Latest News Archive
For more current information, please see 'Latest News'. Click here to view.
2022: Scottish Gathering - It is with regret that the Scottish Gathering on the 25th Nov 2022 has had to be cancelled due to a lack of interest. If you are interested in attending a future Scottish event, please do get in touch.
Scottish Gathering - Friday 25th November 2022 – Last Call! - The 2022 Scottish Gathering will be held at the Royal Scots Club, 29-30 Abercrombie Place, Edinburgh EH3 6QE on Friday 25th November. Time: 7pm for 7.30pm. All welcome, including partners.
The cost will be £35 person. If any OSB wishes to attend, please contact Tim Mackay (FS 68-73) ASAP at timmackay5859@gmail.comor on 078500 082583 or 0131 556 5859. (Click here for further information).NORTH EAST BRANCH DINNER - WEDNESDAY 2nd NOVEMBER, 2022 - If you are interested in attending the dinner at The Northumberland Golf Club Ltd., High Gosforth Park, Newcastle, NE3 5HT, please contact Bill Dove, the organizer. The cost is £30 per head, exclusive of wine. Please reply asap to Bill on 01274 585147 or at williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk.
Please do consider supporting your local Branch Dinner… We would love to see you there. (Click here for further information.)THIS Friday, 14th Oct, 2022 - London Social (Informal Gathering)
From: 6pm onwards. At: The Pepys pub/restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT). Please do call in and join us!Bonfire Night at St Bees School - FREE ENTRY. FRIDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 2022 AT 16:30.
Join the St Bees School community for their annual pet-friendly, non-firework bonfire night celebrations!
* FREE ENTRY! * Giant Bonfire * Pet Aware -A firework-free event! * Bonfire Treats..... Remember to bring some spending money!
The event will be taking place at the far end of Wood Lane. All Welcome.
FIREWOOD WANTED - If anyone can help with donations of firewood for the event……. Please email welcome@stbeesschool.co.uk or message the school on Facebook before dropping any wood off so that they can confirm if they still need donations.Upcoming OSB events taking place over the next few months....
Further information and booking details from the individual organisers are provided below. Please contact the relevant person if you are interested in attending any of these events.
* London Social (Informal Gathering) - Fri 14th Oct 2022, The Pepys, London – Information
* North East Dinner - Wed 2nd Nov 2022, Northumberland GC, Newcastle – Information
* Scottish Gathering - Fri 25th Nov 2022, Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh – Information
* Cumbria Dinner – Fri 3rd Feb 2023, Armathwaite Hall, Bassenthwaite – Information
* London Branch Dinner – Fri 26th May 2023, RAF Club, London - Information
We hope you will be able to support an event somewhere and look forward to seeing you there……
2021: School Christmas Carol Service - Live Streaming of the School Christmas Carol Service today, Thursday 9th December 2021 at 4:30pm-5:30pm, may be seen via the School's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StBeesSchool/.
London Social 2022 - Save the date..... Friday 14th October, 2022.
Malcolm Dix (FN 55-58) - As below, Malcolm’s funeral will be held at St James Park in the Barrack Suite on Thursday 25th November 2021. Car Parking information may be found here.
School Christmas Carol Service - OSBs are invited to the School Christmas Carol Service on Thursday 9th December 2021 at 4:30pm-5:30pm at St Bees School Chapel (bring a coat!). Mulled wine and mince pies will also be served afterwards until 6pm.
There are a limited number of spaces and whilst tickets are free, you will be required to RSVP by Wednesday 1st December. Please email welcome@stbeesschool.co.uk to reserve your space(s).
For international and boarding parents / families / friends - School will be posting photographs online and through their social media channels in the days following the event.OSB Career Advice.... School are looking to hold a career's event on 7th March 2022 in the Memorial Hall at St Bees, to launch career's week in the school, and would like to invite OSBs to talk about their career path. Small groups of students will ‘visit’ an OSB at a table for a Q&A chat. The students have expressed an interest in the following career paths: Accountancy (tax &auditing), Criminology, Psychology, Engineering, Doctor. If you are able to help and are interested in taking part, please contact the OSB office for further information - osb@stbeesschool.co.uk.
Malcolm Dix (FN 55-58) - Further to previous posting, Malcolm’s funeral will be held at St James Park in the Barrack Suite on Thursday 25th November 2021. The funeral service will begin at 1pm and anyone who wishes to attend is asked to be at the venue by 12:45 so they can be seated before the service commences. The service will be followed by a private family cremation ceremony for invited guests.
Malcolm Dix (FN 55-58) - We are very sorry to report that Malcolm died on Tuesday night (9th November, 2021) following a short illness. Malcolm was President of the St Beghian Society from 2006 to 2008 and has been a Committee member for many years. In addition, he has also been a longstanding and supportive member of the North East Branch of the Society and will certainly be missed by many people. We understand that there will be a small family only funeral service at Newcastle Crematorium. Attached here is a copy of a tribute to Malcolm in today’s Newcastle Evening Chronicle (11th Nov 2021).
Paul Watkins has advised that he will be giving a lecture next week on 29th October 2021 (via Zoom) which will be very much about the late Bill Frankland (FN 26-30). Details can be found at https://www.friendsofmillbank.org/.
St Bees School invites you to join them for the following events:
Murder Mystery Night - Friday 10th December 2021 - Click here for details.
Bonfire Night - Friday 5th November 2021 - Click here for details.
Sixth Form Taster Day - Friday 19th November - Click here and here for details.REMINDER… Next Friday… London Drinks Social (Informal Gathering) - Friday 15th October 2021 –
at the Samuel Pepys Pub/Restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT). If you fancy eating and/or drinking or even just catching up, please do call in and join us. St Bees School’s new Headmaster, Robin Silk, will also be there to chat about the school. Nicola Shannon (nee Metcalfe-Gibson) (L/G 78-85) would love to hear from you if you are interested in attending - nicmetcalfeshannon@gmail.com or 07766195468 - or just call in on the night. We look forward to seeing you there…..OSB Annual Subscription - As you will be aware, in 2020 the OSB Committee took the decision to introduce an annual subscription to secure the future of the Society, payable each September. We sincerely thank all OSB Members who have supported this request so far, and for those who have not, we should be very grateful if you would consider paying this year’s subscription as soon as possible. The minimum subscription stands at £20.00 per annum; however, if you would be willing to pay a larger amount that would be very much appreciated. Please click word or PDF for further information. Many thanks.
North East Dinner – Nov 2021 - It has been decided to postpone this year’s dinner until early next year, when it is hoped that covid will allow a possible new style event to take place in the NE. If you are interested in attending, the organisers would like your help in deciding what this event should be. Please click here for further information.
London Drinks Social (Informal Gathering) - Friday 15th October 2021 - There will once again be an informal social get-together at The Pepys pub/restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT) on Friday 15th October 2021. If you fancy eating and/or drinking or even just catching up, please do call in and join me. Nicola Shannon (nee Metcalfe-Gibson) (L/G 78-85) would love to hear from you if you are interested in attending and would be grateful if you could let me know by the 5th October as I need to confirm the numbers - nicmetcalfeshannon@gmail.com or 07766195468.
St Beghians' Day 2021 - Unfortunately, OSB Day on 25th Sep 2021 will NOT take place. Only a very small number of positive responses for the event were received and therefore a decision was taken to cancel it for this year. If the situation allows, later in the year or early next, we will look to arrange some form of OSB gathering at St Bees.
Cumbria Dinner 2022 - On Friday 13th May 2022, at Armathwaite Hall, Bassenthwaite Lake. Starting at 7.00pm with a champagne reception on the terrace and background music by Miss Dee, followed by a sumptuous 3 course Dinner with wine on the table. To finish the meal, Tea or Coffee. All that for £30.00! Contact: Darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com or 07970 180751.
Philip Capes (Headmaster 2000-2012) - We are sorry to record the passing of former Headmaster, Philip Capes (2000-2012), on the 19th July 2021. The funeral is being held on 4th August at 2pm, but due to the current circumstances the funeral will be restricted to close friends and family only. However, if anyone would like to watch a live stream please contact Will Capes via williamcapes@hotmail.co.uk for more details. If you wish to express your sympathy please consider making a donation to the PSP Association https://www.paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/67835
Cumbria Dinner 2021 - A wonderful Cumbria Dinner took place on Friday 2nd July 2021 at Armathwaite Hall, Bassenthwaite.
