Old Lidunians

20/10/2026

Go on, you know you want to 🙂

The annual Old Arnoldians' vs Old Lidunians' Boxing Day Match is back for 2026!

Dust off your boots, reconnect with old teammates and rivals, and enjoy one of the most cherished fixtures in the alumni calendar.

📅 26th December 2026
📍 Fylde RFC

To play, email [email protected] with your name, age and alumni school.

Old Arnoldians' and Old Lidunians' will automatically play for their respective sides. Alumni from KEQMS and AKS will be allocated a team to keep the fixture competitive and enjoyable for all.

Register now and join us on the pitch!

05/10/2026

Congratulations Stephen.

We were delighted to welcome distinguished alumnus Stephen Walter back to AKS Lytham during a recent visit from Canada, marking an extraordinary milestone exactly 60 years after he left King Edward VII School.

Since his time at KES, Stephen has built an exceptional international academic career, studying at Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh before holding professorial appointments at leading institutions including Yale University, McMaster University and the University of Ottawa. His pioneering work in epidemiology, public health and medical statistics has influenced healthcare policy and research worldwide, earning him election as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), one of the highest honours in science.

During his visit, Stephen reflected fondly on the friendships, opportunities and inspirational teachers who helped shape his future, particularly his mathematics teacher, Mr Mike Addison, whose encouragement sparked a lifelong passion for statistics and research.

Returning to AKS after six decades, Stephen was delighted to see both the familiar character of the school and the exciting developments that continue to enhance opportunities for today's pupils.

His remarkable journey from the classrooms of Lytham to the forefront of international scientific research serves as a powerful reminder of where curiosity, ambition and a strong education can lead.

We thank Stephen for sharing his memories and inspiring our community with his story.

To read the full article please visit the below link:

🔗https://oaksconnect.com/news/general-news/210/210-Alumni-Spotlight-Stephen-Walter

28/09/2026

Question from a member: “I have been trying to remember who the economics teacher was at KES in the 90s. Do you know of anyone who can remember?”

I left in 1989 and John Ligget was still there at that point. Anyone got any more up to date recollections on the next decade?

17/09/2026

11/09/2026

In Memoriam of Margaret Ritchie (1938 - 2026)

We remember Margaret Ritchie, former Headmistress of Queen Mary School from 1981 to 1998, whose leadership, vision and unwavering belief in girls' education shaped generations of young students. Her warmth, dedication and commitment to every pupil's success left a lasting legacy, and she is remembered with great affection and gratitude by the school community.

Please follow the link below to read the full AKS Fondly Remembered tribute and honour Margaret's many years of service and commitment to our school.

🔗https://ow.ly/E8gy50ZMsUE

26/07/2026

Anyone watching this group who left school in 1966 please do add a comment. John Marshall was wondering who may still be around. Thanks.

21/07/2026

Happy Birthday Cyril!

🎉 Happy 100th Birthday to Old Lidunian Cyril Alderman!

Today we're celebrating an incredible milestone as King Edward VII School alumnus Cyril Alderman turns 100.

Cyril attended the school from 1940–1944 during the Second World War, where he excelled as a student, leader and sportsman, earning the prestigious Victor Ludorum award in 1943.

Looking back through "The Lidunian" and hearing Cyril's own memories has been a wonderful reminder of the resilience, friendship and opportunities that defined school life, even during wartime.

From everyone in the OAKS Alumni community, we wish Cyril a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for sharing his remarkable story.

📖 Read Cyril's full story here: https://ow.ly/8Wi650ZqS4z

Happy Birthday, Cyril! 💙

24/06/2026

Exploring Your Options for September and Beyond?

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Sometimes those decisions happen at traditional entry points and sometimes circumstances change unexpectedly.

We have extensive experience of welcoming students throughout the academic year, supporting families with a personalised and seamless transition.

Whether you are considering a move before September, exploring independent education for the first time, or planning ahead for the future, our Admissions Team is here to help.

✔ Individual visits throughout the year
✔ Taster days
✔ Advice on GCSE and Sixth Form pathways
✔ Experienced pastoral and academic support
✔ Dedicated admissions guidance for every family

To find out more, visit our new webpage:

🔗 https://ow.ly/sJpe50ZeFmJ

18/05/2026

Traditions can often die in this modern age, but we continue to try & buck that trend. Yesterday saw the 90th Anniversary of the Penry Trophy – an annual golf tournament originally held for former pupils of KES and in the last 10 years expanded to support the former pupils of QMS. The switch of date to May had offered the promise of slightly improved weather, and we weren’t let down on that front. 27 former pupils took to the links of Royal Lytham & St Annes to give it a go under semi-blue skies and of course, a little breeze.

The field included many veterans of the event some of whom have supported the event for more than 30 years, but it also included a couple of 1st timers which is extremely positive for the growth & continuation of the event. The early clubhouse leader was Andy Taylor who held the lead for most of the afternoon only to find himself pipped by players in the last 2 groups.

In the House Cup, Lancastrians retained their hold on the trophy with a combined score of 100 points (best 3 scores to count), closely followed by St John’s (99) and Argonauts (98). Jon Flitcroft retained his hold on the Handley Cup and Hazel Preston won the Porter Trophy, the competition open to former QMS pupils.

The battle for the Penry Trophy was played out between Chris Hibbert, Mark Womersley and Ben Hargreaves. All 3 had very strong front 9’s, and there was only 2 points between them as they entered the tough stretch in the middle of the back 9. Chris and Ben moved ahead, but both tried to hand it to each other by making mistakes coming down the 18th. However, his solid stretch of holes early in the back 9 ensured that Chris would take home the coveted trophy with 38 points, with Ben just 1 point behind and Mark a further point back.

Thanks and congratulations to everyone who came and played or supported the event - same time again next year. If you want to play in this event and you don’t think I have your contact details please do email me at [email protected] and I’ll add you to the mailing list.

08/05/2026

A confident team of 5 Old Lidunians took to Clitheroe Golf Club on Friday 8th May to take on teams of golfers from 7 other independent / grammar schools in the Lancashire Old Boys Annual Golf Society match. Messrs Moore, Whitaker, Beverley, Melling and Murray put on a sterling show, but sadly were outplayed on the day by a few too many teams for us to appear on the prize list. It’s the first time that we’ve put a team forward for this event probably for over 10 years, and for the life of us, we cant remember why we stopped as it is a great day out with like minded individuals. The sun shone on the Ribble Valley for most of the day which was also a bonus. Thanks to those who travelled to come and play, your commitment to “Sublimis Ab Unda” is appreciated. Next year it looks like they might be playing at Hesketh, so hopefully we can go strong handed. (No, Gary isn’t facing the wrong way…. 🙂) AKS OAKS