News

Ian Small

Created: 03 December 2018

Ian Small Abbotsholme It is with sadness that we pass on news of the death of Ian Small. The Headmaster of Bootham School in York for many years, Ian was a former Head of English and Drama at Abbotsholme, Housemaster of Millholme and an Abbotsholme Governor.

Ian died peacefully on 29th October, after a brief and courageous fight against cancer. He is survived by his three daughters, Catherine, Naomi and Hannah.

Derek Sederman

Created: 01 December 2018

A memorial service for Derek Sederman will be held in the Abbotsholme chapel at 11.00am on 16 March. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A number of OAs will be speaking about Derek’s life, including Andy Sederman, Chris Hall, Jenny Richardson, Kath Fielder, Jim Broatch, Clare Cooke, Guthrie Pickering, Nick Hopkinson and Robert Wall. A collection will be taken for Derek’s chosen charity, the RNLI. After the service, you are invited to a buffet lunch in the dining room, after which you can take a guided tour of the school.

Ample parking will be available.

Remembrance Book

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Derek, whether you are able to attend or not. After the service, we will collate your memories of Derek into a book and present this on behalf of the club to his wife, Elizabeth.

There are three easy ways you can share your memories:

1. Facebook - Post your memory below; or

2. Email - Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or

3. In person - Share your thoughts in the memory book that will be available for signing at the memorial service.

Please ensure you share your memories before or on 16th March, or we will be unable to include them in the book.

Memorial Service for Tom Palmer and the OA Reunion Day

Created: 03 August 2018

Tom Palmer Here follows a summary of the events of the whole day, held on 26th May 2018, the tributes given by various members of the OA Club, and one of the speeches given at the OA Dinner.

The Old Abbotsholmians’ Club Reunion Day 2018

By Danni Arnold (formerly Knott) Knott and Nikki Darnell (formerly Knott)

(Danni was a pupil until 2017 and is now a committee member of the Old Abbotsholmians’ Club. Nikki taught at Abbotsholme for many years, and was also the Houseparent of Orchard House.)

On a beautiful day in May, Abbotsholme stood stately and welcoming in the sunshine as Abbotsholmians congregated from far and wide to celebrate the life of one of the best of her own, Tom Palmer.

Former students whose lives Tom had touched arrived with their wives, husbands and children; old friends and colleagues separated by time and distance were brought back together by a shared desire to be part of this eloquent act of remembrance. For Tom Palmer; but how could it be for Tom? He was an indefatigable force. So kind, so cheerful, so good, so clever. Yet we gathered, greeting each other with a sense of bewilderment and pleasure, because how could one not feel pleasure, when contemplating the life of Tom and when meeting in his honour?

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Ian Small

Derek Sederman

Memorial Service for Tom Palmer and the OA Reunion Day

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