Many thanks to Darryl Davies for organising such a great evening and also to Donald Jackson for letting us have some photographs for us all to enjoy. To view the photographs, please click here.Live Q&A with Jeremy Davey (SH 79-86) - School are hosting a live Q&A with landspeed record holder, Jeremey Davey (SH 79-86), on Wednesday 19th May at 7pm. As a member of the world landspeed record-holding team, OSB Jeremy Davey tells his story from St Bees school days to his vital contributions to the ThrustSSC supersonic car project and his vibrant career to date.
For further information please click here. Please sign up in advance to join the event on Wednesday, 19 May 2021 at 19:00 UTC+01.
Anyone is welcome to take part in the session.St Bees School New Head - Please click here to see the announcement from the school with regard to the new Head.
Cumbria Dinner 2021 - will now take place on Friday 2nd July 2021 at Armathwaite Hall (7.00 for 7.30pm). Please contact Darryl Davies for further information: darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com or 01946 395180 or 07970 180751.
Live Q&A with Stuart Lancaster - School are hosting a Live Q&A session with Stuart Lancaster (FN/AC 80-88) on Wednesday 3rd March 2021 at 16:30 UTC, via Facebook. As former Head Coach of the England National Rugby Team, Stuart will recount his story from his St Bees School days up to his current position as Head Coach for Leinster Rugby.
If you are interesting in joining the Live session, please click here for further information.
2020: Scottish Dinner/Gathering November 2020 - CANCELLED. It is with regret that due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, the decision has been taken to cancel the proposed November Scottish Gathering. We do hope to see you all at a Scottish event in 2021.
North East Branch Dinner (4th Nov 2020) - CANCELLED. It is with huge regret that we have taken the decision to cancel this year’s November Dinner. Looking ahead, we are planning to have our next Reunion Dinner on 3rd November 2021. We sincerely hope all OSBs, families and friends will remain safe and well throughout the course of this pandemic.
Cumbria Dinner (16th Oct 2020) - POSTPONED. Due to the ongoing Covid situation we have decided to postpone the West Cumbria Branch Dinner at Armathwaite Hall until 4th June 2021. Please contact Darryl Davies, the organiser, for further information.
OSB London Social (Oct 9th) - CANCELLED - Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, it has been decided to cancel the London Social due to take place at the Samuel Pepys on Friday October 9th. We look forward to seeing you all in 2021 when we hope to be able to reschedule the evening. In the meantime - Keep Safe :)
July 2020 Bulletin Correction: Dr Thomas Tuohy has asked us to make two corrections to the article in the last edition of the Bulletin dealing with his arboretum at Beckermet. Firstly, that the soubriquet ‘Little Mesopotamia’ is not a ‘local’ name for the area but one given by him; and secondly, that the site was created to establish an experimental botanical collection of trees which might suitably replace those being lost in the current environment, and not as a haven for threatened wildlife and trees. We apologise to Dr Tuohy for the misunderstanding. Please click here for article.
Radio 4 Programme - An OSB has kindly brought to our attention that in a Radio 4 programme last Friday (15th May), called "Pandemic 1918", there is a short extract (about 7 minutes in) from a previously recorded interview with Dr William Frankland (FN 26-30), recalling the 1918 pandemic in Cumbria. Link to Radio programme: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000j2ty
1960 Whole School Photo Completed - We're delighted to report that the list of names for the 1960 Whole School Photo is now complete. A huge thank you to all OSBs who have assisted by contributing suggestions of names for the faces. This is the first whole school photo to be completed - well done!
Here is a link to all the Whole School Photographs http://www.st-beghian-society.co.uk/miles/wholeschool/index.html
If you can help with any names for any of the years, please do get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.OSB DINNER CANCELLATIONS - Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation we have regretably had to cancel the Cumbria and London OSB Dinners, both of which were due to take place in May. The Cumbria Dinner has been rescheduled for Friday 16th October whilst the London Dinner has been postponed until further notice. Updates will be posted here and on the Society Facebook page, as relevant.
Dr A. W. Frankland MBE (FN 26-30) - We apologise, but due to working from home and IT issues, we are only just able to share this sad news with the full OSB Membership. Many of you are probably already aware, but for those of you who haven't heard:
Dr A. W. (Bill) Frankland - We are sorry to record the passing of Dr A. W. Frankland MBE (FN 26-30), our oldest OSB, who died on 2nd April aged 108 years. 'Bill' was a most kind and remarkable gentleman who had a distinguished life of eminent service in the medical profession. Further details will follow in due course.An OSB has advised that Bill Frankland (FN 26-30) is to feature in an episode of a four-programme series (Monday 24th Feb - Thursday 27th Feb 2020) called Britain's Greatest Generation on SKY PSB Documenary Channel, commencing at 7.20pm. I am afraid we don't know which episode Bill will be featured in.
Richard Atkinson (FS 76-80) - We are very sad to advise of the recent sudden death of Richard Atkinson (FS 76-80). We understand that the Funeral will take place at St John’s Church, Keswick, Friday 17th Jan 2020, 11:30 am followed by a gathering at Keswick Rugby Club.
2019: Mrs Joan Lees - We are very sorry to report that Joan Lees, wife of Geoffrey Lees (Headmaster 1963-80), passed away last Friday (13th December 2019).
St Bees School held a Q&A Session on 21st November 2019. A follow-up paper detailing the questions and answers from the evening can be viewed by clicking here.
Singapore Lunch - Change of date. The 2020 lunch will now take place on Saturday 4th January at the Singapore Cricket Club at 12.00 noon. Please contact Duncan Merrin on duncan.merrin@fullcircle.biz if you are able to attend.
From St Bees School Team: Good afternoon, We are absolutely delighted to send this email with a very special update celebrating another milestone in St Bees School’s history. Over the weekend, St Bees School have opened two new schools in China, thus cementing our future. We are the mothership of these schools – and these will form part of our unique educational philosophy further merging the West with the East. Do take a look at the document attached to read more. We’d love to know your thoughts so please do get in touch. We’re also more than happy to answer any questions you may have – so please either come along on November 21st at 4pm for ‘St Bees Question Time’ or drop us an email! With very best wishes, The Team at St Bees School. Link to Press Release here or PDF version.
REMINDER - NORTH EAST BRANCH DINNER 2019 will be held at The Northumberland Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle NEXT WEEK on Wednesday 6th November, 2019 (7.00pm for 7.30pm). The cost is £25 per head, exclusive of wine.
Please contact Bill Dove at williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk or on 01274 585147 if you are interested in attending.REMINDER: London OSB Social - This Friday - 11th Oct 2019, 6pm onwards. At The Samuel Pepys pub/restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT). Please do call in and join us or for further information please contact Nicola Shannon (nee Metcalfe-Gibson)(L/G 78-85) at nicmetcalfeshannon@gmail.com.
P.M.H. (Michael) Brandwood (FS 61-66) – We are sorry to advise of the recent death of Michael Brandwood on 3rd October 2019, aged 72 years. A Funeral Service is to be held at Wythop Church on Tuesday 15th October at 1pm. Family flowers only.
The West Cumbria Branch OSB Annual Dinner will take place on Friday 1st May, 2020 at Armathwaite Hall on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick (cost £30). Please click here for further information.
The North East Branch Dinner 2019 will be held at The Northumberland Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle on Wednesday 6th November, 2019 (7.00pm for 7.30pm). The cost will be £25 per head, exclusive of wine. If you are interested in attending, please contact Bill Dove at williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk or on 01274 585147.
New St Bees School to open in China - OSBs in Dongguan attended the signing ceremony of the new St Bees School Dongguan, opening in September 2020. Click here for photo (OSBs from left to right: Laurie Zhang (SH 98-05), Laurence Gribble (SH 02-09), Skylar Shen (L 06-07) and Eilin Shen (L 06-07).
OSB DAY 2019 - Thank you to those of you who came along to St Beghians' Day on Saturday. The weather was extremely kind to us and we had a lovely day reminiscing about the past and also hearing about the plans for the school in the future.
London OSB Informal Social Evening - Friday 11th October 2019, 6pm onwards at The Pepys pub/restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT). Please do call in and join us. Nicola Shannon (nee Metcalfe-Gibson)(L/G 78-85) would love to hear from you if you are interested in attending - nicmetcalfeshannon@gmail.com.
