CHA and Christ’s Hospital-related News 
Return visit to the 'Forgotten Blues' exhibition at Hertford Museum
Hertford Old Blues are planning a return visit on Saturday the 2nd of August to the 'Forgotten Blues’ Exhibition at Hertford Museum (Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1DT)
.The 'Forgotten Blues' exhibition tells the story of the school that existed in Hertford for over 300 years. The exhibition illustrates the development of the school, from its early origins in 1552 in London, to the eventual move to the home counties and in particular—to Hertford in the late 17th century—which eventually became the home of the girl’s school.
This return visit is open to ALL former Hertford Old Blues, but there has been a particular drive to attract back former members of Houses 2 and 5. People intend to turn up at the Museum late morning, adjourning in groups to lunch somewhere close by. Those who are staying into the evening will probably meet up again, somewhere like Café Rouge. Please note as this is not a ‘formal’ or 'organised' event, no arrangements have been made for access to the buildings on the school site in Hertford.
Click here to request further details
Old Blues Day 2008 - summary and photos
We were pleased to welcome back over 300 Old Blues to Christ's Hospital last Sunday. We were very lucky with the weather which allowed the tradition of picnics to take place around the campus.
The day started with a welcome from Head Master John Franklin, who gave an update on Christ's Hospital in its current format and his appreciation at seeing so many Old Blues return for Old Blues Day.
As we exited Big School the band struck up with Beating Retreat, which many watched around the Quad.
Dining Hall welcomed over 200 Old Blues for lunch where Old Blues were reacquainted at tables set out by decade and seperately for those that attended Hertford - I'm reliably told by many Old Blues the food was the best yet at Old Blues Day.
After lunch we filed out for the afternoon activities which included visits to the Museum, Art & Technology Dept, Library, Middleton A and Thornton A boarding houses, Theatre and Old Blue Girls and Boys Sporting activites. The afternoon visits down 'The Tube' proved very popular and we had to lay on extra tours.
The day was perfectly ended with a tea accompanied by Grecians and the Special Joint Evensong for School and Old Blues in Chapel.
It was lovely to see so many Old Blues of different ages and backgrounds and many brought their families back to the School for the first time, a selection of views of the day we received back from Old Blues the following morning is below;
"May I add my thanks to you, to those of the Headmaster, for the organistion of Old Blues Day. My children and grandchildren had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and were very, very impressed with the School. Looking back, I cannot believe how lucky I was to have gone to Housey - and I have a long way to look back.
"The Beating Retreat rehearsal and lunch in Dining Hall were both excellent. It was a great treat to be back in the old Dining Hall. The School Museum, CDT and Art School exhibitions were all superb and the trip down the Tube was very interesting. We even managed to pop in to the Theatre to see the drama workshop and it has certainly inspired us to visit again and see some future school productions. The day was rounded off perfectly with the evening Chapel service."
"Can I thank you all for making yesterday a really good and memorable Old Blues Day. Everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the day and I know that for a number of Old Blues, this was the first time for many years that they had been back to Horsham... And it was a very positive experience!" Steve Webb, CHA Chairman.
A photo gallery is now avaliable to view photographs of the day - if you took any further photographs and are happy to let us have digital copies of these, please do send them through to manager@chassociation.org. We would also love to hear of any anecdotes and stories from the day.
View the Old Blues Day 2008 Photo Gallery
Many thanks to all those who attended Old Blues Day and made it such a joyful occasion.
Ann Ward (3s 1948-1954) passes away
Ann Ward (3s 1948-1954)unfortunately passed away on Tuesday 13th May. Her mother, Hazel nee Cathcart, was also in 3s 1922-28 and is now well into her 90s, and has had to move to a residential home since Ann became ill. Ann and her mother were very loyal supporters of CH. The funeral was a private family funeral but donations if desired can be made to Macmillan Nurses - Kent Fundraising Office, Macmillan Cancer Support, 20 Tunbridge Rd, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8RT
The 2008 Christ's Hospital Late Summer Ball - Book your tickets now!
Book your table for the Christs Hospital black tie event of the Summer.
The Christ's Hospital Late Summer Ball will be held on Saturday the 20th Spetember from 7.30pm till late. Tickets are £30.00 or £300 for a table of 10 (with a complimentary bottle of wine), the ticket price includes a sumptuous 4 Course Dinner,Live Music, Dancing and Entertainment in the wonderful surroundings of Christ’s Hospital.
To book your tickets for this event contact Sean Davey at Christ’s Hospital on 01403 247508 or e mail sd@christs-hospital.org.uk. All profits will go to the School Major Sports Tour Fund to give financial assistance to disadvantaged pupils keen to participate on overseas trips.
