A Message from The Chairman May 2018

Fellow Siblings and Friends of Sedbergh,

I am pleased to report that our Club continues to go from strength to strength. Two years ago we set out to be the best alumni association of any school in the country. We are well on our way. Our participation in the Rugby Ten’s in Hong Kong is one such example of our vision and ambition. Well done to all who took part and helped to arrange a fantastic week. In particular my personal thanks to our Alumni Director, Ben Collins, who worked so very hard behind the scenes.

Likewise my thanks to all those who helped arrange the 1980’s reunion at the London Steakhouse; James Robertson (E 88-93), Director of the London Steakhouse, for hosting the event; Tom Hartley (E 88-93) of Brewin Dolphin and Sam Moore (E 94-99) of Lycetts Insurance for their sponsorship. It was my vintage and we had a great time, sharing stories, catching up, and reminiscing. The venue was fantastic, the food superb, and the drinks were free courtesy of our sponsors. We couldn’t have asked for a better day and on a personal note may I say how nice it was to see so many old friends.

Speaking of old friends I am very sorry to report the loss of Peter Yorke. Peter served at Cressbrook and Sedbergh for many years. I knew him as my English teacher but later as a friend and devoted member of the OS Committee. He was a most honest, sincere, gentle man of great intellect. I am most grateful to him for his wise words and support over the many years we shared together on the Committee, and in more recent years, in my position as Chairman.

Onto happier news and I note that the School continues to perform extremely well. As such there has been a reorganisation of the senior management team and my congratulations to Andrew Fleck who becomes Principal of the wider Sedbergh School establishments, Dan Harrison who becomes Headmaster of Sedbergh School, and Peter Marshall who becomes Chief Operating Officer and Bursar. A great management team who deserve our admiration and support.

Cheers All

Jan van der Velde
Chairman OS Club