The Society is sad to report the recent death of Mrs Charm Robson, who taught History of Art at the school for some years. Please see link below for further information and in particular details of the Memorial Service which will take place on Sunday 29th September, the day after OSB Day (Saturday 28th September): http://www.stbeespriory.org.uk/mrs-charm-robson/. There will be refreshments in the Memorial Hall after the Memorial Service and there is an open invitation to come along. No flowers, but donations welcome to Hospice at Home West Cumbria and the St Bees Priory organ restoration fund.
St Beghians' Day 2019 - Just a REMINDER that St Beghians' Day this year will take place on Saturday 28th September 2019.
Please complete the reply slip that was sent out with the July Bulletin to let us know if you will be attending (or click here for copy - Word or PDF).
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the 28th September.Yorkshire OSB Lunch (The Old Deanery - Sunday 8th September, 2019) – CANCELLED.
Steve Crossley-Smith is disappointed to report that he has been unable to attract sufficient members to attend and therefore has reluctantly decided to cancel the event. He would like to thank OSBs for their support in the past and hopes that a new format and venue that may appeal to more OSBs can be found in the future. If anyone has any comments about what they would like to see, please do get in touch with the OSB Office.It is with great sadness we report the recent death of OSB Camron Miller (G 99-06), who passed away in his sleep on 10th August, 2019. His funeral will take place at St Bees Priory on 21st August at 11am, followed by a committal at Distington Crematorium and then at the Queens Hotel, St Bees from 12 noon. Further information on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/camron.miller.5 .
*UPDATE - John's funeral will take place on Monday 19th August at 10am at Egremont Parish Church, followed by 11.15am at Distington Crematorium. The Funeral tea will follow at Egremont Rugby Club around midday.
We are sorry to report the recent death of Mr John Booth (father of Adam (SH 93-00) and Alistair (SH 96-03) Booth). He was a great supporter of the school and was the school's 'Listener' for some years. (Posted 09.08.19).Critchley Cup 2019 - This year’s Critchley Cup took place on Saturday 6th July at Seascale Golf Club once again. All attendees had a great day both on the course and in the clubhouse. For results and a full report of the day please click here.
A Yorkshire lunch is booked for Sunday, 8th September 2019 at The Old Deanery, Ripon (www.theolddeanery.co.uk).
Further details, booking form & menu may be obtained from: Steve Crossley-Smith, Garth Cottage, Moor Park Way, Addingham, West Yorkshire, LS29 0PZ. Tel: (01943) 830640. Email: crossleysmith@btinternet.com.GOLF - The Critchley Cup will be taking place at Seascale on Saturday 6th July. Tom Wright, the Golfing Society Secretary would like to hear from all OSB members who are interested in attending. Please contact Tom (tomosbgolf@hotmail.com) for further information as soon as possible so that final numbers and the necessary arrangements can be made.
Upcoming OSB Dinners:
Cumbria Dinner - Friday 3rd May 2019 at Armathwaite Hall, Nr Bassenthwaite, Cumbria. Contact Darryl Davies darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com.
London Dinner - Friday 31st May 2019 at the RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London W1J 7PY. Contact Tim Crossley-Smith - tim.crossley-smith@avisonyoung.com.Wishing Dr Bill Frankland (FN 26-30) a very HAPPY 107th BIRTHDAY today (19th March 2019) - our oldest Old St Beghian!
Dr Bill Frankland (FN 26-30) Interview. BBC HARDtalk featuring Bill Frankland was broadcast 7th January 2019. Stephen Sackur speaks to Dr William Frankland - an expert on allergies and one of the last remaining British survivors of the Japanese prisoner of war camps in World War Two. It is available on the BBC iplayer at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0bxr2bz/hardtalk-dr-william-frankland-allergist-and-wwii-prisoner-of-war-in-singapore.
London Dinner - The London Branch Dinner will be held, once more, at the RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London W1J 7PY on Friday 31st May 2019. Further details will be available in the New Year but initial reservations should be sent to either Tim Crossley-Smith tim.crossley-smith@gva.co.uk or Nicola Shannon nicmetcalfeshannon@gmail.com.
Wasps OSB Rugby Event OSB Hospitality package for Wasps v Newcastle Falcons Saturday 9 March 2019. There will be a package including a three course chef's lunch, parking, the best seats in the stadium and hospitality in the Jaguar Lounge, which opens at 11.30. The kick-off is at 14.00 and the following England v Italy match, which starts at 16.45, will be televised on big screens. So far it looks as if there will be a party of about 16. For details see ‘Hospitality’ in the Wasps’ website www.wasps.co.uk. The cost per head is £132.00. If interested please contact Mark Spencer Ellis (SH 62-66) at markspencerell1@gmail.com or at 76 Carnarvon Road, South Woodford, London E18 2NU. The Ricoh Arena which Wasps owns is about five minutes from Junction 3 of the M6, to the north of Coventry. It's easily accessible from the East and West Midlands and is about two hours from London. The Ricoh also has a hotel: for details see www.ricoharena.com.
Cumbria Dinner - Friday May 3rd 2019 at 7.30pm. This promises to be an excellent evening at the renowned Armathwaite Hall on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick in the heart of the Lake District. Why not make a weekend of it? Do let Darryl know if you are interested asap as it is likely to get booked up very quickly. Cost:- Dinner (3 course meal and coffee) £30.00 per person. Contact: Darryl Davies – darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com. Accommodation:- £125 B&B for the room (book with the hotel direct 017687 76551 or e-mail at leeann.lennox@armathwaite-hall.com). To take advantage of this fantastic offer, BOOK NOW.
OSB RUGBY EVENT - Match-day package for Wasps v Newcastle Falcons on Saturday 9th March 2019 at The Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
Please see pdf or word version for further information.
2018: SCOTTISH DINNER - Sat 17th Nov - CANCELLED. Apologies, but the Scottish Dinner has been cancelled due to lack of numbers.
OSB Dr Bill Frankland - Aged 106! - You may be interested in seeing a piece from CNN about Dr Bill Frankland (FN 26-30), our oldest living Old St Beghian at 106 years of age! Note the OSB tie! Link to article: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/05/health/william-frankland-doctor-intl/index.html.
London Social - An informal social event for OSBs in the City of London will be held at the The Pepys pub/restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT) on Friday 12th October, 2018 from 6.00pm onwards. Joint us for a drink and/or food or even just a catch-up chat! If you wish to attend or require further information, please contact: Nicola Shannon (nee Metcalfe-Gibson) at nicmetcalfeshannon@gmail.com , or Dacre Watson at dacrewatson@btinternet.com or (01367) 252384 or Tim Crossley-Smith at tim.crossley-smith@gva.co.uk.
Feel free to drop in on the night - we would love to see you there!North East Dinner - Wednesday 7th November, 7.00 for 7.30pm at The Northumberland Golf Club, High Gosforth park, Newcastle. Cost £25.00 per head. Contact: Bill Dove on (01274) 585147 or williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk.
Scottish Dinner - To be held on Saturday 17th November at 7.30pm at The New Club on Princess Street, Edinburgh. Cost £55.00 per person. For further details and to book, please contact Jerry Tsang at drjerrytsang@gmail.com.
Cumbria Dinner - Foundation Dining Room on FRIDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 7.30 pm for 8.00pm (Evening before OSB Day). Cost £25.00 per person. Booking form and further information from: Darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com
Golf - Critchley Cup 2018 - The Critchley Cup, the OSBGS’s own event, was played on home turf at Seascale Golf Club on Saturday, 7th July, 2018. Please click here to see a report of the day, along with photographs.
OSB's Aerial Visit - An unusual visit back to St Bees last week by OSB Dacre Watson (SH 56-62) on his way to Scotland! Please click here to view photographs.
OSB Golf - The Critchley Cup - Saturday 7th July - For further information about the competition and draw, please click here.
St Bees School Latest Public Communication - 5th June 2018 - Please click here to view.
Sam Robson (G 79-81) - Sent in a lovely memory - 30 Years ago! St Bees RFC Dinner 1987/88 Programme - When Sam was guest Speaker and Stuart Lancaster (FN/AC 80-88) was 1st XV Captain. To view, click here.
