Versa: Issue Eleven

10
OA Events
11
OA NETBALL AND
AFTERNOON TEA
After a week of heavy rain, the sun came out in time
for the annual OA netball match against this year’s
first VII team on Saturday 10 September, at the
Woollams Playing Fields.
After a minute’s silence in memory of the late Queen, play
began. The first VII quickly pulled into the lead. Despite
being a relatively new team, they demonstrated strong
cohesion and communication and were leading until the
end of the third quarter. However, the OAs fought back and
in a tight last quarter scored three goals in quick succession,
leading to a 20-18 win for the OA team. After the match, OAs
caught up over afternoon tea, sharing stories and experiences
of their time at St Albans with the current pupils.
OA Captain, Louisa Kumar (OA 2019), said: "After three years
of not being able to play alumni matches due to COVID, it
felt great to be back at Woollams. For the other alumni players
and I, catching up with our teachers and each other was a
delight, hearing about everyone’s progress and achievements.
The match itself was very close, with the alumni girls only just
taking the win in the final quarter. The current girls played
admirably and I’m sure Ms Sandell is excited for the promise
that the team has for the upcoming season."
Vicky Sandell, Head of Girls’ Games said: “It was fantastic
to have this event back up and running after the disruption
COVID caused. The OA team consisted of the strongest
group of players I have had at the School to date, previous
winners of the District League and an overall talented group
of sportswomen. It was a pleasure to see them play together
again, and with the cohesion and skill they always possessed
which made them such a success. The new St Albans side
demonstrated their ability, which proved to be promising for
the season ahead. It always amazes me how quickly a new
side begins to gel and start working as a team.”
OAs from 1956 through to 2019 were treated to ‘Fish
& Chips’ at this year’s OA Dinner. Held on Friday 23
September 2022, the evening began with Sixth Form
pupils touring OAs around the School, taking in newer sites
like the Corfield Building, as well as the familiar buildings on
Middle Yard. Guests then enjoyed a drinks reception in the
library, with a welcome from Headmaster Jonathan Gillespie,
before leaving for the refectory.
Seated in year groups, there was a wonderful and buzzing
OA DINNER
atmosphere over the fish and chips meal, which was followed
by the perennial school favourite of sticky toffee pudding.
Towards the end of the evening OA President Mike Hodge
(OA 1965) gave his speech and handed the Headmaster a
peppercorn, paying the OAs’ annual rent for the use
of Woollams. In legal terms, a peppercorn can represent
small cash payments, which is used to satisfy the
requirements for a legal contract – so the action is more
than simply a gesture!
LEAVERS’ BBQ
FOUNDERS’
DAY
It was wonderful to return to a full, in-person
Founders’ Day on Saturday 2 July, celebrated
in St Albans Cathedral.
Following the service, OAs, former staff members,
and former and current parents decamped to
Woollams Playing Fields to enjoy the Old Albanian
Summer Social. Over 40 OAs attended, enjoying a
BBQ and watching the various sports being played
by current pupils.
LONDON
DRINKS
Many thanks to all who attended the annual
OA London Drinks Party on Wednesday 25
May at The Caledonian Club.
Around 70 OAs of varying ages and working across many
different sectors joined us for canapés and drinks. The
bustling Morrison Room was a great opportunity to catch
up with friends, former teachers and network with other
OAs working within their industry.
As always, it was a pleasure to see OAs from so many year
groups; we encourage all OAs to stay connected and up to
date on news and events via the OA Connect website.
After having their Christmas reunion drinks cancelled due to COVID, it
was fantastic to see so many OAs from the Class of 2021 return for their
Leavers’ BBQ in August – catching up with fellow classmates and teachers
from their time at School.