29 November 2013
OA Dinner – Friday 22nd November 2013Over 100 Old Aldenhamians (OAs) gathered for the OA Society Annual Dinner at their old School on Friday 22nd November 2013. Guests were received with a drink in the familiar setting of the Library where Ruth Alinek (CR1978-82) gave a very entertaining and thought provoking pre-dinner talk about her time at Aldenham as the first (and only) female member of the Common Room. Ruth gained sympathy from her audience when she explained that there were no ‘ladies facilities’ and fortunately the cleaners took pity on her and gave her the key to their loo! There were a few raised eyebrows when she regaled the benefits of single sex education for girls, expressed her feminist and socialist ideals and her strong belief in grammar schools. She finished however by stating that she owes much to the experience she gained in the late ‘70s at Aldenham, she said:“Women and men have come a long way since I began my educational journey and it was at Aldenham that I discovered my love for the teaching profession, which has been a great part of my life. After a tricky start, I soon came to feel part of the ‘family’ – welcomed and accepted by the boys and most of the masters alike”.David Wright (SHO1976-81) had organised a reunion of Aldenham old boys (now celebrating their 50th birthdays) who had known Ruth as a ‘young’ teacher. It was a joy to see their faces as they got together to reminisce and hear about their teacher’s experiences.The Dining Hall looked splendid and a delicious, meal was served beautifully to everyone’s delight. The four courses were accompanied by lots of chatter and debates, no doubt sparked by our pre-dinner speaker and the 24 hour music Play in that had preceded the event at the School to raise money for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal. Neil Sutherland, OBE (B1966-70), President, congratulated all those present who had celebrated special birthdays, including one OA who had turned 21 recently and others who had become 50, 60 & 70 years young. He thanked the organisers and those who had made up tables from members of the OA Football Club, OA Golf Society, OA Fives, and contemporaries from the late ‘70s and the late ‘90s – early ‘00s. He particularly welcomed the 5 OA girls, as there has been a focus this year on Aldenham’s successful journey into becoming fully co-educational and a celebration, on OA Day in June, of 30 years since the first girls joined the OA Society.In response, James Fowler, Headmaster, said how delighted he was to see so many OAs enjoying this wonderful occasion. He was pleased that OAs had been able to support the School’s impromptu fundraising efforts, and especially thanked those who had been present in the early hours of the morning, when there were performances by Carl Rennie (M2003-10) and Duncan Fraser (M1998-2005), both of whom were also at the Dinner, as were several OAs who had gone along to watch the proceedings. James announced that the 24 hour Play in had already exceeded its fundraising target and was well on the way to reaching £10,000 which was an amazing achievement.This popular event ended on a high, with promises to increase the number in their party next year, some guests preparing to continue the celebration out on the town and others retiring gracefully and homeward bound.Photographs taken at this event will be available to view soon on the event galleries.