Stan (E. S.) Holmes (SH 45-50) - Details of the funeral are now confirmed as follows:
Following a private cremation, a Service of Thanksgiving will take place at St. Martins Church, Bowness-on-Windermere on Friday 20th April 2018, at 12 noon. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Wasdale Mountain Rescue or Patterdale Mountain Rescue c/o Edmondson Longmire Funeral Service, 3 Oak Street, Windermere, LA23 1BH. Tel. 015394 43427.
Following the service we will be having drinks and sandwiches at the Old England Hotel which is located immediately next door to St Martin’s. If you are thinking of coming to the service we would appreciate you letting us know so that we can have an approximate idea of numbers. Please confirm to Richard Holmes at holmes.richard@btinternet.com.Stan (E. S.) Holmes (SH 45-50) - We are very sad to inform OSBs that Stan (E. S.) Holmes (SH 45-50) died on Saturday, 31st March 2018. He had been involved in St Bees in many ways over the years and was a great supporter of the Society and school. He was a long-serving Governor of the school and President of the St Beghian Society from 1996-1998. He was also a loyal and dedicated Member of the Society Committee for a number of years. Stan was a wonderful man and someone who will be truly missed by all those who knew him. As soon as we are aware of the funeral arrangements we will post the details on the Society website and facebook page. We understand that it is likely to be either late next week, or the week after.
Changes in Data Protection Laws - Important Information - Recently, you should have received a communication (post or email) from us relating to the new Data Protection Laws which are coming into force in May 2018. If not, please contact the OSB Office or view the St Beghian Society Privacy Policy and Marketing/Fundraising Opt In/Out Form here.
Jeff Evans - Funeral Arrangements - Jeff's funeral will take place on Wednesday 4th April at 1.00pm in the Priory.
Jeff Evans - We are sorry to report the death of Mr Jeff Evans, who for many years was head of the English department at school and also in charge of the Cadet Corps. Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be posted in due course.
GOLF - The Critchley Cup 2018 - Will take place on Saturday 7th July at Seascale Golf Club. Please click here for further details or contact Michael Coffey (michael@golfclubsec.co.uk) or Tom Wright (tomosbgolf@hotmail.com).
Dinners & Gatherings 2018 - There will be a Shenzhen Dinner (Friday 26th Jan), Hong Kong Dinner (Sat 27th Jan), Vancouver Dinner (Sat 3rd March) and a Singapore Lunch (Sat 24th March). Click here for further details.
2017: Great News!!! - School to Re-open in 2018......
Press Release from The Trustees of St Bees School announcing the re-opening of the school in September 2018. Please click for Word or PDF version.North East Branch Dinner 2017 - To be held on Wednesday 8th November, 2017 at The Northumberland Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle. £25 per head, exclusive of wine. RSVP asap or by 31st Oct 2017 to williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk. Please contact Bill if you are interested in attending. For information, please click here.
Golf - The Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools Tournament (22nd-24th Sep 2017) - Please click here to see the match report.
OSB Day 2017 - President's Drinks Reception - Please click here to see photos.
St Beghians' Day 2017 - 23rd September. If you haven't done so already, please let us know if you are intending on coming along on the day. Please click here to see the Timetable and here for a list of attendees that we know about so far. We look forward to seeing you all on the 23rd. Contact osb@stbeesschool.co.uk for further information.
Scottish Dinner 2017 - To be held on Saturday 25th November, 2017 at The Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh. £50 (3 course Dinner with wine). RSVP by 31st Oct 2017 to drjerrytsang@gmail.com. Please contact Jerry if you are interested in attending. For information please click here.
Golf at Penrith - The OSB Golfing Society is holding a Four Ball Team event on Saturday 30th September at Penrith Golf Club.
All welcome! Further info and contact details on attached poster here.OSB Gathering in the USA.
We have been delighted with the positive response to a proposed USA/Canada Gathering. Taking into account various suggestions and comments we are planning to hold a get-together in New York on either 8th or 9th September. Becky Hobbs (L 87-92) has very kindly agreed to take the lead in organising the event and we would love to hear from you if you are interested in attending: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk.Calling all OSBs in or near the US! Following a few extremely successful OSB get-togethers recently, especially those overseas in Hong Kong and Singapore, Dacre Watson, the Society President, was wondering whether it would be possible to arrange something in the US in July. Dacre has attended both the gatherings mentioned above and would be more than willing to try and do the same in the US, if we can get something arranged. At the events, he has been able to pass on, first hand, news about the school and the future plans, which has been very much appreciated by those attending.
Please could you reply (by email osb@stbeesschool.co.uk), indicating whether you would be interested in attending an OSB get-together in July in the US and also where you would be able to travel to eg New York? We look forward to hearing from you.New Head Teacher Announced - Please see the following link to the Trustees' announcement of the new Head Teacher for St Bees School: http://mailchi.mp/8d5caa25e352/st-bees-school-press-release-new-head-teacher-announced-988097.
105 and still working! You may be interested in seeing the BBC News article spotted over the weekend about OSB,
Bill Frankland (FN 26-30), who is 105 and still working! Here is the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-39815946/the-105-year-old-still-working-how.EGREMONT2DAY article following the 'Drop In Day' on Saturday: http://www.egremont2day.co.uk/st-bees-school-announces-their-global-vision-for-the-future/.
St Bees School Trustees' Drop In Day - Join the trustees on Saturday 22nd April, 2017 for a "Drop In Day" to hear from and meet St Bees School Trustees and the Directors of Full Circle (Shenzhen International). Details attached here.
School News:-
The Trustees have posted further information on their website about their new partners, Full Circle Education Group - please click here to view.
In addition, information about the appointment of a new Headteacher may be see here.A Bristol and West of England Lunch will be held on Saturday 20th May at The Foxham Inn, near Chippenham, Wiltshire.
For further details, please click Word or PDF version.Congratulations to Dr A. W. (Bill) Frankland (FN 26-30) who celebrated his 105th Birthday yesterday (Sunday 19th March, 2017).
St Bees in March 2017 Photos - A sunny March day, with the daffodils just emerging..... Please click here to see some photos.
Yorkshire Gathering 23rd April, 2017 – CANCELLED. Unfortunately, due to lack of response (6) the Lunch at the Bridge Inn, Walshford Bridge, on 23rd April is cancelled. Steve Crossley-Smith is exploring the possibility of a different venue/format/location/date - if you have any suggestions please let us know. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Harecroft Hall Prep. School - Former pupils of Harecroft may like to know that a history of the school is about to be published. Further details can be found on Ruth Mansergh’s website by clicking here.
January 2017 Bulletin - 'The Old St Beghian' Bulletin (No.190) is now available. If you have not received your copy, please contact us at osb@stbeesschool.co.uk.
Cumbria Dinner - Friday 21st April - To be held at The Castle Bar, Market Place, Cockermouth. £20 per person to include 3 course meal, plus tea or coffee. Please click here for menu. If interested in attending please contact Darryl Davies on 07970 180751 or darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com.
London Dinner - Friday 17th March, 2017 - Please click here(word) or here(pdf) for further details and booking information with regard to the London Dinner, which is being held at the RAF Club, on Friday March 17th, 2017.
Mike Slowther (FN 71-76) and his wife, Val, are to feature in a TV programme in February. The progamme, James Martin's French Adventure, starts on Monday 30th January at 15.00 on ITV, however the episode that Mike and Val feature in will be shown on Wednesday 1st February, 2017.
London Dinner - Friday 17th March, 2017 - A London OSB dinner is planned for Friday 17th March in the sumptuous surroundings of the RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London W1. Partners are of course welcome. For information, the cost of the dinner is likely to be around £38, plus drinks. Further details to follow. Please contact Tim Crossley-Smith if you are interested in attending:
tim.crossley-smith@gva.co.uk or +44 (0)207 911 2291.
Singapore Lunch/Dinner – Saturday 6th May, 2017 - Duncan Merrin (G 53-57) is proposing a get-together for either lunch or dinner on May 6th in Singapore, to coincide with a visit by Dacre Watson (SH 56-62). Please contact Duncan if you are interested in joining them: duncanmerrin@hotmail.com.
Keith Wilson - We regret to announce the death of Keith Wilson (M 1970 - 1999) following a long illness. There will be a service at St Peter’s Church, Heversham, LA7 7EW on Thursday, 5th January 2017 at 11.30 a.m. Yvonne and family warmly invite you to join them for refreshments at Crooklands Hotel, Crooklands, Nr Kendal, LA7 7NW. Our sincere condolences go to his family.
