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The Sedbergh Newsletter
December 2024
The Director’s Christmas Message
The 40th Step
There is nothing better than closing the doors at Christmas and letting the world revolve without you for a few days. In this period of quiet festive relaxation one longs for a good film while the fireplace warms the room, and you melt slowly into the comfort of your favourite armchair.
Amongst the shortlist of films that I would take with me to my desert island is the film The 39 Steps, the 1978 version starring Robert Powell as Richard Hannay and which stays faithful to the book. An uncomplicated story line, it has its hero and it has its villains. It is set in a romantic golden age of British history, but most of all it has the great catchy title.
John Buchan came up with the title when his daughter counted the wooden steps from the cliff promenade down to Broadstairs beach while he was recuperating in a private nursing home. The steps number 78 which he then halved. In doing so he gave his book an enigmatic and memorable name, having an air of expectation like a dominant chord which longs to resolve itself to the tonic number of 40.
The thing to say about it is this. In life we often don’t know if the ‘40th Step’ exists. Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith. Quite why we would want to take that leap of faith is for each to work out. Perhaps it’s something to do with discovery, the next part of life’s journey, perhaps resolution, or even fulfilment.
This may involve personal sacrifice, a curtailment of one experience in the hope of a greater and deeper understanding, or a better way of life. While in the end we may find that 39 steps are all that’s allotted to us, we may also find that the next step was waiting for us and may be the most important in our lives.
While Christmas is a time of celebration, it is also a time of reflection. I hope for some of you that, as you tire of the comfy armchair, your thoughts look to your future life, and that 40th step. I hope you find it; I hope it makes a difference, and I hope it brings happiness, and indeed resolution. Perhaps this is what we mean by a ‘step change’ after all.
And so, with those wise words, we at the Development Office come to say goodbye to 2024. It has been a tremendous year which we have shared with some very wonderful and supportive people in our community. We say thank you to our many, many friends, and we wish you all a most Merry and Happy Christmas.
Jan van der Velde
OS News
Big Give Christmas Challenge
The result of the Big Give Appeal – ‘Charlie’ is coming to Sedbergh.
Hugh Symonds
Sedbergh School is saddened to share news of the death of Hugh Symonds on Monday 25th November 2024, aged 71 years.
Sedbergh VC in the Boer War
We are extremely grateful to Peter Weeks (Powell 64-68) for his report regarding Robert Digby-Jones, who was awarded the VC after the Boer War.
Rob Buchanan (S 95-02): From the Battlefield to the Boardroom
Navigating leadership and risk in finance and beyond.
Graffiti of Polar Explorer Found During Sedbergh School Library Renovation
Renovations are always an exciting prospect in the world of conservation.
Kirkby Lonsdale
Members of our Community may have seen the news that a major fire has damaged the centre of Kirkby Lonsdale.
Special Wolf’s Head Lapel Pin Commissioned by Blacklock Jewellery
Blacklock Jewellery’s journey began in 1832, when ‘Blacklocks Fancy Goods’ was founded by Robert March Blacklock.
How great can England's Harry Brook become after stunning start to Test career?
Sir Alastair Cook feels Harry Brook (W 13-17) can challenge Joe Root's England records.
OS Edinburgh Lunch
I’m not sure if you have ever had the chance to visit the New Club on Princes Street, how would I know after all.
Deaths and Obituaries
For a list of all recent OS deaths and obituaries, please click on the link below.
OS Events
The Symonds Run, Saturday 18th January 2025
The Headmaster, Dan Harrison has renamed the Morgan Run, the Symonds Run in honour of the late Hugh Symonds.
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.
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 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
In 1475 Roger Lupton set out from Sedbergh for London in search of an education, a walk of 300 miles.
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 Presents 'Chicago'
From the 27th to the 29th of November 2024, Sedbergh School staged a dazzling production of Chicago.
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.
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
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.
