St Ambrose College is to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a year-long programme of events - with tickets for the centrepiece gala dinner already on sale and selling fast.
The dinner takes place at The Midland Hotel on Saturday 20th March 2027, hosted by Mike Toolan, and is open to everyone with a connection to the school, past or present. Tickets are available at www.stambroseball.co.uk.
A working party of governors, trustees, staff, parents and the Sports Committee is already planning a wider programme of events, which will also include concerts, a history wall, the launch of a Memorial Garden and a dedicated programme for Old Ambrosians.
The college was permanently established by the Christian Brothers at Woodeaves, Hale Barns in 1946, following the wartime evacuation of Les Vauxbelets College, Guernsey in 1940. Over eight decades it has served Catholic communities across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. With many current pupils the sons of Old Ambrosians, organisers hope the celebrations will unite memories and traditions across several generations.
Andy Aldrich, Chair of the Parents' Association SAPA, said: "Although I'm new to the St Ambrose community this year, it has already become clear why the school holds such a special place in the hearts of so many families and former students.
"There is a real sense of legacy, pride and community that spans generations, and these celebrations will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect old friends, bring together past and present students, and celebrate 80 years of an incredibly special school."
Principal Dermot Rainey said: "We were unable to hold a celebration for the 75th anniversary because of the coronavirus pandemic so plans for the 80th are intentionally ambitious.
"One of many things we all gleaned from the pandemic was the importance and indeed craving of the human spirit to be amongst friends and family, so we want to create as many of those opportunities as possible. One of the Eight Essentials of being an Edmund Rice school is Building a Christian Community so that will be central to our vision and aims."
Mr Rainey added: "With the school having so many traditions, we want to cater for those who've represented the school across the various sports including rugby as well as recognising the arts which continues to thrive here.
"As a school formed in the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice, there will also be opportunities for recognising and celebrating the distinctive charism of the school. Whilst we want to celebrate the school's history over the past 80 years, we are also conscious that historically, not everyone has had positive experiences of their time at St Ambrose. Therefore, supported by specialist support services, we are committed to approaching this significant anniversary with sensitivity and respect for all members of the community, past and present."
Anyone wishing to be involved is encouraged to follow the school's social media channels and sign up to a mailing list launching in the coming weeks via Ambrose80@st-ambrosecollege.org.uk. Alumni will be contacted separately, with the aim of identifying a representative from as many year groups as possible.
