ALUMNI
quote of the month
" Mentally and physically this sport has drained me. But giving up has never been part of my DNA. Two months ago I made a choice and didn’t look back. For moments like this. 4th place at Olympic Trials. I’m back. And not going anywhere.
When you find that true passion and hunger for something, you’re in a special place.
This is the rebirth."
JONATHAN ILORI (HAWKE 2011)
The Alumni Office at the Royal Hospital School works in partnership with the RHS Association to help alumni to connect and inspire the next generation. On this page you can access professional networking, news, class reunions, social events, and the digital archive.
Not heard from us for a while? To stay #partofRHS please take a moment to request an 'update my details' form:
BOOK A TOUR
We have lots of alumni returning to RHS for a tour. If you would like to visit, please do let us know in advance, so we can give you a full tour. If you are passing and just pop in, we will do everything to accommodate you, but the tour might be shorter than if you had contacted us in advance. Please email Katie Gould or telephone 01473 326183 to organise a tour.
ALUMNI NEWS
We'd love to hear from you to celebrate your achievements, successes and good causes you're supporting to include on our Alumni News section and in The Gidge. Please email all articles and accompanying photographs to Lucy Pembroke (lpembroke@royalhospitalschool.org) for consideration.
![Return to RHS]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1655984394/royalhospitalschoolorg/dz9inw9gon5ok67cnaiz/JimThomas1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1655984394/royalhospitalschoolorg/dz9inw9gon5ok67cnaiz/JimThomas1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1655984394/royalhospitalschoolorg/dz9inw9gon5ok67cnaiz/JimThomas1.png","width":600}])
Jim Thomas (Anson, 1949) came back to RHS for the first time having seen an advert promoting the Festival of the Sea.
![An Extraordinary Life]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1655471119/royalhospitalschoolorg/fhvi8qmb04dx5aqqkgwf/Hanks.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1655471119/royalhospitalschoolorg/fhvi8qmb04dx5aqqkgwf/Hanks.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1655471119/royalhospitalschoolorg/fhvi8qmb04dx5aqqkgwf/Hanks.png","width":632}])
The Alumni Office recently received the news of the passing of Les Hanks (Cornwallis, 1940).
![HMS Ganges]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1654766525/royalhospitalschoolorg/qk70que8kpvnyhxhdifc/HMSGangesMast3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1654766525/royalhospitalschoolorg/qk70que8kpvnyhxhdifc/HMSGangesMast3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1654766525/royalhospitalschoolorg/qk70que8kpvnyhxhdifc/HMSGangesMast3.jpg","width":600}])
Our School Band was invited to play at the removal of the former HMS Ganges training mast at Shotley Gate.
![Flying In For A Catch-up]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1653308738/royalhospitalschoolorg/zpkeskyb3mplh7fnjcqw/Annett1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1653308738/royalhospitalschoolorg/zpkeskyb3mplh7fnjcqw/Annett1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1653308738/royalhospitalschoolorg/zpkeskyb3mplh7fnjcqw/Annett1.png","width":600}])
Three old friends all with a love of flying, flew into Henstridge Airfield for a meet up.
![40th Anniversary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1648809849/royalhospitalschoolorg/idqb2xr5likeibzecygc/ResizedFalkandsLogo.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1648809849/royalhospitalschoolorg/idqb2xr5likeibzecygc/ResizedFalkandsLogo.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1648809849/royalhospitalschoolorg/idqb2xr5likeibzecygc/ResizedFalkandsLogo.png","width":600}])
The 2 April 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the Falkland’s War. Many members of the RHS community, their father’s and family member’s served in the Task Force.
Brian Buckley reunited with Jim Hendry in December 2021 for the first time since they left RHS 61 years ago.
Events
The Alumni Office runs a number of regular events throughout the year in conjunction with the RHS Association including; professional networking events; Army vs Navy rugby match; Summer Reunion Weekend; Old Boys Rugby & Curry Night; year group reunions as well as informal gatherings.
Volunteer
We are looking to recruit and support up to 100 active volunteers to inspire our pupils to be ambitious for their futures and help them prepare for life after RHS. We would appreciate your participation in alumni lectures, careers activities, mentoring and work placements and professional networking.
Alumni Office Key Contacts
Lucy Pembroke, Head of Community & Alumni Relations
e: lpembroke@royalhospitalschool.org
t: +44 (0)1473 326110
Katie Gould, Community & Alumni Relations Executive
e: kgould@royalhospitalschool.org
t: +44 (0)1473 326183
