The Old Shebbearians' Association

About The OSA

History and Aims

The OSA was formed in 1908.  Close links between the Association and the College have prevailed ever since.  Jackson Page, at Shebbear from 1912-15 and master 1921-60, encapsulated widely shared Shebbearian sentiment when he said, "To many of us, the OSA and the College have long seemed one family".  The seamless list of OSA Presidents is prominently displayed beside the entrance to the Memorial Hall, flanked by photographs of former Headmasters and other long serving members of staff.   A number of the College governors are Old Shebbearians.

The school is proud of the loyalty it attracts from Old Shebbearians.  The OSA is immensely proud of the school.  It also has responsibilities.  To paraphrase the words of John Rounsefell, himself a Shebbear pupil and later Headmaster, the Association offers the pleasure of fellowship and makes possible introductions and renewal of old acquaintance, but also exists “to enable us as a community the more efficiently to succour our helpless, to befriend our lonely, and to shelter, behind Shebbearian affection, our defenceless and weak."  The formal aims of the Association, which reflect Rounsefell’s precepts, are defined thus:

The OSA believes that friendships forged and values learnt at Shebbear are of enduring worth. It therefore aims to promote and foster bonds between Shebbearians of all generations, past, present and future; to offer help to Shebbearians in need; to perpetuate links with the school by keeping members in touch with developments at Shebbear; and to offer support to the School where it can.

What has the OSA done for the school?

In addition to major benefactions from individual OS such as the Beckly Wing, the present library, two cricket pavilions, the first tennis courts and, perhaps most importantly, purchase of the acres on which the school is built, the OSA has raised and donated funds for many projects over the years, including the Memorial Hall.  It made a substantial contribution to the Sixth Form Centre and provided £6000 towards the Music Block opened by the distinguished pianist John Lill in 1995.  £3,300 was paid in 2005 to secure safe storage of the school archives.  Many of the prizes distributed on Speech Day bear the names of their Old Shebbearian donors.  

Two histories of the school, by Pike in 1953 and Fairchild in 1987, have been commissioned and funded by the OSA as well as some smaller anthologies which contain historic or memorable items culled from the Shebbearian and which provide a commentary on the school's development from small beginnings.  

Old Shebbearians will always make time to discuss their careers with pupils who may be interested.

Contact with the school is maintained in numerous ways: the President of the OSA represents the Association at College events during the school year and takes the chair at Speech Day; the Visitors Book outside the Headmaster's study testifies to a regular flow of OS revisiting; and of course sporting fixtures with OS teams (including netball for which the OSA donated a cup in 1996).

What does the OSA do for Old Shebbearians?

Since 1908, continuously, the OSA has held an annual reunion in London.  From time to time events are held at the College and at other West Country venues.  These social gatherings bring together not only OS of all generations, but also OS with a rich mixture of experience now broadened further by the increasing number of Old Girls who attend.  Such occasions are primarily designed to promote fellowship, but at a time when young people have more difficulty than ever in finding employment, reunions offer an additional opportunity to 'network' and this too can be valuable.

The Old Shebbearian War Memorial Fund, raised by subscription and legacies from OS, exists to help selected young OS with their further education (and may occasionally be drawn on to help current pupils). 

From time to time the Association publishes a Directory of OS addresses.  The most recent is that published in 2003.  The OS website (www.oldshebbearian.co.uk) is beginning to generate a message board and a list of OS email addresses.  Both Directory and website are designed to facilitate contact among OS, sometimes after a long interval.  As a means of keeping members in touch with the school the OSA sends members copies of the HM’s newsletters.

The Headmaster is always a guest at formal OS functions and his 'reports' at these constitute another way in which OS are kept abreast of developments.

Conclusion

Shebbear has a remarkable record of continuity and attracts unusual affection among its alumni.  The continuity is illustrated by the fact that Mr. Barnes is only the eighth Headmaster since 1864.  Unfortunately we have no figures to show the number of second and third, or fourth, generations of Shebbearians.  But they are considerable.  Many Old Shebbearian parents have been influenced in the critical decisions over their children’s future by virtue of having kept in touch with the school through the Association - a factor well recognized of course by schools other than Shebbear.

The OSA hopes to perpetuate these fine traditions for many decades to come while accommodating changed circumstances for both the College and future Old Shebbearians.  One of Shebbear's most redoubtable sons, Henry Down (always known as 'Orator'), said in 1915 that the Association can only be kept vigorous by the constant infusion of new blood, and it was sincerely to be hoped that all pupils, as they leave Shebbear, would not fail to become members.  By doing so they would keep the "chain unbroken".  After nearly 100 years the chain holds - and Orator's emphasis on the importance of new blood remains as true as ever.

 
OSA Hon. Sec. is David Haley, Cold Norton Farm, Ockham Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1LW
Tel: +44 (0)1932 863746 Fax: +44 (0)1932 866709 Website: www.oldshebbearian.co.uk