Author: dean

The Development Office was delighted to welcome Trevor and Janet Kidd to Sedbergh School. Trevor and Janet had come to Sedbergh in honour of Heather Hardy, and her father John Bannister Buckle (H 1913-1917).

Heather passed away in 2020 but was a great supporter of the School. In 2012, Heather visited Sedbergh in celebration of her father and to take part in the unveiling of his plaque and the planting of a tree in the Avenue of Remembrance.

Heather

John Buckle’s family were in the textiles trade and owned a firm of finishers and dyers, called Buckle Crossley and Co Ltd. Trevor and Janet, close friends of Heather’s for many years, were able to give us some insight into John Buckle.

John had an entrepreneurial mind and travelled the world in search of the latest processing techniques and machinery. As such, when world trade opened up after World War II, John was in a position to expand his business when so many others in the UK textiles industry found themselves unable to compete.

As for Heather, she greatly valued Sedbergh and when she passed in 2020 she left a very significant sum to the School for the future education of others. It is important that we remember her, this quietly determined, graceful lady, for what she has done in helping the School, and indeed the individual lives that benefit from it. We are thankful to Trevor and Janet for giving their insight as to how we might do this.

Before they left, and in thanks for all they did in supporting Heather over the years, Trevor and Janet were made Friends of Sedbergh School. Thank you to you both. You will always be welcome back at Sedbergh.

Jan van der Velde

Development Director

Following the announcement of the new motto ‘Never shall you strive in vain’ David Sharples (E 75-78 ), who is part of a family dynasty who attended Sedbergh School over the years, contacted us to say that his mother, Sheila Sharples (nee Robinson), would have approved.

Sheila sadly passed away in February but as David explains:

My family were brought up in Sedbergh, unfortunately most of the family are in Sedbergh cemetery. My beloved mother being the latest. Her and her three brothers as well as ‘Great Great’, Great, and my grandparents as well. They were all born in Sedbergh and that is why I went to the School. My Great Uncles also attended. My mother died on the 16/2/2024 at the age of 91. What I thought was unbelievable was that the day before she died she was singing The Long Run to a friend of hers in the residential home. Her friend’s brother and nephew also attended the School. How appropriate for me to receive your email about changing the School motto. I just wanted to let you know about the coincidence. My dear Mother I know would wholeheartedly approve of what you are doing.

By the way, my grandmother owned the shop opposite Evans House which is now a hairdressers. It was a grocers and confectioners up until 1975 from about 1940 and used to supply all the houses. Obviously before large wholesalers were about. My grandmother‘s family were builders by trade and our ancestors built parts of the School including Powell Hall.

David, thank you for sharing this story about Sheila and we look forward to meeting you in July. I feel I need to brush up on my knowledge of School songs!

Jan van der Velde

Development Director

In his article before Christmas the Headmaster, Mr Dan Harrison, highlighted that as we come to celebrate 500 years of Sedbergh, we must ensure that the School retains Sedbergh’s distinctiveness while embracing its 21st century diversity and breadth. One area to reflect upon is the School motto, Dura Virum Nutrix, and the Headmaster invited comments during a consultation phase, which included OS, parents, staff, and other stakeholders. The Headmaster’s letter is reproduced below.

As a result of the consultation phase Dan Harrison has received a number of comments. Dan would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to express their views and for which he is most grateful. 

The process is ongoing.  Given the understandable sensitivity of this issue, while also preparing the School for the centuries ahead, Dan wants to make sure all views have been considered before bringing this matter to a conclusion.

One point to note, as there seems to be a misconception, Dura Virum Nutrix was the third functional motto for the School. The first motto did not appear until 1875.

The OS Club

Headmaster’s letter December 2023

With Sedbergh’s 500th anniversary only one year away, you will be aware that ambitious plans are in place to mark and celebrate this very special event. As we commemorate 500 years and look forward to Sedbergh’s future, our School motto is one of the aspects on which we must reflect at this significant moment in our history. The current motto, Dura virum nutrix, the stern nurse of men from Homer’s Odyssey, speaks to the resilience, endeavour and rugged kindliness for which Sedbergh has always been known, but as we move towards our quincentenary, it is important that we have a motto that retains Sedbergh’s distinctiveness while embracing its twenty-first century diversity and breadth. It must be a motto which is authentically Sedberghian, one which is relevant and familiar to our whole School community, past and present, and which not only captures what it means to be a Sedberghian, but also serves as a maxim to live by: a reminder of Sedbergh’s spirit and values which can travel with every Sedberghian on their pathway through life. As we work towards our motto for the next 500 years, we welcome the thoughts and suggestions of Old Sedberghians for what this might be, and would encourage you to share your ideas.   

Please forward any comments to Helen Seabridge (hfs@sedberghschool.org) who will collate them and submit them to the Headmaster.

As part of Sedbergh School’s 500th Anniversary celebrations, we are looking for 50 OS, parents and friends of the School to join us in running the iconic London Marathon on Sunday 27th April 2025.

