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Chapel Celebration - 80th Anniversary and Rededication

18 October 2018

Geoffrey Prall (SHE1936-40) and Philip Osmond (P1938-43), were both present at the Consecration of the Aldenham School Chapel on 8 October 1938 and they were special guests at the 80th Anniversary celebration held on Monday 15 October 2018. Other guests included the Chair of Governors, Trevor Barton (K1971—75), President of the OA Society, James James-Crook (M1968-72), two former school Chaplains, The Revd Canon Andrew Stead (CR1994-2013) and The Revd Dan Bond (CR2007-11), Archdeacon Jonathan (Archdeacon for St Albans and an Aldenham school governor). The Rt Rvd Dr Alan Smith, the Lord Bishop of St Albans led and preached at this wonderful celebration.
The service started with a hearty rendition of Lord of the Years, after which The Bishop welcomed everyone to this special service. The Headmaster gave a brief history of the School Chapel, reminding everyone that this is the third School Chapel and is still at the centre of our school community. The Junior Choir gave a wonderful rendition of Sing of the Lord’s Goodness. Trevor Barton read the same Bible passage that was read at the original service, (Matt 22:34-40), about the Greatest Commandment.
One of the highlights of the service was when two of the youngest pupils, Head Boy and Head Girl of the Junior House, Martineau’s, led the OAs, Geoffrey Prall and Philip Osmond out of the Chapel. Seeing the time span of the Chapel represented in this way was particularly moving.
To see more pictures taken at this event go to the Event Galleries page.

David Ronald Male CBE FRICS - RIP

08 October 2018

Sadly the death of David Male (P1942-46) at the age of 88 has been reported by his brother-in-law, James Evans (B1946-51). David who passed away on 4 October was an Aldenham Scholar, a keen sportsman representing the School in Cricket XI, Hockey, Fives and Tennis becoming Lawn Tennis Champion in 1947.
A significant supporter of the School, David was a Governor of Aldenham School and, during his tenure as President of the OA Society 1986-89, he officially opened the Sports Hall in 1988 and we shall be thinking of him at its 30th Anniversary on 12 October.
A Thanksgiving Service will be held at 12.00 noon on 28 November, at St. Michael’s Church, Inkpen, Berks. RG17 9DS.
A full obituary will appear in the OA Review 2019.
On behalf of the OA Society, our sincere condolences are conveyed to all his family.

James James-Crook
President, OA Society

OA Review Issue 46

24 September 2018

The latest issue of the OA Review is now ready for distribution. Please make sure that your postal address on the OA Society database is up to date if you want to receive a hard copy of this annual magazine for members.
If you are happy with an electronic version of the publication, this will save postage and enable funds to be used on other things. Please contact the Development and OA Office with your preference.
Happy reading and do get in touch with your news for the issue 47.

Dick Vincent SHE1945-50 has died

12 September 2018

Field Marshal The Lord Vincent of Coleshill GBE KCB DSO, Richard Frederick Vincent SHE1945-50, who sadly passed away on 8 September after a long illness was one of the most distinguished OAs.
After National Service, Richard Vincent became a full time soldier with the Royal Artillery initially serving with British Army of the Rhine. He then served with the Commonwealth Brigade in Malaysia during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation. He commanded 12th Light Air Defence Regiment in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, for which he was awarded the DSO, and later commanded 19th Airportable Brigade. He went on to be Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in the late 1980s and then Chief of the Defence Staff in the aftermath of the Gulf War. He subsequently became Chair of the Military Committee of NATO in the mid-1990s.
He was ennobled in the 1996 Birthday Honours, being created a life peer and retired from the House of Lords in 2016. He was Chancellor of Cranfield University. For many years Richard Vincent was a Governor of the School and on his retirement from the Board was made an Emeritus Governor. He was also an inspirational Past President of the OA Society. His portrait hangs in the School Dining Hall. Details of a Memorial Service will be available on the OA website in due course.
On behalf of the OA Society, our sincere condolences are conveyed to all his family.

James James-Crook
President, OA Society

Aldeburgh OAGS Mini-Tour 2018

20 August 2018

Thanks to Nick Holt’s efficient organisation, not to mention his local influence as a member of Aldeburgh Golf Club, 9 OA golfers met on a glorious sunny Tuesday at noon. After a light(ish) lunch, two foursomes matches set off to face the challenge of the linksy Aldeburgh course with its rather unfriendly gorse but with lovely views of the Alde river estuary.
We all met up in the evening at the Wentworth Hotel where we dined well and set about severely depleting their stock of Chablis before retiring to a comfortable B&B owned by another Aldeburgh member.
Wednesday morning was cooler with a fresh sea breeze – welcomed by some but not by those with a slice, controlled or otherwise – and two more foursome matches set off. To nobody’s astonishment, there were winners and losers (see below) but Paul Yule and Neil Melvill were the only players to win on both days so many congratulations to them.
We finished our Mini-Tour with a two-course lunch in the beautifully refurbished clubhouse. This gave us the strength to face the journey home to various parts of the country such as Worcestershire, Norfolk and London or around the M25 to Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Surrey and Sussex. Everyone agreed that it had been a first class Tour.
Thanks to Nick and Hanc Aldenham!
Ian Eggleden
Hon Secretary

Here are the individual results.

