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Edward Hawkins - King Alfred 1990 - OA Club Chairman
I was in King Alfred House and left the school in 1990. I have stayed closely connected to the community ever since. In 2007, I was honoured to become Chairman of the OA Club, a role that has allowed me to help strengthen the bonds between past and present pupils. With my own children attending the school, I feel deeply invested in its continued success and am passionate about supporting its growth and keeping our OA network strong and engaged.
Louise Hogg (née Venner) - Meynell 1997 - OA Club Deputy Chair
I started at King’s House aged four and went on to King’s Hall and King’s College, leaving in 1997. As one of the first cohorts of girls at both the Hall and the College, I have very fond memories of school.
I first joined the OA Committee in 2005, stepped away in 2007 when I moved to Bristol, and rejoined in 2021 after returning to Taunton. I became Deputy Chair in 2022.
I’m now married, work in Marketing for Lloyds Bank, and my two sons attend the Prep School. Driving up the school drive brings back wonderful memories, and I enjoy being part of the Committee and seeing how the school continues to grow while keeping its original ethos.
Chris Rew - Meynell 1980 - OA Club Treasurer
I left King’s in 1980 and lived in London until 2007, working as an Investment Manager. My two youngest sons, James and Thomas, also attended King’s from the age of four and are now professional cricketers with Somerset County Cricket Club.
After moving to Taunton in 2008, I joined the OA Committee and became Treasurer of both the Club and the OA Benefit Fund in 2010.
Our family lives close to the school, and we enjoy supporting its sports teams, concerts, and plays. It’s always a pleasure to see OAs return to take part in OA activities and events and events organised by the Parents and Friends Association.
Laurence Underhill - Carpenter 1970 - OA Club President
Having joined the Committee in the late 1970s I was appointed OA Club Chairman in 2001 and handed over the reins to Ed Hawkins, but still continued as a member of the General Committee. Following Roger Mott’s retirement the Committee appointed me OA Club President in 2021.
Being passionate about ensuring the OA Club continues to support and invest in the school community. In recent years we have provided regular contributions to the 1880 Enhancing King’s Fund, as well as supporting projects such as the OA Conference Room in the Sixth Form Centre.
In addition to our work with the school, the Committee also administers the OA Benefit Fund, which offers charitable assistance through Distress and Education Grants to former pupils, their spouses, widows, and children. If you would like to contribute to this fund or learn more about its work, please feel free to get in touch.
Tom Mott - Perretts 1992 - OA Club Secretary
I left King's in 1992 but King's has never left me. My family has long been associated with the school, dating back to my father's arrival at Pyrland Hall (now King's Prep) as a pupil from 1953-1958. And the link continues into a third generation as both my children, having spent their primary school years in London, are at King's too. I joined the OA Committee in 2021 and help to provide OAs with opportunities to keep in touch with the school both online and in person.
