Season’s Greetings from Blundell’s! As the end of term approaches, Blundellians are preparing for the last few big school events of the term, the chance to overindulge at The Gut, and come together at the Carol Service. This festive newsletter is packed with highlights, including a host of events planned for 2025, exclusive interviews, and much more. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic start to the New Year. Here's to a successful and joyful 2025!

Tom Cowle (W 1991-96) and Janet Wooff (GH 1980-82)

As always, feel free to reach out to me or the team with any thoughts, feedback or event ideas (t.cowle@blundells.org).

Snow Ball Celebration

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the spectacular Blundell’s Community Snow Ball. The evening featured delicious food prepared by our talented catering team, dancing to the incredible band I Love Amp, and plenty of festive cheer.

The success of the event wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our community, especially those who donated to the wonderful auction and raffle. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

To view a gallery of images please click on the button below and the password is TIVERTON.

View Photos

Save The Date - OB London Drinks

Mark your calendars for 16th May 2025 for our annual London Drinks event. This year saw a fantastic gathering of OBs at The Department Store in Brixton, and we hope to see you all there again next year. Details to follow soon!

 

 

Winter Lunch Series at the Beale Centre

Join us for more of the much-loved Winter Lunch Series at the Beale Centre in 2025! These events bring together members of the Blundell’s community for engaging talks, delicious lunches, and the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.

- 8th January: Rachel Hazell (GH 1987-89) – “Bookbinding in Antarctica and Other Stories".

- 12th February: Kate Hodges (GH 1985-87) – “Stories from a Career in Chinese Art.”

To register and find out more, visit: OB Club - Events

Enjoy the 2025 Somerset CCC season from the Blundell’s Box!

OBs can become members of the Ted Crowe Room, our exclusive box at Somerset County Cricket Club. Located on the top floor of the Ondaatje Pavilion, this room is steeped in history and offers stunning views of the action. Annual Subscription is £40 (£5 for Young OBs, within 5 years of leaving). To join or renew, email Membership Secretary Grant Dee Shapland at gdeeshapland@gmail.com Don’t miss the chance to enjoy an exciting season of cricket from the best seat in the house!

The Blundell’s Christmas Album

The Blundell’s Music Department is thrilled to announce the release of a special Christmas album this year, showcasing beautiful carols performed by our school choirs. Stay tuned to the school’s social media channels and website over the coming week for details on how you can stream and enjoy this festive collection!

 

 

Interview with Ben Coen (FH 2018-23)

Ben returned to school this term to reunite with Director of Rugby Tony Yapp for a kicking session on Big Field and share insights from his impressive rugby journey with current students.

From joining the Chiefs Academy at 15 to signing his first professional contract with Exeter Chiefs for the 2024/25 season, Ben’s career is a testament to hard work and talent. Highlights include England U20’s World Rugby Championship win and Exeter University’s BUCS Super Rugby triumph.

Click to watch our interview with Ben to hear about his journey

Celebrating Blundell's Second Masters

It was a privilege to capture four Second Masters together; Nick Swarbrick, Randall Thane, Bart Wielenga, and Matt Radley. As Bart and Matt prepare for their next adventures, this occasion provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their invaluable contributions to Blundell’s.

Remembering Yan Yates 

After a request from  OB Trevor Henderson (FH 2003-06) the school held a service to celebrate the life of Yan Yates on Saturday 16th November. 

Yan was a beloved figure at Blundell’s whose dedication to Outdoor Pursuits, CCF, and the wider education of our pupils left a lasting impact. The service was attended by a wide circle of the Blundell’s community, reflecting the breadth of Yan’s influence.

Watch the service here

New Member of the Development Office

We would like to introduce you to the newest member of our team. EJ McEwan joined us in October and is covering Katie Kogler's maternity leave. EJ has over 30 years experience in Marketing and Business Development. She is mum to Finn who is in Y12 and Head of OH and Phoebe Y9 in GH.

  UPCOMING EVENTS

January 2025
8th January 2025, Winter Lunch, Rachel Hazell (GH 1987-89). Topic: “Bookbinding in Antarctica and other stories."

February 2025
12th February, Winter Lunch, Kate Hodges, nee Hunt (GH 1985-87). Topic: “Stories from a Career in Chinese Art."

March 2025
1st March, The Young Chef Showcase Dinner in Big School.

8th March, The Russell.

12th March, Winter Lunch, Jaye Cowle, nee Buchanan (GH January 2025 1994-96). Topic: TBC.

14th March, Sir Francis Popham Society Dinner in The Beale Centre.

14th March – 22nd March, OB Sport weekends, including girls’ and boys’ hockey, football, fives, netball, Rifle target shooting (tbc) and Touch Rugby.

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Development Office or OB Club: devoffice@blundells.org / obclub@obclub.co.uk

We wish you all a joyful Christmas season and look forward to another exciting year with the Blundell’s community!

Best Wishes from The Development Office, Old Blundellian Club & Archives

Tom Cowle  (W 1991-96), Director of Development

EJ McEwan, Events Coordinator

Linda Bulpin, Development Coordinator

Catherine Flavelle, Archivist

Janet Wooff (GH 1980-82), Old Blundellian Club Secretary

Development Office
Email: devoffice@blundells.org
Phone: 01884 232324

The Old Blundellian Club
Email: obclub@obclub.co.uk
Phone: 01884 232010

Archive
Email: archive@blundells.org
Phone: 01884 232420

 

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Blundell's School - Tiverton, Devon - EX16 4DN - UK
www.blundells.org - devoffice@blundells.org

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