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Welcome to the Old Cryptians’ Club website

The Club was founded in 1901 (see history) to support the historic Crypt Grammar School which began life in the heart of Gloucester in 1539. The original schoolroom still exists today in St. Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street, Gloucester which has, in recent years, been part of a huge redevelopment and is well worth a visit.

Throughout the year we organise a programme of events to attract former pupils of all ages. The main focus is our annual dinner which is usually held in March. The London Old Cryptians’ Club is affiliated to the main Club and their principal event is a dinner in or near the City in mid-November.

A highlight of the school year is Founders’ Day, held in the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral. Old Cryptians and their families are honoured guests at the service. The day concludes with a supper at which the incoming President is installed in the historic Parliament Rooms next to the Cathedral.

The Club encourages members worldwide to maintain contact with one another through this site and through social media. We provide a members’ register which contains summary contact details allowing members to look up former School friends.

Club members are very proud of the education that they received at the Crypt School and many choose to contribute to the Bursary Fund. This has charitable status and helps to bind the present School and Old Cryptians with bursaries awarded each year to current students.

Our President

Simon Smith 

Simon was born in Gloucester and since leaving the Crypt has lived in or around London, currently residing in Hertfordshire.  Simon studied Economics and Business Finance at Brunel University and holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Birkbeck College.  His earlier career was as an economist and strategist, for consultancies, corporates and a hedge fund.  More recently Simon has been focused on looking after client assets within the pension industry and is currently Head of First Line Risk for Canada Life.  Simon was previously Treasurer and Chair of the London Old Cryptians’ and was also Treasurer and later chair of Apollo Music Projects.  Simon is also a Trustee of the Anthony Iles Endowment Fund .