OA Day 28 September 2024

OA Day Saturday 28 September 2024

It was wonderful to welcome back a number of OAs and former staff on Saturday 28 September for the annual OA day at St Andrew’s Prep. This year many Old Aschamians and their partners joined us as well as Old Androvians. This was reflected in the comprehensive display put together by OA administrator Chris Laughton, which included many Ascham photographs and fascinating archive material.

After coffee in the library, guests moved through to Chapel where Tom Gregory Headmaster (pupil at St Andrew’s 1982-88), spoke movingly of the rich tapestry of life and how each and every member of our community is a part of that.  You can read his address here (JAYNE TO UPLOAD), including the poem by Robert Frost ‘The Road not Taken’ which was read by Faith Banton, widow of Nicholas Banton (St Andrew’s 1933-38).  The Middles Chamber Choir sang a rousing rendition of a harvest song and after the service a tree was planted in memory of David Mockler (aka Dangermouse or DM) who not only went to Ascham and the College but also taught at St Andrew’s for 21 years. As a fellow OA, OE and colleague, Nicholas Rideal (pupil at Ascham 1958-63) spoke about the many years he had known David, working alongside him and also keeping in touch during retirement.  

Drinks at midday were followed by a splendid meal in the Dining Room under the watchful eyes of former headmasters whose portraits hang proudly around the room. A presentation was given by Emma Garrett, Development Director for the charity, who heads up the Eastbournian Society, on the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal and she showed the newly released Caffe Sospeso film which demonstrates the power of the community in fundraising for bursaries.  If you have not yet seen this, you can watch it here.

Tom Gregory said “I am so proud of this film and excited by the way we can all make a difference by giving back a small amount to our schools each month.  The future of St Andrew’s Prep will be impacted by the government’s decision to add VAT on to school fees, and as a community, we need to pull together to preserve our bursary provision for those who need it most”.

Tours of the school took place after lunch and guests then enjoyed the chance to linger and reminisce over a cup of tea before proceedings drew to a close in the late afternoon.    

Emma Garrett, Development Director said “My thanks go to Chris Laughton and all the team at St Andrew’s for laying on such an enjoyable day.  It has been wonderful to meet up with old friends and to make new connections, hearing stories from across the generations.  With such an engaged and supportive Eastbournian Society ‘family’, I am determined that we join forces to continue to offer a fabulous education and life-changing opportunities at our incredible schools for children from all walks of life for many years to come.”