With not long to go until our annual Founderstide celebration, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and other helpful information to give any first-timer to the event all they need to know.
What does ‘Founderstide’ mean?
The first Founders Tide was held in 1913 in memory of the school’s Founder, PR Egerton, shortly after his death. It originally took place on Egerton’s birthday, 14th July, but was soon moved to the weekend nearest that date so that a cricket match could be played between Old Bloxhamists and students a tradition still honoured now.
Founders Tide was for many years a two-day event which consisted of speeches and a prize-giving; a church service, cricket match and a ball. Over the years the celebration was condensed into one day and the title words combined to ‘Founderstide’, as we now know it.
As summer terms grew shorter and the exam season longer, the celebration was moved to the end of May in 1979 and then in 2004 to the beginning of May. In 2016 we moved the day to late June, closer to its original date. This year pupils and visitors can expect a prize-giving, picnic lunch, cricket match, student relays and a range of activities and displays during the day, before the ball in the evening. We look forward to welcoming you.
Who can attend?
Founderstide Day is open to families of all students, Old Bloxhamists, staff, Governors and friends of Bloxham School.
The Founderstide Ball is a celebration primarily for Sixth Form leavers and their parents, guardians and guests. However, tickets are made available to the wider Bloxham School community, including parents/guardians from all forms, Old Bloxhamists, former & current members of staff, Governors and friends of the school. Please note that tickets for this year’s ball have sold out, with a record 470 guests for the evening.
What are the timings of the day?
|
10am |
Whole School Celebration and Prize-giving – Marquee at Second Field, Courtington Lane |
| 10.30am | Old Bloxhamists vs 1st XI Cricket Match – Main Field |
| 11am | Refreshments – served at various locations on site |
| 11.30am | Activities & Displays – various locations on site |
| 12pm | Egerton Society Lunch – served on Main Field |
| 12.30pm | Picnic Lunch – served on Main Field |
| 2pm | Relays – inter-house sport on Raymond Field |
| 4pm | Arthur Disney Memorial Plaque Unveiling on Main Field
Daytime events finish |
| 7pm | Founderstide Ball – Marquee at Second Field, Courtington Lane |
| 12am | Carriages |
How do I get there?
Founderstide Day takes place on the main field at Bloxham School. The Founderstide Ball takes place within a marquee on a nearby sports field on Courtington Lane, walking distance from the school itself.
If you’re driving, use postcode is OX15 4PE for GPS/Sat Nav devices and follow signs on arrival.
Our nearest train station is Banbury.
If you need transfers, we recommend YJ Cars taxi company, 01295 272548.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking for both Founderstide Day and the Ball will be on the Courtington Lane sports field. Use postcode OX15 4PE and follow signs for Founderstide Parking.
Where can I stay nearby?
There is plenty of accommodation in nearby Banbury and the surrounding areas. We suggest:
What else should I be aware of?
Sustainability: We are committed to improving the sustainability of this event and as such have introduced a few practices for this year, including sorting rubbish and using an electric vehicle. We encourage guests to the daytime celebrations and ball to help us with these practices by making use of our separate bins and reusing cups, plates and water bottles where possible.
Photography: During the day we will have a number of photographers on site. Photographs will be taken during prize-giving assembly and around the school during activities, lunch and the House Relay Event. We also will have a photographer at the ball who will be available to take portraits of guests on arrival. Photographs will be used by our Marketing Team and shared online using Flickr, Facebook and Twitter; if you would not like your picture taken please let the photographer(s) know when you see them.
The Ball
What is included in a ticket?
Guests of the ball will enjoy a three-course meal, live music and dancing. Drinks are not included but there will be well-stocked bars taking cash and card. Students are issued with drinks vouchers organised by Mr. Yates ‘ these are £10 and the cost will be added to the termly bill.
What’s the dress code?
Guests are expected to wear Black Tie.