CHOBA and Christ’s Hospital-related News 
50 Years On - attendees list available
The current list of attendees for the 50-Years-On Reunion on 6th October 2010 is available on the 50 Years On page
We're looking forward to seeing you all on the day!
25 year Hertford Anniversary - attendee list
The latest list of attendees for the 25th Anniversary of the move from Hertford to Horsham is now available on the 25th Anniversary page
We're looking forward to seeing you all on the day!
Summer 2010 GCSE results
The Christ's Hospital website has details of this year's outstanding GCSE results!
CH pupils performed exceptionally well at GCSE level this year with 93% of all entries being at A*, A or B grade and 75% of entries at A* or A grade. The overall pass rate at A*- C was 98%.
Read more at the CH website
Summer 2010 A Level results
The Christ's Hospital website has details of this year outstanding A-level results!
24 candidates achieved three or more A grades at A Level, with one scoring four A* grades. And while national results indicate that one-in-12 scored A Level A* this year, Christ’s Hospital achieved a slightly higher ratio of one-in-10..
Read more at the CH website
CHOBA August 2010 Newsletter Available
The CHOBA Aug 2010 Newsletter available to download in pdf format
50 Years On Reunion - REGISTER online
50-Years-On Reunion Wednesday 6th October 2010 for leavers of 1959 and 1960
To book tickets for this event please access the Shop page.
Please follow this link to view a draft programme for the day.
25 Yr Anniversary of Hertford move to Horsham - 25 Sep 10
Saturday 25th September 2010
Tickets can now be bought online in the CHOBA Shop
(NB:- This event is for leavers from 1986 - 1991)
We are organising this event for all Hertford pupils who were transferred to Horsham from 1979 and educated at both sites. This is an opportunity for you to catch up with old friends and visit the School at its Horsham site for what we hope will be a very special occasion.
The programme is available for you to view online or download here
Invitation to Founder's Day Dinner 2010
Christ's Hospital Stewards of Founders Day would like to invite you to Founder's Day Dinner 2010
2010's Founder's Day Dinner will be held at Christ's Hospital, on Saturday 16th October 2010.
Chairman of the Dinner will be Richard Poulton (Head Master 1987-1996) and the Responder will be Fiona Dodd (5’s & Barnes B 1983-1990)The ticket price of £70 is ‘all inclusive’, covering pre dinner drinks, table wines and port with coffee. There is a discounted price of £45 for Old Blues under 28 years of age and those aged 80 or over.
The seating capacity of Dining Hall makes it possible for diners to bring a guest should they wish to do so. In the event of oversubscription, priority will be given eligible diners.
For those wishing to stay overnight, there is the availability, subject to sufficient bookings, of Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the Grecians' Houses (no en suite) at a cost of £40 per person, (download the form below); also enclosed are details of local hotels, attached to Roger Eades's letter.
Cheques for the dinner will be presented to the bank on receipt and this should be taken as confirmation that you have been allocated a ticket.
Please note, and adhere to, the request for the provision of a self-addressed envelope of minimum A5 size, as this will greatly simplify the posting of tickets.
If you would like to book tickets please download an application form, and the B and B application form. For more information, contact Roger Eades at rogereades@o2.co.uk.
Christ's Hospital Leavers' Ball
The Grecians (Upper Sixth) Leavers’ Ball was held on Friday, 2nd July and had an "Alice in Wonderland" theme, with trumpet-playing white rabbits, the Queen of Hearts, servers wearing giant playing cards and the Mad Hatter and March Hare in evidence.
The Ball began with a reception in the Head Master’s garden where, in keeping with the theme, drinks were served in ill-matched crockery and jam tarts given out to all. A dinner dance with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party followed with dancing to a live band made up of musicians, of whom some were are Old Blues. All this was organised by the Grecians, who elect a pupil committee six months prior to the event, to manage the preparations for the Ball and harness their creative skills in making props for the theme. The Committee was led by two staff, Ian Stannard and Amanda Walsh.
The Ball traditionally takes place on the last night of the academic year and represents the start of a series of traditions that date back centuries. The following day (the leavers’ last day) begins with a formal Chapel service with "The Charge", which has been read for over 450 years. The service is followed by "Beating Retreat", a Band performance enjoyed by parents, students and guests. All in all, these traditions are a fitting end to their education at Christ’s Hospital.