The demand for places in the London Marathon is higher than ever, with a record-breaking 840,000 applications for the ballot. If you missed out on applying or were unsuccessful in the ballot, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

We’re currently in talks with a major charity to secure 50 exclusive places in the 2025 London Marathon. By joining Team Sedbergh, you’ll not only be part of a historic celebration but also making a difference by fundraising for a worthy cause.

Interested in taking part? Get in touch with Ben Collins at the OS Club today to secure your place!

And that’s not all! We’ll be hosting an incredible after-party to celebrate your achievement after completing the run. It’s set to be an unforgettable experience!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something special. Lace up your running shoes and join us for an unforgettable journey at the London Marathon 2025!

A few weeks ago we had the great privilege and pleasure of interviewing Admiral Sir Jock Slater at his home in Hampshire. During his career Sir Jock was First Sea Lord, Chief of the Naval Staff and Equerry to Queen Elizabeth II.

During the interview with Sir Jock we explored the highlights and challenges of his career as well as his advice to young Sedberghians embarking on the first rungs of professional life. One of the areas that Sir Jock discussed in detail was his advice for how to get the best out of people under his command. This included:

During the interview Sir Jock spoke about his time at Sedbergh and how this prepared him for the military, his extensive career in the navy, and his time as Equerry to the Queen, as well as offering career advice to current pupils.

Please see the interview here: Interview with Admiral Sir Jock Slater (youtube.com)

Throughout his life Sir Jock has compiled an extensive archival collection of albums cataloguing his life from his childhood in Scotland and education at Sedbergh to his military career. The albums include photos, correspondence and unique documents relating to world leaders, royalty and global events. Sir Jock had arranged for these to be brought out of their usual secure location for the School Archivist, Katy de la Riviere, and myself to view. It was a tremendous honour to be given access to this unique and historic collection. A quite unforgettable day.

Sir Jock and Annie, thank you to you both for your incredible hospitality and making us feel so welcome.

Jan van der Velde

Director of Development

As many of you will know, on 3rd February 2025 there will be a concert in the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester to celebrate Sedbergh’s 500th Anniversary. As part of that concert, Iwan Lewis (L 90-95), son of the former conductor Alan Lewis, will be conducting a reunion ensemble of the CCF Band, which ran from 1990-2014. 

We would like to invite all those who were members of the band to play at the event. Even if you haven’t played since you left the school, you are welcome to take part. Instruments can be provided, if required. If you would like to perform at the event, or would like more information, please email Iwan on il@sedberghschool.org.uk or James McLeod (S 05-09) on jamesmcleod_euph@hotmail.co.uk

In a remarkable display of solidarity and commitment, David Hall (P 59-64) James Blackhall (SH 78-83) recently joined the “Driving Ukraine” Aid Convoy, driving across Europe to deliver essential supplies to war-torn Ukraine. The convoy, which included 4×4 vehicles packed to the gunwales, started their  journey from London, making its way through the Netherlands, Germany and  Poland entering Ukraine with a clear mission to aid those most affected by the ongoing conflict.

Upon arrival in Odesa, the team was met by Ukrainian hosts and two additional vehicles were added to their ranks. Meanwhile, two Old Sedberghians, both schooled by a contemporary of David and master of James in the finer arts, Nigel Horsfall! David commented “we showed inherent culture and spirit of ‘the show goes on’, by going to the Opera House in Odesa, for the ballet ‘La Bayadere’, when missiles were whizzing around us – while our minor public school (Eton and Milton Abbey) number 2 team, were somewhat reticent and did not seem to comprehend the ethos of Dura Virum Nutrix !”

Over the course of a weekend, the vehicles were painted in camouflage, preparing them for their crucial roles. The convoy then proceeded to Dnipro where they delivered vital medical aid including wheel chairs, and medical supplies. The  journey continued to the front lines where they supplied the 79th Mechanised Brigade with not only the much-needed sterile dressings and tourniquets, but also dog food for the service animals and strays affected by the conflict.

Reflecting on the mission, James Blackhall expressed his deep sense of honour and accomplishment: “last month I was very proud to be asked by an old friend and Powellian David Hall, asking if I was available to drive a 4×4 vehicle as part of the ‘Driving Ukraine’  humanitarian aid convoy. I jumped at the chance and committed to the endeavour. I was honoured and grateful to have been asked to join such a worthy cause and delighted that I was able to help, and witness first-hand the Ukrainian spirit defending our freedom in Europe.”

David Hall commented that the Ukrainians’ should be made  honorary Sedberghians, “whilst the parallels of Sedbergh life are not to be compared with the ravages of war, the Ukrainian values, ability to withstand the strains and struggles are all something we can understand” he said. David is currently hosting a young Ukrainian family and it was especially poignant to meet up with the families father who sadly cannot leave the country until the conflict is over.

So far, the “Driving Ukraine” initiative has been a beacon of hope, delivering over 100 vehicles and raising more than £128,000. James and David are eager to extend the invitation to others who might wish to contribute. If anyone would like to help Driving Ukraine any donations via the www.drivingukraine.org website would be appreciated.

