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Exhibition is always the highlight of the school year at Ampleforth College and this year we were thrilled to see a strong Old Amplefordian representation throughout the weekend.

In the homily at the opening Mass on Friday night, Fr Ambrose spoke very movingly about the funeral of Maj-Gen Sir Sebastian Roberts (J72) earlier this year, holding up and reading from the prayer card his family made, including a prayer from his school prayer book. Major-General Christopher Ghika (E88) inspected the CCF, making time to speak with every girl and boy on parade, taking the salute and comparing them very favourably to the processions he has recently been part of. It was a great honour to have him involved and he spoke to all assembled around the House tents with his advice on taking everything you gain at Ampleforth and putting it to use in the world. Thank you Christopher.

Of course, Exhibition is nothing without the central event of the afternoon – The Old Amplefordians Cricket Club vs the College XI. Most of us assembled in the pavilion and around the boundary could probably tell you little about the cricket but more about the fantastic atmosphere and turnout to support the old boys. Tea was served to 250+ spectators and it was wonderful to welcome so many Old Amplefordians of all ages, and current and past parents, down around the pavilion and boundary. Thomas Savill declared for the OACC and as a result the College team, captained by his younger brother Patrick, took a well deserved victory before the OAs decamped to the White Swan.

Whilst the Leavers Ball in the Upper Building on Saturday night marked the official end of Exhibition for the pupils, the weekend was only just getting started. Mass with the monks on Sunday morning was very busy, even prompting the community to include some hymns alongside their usual plainchant. Sunday’s fixture for the OACC against I Zingari represented Ampleforth at its finest. The OAs really put on a great show, not just on the pitch (where some had defected for the day to help the other side to a victory), but also in hospitality. A wonderful lunch was provided, home cooked by Holly Ainscough (M09) and Lizzie & Emma from the Development Office. As always there was a fine picnic down the other end with word evidently having spread far enough to attract supporters from near and far, including a camper van! Frs Edward, Hugh and Cedd made the journey down the valley to join the OAs for the afternoon in a convivial atmosphere. Lots of sandwiches and cakes were devoured at tea and a steady flow of supporters came in and out all day. The weekend was then rounded off on Monday with the traditional fixture against the Yorkshire Gents, who were as brilliant as always. By the end of the weekend Exhibition was well and truly over for this year and we look forward to seeing many OAs back next year to experience the valley at its finest.