Welcome to the Old Aldenhamian Society

UsernamePassword

The Old Aldenhamian Society

t. 01923 851612 e. oas@aldenham.com

OA Society

Your Profile

Mentoring

Latest News

2025 Careers Fair

18 March 2025

The largest Careers Fair ever was hosted at the School for students in years 9-13 thanks to the organisation of our Careers Co-Ordinator, Amanda Gale.

The event featured around 65 exhibitors from a variety of industries, with special thanks to the exhibitors from our alumni community, whose industries ranged from Healthcare, Biomedical Sciences, Entertainment, Motorsport, Fashion, Publishing and the Civil Service.

There were also presentations on higher level and degree Apprenticeships and Q&A panels on Law and Engineering available to the students. They also had the opportunity to receive personalised advice on their CVs, business guidance and there was tailored advice for international students. Information was also available about gap year, university support and CV skills. We were also pleased to welcome students from the local state school Queens' to join in the experience.

It was a fantastic afternoon full of learning, guidance, and inspiration for all involved.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor at an event like this in the future, please contact OAS@aldenham.com

2025 OA Dinner

15 March 2025

Over 90 guests attended the OA Dinner on Saturday 15 March, and for the first time ever, every age decade was represented from aged 18 to 85, which began with a drinks reception in the Apthorp Room, where there was live background music, followed by informative speeches from the Head of the Foundation, Alex Hems and the OA Society President, Clare Yeabsley (K1988-90).

A sumptuous dinner was then served in the Dining Hall and during the evening everyone joined in a rendition of the School Song and were entertained again with fabulous performances from professional violinist Abbie James (P2012-17).

It truly was a convivial evening with attendees from the various OA Clubs, including professional golfer, Aran Kanth (M2014-19), plus there were groups of OAs re-connecting from the most recent leavers in 2024 to the Class of 2005 who were celebrating their 20th anniversary since leaving School.

Photographs from the evening will be available to view in due course under Event Galleries.

Jolie Sharpe (P2012-19) Visit

07 March 2025

Students had the chance to meet Jolie, who shared her experience of running her own social media business and working as a sports presenter.

She advised students to work for someone else first before starting their own business. This allows you to understand what it’s like to work for others and helps you figure out the kind of boss you want to be. Running your own business is nonstop—you can never fully switch off. At just 23, she manages a business and oversees people older than herself.

Regarding her presenting career, Jolie’s big break came at the Euros, when her interview with the Daily Mail went viral. She shared her love for sports and encouraged students to find a niche, noting that while many women are in fashion, fields like tech or sports are more niche. The social media space is incredibly saturated, so finding your unique angle is key. She emphasised that opportunities are always right in front of you—it's all about how you recognise them.

Lastly, she reminded the students that if they are feeling stressed, it’s often a sign that good things are happening in their lives, and that maintaining a positive, happy, and polite attitude is essential.

We thank Jolie for giving up her time and if you as an OA would like to help the School in a similar capacity, please contact the OA Office (oas@aldenham.com)

Josh Rom (L2008-13) Visit

05 March 2025

Josh Rom (L2008-13) kindly came into School today to give a presentation to Year 12 Media Students and was greeted by his former English Teacher, Chris Jenkins (CR2006-Present).

Josh is a Freelance Entertainment Royal Commentator & Writer and he shared with the students a key moment in his career when everything changed; when he got his big break and everything fell into place. He explained how he moved from student media to professional roles, and how that transition shaped his career. Josh also gave advice about the importance of editing, especially for those who aspire to be on-camera. He emphasised that understanding and mastering editing, even when you're in front of the camera, is essential for standing out and succeeding in the competitive media industry.

We thank Josh for giving up his time and if you as an OA would like to help the School in a similar capacity, please contact the OA Office (oas@aldenham.com)

Andrew Fraser (Bursar 1994-2017) has died

26 November 2024

It is with regret we report the untimely death of our former Bursar, Andrew Fraser, who steered Aldenham School through difficult financial times in the 1990's. He was always very calm, efficient, good-humoured and a decent man and was a great supporter of the school in all aspects of school life. He was also a very active member of OA Fives and the Treasurer right up until his death.
The family has said there will be a private cremation first for close friends and family on Tuesday 10 December, 2024. Then a service open to all at Holy Trinity Church, Frogmore, St Albans, AL2 2JU at 3pm, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre attached to the church.

