The Old Rossallian
ANNIVERSARY
September 2018
In this Issue 3 President’s Message 4 A word from The Head & The Secretary 5 The Foundation 7 Golf 8 International Reports 9 Branch Reports 10 OR Weekend 14 WW1 Battlefields Trip 15 Visitors 16 Congratulations 17 Changing Lives Foundation Bursary 18 In Memorium 20 Dates for your Diary
Contributors: Graeme Marrs Jeremy Quartermain Ian Preston Arthur Stephenson Jim Cowpe Roger Walker Julie Barkhuizen Nancy Fielden Development: Henry Shepherd Dawn de Beer Hannah Jenkinson Kay van Blerk Graphic Design: Lore Walsh
The New Rossallian Welcome to the new Old Rossallian Magazine. Our new-look magazine brings a fresh style to our bi-annual news report and a higher quality print presentation; all at no extra cost to the OR Club or the School. To contribute to the OR Magazine, please email alumni@rossall.org.uk
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President’s Message Secretary, Ian Preston. An entertaining game, with the deciding goal being scored in the final minute, just as the incoming tide threatened the pitch (does anything change!). As always, the Lakes Lunch proved popular. Nick Hadfield encouraged some of our younger ORs to join us with a tempting lunch discount; it was a pleasure to have them, and we hope we shall see more of you at other gatherings in the future, such as the highly successful ‘Afternoon Tea’ in North Yorkshire.
Since I last wrote much has happened and indeed continues to happen. As we all know, Elaine Purves has moved on to head up an International School in Brussels: we wish her well. As a token of the Club’s appreciation of her support, I presented her with a painting ‘Bully on the Beach’, by David Wilson, at the OR Weekend Dinner. Now, we welcome our new ‘Bin’, Jeremy Quartermain, his wife, Fiona, and their young family to Rossall from deepest Essex. We wish them every happiness and success in this new challenge.
The programme for the next academic year looks equally appealing. The ever popular Late Summer Barbeque at the Oriental Club in London (following a Full Committee Meeting) takes place on September 21st - I do recommend this Club to you, the membership rates are very attractive, especially for younger folk; thereafter, in October, the Golf Society’s Autumn Meeting at Royal Mid-Surrey, Richmond, is followed by the Manchester Lunch. November 24th sees the German Dinner in Munich.
Also November marks the Centenary of the Signing of the Armistice Agreement, bringing an end to WWI. We are planning an Organ Recital, (Evening 10th) in Chapel, to celebrate the partial refurbishment Sadly, Sharon Potts, our excellent Alumni Manager, of our splendid Pipe Organ. A special Remembrance has departed for pastures new. She has been a tower Sunday Service will provide a worthy memorial of strength as well as being extremely popular: she to those gallant ORs and Masters, who gave their has done a great job and we will miss her; hopefully, lives in conflict, especially in the Great War. We hope to pay our respects with an impressive attendance. however, we shall see her here in the future. Highlights from this busy year included: promoting our endeavours at the School Open Day (to be repeated); a golf meeting that proved a learning curve - Ilkley will be ‘back to normal’ in 2019; a competitive day of Fives; the trip to the WWI Battlefields and much more.
The Rossallian Club is in good shape, with an increasing number of varied, fun, well-organised activities; these present opportunities to meet past contemporaries and more ‘modern’ Rossallians. Our Committee is making genuine progress with discussions regarding maintaining and increasing our presence and inclusivity, supporting Development projects, anniversary celebrations and the like. We wish to continue growing such events, including our International gatherings (I dearly want to develop our connections with ORs overseas), thus encouraging more of us to attend and appreciate their values. May I conclude by thanking Both Ian Preston and Phil Brown (our worthy Treasurer) for their efforts, which so often go unnoticed.
We had a very cheery OR Weekend this year, with one hundred and fifty sitting down to a quite splendid dinner - our largest gathering yet. Unfortunately, Lilias joins me in saluting all Rossallians, past and whilst the weather was superb, earlier rain had ensured present, and the Rossall Community. that the cricket square was ‘out of bounds’. However, there was RossHockey, much to the delight of our Floreat Rossallia!
