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Upcoming Events

  • Sunday, 8th December, 2024 – Carol Service.  4pm.  Venue:  Chapel
  • Wednesday, 18th December, 2024 – Class of 2023 One year, one term out drinks. 6.30pm. Venue: The Priory, Wellingborough
  • Thursday, 13th February, 2025 – Business Networking Breakfast.  Venue:  Jeyes of Earls Barton
  • Friday, 7th March, 2025 – The annual Oxford & Cambridge dinner at Magdalene College Cambridge with kind permission from the Master, Sir Christopher Greenwood (1965 – 73, Cripp’s)
  • Friday, 28th March, 2025 – The annual OW London Dinner
  • Saturday, 29th March, 2025 – OW Football and Netball vs The School followed by a BBQ
  • Friday 20th June, 2025 – OW Cricket and Hockey vs The School followed by a BBQ
  • Saturday, 28th June, 2025 – Summer Benefactors Lunch
  • Saturday, 13th September, 2025 – Class of 2020 5-year reunion

latest news

OW Autumn Lunch - 9th November 2024

A huge thank you to the 50 OWs, guests, staff and our Heads of School who joined us on Saturday 9th November at the annual autumn lunch. Drinks followed the AGM in the Senior School Hall before a wonderful lunch provided by our catering team in the Spencer Room. Our thanks to the outgoing OW President, Sophie Timms, who hosted the lunch and Headmaster Andrew Holman who shared an update on an excellent start to the new year by our pupils and staff.

 

The Old Wellingburian Golfing Society - The Long Johns

The Long Johns is the final OW Golf day of the year held at its spiritual home of Wellingborough Golf club. This year the Autumn weather was kind and the course had stood up well to the wet weather preceding the day.

There was a good turn out of 20 OWs including some first timers who all enjoyed the relaxed golf, dinner and AGM.

The Hugh Denton Salver was won by Richard Jackson with 38 points with second place going to Philip Saxby with 37 points and third place went to Chris Barltrop on count back with Ed Tate.

 

OW meets current staff and students in New York

Old Wellingburian, Doug Roy (1978 – 1985, F) and his wife Emily, joined staff and pupils (who were visiting New York on an Art and Photography trip ) for a drink outside the Rockefeller Centre.

Doug shared how they ‘thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing about the school. The Sixth Formers were truly a delight and wonderful Ambassadors.’

The Class of 2019 5 Year Reunion - Saturday 14th September 2024

On 14th September 2024 we were pleased to have the class of 2019 return to the School for their 5 year reunion. Held on the Headmaster’s Lawn there was drinks and a fantastic BBQ. Over 30 2019 Leavers attended as well as current and previous staff members.

Headmaster, Andrew Holman shared his experience of the reunion below;

‘My other highlight of the week happened last Saturday (no, it wasn’t the 1st XV’s victory over Ratcliffe, although that was very impressive), when we hosted the 2004 and 2019 Leavers during the afternoon. Obviously I didn’t know any of our returnees from 20 years ago, but it was an absolute pleasure to reconnect with those students who left us just five years ago – and who just escaped having to complete their schooling under Covid. They’re all now 23 or 24 years old, and so at different points in their lives, all of which are fascinating to hear about. Some are still at uni, either on lengthy courses or undertaking further study via a Masters or PhD (my favourite was an OW who is now applying mathematical modelling to the treatment of malaria in Africa, and whose dream is to eventually work for the World Health Organisation), others have begun their careers, and it’s so nice to hear about the strides they’ve taken since they left. I always ask our Year 13 Leavers at Prizegiving not to be strangers and to let us know how they are getting on, and this event is an ideal opportunity to get the latest from so many of them. It certainly adds to the rewarding feeling of working in a school such as this!’