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James Blackhall
David Hall
David Hall

I would like to thank all those who have written to the School or commented on social media regarding the change of the Sedbergh School motto. I recognise that for some the old motto will forever be part of who they are. I fully respect this view and very much appreciate the strong emotional ties that Old Sedberghians have to their time at Sedbergh, of which the motto is a defining symbol.

There have of course been many Old Sedberghians and parents who have been kind enough to send me messages of support for the change of motto. However, amongst these respondents there has been a common feeling that although using a lyric from ‘The Long Run’ is a most appropriate choice, the contraction of the lyric to ‘Never strive in vain’ has meant that it has lost, and perhaps even reversed, the meaning of the original line ‘Never shall you strive in vain’.

The opinion of OS, staff, pupils and parents is highly valued at Sedbergh and will always form part of our decision-making process. I am grateful that since the consultation process about Sedbergh’s motto began in December 2023, many have contributed to the discussion. It has been appropriate therefore that we engaged with feedback about the motto as a continuation of this consultation period. I can confirm that following this last stage of discussion the full line of ‘Never shall you strive in vain’ will be adopted from January 2025 as the new School motto.

With best wishes.

Dan

Dan Harrison, MA (Cantab)

Headmaster

There is nothing finer than watching cricket at Sedbergh on a sunny day. It was while Ben Collins and I were sat eating our ‘99’ flakes from ice-cream laden cones, that we were approached by the new Director of Cricket James ‘Jimmy’ Anyon.

The warmth of the sun had put us all in a good mood and Jimmy had been overcome with regret that others in the world weren’t enjoying life to the same degree as us. To be fair Sedbergh doesn’t often recline in summer glory, so we tried to console him as to this fact, and that having shivered like emperor penguins for the best part of the year, we should not be too hard on ourselves.

Jimmy is a caring soul and would have none of it. He felt that, at the very least, we should use modern technology to broadcast the matches such that mankind would be the richer for it. This conversation turned into a polite request for funds.

Impressed by the earnest expression that Jimmy had adopted Ben and I finished our ice creams, wrote ‘bagged’ on our deckchairs, and went off to the office to do some work.

Nothing concentrates the mind like a close cricket match. Within minutes a generous OS came forth and offered all the money for the camera system. This person wishes to remain anonymous but Ben and I take our knotted hankies off to you. You are a gentleman and a noble son of Sedbergh.

As it was, we only missed one over and we had the opportunity to buy another ’99. Another triumph for the A team.

If you would like to enjoy our sunshine, while watching the cricket, you can view on the School Youtube site HERE.

You can also find the Sedbergh School Cricket Boys-U18A fixture list 2023/24 SEDBERGH SCHOOL CRICKET BOYS-U18A FIXTURE LIST 2023/24 – OS Club.

Jan van der Velde

Lupton House 1977-1982Director of Development

Dear Old Sedberghians and Friends of Sedbergh

After sixteen and a half years, firstly as Bursar and then as Chief Operating Officer, Peter Marshall will retire from his role in April 2025.

Peter joined the School in October 2008 from the Royal Bank of Scotland, and has since played a key role in the development and success of the School.  Immediately on joining the staff he oversaw the move of Sedbergh Junior School from Bentham back to the Sedbergh campus, opening in January 2009.

The drive and determination that successfully delivered this project to a high professional standard has been seen in many other projects since, including the Thornely Studio (2012), the merger with Casterton and opening of CSPS (2013), the Carus House dining and social space (2015), the Hirst Centre (2018), creation of the Sixth Form Study Centre in Queen’s Hall (2020) and many more.

Alongside this, Peter has worked closely with the town to improve relationships and develop the economic prospects for Sedbergh.  He helped to catalyse the forming of Sedbergh Hotel Enterprises which went on to open the Black Bull Hotel in 2018.  His tenacity helped develop the relationship with Lancashire County Cricket Club to the point where LCCC now uses Sedbergh’s cricket pitch as an outground, the first of its kind outside Lancashire.

The School’s commercial trading has significantly developed under Peter’s oversight, with SSDL’s short course programme broadening its provision bringing more children to experience the Sedbergh and Casterton campuses.  SSIL was incorporated in 2015, and Peter successfully built a relationship with Rong Qiao to see RQSS opened in Fuzhou, China in 2018.  A second international school opened in Vietnam earlier this year.

All of these developments came from the writing of the School’s first Strategic Plan in 2012, a joint effort of Andrew Fleck, Headmaster, Peter and a group of Governors.  This plan was refreshed in 2019 and is currently being revised for the quincentenary year.

Peter will remain as a Director of Sedbergh School International Limited which will ensure continuity of our strategically important work with our partner schools in Fuzhou, China and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Peter and Mandy will live in Sedbergh and continue to be very much part of the School community to which they have both been wholeheartedly committed over the past sixteen years.

Recruitment of Peter’s successor will begin shortly, and we look forward to celebrating Peter’s service and contribution to the School in spring 2025.

Yours sincerely

Richard Gledhill                                            Dan Harrison

Chairman of Governors                                Headmaster

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