OA Day 2024 & Paull's House Reunion
01 July 2024
Over 170 people enjoyed the reunion of Paull’s House OAs and a centenary celebration of the Memorial Library on Sunday 9 June 2024.Guests gathered in The Wells Centre for coffee and refreshments after their journey back to Aldenham. OAs came from as far afield as America & Canada as well as Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium and the breadth of the UK. The focus in the morning was on Paull’s House and some current students showed guests around and shared experiences. A Thanksgiving service in Chapel was followed by drinks in School House Garden and then Lunch in the Dining Hall. Special guests included Nick Pulman (CR1977-2015), 6th Housemaster of Paull’s, 1987-1981 and his wife, Char. They met the current Housemistress, Rebecca Cassell (CR2020-2024) and Lisa Sherman (CR2017-Present) who will take up the post of Housemistress in September ’24. Ages of those present ranged from 18 to 92, with Derek Redmayne (SHE1945-50) being the eldest OA present and close on his heals was Tom English (M1947-52) at nearly 90. Tom was described by Frank Rogers (SHE1953-58) as ‘OA Royalty’ as his father, Fred English (CR1915-51), was Housemaster of Beevor’s, 1936-51, known then as ‘English’s’. His father-in-law William Hook (CR1948-73) was a renowned Director of Music who was married the Betty Hook, Matron of McGill’s 1948-73, and they had a son at Aldenham, Michael Hook (B1960-64); quite an Aldenham dynasty. Throughout the day cricketers played a tribute game to John Dewes (B1940-45) on Top Field. At 3.30 guests met in the Library, where they enjoyed music from Year 8 student Dimieari Abbey who played the cello donated by Edward Oatley (P1958-62) as they gathered to celebrate the centenary of this memorial building and to say their farewells before making their way home. Centenary Celebration of the LibraryAn exhibition of Library and WWI memorabilia was on display in the Memorial Library on OA Day 2024. Aldenham’s War List 1914-18 was mounted on the Library shelves in tribute and to honour the memory of lives lost. Ben Frais (P&R2001-06 & CR2014-Present) spoke about the history of the Library and all that it means to the School. Two students, Alex Sinani (B2018-Present) and Dani Elias (P2022-Present) spoke passionately of the quiet space that provides the academic heart of our school. It’s where students come to immerse themselves in their studies and are drawn by the calm and focused environment it provides.