OS SIMON BEAUFOY GUEST SPEAKER AT POWELL HOUSE CENTENARY DINNER

Pupils, staff and families from across the decades came together in Powell Hall on Saturday night to mark the centenary of Powell House.

The guest list was 233 strong and spanned the generations; the youngest being 16 and the oldest 93 – Maurice Eggeling, from Edinburgh, was at the School 1937 – 1939. Some very entertaining speakers including OS Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, The Full Monty, Salmon Fishing in Yemen), and former Housemasters Ed Campbell and Dr Myles Ripley. 

The event raised a total of just under £19,000, through a silent auction and raffle, which goes to the Roger Lupton Appeal. Sedbergh School combined forces with The Springboard Bursary Foundation and, together, actively search for potential pupils from the most disadvantaged social groups to find two pupils per year who will be supported at the School through this fund. The ultimate aim is to build an endowment to enable us to fund these 100 per cent awards in perpetuity. For more information visit: https://www.sedberghschool.org/senior/information/foundation/roger-lupton-scholarshiph

Current pupils enjoyed the opportunity to mix with Old Powellians. Ali Crossdale, U6, Vice-Captain of the first XI, said: “It was a fantastic evening and great to spend it with a variety of people of all ages. We all got a brilliant insight into the lives of Powellians before us and the speakers were outstanding.” Alex Mason, also U6, a cricketer and aspiring journalist, said: “It was a great night for Powell House… it was great to meet fellow Powellians and share stories from over the years.”

Current Housemaster John Seymour said: “The feeling of warmth and goodwill from parents, OPs and current Powellians was incredibly uplifting. Powell is very special to so many people.”

Richard Witt, Foundation Director, said: “The evening will be memorable for everyone who attended, and we can celebrate raising a significant sum for the Roger Lupton Appeal. We were grateful for OS Simon Beaufoy returning to give one of the after-dinner speeches and everyone noted the efficient serving of the food by boys in Year 9 and 10.

We must thank John and Kate Seymour for hosting and masterminding the event, the Three Hares team in Sedbergh, for the excellent food, and Helen Seabridge, in the Foundation team, for her brilliant event planning.”

OS Tom Marshall (1959-64) was struck by the degree which Powellians of all generations shared a common bond, and OS Tom Boyd (1953-59) commented on the impeccable attention to detail. He said: “It was a triumph never to be forgotten. An occasion, of which, as the evening unfolded, we said to our fellow guests “It/life doesn’t get any better than that.”

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