our database. In ten years we've only honoured 34. Thus, for these four to be selected for this year's award is a colossal achievement."
David Heath is the MP for Somerton and Frome, now in his fourth term of office after this summer's election. He is one of six former Millfield pupils who currently serve as MPs.
On his return to the school last Thursday, the 56-year-old said: "You come back to this place and you recognise absolutely nothing. When you say that you took exams in a big tent, with the headmaster practising his golf shots against the side of the tent, people don't believe you."
Richard Caring regularly features on the Sunday Times rich list and is the owner of Wentworth Golf Club as well as a string of clubs and restaurants in London, besides being a noted philanthropist.
Speaking with obvious emotion, he said: "This school is unique, special and wondrous and you should all be very proud to be part of it. I truly thank the selection committee for a wonderful and wonderfully valued award and I am very proud to say that I am a Millfieldian."
Simon Mawer published his first book at the comparatively late age of 39. His most recent novel, The Glass Room, details the story of a modernist villa built in a Czech city in 1928. It was nominated for the 2009 Man Booker Prize, narrowly missing out on first place.
Reflecting on his time at the school, he said: "I had a wonderful time here, I really did. I came from a boarding school which I hated and what Millfield gave me was freedom and that was great. I loved it and I could be myself."
The final recipient Julie Dibens was unable to attend the ceremony due to training commitments in America. A recorded message was shown to the audience.
In the message she said: "I'd like to thank everyone at Millfield for honouring me with this Old Millfieldian award. It truly is a great honour.
Amongst her achievements she can boast triathlon qualification for two Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games. Pushing herself to the extreme, Julie now competes in Iron Man competitions, an event which combines a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle and a marathon.
Concluding the ceremony, Headmaster Craig Considine said: "In making their way in the world, David, Julie, Simon and Richard embody characteristics we all aspire to. We congratulate them and thank them for sharing a small part of their lives with us today. On behalf of the Millfield community we wish them well for their continued success."
Tom Parsons, Millfield Marketing Department
To see photos of this event go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/millfieldschool/sets/72157625520767134/