Note for your 2017 Diary - The 2017 North East Dinner will take place on Wednesday 8th November, 2017.
The Yorkshire Gathering on Sunday April 23rd, 2017 - St. George’s Day.
The plan is to have an informal Sunday Lunch carvery (3 courses, plus coffee) at the Bridge Inn at Walshford Bridge (about 6 mins from the A1, at Wetherby). Further details and booking information are available here - WORD or PDF version.2016: William Leefe Robinson - Clive Kennedy (FN 55 - 59) has kindly advised us that there was a piece on Radio 2, Jeremy Vine programme 12.00 until 2.00 pm on Thursday 8th December (starting at 1hr 35 mins 40 secs into the transmission), telling how William Leefe Robinson (who was educated at St Bees School) was the first pilot to shoot down a German airship over Britain during the First World War and was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross.
Alec MacCaig (FS 42-46) - We are very sad to inform you all that Alec MacCaig (FS 42-46) died very recently. Please click here for further details and funeral arrangements.
FINAL REMINDER - Scottish Dinner - Nov 2016.
Date : Friday 25th November, 2016. Venue : Royal Scots Club , Edinburgh. Cost : £37.50 per head.
If you are interested in attending, please Contact David Parker.
Email: parkyatdeanst@yahoo.co.uk. Tel: 01854 655300. Bromview Cottage, Ardcharnich , Loch Broom , Nr Ullapool , Ross-Shire. IV23 2RQ.William Leefe Robinson - A service commemorating William Leefe-Robinson’s winning of the VC was recently held in the school chapel. The aviation artist Michael Farrier, has drawn our attention to some artwork which was on sale at an exhibition in Hertfordshire honouring Leefe-Robinson’s exploit and which is available for purchase. Please click here to see artwork.
Mr Farrier can be contacted on mfazzman@outlook.com or mobile 07790 769709.Scottish Dinner - Nov 2016.
Just a quick reminder about the Scottish Dinner:
Date : Friday 25th November, 2016. Venue : Royal Scots Club , Edinburgh. Cost : £37.50 per head.
If you are interested in attending, please Contact David Parker (G 63-68) for more information:
Email: parkyatdeanst@yahoo.co.uk. Tel: 01854 655300. Bromview Cottage, Ardcharnich , Loch Broom , Nr Ullapool , Ross-Shire. IV23 2RQ.Thomas Froggatt Memorial Charity Rugby Match - December, 2016.
The second annual Thomas Froggatt Memorial Charity Rugby Match in aid of the Calvert Trust will take place at Egremont RUFC on Wednesday 28th December at 2.00pm.
As well as being a tribute to Thomas, it's designed to be an ideal opportunity for OSBs of all ages, male and female, to get together at a time when many are home for the holiday period from work, university etc. Further information is available here - WORD or PDF version.BRANCH DINNER DATES - Please contact the relevant person if you are interested in attending any of the following Dinners:
9th November, 2016 - North East Dinner in Newcastle - Bill Dove, williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk
25th November, 2016 - Scottish Dinner in Edinburgh - David Parker, parkyatdeanst@yahoo.co.uk
25th February, 2017 - Hong Kong Dinner - Laurence Gribble, OSBinAsia@gmail.com
23rd April, 2017 - Yorkshire Dinner/Lunch - Steve Crossley-Smith, crossleysmith@btinternet.comPHOTOS from St Beghians' Day (24th September, 2016) - Please click here.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us last Saturday for St Beghians' Day. It was wonderful to see so many people there and we hope you all enjoyed the day. If you have any photos of your own that you would be happy to share, we would love to receive them.Funeral - Peter Broadhurst (M 57-87)
The Funeral will take place at St Peters Church, Askham, near Penrith on Friday 30th September at 11 am. Buffet etc will be at the Punch Bowl Inn, Askham, just up the road from the Church.
All OSB’s are very welcome! We’ll need as many ‘old boys’ as we can, as one of the Hymns is Jerusalem!
Stuart Broadhurst (G 69-74).
Peter Broadhurst (M 57-87) - We are sorry to advise of the death of Peter Broadhurst last Thursday, 15th september, 2016. Peter was a Master at the School from 1957-1987. Details of the funeral arrangements will follow in due course.Major Linda Johnston (St Bees School CCF - 1995-2015) Funeral - On Friday 23rd September at Distington Hall Crematorium at 10.00am.
REMINDER!
St Beghians’ Day – 24th September, 2016.
For further information about what is happening on the day and how to be part of it, please click here. Hope to see you there!Major Linda Johnston (St Bees School CCF - 1995-2015).
Please see the following note from Sandy Rogers, Ex-RSM St Bees Combined Cadet Force:
It is my sad duty to inform you that while visiting her daughter in the North East, Major Linda Johnston went to sleep on Monday, 12th of September and never woke up. Linda will always be remembered by many St Beghians for her stalwart service to the Combined Cadet Force where she served for 2 years as Contingent Commander until the closure of the School in 2015.
Linda’s main passion was to provide a conduit where Cadets could help achieve awards and certificates in BTEC, First Aid, and most especially close to her heart, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in which she spent many, many hours ensuring Cadets had the best opportunity to successfully achieve the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award Levels.
Linda will be greatly missed by all who knew her and most especially by her two daughters, Linda and Stacey and their families, and her ever faithful Golden Labrador, Duke.Scottish Dinner - To be held on Friday 25th November, 2016 at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh. Further details and booking information are available here - PDF or WORD version.
William Leefe Robinson Commemoration – Friday 9th September, 2016. 7.30 – 8.30pm in St Bees School Chapel.
William Leefe Robinson, who was educated at St Bees School, was the first pilot to shoot down a German airship over Britain during the First World War, on the night of 2/3 Sept 1916. For this he was awarded the Victoria Cross just two days later.
He was the first person to be awarded the VC for action in the UK, and it was the first VC of the Royal Flying Corps; the forerunner of the RAF.
His amazing feat of bravery was a turning point in repelling the airship menace in WW1, and was the birth of aerial night fighting.
This commemoration of his short life in words and music will be in the School Chapel where his VC is recorded, and will include a detailed account of the action and its significance for aerial combat and the morale of the nation.
All welcome. Free admission.OSBs in Asia - James Rebert (SH 91-98), Laurence Gribble (SH 02-09) and Chris Ma (G 02-09) would like formally to establish a group for Old St Beghians based in the Asia region under the name, “Old St Beghians in Asia”. As well as organising an annual dinner in Hong Kong, they hope such a group can connect OSBs in Asia and reconnect those who may have lost contact since leaving St Bees. Please click here for further information.
Newsletter from the new Board of Trustees - Please click here to view the second Newsletter (July 2016) from the new Board of Trustees.
Bristol and West of England Dinner - will be held on Friday June 10th 2016 at the Bay Prince of Wales Hotel, Berkeley, near Bristol (on the A38, half way between junctions 13 & 14 on the M5). The cost will be about £25 (depending on uptake) and the hotel has accommodation for those who wish to stay overnight. For further Information, please contact: Bill Affleck, Barley Hill, Watledge, Nailsworth, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 0AS. Tel: 01453 832619. Email: William.affleck@btinternet.com.
Cumbria Dinner - To take place on Friday 22nd April, 2016 at Castle Bar, Market Place, Cockermouth.
Details and Booking Form available here - PDF or Word version. Please book early as places are limited.
For further information please contact darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com. Look forward to seeing you there.Newsletter from the new Board of Trustees - Welcome to the first newsletter from the new Board of Trustees. To view, please click here.
Notice - OSBs may like to know that a number of oil paintings by J.D. Kenworthy, which are part of the archives acquired by the Society, will be sold at a fine art auction in Cockermouth on 10th and 11th March to raise funds for the Society.
Details may be obtained from Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art, 47 Station Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9PZ. Tel. 01900 827800, website: www.mitchellsantiques.co.uk, from whom catalogues will be shortly available.Professor H.F. (Frank) Woods (G 51-57) - The Society regrets to announce the death of Professor H. F. Woods (G 51-57) on the 31st January, 2016 following a lengthy illness. Professor Woods had a long and distinguished career in Medicine at Oxford and Sheffield Universities. Having been a long serving Governor of the school, he came back from retirement to undertake the Chairmanship of the Board from 2013. His funeral, a strictly private occasion, will take place on Wednesday 10th February in Amersham. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Missing Email Addresses - January 2016 - Have you changed your email address but not told us about it? We have recently had over 70 failed email deliveries following a mailing. If you did not receive the Autumn 2016 electronic Bulletin last November, please do get in touch to check that we have your up to date contact details. Please click PDF or Word to see list of missing OSB emails.
