OB Club AGM minutes, 2010
OB Club Treasurer's Report and Accounts, 2010OB Club News
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Other Links
- OB Club Treasurer's Report and Accounts 2010 (saved as a PDF): approved at the AGM of the Old Blundellian Club on the 20th June 2009.
- PowerPoint presentation (saved as a PDF): prepared by Richard Swarbrick and Paddy Armstrong about the future of the OB Club, presented at the Full Committee Meeting on 4th April 2009.
- Peter Blundell Society: PBS Lottery
Diamond Gaudy 28th April 2012
Blundell’s School hosted its first reunion in many years by inviting back Old Blundellians and not so many former Masters, from pre-1953 to a Diamond Gaudy, lunch reception with tours of the Boarding houses and an exhibition of memorabilia from individuals and the school archives.
Nearly 200 Old Blundellians & families joined us and were able to explore their former houses and rooms where they spent many years and made many memories. Current pupils from each House lead the tours and were fascinated (and shocked!) by many of the stories recanted during the day.
A lunch reception followed where we were treated to an amazing spread of meats & salads, many joked at how pleased they were with the lunch as food at Blundell’s in 1952 from the ‘Feeding Centre’ wasn’t considered the best example of ‘fine dining’. It must have been good as we even ran out of puddings!
Martyn Grose (FH 47-52) who has been very involved with the School in the last 20 or so years, initially as a Governor and more recently as the President of the Old Blundellian Club reminded many guests of what life was like at Blundell’s School 60 years ago, a trip down memory lane for so many. Ian Davenport had the opportunity to bring guests up to date with Blundell’s as it is today basking in the success of the recent OFSTED report and detailing the all-time record high numbers, the school is indeed in very good health despite the current economy.
Mike Sampson, the School Archivist put together a comprehensive and fascinating exhibition of School life in 1952 & prior. 
Score cards and punishments books provoked many comments. The afternoon concluded with a traditional English Tea in the Gymnasium.
Despite the appalling weather, which necessitated all planned matches being cancelled, guests enjoyed a convivial social occasion and we were delighted to be the portal to allow so many friendships to be rekindled. Thank you to all our guests for supporting the event and providing us with such a terrific day. Do keep a look out in the next edition of the diary for a full report and photo roundup.
Tour of Old Blundell's 25th Feb 2012
Blundell’s School together with the National Trust opened the doors of Old Blundell’s for a public tour. Over 500 Blundellians, parents, staff and members of the Tiverton community were welcomed to venture around the building and gardens. We were allowed access to what was originally the Head Master’s house and Library, along with the Porter’s Lodge. Those that joined the tour were able to walk around the various rooms and read excerpts and photos that gave insight into the long history of Old Blundell’s while enjoying a tea or coffee. Many of our visitors were delighted to see that most of the original structures both internally and externally were as they were back in 1604. The rooms are now rented out as flats and once final renovations take place the National Trust will be renting them out to the community. Please visit our Facebook page for more photos, or see the article in the Tiverton Gazette.
Hare and Hounds Alumni Race 10th Dec 2011
The Annual Hare and Hounds Alumni Race took place again this year at Wimbledon Common in Southwest London. Alistair Knight (NC 1970-74) & Will Holland (P 1986-91) represented Blundell’s in a daring attempt for a trophy and of course bragging rights. 
However Alistair fell foul to a moved flag forcing him to run off course and therefore was disqualified from scoring for the team however that didn’t stop him from continuing the run. He did receive an official apology from the Hare & Hounds president. Will also had a great run despite a very swollen ankle do to a hidden tree root but also completed the run despite his injuries. A special thanks goes out to both runners but also to the team Captain, Giles Stimson (NC 1960-65) for organizing our runners and taking photos. He will certainly be joining the team next year so long as he doesn’t injure himself again and encourages runners from the Blundellian Community to join the team and complete for the coveted winner’s trophy!
Book Launch3rd Dec 2011
Charlie Leigh (W 1999-2004) has recently written a Middle Eastern travel book, Educating an Englistanee... Inshallah (with illustrations from current Blundellian Lauren Kalsi), following his adventures in Turkey, Iran, Yemen, Egypt and Lebanon. All profits will go towards Canon Andrew White's interfaith charity 'The Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East' (FRRME).