Old Blues' Day - attendees list - see who's coming!
The latest list of attendees is now available.
See if any of your old school friends are coming, and why not come and join us?
You can still let us know you're coming from the CHA Shop - attendance is free, and we'd love to see you on Sunday 15th!
Richard Ruck - CHA Board Resignation
Richard Ruck has concluded that he has to devote more of his energies to his business and other interests. He has therefore decided to step down from the CHA Board with effect from the 1st April. Our thanks go to Richard for the significant contribution he has made over the last two years and we wish him well in his ventures. Richard will be continuing to support the CHA, particularly its events, when he is able.
The CHA will be seeking a replacement for Richard and details of this are likely to accompany the summer edition of The Old Blue.
Launch of the Christ's Hospital Walking & Countryside Club!
The CHA in association with Nick de Mattos (BaB, LaB 66-73) are delighted to launch the Christ's Hospital Walking and Countryside Club.
The aims of the CHWCC:
To provide an opportunity once a term for busy, city-bound Old Blues to take to the country for a weekend’s walking.
To provide a possible opportunity to start a group donation governorship scheme to enable others to enjoy the advantages of Christ’s Hospital.
Who can join?
Just about anybody, in fact, even though it is aimed specifically at Old Blues in cities. Members would have to be able to walk three or four miles at a stretch.
What about children?
Welcome, but must remain strictly under the control of the parents. This aspect makes the CHWCC the only family-orientated club in the Old Blue network. Again, it must be possible to take the children on a walk of three or four miles at a stretch.
What places will be visited?
Being a ‘countryside’ club means that it is interested in all aspects of the country. However, this doesn’t mean endless museums of farm implements. The emphasis will be on the live countryside – both managed and natural. The club is a young shoot from the grand old stump of the Old Blues’ Agricultural Club, so farms are of particular interest.
What equipment will be needed?
Good walking boots are recommended, but it probably wouldn’t be necessary to equip the entire family!
A basic waterproof coat – a kagool will do.
A small, light backpack.
Who can I bring?
Anyone, provided at least one of you is a paid-up member and that all are capable of walking 3 or 4 miles at a stretch. Whether dogs or not will depend very much on your accommodation.
Where would we be staying?
Depending on numbers, accommodation would either be arranged, or a list sent of local accommodation for you to arrange for yourself.
How much would it cost?
We would ask for an annual subscription of £15 per family to cover administrative costs. If the subscriptions exceed needs, we could either reduce them, or subsidise trips, or add them to a Donation Governorship Fund. The weekends would cost an average of c£50 per person based on:
Travel = £5.00
Accommodation (one night + breakfast) = £20.00
Visit = £7.00
Evening meal on Sat night = £15.00
We are committed to keeping costs as low as possible.
INTERESTED? - email n.demattos@btinternet.com or manager@chassociation.org for more information and to register your interest
Peele B Annual Reunion - 11th September
After 11 years of organising the Peele B annual reunions, Maurice Hall and Peter Bloomfield have handed over the baton to Ken Mansell. This year's get-together will be a buffet lunch at Cafe Rouge, 2 Lancer Square, Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4EH, on Thursday 11 September.
As before, partners will be very welcome. Ken will be writing out in July to seek acceptances and monies - the cost is expected to be in the region of £30-£35.
If you have not already been informed about this and would wish to attend, please get in touch with Ken via Ken.Mansell@btinternet.com or telephone on 0208 6685075.
Speech Day 2008 photo gallery
Photos from Speech Day 2008 at Christ's Hospital are published in the
Speech Day 2008 Photo Gallery
Other event photos can be found in the Gallery Index
2008 Old Blues Day Draft Programme now avaliable
The draft programme for Old Blues' Day 2008 is now avaliable on the
2008 Old Blues Day Page, or view the large version of the programme here
We are delighted to be able to offer a full day's programme including watching Beating Retreat rehearsals, visits down 'The Tube' and a tea with the new Head Master, John Franklin.
As well as these items the Art School, Library, Theatre and Museum will be open to visit.
There are now over 200 Old Blues signed up to attend the event and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to CH. There is still time to book your places to Old Blues Day either directly on the phone (01403 246618) or Book Online
You can also view a larger readable version of the draft program
Summer Old Blue: Content Deadline 30th June
We are currently collecting articles for the Summer edition of the Old Blue. We would like to hear especially from anyone who has been back at Christ's Hospital recently for one of the reunions, or reports on any Old Blue achievements.
The deadline for all content to arrive into the CHA Office (see contacts page for address) is Monday 30th June.
