Rob Hitching – OBA President 2024-5
I am sure you will join us in welcoming Rob as our President for 2024-5
A message from Rob:
I began at Bancroft’s as a Third in September 1988, my elder sister Isabel having left in 1988 and my brother Malcolm in 1990. As a pupil I played first team Rugby and Cricket (enjoying tours to Canada and South Africa respectively), second team Hockey (had there been a 7th XI I am sure I would have been selected), and I played the usual House matches (West were certainly the best at the time). I also trod the boards with some cameos in the House Play Competition, and some very amateur efforts in school productions. My roles were very definitely not critically acclaimed, but I will always be grateful to Chris Taylor for casting me as one half of a Puritan double act with Ed Mann, and Tim Jones for giving me the role of Glad Hand – the only non-singing and non-dancing character in West Side Story – he was always a very good judge of talent and its limitations.
My happiest memories were undoubtedly of House competitions, being in the CCF and playing sport. Academic endeavours were of course important (if there are any current Bancroftians reading this), but the main business was having fun with my peers – many of whom I am pleased to say I have kept in touch with.
In 2004 I returned to the school, this time as a member of the teaching staff, having been to Exeter University and serving in the Army in the interim. I am now Housemaster of School House and CCF Contingent Commander, alongside teaching Geography and Politics and supporting the Games Department. Essentially, I am still largely doing the things I enjoyed as a kid back in the 1980s and 1990s and I am trying my best to channel my inner David Giles when delivering House Assemblies.
I am married to a Bancroft’s teacher, Julia, and we have three children who have all been to the school, and we have two nieces who are Old Bancroftians. I really don’t know what people mean when they talk about insular institutions!?
I am honoured to be the OBA President this year and am very much enjoying representing you at school functions and events. Highlights this year have already included Remembrance Sunday, the School Carol Service, The Senior Play production of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and I am looking forward to the annual Drapers’ Hall Concert and OBA Dinner in March, the 5, 10 and 15 Year on Reunions in May and of course OBs’ Day in June.
Whether you are a very recent OB or one a little older, please do support the OBA if you can.
I look forward to meeting many of you in the year ahead. Floreat Bancroftia!