Event Details

Exclusive access for Society members until 26 August

Cheltonian Society members (Old Cheltonians, current and former parents, and current and former staff) have exclusive access to tickets until Wednesday 26 August. The lead booker must be a Cheltonian Society member but you are welcome to include non-Society members as your guests. 

Please note this event is strictly for over-18s only and is not open to current College pupils (including those who are 18).

MC and panel of OC rugby professionals

Our MC, Alastair Eykyn (past parent), will lead the evening's discussions. Alastair is a broadcaster who has been calling English rugby’s biggest matches for over a decade, including countless Premiership finals at Twickenham. He describes his job as, 'having my nose to the ground for all the interesting rugby stories.'

We are delighted to have a panel of four professional Gloucester/international players (three of whome are OCs):
 

Lewis Ludlow - Gloucester - Gloucester Rugby’s captain Lewis Ludlow leads from the front and epitomises everything Cherry and White. The Club Captain is creeping up on 260 appearances for Gloucester Rugby, after making his debut in 2015. In summer 2021, his efforts were rewarded with international honours and Ludlow became just the fifth player to captain England on debut when he led Eddie Jones’ side to victory over the USA.

Ollie Thorley (BH, 2015) - Gloucester - Thorley became the club's youngest first team try scorer, when he crossed against Ospreys in March 2015 in the LV Cup and he marked his debut in the Premiership with the game's only try against the Exeter Chiefs in April 2016. With pace and an ability to run through defenders, Thorley won his first England cap against Italy in the 2020 Six Nations.

Nikita Prothero (CL, 2021) - Wales - Nikita gained caps for England U18s and U20s and then began her premiership career with Loughborough Lightning whilst at uni, competing in BUCS super league, GB7s, England 7s and gaining some Premiership appearances. She moved to Sale Sharks, picking up 40 caps and now plays for Wales, featuring in the 2026 Women’s 6 Nations where she was was capped against Italy and Ireland.

Seb Blake (BH, 2020) - Gloucester - Hooker Seb Blake joined the Senior Academy having been a stand-out performer during age-grade rugby, also playing a part in the highly regarded Cheltenham XV side. Seb had been a member of the junior academy, taking a break to recover from injury as an U15, before showing true resilience and character to join back up with the academy as an U16 after impressive performances for his school. With footwork, strong carry skills and an ability to offload, Blake has all the skills required of a modern hooker.

The 4ED Foundation

The event is in aid of The 4ED Foundation, supporting those affected by MND. Our mission on the night, as well as entertaining and informing everyone with first-class punditry and behind-the-scenes intel, is to collectively raise as much money for 4ED as we can.

4ED was established after Gloucester’s Ed Slater was diagnosed with MND in July 2022, beginning with a bike ride between former teammates and friends with the aim of supporting Ed and his family as they navigated the difficult road ahead of them. Now, The 4ED Foundation supports people who are sharing the same journey. Financial bursaries provide access to support including funding vital equipment, changes to the home, family days out or psychological support. The 4ED campaign seeks to raise continued awareness of MND to help influence national policy. As of 2023, 4ED is officially part of the Gloucester Rugby Foundation as a restricted fund, securing the future legacy of the campaign and the transformative impact it has. 

Raffle prizes

We have a spectacular raffle to raise money for The 4ED Foundation. Tickets will be available to buy on the night.

Prizes include:

A luxury night's stay at The Times’ ‘Best Pub with Rooms’ winner for 2026: The Wild Duck in Ewen. Enjoy a night for two at this Grade II-listed inn in the beautiful village of Ewen, a stone’s throw from Cirencester, three course dinner, drinks, and breakfast. 

T&Cs: the stay is for maximum two people, on a Sunday - Thursday only, excluding bank holidays, Mother’s day, Father’s day, Valentines and Christmas and New Year. The property reserves the right to choose the type and size of room, based on availability. Dinner includes a welcome drink, 3 courses and half a bottle of house wine per person. To be used within 12 months
 

A romantic night in cosy Cotswolds bliss at the Double Red Duke in Clanfield. This honey-stoned rural idyll, just 30 minutes away from Oxford, was once a 17th century pub, and has now been renovated by the award-winning Country Creatures team with quiet luxury, individual character and exceptional in-season menus in mind. 

T&Cs: the stay is for maximum two people, on a Sunday - Thursday only, excluding bank holidays, Mother’s day, Father’s day, Valentines and Christmas and New Year. The property reserves the right to choose the type and size of room, based on availability. Dinner includes a welcome drink, 3 courses and half a bottle of house wine per person. To be used within 12 months

A guided tour and tasting, where Dunkertons will share their history and show you how they craft their organic cider from bud to bottle. You will see where they press, ferment, hand blend and bottle our award-winning cider, before finishing with a fully tutored cheese and cider tasting. Enjoy samples of organic cheese, artisan chutneys and freshly baked organic bread while discovering how their ciders pair with a range of flavours.

Dinner in an exclusive venue for one lucky winner plus their guests and Gloucester Rugby players.

With our thanks to our MC and panel of speakers; Dunkertons; Gloucester Rugby Foundation; OC and former Gloucester Rugby player Sam Pearman (Xt, 1996) who founded the luxury hotel brand Country Creatures, owners of the Wild Duck and the Double Red Duke.

Venue
Dunkertons Cider, Dowdeswell Park, London Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6UT

Photography
College and Dunkertons photographers will be at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to a member of the Cheltonian Society team on arrival.