Graeme Marrs MBE (J & F 51-57)
“We wish the Quartermains every happiness and success in this new challenge”
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A Word from The Head, Jeremy Quartermain It is an honour and a privilege to serve and lead Rossall School and I am wholeheartedly committed to building upon the magnificent work of my illustrious predecessors; most recently, Elaine Purves.
home’ - a constant and reassuring presence through the challenges of modern life. All Old Rossallians are intimately connected to the beautiful Fylde coast and all have an important role to play in ensuring that the School continues to flourish into the future.
The Performing Arts Studio and Sports Centre are key developments that will further improve the School in so many ways. None of this would be possible without the continued support of the Foundation and the remarkable generosity of so many Old Rossallians and this serves to enrich the lives of our current Fiona and I have been struck boys and girls. Both developments provide a tangible by the incredible warmth expression of the interconnectedness of the past, that radiates through the rich fabric of this community. present and future aspects of the School community. It is a very special place and I am conscious that the This super magazine looks to the past by reflecting current health and vibrancy of the School is in no upon the very many Old Rossallians who made small part attributable to the extraordinary interest the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. and generosity demonstrated by the Old Rossallian We also remember those members of the School community, who make an outstanding contribution community who have sadly passed away during more to so many aspects of School life. recent times. It is tremendously heartening to read of such fascinating lives that have been lived so well. Successful communities constantly evolve and how wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate 40 Years of Girls at Rossall. As we look towards the 175th anniversary of the School’s foundation, it is right that we should celebrate past successes whilst articulating a steadfast commitment to ensuring that the school is positioned to meet the challenges of the I would like to extend a personal invitation to all future by ensuring an outstanding quality of teaching Old Rossallians to come and visit us. Please do be and learning and aspiring to achieve excellence in all assured of the warmest of welcomes and I hope that aspects of School life. many of you perceive this place to be ‘home from During the forthcoming year I hope to meet as many of you as possible at Old Rossallian events. I look forward to listening to and reflecting upon your personal recollections of Rossall whilst taking the opportunity to discuss current and future projects during what is an exciting and dynamic period in terms of the School’s strategic development.
A Word from The Secretary, Ian Preston (J&Pe 66-73)
The last five years has been very much about building up a strong working relationship between the School and the Rossallian Club. The popularity of the Old Rossallian Weekend and success of other initiatives, where the Club is working closely with the School, suggest much has been achieved. Sadly, two of the characters so important to that achievement are moving on. Sharon would have been the first to tell me to keep it brief, so quite simply, she was a pleasure to work with, showed great professionalism and we will miss her very much.
It was Dr. Winkley who kicked started the concept of the School working closely with its alumni, something that had been sadly lacking for so long. From the very start it was clear that Elaine held the same views, typified by her invitation to several ORs to be involved in the rebranding of the School. And it wasn’t just a token gesture, evidenced by the fact the old School Crest remains prominent. Events such as the Old Rossallian Weekend require the full backing of the Head, and Elaine’s support for that and other activities has been very much appreciated. Her contribution to the happy position we find ourselves in after five years is substantial.
We will miss them both very much, and wish them Julie Barkuizen has been appointed Alumni Officer, and their families every success and happiness in their but thank you to Development Officer Dawn de Beer, new ventures, but we very much look forward to OR Kay van Blerk, and the Marketing Department working with Jeremy Quartermain. who have covered the position in the short term. 4
“I would like to extend a personal invitation to all ORs to come and visit us.”
The Foundation New £4m Sports Centre Project approved by the Rossall School Council Rossall School is thrilled to announce that the new Sports Centre plans have been approved by the School’s Council. A contractor has been appointed and work commenced in July. Completion is scheduled for the start of the 2019/2020 Academic Year. This is an exciting project and demonstrates real commitment from the School in terms of its continuing responsibility to provide modern facilities for the students and the wider community. The new Sports Centre will include: • An indoor sports hall (six badminton court size) with provision for indoor Hockey, Basketball and Cricket (nets will be fitted) • A 50m Sprint Track • A viewing Gallery over the existing Rossall Astroturf • A Fitness Suite • Male and female changing facilities for the indoor sports facilities, the multi-use games area (MUGA) and the Astroturf Further information in regards to this project and the fundraising will be provided over the coming weeks.
