OA Day 2022 attracted 140 guests and, although two years overdue, provided the opportunity for a Beevor's reunion in its 127th year. The Day was also a celebration of girls joining Aldenham over 40 years ago. OAs said farewell to James Fowler as he leaves after his 16 year tenure and James James-Crook (M1968-72), President of the OA Society, congratulated members on the 120th anniversary of this unique network of former students.
The sun shone over the School, which is now 425 years old and the annual John Dewes cricket match was played in memory of the only Test Match player from Aldenham to date, John Dewes (B1940-45). In addition, guests were treated to a showcase performance of the Shadow of Eros, A new musical, funded by Arts Council England, based on the life and times Sir Alfred Gilbert (SH1865-72) the renowned sculptor of the Shaftesbury Memorial, better known as the Eros statue in Piccadilly. See below the messages shared with those present from others who couldn't attend.
Photos available in the Event Galleries.

Head Boys and Head Girls who worked with the Headmaster in their final year at Aldenham were invited back for ‘Cocktails and Canapes’ in School House Garden to say a fond farewell to James Fowler.
James was delighted to see the seventeen who came back to wish him well and he reminisced about every individual, commenting on their willingness and ability to support him in many different ways as they each embraced the role in their unique way.
Photos available in the Event Galleries.

Just over a year since the staff and pupils first moved into their new school building, we were at last able to celebrate the opening of Vincent House – Aldenham Prep School on Monday 23 May 2022.
The whole school was involved in the celebration and Year 6 children proudly showed guests around before a short formal ceremony in Barton Hall. Chair of Governors, Sarah Altman welcomed everyone and introduced members of the Vincent Family including a close Aldenham school friend of Lord Vincent’s, Mr Jim Toogood, who was in School House 1946 to 51. Trevor Barton, who attended Aldenham himself from 1971 to 75 and was a Governor from 2009, Chair of Governors from 2015-21, reflected on the need for this new facility at Aldenham and how the development came about. The children entertained the guests with some hearty singing before a portrait of Lord Vincent was unveiled by the Head Prefects.
Lord Vincent GBE KCB DSO, an Old Aldenhamian, had an enduring relationship with the School. On leaving Aldenham in 1950 he joined the British Army to become a fulltime soldier with the Royal Artillery. His military career spanned 46 years and on his retirement as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee in 1996 he was ennobled in the Birthday Honours, being created a life peer with the title Baron Vincent of Coleshill. He became Chancellor of Cranfield University and for many years was a Governor at Aldenham, eventually being made Emeritus Governor.
Colonel the Honourable Mark Vincent MBE, Lord Vincent’s son, said that he was delighted that his father is being honoured with this wonderful building. He was sure that both his mother and father would have been extremely impressed by the joyous feel of the school and the people in it.
Other guests included Old Aldenhamians, parents and friends of the School who had made significant contributions to a fundraising appeal which generated over £170,000 to enhance the outdoor learning spaces. The Mayor and Mayoress of Hertsmere, the architect and project manager also joined the party and enjoyed afternoon tea with staff and Governors and Parent Association representatives.
Photos available in the Event Galleries.

Aldenham recently hosted a showcase performance by a troupe of professional actors of a new musical that celebrates the life of Sir Alfred Gilbert (SH1865-72), the sculptor of the Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus.
The writers of The Shadow of Eros secured funding from Arts Council England to put on the show and they plan to take it into full production.
Gilbert paid a high price for his genius and the story follows him from fame and fortune into exile and despair and finally into glorious redemption. It’s a tale of pride and fall spanning decades, nations, royalty, and war.
Along with Gilbert himself the characters in the show include Angelo Colarossi, the model for Eros, Joseph Boehm, Gilbert’s mentor and champion, Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and Joseph’s lover. Gilbert’s childhood sweetheart, and first wife Alice is featured as are other friends and acquaintances Oscar Wilde, George V, Queen Victoria’s son and Eliza MacLoghlin, an eccentric society lady and client of Gilbert’s.
The President of the Old Aldenhamian Society, James James-Crook, several Old Aldenhamians, current students and staff and Head of Foundation elect, Mrs Alex Hems watched the show and enjoyed meeting the cast and production team afterwards to hear more about plans for taking the show to the West End.
The Shadow of Eros website provides recordings of some of the songs and further details of the production - The Shadow of Eros

For those who couldn't make it to the school to see this unique show the recording is below.