It’s wonderful what sometimes turns up in the post.

Our deepest thanks must go to writer and researcher Edward Armston-Sheret, who was in touch with the club last year while researching a book on the Scott of the Antarctic expeditions. O.H. Cyril Longhurst (1878–1948) was instrumental in those early expeditions with Scott (as Secretary of the National Antarctic Expeditions in 1902). Longhurst also played a key role in establishing the Old Honitonians Club in the early 20th century.

Edward sent this to us - Longhurst's Allhallows Register and Record (1857 - 1907),  and we look forward to sharing an amazing letter from Longhurst shortly…

The weather was perfect, the beautiful venue was set, and at 11:30, OHs started to gather, journeying from local towns and villages, across the region, the country, and even internationally. All with one thing in common: to meet old friends, make new ones, and share stories from their time at Allhallows.

It is no overstatement to say this West Country Lunch was a truly special occasion; not only was it a place of heartfelt conviviality, warm greetings, and friendship, but it was also where many had the joy of seeing friends they had not met for over 50 years.

The tables were set, and lunch began, providing the perfect backdrop to continuing conversations, laughter, and shared histories. Duncan and the whole team at the Victoria had done it again: fabulous organisation and, of course, first-rate food.

Then we were treated to a fabulous talk by Peter Scott, who had travelled from France to attend. There were plenty of laughs and stories that all OHs, no matter their era at the school, could relate to. Thank you ever so much, Peter, for this wonderful romp down memory lane, a lane with the obligatory Rousdon mist enveloping it.

After this, Jeremy Harding treated us to a short talk on the significance of the Harding Cup, a fabulous trophy in more ways than one. Donated to the school in the 1940s by Ralph Harding, who sadly passed away recently at the age of 99, the trophy was bought back by Ralph when the school closed. Jeremy, with the support of the club, is now hoping to have all the missing names engraved onto it. It is a fabulous testament not only to his family’s connection with the school but also a historical document of Allhallows pupils’ sporting ability.

We would like to thank every single OH who attended this remarkable event. As one OH said, “It was a most enjoyable occasion, and it was lovely to catch up with so many old friends.”

With 61 attendees, this was one of the largest gatherings of OHs in recent times. A very special thank you to our Social Secretary, Victoria Berry, for all the organisation that went into the event, supporting Duncan and his team at the Victoria and helping to make the day such a special occasion. We also want to thank Peter Scott once more for his fabulous talk and Roddy Wakefore for gathering together many OHs from his era. It was so lovely to see you all.

As with last year, there was very much an after-show party, with OHs from all decades heading out for drinks on the terrace in the late afternoon sunshine, before heading into town for more conversation, food, and laughter.

The OHs who attended this year were:

Victoria Berry
Lucy Forte
David Woollatt
Sebastian Warner
Tim Huxtable
Tim Piper
Charles Mortimer
Paul Piper
Michael Green
Dudley Hopkins
Clare Hopkins
Peter Force
Martyn Langford
Anne Langford
Anthony Vosper
Tom Hembrow
Mike Shaw
Alec Crawford
Nick Kettlewell
Andy Moore
David Richardson
Hugh Courage
George Hayter
Jan Hayter
Robin Sermon
John Campbell Clause
Paul Coombes
Paul Hellier
Pauline Davies
Simon Harris
Kerrie Harris
Guy Potter
Nigel Clist
Angie Anderson
Richard Anderson
Jeremy Best
David Viccars
Justin James
Justin Tunstall
Roddy Wakeford
Peter Scott
Piers Markham
Jeremy Linn
Richard Hocking
David Classey
Ahmed Ghazzal
Max Bennett
Dawn Bennett
Rory Macdiarmid
James Turner
Pippa Willcox
Nick Willcox
Myf Adams
Paul Seward
Heather Sturdy
Andrew Barlow
Jenny Bryan
Tessa Evelagh
David Danskin
Andrew Hughes
Jeremy Harding
Sarah Burt
Zalie Dalton
Nicky Humphries
Geoff Humphries

We have now heard from Derek’s brother, Michael, who has kindly asked us to let OHs know that they are very welcome to attend Derek’s funeral.

The funeral will take place at 3:00 pm on 18th May at East Devon Crematorium.