M.J.M. Thompson (John) – SH 39-43. John sadly died on Thursday last (28th January) and his funeral will be held at Crosthwaite Church, Keswick, this Thursday, 4th February, at 11am. John was an extremely valuable member of the Governing Body for many years (1964-1993) as well as being the School’s Land Agent during this time. If anybody is able to make the funeral on Thursday I feel certain that it will be very much appreciated by his wife, Alison and the rest of the family.
Scottish Reunion Dinner 2016 - Diary Date - Friday 25th November, 2016 at The Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh. For further informatio: David Parker, Broomview Cottage, Ardcharnich, Loch Broom, By Garve, Ross-Shire. IV23 2RQ. 01854 655300 (after 9pm) parkyatdeanst@yahoo.co.uk.
David Gummers (G/FN 75-83) is organising a Kendal Floods Charity Concert in Kendal on March 17th and 18th in aid of the floods, with all proceeds going to the Cumbria Community Foundation. He is bringing across singer, Lauren-Lee Bock from South Africa for the occasion. The event will also include an auction and raffle (List on David’s Facebook, David Gummers).
David’s shoe company is putting in £4000 to cover the big costs of the concert but he is also hoping to raise funds to be able to offer free tickets to those affected by the flooding and also the fire brigade. If you are interested in either buying a ticket to attend the concert or wish to offer a donation towards the event, please contact David on david@bowfell.ndo.co.uk 01229 580654 or mob 07802 766570. Click here for ticket information.JANUARY: Hong Kong Dinner - this Saturday, 16th January. Time: 7.30pm. To meet at 'Stormies' in Lan Kwai Fong, Central, and then dinner will be at 'Gordon Ramsay's Bread street kitchen'.
Those who have not confirmed as yet, but would be interested in attending, please do contact James Rebert on jamesrebert7@gmail.com, or +852 69731821. No set menus as such, just the a la carte menu - so no fixed price, it is up to you what you choose! James Rebert (SH 91-98).2015: Membership of the St Beghian Society - For 2015 Leavers. Did you leave St Bees School in July 2015? If so, do you wish to become a Member of the St Beghian Society – and have you completed the relevant forms? For further information, please click here.
The Autumn 2015 edition of 'The Old St Beghian' is now available.
If you do not currently receive a copy of the bulletin, please click here to let us know.
To view the Autumn 2015 Bulletin and also previous editions please click here.Communications from the New Board - The Society has been asked by the new Board to circulate the following three communications:
1. The VMO (Vision, Mission & Objectives),
2. Current Board Members and
3. A request for additional Board Members.
Dr Bill Frankland (FN 26-30) - As many OSBs may already be aware, Bill Frankland, aged 103, recently featured on the BBC's Desert Island Discs programme. A castaway page for him on the Programme's homepage showing his music, book and luxury choices, along with the audio for people to listen to or download can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr.NOVEMBER: NEW! - Hong Kong Dinner - James Rebert (SH 91-98) has very kindly offered to organise a Dinner for OSBs in Hong Kong. He is suggesting a date of January 16th, 2016 and would be pleased to hear from any OSBs who would be interested in attending. The location and venue will be decided upon once he has an idea of names and numbers.
Please contact James if you would like to go along to the OSB get-together in Hong Kong: jamesrebert7@gmail.com or +852 69731821.NOVEMBER: A proposed get-together in Cape Town, South Africa!
Jim Harcombe (SH 50-55) is kindly proposing to organise a dinner/lunch for OSBs in South Africa. He is suggesting a date sometime in December 2015 or January 2016 (or another date, if preferred) and would be pleased to hear from any OSBs who would be interested in attending. The location and venue will be decided upon once he has an idea of names and numbers.
Please contact Jim if you would like to go along to the OSB get-together: harco@worldonline.co.za or +27 (021) 790-5293 or +27 (0)832521339.NOVEMBER: The North East Branch Dinner will be held on Wednesday 11th November, 2015 at The Northumberland Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle.
If you are interested in attending please contact Bill Dove, the Secretary: 01274 585147 or williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk or 3 The Rowans, Baildon, West Yorkshire. BD17 5DB.
OCTOBER: The Scottish Dinner is to be held at the Royal Scots Club , Abercromby Place , Edinburgh on Saturday 31st October (a 3 course meal with a glass of wine @ £35 per head - 7pm for 8.15pm).
If you are interested in attending please contact David Parker, the Secretary, (asap) at parkyatdeanst@yahoo.co.uk or 01854 655300.OCTOBER: Thomas Froggatt (SH 03-10) - We are extremely sorry to have to report that Thomas sadly passed away last Monday, 12th October. The exact Funeral arrangements are still to be decided, however, we understand that the funeral will definitely take place on Wednesday 28th October (what would have been Thomas' 24th Birthday) at Distington Crematorium. Our sincere thoughts are with the family.
OSB DAY - 27th June, 2015 - PHOTOGRAPHS.
Please click here to see photographs from the day. Please also let us have any photographs that you may have taken on the day and are happy to share.JUNE: St Beghian Society - Press Release 28.06.15 - Please click here.
JUNE: OSB AGM INFORMATION - Please click here.
JUNE: St Beghians' Day 2015 - Saturday 27th June. Please click here for a Prgramme for the day.
JUNE: A Foundation South Reunion Dinner organised by Trevor Whitwell (FS 66-72) and Peter Martland (FS 67-72) took place last Saturday (13th June 2015) at School. It was a wonderful evening and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Please click here to see some photographs.
JUNE: OSB DAY 2015 - Saturday 27th June. (N.B. NEW DATE)
Just to advise everyone that St Beghians' Day will take place on Saturday 27th June in view of the closure of the School at the beginning of July.
Please click here for information and a reply slip- Please complete the form & return to us asap.
A timetable for the day will be posted here, as soon as we can.
Please pass the word around and encourage your fellow OSBs to attend. We look forward to seeing as many OSBs as possible on the 27th.APRIL: Update (14.4.15): Please see below the latest two postings from the Rescue Team (or direct link http://www.rescuestbees.co.uk/blog/):
Public meeting – Saturday 18th @ 5:30 – 6:30pm
The Rescue Team would like to invite all interested parties to attend a ‘Community Update’ meeting this Saturday 18th April at 5:30 – 6:30pm in the St Bees Priory.
Please note that parking outside the church will be reserved for disabled attendees only. Please park at the school and walk across to the Priory. Thank you.
Public Meeting – Saturday 18th April – Details to be confirmed
In recognition of the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled with the Governors on 16 April to consider the rescue team’s proposal, we want to tentatively set up a third public meeting for late afternoon or evening on Saturday, 18 April. It will be at this open session that we will share the pivotal outcome of the EGM. The specific details as to time and location will be communicated as soon as they are available.APRIL: Update (9.4.15): Please click here to see the latest statement from the Rescue Team - 'A Note from the Rescue Team Requesting your Support' (April 9, 2015) or direct link to posting: http://www.rescuestbees.co.uk/blog/2015/04/09/a-note-from-the-rescue-team-requesting-your-support/#comments.
APRIL: Latest update from the St Bees Rescue Group: Please see below an update from the St Bees Rescue Group (or direct link to website is: http://www.rescuestbees.co.uk/blog/).
If you wish to volunteer to help in anyway, please could you confirm your offer via the Rescue St Bees website above, through the Contact Us/Volunteer options.APRIL: Update (1.4.15) -
We continue to wait for confirmation on the schedule of the Governor’s Extraordinary General Meeting and feedback on the Rescue Plan.
In the meantime, the Rescue Team is focusing on the following items:
(1) The team is busy converting the Rescue Plan into a substantiated Business Plan. A key piece of data that will be needed for this substantiation relates to the number of students who would be attending in September. A request to all parents will be forthcoming requesting this information.
(2) We have approached the business community for support and are pleased that they understand the need for a school like St Bees in West Cumbria. The Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (a group representing more than 200 local businesses) have written a letter of support which was used as a part of our submission to the Governors.
