News Compendium

The 2024 Old Bordenian Reunion Dinner was held on 20^th April in the 1928 Hall, on a somewhat chilly Saturday evening, and attracted 53 Borden Leavers from the 1950s (who joined in the 1940s), 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. Only the 2020s were not represented (next time !). Two members were sadly unable to attend on the night, for arising medical reasons – we wish them and their families a rapid return to fulsome health.

More than 60 years of Borden history were bridged between the oldest and youngest attendee, and there were well-wishing messages received from all around the world, from Members leaving as far back as 1946.

Here you can read the full text of Alan Snelling's Keynote Speech

at the 2024 OBA Annual Reunion Dinner

Mind your language- the passport to success and to fly 2 million miles around the world.

Alan Snelling – probably the most widely travelled Old Bordenian businessman.

Having recently retired, it is now the best time to look back over a high flying, international career which has its roots firmly in my days at BGS. So let me take you back to the early 1960’s at BGS, then onto the CV , followed by a review of it all. So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s go...

Tom Doucy has notified us of the sad passing of his father, Robert Doucy, who was a pupil at Borden between 1940 and 1947.   We send our heartfelt condolences to Tom and to Robert's entire family and friends.

We invite Old Bordenians who remember Robert to send their tributes and memories to Obituaries@OldBordenians.com

We have received a letter from the School, appealing for your  help.   The School is holding a Careers and Universities Fair in September and is asking Old Bordenians to contribute insights – and inspiration – into their own careers, industries and organisations, for current Borden students.   Please respond if you can. And if you can’t be there in person, could you provide a pre-recorded message to be played, or connections with industry sources to embellish the Careers Fair ?

These tributes have been received from Mark's classmates, Old Bordenians all:

It is with tremendous sadness that we learn of the passing of Old Bordenian (Peter) Mark Heppell.

Following notification from his nephew, Peter Nokes (OB 1965-72), we note the sad passing of former BGS Teacher John Bishton. John taught languages at Borden from the late 1950s to the early 1960s and we invite OBs who remember John to send in your tributes and memories to Obituaries@OldBordenians.com, to add to his Obituary.

Our thoughts are with his widow and children, and wider family and friends.

Old Bordenian Association Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Thursday 12th September 2024, starting at 18:30 Local BST (1730 GMT/UTC)

All Members of the Old Bordenian Association are invited and, indeed, encouraged to attend the OBA AGM in September 2024.   The AGM will be hosted on Zoom, enabling Old Bordenians from ALL around the world  to participate actively in the OBA's management.   The AGM includes a summary of the School's and the OBA's activities over the preceding year, the presentation of OBA financial accounts, and the election of Committee Members and allocation of Roles for the forthcoming year.

The date is chosen to be soon after the start of the new school academic year, to also allow Staff (including new Staff) to be informed and take part, and before the start of the university academic year to encourage new and recent school leavers also to take part before they disperse to priorities new.

The time is chosen to try to be not too late in the UK and Europe, Africa and West Asia time zones; early afternoon in the Americas; and not too early in East Asia and Oceania time zones.

Do note the date in your diary and do try to take part !

We are appealing for OBA Members to join the Committee.   Can you spare 10 hours over the next year in order to keep the OBA running ?

Are you an interested Old Bordenian who can play a passive role in an Oversight and Advisory capacity to ensure that the Association is run properly ?   We have quarterly meetings to coordinate the activities of the OBA.   There is no further call on your time.

Or perhaps you have specific skills and experience that you can offer in fields such as finance, administration, marketing, engagement and accounting.

Perhaps you would like to play a key role in the running of the Association in between meetings.

If you are interested in giving something back to the OBA, and keeping it running, please email JoinTheCommittee@OldBordenians.com

Dedication Ceremony for the

'Harold Vafeas Sports and Learning Block'

extension to the School

4pm Friday 27th September 2024

Admission by ticketed invitation - see below

Partial handover of the new substantial extension to the School began in late May, however full handover will not be until the start of the new school year, with ancillary building works and re-laying the Lower Field continuing late into the Autumn.

The new block is to be known as the Harold Vafeas Sports and Learning Block, in memory of Headmaster Harold Vafeas, who was taken ill in service, and who passed away in January 2014.

ALL OBs are cordially invited to apply for a named invitation to the ceremony, by emailing HaroldVafeasDedication@OldBordenians.com in the first instance, and we would like to encourage a maximum turnout in honour of Mr. Vafeas - particularly for OBs who were pupils during Harold's nine year tenure from 2004 to 2013

There are limited places available, and admission is by named invitation only so that the School can manage guest numbers

Please actively  contact your classmates and encourage them to join the Association by scanning or clicking on this QR Code:

OBA & BGS Combined Annual Service of Remembrance, 2024

Monday 11th November, starting at 10:30

All OBs are cordially invited to the annual Service of Remembrance.   This may be held on the steps in front of the School, or within the Quadrangle.   This is a combined service for Old Bordenians and Current Bordenians.  

This year, Remembrance Sunday is on the 10th.   Please note in your diary that the combined OBA & BGS Service is being held on Armistice Day  which is Monday, 11th November 2024, and starting at 10:30.

We hope that you can join us.

Old Bordenian Reunion Dinner 2025 - In planning, Saturday 26th April 2025

Venue: The 1928 School Dining Hall

Bar opens 6pm; first course served at 7pm

If you have questions about the Dinner, please contact DinnerSecretary@OldBordenians.com

Click HERE for past OBA events

 The 2024 annual Old Bordenians FC veterans reunion was held on Monday 10^th June 2024 at the Appleyard aka UK Paper aka Bowaters Sports Pavilion as usual.

Allen Whitnell (1965-1972) writes in to come clean on his role in a sporting "mix-up" when the School hosted the Kent Grammar Schools Cross-Country Championship. No names have been changed to protect the innocent or guilty!