MCC Day at CH (Photos)
The MCC plays against some 280 schools over the course of the summer. They have sent a side to Horsham since the inception of the idea after the First World War. Christ’s Hospital always enjoys this fixture where the 1st XI has its annual chance to pit its cricketing skills against many fine club cricketers and budding professionals. The MCC was captained this year by Patrick Goodwin (Old Blue) who had many regulars in his side. This match was played against the backdrop of the re-opening of the 1st XI pavilion after refurbishment, which was kindly paid for by a wide range of Old Blues. The guests were treated to a fine lunch in the Court Room in the lunch interval where they had the opportunity to meet the players from both sides. Tea was taken by the pavilion during the afternoon’s play. Dennis Silk, (Old Blue) and former Chairman of the Test and County Cricket Board and former President of the MCC, gave a very moving speech in front of the assembled throng about his happy memories of learning his cricket on Big Side under the tutelage of former Warwickshire professional, Len Bates, who served as Head Coach and Head Groundsman between 1936 and 1963. A bust of Len Bates, created by local sculptress, Hannah Stewart, was unveiled in the presence of his son, John Bates, and the rededication ceremony was completed in a very happy atmosphere.
The match itself proved to be a very thrilling one. The MCC took lunch at 106-4. They fought back strongly after the fall of two more wickets after lunch before declaring at 224-7 with Wisborough Green’s, James Sadler making 41. The school was in trouble with three of its best batsmen back in the pavilion at 17-3, but three consecutive 50+ partnerships pulled the game round. Captain, Alex Marsh, made 32 before being bowled by Horsham CC’s, Luke Marshall.
Wicketkeeper, Calvin Williams chipped in with 29, but the two feature innings were played by Sussex under 16, Stuart Whittingham (70), who plays for Roffey, and Angus Doyne-Ditmas (42 not out). The Christ’s Hospital XI passed the MCC’s total with 7 wickets down with just three balls remaining. It was only the school’s second victory over the MCC in the last 40 years. In many ways it was a fitting end to a memorable day.
20 Years On reunion photos published
We were so pleased to welcome 23 Old Blues, their guests and families and would like to thank everyone who joined us for making such a great day!
Here's a selection of photographs from the day... link to photo gallery
If you have more photos which you'd like to share, please do send them on the CHOBA Office.
CHOBA June 2010 Newsletter Available to Download in PDF format
The CHOBA June 2010 Newsletter is now available to download in PDF format
30 Years On Reunion on 22nd May - CANCELLED
It is with regret that we are cancelling the 30 Years On Reunion on Saturday 22nd May due to insufficient numbers.
Tickets available for 20 Years On - 12th June 2010
Saturday 22nd May 2010
Tickets can now be bought online in the CHOBA Shop
(NB:- This event is for leavers from 1989/1990...)
Draft programme: 30 Years On Programme
The ticket price (£18 adults, £7.50 children up to 12) will include lunch and tours during the day - further details in the Events section.
Christ's Hospital Honours its War Dead
On 27th April, representatives of Christ's Hospital, led by the Head Master, Mr John Franklin, and Chaplain, Father Ian Colson, attended a service at St George's Church in Ypres to unveil a plaque donated by an anonymous Old Blue commemorating the 670 Old Blues, and staff, who had made the final sacrifice in all armed conflicts. The school staff and pupils were supported by a small group of Old Blues, the majority of whom had served in the British Army, who later laid a CH crested poppy wreath at the Menin Gate during the Last Post Ceremony.
Further details on the CH website
Old Blues Day Review and Photos
The photo gallery from the day is now available:-
Photos
Old Blues Day 24th April 2010
We were delighted to welcome back 210 Old Blues and 223 guests to Christ’s Hospital on Saturday 24th April.
The generations of Old Blues who came back for the event spanned from leavers of the 1940’s (30) all the way through to 2009 (17) and included a number of Old Blues from Hertford. We were especially pleased to see the Hertford Old Blues as they have become a key part of Old Blues’ Day in Horsham.
The Chairman of CHOBA, Nick Angel, welcomed everyone to Big School, ran through the programme for the day and introduced other CHOBA Board members. Nick then handed over to the Head Master, John Franklin, who highlighted how CH is changing to ensure it remains true to its charitable mission in the context of the current economic climate. The Clerk, David Cooke followed the Head Master’s address and spoke about the Counting House and the School and how they are working very closely together to secure the future success of the school.
