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Wednesday 29th October 2025
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Dear Hillian
Following our recent AGM, we’re delighted to announce the appointment of David Nock and the Reverend David Walsh as Vice Chairs of the Hillian's Alumni Association.
Both bring enthusiasm, experience, and a shared commitment to strengthening connections across our community.
Here is their message to you:
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 |  | Vice Chair: David Nock, Norwich 1971 - 1977 | Vice Chair: Rev. David Walsh, Clyde 1970 - 1977 |
We're delighted and honoured to be your new Vice-Chairs.
We've been elected at a time of great change for the School and for the Hillians. We all have memories of how Kingham was back in the days we were there and changes can feel unsettling. But they also bring opportunities for new ways of doing things and there are already signs of that, both those initiated by the school and more informal networks emerging amongst Hillians themselves.
The history of the Hillians over many decades suggests it thrives best when our enthusiasm and commitment as members are paired with the continuity and resources which the School can provide. For us, that relationship is crucial. The School can provide access to the Hill itself and to the School's archives. It can also help as we address the need for data protection and proper safeguarding procedures in all we do.
So as your elected representatives, one of our priorities is ensuring that we have the best possible relationship with the School and that the School is made very aware of the views of Hillians. This will only work if we are honest but also respectful. The two of us will continue to be honest with the School when we think it could be handling things better. But we have more chance of being heard when we have worked to build up a relationship of trust.
Our election is a generational shift in the leadership of the Hillians and yet we are keen to bring about an even greater shift in the coming years, especially with more recent leavers, men and women (currently under-represented). We personally love meeting up former pupils we remember from our time on the Hill. But we have gained hugely from getting to know Hillians who were there before or after us. Enabling this to continue by holding together this rich coalition is another of our priorities.
Finally, it matters to us that despite all the changes and the financial realities, the School continues to remember the values of the Founder and that more is done to enable school places to be provided for disadvantaged pupils. It's very good that Andrew Mitchell has been working so hard behind the scenes in his first year to make this a practical reality.
Do feel free to contact us with your views and questions: our email addresses are below.
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I am very much looking forward to working closely with David Nock and the Reverend David Walsh as they help guide the Hillians community through this exciting new chapter.
Kind regards,AndrewAndrew Mitchell, MA (Oxon)
Alumni Engagement and Development Lead
Kingham Hill School, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6THTel: +44 (0) 1608 658999 Direct Line: +44 (0) 1608 731887Email: a.mitchell@kinghamhill.org.uk Website:www.kinghamhill.org.uk
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Alumni News
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Seated from left to right: Rev. Tom Hutchings (KHS School Chaplain), Rev. John Tonkin, Adrian Foster, and Andrew Mitchell (Alumni Engagement & Development Lead).
At the Big KHS Picnic 2025, we welcomed back one of our oldest alumni, the Rev. John Tonkin. John attended Kingham Hill from 1939 to 1945 and was a member of Clyde House. He was accompanied on his visit by Adrian Foster (Greenwich, 1967-1974). We will be publishing a full interview the Re. John Tonkin at a later date.
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Upcoming School Oganised Alumni Events
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RAC London Drinks Party: Thursday 13th November, 7.30 - 9.30 pm
 We still have some places available for Hillians to attend an evening of drinks and canapés at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall. This is a free event, with donations welcome to support Founder’s Pupils and other school causes close to our community’s heart.
We have following years represented so far:
Joining years: 1948,1954,1955,1963, 1966, 1968,1970, 1969, 1972, 1973,1975, 1980,1985,1988,1989, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2025.
Leaving Years: 1952,1960,1961,1971,1972, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
Event Details
Venue: The Royal Automobile Club (RAC), London, for more information please click here.
Date: Thursday, 13th November 2025 Time: 7pm-9:30pm Development Board Launch: Thursday 6th November online 7.30 - 8.30 pm
The new Development Board is an advisory group dedicated to guiding our philanthropic efforts and strengthening connections with donors and supporters.
Current Members: Air Vice Marshal Malcolm Brecht CB, CBE, Charles Vernon, David Nock & Sam Chipper.
If you would like to help shape Kingham Hill's fundrasing strategy and support the School's long-term vision please contact Andrew Mitchell, Alumni Engagement and Development lead for a confidential discussion.
Kingham 10 Alumni Advsory Board Meeting (Nov TBC)
We’re launching the Kingham 10 Alumni Advisory Board – a new initiative for younger alumni that will help guide and support the school’s younger alumni engagement efforts. Whether you're at university, starting your career, travelling, volunteering, or exploring new paths — we’d love to hear from you.
The Board will meet online once per term, with flexibility for additional collaboration as needed. Members typically serve a two-year term. Two Chairs have recently been appointed, Ellie Copsey (Severn 2009 - 2016) and Sam Chipper (Havelock and Woodstock 2013 -2020). The Chairs also sit on the broader Hillian Committee, ensuring younger alumni voices are heard across the alumni programme.
If you’re interested in joining the Kingham 10 Alumni Advisory Board please reach out to Alumni Engagement & Development Lead, Andrew Mitchell, who will be happy to schedule an online meeting to discuss the programme in more detail, including guidance on setting up a group and event ideas.
Informal London Christmas Drinks and or/Meal: Amalfi Ristorante St Paul's 17th December from 6 pm onwards Andrew Mitchell (Alumni Engagement and Development Lead) and Mike Tadman Clyde (1962-1968) invite you to a casual get-together at Amalfi Ristorante St Paul’s (just two stops from Liverpool Street). Drop in for a festive drink with old school friends or stay and enjoy a Christmas meal.
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Alumni Ambassador Regional Events
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Andrew Mitchell (Alumni Engagement and Development Lead) recently met with Mark Amis (Plymouth and Durham, 1969–1974) and Alan Purnell (Plymouth and Bradford, 1981-1986) for lunch at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre. Mark Amis, a talented artist and illustrator, is currently painting a mural at the shopping centre that celebrates some of Stroud’s famous innovations. Among the highlights depicted are the first mechanical lawn mower, the adjustable spanner, the woollen baize used for snooker tables, and the yellow fabric used in tennis balls. Mark, Plymouth/Durham 1969 - 1974) has also kindly organised a casual get - together for Hillians and friends at The Ale House, Stroud, GL5 2HA on Thursday 20th November 6.00 pm |
Manchester, North West Meet Up: Saturday 29th November 2.00 pm.
Barry Rigby (Bradford 1970-74) has kindly organised a casual get-together for Hillians and friends at the Old Wellington,4 Cathedral Gates, Greater, Manchester M3 1SW.
To register to attend click here.
York, Meet Up: November (Date TBC) David Nock and Andrew MitchellSydney and Melbourne, Australia Meet Ups: January wks 2 &3 (Details to follow)
Bradford House Reunion: Saturday 26th September 2026 KHS and Liz Herringshaw (Hillian Committee Member and Bradford House Parent 1981-2002) are hosting a reunion for those who lived at Bradford House between between September 1981 and July 2002. Family members are also welcome To register to attend click here.
If you would like to help organise Regional Alumni Event then why not become an Alumni Ambassador. Click here for further details.
For further Alumni Ambassador organised Alumni events please click here. |
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Join the Kingham Hill School Alumni Facebook Group
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Stay connected with fellow Hilians, share memories, updates, and celebrate our vibrant community. Don’t miss out— click here to join the Hillians Facebook Group.
Administrators: Rich Purnell (Plymouth and Greenich 1984- 1991) and Andrew Mitchell.
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Update Your Alumni Contact Information
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We are always striving to keep the School Alumni Database up to date. If your contact details have changed, click here update your information
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