Old Grovians & Foundation
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The Old Grovian Reunions that are organised over the year are always very well attended and often very lively affairs!
Each December, we hold a Leavers’ reunion for our newest Old Grovians, who are invited to return to school to catch up with friends and chat about their first term away from The Grove. Throughout the year, we host a variety of regional events and lunches and a Golf day and Dinner.
Towards the end of June, we host our annual Old Grovians Summer Reunion and Family Funday.
This reunion has evolved over the years into a much-loved family event where Old Grovians join with staff, current pupils and their families to enjoy a glorious weekend packed with cricket, tennis, children’s entertainment and music. Set in the beautiful grounds of Woodhouse Grove, this is a wonderful celebration to close the Academic Year.
Old Grovian Weekend November 2018
A beautiful autumn day commenced with a well-attended remembrance service in Chapel with our very own ER Howard delivering the address. After light refreshments on the Hastings Long Gallery, a purposeful OGA AGM took place. It was moved to explore integrating the AGM into the Saturday immediately preceding Remembrance Sunday and develop opportunities hopefully involving an occasion to incorporate School sport, OG RUFC, a tour of the School and possible social event that evening. OG Squash, Netball and Rugby would continue to follow the Remembrance Sunday service.
Incoming OGA Chair, Faye Hutchinson, introduced herself and her opening address expounded her belief of following the key principles of the Association and integrating the networking principles successfully established by outgoing Chair Michelle Davison and the Foundation.
On this year’s sports programme, it was pleasing to see the return of squash with the School competing against a host of maestros convened by Dan Nulty (90-97). All the games were played in great spirit with the Old Grovians guiding and supporting their less experienced opponents in a wonderful atmosphere.
In the Netball, an accomplished School team proved too strong for the Old Grovian ladies in a very enjoyable and energetic encounter.
While the Rugby proved to be a game of two halves, with the Chair’s XV making a strong comeback following a half time deficit with a final score of 42 each being a most fitting end to an extremely physical encounter. It was promised that nothing would be said of Chair’s Captain Joe Bedford (00-02) shanking a drop goal conversion attempt to win the game.
All present enjoyed post match hospitality and presentations on the HLG where the highlight was the presentation after many years of the Paul Morris trophy for Squash gratefully received by OG Russell Payne (88-95)
A really enjoyable day with excellent hospitality provided by Catering Manager Franco Caroleo and his excellent WGS Catering team.
Old Grovian, Leavers and Family Fun Day 2018
On a gloriously sunny day, the OGA defeated a spirited Leavers XI in a T20 match watched from the boundary by significant numbers from all generations. Spectators were also able to enjoy a wide range of entertainment and distractions including a variety of live music, scheduled and impromptu, courtesy of the music department, a bouncy castle and inflatable assault course. Sustenance was provided at the BBQ, Ice cream van and Bridge Bar.
All in all a most enjoyable day, rounding off a memorable weekend. The Leavers service during the morning was a most poignant occasion, with stirring music (congregation and especially choral) and an inspirational address from Rev. Peter Whitaker.
At the end of the afternoon, Foundation Director, Roger Howard, presented OGA Cricket Convenor and Captain, Ben Brown, with the Curry Cup for the OGA victory in a high scoring 50 overs match on the preceding Friday v the School 1st XI as well as the T20 Cup for Sunday’s triumph v a Leavers XI.
Friday’s Match WGS 204-7, (Owen Tennant 79, Nicky Bulcock, Josh Wheatley, Tim Dalton took 2 wickets each)
OGA 207-4 (Joel Godfrey 54 no, Nicky Bulcock 49, Josh Wheatley 43)
OGA won by 6 wickets
Sunday T20 OGA 207-6 (Will Hatfield 54 ret, George Marsden 54 ret, Anthony Cadman 31)
Leavers 149-4 (Ali Ahmed 46 no, Joe Green 34, Joel Godfrey 3-25)
OGA won by 58 runs
The following represented the OGA in one or both of the matches:
Ben Brown, Tim Dalton, Josh Wheatley, Patrick Dixon, Abdi Ahmed, Jack Harley, George Styles, Tom Cummins, Joel Godfrey, Anthony Cadman, James Hole, Will Hatfield.
Thanks to Ben Brown for convening both XI’s and for those offering their services to play, especially those travelling significant distances. It is hoped that the OGA will be able to hold a tennis team next summer to play the School. While a convenor is sought, those wishing to play should please contact the Foundation to confirm their availability for selection – 0113 250 2477 or foundation@woodhousegrove.co.uk
Manchester & Cheshire Reunion 2018
On 24th April we held the Manchester & Cheshire 2018 reunion lunch at the Malmaison Hotel in Manchester. The event was well attended by a strong contingent who were leavers from the 50’s and 60’s and talk around the table centred on catching up and recollections and tales from time at School. Our current OGA Chair, Michelle Davison spoke warmly about the importance of the Association and its strength and we look forward to next year’s event.
Golf Day
Friday May 5 saw 10 teams compete at Headingley Golf Club on a bright and sunny day. Bacon sandwiches consumed, the teams headed out onto what is the oldest golf course in Leeds to battle it out. Teams included OG’s, Governors, Parents and Friends of the WGS Foundation, all competing for various prizes it was ultimately the Foundation team who triumphed with a score of 93!
Thanks to all who took part – a really enjoyable day!
The London 2017 Reunion was held at Doggetts Coat & Badge, London.
The November Reunion includes Old Grovian rugby and netball matches.
Please see below a list of our upcoming 2018 Reunions:
Friday 14th December – 2018 Leaver’s Reunion, WGS
Wednesday 23rd – Monday 28th January 2019 – Scottish Reunion at Culcreuch Castle, Fintry
Sunday 30th June 2019 – Summer OGA Reunion at School
Thursday 19th September 2019 – London Reunion, Doggett’s Coat and Badge, Blackfriar’s Bridge TBC
Sunday 10th November 2019– Remembrance Service, OGA AGM and Autumn Reunion