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The Sedbergh Newsletter
June 2025
The Director’s Message
It was while I was watching Professor Brian Cox, that two things occurred to me. Firstly, Brian is an anagram of ‘brain’ and I wondered if his parents had been prescient in their choice of name when he arrived one cold morning into this world.
The other perhaps more important thing is how far this planet has travelled in the last 500 years; and, er, if you have been living on a different planet that is since the School was founded.
Brian is big on this kind of thing and as your responsible representative, and because such things intrigue me, I worked it out, taking into account the solar system’s galactic orbit. The distance, if I am not mistaken, is 298 billion miles. We have come a long way.
As, of course, has the School. In all that time and in all that distance, it has remained undiminished. It continues on its journey just as our planet travels through space. One perhaps is more certain than the other but after 500 years one can be forgiven for thinking both are constants of the universe.
But then, my good friend Brian on the TV, said that the universe is expanding and we are accelerating. In the next 500 years we will travel further than the last. It was as if Brian was trying to tell me something. Then I thought, aha, so will the School. We get a lot of things right after all.
Well done Brian and thank you for the epiphany.
Jan van der Velde (L77-82)
OS News
Floreat Sedberghia April 2025 Edition
We are pleased to announce that the second edition of Floreat Sedberghia has been published.
Symonds Brothers Look To Break Everest Record On 7th June 2025
In 1990 our Dad, Hugh Symonds (former member of staff and Honorary OS), did a continuous run over all the 3000 foot mountains in Great Britain and Ireland in 97 days - a record that stands to this day.
Interview With OS Abbie Ward (R 09-11)
In the run up to International Women’s Day, School Archivist Katy de la Riviere had the opportunity to speak to Abbie Ward (née Scott) (R 09–11).
Michelle Rothwell Creates The World’s Toughest Lake District Triathlon
Michelle Rothwell (L 03-05) redefined what’s possible. She didn’t just take on a challenge – she created one.
Major Josh Wray (H 04-07) Appointed MBE
Major Josh Wray, Royal Engineers, (S.J.S. 02-04), (Hart 04-07) was appointed as a member of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Years Honours List 2025.
Harry Brook Confirmed As England’s White-ball Captain
Harry Brook (W 13-17) will take over as captain of England's T20 and ODI teams after Jos Buttler stepped down from his post in the wake of a disappointing group-stage exit in the Champions Trophy.
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!
Deaths and Obituaries
For a list of all recent OS deaths and obituaries, please click on the link below.
OS Events
Calling All The 2005 Leavers
The OS Club warmly invites all 2005 leavers to a special reunion in Sedbergh to mark 20 years since you left the School.
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.
Blackrock Fixtures and Dinner on Saturday 11th October 2025
There will be the opportunity to enjoy the fixtures between Sedbergh School and Blackrock College during the day. Then the evening will kick off in Powell Hall with a drinks reception at 7pm followed by a scrum-ptious three-course meal.
500 Anniversary Events
The Summer Solstice Stride 21st June 2025
In June the Headmaster, Mr Dan Harrison, with a cohort of runners from the School will run from York to Sedbergh over three days, retracing the steps of our Founder, Roger Lupton.
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
Sedbergh School Wins Prestigious ‘European School of the Year’ Award
Sedbergh School is delighted to announce that it has been named European School of the Year 2025 at the prestigious StudyTravel Ltd Secondary School Awards.
The Long Run: the 141st Wilson Run (2025)
This year’s Wilson Run showcased everything that makes Sedbergh such a special place—community spirit, determination, and a healthy dose of competitive fun.
Sedbergh Crowned Reserve National Schools Champions at Hickstead
Sedbergh School delivered an unforgettable performance to be crowned Reserve National Schools Champions in the 80 Eventers Challenge.
Year 9 Pupils “Think Outside the Game” at Inaugural 9Inspire Day
On Thursday 22nd May, the PE Department at Sedbergh School hosted the inaugural Year 9 Inspire Day.
History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #21: Knowles Pavilion 1913
In the summer of 1913, the two storey cricket pavilion, complete with viewing balcony above, opened its doors for the first time.
Summer Courses at Sedbergh School
The 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.
Merchandise
Wilson Run Limited Edition Commemorative T-Shirts
To celebrate the School’s quincentenary the Development Office has released some Wilson Run limited edition commemorative T-shirts.
OS Club Merchandise
The OS Club has a wide range of merchandise which can be viewed via the link below.
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.
