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The Sedbergh Newsletter
October 2024
The Hills of the North Where the Winds of Friendship Blow Warm
We are an active bunch. The souls of the Sedbergh Community that is. Each year we grow as a community. Each year, as people come to reunions whether at Sedbergh, in the UK, or around the world, there is a common theme. Sedbergh is a magical School in an enchanted setting. Those returning, if not to Sedbergh itself but in their minds to their temporal place of youth, come to recognise that their old School has shaped them more than they perhaps realised. I can see it in people’s eyes, particularly those who have stayed away for far too long.
I am not talking about a melancholy trip down memory lane, a dim recollection of old classrooms, of old Masters hung on the bounded walls of a long past life, or the smell of fresh air and rain that calls us back to a vague and indistinguishable point in time. No; Sedbergh is about its people, as they are now, not as they were then.
We have had some tremendous reunions recently. In every instance those that attended recognised that the friendships that were formed so long ago, are as important today as they were then. That Sedbergh continues to live as a continuum, in all our lives and is not consigned to history just because we left long ago.
Take for instance Will Carling (W 79-84), former Captain of England Rugby Union, who returned for OS weekend and gave the most emotional, rousing speech and yet filled with humour, pathos, and a recognition of how Sedbergh played, and continues to play, such an important part in his life. Or there were those returning for the 1960-74 reunion in London, some coming from as far away as the USA and Thailand, their eyes sparkling as the years melted away. The warm handshakes, the reminder of old bonds that remain strong despite the passage of time, gave rise to a crescendo of conversation and cries of ‘why have we left it so long?’
Indeed, one such chap wrote to me and said that this is what a Sedbergh education is all about. I agree, Sedbergh is a school for life, a magical place in the Hills of the North where the winds of friendship blow warm. Long may it continue.
Jan van der Velde
OS News
Floreat Sedberghia
There are only a few months to go until we celebrate 500 years of Sedbergh history. We are starting to hang out the bunting, write our speeches, and polish the silverware, in advance of what promises to be a year to remember.
OS Weekend 28th-29th September 2024
This year we held a very special OS weekend. It was our last before the School turns 500.
Will Carling Returns to Sedbergh
It was with great delight that we welcomed Will Carling (W79-84), former Captain of England Rugby Union, back to Sedbergh on OS Weekend.
New Benefactors
During the Commemoration of the Benefactors Service last month, Sedbergh School took the unusual step of adding three friends of Sedbergh to our list of benefactors.
Andrew Stott (W 67-72)
As part of our work at the Development Office we look to inspire the young as they think about their future careers. One such way is through a series of career interviews with exceptional people.
Big Give Christmas Challenge 3rd-10th December
Thanks to the generosity of our OS we have raised £15,050 in pledges and we have been accepted for this year’s challenge. Along with £10,000 from our “champion”, The Reed Foundation, we now have a pledge pot of £25,050. This will be used to double your donations for the Roger Lupton Scholarships during the campaign week. Look out for emails from the Foundation nearer the time on how to make a donation. Thank you.
Your Help Needed - Keep Your Details Up To Date
We want to ensure that our new-look newsletter and special invitations can reach you so we will soon be contacting you to ask if the details we hold for you are correct. Please look out for the email from the OS Club.
William Kinread’s (L 74-79) third novel – 'Refuge'
“Everyone is trying to leave the past behind them and find a place of safety,” William said, when telling me about his new book. “It’s what they do when they get there that counts.”
Simon Bainbridge (W 86-90) is a Tye Trophy Winner 2024
The Tye Trophy highlights some of the best farms in the North of England and recognises the contribution of farmers to conservation and environmental improvement.
Woody Barlow (L 86-91) is the New Hospitality Correspondent for The North East Post
Woody (Edward) Barlow, is founder of Bear Inns, has worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years.
1960-1974 Leavers Reunion
There was once an adage that floated around the School buildings.
Wimbledon Alumni Race 2024
The 72nd edition of the alumni race took place on the 14th September 2024.
Jamie Potts (W 22-24) Mount Kilimanjaro Charity Climb
Huge congratulations to OS Jamie Potts and Dad, John, who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
Cricketer Brianna Ray (R 17-21) hopes to inspire young females
Brianna Ray wants to serve as an inspiration for Bermudian female cricketers.
Commemorating George Windram
During the early summer of this year a call went out to the wider Sedberghian Community asking for a volunteer.
Old Sedberghian Rifle Club – Public Schools’ Veterans 2024
On 18th July the OS Rifle Club met for our annual shooting match at Bisley in Surrey against other school alumni rifle clubs.
Chronicles from the Archive
Last month I was contacted by an OS whose father took part in the 400th anniversary celebration walk up Winder. The special day saw hundreds of boys and staff summit the fell.
Deaths and Obituaries
For a list of all recent OS deaths and obituaries, please click on the link below.
OS Events
OS Scottish Lunch in Edinburgh
Old Sedberghians, parents and friends of the School are warmly invited to attend the OS Scottish lunch at The New Club in Edinburgh on Friday 1st November 2024 at 12:30pm.
Remembrance Day Sunday 10th November
Old Sedberghians are invited to Remembrance Day at Sedbergh School.
Chicago
Sedbergh School is delighted to present Chicago! Tickets are now on sale for Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th and Friday 29th of November.
History Society Arnhem Tour
Following the great success of the WW1 Pilgrimage, the OS Club plans to launch its first History Society trip on Wednesday 3rd September – Monday 8th September 2025 to Arnhem.
500 Anniversary Events
Bridgewater Hall Concert 3rd February 2025
The 500 festivities will kick off with a grand concert at the prestigious Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, setting the tone for a year of jubilation and reflection.
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 Dinner at Sedbergh 3rd May 2025
As a way of commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the School, the OS Club will hold a Gala Dinner for all the OS and Friends 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.
Summer Solstice Stride 21st June 2025
To celebrate our 500th year we invite all in our community of Sedbergh parents, alumni, pupils and friends to join us in the Sedbergh Solstice Stride.
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
ANNOUNCEMENT: Chief Operating Officer
After a rigorous selection process culminating in two days of extensive meetings and interviews, we are pleased to announce that Barry Bennett will become the Chief Operating Officer.
Sedbergh on Tour
The ‘Sedbergh on Tour’ events are an exciting opportunity to meet representatives from Sedbergh School, Sedbergh Prep, and Sedbergh Courses.
Sedbergh School’s Equestrian Team Shines at Hickstead
Hickstead, for the National School’s Final, is the pinnacle of the Equestrian Team’s calendar.
Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2024
Congratulations to this year’s A level and BTEC students!
Sedbergh’s Class of 2024 Celebrates Outstanding GCSE Success
Sedbergh’s GCSE students are again celebrating an excellent set of results – with 32 % of grades marked 9 – 7 (A* -A) and 92% of grades marked 9 – 4 (A* – C).
Introducing our 2024-2025 School Leaders
"Every year, I’m delighted to congratulate the newly appointed leaders of our School."
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.
International Summer School 2025 – Vacancies
The International Summer School team is looking forward to welcoming pupils from all over the world and would like enthusiastic and energetic staff to support their 2025 courses.
Job Opportunities
For the latest listings of OS job opportunities and vacancies please click on the link below.
Merchandise
'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.