As the sun beat down on the Quad many of the visitors made for Big School for an informal chat and coffee. Outside Big School there was a chance to purchase some CH historical merchandise offered by the Museum which included paintings, books and other interesting items from years gone by.
We welcomed back 28 Old Blues for a “10 Years On” drinks reception in Big School, hosted by Kate Atkinson, leaver of 2000 and a CHOBA Board member
As we exited Big School the band struck up and a great many Old Blues watched proceedings from around the Quad, with the sun shining down. Following this, over 150 Old Blues were welcomed back into Big School for an excellent carvery-style lunch. After lunch we filed out for the afternoon activities which included visits to the Museum and Boarding Houses, Art department, Design and Technology, Science school and the Library, a debate in Court Room and a chance to use the Astronomy Club’s telescope to view sun spots, not to mention savouring Nepalese food served by pupils in the Quad. There were also a number of cricket fixtures taking place with Old Blues and school teams during the afternoon.
Following on from the success of the Grecians’ Fayre last year, this year’s Grecians were raising money to have a fountain installed in the pond in the Garden Quad. Last years Grecians’ Gift - a wonderful sundial - was unveiled on the day. The Grecians manned stalls in the Garden Quad serving tea, coffee and some superb iced cakes which they had baked themselves.
A number of Old Blues then headed off to the Riches Lecture Theatre for an interesting talk from Mr Roy Salisbury, former Clerk of the Foundation, on “The History of the Counting House”.
The day was ended perfectly with afternoon tea in the Dining Hall followed by an Evensong in Chapel, complete with a mixed choir of Old Blues and present pupils singing with congregational participation under the direction of Head of Music, Adrian Bawtree.
It was lovely to see so many Old Blues of different ages and it was nice that so many brought their families back for the first time (below is a selection of feedback received from the Old Blue community). For all, it was a happy occasion and an opportunity to renew old acquaintances.
“Thank you for such an enjoyable day. The welcome in Big School set the scene for the day, and the programme unfolded beautifully. I had planned to start my journey home after tea, but was persuaded to stay for Evensong. In all, a most rewarding day, reviving old memories and making some new ones.”
“I visited for Old Blues Day and had a lovely day despite only leaving as a Grecian nine months ago.”
“Splendid food and cheerful children.”
“It was very enjoyable – lots going on, beautiful weather and an excellent lunch!”
Tony Ray-Jones Photographs (CH 1950-1957)
In his short life Tony Ray-Jones became one of the finest young photographers of his generation capturing the English, its rituals and customs at the end of the vibrant sixties. Promoting photography as an art form, he depicted a witty social commentary of the British people, leaving a legacy that continues to be an inspiration to new generations of photographers. His work is in private and public collections worldwide.
The exhibition and discussion panel together provide a unique opportunity to learn about a man who created some of the most memorable images of the British and whose overall approach to his medium helped shape what many consider to be the greatest ever generation of British photographers.
Tony Ray-Jones Exhibition opening Friday 26th November 4-6pm.
Discussion of Tony Ray-Jones' work and life at 6.15pm.
The exhibition will be open by appointment only for members of the public from Monday 29th November to Thursday 9th December in the Christ’s Hospital Art Department, First Floor Gallery.
If you would like to attend the private view and discussion, or the exhibition on viewing days, please contact Lisa Williams on 07973 143170 or lisasamos@yahoo.com.
Tickets now available for 20 Years On - 12th June 2010
Saturday 12th June 2010
Tickets can now be bought online in the CHOBA Shop
(NB:- This event is for leavers from 1989/1990...)
The ticket price (£18 adults, £7.50 children up to 12) will include lunch and tours during the day - further details in the Events section.
Christ's Hospital Heritage Postcards by Clifford Jones
CHRIST’S HOSPITAL HERITAGE.
POSTCARDS
by Clifford Jones
Since 1901 more than 1000 postcards have been published featuring Christ’s Hospital and it is possible to build up a fascinating and easily stored collection. This book includes rare cards of the School in London, pictures of events at Hertford before the site was closed in 1985, and many cards relating to the School at Horsham.
‘An excellent publication, full of interesting material, presented in a very readable way.’
Read about the early history of The Blue, the School band, the original railway station, the School’s post office, and the original colours of the house games shirts.
