It was a glorious English summer’s day as our whole community came together at Founderstide on Saturday 24th June, in celebration of Bloxham School. It was especially wonderful to welcome so many Old Bloxhamists.
The day started with the Prize Giving service and we were delighted to welcome OB David Dent (Cr 80-85) as our Guest Speaker. After leaving Bloxham, David trained as a nurse and joined the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps where he was a specialist in intensive care and military trauma. He went on to work on the front line and with the bomb squad. Injured in combat, he retired from the military in 2000 and forged a successful career in sales, marketing and business development. Today, David is an advocate and spokesperson for Help for Heroes. In sport, David competes for Scotland and UK Athletics. He represented Team UK for the Warrior and is an Invictus Games team member and competed at the Highland Games 2019-present. He has been awarded an MBE for his services to veterans, students and people with disabilities in Scotland.
David delivered an inspirational talk entitled ‘A story about a Boy and the Light’. He spoke about each student’s individual potential and the incredible impact that they can have on the world. In his parting words to students, he reminded everyone: “Don’t get stuck, failure is not fatal.”
Image: David Dent awarding Alvin L with the Prize – Outstanding Contribution to the Bloxham Community.
During the service, the gathered audience heard from Father Michael who spoke about his retirement this term, after 23 years’ service to Bloxham. He has made an incredible contribution to the lives of thousands of students, families and staff members alike. To read an interview with Michael, please click here.
Chair of Governors, Lis Lewis-Jones, also spoke and specifically addressing the leaving cohort, she spoke about opportunity. “Very soon you will become an Old Bloxhamist – but remember, whatever you do in life and wherever you go, Bloxham will always be here for you. Because your parents didn’t just sign you up to a school, they signed you up to a community.”
Throughout the day, there were many activities and displays showcasing the School’s amazing and diverse talents – from music, drama, science experiments and debating to swimming, indoor cricket, sports day relays and hockey, as well as the incredible annual Art Exhibition.
Old Bloxhamists and members of the Egerton Society, the School’s legacy association, came together in a tent on Main Field to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch supplied by the School’s superb catering team.
Founderstide 2023 was especially poignant for Old Bloxhamists as the annual OB v School 1st XI cricket fixture was played in memory of the late Nigel Furley (Staff 71-04). Simon Batten reports: “Nigel was a central figure in Bloxham cricket for many years. Jan Furley and their three daughters were all watching, and the OB side included four Woods, as well as several of his old Wilberforce boys, including the three Palmer brothers. Matt Palmer (Wf 91-96), captaining the side, took everyone by surprise after winning the toss by boldly inserting the school side. On an easy wicket, the 1st XI recovered after losing Oli B early on, with a typically entertaining innings of 69 from Ben E steadying the ship and Noah C (48) helping the school to a total of 249 all out. Barney W bowled impressively to take 6 for 77 and the evergreen John Brown pulled off three stumpings. This set the Old Bloxhamists a target of 250 to win from 39 overs, and although there were useful contributions from Tom Palmer (Wf 92-97) (46) and Matt Palmer (31), it soon became clear that the issue was whether the school could force a win; in the end the Old Bloxhamists closed on 162 for 8, hanging on for a gripping draw which advertised the merits of a declaration game and served as a fitting tribute to ‘Furls’. In the tea interval, players and spectators gathered to see the bench donated by Jan Furley and the family, already in place outside Nigel’s old classroom and looking out over Main Field, and to hear Matt Palmer speak in memory of a great member of the Bloxham community. It was very special to welcome so many members of the Furley and Wood families.”
The day was filled with much joy, laughter and happiness, with fond memories of school days shared.
To see photos of the Prizegiving, click here: https://www.flickr.com/…/bloxha…/sets/72177720309408465/
To see photos of the day, click here: https://www.flickr.com/…/bloxha…/sets/72177720309421109/