Holy Trinity is on Watling Street as you drive from Radlett to St Albans (on the right). There is a church car park but if people could share cars it would help.

The family has requested no flowers but if you would like to make a donation, please see below:

John Apthorp (P1949-53) has died

26 July 2024

We were saddened to learn that John Apthorp, Paull’s 1949-53, died on 9 July 2024 after a short illness. John is described as a ‘serial entrepreneur’, having been awarded Guardian Young Businessman of the Year and as the founder Bejam, the forerunner of Iceland the frozen food chain. He turned Majestic Wine into the national success it is today but much more than all of that he was a most generous philanthropist and supported many charities including Aldenham. John was awarded the CBE in 2014 for his charitable work and will be very fondly remembered for his loyal and regular support.

Some messages from those who knew John:

John was a really strong supporter of the School and so much that we were able to achieve was due to his generosity.
James Fowler, Headmaster 2006-2022

John Apthorp was a true friend of Aldenham and of the local community.
Trevor Barton (K1971-75), Governor 2009-2015 & Chair 2015-2021

John’s support and generosity to Aldenham School and our community will be forever remembered.
Clare Yeabsley (K1988-90), President of the OA Society

John was a major benefactor for Aldenham School. He should be remembered by many; OAs of his generation will remember him fondly.
Neil Sutherland (B1966-70), Vice President of the OA Society

There will be a memorial service at the School to celebrate John’s life on Friday 25 October, 2024. May he rest in eternal peace.

OA Day 2024 & Paull's House Reunion

01 July 2024

Over 170 people enjoyed the reunion of Paull’s House OAs and a centenary celebration of the Memorial Library on Sunday 9 June 2024.
Guests gathered in The Wells Centre for coffee and refreshments after their journey back to Aldenham. OAs came from as far afield as America & Canada as well as Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium and the breadth of the UK.
The focus in the morning was on Paull’s House and some current students showed guests around and shared experiences. A Thanksgiving service in Chapel was followed by drinks in School House Garden and then Lunch in the Dining Hall.
Special guests included Nick Pulman (CR1977-2015), 6th Housemaster of Paull’s, 1987-1981 and his wife, Char. They met the current Housemistress, Rebecca Cassell (CR2020-2024) and Lisa Sherman (CR2017-Present) who will take up the post of Housemistress in September ’24.
Ages of those present ranged from 18 to 92, with Derek Redmayne (SHE1945-50) being the eldest OA present and close on his heals was Tom English (M1947-52) at nearly 90. Tom was described by Frank Rogers (SHE1953-58) as ‘OA Royalty’ as his father, Fred English (CR1915-51), was Housemaster of Beevor’s, 1936-51, known then as ‘English’s’. His father-in-law William Hook (CR1948-73) was a renowned Director of Music who was married the Betty Hook, Matron of McGill’s 1948-73, and they had a son at Aldenham, Michael Hook (B1960-64); quite an Aldenham dynasty.
Throughout the day cricketers played a tribute game to John Dewes (B1940-45) on Top Field. At 3.30 guests met in the Library, where they enjoyed music from Year 8 student Dimieari Abbey who played the cello donated by Edward Oatley (P1958-62) as they gathered to celebrate the centenary of this memorial building and to say their farewells before making their way home.

Centenary Celebration of the Library
An exhibition of Library and WWI memorabilia was on display in the Memorial Library on OA Day 2024. Aldenham’s War List 1914-18 was mounted on the Library shelves in tribute and to honour the memory of lives lost. Ben Frais (P&R2001-06 & CR2014-Present) spoke about the history of the Library and all that it means to the School. Two students, Alex Sinani (B2018-Present) and Dani Elias (P2022-Present) spoke passionately of the quiet space that provides the academic heart of our school. It’s where students come to immerse themselves in their studies and are drawn by the calm and focused environment it provides.

