LATEST NEWS.....

1963 Band Photograph - David O'Connor (G 59-65) has sent in a photograph taken at St Bees in 1963 which Grant Muter (G 60-65) has recently found in his attic. We think we know the names of the band members but if anyone can shed any further light on the occasion, the setting or even possibly the photographer, we would love to hear from you. Photo may be seen here.

North East Branch Luncheon Meet - Wed 6th November 2024 at Northumberland Golf Club, Newcastle.
Please get in touch ASAP if you are interested in attending. This year would have been a special celebration for Bill Dove's 50th Year as Secretary of the North East Branch. With the sad news of Bill's passing, there will be a celebration of his life. Bill's daughter, Amanda, has kindly offered to perform the secretarial duties of her father on this occasion and will be our special guest on the day. If anyone has any special memories or stories about him, we will be pleased to hear from you. We look forward to seeing and welcoming members and guests in November 2024. Please get in touch with Bill's daughter Amanda ASAP at: amandadodsworth@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested in attending the lunch. Further information may be found here.

London (Informal Gathering) OSBs - Friday 18th October 2024... Nicola is organising an informal social get-together at The Pepys pub/restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT) on Friday 18th October 2024 from 6pm onwards. If you fancy eating and/or drinking or even just catching up, please do call in and join Nicola. She would love to hear from you, Nicola Shannon (nee Metcalfe-Gibson) (L/G 78-85) - Please let her know if you are interested in attending: nicmetcalfeshannon@gmail.com. All OSBs Welcome.

The Original Foundation Charter granted by Elizabeth I - Just thought OSBs may be interested to see the reason why Grindal’s school is here at St Bees… Click here to view the original Foundation Charter granted by Elizabeth I allowing Grindal’s school to be built.
Dr Reeve was showing this to various groups at the school recently, before returning it to its home at the Whitehaven Archive Centre.

FINAL REMINDER – Grange Social. Please respond NOW if you are interested in attending the Grange Social, otherwise we may have to unfortunately cancel the evening. Please Contact: Carter Croft on tel 07743700986 or cartertusm1946@icloud.com.
Cumbria South Lakes Informal Social - Friday 27th Sep 2024, Grange-over-Sands Golf Club, Cumbria.
The South Cumbria and Furness Branch is holding an informal social meet at Grange over Sands Golf Club on Friday 27th September at 6.00pm. Please bring partners or friends if you wish. We would love to see a number of younger OSBs there, if possible, so please do put the date in your diaries and get a group of friends together to attend. There will be a bar to buy your own drinks and we are putting on food if you are interested, (the menu is steak and ale pie with garden peas and chunky chips or homemade chunky tomato and garlic pasta with garlic bread, followed by apple crumble with custard or ice cream or strawberry and cream Eton mess, all for £15pp). Please let us know before the event if you intend to come and also, if you wish to eat, your food choices, so that we can cater for the numbers.
Last year it was a success, and we hope to improve it this year, by surpassing the numbers. Please do come and join us for an informal meet-up with OSB friends. Dress code - casual - anything goes!

Richard Hall (FS 64-69) - It is with sadness that we report the death of Richard Hall, a long-standing Committee Member and loyal supporter of the St Beghian Society. Richard passed away on the 2nd August 2024 and his funeral will take place at Kendal Parish Church on the 2nd Sep 2024 at 11am. The service will be followed by refreshments at the rear of the church, to which all are cordially invited. At 2pm, family and friends will depart for All saints, Bolton Gate for Committal at 3.30pm.

George Patterson (Rugby Coach) - Darryl Davies has kindly provided the following information regarding George Patterson...
For those who knew or were coached rugby by the legendary George Patterson here are the details of his funeral:
George Patterson Funeral - 28th August at Beetham Creamtorium LA7 7BQ. Service starts at 11am following the service there will be refreshments at the Gilpin Bridge Hotel LA8 8EP from 12pm onwards. Please send out to all who you know.

Cambridge June Meet-up - At the Dog and the Duck, Linton on Saturday 15th of June 2024 at 12:30. Please confirm if you are coming. For further information contact John Braithwaite at braithwaite.john@icloud.com or on 0771 720 9399.

