The Mitre Lounge was a abuzz on Thursday 16 November 2023 with a visit from one of Britain's foremost authors, Caroline Montague. 

The venue was packed to capacity as ODs and friends came to the talk, outlining Caroline's book, of a boy and a baby elephant, and how their friendship unfolds as they journey through to reunite Zoya with his elephant herd.

The baby elephant is led by the fearless Naru and other animals who help along theway.

The story raises the awareness of the plight of animals, the work of Marlene McCay, known for her drive to protect elephants on the continent.

The book is full of wise sayings and lessons to be learnt from nature, set in an African context. 

The text is poignantly illustrated by the well known South African artist Richie Ryall (1977F).  

The introduction to the text is by Sir Tim Rice, the renowned English lyricist and author best known for his collaborations with Disney on the Lion King and work with Andrew Lloyd Webber.  

The book has been published in partnership with Elephants Alive, to raise awareness of the plight of elephants and the urgent need to protect them before it’s too late.

"Elephant lovers and conservationists are currently working against time to tackle the ivory trade, and to create new corridors for animals to move safely across borders as they once did".

Paul Murray the ODA attended the function and was able to connect and engage with ODs; many of whom had not been back to The Mitre for a long time.

Caroline Montague is the author of amongst others, ‘An Italian Affair’ and ‘A Paris Secret’.