The “OA Day” on Saturday 14 November was a very successful event. Despite the fierce weather conditions, we were pleased to welcome many OAs back to School at various points throughout the afternoon and to a well-attended dinner in the evening.
At the OA Club AGM in the morning our new OA Club President, Gareth Morris, officially took up his new office. Gareth (1974) now begins his two-year term as President, having joined the OA Committee as President Elect in the summer. We are all very much looking forward to working with him and helping to implement some of his fresh ideas for the OA Club!
Throughout the OA Open Afternoon tour groups were guide around the Main School site and the Sports Centre, newly opened in 2008. Various areas of the Sports Centre were open for use by OAs, including the swimming pool and the studio. OAs watched the 1st XV match against the Oratory on Waste Court field from the warmth and comfort of the Sports Centre Hospitality Suite, while inside in the main Sports Hall (also visible from the Hospitality Suite) Abingdon’s badminton team battled it out against Radley.
The afternoon culminated in a fantastic performance by the Abingdon School Big Band. Lately returned from a tour of Tuscany, the boys are truly in top form and gave an outstanding recital of classic jazz tunes. Many thanks to all of the musicians who contributed to the performance and also to Simon Currie, the Big Band Leader!
The 2009 OA Annual Dinner took place in the Hospitality Suite of the Sports Centre with 60 OAs, members of staff (both current and former) and their partners dining in high style in the School‘s newest entertainment venue. With good food, a great atmosphere and a beautifully constructed bar providing drinks after dinner, the evening was a roaring success. We can’t wait for next year!
