In celebration of the founding of Bloxham School in 1860, our whole community came together on a glorious June day for Founderstide 2024.
OB Sheraz Daya (Cr 75-77), world-wide acclaimed British ophthalmologist, spoke at the Prize Giving ceremony, where students were awarded for their academic and sporting achievements and attendees also heard from Paul Sanderson, Headmaster, the School’s Chair of Governors, Lis Lewis-Jones and our departing School Captains Daisy P and Myles L.
After the ceremony, the School came alive with many impressive displays and exciting activities – ranging from Shakespearean performances, science demonstrations and lectures to live music on the Headmaster’s Lawn, Inter-House sports challenges and the annual Art Exhibition.
Throughout the day, there were two cricket fixtures – the School’s 1st XI Girls’ side played Banbury CC and the 1st XI Boy’s side played against the Old Bloxhamists. We are grateful to School Archivist, Simon Batten, for the OB v School cricket report.
With an expectant crowd of spectators already gathering around the Main Field boundary, Old Bloxhamist captain John Brown (Wn 82-86) won the toss and elected to bat on a beautiful summer morning. The highlight of the OB innings was a swashbuckling 56 off 37 balls from Issam Baig (Eg 00-02), Morgan Thomas (Cr 19-22) and Sam Blake (LS/Sy 16-22) added some valuable late runs to help the total to 152 all out. Adam G was the pick of the School’s bowlers, taking 3-17. Despite some economical bowling from Zac Wilton (LS/Sy 14-21), the School’s batsmen set off boldly in pursuit of their victory target of 153; Alex D and Ben R put together a fine partnership of 92 before Alex was run out for 53 thanks to a sharp piece of fielding at point from the evergreen John Brown. At the end Ben R was unbeaten on 61 to guide the School XI to victory by six wickets. After the game, Master in Charge of Cricket Greg Webber presented to this year’s captain George D the splendid 1875 silver cup which will henceforth be awarded to the winning side in this fixture and reside in the Pavilion.
OB Team: John Brown* (Wn 82-86) – Captain, Issam Baig (Eg 00-02), Sam Blake (LS/Sy 16-22), Stan Deeley (Sy 17-22), Sam Kentigern-Fox (LS/Sy 15-22), Jamie Lumb+ (Eg 10-17), Zac Wilton (LS/Sy 14-21), Morgan Thomas (Cr 19-22), Ian Turton (Ry 83-88), Ed Selby-Lowndes (Staff), and current pupils Alex B, Joe M and James D).
Many Old Bloxhamists, including members of The Egerton Society, came together at the OB tent to reminisce about school days while enjoying refreshments and a delicious picnic lunch.
In the evening, leavers, parents and staff came together at the Founderstide Ball which was full of happiness and much dancing where the guest DJ was OB Max Tyler (Sy 14-21).