Funeral Arrangements for Bill Dove (FN 57-60) - Amanda Dodsworth, Bill’s daughter, has forwarded the following details:
“Dad’s funeral will take place on Monday 3 June at Shay Grange Crematorium, Bradford BD9 6ST. We’ll then be moving on to St Ives Golf Club, Bingley BD16 1AT.
We appreciate that it's a long way for some to travel so we will be streaming the service too. Please see here for details of the streaming service.
If you will be attending in person if you are able to let me know (here) so that we can try and ensure we say hello. It would also help me with catering (we want to ensure everybody is well fed and watered!).
We will be having family flowers only, but if you would like to make a donation and tribute in memory of my Dad, we have chosen to make donations to Blagdon Park Cricket Club, Northumberland (of which he was a lifetime member and was close to his heart) and Arthritis Action (following his recent diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis which forced him to retire from umpiring). If you wish to leave a donation and tribute (perhaps some memory of my Dad from your school days - whether you were being naughty or good!) then please click on the link below which will take you to the Tributes and Donations page which has been set up in his name. You will need to insert 'Bill Dove' in the space provided to be taken through to the page, you then need to click the 'Make a Donation' tab in the middle of the page.  
Tributes and Donations
.
Kind regards, Amanda. amandadodsworth@hotmail.co.uk "

Bill Dove (FN 57-60) - It is with deepest sadness that we inform you of the death of Bill Dove who passed away on Tuesday 30th April. For nearly 50 years Bill has organised the North East Branch Dinners and has been a loyal and supportive member of the St Beghian Society throughout. Further details to follow.

For those of you who knew Dr F. A. (Tony) Winzor (M 84-09)Will Winzor and his mother have commissioned a Memorial Bench in Muncaster Castle grounds and have arranged an informal get-together on Saturday May 4th. For further information, please contact Will on 07704884881 or willwinzor@hotmail.co.uk.

CHANGE OF VENUE for Next Cambridge OSB Meet up...
Unfortunately, the Burleigh Arms is now closed on Wednesday 1st May, so a table has been booked at:
The Petersfield, 2 Sturton Street, CB1 2QA. https://www.thepetersfield.co.uk
It is not far away and therefore the same free Grafton Centre car park can be used. We will meet at the usual time of 7:30pm.

Final reminder - Scottish Gathering - Thursday 9th May 2024 - Just a final reminder about the Scottish Old St Beghian gathering on Thursday 9th May 2024 at 12.30pm for 1pm at Scotts Restaurant (www.scotts-southqueensferry.co.uk) - Port Edgar (EH30 9SQ), just outside Edinburgh.
If you are interested, please let us know by 30th April 2024 at the latest. Unfortunately, if we do not hear from people by this date, we will have to cancel the event.
Please contact Pam at osb@stbeesschool.co.uk or 01946 828093. For further information, please see
here.

Next Cambridge OSB Meet up... Will be held on Wednesday 1st May - at 7.30pm at The Burleigh Arms, Cambridge - https://burleigharmscambridge.co.uk.
For further information contact John Braithwaite at braithwaite.john@icloud.com or on 0771 720 9399.

Cumbria Dinner 2025 – Armathwaite Hall - Date for the diary – Friday 28th Feb 2025.
£39pp including Drinks Reception and 3 course meal. Rooms available at £185 (Club Room) and £250 (Deluxe Room).
Please contact Darryl Davies for further information or to register your interest: darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com or 07970 180751.

St Beghians' Day - Saturday 15th June 2024 - Do you fancy a game of 5-asde football, or an Eton Fives match, or a Priory Walk and Talk? All of these are on offer on OSB Day this June, plus a lot more... Please do let us know if you are interested in attending.
Click here for further information and booking forms.

Cambridge OSB Gathering - Our next OSB get together will be on Tuesday 19th March at the Free Press, 7 Prospect row, Cambridge, CB1 1DU, at the usual time of 7:30pm. Looking forward to seeing those who can make it.
Cheers, John Braithwaite. - braithwaite.john@icloud.com or 0771 720 9399. https://www.freepresscambridge.com/

Flag - Can anybody identify this flag, please? Photo here.

Cambridge OSB Gathering… The next meet-up will be held at the Burleigh Arms in Cambridge on Wednesday 10th January at the usual time of 7:30pm. As it is a Wednesday it should not be crowded and booking a table will not be necessary. There is parking. Let me know if you can attend. It’s fun choosing different pubs every time we meet!
Cheers, John Braithwaite - braithwaite.john@icloud.com or 0771 720 9399.
https://burleigharmscambridge.co.uk/.

New St Bees School video - St Bees School are delighted to launch their brand new St Bees School video, which may be viewed here:
https://www.stbeesschool.co.uk/Our-Story/ (It is about half way down the page... keep scrolling).