The Class of 2004 20 Year Reunion - Saturday 14th September 2024

Reunion report provided by Hilary Arimoro (04, W)

There is always something rather heartwarming about reminiscing over childhood memories. So, when our new Foundation and Development Director, Graham Papenfus, noticed that it was approaching 20 years since I left the school as a pupil and wondered if I could help organise a reunion, I jumped at the opportunity.  

Unfortunately, life events such as the birth of a child, or attending a wedding, got in the way for a few, but the enthusiasm and fun that the eight OWs from the 2004 cohort who did attend made up for the lack of numbers! We were thrilled to welcome back former teachers Mr. Bowe, Mr. Farley, Mr. Askham and former OW liaison officer Debbie Whitmore, and seeing old sports’ team photos and Chapel Choir photos, not to mention our yearbook, enabled more regaling of stories.  

Following the tour of the sixth form center, the requests by both the 20 and 5 year leavers to visit their Houses was palpable and we were grateful for this to be facilitated. Finding names on boards and looking for faces in House photographs was special and for some of the boys, stepping into a girls’ House for the first time was eye-opening!

 

The Old Wellingburian Golfing Society - Autumn Meeting

Meeting report provided by Toby Hemsley (2009, P)

We had a great day at Luffenham Heath, the course was playing fairly firm and provided a good challenge for us all. As a result the general scoring was quite tough, leaving us with a 3 way tie at the top with 34 stableford points. With a countback to determine the winner of the OW Cup, Phil Saxby (82) prevailed to take trophy. 

Chris Barltrop (09, C) took the Wright Cup which is the best combined scores from the spring meeting (Gillet Vase won by Chris Barltrop at Woburn) and OW Cup played for at Luffenham.

OW Summer Lunch - Saturday 29th June 2024

Around 50 supporters of the School gathered on Saturday 29th June in glorious sunshine for drinks on the Headmaster’s Lawn prior to enjoying a wonderful lunch prepared by our catering team in the Spencer Room. The Headmaster thanked them for their ongoing support, shared an update on another very successful year for the School and explained why the Wellingborough Foundation, a separate Charitable Foundation, had been established to safeguard donations and legacies going forward. He also updated on progress with Project Copernicus and our exciting plans to grow our Transformational Bursary Fund.

After lunch visits to the Sixth Form Centre, School Hall and Chapel concluded a very enjoyable event.

OW House Reunions - Friday 21st June 2024

Old Wellingburians were invited to enjoy a drink in their house with the current Housemaster or Housemistress on Friday 21st June 2024. This is the first step in reconnecting Old Wellingburians by House at what is likely to become an annual event. Most of the 50+ OWs stayed on to watch the annual cricket/hockey vs School and join the BBQ and drinks.

 

OW Cricket & Hockey - Friday 21st June 2024

The annual OW vs School cricket and hockey matches were contested on Friday 21st June. Both matches proved to be close encounters and were watched by over 100 appreciative members of the OW Community. A BBQ and drinks were laid on by our catering team for all playing and supporting after the matches.

 

OW London Dinner - Friday 15th March 2024


Wonderful to see over 90 OWs spanning 72 years of Wellingborough School and the London Dinner earlier this month.  We were lucky to have Alison Mitchell (91-98, W) join us and give us a glimpse of her fascinating career journey as a global sports commentator as well as reflections on the role Wellingborough School played in that journey.

Sophie Timms
OW Club President

OW Winter Sports Day - Saturday 23rd March 2024

The annual OWs vs School football and netball matches took place on Saturday 23 March. The OWs fielded two football teams and one netball team against the school in what were very enjoyable and keenly contested matches.

Mother nature threw everything she had at the footballers in the second half (not affecting netball in the sports hall) but nothing dampened the spirits of both teams. Our thanks to the catering staff who laid on refreshments after the matches.

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Oxbridge and Cambridge Dinner - Friday 1st March 2024


Over many years, OWs and School staff who have graduated from Oxford and Cambridge – and their guests – have enjoyed visiting and dining at many Colleges in both universities – often in the company of an OW undergraduate at the College where the dinner has been held.

