Welcome to the Old Aldenhamian Society

OA Day 2014 - School House Gaudy

13 June 2014

The weather was perfect for the return of over 140 OAs, former staff and friends of Aldenham to OA Day on Sunday 8th June 2014. The warm sunshine brought smiles to every face as our guests remembered the times they spent at the School. Stories were told and memories shared creating a wonderful atmosphere of thoughtfulness and laughter.
This annual event included a School House reunion with both School House Evens (Leeman’s) and School House Odds (Riding’s) being well represented by former pupils, from as far back as 1936 to as recently as 2013, and staff past and present.
The day began with Coffee in the nostalgic setting of the Library. Between sips and chatter there was an opportunity to review pictures from the past, purchase memorabilia and study a substantial display of publications written by OAs. Anthony Wood (SHE1954-59) showed copies of his recently published memoir, which includes a chapter on his time at Aldenham and attracted much interest.
After coffee it was off to Chapel for a rousing thanksgiving service taken by the School’s new Chaplain, Padre Simon Chapman, with readings by Hanif Moledina (SHO1982-87) and Emily Gratton (CR2008-Present). The Headmaster, James Fowler and Vice President of the OA Society then welcomed guests for drinks in School House Garden, an area that was out of bounds during school days.
The Dining Hall was full to capacity and the delicious lunch was very well received. New friendships were forged and existing ones strengthened whilst there was lots of reminiscing around the tables.
Throughout the event the current Housemaster of Riding’s, Andy Stephenson (CR1999-Present) and Housemistress of Leeman’s, Emily Gratton, invited guests into their Houses. Some OAs who had boarded in School House, which now offers only daytime accommodation for pupils, found their bed spaces taken up by desks in the Marketing, Development and OA Office.
In the afternoon everyone enjoyed touring the site looking for familiar places and discovering new haunts. Eventually they gathered for tea and to watch a celebration cricket match. The 20/20 game saw School House Odds (Riding’s) v School House Evens (Leeman’s), with Odds/Riding’s winning by 19 Runs - the final score was Ridings 127-6 (20 overs), Leemans 108-10. The teams included 6 OAs on each side and were made up to full complement by current pupils and members of staff.
All in all a great time was had and we now look forward with excitement to the next opportunity for an OA get together.

Cricket Match Score Sheet OA Day 2014.pdf

Shool House Gaudy - OA Day 2014 -

09 June 2014

The weather was perfect for the return of over 140 OAs, former staff and friends of Aldenham to OA Day on Sunday 8th June 2014. The warm sunshine brought smiles to every face as our guests remembered the times they spent at the School. Stories were told and memories shared creating a wonderful atmosphere of thoughtfulness and laughter.
This annual event included a School House reunion with both School House Evens (Leeman’s) and School House Odds (Riding’s) being well represented by former pupils, from as far back as 1936 to as recently as 2013, and staff past and present.
The day began with Coffee in the nostalgic setting of the Library. Between sips and chatter there was an opportunity to review pictures from the past, purchase memorabilia and study a substantial display of publications written by OAs. Anthony Wood (SHE1954-59) showed copies of his recently published memoir, which includes a chapter on his time at Aldenham and attracted much interest.
After coffee it was off to Chapel for a rousing thanksgiving service taken by the School’s new Chaplain, Padre Simon Chapman, with readings by Hanif Moledina (SHO1982-87) and Emily Gratton (CR2008-Present). The Headmaster, James Fowler and Vice President of the OA Society then welcomed guests for drinks in School House Garden, an area that was out of bounds during school days.
The Dining Hall was full to capacity and the delicious lunch was very well received. New friendships were forged and existing ones strengthened whilst there was lots of reminiscing around the tables.
Throughout the event the current Housemaster of Riding’s, Andy Stephenson (CR1999-Present) and Housemistress of Leeman’s, Emily Gratton, invited guests into their Houses. Some OAs who had boarded in School House, which now offers only daytime accommodation for pupils, found their bed spaces taken up by desks in the Marketing, Development and OA Office.
In the afternoon everyone enjoyed touring the site looking for familiar places and discovering new haunts. Eventually they gathered for tea and to watch a celebration cricket match. The 20/20 game saw School House Odds (Riding’s) v School House Evens (Leeman’s), with Odds/Riding’s winning by 19 Runs - the final score was Ridings 127-6 (20 overs), *Leemans 108-10. The teams included 6 OAs on each side and were made up to full complement by current pupils and members of staff.
All in all a great time was had and we now look forward with excitement to the next opportunity for an OA get together.

