Aysgarth School

Having taken on the role of Chairman of The Old Aysgarthian Association half way through 2007, I would like to thank John Highley for his great contribution to the OAA as both Chairman and Treasurer over the last eight years. His enthusiasm for all the surrounds the Association has been exemplary.

Over the past eighteen months we have had various events which have been well attended. Last year we had an extremely successful clay pigeon shoot, courtesy of Adrian and Bridget Thornton-Berry, and 19 teams entered. The day raised approximately £1000 and this was donated to the Gamekeepers Welfare Association who had helped organise the day. It is hoped that the OAA will stage a similar event in 2009. In October, the President kindly hosted a drinks party at Cliffe Hall and many thanks to Richard and Caroline Wilson for their kind hospitality.

I am pleased to report that the OAA has given the school some new blazers for the 1st XI cricket team and the choir to wear at sporting and musical events. The boys look extremely smart in them and they will replace the old blazers which have become rather shabby having been in use for so many years.

This year marks the launch of the Aysgarth Foundation. As you will have heard, the Foundation aims to raise money to fund Bursaries to the school and will fund development projects at Aysgarth. If you want any further information or to talk in more detail about this please do not hesitate to email me at nicholas.wilson@brewin.co.uk. I hope that as many Old Aysgarthians as possible can contribute in some way to the foundation which will ensure that Aysgarth remains at the cutting edge of prep school education in years to come.

Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Hugo Vaux who has taken on the role of Honorary Treasurer for the Association, and also Philip Holt who has agreed to be our Honorary Auditor. A huge thanks must once again be given to Eileen Harrison-Topham for all her continued hard work in running the OAA. Please keep Eileen informed of any changes to your circumstances.

We will endeavour to keep you up to date with any future events which I hope you can come along to, and do please keep in touch.

With very best wishes,

Nicko Wilson

September 2008