A book launch event was held in the Colin Beale Centre on December 3rd with over 80 people attending for drinks & canapés and a chance to get a signed copy of the book. If you would like to purchase the book please contact the OB club.
London Dinner at the Carlton Club 4th Nov 2011
Sidney Sussex College Reunion 2nd Sept 2011
We were delighted to welcome many members of the Blundell’s Community who live or work around the Cambridgeshire area together with former Cambridge graduates to celebrate its close connections to Sidney Sussex College on Friday 2nd September. Old Blundellians, Past Parents and Teachers enjoyed drinks in the Cloister Court at Sidney Sussex and were most fortunate to enjoy one of the better summer’s evenings this year. A formal dinner took place in the College Hall where we were joined by the past Mater of Sidney, Sandra Dawson (1999-2009). Our thanks must go to John Beale, James Bullock and Ian Seaton who were so instrumental in assisting us with organisation of the evening.
The evening was a chance to rekindle old memories of both Blundell’s and Sidney Sussex and many were pleased to know that the long established relationship is still very strong with a leaver from Summer 2011 going up to Sidney Sussex this autumn. The evening was such a success that many OBs raised an interest of carrying on with either a formal or informal dinner to continue to celebrate the close connects. If you are interested is future Sidney Sussex and Cambridge University events please register you interest now and also let us know what sort of event would interest you.
OB Day 2011 Photo Gallery
Please click the photos to view larger versions.
Trelissick Gardens 11th May 2011
We had the most wonderful weather for our Private Garden tour at the National Trust owned property Trelissick Gardens on Wednesday 11th May. John Lanyon, the Head Gardener introduced us to the delightful property and he showed a couple of old Photographs dug out from the Archives from his days as Head Gardener at Knightshayes Court of Old Blundell’s and how grand and truly beautiful it was.
Two of John’s highly knowledgeable team took our group around the extensive and very colourful gardens. The opportunity to answer questions about how plants could grow in their gardens back at home were asked a plenty and for the more avid gardeners a chance to really appreciate a spectacular garden.
After a lovely stroll through one of the most well kept gardens in Cornwall we were treated to a brief talk about Blundell’s and its current progress by Head Master, Ian Davenport. Our day ended with a delicious lunch and lots of conversation! Please log onto our Alumni Database to see more photos of the garden scenery, tour & lunch.
OB Russell and Milestones 75th Anniversary
On Saturday 12th March Old Blundellians took part in the veterans Russell and joined Milestonians in the Beale Centre for tea and drinks celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the founding of Milestones. About 130 OBs and partners enjoyed a splendid tea, followed by drinks. For some the evening was a long one with visits to Tiverton pubs reminding OBs of their youthful exploits. A comprehensive exhibition of photographs and articles was laid on in the Gym by the School Archivist and a good time was had by all. (Click here to see photos from the 2011 Russell.)
Military Reception 25th Sept 2010
On 25th September 160 Old Blundellians and friends of the School enjoyed a Military Reunion. The 150th anniversary of School CCFs was also celebrated. A Retreat was beaten and the salute was taken by Brigadier Hodder. All sat down for an excellent lunch in Big School and enjoyed an address from Brigadier Hodder. An exhibition of Blundell's Services memorabilia in the Gym was well supported and many senior members of the OB Club took trips down memory lane before tea in the Beale Centre. A report of shooting against the school and a visit to Chevithorne are on the shooting page.
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OB Day 20th June 2009
 The Day began with the Chairman of the Club, Judge Paul Waterworth, beginning the AGM at 10.00am in front of 30 or so OBs gathered in the Colin Beale Centre. |
 OBs gathering outside Chapel before the Service |
  OBs gathering outside Chapel before the Service |
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  The first ever OB crèche began at 10.00 am on the bottom floor of the Colin Beale Centre |
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 John Hollands entertains Brian Jenkins and David Chapman-Andrews |
 The Head Master, Paul Waterworth and Reverend Anna Norman-Walker (Preacher for the Day) enjoying pre-lunch drinks on Big Field |
 The top table enjoying lunch |
 OB Club President, Martyn Grose, fulfilling a Grandpaternal role at lunch |
 OBs mingling at lunch |
 Paul Waterworth introduces speakers |
 The Mayor of Tiverton, Paul Graham. Paul’s father, David Graham, worked at Blundell’s for many years as Chemistry Technician. |
 David Bentata enjoying the speeches! |
 Nick Burkitt, Karen Barton (nee Soffe), Janet Wooff (nee Frankpitt) & Mark Wooff at lunch... |
 ...and catching some sun on Big Field afterwards. |
 Katharine Rackham speaking as President for the Day |
 David Bentata and Tim Courtenay getting comfortable in the range after lunch |
 Henry Parkin and Nick Markell displaying excellent technique and physique in the OB tennis match |
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About 100 OBs and staff enjoyed a drink before lunch and 80 OBs and guests stayed for the lunch. Thanks go in particular to Sue Beale and the Atkins family for their tireless efforts in making OB Day so enjoyable.
