16
April 2015
Abingdon
Parents’ Association
Thanks to the many ASPA activities supported by parents, funds were recently donated
towards a number of important resources. Among these was a bench for the Health
Centre, dedicated to the late Ken Kerby who worked for Abingdon School for over 20
years, most recently as resident caretaker.
In addition, the Fencing Club has already been making good use of their new fencing
masks and scoreboards. One appreciative fencer said: “Having fenced since the first
year (when we were in the Charles Maude Room), the club has come a long way in terms
of success and ability. I am very grateful for the new boxes as I know they will benefit the
up-and-coming fencers long after I’ve left Abingdon.” Jack Dawson.
ASPA Donations Helping to
Make a Difference
Teams Battle it Out
at the Annual Quiz
and Curry Night
Back in February, 10 teams – including
a team of Old Abingdonians - competed
at the annual ASPA Quiz. Jim Bischoff,
Senior Master at Pinewood School,
returned as the event’s expert quiz master
and this year his tasting round taxed
everyone with the range of obscure fruits
and vegetables! Thanks to Jim and also to
ex-parents Peter Garratt, who returned to
run the IT and scoring, and Rod Alexander,
who returned to run the bar. Thanks to
everyone who came along and to all the
helpers for making it such an enjoyable
evening.
Travel Award Student Helps Children in Africa
Another recipient of a travel award from ASPA and the
OA Club last year was Jonathan Ainslie who travelled
to Africa to help teach children in a charity-funded
school in an area of extreme poverty. As well as
teaching English and Maths and taking sports classes
Jonathan also spent time in a traditional Maasai tribal
village, painting a nursery classroom to the delight of
all the children! After travelling through the Serengeti,
the Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire National Park and
Lake Manyara reserve, he also climbed the slopes of
Kilimanjaro to a village perched 2000 feet high in the top
of the treeline.
In Jonathan’s words, “The ASPA/OA Club travel award allowed my summer to be
more exciting than any other I have yet experienced. But – considerably more
importantly, I feel like I tried my hardest to improve the lives of people who may not
have otherwise had such attention on their education.”
For further details about this and how to apply for future travel awards, please visit
the website at
Second-Hand
Uniform Shop (SUS)
On behalf of Abingdon parents, ASPA
would like to thank and recognise the hard
work and dedication of the SUS team,
under the leadership of Marilyn Moore.
Rosie Brown
Alison Moody
Alison Wright
Barbara Trafford
Maria Heron
Wendy Jersing
Vicky Ling
Jill Corran
Mia Dellafield Stephen Chung
Kerry Dawson Frances Reynolds
Nicola MacPherson
Since 2012 alone, the shop has given
£17,000 to the Annual Fund initiatives,
directly benefiting the boys.
The shop is open most Saturdays and
Wednesdays during term time so
please come and take a look. All dates
and times of opening are available on
the school website.
Enquiries to
Save the date:
2015 events
6 June
- ASPA Barn Dance Buffet,
Ceilidh & Disco, Ipsden Barn.
21 June
- Abingdon School Community
Golf Day, Frilford Heath Golf Club.
For full details of all events go to
ASPA website:
