ALUMNI
Hundreds of OAs have attended reunions this year
80 years since the end of WWII
It has been another busy year of OA engagement, with plenty of opportunities for alumni to connect with each other, the College and current students.
OAs have volunteered their time, shared their knowledge and inspired current students – from judging Take A Risk to delivering organ lessons, OAs really have got involved all over the College.
A particular highlight was the Harris & Argent Science Competition, with two OAs on the judging panel. Dr Holly Prudden (2002) attended Ardingly on a funded place and went on to complete an MSc and PhD in London before working for the World Health Organisation in Geneva. “It was a real pleasure to come and judge, and I was incredibly impressed with the overall standard of work the students produced. There was so much enthusiasm and passion for their subjects and the research they had done.”
Hundreds of OAs have attended reunions at the College this year – our older OAs in September at our Michaelmas Day event, and the Classes of 2016, 2006, 1996 and 1986 at their Milestone Reunions in May.
At both events the atmosphere was joyful as OAs reminisced and reconnected in a place of shared memories. We also hosted 50 or so OAs from the Class of 2021 in London for their five-year reunion. Further afield, gatherings were held in Germany and Hong Kong – the OA community is a global one for sure!
MICHAELMAS DAY
MICHAELMAS DAY
MILESTONE REUNION - 1986
MILESTONE REUNION - 1996
MILESTONE REUNION - 2006
MILESTONE REUNION - 2016
5 YEAR REUNION
ICELAND REUNION
It has also been an action-packed year for OA sport. The Old Ardinians Football Club has enjoyed a fantastic season – they were unbeaten in the Arthurian League at the top of Division 1 with promotion to the Premier Division secured in emphatic style. They also achieved a creditable run to the quarter-finals of the Arthur Dunn Cup – perhaps 2027 will be the year they go all the way!
The Old Ardinians Golf Society encourages OAs of all ages to play golf together on some of the best courses in the South East, including a fantastic day at West Sussex Golf Course against the College. The OAs were victorious this year, but fun was had by all. Joe Downard (2011) commented: “Everyone had a great time and the students were a real credit to the school.”
Last but by no means least, OA cricketers returned to the Green on the longest day of the year – and one of the hottest! – for a spirited match against the College. There was some impressive hitting from both sides (one or two Godwin roof tiles may have been dislodged!) with victory going to the College in the final over.
The oldest OA we’re regularly in touch with is 99 and the youngest members of this thriving community – the Class of 2026 – have just joined this global network. Once an Old Ardinian always an Old Ardinian!
