The 2nd SAOBA cycle ride took place on 1st September 2019. Starting from Redesmere, the small but determined group of Old Boys did 41 miles up into the Pennines, climbing up to the Cat and Fiddle and down again. The route included Wild Boar Clough, Pymm’s Chair, the Goyt Valley and of course two food stops. In total, they reached about 4000 feet of ascent.

Mike O’Kell, last year’s SAOBA Cycle Champion was determined to retain his title this year, but narrowly missed out to Ian Taylor with a total cycled mileage of 75 miles on the day beating Mikes total of 71 miles. Ian Taylor was also first up Pymms chair, so he is awarded our first ever “King of the Mountains” too. 

A presentation will be made at this year’s dinner!

If you are a keen or even not so keen cyclist and would like to join the group, then please get in touch.

In April, we welcomed former Old Boy and Secretary of State for Education, the Rt. Hon. Damian Hinds MP back to St. Ambrose.

He was taken on a tour of the facilities by students before taking part in an engaging discussion with teacher Dave Lindsay and the Politics Society.

Damian was also presented with an Peter Saville, Old Boys Tie by our Chairman, Adam Mitcheson

A pupil at the Catholic grammar school between 1980 and 1987, Damian spent 18 years working in the pubs, brewing and hotel industries before entering politics when he was elected Member of Parliament for East Hampshire in 2010.

He was promoted to Minister of Employment at the Department of Work and Pensions in 2016 and was moved to his current position last year before leaving the position after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister.