Welcome to the Old Aldenhamian Society

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

Dr Apthorp Opens Play Tower

07 April 2014

Dr Brian Apthorp (Paull’s1951-56) returned to Aldenham on Wednesday 2nd May to officially open a new play tower in the Pre-Prep School playground. Dr Apthorp pulled the ribbon with Susan May who was representing the Prep Parents’ Association. These special guests were given a rousing ‘thank you’ by the children for their generous contributions to the Aldenham Annual Fund Appeal, which had raised the money to buy this new equipment.
The Head of Prep School, Vicky Gocher (pictured on the Home page with Dr Brian Apthorp) hosted a coffee morning to express the School’s gratitude for the contribution made to the Annual Fund by OAs and parents. She said that the children really enjoy letting off steam in the playground and the new equipment has encouraged lots of imaginative play.
As a former pupil in the 1950’s, when the Nursery School, Wilson House, was the Sanatorium and long before the Prep School was built, Dr Apthorp saw many changes to the school grounds. His daughter, Claudine Goldingham, who was also present, is a current Aldenham parent and was delighted to see the children having fun, not only on the climbing frame but also with the colourful ribbon that had been tied around it for the occasion.
All too soon it was back to work for everyone, after a happy interlude in praise of the valuable support given to the School from members of the Aldenham community.
The Annual Fund 2013/14 now stands at over £34,000 exceeding the set target, thanks to all the generous donations received so far during this school year.

OA Fives Annual Report

17 March 2014

Presented to the OA Society AGM - Written by Andrew Fraser, School Bursar & Honorary OA
OA Fives is currently in a good state with a high quality of Fives being played in the Aldenham Fives Club every Tuesday night and OA’s making up some 60% of the membership.
Tuesday night Fives attracts a minimum of 2 courts worth of players, 3 courts regularly and occasionally 4 courts. On club nights players mix and match between games to ensure that everyone gets maximum variety and exposure to playing with and against the best players. The evenings usually end with the younger and fitter members playing a very competitive game whilst the more senior members retire slightly earlier to the Roundbush for beer and pick of the sandwiches.
To keep a competitive edge we hold a Club Ladder competition once every 6 weeks where the winners progress up a court after each game and the losing pair go down a court. Partners are then changed and we start again. At the end of the evening there will usually be one player who is undefeated and he is the competition winner. On Ladder evenings we then retire to the Radlett curry house. Phil Marsh was one of the founder members of the Fives Club and a keen player (and socialiser) so following his untimely death the Club decided to award a tankard tor the winner of the Ladder and it has been engraved as the Philip Marsh Trophy and is passed from winner to winner every 6 weeks.
After many years of only playing social Fives, we decided this year to enter a number of Eton Fives Association competitions. We entered a team in the Barber Cup and in October were unfortunate to draw the reigning champions and eventual winners, Old Olavians, in the first round. The team, sporting new OA colours, acquitted themselves well going down 2-1 and running all 3 pairs close.

OAFC Annual Report

17 March 2014

Presented to the OA Society AGM - Written by Martyn Berg (B1989-94), Chairman of OAFC.
I would like to convey my sincere thanks to Neil Sutherland, President, Frank Rogers, Honorary Secretary and the OA Society Committee for their support this season. It really has been greatly appreciated.
It has been a very mixed season on the pitch. Both teams have been very inconsistent, with the 1st team not performing well in the league until recently but achieving the great feat of reaching the final of the London Old Boys Challenge Cup. This will be a 3pm KO (tbc) on Saturday 26th April and will be held at the University Of Hertfordshire. It is sure to be a hard but enjoyable game, so all support will be most welcome. The 2nd team have had a few positive results, including a 3-3 draw with title favourites Old Carthusian IIs but, on the whole, they have struggled to maintain the high standard set last season with their promotion.
Off the pitch, there are more positives, we have had a good influx of young players, including James Greensmith (K2008-13), Jack Jones (L2011-13) and Rishi Popat (R2008-13). We have also integrated a couple of current students Tilk Malhotra, Year 13, Beevor's, Florian Berberich, Year 13, Kennedy's and James Stowell, Year 13, Leeman's. They have held their own and put in some great performances, especially Tilk, who scored a memorable goal for the 2nd team in that Old Carthusians IIs match.
Probably the greatest asset of all has been that of Roy Hanshaw, Head of Grounds and Gardens. He is without a doubt the jewel in our crown. We are continually complimented on our pitches and it's a testament to Roy that, rain or shine, he always pulls out the stops to get the games played.
Thanks again to the Headmaster, Nick Pulman and Grant Cornock for their invaluable support too. Our link to the school feels stronger than ever and I hope we can continue to build on that.

School House Reunion - Invitations Sent

12 March 2014

OA Day on Sunday 8th June will include a Gaudy reunion for former pupils who were in School House (Odds, Evens, Ridings and Leeman's). Invitations to over 1,500 OAs, Teachers, past and present and other staff and friends associated with School House have now been sent. If you were in School House and have not received an invitation from the Headmaster it is likely to be because we do not have up to date contact details for you. Please contact the Development and OA Office to let us know where you are now. oas@aldenham.com Pictured are two illustrious School House OAs - Field Marshal, the Lord Vincent of Coleshill GBE KCB DSO (SHE1945-50), the most senior ranking officer in the British Army, stands in front of a bust of General Sir Richard Gale GCB KBE DSO MC (SH1911-13), founder of the Parachute Regiment.

Reply Slip 2014 School House.pdf