Cricket Match Score Sheet OA Day 2014.pdf

Fives Club 2014 Round Up

04 June 2014

The Aldenham Fives Club had another busy and successful year with a ladder competition run every six weeks and our first entries into the Barber Cup and EFA Trophy for many years.

The ladder is played every six weeks and is particularly popular with four courts regularly filled. Josh Rose (B1994-99) is proud of winning more ladders than anyone else despite being only an occasional player. Other winners included Graham Pulsford (M1971-75), Chris Austin and Chris Cernushi (K1998-2005).

Each winner is awarded the new Phil Marsh Trophy which they retain until the next ladder competition. Fittingly this is a silver tankard which we know Phil (M1958-60) would have appreciated.

Our return to the Barber Cup was brief but enjoyed by the players. OAs Josh Rose (B1994-99) and Carl Rennie (M2006-13) (1st pair); Rubel Mallik (and Andrew Rennie (M2006-13) (2nd pair); and Darshan Patel (R2006-12) and Nirav Patel (R2005-12 (3rd pair) battled hard but were beaten 1-2 overall by the eventual winners, St Olaves.

Our first entry into the EFA Trophy ended with a narrow 2-1 defeat in the semi final against Oxford (a combination of Oxford University and Oxford). This is a squad event and we came through the six qualifying rounds in impressive style; a clear indication of the depth of quality in the Aldenham ranks. The performances of the youngsters, the Rennie brothers and Darshan Patel, were particularly encouraging and these players will provide a solid core of quality players for future years. Note: Rubel and Chris – you no longer qualify as youngsters.

With further fixtures against the Brigands, Lancing Old Boys, North Oxford, Eton and the Jesters, there was plenty to keep Aldenham’s players busy.

“Our enthusiastic players will continue to turn out every Tuesday evening over the summer. Players from other clubs are very welcome to join us,” says club secretary Phil Lyndon (K1976-81).

Cantabile Sang in Chester Cathedral

28 May 2014

OAs who live in and around Chester were invited to hear the School Cantbile sing in Chester Cathedral on Sunday 25th May.
Alan Dickinson (SHE1947-52) and Dennis Robinson (SHO1947-51) met up for the first time since leaving Aldenham and attended Mattins followed by a relaxed lunch in the Refectory Café. They congratulated the Director and Assistant Director of Music on the Choir’s performance at the service, which included John Rutter’s ‘This is the Day’. They were delighted to know that music continues to flourish at Aldenham as was Tony Doust (P1952-58) who attended Evensong and particularly enjoyed hearing ‘O Thou the Central Orb’ by Charles Wood sung expertly by the Choir. Tony was inspired to play the piano within his first weeks at the School, a hobby he continues to enjoy, and was pleased to have been able to make the journey to Chester after leading a service as Reader at his own church in Stockport.
The Cantabile completed a gruelling schedule of rehearsals and three services. It was an exhilarating experience for the young singers who rounded off the day with pizza at a local restaurant and looked forward to a stop at Alton Towers on their way back to Hertfordshire the following day.

Chester Cathedral a Warm Welcome

27 May 2014

OAs who live in and around Chester were invited to hear the School Cantbile sing in Chester Cathedral on Sunday 25th May.
Alan Dickinson (SHE1947-52) and Dennis Robinson (SHO1947-51) met up for the first time since leaving Aldenham and attended Mattins followed by a relaxed lunch in the Refectory Café. They congratulated the Director and Assistant Director of Music on the Choir’s performance at the service, which included John Rutter’s ‘This is the Day’. They were delighted to know that music continues to flourish at Aldenham as was Tony Doust (P1952-58) who attended Evensong and particularly enjoyed hearing ‘O Thou the Central Orb’ by Charles Wood sung expertly by the Choir. Tony was inspired to play the piano within his first weeks at the School, a hobby he continues to enjoy, and was pleased to have been able to make the journey to Chester after leading a service as Reader at his own church in Stockport.
The Cantabile completed a gruelling schedule of rehearsals and three services. It was an exhilarating experience for the young singers who rounded off the day with pizza at a local restaurant and looked forward to a stop at Alton Towers on their way back to Hertfordshire the following day.

