The ASPA committee is composed of current parents/guardians, up to two staff representatives and, if they wish, representatives of other parent societies e.g. Music Society. The Head, Registrar and Development Director are ex officio members. The committee meets twice a term. A sub-committee organising a specific event may arrange additional meetings.
The current ASPA Committee is keen to welcome new members, particularly parents/guardians from those year groups currently under represented. Potential members are most welcome to attend a committee meeting and meet everyone before committing themselves. If you are interested in joining please contact Wendy Lambe, Vice Chair at aspa@abingdon.org.uk.
We appreciate there are people who prefer not to commit to joining a committee but are very willing to volunteer their help at specific events. Please contact ASPA if you can offer to help.
ASPA Committee as at March 2012
Margot Scholey – Chair of ASPA. Son – Adam (School House) in 5th Year. I work as a Freelance Translator (German and French), which I find really interesting and enjoy. The work is very flexible so it allows me to pop out during the day to walk our lovely golden retriever, to have coffee and lunch with friends and to do some exercise classes to burn off these lunches!!! At weekends I like to watch Adam playing sport and spend time as a family.
Nicki Peirce – ASPA Secretary. My son is James (Webbs) in 5th Year. I work part time in the Finance Department of a Local Authority. Outside school I enjoy going to the gym, walking in the Lake District and gardening.
Wendy Lambe – ASPA Vice Chair. My son is Henry (O'Doherty') in 5th Year. I receive all the aspa@abingdon.org.uk emails and answer any queries or forward to another committee member who can help. In addition to ASPA I am on the Committee for my son’s Rugby Club.
Mel Seares – Treasurer and 4th Year Committee Rep. My son is Ben (Christodoulou’s). I work in childcare with primary and pre-school aged children. I enjoy travelling whenever possible, and many sports, particularly running.
Pippa Bassett – 3rd Year Committee Rep. My son is Joe – Lower School. As a relatively new member to ASPA I am learning the ropes and enjoying getting more integrated into the ‘abingdon family’. I am a full time physiotherapist working in my practice based on Milton Park and have strong links with the phys-ed dept here at Abingdon School. I am also involved with the Touchliners committee at the school.
Neil Leah – L6th Committee Rep. My son is Nicholas Leah (Davies’ House) - I work in the toy and baby product business supplying the major high street retailers in the UK and Europe. In addition to ASPA my hobbies are squash, tennis, golf and skiing.
Peter Garratt – L6th Year Committee Rep. Son - Christopher (Franklins House). I work in IT and spend half my working life in Spain which is by no means as exciting as it sounds! In addition to ASPA I'm also a member of Touchliners and actively involved in the management of Wantage Concords Football Club.
Marilyn Moore – responsible for the Second-hand Uniform Shop. Son Peter L6th Year (O'Doherty's). My other two sons, Harry and Richard, have also been right through the school from Abingdon Prep and are now at university. I am a Radiographer and I sing and act in my spare time, both with Oxford and Abingdon Operatic Societies. Embroidery is my one relaxation.
Tigist Chadder – 5th Year Committee Rep - son David Chadder (O'Doherty’s). I am a busy wife and mum who enjoys travelling, walking, reading and some sports. Hope to eventually get back to cross country running.
Kathy Hampden – 3rd Year Committee Rep. My son, Louis (Webb’s House) joined in 2011. I work part-time as an independent management consultant and professional coach which I love. Being self-employed offers lots of flexibility and provides plenty of time for family, leisure and community pursuits. In addition to my ASPA role, I am Club Secretary at Cumnor Cricket Club.
Kerensa Sheen – Lower School Committee Rep. Son Harry Butler is in 1st Year. I have just launched an online retail business which is keeping me very busy however I am really enjoying working on the committee as it has been a great way to get to know the school and the other 1st Year parents.
Karin Claassen – Lower School Committee Rep. My son is Peter in 1st Year. In my past I have been an electronic engineer in the Telecoms sector. But the boys keep me too busy and I am mostly at home in the kitchen from where I run a small baking business, cakes are my passion and I love all the things you can do with them. We are currently in Wiltshire, but hope to be moving closer to Abingdon soon.
Ian Fishpool – School Rep. I joined Abingdon staff in 1986 and I am currently Head of Geography. I was a Day-boy housemaster for ten years and have held a variety of other positions within the school. I also currently serve on the Old Abingdonian Committee. Married to Jenny Fishpool who teaches Classics at the school and all our three sons attend or have attended the school.
Niki O'Shea - 5th Year Committee Rep. My son Tom Padfield is in Webb's. I work in the Academic Registry Dept at Cranfield University in Shrivenham. In my spare time I enjoy running, zumba classes and cooking.
Faith Truran – 1st Year Tutor Group Rep. Parent to Joseph (2nd Yr) and Peter (L6th Yr Crescent House). Retired dental surgeon, now full time housewife and mother.