Welcome to the Old Aldenhamian Society

08 October 2014

We are sad to announce that Robert Stokes (CR1949-83) passed away on Monday 29th September. Robert was a long standing and well respected member of the teaching staff at Aldenham. He taught modern foreign languages and was Housemaster of McGill’s from 1959-74. His wife, Hazel was also popular with both staff and boys at the time. Later Robert became head of Modern Languages and pioneered the development of a Language Laboratory to allow speaking skills to be developed. He was also dedicated to developing the school’s careers capabilities, building strong and lasting links over the years with industry, commerce and the professions. In January 1977 he commenced a four month sabbatical sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and produced a report ‘Why Engineering?’ contrasting the English and German approach to engineering in industry Hazel died in 1978, which led indirectly to early retirement from Aldenham in 1983 and a new career as the Eastern Secretary of the Independent Schools Careers Organisation ISCO The School continues to offer this important service to pupils today. In retirement Robert was always busy, he enjoyed travelling, learning new languages, singing and playing his grand piano. He went to Proms and art galleries and was a huge fan of Covent Garden. Robert had a heart attack in 2009, and in 2011 he moved close to one of his sons near Guildford. Typically, he participated fully in many activities and excursions, until advancing dementia limited his ability to cope with new adventures.

70th Anniversary Luncheon for ‘New’ Boys of September 1944

11 September 2014

It was 70 years ago, in September 1944, that 16 ‘New Boys’ stepped into the Headmaster’s Drawing Room, now the Whitbread Room, for the first time as they were welcomed to Aldenham School. This first time meeting was the beginning of some lifelong friendships as the School House contemporaries journeyed through school life and beyond. 50 years later, John Handcock (SHE1944-47) decided to replay the first day at school and organised a reunion lunch back at Aldenham. This occasion was repeated in 2004 for a 60th anniversary celebration and again John called the group together for a luncheon on 8th September this year.
John supplied Champagne for the reception, when current Housemasters, Senior Teachers and Business Managers popped in to welcome these ‘Old Boys’ back to their School. The Headmaster, James Fowler, joined the celebratory lunch, as did The Development & OA Manager and Assistant, Ann Saffery and Jackie Wilkie. It was a delightful occasion with lots of storytelling and laughter along with a little sadness as glasses were raised to ‘absent friends’.
Plans are now afoot for another get together, but the consensus was not to leave it another 10 years until the next celebration, just because it was so much fun!

OAGS - Fight for the Mellin Salver

14 July 2014

Another year has passed and the excitement of the Mellin Salver is over. Sadly, we lost against Sherborne and then Bradfield after lunch so there was no Aldenham presence at West Hill this year.

We did get through one round in the Peter Burles Salver only to be beaten by Bradfield in the afternoon. Bradfield are likely to be in the Final today.

Finally, Bob Coombes and Clive Simeons scored 22 stableford points (off scratch) in the Bunny Millard and only needed a few more to qualify for the semi-final.

Well done everyone! We had a very good time and we shall train hard for next year.

Here are the full results.

The Mellin Salver

11 July v Sherborne at West Hill

Result: Lost ½ - 2½
Team: RD Hall & SC Lewis Lost 6&5
PJ Easby & G Green Halved
I Wilson-Soppitt & JDL Yule Lost 4&3

The Mellin Plate

11 July v Bradfield at West Hill

Result: Lost 1 - 2
Team: RD Hall & SC Lewis Won 6&4
PJ Easby & G Green Lost 4&3
I Wilson-Soppitt & RJ Morris Lost 5&4

The Peter Burles Salver

10 July v Sherborne at West Hill

Result: Won 1½ - ½
Team: RRWB Cooke & JJ Irwin Won 2&1
IR Eggleden & DPA Vezey Halved

10 July v Bradfield at West Hill

Result: Lost ½ - 1½
Team: RRWB Cooke & JJ Irwin Halved
IR Eggleden & DPA Vezey Lost 5&4

The Bunny Millard Salver

10 July at West Hill

Result: Did not qualify with 22 points
Team: RJ Coombes & FC Simeons

Report by Ian Eggleden

John Dewes Match 2014

07 July 2014

The School’s First XI and the Headmaster’s Guest XI contested the John Dewes Cricket Trophy for the fifth time on Tuesday 24th June 2014, the match ended in a draw. You can see pictures of this year's action in the Event Galleries. This event, which is now an annual fixture in the School calendar, was followed by a barbeque for players and spectators, providing an opportunity to discuss the game and inspire the current pupils with stories, advice and guidance from more experienced players. John Dewes (B194045), Aldenham’s only Test cricketer, was unable to be present due to poor health, but would have been delighted to see the high level of skill displayed by the boys and the grounds looking as spectacular as ever. Six of this year’s 1st XI are now OAs themselves and very keen to continue playing cricket at the School. Consideration will be given to running some OA Cricket matches on Sundays during the season – Please contact the Development and OA Office if this is something that would be of interest to you oas@aldenham.com

Eros to Eros 2014

27 June 2014

The traditional Eros Run from Piccadilly Circus to the replica Eros statue at Aldenham took place as usual on the last day of the summer term, Friday 27th June '14. With 23 runners at the 5.00a.m start it was a perfect day for this quite gruelling event.
Once again Paul Cheetham (CR1996-99 & 2003-07), was home first with a time of 1. 26.31, beating his own record set last year.
Two other OAs were also in the field, regular participant Martin Phillips (M1977-82) and Christopher Cook (L200-2002) who was back for the race for the first time since he ran in as a schoolboy. This time, Chris's Dad, Len Cook ran alongside his son and both determined to set a new record next year - watch out Paul.

John Apthorp Visits The Wells Centre

24 June 2014

We were delighted to be able to welcome John Apthorp MBE (P1949-53) to see The Wells Centre for the first time since it was opened in September 2012. John and his family are great supporters of the School and his great niece is currently enjoying a successful time in Martineau’s House.
James Fowler, Headmaster and Stuart Lewis DL, Chairman of Governors, were able to show John the new building, which has just served its second year in full use. John saw students who will be joining Aldenham in Year 12 in September, tackling leadership skills training in the Sixth Form Centre, which was a hive of activity. He was particularly impressed with the equipment in the Music Technology classroom and the excellent environment provided for learning Psychology in the Sixth Form.
The Apthorp Room on the upper level was all set for a Governor training session to take place and John was pleased to know that the space is in regular use for a variety of activities by the whole School and our local community.
Although not a cricket fan himself, John could appreciate the spectacular view across Top Field, from the balcony in the Foyer to the Recital Room, where the annual John Dewes match was well under way on Tuesday 24th June 2014.

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.