aldenham.net - After Work Drink, London

22 May 2014

It was great to see 15 OAs get together for an after work drink in central London on Wednesday 21st May. The evening offered an ideal opportunity to network professionally and catch up with school friends, some of whom hadn’t seen each other for over 10 years and several making new OA acquaintances.
But where were all the city girls? Surely there must be some women working in the capital who would have enjoyed the occasion.
What can we do to attract you to the next event?
Neil Sutherland (B1966-70), President, gave an informal address to remind members about the valuable OA Mentoring scheme and the importance of continued membership of the Society. Mark Reis (B1979-84) was the lucky winner of the business card draw and was delighted to take home a copy of the history book – Aldenham School – A Foundation for Success.
This event was the first of its kind and the welcome drinks were sponsored by the school and the OA Society. If you would like to be invited next time, why not join aldenham.net by emailing oas@aldenham.com or phoning the Development and OA Office on 01923 851614/2.

aldenham.net - London, After Work Drink

22 May 2014

It was great to see 15 OAs get together for an after work drink in central London on Wednesday 21st May. The evening offered an ideal opportunity to network professionally and catch up with school friends, some of whom hadn’t seen each other for over 10 years and several making new OA acquaintances.
But where were all the city girls? Surely there must be some women working in the capital who would have enjoyed the occasion.
What can we do to attract you to the next event?
Neil Sutherland (B1966-70), President, gave an informal address to remind members about the valuable OA Mentoring scheme and the importance of continued membership of the Society. Mark Reis (B1979-84) was the lucky winner of the business card draw and was delighted to take home a copy of the history book – Aldenham School – A Foundation for Success.
This event was the first of its kind and the welcome drinks were sponsored by the school and the OA Society. If you would like to be invited next time, why not join aldenham.net by emailing oas@aldenham.com or phoning the Development and OA Office on 01923 851614/2.

Regional Lunch Goudhurst, Kent May 2014

16 May 2014

Another very successful Regional Lunch was enjoyed on Wednesday 7th May by OAs and their guests in Goudhurst, Kent.
The lunch was preceded by a visit to Finchcocks Musical Museum, where OAs gathered in the beautiful grounds of a Grade 1 listed, early Georgian manor. The museum houses a celebrated collection of over 100 historical keyboard instruments and we were delighted to hear some of these being played by the proprietors and our own guests, including the Headmaster, James Fowler.
A splendid lunch was served at The Green Cross Inn, which provided a private dining room for the occasion. The most senior OA present was Robin Sharp (B1937-42) who made an excellent job of saying the School Grace before the meal.
This event was another memorable occasion and I’m sure that those attending for the first time will make sure they return for more when the opportunity arises.
Please log in to see a selection of photographs taken on the day in the Event Galleries of this website.

Regional Lunch Kent Success

08 May 2014

Another very successful Regional Lunch was enjoyed on Wednesday 7th May by OAs and their guests in Goudhurst, Kent.
The lunch was preceded by a visit to Finchcocks Musical Museum, where OAs gathered in the beautiful grounds of a Grade 1 listed, early Georgian manor. The museum houses a celebrated collection of over 100 historical keyboard instruments and we were delighted to hear some of these being played by the proprietors and our own guests, including the Headmaster, James Fowler.
A splendid lunch was served at The Green Cross Inn, which provided a private dining room for the occasion. The most senior OA present was Robin Sharp (B1937-42) who made an excellent job of saying the School Grace before the meal.
This event was another memorable occasion and I’m sure that those attending for the first time will make sure they return for more when the opportunity arises.
Please log in to see a selection of photographs taken on the day in the Event Galleries of this website.

Halford Hewitt Tournament 2014

24 April 2014

Congratulations 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 2014.pdf