St Bees School Christmas Fayre - Tuesday 5th December 2023 - 3-6pm in the Mem Hall. All welcome.
Music, Raffle, Craft Stalls, Festive Food and more...

OSBs are invited to the St Bees School Carol Service - Thursday 7th December 2023 - 4:30pm-5.30pm at The Priory, St Bees. The service will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies served in The Library, St Bees School.
Please RSVP by 1st December to welcome@stbeesschool.co.uk. Details here.

Diary Date - North East Lunch 2024 - Wednesday 6th November. Please add this date to your calendar.
After an excellent Lunch this year, a date has been made for next year's Lunch, which will be Bill Dove's 50th Year of organising NE Events! A tremendous feat and certainly one to celebrate!

Cambridge - Pub Meet-up…
An informal OSB gathering is planned for Wednesday 15th November 2023 at the Clarendon Arms, 35-36 Clarendon St, Cambridge, CB1 1JX (https://theclarendonarms.com/), at 7.30pm.
Please get in touch with John Braithwaite if you will be attending or require any further information - braithwaite.john@icloud.com or 0771 720 9399. All welcome, we look forward to seeing you there.

St Bees Gathering at Armathwaite Hall on Friday 9th February 2024. 7.00pm for 7.30.
Champagne reception with live music. 3 course dinner with wine on the table.
Speeches from the Head and the President with compere The Dazzler. Live music to round off the evening (those who wish tranquillity, the bar and lounges are available). Cost: £36.00.
Please contact me on darryl.davies1@btopenworld.com if you would like to receive more details.

Melanie Wotherspoon (G 78-85) has written to invite OSBs to ‘An Evening with John James, MD Soho Estates’ - Thursday 16 November at Ilona Rose House, Manette Street, London W1D 4AL. Cumbria Community Foundation is hosting an event with John James, MD Soho Estates, when Charlie Burgess, journalist and former Managing Editor of The Independent will interview John - to hear John’s story from growing up as a butcher’s son in Whitehaven, West Cumbria to MD Soho Estates. Further information may be found here.

Just a REMINDER about the North East Branch Lunch... which is to be held at the Northumberland Golf Club, Newcastle on Wednesday 8th Nov 2023 at 12.30 pm for 1pm. £30 per head, exclusive of wine.
Please contact Bill Dove for further information and to book a place: williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk or 01274 585147.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Postponed - OSB London Social Informal Drinks (6th October 2023).
Nicola Shannon writes: Regrettably I have taken the decision to postpone the London Social Informal Drinks at The Samuel Pepys Pub on the 6th October. An overtime ban on many train lines coupled with a strike on the London Underground that day will make it very difficult for many to travel. I will be in touch with another date.

1960s DVD ‘St Bees in the 1960s – Scenes and Characters at St Bees School in 1962, 1963 and 1964’.
Following the interest in the July 2023 Bulletin article about the 1960s cine film, which was originally taken and created by Richard H. Taylor (FS 59-64) and then later turned into a DVD by George Robson (FN 57-64), it has now been kindly digitised and hosted on a video platform by Alan Quayle (AC 84-89). The film can now be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/user36556023/stbees60s?share=copy and may be found on the 1960s General photo page here.

The 2023 North East Branch Dinner will take place at The Northumberland Golf Club on Wed 8th Nov 2023 at 12.30 pm for 1pm (£30 per head, exclusive of wine). The venue will be The Northumberland Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle NE3 5HT.
Speakers will include Robin Silk (Headmaster) and Carter Croft (OSB President).
If you are interested in attending, please contact Bill Dove: williamdove15@yahoo.co.uk or 01274 585147.

REMINDER.... London Social (Informal Gathering) at The Samuel Pepys pub/restaurant (Stew Lane, EC4V 3PT) on Friday 6th October 2023 from 6pm onwards. If you fancy a lite bite and/or drink or even just catching up, please do call in.
Nicola Shannon (nee Metcalfe-Gibson) (L/G 78-85) would love to hear from you if you are interested in attending and she would be grateful if you could let her know by the 29th September as she needs to confirm numbers. For Further details click here.
Look forward to seeing you there...

Peter Dixon (FS 56-63) - It is with great sadness we inform you of the death of distinguished Old Boy, Peter Dixon (FS 56-63), who died on 2nd August 2023. Peter played for and captained the England rugby team and was also a member of the historic British Lions Tour of New Zealand in 1971. Peter’s funeral will be held at 2pm on Friday the 1st September at St Michael’s and All Angels’ church Isel, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9SR, followed by a reception at The Lakes Distillery, Setmurthy, CA13 9SJ.  