The service will also be live-streamed:

Use the PIN number below to access your webcast
 

https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view

Our thoughts are very much with Derek’s family and friends at this time.

Mr Derek Blooman

1935 - 2026
 
When James Hilton wrote Goodbye Mr Chips in 1934, just before Derek was born, he could have been forgiven for not knowing that Derek would emulate Mr Chips and more, in his long tenure and affiliation with Allhallows. It was always difficult to judge what Derek saw as his priorities: his Pupils, the School, Chudleigh House, the Faculty, the OH Club, History or Cricket. In truth, they all were, and his warmth, kindness and professionalism shone on them all equally. 
 
Derek arrived at Allhallows in 1959 via Oundle School and Oxford University, aged 24 when those of us in the sixth form were only 6 years younger than him. He was very shy and initially completely immersed in his beloved subject of history. Those of us in that sixth form were merciless in our treatment of this lovely man, with bets on just how far we could push the envelope ( cooking a meal in one class won the major bet), but then common sense prevailed as we saw just how devoted he was to us boys, his subject and the school.  He was the polar opposite of Jack Jarchow and others in the faculty who were stern, unforgiving and “Old School “in their discipline. 
 
One by one, we all fell under Derek's spell and became history buffs to the extent that years later Derek had adversely diminished our bank balances, thanks to the numerous books we had all bought on historical subjects he had introduced. The rate of A-level passes in his subject soared, as did the number of students wishing to pursue the subject within the school. 
 
As Derek's confidence grew and his shyness dissipated, he broadened his involvement within Allhallows.  His passion for cricket led him to take over the coaching of the second XI, having happy memories of plotting tactics against stronger opponents to keep the runs down and occupy the crease. Those of us who played against him in the OH cricket week, when he played for Seaton, dreaded fielding in the covers when his strong forearms and large wrists cut the ball with huge ferocity. 
 
He became housemaster of Chudleigh and took the role to a new standard of warmth, enthusiasm and encouragement. His boys in the house still wax lyrical about how happy and proud they were under his leadership. 
 
Derek served for 39 years under five headmasters as a master, housemaster and deputy headmaster. 
 
In 1999, Derek became only the fifth Honorary Secretary of the OH Club since its foundation in 1905, and, until retiring in November 2010, he worked tirelessly to keep members in touch with one another and to strengthen the sporting and social activities of the club.  He edited the Aunt Agatha column in the OH Magazine, cajoling us old boys and girls to submit news of what we were doing in life. 
 
With an encyclopaedic knowledge of generations of Old Honitonians, Derek was elected an Honorary Life Vice President of the OH Club and still enjoyed contact with many of his former pupils as well as older and younger OHs. Many of us visited him in retirement when he entered the Pinhay Nursing home and had a room with an identical view to that from his study in Chudleigh House down through the cliffs to the sea. He may have aged, but his mind was as sharp as ever, and his memory quite staggering at times. His 90th birthday lunch was oversubscribed and a testimony to the affection in which the OH’s held him. 
 

We have also opened a digital Book of Remembrance, where Old Honitonians and friends are invited to share their memories and reflections of Derek:

https://forms.gle/cxy7WDbByKX3SeKV9

We are also able to include a fascinating look at Derek's incredible CV over the years, collated through an interview with OH Alec Crawford (Headmaster's House, 1955, Venning 1956 - 60).

DEREK BLOOMAN - CV

Provided by Derek in December 2004.

Text as per his handwritten text.

Educated: Oundle, where, aged 15, I acquired Type 1 diabetes, which knocked my sporting career about a bit, but I had other interests, History and Art.

Won Open Scholarship to Lincoln College, Oxford, where I read Modern History. 

Taught at Clayesmore for a year, then took PGCE at Leeds University.

1959: Appointed as a very young Senior History Master by V.A.L.Hill, for whom I had the greatest respect. I think that we all did.

1959: Became House Tutor to Leslie Barr in Baker.

Roddy Long, Dudley Hopkins, Colin Pape and Nick Warner were in the House!

1964 – 81: Appointed Housemaster of Chudleigh in succession to Jimmy Bliss, where I again had many happy and demanding days and was lucky to have a wonderful House Matron, Barbara Clark, who ‘mummed the boys.

