NEW ALUMNI BRANCH OPENS

The RHSA, the alumni association of the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook announced the formation of the Southern Counties Branch at a black tie dinner in Fort Blockhouse, hosted by Brigadier General Kevin Beaton, Vice President of the general committee of the RHSA.

The school, which last year celebrated its 300th anniversary, has always had close links to this area, as up until the 1990s it was primarily a boarding school for the sons of seafarers; particularly Royal Navy personnel. However it was all change in 1991 when girls were admitted for the first time, after a major refit of some houses. It was run on military lines, and pupils were immersed in naval tradition, which included marching to meals and classes, communal showers and dormitories, though girls had separate showers and dormitory cubicles – causing much jealousy among the boys!

Now a public school, the pupils still maintain some traditions, dressing in naval uniform and marching in ‘Divisions’ twice a term. And bursaries are still available for the children and grandchildren of naval personnel from Greenwich Hospital, where the school was based in what is now the National Maritime Museum, until moving to its current campus in 1933.

Guests at the dinner at Fort Blockhouse were treated to a three course meal in the wardroom, followed by drinks and a raffle which raised money for branch funds, as well as a donation to Cancer Research UK in memory of former pupil Kez Poolton, who died of cancer last year.

If you went to the Royal Hospital School, and are interested in joining the new branch, please contact the President elect, Nick Gill at: rhsasoutherncountiesnickgill@gmail.com who will be glad to hear from friends, old and new.

By
Richard Hardcastle
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