Annual OA Dinner 2024

02 April 2024

The Annual OA Dinner 2024, held on Saturday 9 March, was enjoyed by over 80 guests. Ages ranged from 18 to 84 with OAs representing every decade from the 1950s to the 2020s. The Head of Foundation, Mrs Alex Hems, welcomed everyone back to Aldenham with drinks and canapes in the Apthorp Room in The Wells Centre, where guests gathered at the start of the evening. Newly elected President, Clare Yeabsley (K1988-90) thanked James James-Crook (M1968-72) for his dedication to the role over a seven year tenure and said she will do her best to continue connecting with OAs of all ages and across the world.
A delicious three course meal was followed by first class entertainment from professional magician, Christopher Whitelock (B2000-07). OA sports and social clubs were well represented with members of OAFC, OA Golf Society, Aldenham Fives, OA Hockey & Netball as well as the Old Aldenham Lodge all present and correct. John Griffin (SHO1976-81) travelled from Switzerland and Duncan Wallace (P1963-66) came from Bulgaria to join the occasion.
Great fun was had by all with Instagram poses and Tik-Tok footage put together by younger members of the OA Committee determined to raise the profile of OA events to Generation X, Millennials and Gen Z, as well as the Boomers! Dinner Convenor, Chris Stern (P1973-78) made a point to thank the caterers, Holroyd Howe, who did a fantastic job and also subsidised the wine for the event, to help keep the ticket prices attractive.
The whole evening was a great success and set the bar high for a similar standard for 2025. Photographs taken on the evening may be viewed in the Event Galleries and feedback and suggestions for future OA gatherings are invited – please send all thoughts to oas@aldenham.com

Mary Galvin, Housemaster's wife 1984-99 has died

18 March 2024

Funeral Details:
Tuesday 16 April at10:30am
St John the Baptist Aldenham Church, Church Lane, WD25 8BE
Followed by a reception at Aldenham Golf Club, WD25 8NN.
Donations invited to Peace Hospice Care in memory of Mary -
https://marygalvin.muchloved.com/
We are very sad to announce that Mary Galvin, Kennedy’s Housemaster’s wife 1984-99, died on Sunday 17 March.
Aldenham played a large part in Mary’s life as she lived here as a child when her father, David Wallace-Hadrill (CR1950-55 &1962-86) was Kennedy’s 1st Housemaster. She went on to marry Austin Galvin (CR1970-2006) who was initially Head of Biology and then the 3rd Housemaster of Kennedy’s. Mary and Austin's son, Will Galvin, is an OA, Beevor’s 1993-2000 and was married in the Aldenham School Chapel in 2016. Their daughter, Eleanor married Peter Duddles (CR2000-04), a Physics teacher and Martineau’s House Tutor at the School and their daughter, Alice was also married at Aldenham in 2008.
We would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Austin, Alice, Will, Eleanor and Peter and their whole family, as well as to Mary’s brothers, Peter Wallace-Hadrill (B1961-66), Ben Wallace-Hadrill (B1970-74) and Robert Wallace-Hadrill (B1973-77).
Further information and funeral details will be posted here when known.
President of the OA Society, Clare Yeabsley (K1988-1990) says that she will always remember Mary fondly. Clare has kept in touch with Austin and Mary Galvin, since being in their House as a student, this is testament to their kindness and the care that they both showed to Aldenham students.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this loss.

New OA President

07 March 2024

At yesterday’s OA AGM, as per my long term intention, I stepped down as OA President and I am delighted to announce that Clare Elizabeth Yeabsley (née McCarty) was unanimously elected as my successor.
My seven year tenure of commitment, continuity, change, connection and contemplation has been thoroughly enjoyable, a tremendous personal honour and privilege during which time I made many significant changes to the OA Society, albeit in my opinion for the better, including developing a more diverse and inclusive OA Committee.
Now is the right time to allow another OA with fresh energy and vision to continue my legacy as the OA Society evolves and thrives one hundred and twenty two years since being founded in 1922.
Clare, a former pupil of Kennedy's House 1988-90, is married to Michael Yeabsley, Housemaster of McGill's and a mother to seven children all educated through the Aldenham system. Clare was elected to the OA Committee in 2015 and is a successful business woman, confidant public speaker, networker and communicator; her brother is Paul McCarty (M1987-92).
Clare Yeabsley now becomes the first woman in the history of the OA Society's one hundred and twenty two years to hold the office as the 28th President of the Old Aldenhamian Society and indeed forty four years since girls were first admitted at Aldenham School. This is history in the making.
I am confidant you will give Clare your full support in her new and important role.
Long live Aldenham. Long live the OA Society.
With my sincere thanks and best wishes.

James James-Crook (M1968-72)
Vice President, OA Society & Governor, The Aldenham Foundation

Next Last

The Old Aldenhamian Society
t. 01923 851612
e. oas@aldenham.com

Terms and conditions Privacy Notice

InTouch-Online (v 3.0.7.8) supplied by InTouch Software