Guide, Philosopher and Friend, as any Housemaster should be.

Coached 2nd XI cricket for years. Took over from Jack Jarchow, also coached Junior Colts when Ted Sandbach and Malcolm Maculloch were in the XI, and we beat Blundells.

Also coached Junior Colts and Foals Rugger – even played for the Ohs v Old Bloxhamites at Richmond

Also umpired 2^nd XI Hockey and learnt on the job when Bill Preston wasi/c, a game I knew nothing about – strange I am now organising OH Hockey matches.

Helped Peter Spencer organise the Mayflies, who provided holiday cricket for East Devon Public School boys

Edited School magazines, newsletters, and OH Newsletters galore.

1986 – 95: Second Master after Bill Preston and then Hon. Senior Master to 1998,

Although I had taken early retirement with David Christian in 1993 but continued to teach History, English and History of Art part-time.

As Second Master, modernised School Rules, produced the Staff Guidance Manual, and undertook multifarious activities.

1995:Became Chairman of the Friends of Allhallows after Geoffrey Blackburne -Kane when Allhallows College took over. Had wonderful support from the Committee, Parents ans staff, and particularly Dick and Rosemary Sidwell.

1995: Asked by Phil Tuck to become Hon Sec of the OH Club when Allhallows went into receivership. Attended Committee meeting Phiul summoned to keep the OH Club going.

Organised a rescue mission with the help of Rev Robin Spaight OH, Chris Lambert OH, Rev James Trevelyan, Robin Butler OH and his craftsmen and many friends in Honiton of the War Memorial Chapel at Rousdon, which found a new home in St Michael’s, Honiton.

“Like all OHs, it saddens me to think of the demise of Allhallows, but, as Peggy Hewan said to me, ‘For all its faults it served many boys, girls and their parents well’ 

Became Director of Jubilee Appeal with Colonel Dick Sidwell as Treasurer

Dear members of the Old Honitonians Club,

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that Mr Derek Blooman passed away yesterday morning, 17th April 2026.

Derek was a foundation stone of both our experiences at Allhallows School and a true bastion of the Old Honitonians Club itself. He gave his heart and soul to his years at Allhallows, and his remarkable memory of pupils and their lives beyond school left a lasting impression on so many.

At this time, we send our deepest thoughts and condolences to Derek’s brother, Michael, and to his wider family.

We are only just taking this information in ourselves, but we will be sharing a fuller tribute to Derek’s life and legacy in due course. We wanted to ensure that members heard this news first.

With sincere sympathy,

Old Honitonians Club Committee.

OH Nigel French (Headmaster’s House, 1955; Chudleigh, 1956–1960) is truly one of life’s most remarkable individuals, and his story is woven through some extraordinary moments in history. Former Allhallows pupil, Governor and parent with a distinguished global career (we look forward to sharing more through upcoming interviews), Nigel travelled extensively, witnessing firsthand pivotal developments in aviation. Following the landmark collaboration between British Airways and France’s Aérospatiale to create the world’s first supersonic passenger aircraft, Concorde, Nigel was among those on board its very first commercial flight from London to Washington on 29 May 1976, an iconic milestone in aviation history.

In a rare full-circle moment, Nigel was also present on Concorde’s final flight on 23 October 2003, travelling from New York's JFK Airport to Heathrow, marking the end of an era for this extraordinary aircraft.

What follows is a very special interview with Nigel, as he reflects on his unforgettable experiences and shares personal memories of Concorde, an aircraft that captured the imagination of the world.

Our sincere thanks to Nigel for sharing this video with us.

Rights reserved to SKY News and Nigel French. Video used under fair use policy.

Introducing the OH Magazine 2025

We are delighted to share the latest edition of the OH Magazine 2025, a wonderful celebration of the people, stories, memories, and friendships that continue to keep the Allhallows spirit alive.

This year’s magazine brings together reflections from across our OH community and captures a remarkable year for the Club. From memorable gatherings and sporting events to services and tributes and fascinating historical discoveries, the magazine offers something for every OH.