(3) The Rescue Team have identified a full time project manager and is poised to set up an office to support the rescue initiative. Once in place, this office will contact the many volunteers who have been kind enough to offer their skills and time.
We will continue to keep you posted as information emerges, The Rescue Team.MARCH: Meeting Outcome Positive - March 27, 2015 -
'The Rescue Team met with a group of the Governors, including the Chair, and their advisors this morning to discuss our proposals to keep the school open while we work together on the development of a sustainable way forward. The meeting was frank, open and productive. The Chair of Governors has committed to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting as soon as may be possible to consider the proposal. The Rescue Team thanks you for your patience while the Governors consider what is clearly a complex decision for them with many factors.
On the back of this, and the productive relationship that we have established, the Rescue Team now intends to take the weekend off. We will of course respond to the Governors at their convenience and update you as appropriate.'
Direct link: http://www.rescuestbees.co.uk/blog/.MARCH: REMINDER - St Bees School Chamber Choir at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral - Choral Evensong - Tomorrow night, Wednesday 25th March, 2015 – 5.30 pm. Afterwards at 'Ego' on Hope Street (you can come even if you haven't been to the service!).
MARCH: DONATIONS: We have received requests to make the Donations Form more accessible for people to download and complete. For Pledge form click here (for Word Doc) and here for pdf. We have already received offers of over £350,000 and are looking to raise £2m in the short term, but with a projected target of £5m. Please let us have your pledges NOW!
NB: If you are having problems with the form, please just email us the details if easier.MARCH: IMPORTANT LINKS: Please find below some links which may be of interest:
http://www.rescuestbees.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/Savestbees
http://www.rescuestbees.co.uk/blog/
rescuestbees@gmail.comMARCH: URGENT........To All OSBs: If you are an Old St Beghian and haven't received the recent important emails from the St Beghian Society, please DO get in touch with us now with your contact details to osb@stbeesschool.co.uk, just to ensure that you are getting all the Info as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
MARCH: THANKS: Just to say that we very much appreciate all the emails that we have recevied about the current situation. We would like to assure you that we are certainly reading all the comments and ideas that are coming in, but would ask that you forgive us if you do not receive a response straight away. I am sure you will understand that we have been inundated with calls and emails and therefore responses are taking a little longer than usual!
MARCH: IMPORTANT SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with the deepest regret that the Governors of St Bees School have decided that the school will close at the end of the summer term 2015.
This has obviously come as a huge shock to the whole St Bees School community.
We have worked extremely hard to avoid this outcome but what matters now, the Governors’ decision having been made, is to help members of the St Bees School community come to terms with this desperately sad news....
http://www.stbeesschool.co.uk/Important-School-AnnouncementMARCH: Tony Winzor - FUNERAL Arrangements - ALL WELCOME
Tony's funeral will be held at Distington Crematorium on Monday 16th March at noon.
You are warmly invited to attend the funeral and to join family and friends afterwards at Muncaster Castle. Please click here for full details.MARCH: Tony Winzor (M 84-09) - We are extremely sorry to inform you of the passing away of Tony Winzor last Friday, 6th March, after a long illness. Tony was a Master at School from 1984-2009 and a good friend and colleague to many people. He will be sorely missed and I am sure this sad news will come as a great shock to many of you.
Golf - Critchley Cup - will take place on Sat 27th June at Seascale Golf Club. 10am arrival/11am first tee off. Cost £35 including bacon sandwich. Food will be available afterwards. For further info please contact James Doggett (Golfing Society Sec.) on james.doggett@hotmail.co.uk.
NE Golf Social (Hexham) - Geoff Steven (G 59-64) is organising a golf social at Hexham Golf Club in July. The cost will be £36.50 per golfer, including bacon sandwich on arrival, a round of golf and afterwards a two course meal. If interested please contact osb@stbeesschool.co.uk.
The Copy Deadline for the July 2015 issue of 'The Old St Beghian' Bulletin is 31st May 2015. If you have any articles or information that you would like included, please do just get in touch on osb@st-bees-school.co.uk. Any contributions would be very much appreciated.
Bristol South West Dinner - CHANGE OF DATE. Please note, the Bristol Dinner will now take place on Friday 5th June, 2015 instead of the original date of 29th May. If you are interested in attending, please contact Bill Affleck at william.affleck@btinternet.com or (01453) 832619 for further details.
Douglas Brodie (FN 73-78) - Does anyone know of his whereabouts?
If so, please do get in touch at osb@st-bees-school.co.uk.FEBRUARY: The January 2015 edition of 'The Old St Beghian' is now available. If you do not currently receive a copy of the bulletin, please click here to let us know.
To view the January 2015 Bulletin and also previous editions please click here.FEBRUARY: Rugby Event (Feb 1st 2015): Don Williams (Chairman North East Branch) is pleased to announce that 24 people have now confirmed tickets for the Lunch and Rugby Match Event on Sunday Feb 1st. However, the more the merrier! It is not too late to book but please let me know quickly now (tickets £60). Email: don@kingdomofnorthumbria.co.uk or Tel: 01670 789489 or
Mb: 0774 7778786. Looking forward, hopefully, to seeing you there!JANUARY: The January 2015 edition of 'The Old St Beghian' is now available. If you do not currently receive a copy of the bulletin, please click here to let us know.
To view the January 2015 Bulletin and also previous editions please click here.JANUARY: Missing Email Addresses - Have you changed your email address but not told us about it? We have once again had several failed email deliveries following the latest mailing. If you have not received an electronic Bulletin in the last year, please do get in touch to check if we have your up to date contact details.
Please click here to see a list of the failed email addresses from Jan 2014 Bulletin Mailing.2014: DECEMBER: A Memorial Service for the Rev Canon Philip Bryan will be held on December 13th,
at 3pm, in the Priory (St Bees), followed by a reception with refreshments in the Memorial Hall afterwards. (Just for information, apparently the level crossing at the rail station will be closed for repairs that evening).NOVEMBER: A Remembrance Day Service was held at School yesterday (11.11.14) to commemorate, in particular, the Centenary of World War 1. A reading was delivered by Ian Wrigley (FS 80-85) who also laid a wreath on behalf of the St Beghian Society. During the service the fallen of our School were remembered and a list of names was read out by the Head Boy, Charles Adams. We have a small number of Service Booklets in the office, if anyone is interested in a copy.
October: St Beghians' Day 2014 took place on Saturday, 13th September. A full report will be given in the next Bulletin in January 2015, but in the meantime photos from the day may be seen here. Please click to view Batch 1, Batch 2 and Batch 3.
OCTOBER: Adrian Hope (G 69-76) is undertaking a sponsored swim to raise money for the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Charity, following his recent brain tumour and subsequent post-operative care at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at The Freeman. Please click here for further details of how you can support Adrian.
SEPTEMBER: Louise Ling's Dinner for 2003/2004 Leavers on Saturday September 13th was a tremendous success and everyone present had an excellent night. To see some photos from the evening, please click here. If anyone else has any photographs, please do let me know.
SEPTEMBER: GOLF NEWS - Click here to read the latest report about the recent successes of the School's Golf Academy. Plus the results of the Golfing Championship held last Saturday, 13th September, on St Beghians' Day may be seen here.
SEPTEMBER: The Copy Deadline for the January 2015 issue of 'The Old St Beghian' Bulletin is 30th November 2014. If you have any articles or information that you would like included, please do just get in touch on osb@st-bees-school.co.uk.
Any contributions would be very much appreciated.SEPTEMBER: GOLF - Critchley Cup - To be held at Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh on Friday 19th September, 2014. Please click here for more information.
AUGUST: NEW SUMMER ORCHESTRAL COURSE AT ST BEES (2nd-9th August) - This year St Bees is hosting a new Orchestral Course which offers the opportunity for adult musicians to play in a full symphony orchestra with support and tuition from highly accomplished, experienced professionals. In particular, the Course Directors would like to encourage string players to come forward, but if anyone would be interested in attending (grade 7 standard min), please click here for further details.
JULY: The July 2014 edition of 'The Old St Beghian' is now available. If you do not currently receive a copy of the bulletin, please click here to let us know.
To view the July 2014 Bulletin and also previous editions please click here.JULY: 'Summer Season of Song' Concerts - St Bees School are delighted to be hosting the National Youth Training Choir in conjunction with Rosehill Theatre's Summer Season of Song. Please click here to see letter from Headmaster and further information.
