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The Sedbergh Association Newsletter
November 2025
As we enter the second half of the Michaelmas term, we are thrilled to bring you the latest news from the Sedbergh Association. This edition carries a strong rugby theme, celebrating the phenomenal achievements of Abbie Ward and Annie Roué, and the unforgettable Blackrock fixtures and dinner that united our community in true Sedbergh style.
With Christmas fast approaching, we are also proud to shine a spotlight on this year’s Big Give campaign – a wonderful opportunity to raise essential funds for the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme. Donations made during the campaign will be doubled through match funding. If you are able, please give generously to help support the next generation of Sedberghians.
We would like to take this moment to thank our incredible community for your continued enthusiasm, generosity, and support.
And the celebrations are far from over – we look forward to closing the year together at our Carol Service at York Minster, a truly special finale to an exceptional year.
Big Give Christmas Challenge
This year, we are thrilled to once again take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge from Tuesday 2nd to Tuesday 9th December, raising essential funds for the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme. For 2025, we have a target of £70,000.
We do hope that you can support us so please look out for emails nearer the time on how to donate.
OS News
Spirit of Sedbergh – A Celebration of Sedbergh’s 500 Years
We are delighted to introduce the ‘Spirit of Sedbergh MDXXV’ range of whisky, distilled and matured in celebration of Sedbergh’s 500 years of history.
Abbie Ward: From Sedbergh to World Cup Glory
When Abbie (R 2009–11) lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy with England at Twickenham on 27th October 2025, it marked the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, leadership, and unrelenting drive.
OS Annabel Roué Makes Sale Sharks Debut
Annie Roué (L 2022-24) achieved a remarkable milestone in September, making her debut for Sale Sharks.
500th Anniversary Dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground
The Sedbergh Association was delighted to welcome over 160 Old Sedberghians, parents, staff, and friends of the School to a memorable 500th Anniversary Dinner held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Ewan Dowes (W 1997-99) Completes The Steve Prescott National 3 Peaks Cycling Challenge For Charity
Ewan completed the Steve Prescott National 3 Peaks Cycling Challenge to raise money for the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation & Steve Prescott Foundation.
Interview with Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE, CB, DL (S 1970–75)
As part of our series celebrating inspirational Old Sedberghians, The OS Club was delighted to speak with Andrew Gregory.
OS Simon Bainbridge Honoured at the House of Lords
On 14th October, the House of Lords hosted a ceremony celebrating 32 outstanding individuals from across the UK’s food and farming sector.
Blackrock Dinner
The Blackrock Dinner at Sedbergh School was a truly memorable evening, marking a historic full block fixture against Blackrock College.
Spotlight on OS Freya Findlay (R 2001–08)
Few Old Sedberghians can claim to have worked in both journalism and cheesemaking, with stops in politics, Buckingham Palace, and project management along the way.
Charles Heron McDiarmid
(S 1894–98)
This fascinating article was created by Alan Riches, great-nephew of Charles Heron McDiarmid.
Invitation to Sunday Chapel Services
A reminder that OS are always welcome to join the School at one of the regular Chapel services on a Sunday in term time, at 10.15am or 7.00pm.
After morning services, coffee is served in Queen's Hall and OS are very welcome to join staff and parents to catch up on School life!
If you would like to attend any of the services please email osclub@sedberghschool.org .
Wedding of OS Olivia Chatterley
Many congratulations to OS Olivia Chatterley (C 2014-21) who married Charlie Preece in a ceremony conducted in the School Chapel.
Old Sedberghian Club AGM, Sunday 9th November 2025
The Old Sedberghian Club AGM will be held on Sunday 9th November at 11.30am in the School library.
Floreat Sedberghia November 2025 Issue
The next issue of the Floreat Sedberghia newspaper will be published later this month. If you would like to receive a hard copy in the post rather than reading an electronic copy please email osclub@sedberghschool.org.
Buy Now - Wolf's Head Lapel Pin
Celebrate Sedbergh’s 500th anniversary with the special Wolf’s Head lapel pin created by Blacklock Jewellery.
Deaths and Obituaries
For a list of all recent OS deaths and obituaries, please click on the link below.
OS and Association Events
Remembrance Day, Sunday 9th November 2025
Old Sedberghians are invited to Remembrance Day at Sedbergh School.
Sedbergh On Tour Crieff, Perthshire Thursday 13th November 2025
Join Headmaster, Dan Harrison, John Fletcher, Technical Advisor Sedbergh Rugby, Ben Collins, Acting Development & Alumni Director, and other members of staff for a drinks reception at the Crieff Hydro (Perthshire, PH7 3LQ), from 6pm to 9pm.
Please email osclub@sedberghschool.org if you would like to attend.
Hong Kong Reception, Monday 17th November 2025
We would like to invite OS, parents and friends of Sedbergh School in Hong Kong for an evening of celebration, connection, and updates from the School.
Singapore Reception, Saturday 22nd November 2025
We warmly invite Old Sedberghians, parents, and friends of Sedbergh School to join us in Singapore for a special evening filled with celebration, and exciting updates from the School.
We look forward to sharing this memorable occasion with our extended Sedbergh community.
Dubai Reception, Wednesday 26th November 2025
Sedbergh School is pleased to invite Old Sedberghians, parents, and friends of the School to an evening gathering in Dubai.
This event will offer an opportunity to celebrate our shared journey, reconnect with the Sedbergh network, and hear the latest developments from the School.
Symonds Run Saturday 17th January 2026
All OS, parents, staff, and friends of the School are warmly invited to take part in the Symonds Run, which will take place on Frostrow Fell on Saturday 17th January 2026.
OS Wilson Run Dinner 2026
The Old Sedberghian Club will be hosting the 2026 OS Wilson Run Dinner on Monday 23rd March.
News from Sedbergh School
A Change In Our Senior Leadership Team
We are pleased to inform you of an exciting change in our Senior Leadership Team.
Sedbergh: A Home-Away-From-Home for Military Families
Sedbergh has long been a home-away-from-home for the children of military families.
Open Days and Events
Our Open Days and events give an insight into life at Sedbergh School and Sedbergh Prep School.
History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #39: The Astroturf and 1525 Pavilion
Following the arrival of girls, there were naturally some changes to the Sedbergh site.
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 School Leaders
We are delighted to introduce our 2025–2026 Heads of School, Deputy Heads of School, Prefects, and Heads of House.
School Sports Reports
SED Sports - stay informed on the latest results of the School's talented athletes.
Merchandise
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.
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.
Yorkshire Dales Monopoly Board Game
Featuring Sedbergh School and all proceeds go towards the Roger Lupton Scholarships.
