th September 1859 two of the Curates from Deddington Parish Church were returning home after a meeting with the Vicar of Banbury, The Reverend Wilson.  One of these curates was The Rev Philip Egerton.

As they started off  back to Deddington that day it was suggested that they should walk through Bloxham rather than Adderbury {along what is now the Oxford Road}.

The outcome of this diversion was that Rev P Egerton saw a failed school building up for sale and he purchased it to start All Saints School, Bloxham. The School opened on 31^st January 1860 with just one pupil his name was Pearce. One can easily work out that was 150 years ago.

So 2010 is a very important year for Bloxham School and Bloxham Village. The School which is by far the largest employer in Bloxham and proud of its close connection with our village is going to celebrate this year on many occasions and especially with its former students.

One of the first large celebrations will be on 31^st January, when after a short service in Deddington Parish Church the whole school and many friends will carry out a sponsored walk back to school re-enacting part of the Founder’s walk but in the other direction.  If anyone reading the Broadsheet wishes to take part in the sponsored walk, please email  MGN@bloxhamschool.com or telephone 720222 for a sponsor form. The walk will be in aid of Deddington Church.

There will be another Village event on September 19^th.  It is hoped that there will be a major attraction at School combined with a Village Fete the purpose of which is to raise funds for the many village organisations.   Please get your organisation to come along to this event, set up a stall and make some money.

Altogether 2010 is to be an important year for Bloxham and it is hoped that we all enjoy it.

PJPB