Why are the boarding houses so named? Who opened the New Science School, arriving by an aeroplane that he landed on Big Side? What was on the menu in 1913? What happened in the days before television when an attempt was made to tune into a radio broadcast in 1922? What is the story of the Dominions Library? And much more.
48 pages, full of detail about the School in the last century and with 150 illustrations.
Price £9.50 plus £1.50 UK postage for first booklet & 50p for any additional booklets.
All income goes towards funding the work of the Museum.
To order a copy please post all orders to The Counting House (Museum), Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0YP. Cheques to be made payable to Christ’s Hospital.
Old Blues Day - Urgent - Tours of the Tube have been cancelled
Tours of the Tube on Old Blues Day have been cancelled due to unforeseen staff absence caused by the volcanic activity in Iceland. Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
NEW DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Lesley Humphreys has been appointed as Director of Development, taking up her new role in June. She will lead the Development team in a focused effort to reinvigorate fundraising - an effort that is vital to enabling Christ’s Hospital to remain true to its mission of providing an outstanding education to disadvantaged children regardless of their means.
Lesley is currently Marketing & Development Director at Millfield, the largest co-educational boarding school in the UK where, among her many accomplishments she built the school’s development programme.
60+ Years On reunion photos published
60+ Years On
We were so pleased to welcome so many Old Blues, and would like to thank everyone who joined us for making such a great day!
Here's a selection of feedback we've received from the day...
“A heart-warming, interesting, and well organised day on Wednesday last. I could not fail to be impressed by what the Headmaster told us. Looking back to 1941-8 the facilities and attitudes have changed so much for the better, yet through life I realised what a good start I was given even back then. With the world now so much more complex and demanding I imagine that these improvements are not luxuries, they are vitally needed. Thanks again to all involved for a truly memorable day.”
“Thank you and all involved in the organisation of what I, and I am sure all my fellow ancient Old Blues, thought was a fantastic day yesterday. I was greatly impressed at the pupils themselves, who are adapting to the many changes of modern life, without departing from the ancient traditions and ethos of Housey. I am very proud, and consider myself extremely lucky to be an Old Blue.”
“A big thank you to all who were involved in organising and hosting the 60+ Reunion for us Veteran (and Vintage?) OBs. After the wonderful Chapel Service and splendid Band Parade, a tasty lunch and non stop talking with, or listening to, the reminiscences of contemporaries and an exhausting day of travel (2 hours each way) I returned home exhausted but very glad to have been able to attend the event.”
“Many thanks indeed for all your work in organising such a splendid day yesterday. It made an occasion which will be remembered for a very long time”
Photos
We've uploaded a selection of photos from the day. If you more which you'd like to share, please do send them on the CHOBA Office.
Link to photos:- Photo Gallery
USA Friends of Christ's Hospital - info
Friends of Christ's Hospital was incorporated in July 2001 by US Old Blues. The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, operated entirely by volunteers, and receives the bulk of its funds from alumni donations. The majority of its donations are made in response to grant requests from the Christ's Hospital Foundation.
A number of newsletters, financial summary, annual report and a letter from the FCH Board have been published on in the
Friends of Christ's Hospital Section page
10 Years On Reunion Further Details Published
Further details of the 10 Years On Reunion (combined with Old Blues Day) on Saturday 24th of April are now available on a dedicated page in the Events section.
A chance to see top rugby talent in action! - Sunday 7th March 2010
Following the great success of the 2009 Sussex Open Sevens, another top event will be on Sunday, 7th March 2010 in the picturesque grounds of Christ’s Hospital.
Boys from 32 of the top rugby playing schools in the country will compete at this year’s Sussex Open Sevens, with 16 girls’ teams also joining the competition. Now a regular and top event in the country, this launches the Sevens Festival Week which includes the U-13 and U-15 Tournament for boys at Christ’s Hospital.
Further details can be found on the Christ's Hospital website http://www.christs-hospital.org.uk in the latest school news section
A leaflet with further details is here:- in Adobe Acrobat pdf format (5meg)
Old 4's Newsletter - Feb 10
The latest Old 4s newsletter is available to view in the Sections pages of the website.