This year the Dinner was held at Somerville College, Oxford where OW Max Buckby graduated and is now carrying out post graduate studies. OWs were joined by the Headmaster (himself a graduate of Magdalene College, Cambridge) and the incoming Foundation Director, Graham Papenfus. The Somerville College catering team excelled, and a fine evening was had by all.

OW Benefactors Luncheon

On Saturday, 10th June,  2023 the Headmaster welcomed some 51 supporters of the School to celebrate the newly built 6th Form Centre, most of whom had contributed to.

We were treated to a marvellous buffet luncheon followed by tea and cake in glorious sunshine.

The Donor Wall was well received, as was the spacious area for the 6th form students.  The Headmaster is delighted with the new addition to the Site and warmly thanked the guests for their support and contribution.

 

OW Golf Society Calendar of Events 2023

The OW Golf Society continues to be well supported by both new and old leavers, with a variety of events throughout the year to cater for every type of golfer.  If you are interested in receiving more information throughout the year and attending one of the events, please contact Secretary Tim Poole at poolet@utileengineering.com

To view the Calendar of Events for 20223 please click on the link below.
OWGS Calendar of events 2023

 

OW Drinks 2022

On Wednesday, 30th November, 2022 the OW Drinks finally took place after an absence of 3 years!  It was a pleasure to see OWs return to Davy’s Wine Bar at St James’ who looked after us with plenty of Beer, Wine and Food.  Headmaster Andrew Holman met most of the group for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed their company throughout the evening.  Thanks to all those who came and here’s to next year’s drinks, venue to be advised.

 

Old Wellingburian London Dinner - Friday, 18th March, 2022

OW London Dinner – House of Lords

After two failed attempts to organise the London Dinner due to COVID, we finally made it to this most prestigious event on Friday, 18th March.  The Cholmondeley Room looked glorious and it was just lovely to admire the view of the Thames at Night from the Terrace Bar. Current Club President Professor Peter Crisp and Past President Julian Amey enjoyed a fantastic evening welcoming over 100 OWs and guests.  The House of Lords Team did the Club proud and the food and speeches did not disappoint.  Guest Speaker, Michael Ellis MP spoke fondly of his old school and was clearly delighted to be back in the company of his contemporaries.  There was a great mix of young OWs and not so young OWs with the Headmaster Andrew Holman referring to the unbroken line of Wellingburians from Major General Richard Peck who started at the School in 1947, to the current Heads of School, who are soon to become OWs in July 2022.

It was a special night – thanks to all those who came along and supported the Club.  Roll on next year…..

Picture shows Headmaster Andrew Holman and Guest Speaker Michael Ellis MP.

 

 

OW Golf News - 2021

OW Golf News

Spring Meeting

This year’s Spring Meeting was held at Wellingborough Golf Club on Friday 14th May with a much improved turnout of 18. We hope that by keeping this and other fixtures local to the school, we will help to attract more budding OW golfers of varying standards in the future. The cost was kept down to £30 for the day which is exceptional value for Wellingborough. We welcomed Richard Browning, Angus Bennie and Toby Hemsley to the fold for the first time, saw the return of the brightly coloured Sam Pepper as well as several other young and enthusiastic golfers. The day was played for the Gillet Vase and awarded to Chris Billson achieving an outstanding 39 points with second place going to Sam Pepper with 36 points on countback from Toby Hemsley.

Autumn Meeting

This fixture was held at Overstone Golf Club on Friday 17th September. The day was fair and the course played well. The OW Cup was lifted by Sam McGuire with an outstanding performance on the day. We welcomed Annie Panter as a new recruit who played alongside myself and her Father, John Panter our current OW Golf President. Chris Billson put in another high class performance which was enough for him to secure (once more!!) the Wright Cup, for the best combined scores from the Spring and Autumn meeting.