JULY: Summer Office Closure - The Society Office will be closed from Tue 22nd July until Wed 3rd September 2014. For Bulletin and Archive enquiries, please contact Tony Reeve and for general Society matters contact David Lord. Click here for contact details.
JULY: An OSB LONDON DINNER is planned for FRIDAY 11th JULY at the 5* Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane/Hyde Park. Please click here for further details about the evening and how to book.
JULY: Laurence Gribble (SH 02-09) is embarking on a post-graduation 'trip of a lifetime', cycling from London to Hong Kong (15,000km) to raise £15,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. Please click here for further details.
JUNE: Former St Bees’ girls return to Lake District for Great North Swim challenge.
Three of the first girls to go to St Bees School, Anya and Sam Robson and Yvonne Reay, are getting together for a reunion with a difference in June……
Please click here for further details.JUNE: A Plea to OSB Golfers regarding this year’s Cyril Gray Tournament which takes place at Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey from 25th-28th June. Please click here for information.
MAY: DAVID LYALL (M 52-91) - It is with great sadness we have to advise of the sad passing away yesterday 07.05.14 of David Lyall, aged 87, after a short illness.
David came to St Bees in 1952 and taught maths until his retirement in 1991. He was also Housemaster of Eaglesfield for well over 20 years and following his retirement he became Editor of the Society Bulletin until handing over to Tony Reeve at the end of 2006. Many will also remember their days on the Colts XV which he ran with the assistance of Tony Cotes. There will of course be an obituary in the next Bulletin. The funeral will be held at St Bees Priory on Friday 16th May at 11am, followed by burial in the Churchyard. Afterwards, all are invited for lunch at Hunday Manor, Workington, CA14 4JF.’MAY: May 2014 Dinners/Gatherings: Please note that there are three Dinners coming up in May - Cockermouth (Cumbria) - 2nd May, Manchester - 10th May and Alverston (Bristol and SW) - 30th May. A London Dinner is also planned for June.
Please click here for further details. We look forward to seeing you there.MAY: The Copy Deadline for the July 2014 issue of 'The Old St. Beghian' Bulletin is 31st May 2014. If you have any articles or information that you would like included, please do just get in touch on osb@st-bees-school.co.uk.
Any contributions would be very much appreciated.APRIL: Rob Cussons (SH 91-98) would be grateful for the support of OSBs as he tries to raise funds following the tragic death of the son of his stepsister, Sam Leask.
Please click here to see details of Rob's 150 mile foot race over six days across the Sahara desert, known as the Marathon des Sables.APRIL: David Storey (SH 67-72) has a one-man show of his paintings about to open at the Thomas and Paul Contemporary Art gallery in London (www.thomasandpaul.co.uk). The exhibition, opening on the 9th April 2014, is a solo exhibition of David's new body of work, ‘Heart and Soul’. It provides a window into the past of childhood memories, cherished moments and half glimpsed faces. Please click here for more information.
APRIL: Bill Frankland (Dr A.W.) (FN 26-30), who celebrated his 102nd birthday last month, appeared on BBC 4 last night (Tuesday 1st April, 9.00-10.00pm) in a documentary entitled 'Building Burma's Death Railway: Moving Half the Mountain' about British POWs on the 'Death Railway' in 1943. The programme can still be seen on BBC 4 iPlayer at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/tv/bbc_four/20140401
Bill is a truly remarkable man.JAN: On Monday 13th January 2014, Gaudeamus, St Bees School Ladies' Choir sang at Evensong in St Pauls Cathedral, London. The evening was a great success with approximately 50 OSBs and partners attending the service along with Parents and friends of the School. Afterwards, an informal gathering for OSBs at the Samuel Pepys near the Thames, kindly organised by Darryl Davies, was well attended by about 30+ people. It was a wonderful evening that was enjoyed by all. Please click here to see Darryl's photos of the night.
JAN: The January 2014 edition of 'The Old St. Beghian' is now available. If you do not currently receive a copy of the bulletin, please click here to let us know.
To view the January 2014 Bulletin and also previous editions please click here.JAN:
OSBs that knew Jack (J.F.) Davies, father of Darryl Davies (FS 62-68 and teacher/housemaster), may be interested to know that sadly he passed away last week. The funeral is on Friday 10th January at 1.00pm. It will take place at the Cemetry Chapel, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3HB. Family flowers only. Donations c/o Eaves Funeral Services, 175-177 High Road, Kells, Whitehaven, CA28 9HA. The funeral tea will take place at The Wild Boar Hotel at about 2.00pm.
2013: New OSB BOW TIES For Sale. Please click here for further information. CHARITY AUCTION UPDATE - 21st September Black Tie Dinner -
You will be delighted to know that we raised over £15.5K on the night towards our chosen charities: Cash 4 Kids www.cashforkids.uk.com and the Lake District branch of The Calvert Trust www.calvert-trust.org.uk. As you may well know, both charities care for local disadvantaged young people and St Bees School was privileged to be able to support these organisations in the wonderful job that they do. In addition, we were able to give a generous donation to the St Bees branch of the RNLI for which our Headmaster, James Davies is a volunteer crewman.St Bees Golf Course - U21 Membership. Please see the Golf page for further information about a reduced U21 rate available at St Bees Golf Course. click here. Congratulations to Rowan Atkinson (FN 68-72) on his award of a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. A Black Tie Dinner with Stuart Lancaster (FN/AC 80-88), Head Coach of the England Rugby Union team will take place on Saturday 21st September 2013 (St. Beghians’ Day). Please click here for further details.
Please Note: All Tickets have now been sold, but we do have a waiting list if you would like to be added to it.
Please see the School website for the refund policy regarding tickets:
http://www.st-bees-school.org/SPARE TICKETS FOR TOMORROW NIGHT - STUART LANCASTER BLACK TIE DINNER.
We have 4 tickets available for the dinner tomorrow night (not together). If you are interested please get in touch asap. (01946) 828093 or (01946) 828010.Charity Auction - Saturday 21st September - Sealed Bids
The School is now accepting ‘Sealed Bids’ for our Charity Auction. You may post/leave a sealed bid, even if you are not attending the black Tie Dinner.
Please click here to download our ‘sealed Bid Form’ and auction prize list.TICKETS for the Black Tie Dinner have now been posted......If you have not received your tickets, please contact us.
Request for Charity Auction prizes - We would like to ask for your help in offering some prizes for the Charity Auction which will take place as part of the Black Tie Dinner with Stuart Lancaster on the 21st September. Please click here for further information. In response to Robin Turner’s article about ‘Gabriel’ in the January 2013 Bulletin,
Richard Taylor (FS 59-64) has sent in a photgraph of him. To view please click hereTuesday 16th April - St Bees School Gaudeamus Ladies Choir will be singing at Evensong (5.00-6.15pm) in Southwark Cathedral, London with James Davies (Headmaster) playing the organ. If any OSBs would like to attend they would be more than welcome. Rehearsals will take place 3-4pm in the Song School & 4-5pm in the Quire. Nigel Halfpenny (Bursar) will be present and has said that if any OSBs are able to attend either Evensong or the rehearsals he will be present and will look out for anyone wearing the tie and happily take them out for a drink and/or meal afterwards!
Stuart Lancaster - Radio 5 Live - 19.30 - Tuesday 19th March 2013
An interview with Stuart Lancaster featured on Radio 5 Live on Tuesday 19th March at 7.30pm - A 'Behind the scenes Documentary about how he trained England'.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01r9938
Many thanks to Chris Binns (FS 54-59) for drawing our attention to it.A very Special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Bill Frankland (FN 26-30) who celebrated his
101st birthday on Tuesday 19th March, 2013.
Congratulations to Bill and we hope he had a wonderful day.Atlas Expedition, April 1963: 50th Anniversary Reunion.
Recent correspondence in the Old St. Beghian has reminded readers of the impact of the School's expeditions to the Atlas mountains in Morocco in the 1960s. This coming April will mark the 50th anniversary of the first of those expeditions, led by Gordon Dyke, Alan Francis and Ronald Johnson during the Easter holiday of 1963. To mark this occasion, one of the participants, Neil Dumbleton, is seeing to organise a reunion later this year, ideally in April. He would be delighted to hear from anyone who took part, either by e-mail (bandumbleton@sky.com) or by phone (01334-476819).
A date has now been arranged for the 23rd April 2013.
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