“We are celebrating 40 years since the arrival of girls at Rossall”
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The Foundation This month Rossall School opens the doors to its Performing Arts Studio. This new facility, which has been fully funded by generous OR David McKee ( J & A 49-56), is in the Middle School Gym (formerly the old Junior School Dining Room) and takes the format of a Black Box Theatre. As well as becoming Rossall’s first dedicated space for arts performance, the centre will be the base for Joanne Mcilwrath, our incoming Head of Drama, who will utilise the studio for teaching Drama and Theatre Studies. The former gym has been undergoing complete renovation over the summer, including a new disabled access point and installation of a full lighting and sound system. Rossall has a rich history surrounding the performing arts. Recent productions, led by our outgoing Director of Drama Roz Bendelow, include Les Misérables - a production that will long be remembered as one of Rossall’s finest dramatic performances. Such a space will increase the potential of this thriving branch of creativity.
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“It was pleasing to see a few new faces”
Golf
by Arthur Stephenson
Sadly, the boys and girls from the school’s Golf Academy weren’t able to join us, which did at least Ilkley Golf Club, Sunday 29th April 2018 mean that the chances of having a few ORs on the leader board were greatly enhanced. Our school team were competing in, and winning, the British Public After two weeks of unremitting rain, the weather Schools’ Championships at St. Mellion, on the same relented sufficiently to allow us to hold our Spring day, so they were excused attendance at Ilkley. Meeting on a dry, if chilly, Sunday afternoon in late April. We were lucky to be guests of Ilkley Golf The Society’s Spring Meeting was won by local Club, a delightful club and course, set beneath the member Ross Newton with an excellent score of 42 famous Ilkley Moor, and bordered for the early holes points, second was Christian Butler with 32 points, by the lovely River Wharfe, only a few yards from and third was our cross-Channel swimmer, Nick the edge of the course, which was visited by several Young, with 31 points. The Ladies’ Prize was won by OR’s, including your correspondent, who failed to Anne James, from Royal Wimbledon, with 29 points. keep their drives on the straight and narrow. We were The day was thought by all to be a great success. led from the blocks by local member and stalwart, The Club made us most welcome, and the course, as Richard Marriott, joined by an impressive twenty- always, was delightful. The Prize Presentation took seven golfers. I am most grateful to everyone for their places after drinks and supper, led by Rossallian Club support, and especially the eight new faces, and the President, Graeme Marrs, a vocal supporter of the dozen or so who came up from the South of England Golf Society’s reincarnation. We are most grateful to join the fun. to him and to David Holroyd and Richard Marriott, Spencer Cheetham, a fine, fast, powerful rugby player both members of Ilkley, who were a tremendous help in his school days, was, on the evidence of his first with the organisation of the event. few shots, a better rugby player then, than he is a Our Autumn Meeting will be held at Royal Mid golfer now, but the 24 points he scored was perfectly Surrey Golf Club, Richmond, on October 4th. This respectable, and it was great to have him with us. will mark the Society’s first event at a southern golf Alec Rowley, with whom I had the joy of playing and course, and we hope some of our northern members one of three octogenarians playing, drove halfway may be tempted to make the trip to this wonderful around the world from Frinton on Sea, to be with us. club and lovely course, as our southern members did Always wonderfully amusing company, he still plays a for Ilkley. very solid game, and I hope we see a lot more of him Looking further ahead, our Spring Meeting 2019, at future events. will be held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake It was very good to have the support of two of our on Wednesday, May 1st. Hoylake is one of the world’s current Halford Hewitt team playing with us - Noel great courses, and not to be missed if you haven’t Muscutt, our Captain, and Christian Butler, playing played it. So please spread the word, put both of in his first event was our lowest handicap (2) on the these dates in your diaries, and let’s see if we can get day, but even he tangled with the mighty Wharfe, bumper entries for both these events in the Rossall golfing calendar. and so his score of 32 points was a fine effort.