Remember..... Cumbria South Lakes Informal Social - Fri 1st Sep 2023, at The Grange Hotel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria.
6.30pm onwards. £10 pp Finger Buffet (collectable on night). Further info here. Venue: https://grange-hotel.co.uk/.

CAMBRIDGE Informal get-together - There will be an informal OSB get-together on Thursday 8th June at the Red Lion in Grantchester. If you are free, please call in and join us for a drink and/or food from 7pm. 
For further information and to register an interest, please contact John Braithwaite (G 65-69) on braithwaite.john@icloud.com.
Venue: 33 High St, Grantchester, Cambridge CB3 9NF - https://www.redliongrantchester.co.uk/.

St Beghian's Day – Saturday 17th June 2023 - Calling all Attendees, Cricketers and Fives Players – We Need You!
If you will be attending OSB Day on Saturday 17th June 2023, please do let us know:
https://www.st-beghian-society.co.uk/jan23bulletin/OSB%20Day%20Booking%20Form.html
If you are willing and able to play CRICKET or FIVES on the day, we would love to hear from you:
CRICKET – Jason Spires is coordinating an OSB team to play against a school generated team. Please contact Jason if you are interested in playing - jasonspires@hotmail.co.uk or 07811253542.
ETON FIVES – John Wilkinson would like to hear from anyone who is interested in playing Fives on the day - j_a_wilkinson2002@yahoo.co.uk.
Please Note: The Aviation Dinner has unfortunately had to be cancelled due to lack of numbers.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on Saturday 17th June.

Cancellation of London Dinner – Friday 26th May 2023 - With regret, the organisers of the London Branch dinner have taken the decision to cancel the event planned for 26th May. Unfortunately, attendee numbers are not high enough to make the dinner financially viable. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
For further information, or if you are interested in future events, please contact Graeme Bagnall at graemebagnall@me.com or call on +44 7778 301584.

Cancellation of Aviation Dinner – Saturday 17th June - It is with regret that we have decided to cancel the proposed Aviation Dinner which was to be held on Saturday 17th June. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but the numbers booked were too low to ensure a successful and viable evening.
Just to confirm that St Beghians’ Day will go ahead as planned, with the rest of the activities as originally stated, plus an additional barbeque, to finish off the day.
If you haven’t done so already, please complete the booking form to confirm your attendance at the various OSB Day events here.

200 CLUB PRIZE DRAW - Have you thought about joining the OSB ‘200 Club’ Prize Draw ? All Welcome! ONLY £2 a month or £24 a year - with a top prize of around £200. All money raised goes towards supporting the school and the St Beghian Society.
Please click here for further information and the online entry form.

A Reminder about the St Beghians’ Weekend which is due to take place on 16th/17th/18th June 2023. 
You are all invited to join us for School Founders’ Day on the Friday, followed by St Beghians’ Day and an Aviation Dinner on the Saturday, plus more. 
We do hope you will be able to join us for what we hope will be a very enjoyable few days, with a chance to renew old acquaintances and make new ones, whilst supporting the Society and school. 
For further information about the weekend’s events and how to book, please click here.
Please book places ASAP.

NEW - South Lakes (Cumbria) - Informal Social at the Grange Hotel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria.
To be held on Friday 1st September 2023 from 6.30 pm. (Please note the new date of the 1st - we apologise for any inconvenience, but the hotel double-booked). There will be a bar (unfortunately not a free bar!) and a finger buffet at £10.00 per head.
Please see here for further information.

SAVE THE DATE! - 16th/17th/18th June 2023 - St Beghians’ Weekend
Including….
School Founders’ Day, St Beghians’ Day, Dinner with Speakers and Sport.
Saturday Evening Dinner – OSB Speakers with Aviation Theme - Including:
• Simon Curry (SH 95-01) – RAF Navigator & Airline Pilot
• Graeme Bagnall (SH 85-91) – RAF Tornado & Red Arrows Pilot
• Clive Milburn (F 58-63) – Corporate Pilot
• Dacre Watson (SH 56-62) – Airline Pilot with BEA/BA & Singapore Airlines

Further details and confirmation of events will be published in the next St Beghian Bulletin in January 2023.
In the meantime, please put the date in your diary and we hope to see you next June!



FOR PREVIOUS INFORMATION (2022 and earlier) PLEASE SEE 'LATEST NEWS ARCHIVE'

Click here to view.