We were delighted to welcome members of The Egerton Society to the School last weekend for the legacy association lunch. This annual event is our opportunity to thank those who have pledged a gift to the School in their Will.
Many guests travelled from far and wide to attend the special occasion and enjoyed a convivial time catching up with friends and fellow Old Bloxhamists, some of whom they had not seen since school days. During a drinks reception in the Egerton Library, Headmaster, Paul Sanderson, spoke of his pride in the School and its achievements, and thanked members for their support. He acknowledged the profound contribution The Egerton Society makes to the School and the life-changing impact legacy gifts make in the lives of our students. The Headmaster then invited people through to the Small Dining Room where John Parker (Cr 61-66), President of The Egerton Society, introduced lunch with a thought-provoking Grace, thanking the Lord for friendship and food. During the lunch there was much reminiscing of school days – including life in the dorms, shoe numbers (every student had his own number for school shoes) and boxing matches. It was wonderful to hear the pride in cherished memories of being in the boxing ring in the Great Hall, seeing off opponents from schools including Eton, Harrow and Radley.
Our speaker was School Archivist, Simon Batten, who spoke about E J (‘Sam’) Kahn, member of Bloxham Staff between 1939 and his death in 1983. Today, every student knows the name Sam Kahn because the Music School (located in the old school gym), is named after him, commemorating his love of music. Simon spoke about Sam’s remarkable teaching career: “Sam Kahn arrived from Wellington School in Somerset to teach Classics. In the war years, when his eyesight made military service impossible, Sam Kahn, along with another great man, George Bolton (‘Flossie’ Staff 34-67), was vital in helping Dewey run the school, with Sam in charge of Crake House as well as the timetable, rugby – producing the School’s first unbeaten 1st XV in 1947 – cricket, the corps and the grounds, as well as deputising as organist and serving as a firewatcher during the war years. He would later set Egerton on its way as a Senior House and serve for ten years as Second Master, including a period as acting Headmaster.” Simon read fascinating excerpts from the Second World War ‘Firewatchers’ log which was kept by Sam Kahn.
With much nodding of heads in agreement, Simon continued: “He was noted for his courtesy and generosity of spirit as much as his common sense and his capacity for making everyone feel that they mattered… Sam Kahn gave his whole life to Bloxham and the example of service he left enriched all who knew him or, like me, who worked with those who knew him.”
Ross Hand (Eg 56-60) noted: “As always, The Egerton Society Lunch was a wonderful occasion not only for catching up with friends but also as returning to Bloxham always brings back such happy memories. Our thanks to all those who organised it and especially the truly wonderful catering team for the delicious lunch.”
As the event is held at School, members enjoyed the beautiful grounds and could see first-hand the fantastic developments and facilities that students enjoy today. Following the lunch, guests had the opportunity to watch the School’s cricket and tennis fixtures in the glorious sunshine. The boys’ cricket was of particular significance as they were playing Magdalen College School, which is the School’s most long-standing cricket fixture, with the first match being played in 1877.
The Egerton Society was named after the School’s founder, Philip Egerton, and was formed in 2010 to recognise, thank and celebrate the support that members of the Bloxham community provide to the School by leaving a gift in their Will. To learn more about The Egerton Society, please click here or contact the Alumni & Development Team at [email protected]