Link to the Old 4s section page
OB Golfing Society 2010 - Newsletter & Form
Old Blues Golfing Society have published their latest Newsletter, giving details of their events for 2010, including Spring Meeting (Mon 29th March), Masters' matches (Wed 13th April and Tue 31st Aug) and Autumn Meeting (Tue 14th September)
Further details, along with an entry form for events, can be found in the
Golfing Society Section page
Requiem In Blue CD available to Buy
Requiem in Blue is an amazing amalgam of classical, jazz, blues and folk styles that combine to give voice to an outpouring of deep emotion. This recording is a professional, studio production of the piece first performed by Christ's Hospital to rave reviews at the Barbican concert in 2003 to mark the 450th anniversary. The performers include Schola Cantorum, jazz and classical vocalists, senior members of the Junior Girls' Choir and some fine jazz instrumentalists as well as Harvey Brough himself on guitar.
The cost of this CD is £6 including UK p&p. (contact the office for overseas prices)
Buy your copy in the CHOBA Shop
60+ Years On Reunion - REGISTER online
60+ Years-On Reunion (Leavers of 1950 or before) Wed 24th Mar 2010
Due to an unprecedented demand we have no further spaces available for this event.
More details can be found on the dedicated event page
(Online booking is now closed for this event)
Old Blues Day 2010 - REGISTER online
Old Blues, their guests and all CHOBA members are always welcome visitors at Christ’s Hospital, and we're delighted to invite you back this year on Saturday 24th April 2010!
Further details, including an outline programme of events, can be found on the
Old Blues Day 2010 page.
REGISTER
Please note that you MUST pre-register before the day to let us know you’re coming for security reasons regarding the school, and also because numbers for some activities are limited, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will also require numbers on any free activities to assess the viability of running events.
You can register ONLINE quickly and easily (and help reduce our administration costs) via the CHOBA Online Shop.
Alternatively, you can download an order form [1.4Mb] 
and return it to the CHOBA Office.
For any further enquiries regarding Old Blues’ Day, please contact the CHOBA Office.
The Blue 2008/2009 - ORDER NOW!
The Blue annual School magazine is still available to order from the online shop.
Further stock is now available - while stocks last.
The Blue is the annual School magazine, reflecting the year 2008/2009. Once again this high quality publication is available to purchase, the articles cover a whole range of activities including Sport, Music, Drama, Creative Writing and Art, it also includes a CD of the best of CH music.
The price is £10.00 inc. UK p&p - contact the office for international orders.
Order your copy online in the CHOBA Shop
2010 Christ's Hospital Reunion Programme Dates
The CHOBA is delighted to announce the 2010 programme of events being held at CH.
We are welcoming back Old Blues on their 10,20,30,40,50 and 60+ year anniversaries to re-visit the site and see how it has changed and meet up with their peers and teaching staff, including the Head Master and Clerk. These events include lunch in Court Room, visits to Boarding Houses and school departments, which proved a great success at last years' reunions.
We also have Old Blues Day, open to all Old Blues and their families, planned for April 24th 2010.
To access these dates visit the events page.
Any queries concerning these events, please contact the CHOBA Administrator
New range of merchandise for 2010
A new range of CH merchandise for 2010 is now available, and can be ordered online via the CHOBA Shop.
Our new stock includes:-
- CH silk single crested tie
- a new range of cufflinks
- hooded sweatshirt
- polo shirt
- fleece jacket
- rugby shirt
To order please visit our Online shop or contact the CHOBA Administrator.
CH Experiences - share yours to help CH
In our quest to raise awareness of Christ’s Hospital’s ethos to help us raise funds and communicate its valuable purpose to wide audiences, we are frequently asked for real-life examples of how CH has transformed lives. It would be enormously helpful to have at our fingertips, some Case Studies based on your experiences, that we can use to demonstrate this point and which you would be happy for us to use, either in conversation or in printed form.
If you are interested in helping us in this way, follow the link for more details, including some examples and a template to complete:-
www.chassociation.org/chexperience
East Sussex CHOBA Section has new lunch venue
Following the unexpected closure of the previous pub used for East Sussex section lunches, they have now found the ideal alternative venue at The Cock Inn near Lewes and have booked for the first Wednesday of every month throughout 2010.
The Cock Inn is situated just beside the A26 between Lewes and Uckfield and their address is: Uckfield Road, Nr Ringmer, East Sussex. BN8 5RX and their website link is: www.cockpub.co.uk.
Further details can be found in the East Sussex Section page
Read more in the News Archive....
Link to the CHA News feed. Or view the CHA News on your mobile phone - http://www.chassociation.org/mobile