The edition reflects on a year filled with successful events and renewed connections. Highlights include the hugely-popular West Country Lunch, the London Cocktail Party and AGM at the Royal Society, the OH Clay Pigeon Shoot, and the South West Golf Week, which saw the largest gathering of OHs staying on the Rousdon Estate since the school closed in 1998.

There are some wonderful stories that reconnect us with the shared history of Allhallows. There are personal recollections, including “The Story of a Family Relationship with Allhallows,” alongside features exploring the ongoing preservation of the school’s heritage, such as the growing Allhallows digital archive and a fascinating investigation into the discovery of the Astrolabe of Charton Bay.

It was the year that we celebrated Derek Blooman’s 90th birthday, remembered the life and legacy of Ralph Harding, affectionately known as the Father of the OH Club, and honoured the contribution of Howard Foss, a dedicated guardian of Allhallows’ heritage.

We hope you enjoy reading this year’s magazine as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Thank you to everyone who contributed stories, photographs, memories, and support.

The Allhallows story very much continues.

You can view the 2025 OH Magazine here - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c3bfb81488.html

Or if you would like to see all the OH Magazines, including the latest 2025 edition, and scroll through, you can here - 

https://www.oldhonitonians.com/oh-magazines/

For all those OHs who have opted for a hard copy of the magazine, these will be printed and out for delivery soon, thank you from the OH Committee.

On Saturday, 7th February, we hosted the Salisbury OH Coffee and Catch-Up at Salisbury Cathedral, and what an incredible event it was.

Set within the beautiful Refectory restaurant, the venue provided a truly magnificent backdrop for the morning. Having reopened following refurbishment, the Refectory’s stunning see-through glass ceiling filled the space with light and added a real sense of occasion to our gathering.

The event brought together Old Honitonians from a wonderfully broad range of eras, spanning the 1950s through to the 1990s, with so many different stories and lots of laughter. It was especially lovely to have an OH attending for the very first time, who was visiting from Spain. As ever, the conversation flowed easily, fuelled by good coffee, shared memories, and the chance to reconnect with familiar faces and make new connections.

We were delighted to welcome the following attendees:

• Myf Adams

• Nigel Alers-Hankey

• Ros Colston

• Jenni Dixon

• Stephen Dixon

• Russell Frith

• Clare Hopkins

• Dudley Hopkins

• Anthony Lovell-Wood

• Andy Moore

• Will Parke

• Caro Plumptre (neé Wilson)

• Quentin Sandell

• Lesley Watson (née Britton)

• David Woollatt

Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the morning such a success.

Thanks must also go to the fabulous team at Salisbury Cathedral Refectory, who are always so welcoming and really help us make this such a special event.

We look forward to welcoming many more of you to future OH events.

Join us for our latest OH Salisbury Gathering.

We’re excited to invite you to our OH Salisbury gathering on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 — a fantastic opportunity for OHs from across the region to reconnect over coffee at the newly refurbished Refectory Restaurant at Salisbury Cathedral.

☕ Event starts: 10:00 AM
 📍 Location: The Refectory Restaurant, Salisbury Cathedral, SP1 2EJ. 

This event has quickly become a favourite among our community, and we look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible.

Attending?

Let us know you plan to attend by filling out this form here - https://forms.gle/2WyrNi5dXP1uZFc2A

We are absolutely delighted to share our next OH interview, featuring Richard Anderson (Middlemist 1966–71). Richard was Head Boy during his time at Allhallows and is a wonderfully engaging storyteller, with many family connections to our school and its rich history.

Many of you will remember Richard’s fascinating talk at our recent London Cocktail Party and AGM, where he spoke about his latest book, A History of Rousdon Mansion and Allhallows School. His deep knowledge, warmth, and sense of narrative made it a highlight of the evening.

In this upcoming feature, Richard shares a wealth of captivating Allhallows stories, including one remarkable tale that begins during his schooldays and unfolds more than 50 years later. It is a story of memory, continuity, and the enduring magic of Allhallows.

We are thrilled to share this short extract and to bring you more from this enthralling interview via our social media, Facebook and YouTube channels, and here on our website. Our sincere thanks to Richard for sharing his time, memories, and insights so generously.

You can purchase a copy of Richard’s fantastic book here:
👉 https://richardanderson.uk/work