Old Bancroftians Association

20/07/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news that former Bancroft's teacher Chris Taylor passed away peacefully last night after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Chris fought so hard throughout his illness and will be remembered with great affection by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

Further details regarding a celebration of Chris's life will be shared once arrangements have been made.

18/02/2026

Harold Haydn (Harry) Sternschuss (OB 1942- 49) funeral will be at 2pm Monday 23rd Feb at Parndon Wood Crematorium, Parndon Wood Road, Harlow CM19 4SF. Donations in memory of Harry can be sent to https://www.justgiving.com/page/hhsternschuss?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020 in support of the Alzheimers Society

If you are planning to attend please contact the family on [email protected]

10/02/2026

Harold Haydn (Harry) Sternschuss (OB 1942- 49)
It is with sadness we report that Harry Sternschuss passed away on Feb 8th 2026. Harry was 94 born on Aug 15th 1931 and was a boarder at Bancroft's from 1942-49. He served for many years on the OB General committee and was President of the OBA in 1996. Throughout his life he was a staunch supporter of both the Association and the school and his children Rachel, Sarah and Simon both attended Bancroft's. He was also a keen actor and an active member of the OB Amateur Dramatic Society and appeared in many productions. Harry left school and started work in Southend where he worked as a Bingo caller (where he met his wife Jean (d.2017) and also started work as an articled clerk in accountancy. He later went on to become a partner in the accountancy firm Gerald Edelman and Co in Harley Street. We pass on our condolences to his family at this time.

30/01/2026

Shared on behalf of Vernon Gaiger, husband of Debbie Gaiger née Wilkinson OB 1977-84:

I have some tragic news for those that are not already aware.
On Monday 19th January my wonderful wife Debbie my life long companion and best friend, was involved in a serious road traffic collision. Sadly she died at the scene.
She was an amazing woman, was heavily involved in the community in and around the village we live in, engrossing herself in a local choir, The Spa Singers, and a local Church, The Life Church. She also had a little part time job in the village shoe shop, Peter Scott Shoes (Britain’s smallest shoe shop) which she absolutely loved, coming into regular contact with many local people in the village, and as a keen biker she was a member of the South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Christian Motorcyclists Association. She certainly spread herself about. She was loved by all she met, and touched the hearts of many people.
She leaves behind myself, her husband, and two sons. As you can imagine we are totally devastated and heartbroken.
RIP Debbie, Good night and God bless.

21/01/2026

Vacancy for a Chairman and a Treasurer
The OBA was formed in 1909 and since it formation the Association has had numerous Officers who have dedicated their time and effort to enable the contact between OB's and Bancroft's School to be maintained.

The Association is now looking for 2 volunteers to take on Officer responsibilities due to the current holders retirement after many long years service.

We require both a Chairman and a Treasurer to work alongside our current Secretary. You will have all the support you need from the other committee members and those leaving the roles. If you are interested in either of these positions then please do not hesitate to contact me Steve Dodd (OBA Vice President) by email [email protected] to learn more and I would be happy to speak with you.

Applications should be received by 2nd March 2026

Vacancy for a Chairman and a Treasurer The OBA was formed in 1909 and since it formation the Association has had numerous Officers who have Read More ...

16/01/2026

The OBEDF committee welcomes a number of new members to ensure that the legacy of the charity is secure for the future to support Bancrofts school Pupils and Old Bancroftians
The committee comprises Jack Lewis, Tony Le Cras, Kevin Campbell, Stephen Dodd, Janice Bissett, Rishabh Shah, Richard Channer, Robert Hitching. Gemma Wickes, Kavin Vijayakumar*, Monika Johal*, Jonathan Russell*, Not present Daniel Morgan-Thomas*, Stephanie McDonald*, Christopher Boote* *new members of OBEDF. https://oldbancroftians.com/edf_new

10/11/2025

The OBEDF will be holding its AGM at Drapers Hall on 24th November 2025 in the Wardens Room. Please follow link https://oldbancroftians.com/edf_new to download agenda and more details.

OBEDF, Old Bancroftians Educational Development Fund, Educational Charity

17/10/2025

OBA 117th Annual Dinner

Friday 6 March 2026

The Old Bancroftians’ Association is delighted to invite all Old Bancroftians and their guests to the 117th Annual Dinner, continuing their cherished tradition of connection and celebration.

Venue: Bancroft’s School Dining Hall
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dress Code: Black Tie, OBA Tie, Lounge Suits or Evening Dress

Guests will enjoy a three-course silver service meal, a complimentary arrival drink, and the chance to purchase w**e and b**r on the night (cash and card accepted). Please note: the school’s alcohol licence does not permit guests to bring their own drinks.

Ticket Options range from £25- £70 for individual tickets. Table bookings also available.

Early bird discounts available until 2 November 2025!

Book here:

The Old Bancroftians' Association invite all Old Bancroftians and their guests for a dinner in the Dining Hall. Dress code : Black Tie/OBA Tie/...

17/10/2025

OBA 117th Annual Dinner

Friday 6 March 2026

The Old Bancroftians’ Association is delighted to invite all Old Bancroftians and their guests to the 117th Annual Dinner, continuing their cherished tradition of connection and celebration.

Venue: Bancroft’s School Dining Hall
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dress Code: Black Tie, OBA Tie, Lounge Suits or Evening Dress

Guests will enjoy a three-course silver service meal, a complimentary arrival drink, and the chance to purchase w**e and b**r on the night (cash and card accepted). Please note: the school’s alcohol licence does not permit guests to bring their own drinks.

Ticket Options range from £25- £70 for individual tickets. Table bookings also available.

Early bird discounts available until 30 November 2025!

Book here:

The Old Bancroftians' Association invite all Old Bancroftians and their guests for a dinner in the Dining Hall. Dress code : Black Tie/OBA Tie/...

17/10/2025

OBA dinner early bird rate reduction extended until 30/11 book now to save.