Abingdonian 2017

85 www.abingdon.org.uk House Reports came in the Michaelmas Term, when, against many people’s better judgement, the blue-shirt-wearing men from Austin House completed the most exciting and memorable victory in the U18 rugby. Whilst Oliver Gray’s try was clearly a champagne moment of the tournament, this wonderful squad of great young men deserve all the plaudits – Will Sutcliffe, Vil Kiraikou, Edward Adamson, Tom Haynes, Alexander Moss, William Pearson, Harry Fishpool, Oliver Gray and Toby Collins were simply colossal on the day. Austin House continues to thrive on a real spirit of participation and the boys continue to show a wonderful attitude towards representing the house, for which I remain very thankful. Special mention must also go to Henry Waterson, Oliver Gray and Vil Kiraikou, who took on Head of House roles this year with great passion and expertise. They were excellent role models and wonderful ambassadors for the house. The ‘Friday 4 Talks’ remain ever popular and my thanks go to Patrick McCubbin for all of the work he put in to making these the success that they were again this year. The end of the academic year saw a number of staff changes. Mr Edgar moves to The City of London School and Mr McDonnell moves to School House as a fourth year tutor – I am extremely grateful for all that they contributed this past year. A special mention must go to Mr Aitken, who retires this year. He has been an amazing friend and tutor to both staff and boys in the house, and he will be greatly missed (although I am sure he will return for a morning coffee or two!). However, we are very lucky to welcome new staff members to the House. Mr Pygott becomes Assistant Boarding Housemaster and third year tutor, where he will be joined by the ever-enthusiastic Mr Deasy, whilst Miss Fraile takes over as a fourth year and boarding tutor. Next year, we embark upon new challenges and adventures, one of which is the first ever house ski trip to Sexten in Italy, which promises to be an amazing experience for many in the house and will hopefully set a precedent for the years to come… We wish our leavers of 2017 all the very best for their very bright futures whilst looking forward to celebrating the success of the current Austin House boys over the course of the next year. James Golding