OB Day Shooting Match
As part of OB Day celebrations, a mini-range shooting match took place on Saturday afternoon. The form of the shoot was agreed to be the competition between nominated pairs – as James Postle is coaching this year on the basis of taking two cadet pairs to Bisley.
The school's nominated pair proved too strong for the best Magpie pair, with a score of 190 against 187. Additionally, the highest school scorer (with 96) was the top man of the day, thereby winning the trophy presented many years ago by the late Lt. Col. Digby Willoughby. Altogether seven OBs shot, and a further two attended to see fair play. It was the first time since 2000 that we had actually managed a shoot, and the atmosphere was extremely convivial, not least because we learned that the boys had recently won a significant mini-range competition against a number of other schools. The Magpies are most grateful to James Postle and the cadets for making the range available and doing all the admin to set the shoot up.
For the record, the OBs who attended were Lt. Col. Tim Courtenay (Chevithorne Captain), Ben Wrey, David Bentata, Ian Anderson, Bill Thomas, Robin Wellesley, Hugo Brooke, David Willoughby and Peter Ward.
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Cornwall Show 4th June 2009
Old Blundellians enjoying drinks, canapés and chat at the Cornwall Show on 4th June 2009.
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Tom Wigram in Indian Ocean Rowing Race June 2009
The following is a brief excerpt from an email from Sue Wigram, Tom's mother: -
Tom Wigram (SH 1991), my son, has asked me to contact you to see if you could highlight his current situation on your website! On 19th April 2009 he and three friends set out in a bid to become the first four-man crew to row the Indian Ocean. They are competing in the inaugural Indian Ocean Rowing Race to raise some much needed funds and awareness for prostate cancer. For more details on their endeavour, click here.
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Drinks at the Carlton Club in London 20th May 2009
Over 100 OBs and partners enjoyed a pleasant couple of hours.
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Bath & West Show 2009
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Winter Lunch March 2009
Twenty five Old Blundellians and friends gathered for lunch in the Colin Beale Centre for the last of the Winter lunches for this year.
Amber Oliver, Blundell’s Development Director, spoke about her role at Blundell’s, the School’s future plans and School/Old Blundellian links. Questions followed and guests left at 3.00pm.
Winter lunches will resume on the second Wednesday in October (October 14th). The first lunch will conclude with an address from Tom Clough (OH 1942-47, Master 1958-71) entitled ‘Four and a half Head Masters’.
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Visit of OB Film Producer
Nick Hippisley-Coxe, an Old Blundellian film producer based in Los Angeles visited Blundell’s on the 11th and 12th of February. He spoke to the U6 Film Studies group, talked to some School House pupils and counselled Blundellians wanting to make a career in the film industry. Nick’s daughter Mei Lai is also in the film business and specialises in costume design. Many thanks to Nick for giving up his time. Please contact Paddy Armstrong if you would like advice from Nick or Mei Lai.
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Winter Lunch February 2009
Old Blundellians and guests enjoyed lunch on a beautiful day in the Colin Beale Centre. They were treated to an illustrated lecture after lunch, given by Captain Andrew Welch RN (retired) about his walk from Canterbury to Rome. His wife Carole accompanied him and also contributed to the lecture.
The next Winter lunch is on Wednesday 11th March at 12.30 in the Colin Beale Centre. The speaker will be Amber Oliver, Blundell's Director of Development, who will talk about the School's future plans.
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OB Dan Parr, 33, has won the men's section of the