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The Sedbergh Newsletter
March 2025
The Director’s Message
One can only imagine Roger Lupton in 1526 noting the first anniversary of the School to which he gave his lands. I doubt there was a cake and I doubt there was a candle. But if, in 1526, at the age of 70 he had celebrated in his own way that first anniversary, if he had blown out the proverbial candle, I wonder what wish he might have made.
Was it perhaps a wish for longevity of the School that he had founded? If so, then his wish was granted. Now 500 years later, as we come once again to light the proverbial candles, we stand back in awe. No longer a single flame whose life is vulnerable to the merest breeze, our anniversary cake glows with the confidence of 500 years of heritage, of experience and resilience earned through many hard winters, while the eyes of generations sparkle as they gaze upon the beacon which Sedbergh has become.
It is a tremendous achievement, by any measure. We owe much to strong management, to the devotion of staff, to the support of OS and parents, and, most of all, to a strong belief that what we do is both right and good.
Happy Birthday Sedbergh School, long may you continue to dominate this landscape in our Northern Hills.
Jan van der Velde (L77-82)
OS News
Bridgewater Hall Concert
On Monday, 3rd February 2025, Sedbergh School launched its 500th anniversary celebrations with a magnificent concert at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
Russell Gordon-Smith (P 64-69), Mayor of Winchester
There has been a mayor of Winchester since 1199, the year that Richard, Coeur de Lion, died and his brother, King John, succeeded to the throne of England.
Dugald Bruce-Lockhart starring in 'Witness For The Prosecution'
Dugald Bruce-Lockhart (SH 81-86) is currently starring in 'Witness For The Prosecution' at London County Hall.
Freddie Spencer-Chapman (L21-26): A Legacy of Resilience and Exploration
On 17th January, it was an honour for Sedbergh School to host the son, Christopher, and grandchildren, Hazel and Stephen, of Freddie Spencer-Chapman.
Interview with Distinguished Performer Tristram Cooke
After graduating from King’s College London, Tristram (S 08-09) was awarded a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music.
Alex Duckitt - Macmillan ‘Ride of Their Lives’ 2025
Alex (R 15-20) is taking part in ‘Ride of Their Lives 2025’ on 14th June to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Wolf's Head Lapel Pin
The first batch of the special wolf’s head lapel pin commissioned by Blacklock Jewellery has now been produced, and they are just gorgeous!
James Botham (E 11-16)
Congratulations to James Botham for representing Wales in the 2025 Six Nations.
Josh Hodge (P 10-18) and His Love of Fly Fishing
Read the article featuring Josh on the Farlows website below.
New Scanner for the Archive
Sedbergh’s rich archive collection is the result of generous donations over many generations.
'Extraordinary Places By Bicycle' by Hugh and Pauline Symonds
The family of the late and much-loved Hugh Symonds would like to make you aware of the book that he and his wife Pauline wrote, sharing the highs and lows of truly remarkable two-wheel odysseys to the wildest and most beautiful corners of the planet. If you would like to purchase a copy of the book please contact Ben Collins on bpc@sedberghschool.org.
Deaths and Obituaries
For a list of all recent OS deaths and obituaries, please click on the link below.
OS Events
1975-1989 OS Reunion Dinner
OS who left Sedbergh between the summer of 1975 to the summer of 1989 are cordially invited to an OS Reunion Dinner at Browns Brasserie & Bar Covent Garden on Thursday 13th March 2025.
Important Information Regarding The Wilson Run
The Wilson Run, Tuesday 25th March 2025 - Race will start at 2:30pm.
Wilson Run Live Streaming 25th March
This year the OS Club will be live streaming the Wilson Run from the fells, as well as the start and finish.
OS drinks in London at The Atlas, Fulham
OS, friends, current/past parents and staff are warmly invited to attend a social gathering at The Atlas in Fulham, on Thursday 27th March at 6:00pm-10:00pm.
History Society Arnhem Tour
Following the great success of the WW1 Pilgrimage, the OS Club is launching its first History Society trip on Wednesday 3rd September – Monday 8th September 2025 to Arnhem.
500 Anniversary Events
OS Wilson Run Dinner 2025
The Old Sedberghian Club will be hosting the 2025 OS Wilson Run Dinner on Monday 24th March in Powell Hall.
OS Gala Weekend at Sedbergh - 3rd & 4th May 2025
As a way of commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the School, the OS Club will hold a Gala Weekend for all OS and fiends of Sedbergh School.
The Rally Roger 500 - 15th-21st May 2025
What a way to celebrate the School’s Quincentenary! While we hope this will be fun and certainly memorable, there is a more serious aspect in that we will be raising funds for the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme.
Dinner at Lord's Cricket Ground
OS, parents and friends of Sedbergh School are invited to attend a special dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 3rd October 2025 in celebration of the School's 500th anniversary.
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Dinner and York Minster Carol Service 8th December 2025
As a perfect culmination to a year full of celebratory events, OS, parents and friends of the School are invited to the Merchant Adventurers' Hall and York Minster.
News from Sedbergh School
Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens Tournament 2025
The OS community is warmly invited to watch the Sedbergh Sevens teams compete at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens Tournament.
History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects
To mark 2025, our 500th year, Sedbergh School has curated A History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects.
Easter and Summer Courses at Sedbergh School
The Easter and Summer courses are now available to book. You can find out more details and book a course in the link below. We offer the Old Sedberghian community a 10% discount with this code: 102025.
School Sports Reports
SED Sports - stay informed on the latest results of the School's talented athletes.
Sedbergh on Tour
The ‘Sedbergh on Tour’ events are an exciting opportunity to meet representatives from Sedbergh School, Sedbergh Prep, and Sedbergh Courses.
Careers
OS Connect
Join OS Connect - offering professional networking between OS, an opportunity to find mentors, and the ability to search for job and internship opportunities.
Merchandise
Wolfberry Gin
To mark the 500th anniversary the Foundation have produced Wolfberry Gin! Priced at £50, including P&P, all profits go towards supporting the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Fund.
'Tis the Hills That Have Stood Around Us
A History of Sedbergh School 1525-2024. Written by Michael Raw, the definitive book charting the history of the School, published to mark the 500th anniversary.
Yorkshire Dales Monopoly Board Game
Featuring Sedbergh School and all proceeds go towards the Roger Lupton Scholarships.
