Well, here we are already in August, and in mid-September, I step down as OWBA President.

It’s been a full, interesting, exciting, 2 years and the time has flown by (although this could just be part of growing older!). Looking back, I’m proud of what we have achieved so far.

We set ourselves a big task with the overall aim of making the OWBA more accessible, relevant and engaging for all our members, and with the school community at large. I’d like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to the OWBA committee, to everyone who has given their time to help with events and other activities and to the Foundation office for administrative support.

I’d especially like to thank the Executive, and in particular the Vice President, Chris Boulden, and Secretary, David Walker, for all their hard work to ensure that we stayed on track during my periods of ill-health. Our next big event is the September weekend (17-18 September). As always, there are the OWBA matches and the chance to catch up and relax at the OWBA barbecue.

If anyone wants to play for the OWBA hockey, rugby, netball, or shooting teams, let us know via the Contact Us page. The inaugural OWBA Headmaster’s Dinner is on Saturday evening.

Sunday begins with the AGM, and President’s Lunch. At 2.30pm there is a memorial service for Paul Thornhill at East Buckland Church. If you are able to attend, it will be lovely to see you. I am sure it will be a fitting tribute to the great man himself, ‘Mugsy’.

Finally, you may be wondering about the photo above. This lovely image (taken during a Pathfinders camping trip to Wales) was supplied by Sean Beer. I’d love to say that I’m not the creature sticking out her tongue, but I can’t!