News Archive 2009
75th Anniversary Drama Society and 20th Anniversary of Ondaatje Hall 12th November 2009
Drama at Blundell’s, as with several grammar schools, began with the acting of Latin and Greek plays, often to be performed on Speech Day. There are several photographs in the Archive, dating from the 1880s, showing these open-air productions. A letter appeared in the Blundellian in 1929 stating that ‘amongst the various activities of this School every branch seems to be represented except that of the English Drama’, and advocating the founding of a Dramatic Society – signed Hamlet. 
A Blundell’s Dramatic Society was formed in the autumn of 1934. With the Ondaatje Hall, opened in 1989, the building was made possible by the very generous gift of Sir Christopher Ondaatje C.B.E.; O.C. Ondaatje Hall was officially opened by Sir Christopher on September 15th 1989. From the outset, the aim of the design and construction was to achieve quality and excellence, and at the same time produce a highly functional building – success was attained on all points.
2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Ondaatje Hall and 75th Anniversary of the Drama Society, which have delivered an ever higher standard of functions with its use as a lecture-theatre, concert hall, as well as being ideal for School productions and visiting companies. The drinks reception held was an opportunity to invite many involved both past and present to the Drama Society celebrations coupled with the Anniversary of Ondaatje Hall and people who have been involved with it during the past 20 years.
Blundell’s Golf Day Bovey Castle, Sept 2009
The Blundell’s Charity Golf Day took place at Bovey Castle on Sunday 27th September, again a huge thank you to our Governor Robert Breare who offered us this spectacular venue. A combination of Old Blundellians, current and past parents and pupils took part in what was a fun filled afternoon. We were granted courtesy of the course and a shotgun start, and the day ended with a relaxing post competition dinner in the evening. 
We were most fortunate with superb weather and a wonderful mix of people to tackle the challenges of the Bovey Castle course. The winning team comprised Old Blundellians Cedric Clapp (P 1960-65), Graham Hose (M 1967-72) Ross Aldridge (P 1962-67) and Richard Swarbrick (M 1977-82). In the individual competition the leading man was Liam Lewis (OH/W 2001-5), and leading lady Ann Wallace. The winning pupil was Tom Ansel (OH 2007 - ?). Other winners included the Blundell’s Preparatory School Head Master, Nick Folland, as Best Parent (past and present) and Joe Smith (FH/W 2000-7) as Best OB (as Liam was not allowed to win twice!). Best guest was Danny Wallace (Grandson of the former Blundell’s Head Master, Revd. A.R.Wallace 1930-33). Just under £2,000 was raised for the Charity of the Day Devon Air Ambulance; a huge thank you to all those participating and supporting this event.
Head South Drinks Reception Bovey Castle, June 2009
A drinks reception to acknowledge the support of sponsors, donors and other contributors to the School from the Dartmoor area for the Head South Cycle ride took place at Bovey Castle on the penultimate night of the Cycle Ride by kind generosity of Robert Breare a Governor of the School. Three weary cyclists arrived just in time to enjoy a glass or two of Pimms and meet just some of the many people avidly following the daily blog of the ‘Ups and Downs’ of the adventurous three. The Head South ride too place from John O’Groats to Lands End and raised in excess of £12,000.
Legacy Lunch Beale Centre June 2009
We were able to hold the inaugural Legacy lunch at the Beale Centre on June for those members of the 1604 Society who have pledged support to the School in their wills, this was an intimate lunch with the Head Master and enjoyed by all attending. The venue for Summer 2010 is likely to be the Carlton Club in London.
Carlton Club City Drinks Reception May 2009
We were very fortunate, owing to the generosity of James Bullock (OB P 1981-86) to be able to host a Drinks Reception for OBs and current parents living or working near London, to bring together young and old and foster some memories of their times at Blundell’s in May this year at the wonderful Carlton Club in Mayfair. Many of the Blundell’s community came along and it was wonderful to meet so many supporters of the School. A great opportunity for those attending to comment about the various activities, events and ways in which they wished to maintain contact with the School and fellow colleagues.
Devon County Show
IRD entertains important guests
Royal Cornwall Show
Brian Wills-Pope welcomes guests