Chairman

On behalf of the Committee I would like to welcome you to the website of the Ashford School Association (ASA).

I became Chairman at the ASA AGM on 28th February 2009.

The ASA is the means by which past pupils and staff can maintain a link with the School and with each other in the UK and around the world.

I believe that the ASA has a role in supporting the School and as Chairman I intend to forge closer links with the Headmaster, Governors, the PTA and The ASA Trust to ensure the continuing success and prosperity of the School and therefore the ASA. The Committee and I are keen to hear what events you would like to see the ASA facilitating, so do email us at development@ashfordschool.co.uk with any ideas.

To enjoy the full exchange of information through the website and from our database it is currently necessary to become a member of the Association. The annual subscription is only £6; simply complete the downloadable membership form and send back to us. Members receive The School Tie annually, a newsletter in the summer, and a discounted rate at events such as the Quaglinos lunch.

The School is putting in place a Development Office from September 2011 headed by Marcus Allen, who will be the Development Officer.  Annual membership fees will be abolished in January 2012, as the financial support will be provided by the School, however, this funding will be provided to the ASA and all monies currently held will be safeguarded. Membership data will be held on the School database allowing for fuller information to be gathered such as University details and professions. ASA events will be organised by the Development Officer in conjunction with the Committee and Marcus is looking at new software with an on-line payment system for events. The ASA website and Facebook page would be managed by the Development Office, as they require quite a considerable number of hours a week to keep updated.

The Committee hopes that it will mean a broader and more varied ASA connection around the country and the world. The School does not wish to run the ASA and the Committee will still have an important role to play, however, with the advent of social networking and the website the time needed to keep the administration running smoothly requires additional support. The School sees this change and the related cost as an investment as it will broaden its network of contacts at Universities and work places, thus being able to further promote the School and provide valuable support for pupils as they leave. It was thought the ASA and School magazines may merge in 2012 with hard copies being mailed to members in the UK and electronic copies emailed to members abroad.

We love to hear news from past pupils and staff and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our forthcoming events.

Sarah Dean (nee Constantine)
Chairman