Long Johns

Our traditional end of year finale, always held at Wellingborough Golf Club with the AGM to follow a sit down meal, is always a fun event and definitely worth attending, whatever your level of golf. This year was no exception, 22 Old Wellingburians attended with new recruits Jonty Hallett, Greg Evans, Dave Morgan, Marcus Carter and Joe Zielinski all enjoying a great day. Third prize was taken by Marcus Carter with second awarded to Jordan McGuire with an excellent 37 points. Our winner by a country mile was Annie Panter who achieved an enormous 47 points. Playing with Jordan and Sam McGuire, Annie has only recently taken up golf on a more consistent basis and is clearly showing her true sporting potential. Well done Annie, see you next year to defend the Hugh Denton Salver!

 

 

 

 

Hamza Yassin (04-08 Garne’s) and ‘Scotland: My Life in the Wild’

A “staycation” to the Scottish west coast      back in September enabled former Garne’s housemaster, Mike Askham, to touch base with the rising star of wildlife photography and tv presenting, “ranger” Hamza Yassin.

After a false start pursuing a medical degree, a zoology course was much more to Hamza’s liking. What then to do was answered by a Master’s degree in Biological Photography and Imaging.

Unpaid labour humping the equipment of an established wildlife cameraman; living in his car for six months, then a caravan; working as a ghillie and taking whatever photographing assignments that could be found – usually weddings – and, eventually, a reputation was established as an expert in filming birds around the coast from his idyllic home on the westernmost point of the Scottish mainland.

Recognition followed after exposure on BBC’s, ‘The One Show’, as one of Britain’s up and coming wildlife photographers, along with appearances on other programmes such as ‘Countryfile’ and ‘Springwatch’. A further development in his career was being invited to front his own children’s show on the CBeebies channel in which Ranger Hamza takes children on rambles through local parks and the countryside.

As if that wasn’t enough, in December 2019 the BBC sent him down to Antarctica to film for a new season of Sir David Attenborough’s, ‘The Frozen Planet’ and this summer Channel 4 filmed an hour long documentary on his life entitled, ‘Scotland: My Life in the Wild’ which was aired on Saturday 12th December.

Remembrance 2020

Wellingborough School held a very much restricted Remembrance Service on Sunday, 8th November to honour those who bravely fought in all wars and lost their lives. There was no Chapel Service, but Steve Hill, Chaplain gave his address outside, along with Headmaster, Andrew Holman, Prep Head, Katharine Owen and Head Boy and Head Girl.  Dr Jonathan Cox Chairman of Governors represented the Governing Body and the OW Community.

Heads of Sections present:

Retired Air Cmde Andrew Hine
Royal Navy:  Lt Cdr Paddy Waugh
Royal Marines:  Lt Chris Birch
Army:  Capt Kath Kenney
RAF:  Flt Lt Mark McAuley

School Staff Instructor Lt Paddy O’Hanlon and Deputy Head Operations, Retired Lt Col Richard Spiby, co-ordinated the event.

Six Year 11 Cadets attended, along with two Upper Sixth Cadets who formed the Banner Party.

Special thanks to George, the Year 10 pupil who performed the Last Post admirably.

Sarah-Jo Millan (88-92, M) – South London Scrubbers Heroics

Sarah writes:

“I became part of a group making scrubs for the NHS which is only just winding down now – thanks to a fellow parent, who was a west-end costume designer, we have made and delivered about 2800 scrubs into Kings, St. George’s, The Maudsley, Bethlem Psychiatric clinic, Lewisham Covid ward, paramedics, GPs and prison nurses.”

Sarah has found the experience both tough and rewarding “it was all-consuming but also showed us how amazing people are at coming together and helping each other when hard times come along”.

Here’s a YouTube clip of Sarah, along with other members of the group, explaining how it all came about.

Watch Sarah on YouTube

Harriet Timms (81-86, N)

I joined the NHS in December 2005 as an Information Analyst following 10 years in the IT industry where I had spent the second half of that time being impacted by some of the negative effects of the Dot.Com bubble. What started out as something I thought would be a stop-gap has turned into a 15-year career!

