On Friday 14th October 2016 , the Headmaster hosted a formal dinner to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The Dinner was attended by military guests and OAs with a military connection.
The evening took the form of a military style ‘Mess’ style dinner – with the Loyal Toast made by Sally Brook (Head Prefect), a Toast to the College by Simon Donkin Vice President, Ashvillian Society (OA 1984-1990) and a Toast to the Fallen from Major Johnny Longbottom MBE VR HAC (OA 1973-79).
The Headmaster announced the reintroduction of the “Eric Duckworth Memorial Scholarship”. Eric Duckworth was an OA who signed up in 1914 and was killed in 1915 and whose parents then left £1,000 to the College. This new scholarship will be awarded annually to an Ashville pupil whose parents are in the forces.
The Headmaster also presented a commemorative port decanter to the College – to be known as the Somme Decanter.