OA Annual Dinner - 20 November 2008
The OA Dinner was again held in the very comfortable and congenial surroundings of the RAF Club in Piccadilly. Approximately 60 OAs and guests enjoyed an evening of good food and good company. The OAs were joined by Gareth Thomas, the School Captain, and other senior pupils and the Headmaster spoke, bringing OAs up to date with news from the School.

Eros Run - 7 July 2008
OAs, left to right, Trevor Barton, Alan Phillips and Alan Gelson, and friend Martin Love, ran in the 2008 Eros to Eros run. This annual run is held on the last day of the Summer term and sets off from Eros in Piccadilly at 5.00 am and finshes at the Eros statue in the school. 

The winner was an Upper 6th pupil in 1hr 46 mins and 3rd was Tracey Layton, a member of the PE staff.

Ripple Africa - 4 July 2008
The School held a Charity Day and raised just over £9,000 for Ripple Africa, the charity Geoff Furber (S1970-74) and his wife Liz founded in 2003.

The money will go to building a new secondary school block called “Aldenham Block” at Kapanda Secondary School.

Geoff and Liz came to the final school year assembly on Friday 4^th July to accept a cheque and give a progress report on the building and you see them here when they joined staff for lunch in School House Garden. You can find out much more about the fantastic work Ripple Africa does at http://www.rippleafrica.org/.

Choir sings Evensong - 2 July 2008
Several OAs living in the Midlands made the trip to Lichfield to hear the School Chapel Choir sing Evensong in the beautiful Lichfield Cathedral where the Revd Canon Wealands Bell, former Chaplain of Aldenham School, is now Canon Precentor of the Cathedral. A thoroughly OA event, Michael Powles (S69-74) sang with the choir and Andrew Wyatt (P2000-07) played the organ. Afterwards OAs and parents joined James Fowler, the Headmaster, for a reception which was kindly hosted by Canon and Mrs Bell in their magnificent home in Cathedral Close. Warren Bradley-Bryan (B42-45), quite co-incidentally visiting the cathedral, got quite a surprise to find his old school there rehearsing for Evensong!

OA Day - 22 June 2008

Mr Dunstan took the opportunity to talk to OAs about his plans to improve the House, including refurbishing and renaming the central room in the House as the Hetherington Assembly Room, in memory of Michael Hetherington, former Housemaster, who has so sadly gone missing this year. Quite a number of the OAs present have already generously financially supported this refurbishment. If any OA would still like to contribute, it's not too late. Paul would like to offer the boys a really up to date and impressive facility.

After coffee OAs attended the traditional Chapel Service at which Robert Stokes (Housemaster 59-74) read the lesson and this was followed by a drinks reception on Shilling Green and then lunch in a packed School House Dining Hall. For several McGillians this was the first time they had been allowed in the Hall!  To view several pages of OA Day photos click here

Bedford Lunch - 14 May 2008
An august gathering of 18 OAs which included three ex High Sheriffs and the son of a fourth, met for lunch at the Knife and Cleaver in Houghton Conquest near Bedford - the eighth in the series of Regional Lunches.

They were joined by James Fowler, the Headmaster, and enjoyed a very social gathering with delicious food on a sunny day - all in all a very enjoyable occasion.

Look out for details of the next regional lunch. These are an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed lunch with OAs in your local area. 

Richard Platt Society Annual Lunch - 22 April 2008

The Headmaster hosted the annual lunch of the Richard Platt Society - OAs who have pledged to leave a legacy to the School. Seven Members met at the School on a glorious day and were first entertained by a musical recital played by Yu Yagihashi on the Violin and then Owen Davis on the Viola. They were accompanied by John Wyatt, Director of Music, playing the new grand piano generously donated to the School by Owen's Parents and the Aldenham School Parents' Association. The recital was followed by lunch in the Headmaster's House, after which there was a tour of the new theatre. If you would like details of the Society and how to join please contact the Development Manager, Molly Barton molly@aldenham.com.

Aldenham.net - 16 April 2008
Aldenham.net, Aldenham's business networking event, was generously hosted this time by Tony Laurenson (M71-75) at his offices in Watford. Tony is the founder of the Global Infusion Group, caterers worldwide to the music and film industry. 22 OAs enjoyed a convivial atmosphere and Bertie Samuelson (S69-75) hosted a champagne tasting with exclusive champagnes from small French vineyards. If you would like to be added to the Aldenham.net mailing list for notice of future events please email molly@aldenham.net.

Halford Hewitt Golf Tournament - 29 March 2008

After a lively House Match on Thursday - School House & Kennedy's v the McGill's, Beevor's & Paull's - which was drawn 3-3, Aldenham played its first proper match on Friday against Clifton and won 3-2. Their next match was against Lancing which was won on the 18^th by a splendid 30ft putt by Guy Green.

Aldenham were through to the last 16 to meet Malvern. The team had a wonderful start with each of their top 3 pairs being up after 9 holes, but despite battling bravely in the teeth of a strong wind, and one of the most difficult last 9 holes in golf, Malvern were the eventual winners going on to lose in the final to Tonbridge. 

Once again a good time was had by all and Aldenham look forward to the competition next year particularly with some excellent talent now coming through from the school. A special thank you must go to the loyal and enthusiastic Aldenham supporters.