News
"The Other Ardingly"
Here is a link to Peter Verrel's (F '40-'44) Article on The Other Ardingly
Young OA Star
Ana Jackson, OA, co-authored research that analysed data from the Hubble telescope. She is believed to be the youngest person in the UK ever to have contributed to a published piece of work of this nature.
See more here
OA's reach the final of the Grafton Morrish Trophy - Update
Read all the latest news on the Golfing Society's activities in 2010, including their performance in the finals of the Grafton Morrish Trophy via the Golfing Society link on the left panel on this page. . . .
Whilst it is true to say that we have qualified for the finals in the past, the last time was in 2003, the historians have informed us that is the first occasion that Ardingly have achieved first place in the qualifiers.
Pelican Sculpture Unveiled
On Friday 25th June 2010 I went to the unveiling of the Sesquicentennial Commemorative Sculpture of the School emblem, not a pelican ‘in its piety’ but one about to fly off across the Terrace wall and over the iconic Ouse Valley towards the Viaduct.
It is not sited on the wall of the Terrance as originally proposed, but on a plinth on Head’s Quad, as some OAs had objected to that plan, and structurally it was not considered possible to provide a sound fixing.
The revised position means that now the sculpture can be viewed from all angles, which is much better.
The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Ian Hislop (JH & A 67-77, Head boy) and the project was the idea of Susie Winter, Head of Art.
It was designed by student Millie Watkins and made by local artisan James Price.
Inspiration for the sculpture was the result of a meeting of members of the Art Department with Antony Gormley back in 2008 when the idea of a sculpture to commemorate the School’s 150th Anniversary in that year arose.
I arrived early just in time to witness the wings being bolted on by College staff.
The ceremony was attended by about 50 invited guests and Staff on a very hot early afternoon.
In her welcoming address, Susie Winter told us that although 60 OAs had generously subscribed towards the sculpture, it was only due to the generosity of the Tuckwell family, whose three children attended the school for 2005 to 2008, that the project could be realised.
Ian Hislop then briefly addressed the guests and a large group of students assembled on the School House Quad, before unveiling the commemorative plaque, mentioning that it was nice to see a pelican not covered in oil. He encouraged the assembled students to follow his example and use the skills and experiences they learn at school in their future lives.
After the unveiling, the guests retired to the Art Department, in the old E & F Dormitories, for an excellent buffet lunch.
On behalf of the invited guests, I would like to thank the Headmaster and Susie Winter for an unforgettable event and one that was a fitting climax to the work and career of Susie who retired soon afterwards.
Nigel Brecknell (in hat), with Peter Huflett, reading the names of the contributors to the sculpture.
Nigel Brecknell (JH & G 42-51)
Ardingly College Cricket Team 1949 Reunion
This photo of the 1949 School cricket team evokes special memories for five original team members, now living in widespread places as far apart as Dorset and Cumbria, who met at the end of last year for a most enjoyable lunch to celebrate the sixty year anniversary.
Pictured are (left to right) Tony Gibbs (E), Nigel Knight (A), John Foot (D), Robin Baiden (D), & Tony Hewett (A)
Perhaps others will be encouraged to dig out those old School team photos and arrange similar reunion meetings.
The Old Ardinian and the OA Website will always be interested to receive reports and photos of such occasions
Tony Gibbs
January 2010