BEDFORD SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Bedford School Association With the sad loss of Richard Garrett just before Christmas last year, this year has been a challenging one for the Bedford School Association (BSA), and in particular the staff of the BSA. Richard was very much the driving force behind the Association but the contribution of the BSA staff cannot be underestimated and I would like to pay particular tribute to them and thank them Simon Briggs for their hard work in very difficult circumstances. As many will know, we have been very fortunate to secure the services of Hugh Maltby (73-83) who was also my predecessor as Chairman of the BSA and is very familiar with its aims, ethos and constituent bodies. As such, we look forward to a new chapter in the evolution of the BSA. As I have highlighted in prior editions of the Ousel, it is how you are greeted when you visit the School, whether as an OB, a parent of a boy in the Prep School or the Upper School, a past parent or founder or benefactor that says so much about this place. The community that the School creates and maintains is one of its key qualities and you will get a flavour of all the work, activities and events that have taken place in the following pages. Many people volunteer their time, whether in organising events or reunions, participating in committees or running the nearly new shop and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of them for their hard work. The welcoming nature of the School community is a testament to this and I hope, whatever your link with the School, that you will join us and experience this for yourself. Simon Briggs (77-82) Chairman, BSA Committee
Richard Banks
participating at the OB Careers Fair in March who were able to offer work experience, internships and mentoring. The next Careers Fair will be held in the Great Hall on Wednesday 4th March 2020. We encourage all those who can inspire, give advice, or act as a mentor in their chosen line of work to please contact Gina Worboys at gworboys@bedfordschool.org.uk. In August a group of past parents completed the Prudential Ride 100 in and around central London and out into the Surrey hills. We are now looking at expanding this into a Bedford School Cycling Club with a couple of mixed distance rides early next year. We are also keen to hear from anyone with other possible ideas or events for the group. We endeavour to keep everyone in contact with forthcoming events with termly bulletins, however, if you would like any further information about the Past Parents’ Association, please email Bev Marshall at bmarshall@bedfordschool.org.uk. If you are a past parent and would like to receive e-bulletins and invitations to events, just fill in the short form on our website: bit.ly/OBParent Richard Banks Chairman, Past Parents’ Association
Parents Guild
Past Parents’ Association
The final piece of the jigsaw is how we always describe the Past Parents’ Association. The School is extremely keen to keep all past parents engaged and fully involved to whatever level they wish when their boys leave the School. There are always a number of past parents attending concerts, rugby matches and events at The Quarry Theatre so these are often a great opportunity to catch up and keep in touch. In today’s competitive world, not only is the OB network important but past parent contacts are a great addition. As always, we had a good turnout with many past parents 166
THE OUSEL 2018-2019
Emma O’Dell
Building a community starts with people offering to give up their time to help others and that’s just what the Parents’ Guild have done and will continue to do. Looking back across the year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Guild for their continued hard work and for giving up their time to ensure that our School has a Guild to be proud of.