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COMMUNITY 19
OBA News
Susan Day, OBA Administrator
The Old Bancroftians’ Association continues
in its aims to maintain links between its
members, the School and the Bancroft’s
Foundation. Over the last few months we
have run a series of very successful events.
Old Bancroftians’ Golfing Society
Fifteen OBs, Bancroft’s parents and pupils played
our third and final 9-hole competition held at
Wanstead Golf Club in August. The winners were
Malcolm Fleet, HiteshMody and Lucy Fox.
Instead of the usual trip through the Eurotunnel
to Northern France, eight OBs and guests
ventured along the A12 and A14 to play at
Felixstowe Ferry, Thorpeness and Ufford Park
in Suffolk for our Annual Meeting. We stayed
and dined at Ufford Park, consuming adequate
amounts of beverages! We experienced windy
conditions on the first day at Felixstowe Ferry
with the President’s team beating the Captain’s
team. On the second day at Thorpeness, Adam
Kodish won the Woodford Bowl and Tony
Burgess won the guest prize. John Seabrook,
Paul Clarke and Lionel Smith were the third day
winners at Ufford Park.
Unfortunately we weren’t able to field
our strongest team for the Essex Scratch
Foursomes held at Thorndon Park and, as a
result, finished last.
Old Bancroftians’ Day Sunday 1 July
We were very fortunate to have a glorious
sunny Sunday on the 1 July when the School
opened its doors to welcome many Old
Bancroftians and their families from both the
UK and overseas. Traditional reunion groups
for the 40/50/60 and 70 years+ came together
to enjoy the Founders’ Fizz in the Quad
followed by the Chapel Service and unveiling
of a memorial plaque for former head Dr Peter
Scott (1996-2007). After the wreath laying
ceremony at the War Memorial, over two
hundred guests were treated to a superb lunch
prepared by our talented Bancroft’s catering
team in the Great Hall whilst the “40 Years
On” group chose to have a picnic on the field
enjoying the afternoon cricket and the bar!
Throughout the day, over four hundred OBs
and their families were able to: have guided
tours of the school by our L6 pupils; play crazy
golf on the Quad; cool down in the swimming
pool; watch the OBs vs School netball and
cricket and a mini football tournament , as well
as feast on afternoon teas in the Dining Hall.
The Prep School had a very special afternoon
event in the Prep Hall, celebrating the life of its
founding Head Tony Duncan (1989-1999) and
a plaque dedication. The afternoon brought
together many former pupils, staff and their
families to share their fond memories.
Leavers’ Evening 2018
On the evening of 16 May the School held
an informal drinks evening in the Quad for
the U6 leavers of 2018 and their parents/
guardians. The evening was a great success
and very well attended. The Head Simon
Marshall encouraged all pupils to remain in
touch with the Old Bancroftians’ Association
and to join
bancroftsconnect.orga new
engagement platform.
From the Parents’ Association
Sally Fisher, PA Secretary
We hope you’re all settled into
the new school year and that
your children are fully embracing
everything that Bancroft’s has to
offer. In addition to the outstanding
education they receive, Mr Marshall
is also keen to promote the
community aspect of the School
and encourage you to be involved in
as many of the fun, social, extra-
curricular events that are on offer,
many of which the PA organise.
Right now, we’re very busy planning the
festive calendar of events, as those Christmas
holidays will soon be upon us. This period
is always one of our favourite seasons as we
organise a number of warming, very popular
events, including the magical Christmas
Fayre which is being held in the Prep School
on Saturday 1 December. The Prep children
love this event as they enter into the spirit
of Christmas, meeting Santa, craft making,
winning prizes and playing lots of festive
games. Do join us in the Prep School if you
can - there’s always lots of delicious food
and hot drinks to keep you warm, whilst the
children enjoy the stalls.
We’re extremely excited to announce
that we’re planning a new addition to the
calendar this academic year, with a spring-
themed event, which is sure to involve
dancing and glamour. The exact details are
in planning phase but do keep an eye on
your emails and Facebook in the New Year.
Since we last wrote, the PA has raised
almost £10,000 in profit, with most of
it raised at our record-breaking, all-new
Summer Ball, held in June. All funds are
raised to enhance and complement our
children’s experiences at Bancroft’s School
and it’s your generosity at these events,
which help us to achieve this. Thank you
for your continued support.
We’re always looking for new members –
so do get in touch if you’re interested in
helping your School’s Parents’ Association
or being on the Committee to help plan
and organise the events. The PA Officers
include: Chair Person (Simmi Tohani); Vice-
Chair (Mina Patel); Treasurer (Samia Dar)
and myself (Sally Fisher).
Thank you for your continued support and
we look forward to seeing you at some
forthcoming PA events.
The PA is represented on Facebook and
Twitter so please “Like” and “Follow” us, so
you can stay up to date with our events.