2007

SciTec opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester

On Friday 7 September  the first phase of SciTec was formally opened by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The event was attended by over two hundred guests, including the Deputy Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and other local dignitaries, Governors, the Master and members of the Court of the Grocers' Company, donors to the project, other friends of the School and representatives of the design and construction teams. The glorious weather added to the occasion, showing the magnificent building at its best.

His Royal Highness, a trained architect, visited the Sir Howard Stringer Biology and Owen Chemistry Departments before having an extensive

tour of the "green" roof and the observatory.  While touring the laboratories he met pupils of every age.  A wide variety of practical work was taking place in the sixteen laboratories. Guests wandered freely throughout the building, able to appreciate its unique design and gaining a full understanding of one of the major aims of SciTec – that science should be on show.
 
At the end of his tour the Duke was formally welcomed to the School by the Headmaster in a speech that outlined the vision behind the SciTec project and the statement it makes about Oundle's commitment to science and technology. He made reference to the generosity of so many Old Oundelians, parents and other donors adding also that the School's relationship with both the design and construction teams had been positive, creative and enjoyable.

His Royal Highness then unveiled the stone commemorating the event. In his speech he spoke of his enjoyment and appreciation of what he had seen, both in terms of the science on show and the quality of the design and construction of the building.

Chairman of Governors, Sir Toby Frere, thanked His Royal Highness for opening the building and for his kind words. He also referred to the generosity of the Grocers' Company as the largest donor to the project. Whilst emphasising that further phases of SciTec have to be assessed alongside other School priorities, he reiterated the Governors' and Headmaster's commitment to the SciTec vision.
 
Guests and science staff enjoyed lunch in Great Hall during which the Duke was introduced informally to a large number of visitors, including those most closely associated with the project.

The opportunities that this first phase of the SciTec project presents will now be explored and developed. The impressive refurbishment of the adjacent Needham Physics Centre, carried out on the upper floor over the summer and to be completed on the ground floor next summer, will complement the innovative SciTec building and create a fully integrated science complex.

 

 

2006

REQUIEM FOR OUNDLE'S BENEFACTORS - Sunday 5th November 2006

 

As part of the School's 450th Anniversary celebrations, the School's elite Chamber Choir, the Schola Cantorum, will be performing Durufle's Requiem - a 20th century French liturgical masterpiece which draws its inspiration from the melodies of Gregorain Chant.  The choir will be joined by OOs and former Oxbridge Choral Scholars, which promises to make the occasion a most musical and memorable occasion.  The music will be part of a liturgical Requiem celebration led by the School Chaplain, Revd Ian Browne, in which prayers will be said for William Laxton and all subsequent benefactors of the School.  The Requeim will be followed by a drinks party, hosted by the OO Club.
 
OOs, their families and their friends are most warnly invited to the service which will take place at 5.30 p.m. in the School Chapel on Sunday 5th November 2006.
 
Further details may be obtained from the Head of Chapel Music, Alastair Tighe (agt@oundleschool.org.uk)

 

 

OO Marksmen Claim Back Trophy after Ninety-Two Years

Claiming The Challenge Trophy and five NRA Silver Medals, the A Team of the Old Oundelian Rifle Club "The Troubleshooters" won the Public Schools' Veterans' Match at Bisley on 13th July.  The last time that Oundle won this trophy was in 1914.  Our congratulations go to the winning team of Steve Postins (Ldr 86), Stuart O'Brien (C 96), Peter Seebohm (Sc 02), Steven Thomas (G 69) and Philip de Voil (G 86) who beat forty-eight other public school veterans' clubs to bring the trophy back. Uppingham came second, trailing by only 2 V bulls, with Malvern in 3rd place.

 

 

                                         From Left to Right:

                                         Peter Seebohm;

                                         Philip de Voil; Steven Thomas;

                                         Stuart O'Brien; Steve Postins

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above: The Challenge Trophy

In the spirit of Altruism and Adventure

A few months ago, an article appeared in the Daily Telegraph which detailed the current plight of war veterans and the struggle The Royal British Legion has to provide them with the basics of modern life.   Four Lower Sixth boys – Strachan Gray, Adam Banks, Robert Jenkin and Josh Waterhouse - were so moved by this article that they decided to take action.  The boys have organised a sponsored bicycle ride on a heroic scale.  This Easter they will undertake eight days of cycling in a 500 mile trip from Calais to Nancy, travelling along the Western Front of the First World War.

 

The contribution to the Great War by OOs is evident from the medals awarded -

three Victoria Crosses, twenty-nine Distinguished Service Orders, 115 Military Crosses, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, Two Air Force Crosses, three Distinguished Service Crosses, one Military Medal and One Distinguished Service Medal.  During the conflict 218 Old Oundelians lost their lives and Strachan, Adam, Robert and Josh will visit various military graveyards along their route to pay their respects.

The purpose of the trip is to raise money for the Royal British Legion and the Earl Haig Poppy Fund.  If you would like to sponsor the boys in their venture, please contact Strachan Gray at Laundimer House or email:gray.sg@oundle.northants.sch.uk

 

 

If you would like to buy a special commemorative mug celebrating Crosby's centenary (Price: £5 each plus p/p) please telephone Christopher Piper (OO Secretary) - Tel. 01832 273216

 

 

Oundle - A School For All Seasons

Oundle celebrates its 450th anniversary in 2006. In recognition of this landmark event and as a celebration of the School, a beautifully designed and produced 168 page photographic hardback book has been commisssioned. Entitled "Oundle - A School For All Seasons", the publication lavishly illustrates the school in the new millennium with wonderful contemporary photography.

 

A vivid portrait of School life and its traditions is conveyed across the four seasons. Some archive photography has also been included as a retrospective contrast to today's phototgraphy and evocative accounts from Old Oundelians of School life in decades past, often in the form of old letters home, are included.             

 

Published by Third Millennium this book is on sale now for £45  from:

The Oundle Society Tel: 01832 277291 (mail order available)

or from our Publishers, TMI Publishing, Tel: 0207 336 0144 Fax: 0207 6081188 email: oundle@tmiltd.com or via the internet click here  (mail order)

Or

The Oundle School Book Shop, Market Place, Oundle (No mail order) 

                                                            

OOs Appear in Oundle's Festival of Literature

The Oundle Festival of Literature takes place from 4-18 March this year.  Amongst the guest authors are two eminent Old Oundelians on Sunday 12 March in St Peter's Church, Oundle. 

Al Alvarez (C 48), poet novelist, literary critic, anthologist and author of many highly praised non-fiction books is well known for his lively talks.  He will be presenting his latest book, "A Writer's Voice", at 5 pm. 

Anthony Holden (Lx 65), journalist, television presenter and author of a wide range of biographies will present "The Man Who Wrote Mozart"  - a biography about Lorenzo da Ponte, librettist of three of Mozart's greatest operas and a man of contradictions and tall stories -  8.45 pm.

For a full festival programme and purchase of tickets, contact: The Tourist Information Centre, 14 West Street, Oundle  Tel: 01832 274333

Oundle Reunited

Launched on January 1st 2005, the site is up and running and is proving to be very popular. It's an easy way to catch up with old school friends and it's free to register so why not register today!

 

For Oundle Reunited click here