Old Blues Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper just sailed into Sydney harbour on 9th May, having successfully completed their 22,000 mile Pole-to-Pole journey
At just 19, Old Blues Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper became the youngest Brits to set foot on the summit of Mount Everest on May 17th 2006. They have now just sailed into Sydney harbour (9th May) having successfully completed their 22,000 mile Pole to Pole journey.
The objective of their expedition "180 Degrees - Pole to Pole" was to become the first people to travel using only human and natural power from the North to the South Pole. The purpose of the expedition was to experience and relate to others the effects that global warming was having on the planet.
Travelling 22,000 miles using only renewable resources and their own energy, they have experienced temperatures from -50 degrees C to 50 degrees C as they crossed the globe. On the way they could see the recession of the Arctic ice cap happening and the early melt of areas once permanently ice capped.
Rob, 20, and James, who turned 21 during the trip, and the crew of the yacht on which they have sailed the final leg arrived at the Geomagnetic South Pole on Thursday 24th April. (The crew on this final leg also included Charlie Berenger, also an Old Blue). This was the official end point of their journey.
Speaking of their achievements, Head Master of Christ's Hospital, John Franklin said:
"Christ’s Hospital has been very proud of Rob and James's achievements and their initiative to draw attention to such an important issue as climate change. We wish to congratulate them on successfully completing their journey which is yet another phenomenal achievement".
Further photos, and a letter from the guys, are available in the Old Blues Gallery
Details of Rob and James's trip may be found on www.180degrees.co.uk
'20 Years On' Reunion Cancelled
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the '20 Years On' Reunion planned for the 7th June. This is due to a lower than expected take up for the event, and the fact of being only a week before Old Blues Day.
We have been in touch with everyone that has booked onto the event already and are offering a refund or transfer to Old Blues Day.
Please contact the CHA Manager (01403 246618) with any issues relating to this cancellation.
Hertford Girls return to Hertford for the 'Forgotten Blues' Exhibition
60 to 70 Hertford Old Blues attended the 'Forgotten Old Blues' exhibition at Hertford Museum. CHA Board Member and Hertford Old Blue Jane Rennie commented:
"It was great seeing so many people, some who were on your Christmas Card List (!) and some who hadn't been back since they left"
After touring the exhibition which had lots of memorabilia which had never been seen before, a selection of Old Blues went on to Lunch including Jane Cottage (1's), Anna Swan (3's), Lynda Russell-Whittaker (3's), Anna Simmons (nee Tingle 1's), Katy Simmons (now Dr Katy Rice 5's), Jane Rennie (nee Parker 1's) and Valerie King (5's).
A few photographs have been supplied to us, with which we've started a photo gallery - but it would be great to have more photos to add, so please do send your photographs into the CHA Office
This exhibition continues until the 9th August and is a very personal exhibition that centres on the lives of the girls who attended this school and also to their teachers, who had so much involvement in their lives. Visitors will be able to listen to personal memories of pupils and teachers, see amazing photographs of the school and pupils, together with uniform, memorabilia and other miscellaneous items.
The CHA are keen to have more events for the Hertford Old Girls, so please let us know what sort of events and possible locations you would like to meet up and we can organise that it wont be so long until the next formal event!
E-mail suggestions to manager@chassociation.org
Newbury Old Blues Association - Annual Founder's Day Dinner
The Annual Newbury Old Blues Founders Day Dinner is to be held on Friday 3rd October 2008 in Newbury. Exact venue to be confirmed.
Guest speakers will be the new Headmaster, Mr Franklin and a representative from West Berkshire Council (again name to be confirmed). Two senior pupils will also attend and speak about ‘What Christ’s Hospital means to me’.
Should you wish to book please give use the contact details below:
Mrs Mary Davenport, Secretary, Newbury Old Blues Association,1 Acorn Cottages, Ham,Marlborough, Wilts. SN8 3QX
Tel: 01488 668287 Mob: 07786 920690 Email: mary.davenport@cla.org.uk
BUY NOW - Old Blues' Day tickets in the CHA Shop
Tickets for Old Blues' Day, Sunday 15th June, can now be purchased in the
CHA Online Shop. You can book your tickets for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, clay shooting, and the print workshop. Full details of the day can be found on the Old Blues' Day 2008 information page.
(Sorry, rifle shooting is not longer available)
You need to book your tickets by 16th May 2008 so that we can finalise numbers for catering etc.
BOOK NOW
Link to the CHA News feed. Or view the CHA News on your mobile phone - http://www.chassociation.org/mobile
View more news articles in the CHA News Archive.