My first role in the NHS was on a treatment support programme for cancer patients where I was responsible for putting together the list of those we would invite to participate and collect and analyse the data to evaluate the programme.  Following this, I moved to the Dept of Health working on a national public health improvement programme and then to a large acute hospital, which was my first experience of the NHS frontline. Three years there flew by without a dull moment! I have now been with NHS England for the last 5 years.  We analyse many aspects of healthcare provision across the South East of England to identify where we can make improvements to patient care. It’s always amusing to listen to the political debate with the benefit of inside knowledge.

I am currently involved in ensuring that the normal services the NHS provides, which have had to be reduced or interrupted to make way for COVID-19, can be reinstated as quickly – and safely – as possible.

Loving working from home again permanently and hoping never to have to get on a packed train again!

Sarah McAllister (nee Ashworth) (83-84, M)

I remember telling my Granddad at the age of 4 yrs old, I wanted to grow up and be a nurse to look after people like him. He was terminally ill and at that tender age I helped in his personal care. The desire never left me. On a summer camp at 15yrs old with school CCF, there was an horrific accident that killed a couple of cadets. I got involved helping with basic care to look after the other 24 involved whilst we were waiting for ambulances to arrive. I applied to do my nurse training there and then and started a pre-nursing course at college rather than complete 6th form.

I have had a fantastically varied nursing career – worked in Northampton, Birmingham, the British Army. I met my husband, a Doctor in the Army and followed him for 20 years.  Initially my speciality was Trauma and Orthopaedics then once I had children I retrained as a Health Visitor. I now work as a School Nurse / Practice Nurse with a GP surgery in Buckinghamshire. I have been nursing for 35 years this year. The desire to help people has never gone away. As well as nursing, I have been involved with the Military Wives Choirs (a Co-founder of the Foundation) and most recently helping my own village by setting up a support network of volunteers and co-ordinating the help for all those isolated by ensuring they have food, prescriptions and errands run during this current pandemic. I have also been sewing for colleagues – laundry bags/scrubs/hats/masks.

I was nominated by a villager as an NHS hero and won a fantastic WELOVESHOES prize! Nurses will always help where they can, they cannot help themselves! I love my job. It is a true vocation.

Ben Buckler (97-07, Pl)

During March – the time that COVID began to impact this country – I was working at York District Hospital as a Physiotherapist. I was on an acute medical rotation. So, being hospital-based I was dealing less with achey knees and more on the branch of chest physiotherapy. This involves helping patients expectorate retained secretions, recruit lost lung volumes and preserve an effective cough, as well as general ward-based rehabilitation. Hospital operations changed drastically during these times, with almost daily changes. Throughout April, about half the hospital space was set aside, ready for potential COVID patients. Everyone there was doing a fantastic job and staff morale had never been higher. Perhaps it was the camaraderie. Perhaps it was the public appreciation for the NHS. Perhaps it was all the free cake and coffee being delivered.

Now, in May, I have made the long-planned move to Aviemore in Scotland, where I will eventually be working part time as a Physiotherapist and part time as a Reindeer Herder for the small, family-run, Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. Times are tough for them with no visitors allowed, and they’re currently running a Reindeer adoption scheme on their website to help raise funds for the deer’s upkeep. Calving season is now upon us and we have had plenty of adorable arrivals so far. Long may it continue.

John Froment (76-83, St)

I am a Postie and life hasn’t been busier. Online shopping is keeping part of our economy afloat. I’ve been a Postie for 20 years and have never seen the level of work rise so much for so long.

The community spirit is great and it always makes me smile when the kids and households wave and say thank you. I’m proud to serve but it has been a worry, and continues to be so, for my family but duty must prevail.

Best wishes from a very “old boy” Froggy of Steyne’s House 1979-1983.