Tuesday

PH Yule + CJ Thwaites beat I Wilson-Soppitt + PV Bailey
ND Melvill + RJ Buckley beat DWS Hayes + IR Eggleden

Wednesday

PH Yule + IR Eggleden beat I Wilson-Soppitt + RJ Buckley
ND Melvill + NO Holt beat DWS Hayes + CJ Thwaites

Nigel E L Foxell (B1945-49) has died

31 July 2018

Sadly we have been informed by his widow, Anne, that Nigel Edward Lambert FOXELL (B1945-49) passed away on 23 July 2018. After leaving Aldenham, Nigel went up to Exeter College, Oxford where he read English Language & Literature and was awarded the Laurence Binyon Prize in 1954. A noted poet and writer, Nigel was the author of five novels including Sardinia without Lawrence and One Father's Justice. The funeral will be held at 3pm on Monday 13th August at St Michael's Church, Amberley, West Sussex BN18 9NA. For catering purposes, should you decide to attend, please notify James James-Crook by 9th August email: jamesjamescrook@hotmail.co.uk

OAGS at the GL Mellin Tournament 2018

16 July 2018

It could have been us!
This was a year when we might have reached the Final of all 3 age categories but somehow the final putts just would not fall in the hole.
Roger Cooke (B1952-56) and Jeremy Irwin (SHO1954-58), as defending champions of the Bunny Millard Salver (for players over age 75), reached the Final again. They took the match against Downside to the 18th hole but just missed out on what would have been another famous victory.
In the Peter Burles Salver (for players over age 65) we reached the Semi Final of the Plate competition and narrowly lost to Felsted with both matches going to the 18th hole. In fact, all 6 matches went to the 18th apart from one which we won at the 16th hole.
In the Mellin Salver (for players over age 55) we won a memorable 1st Round match against Lancing with Steve Lewis (B1970-75) and Ian Wilson-Soppitt (P1958-61), our President, winning at the 21st hole. We had to face Haileybury in the 2nd Round and although the Yule brothers, John (SHE1966-71) and Paul (SHE1969-74), won their match (after winning in the 1st Round as well), we just couldn’t get the second point we needed.
It was a wonderful week and we did really well. My thanks to the players for all their sterling efforts in maintaining and enhancing the reputation of our great School.
Hanc Aldenham!
Ian Eggleden
Hon Secretary

MELLIN Results 2018.pdf

OA Day & Kennedy’s Reunion – Sunday 10 June

18 June 2018

It was a glorious day and OAs turned out in force again for OA Day on Sunday 10 June ’18.
This year Kennedy’s hosted a reunion and we were also celebrating 25 years since the opening of the first Martineau’s House, which now shares the building with Kennedy’s.
There were over 100 guests at the event which included a full day of reflection and renewal of friendships for those who had lost touch with one another. New acquaintances were also formed over the welcoming refreshments in The Wells Centre, a drinks reception in Martineau’s (formerly Kennedy’s) and a delicious curry lunch in the Dining Hall.
The sun shone throughout the afternoon as people dispersed to watch the Fives Festival and the John Dewes cricket match. Tea was served in the Pavilion before the gradual departure after a great day, with promises to keep in touch and meet again.

Regional Lunch - Gloucestershire 2018

27 April 2018

A total of 43 guests gathered at The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton, Nr Stroud, for a very enjoyable lunch on Wednesday 25 April 2018. The venue was recommended by Nick Hall (K1962-67) and it was perfect for the occasion. Set in the heart of Minchinhampton Common the restaurant had unrivalled views of the Cotswolds, overlooking the five valleys.
The party started at 12 noon with drinks on arrival, and an hour to meet together, for some it was for the first time in many years. A tasty three course lunch was accompanied by much laughter and interaction between friends, sharing memories and personal stories.
The Headmaster addressed the crowd and updated them on life at Aldenham today. He gave a clear picture of how the School continues to thrive and provide an environment that the current students obviously enjoy. The success stories he shared included an historical victory, by the Under 15 football team, of winning the Independent Schools Football Association Cup in March '18, the golf team playing in the Independent Schools Golf Association Matchplay final in April and a recent weekend when Sixth Form students cared for and entertained a group of severely disabled children, very ably and with great empathy. He highlighted the excellent outcome of the latest ISI Inspection, which took place in December '17 and also a report in the Good Schools Guide, which describes our current pupils as among the happiest they have met.
After lunch there was still more convivial chatter before most guests departed and some prepared for an overnight stay at the venue, with no doubt more reminiscing throughout the afternoon and over breakfast.

Halford Hewitt Tournament 2018

05 April 2018

Congratulations on a good effort to all OAs who took part in The Halford Hewitt this year.
Founded in 1924, this popular tournament is competed for today by the old boys of 64 English and Scottish public schools which each field five foursomes pairs, making 640 competitors in all. The sheer size of the "field" - plus the hundreds of supporters who routinely turn up - is part of what makes the "Hewitt" a unique sporting event. The tournament has a rich history, frequently pits average golfers against famous internationals, and produces moments of golfing pressure simply not experienced by amateur players elsewhere.
Many thanks to Ian Eggleden (SHE1958-63) for preparing a full report on the OAGS performance, which is posted below.

Halford Hewitt Report 2018.pdf

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