Rossallian Golf Society Spring Meeting
Alf Tansey heard that we were one short to make-up the pairings, and typically, immediately offered his services. Somewhat shocked that he even possessed a set of clubs, I enquired whether he actually played the game? “Well, after a fashion,” he said, “I did play once about 25 years ago, but am happy to make a fool of myself, if you can find me a willing partner!” Steve James, was just the man for this role, and though their scores didn’t threaten the leader board, they were certainly the heavyweight pairing. Chris Holt, Chairman of the Rossall Council, joined us for the first time this year. In his spare time, he is also Chairman of Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club.
Our Autumn Meeting is at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club, on October 4th
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International Reports New York Gathering In February we held our first OR drinks reception in New York, USA. Hosted by Head, Elaine Purves, and Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communication, Lucy Barnwell, the evening took place at the New York Yacht Club, befitting Rossall’s own waterside location. Attendees included Performing Arts Centre benefactor David McKee and former Common Room member Malcolm Taylor among the small but passionate group of Rossallians. The group welcomed news that Rossall is actively looking to recruit students from the US, this trip marking the first time anyone from the School had visited America for recruitment. The attendees were also keen to form an American ‘branch’ of the Rossallian Club, keeping the spirt of the school alive for those now living and working in the United States.
Hong Kong Gathering Hong Kong based ORs were introduced to Rossall’s new International Registrar for Asia and Australasia, Adam Cawkwell, at the beginning of the year. Adam hosted a drinks reception at The Winery, Sai Ying Pun, at the end of January. Attended by over a dozen ORs of varying ages, the Hong Kong gathering was one of our most successful OR meetings hosted on a recruitment trip. With Adam spending around a third of the year based in and travelling across Asia, we look forward to hosting more events in the future.
Paris Gathering Though small, our February meeting of ORs at Saint James Albany Paris Hotel Spa was an interesting affair. Hosted by International Registrar for Europe, Africa and America, Gillian Leggett, and attended by Alan Riding ( J&SE 55-61) and Mathilde Peres-Grunbaum (W 80-86), the evening was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with the goings on at Rossall today.
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“Attendees were keen to form an American ‘branch’ of the Rossallian Club”
Branch Reports Lakes Lunch Saturday 9th June 2018 This year’s Lakes Lunch gathering was held for the first time at the newly refurbished Linthwaite House hotel, on Saturday 9th June. The lunch was another huge success with forty three attending, including a number of younger ORs who thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
North Yorkshire/Durham Afternoon Tea Party Sunday 1st July 2018
by Jim Cowpe
Once again, Vicki Jowett (nee Cowpe) and her husband Tony, hosted our North Yorkshire get together at The Buck Inn, Thornton Watlass. The weather could not have been more perfect. It was so hot that there were a couple of cancellations owing to the oppressive heat in the car! Jim Cowpe introduced every single attendee to the gathering and there were a couple of very short speeches - one from our President, Graeme Marrs MBE, and one from the Development Director, Henry Shepherd. Graeme discussed what a moving experience the recent Battlefields trip had been, and Henry told attendees about the current and future restoration and development projects happening at Rossall. Our group had ample time to converse with each other. Some of us remained in the completely refurbished pub and others chose to take advantage of the garden, which is like no other. A delightful Afternoon Tea with a glass of Prosecco was provided by The Buck and in the opinion of everyone who attended, it had been an excellent afternoon.
For a list of forthcoming events, please see page 20 of this magazine. All Old Rossallians and their guests are welcome to join us.
“It had been an excellent afternoon.”
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OR Weekend Marking the start of a long, hot summer for Rossall, the sun shone throughout the annual OR Weekend. This year, more Rossallians than ever gathered for a day of reminiscing and an impressive array of activities. 2018 has been a memorable year for Rossall. OR Weekend allowed us to share development plans for the future, and mark forty years since the senior school became co-educational. The competitive nature of students, past and present, was on display throughout the day with an intense game of RossHockey and a hockey tournament to compete in. As always, the highlight of OR Weekend took place in the much-loved Dining Hall – Dinner. Guests enjoyed a beautiful meal, courtesy of Rossall Catering, preceeded by drinks, conversation and laughter. An impressive one hundred and fifty guests sat for dinner this year, making 2018 the most successful OR Weekend yet. Thank you to everyone who joined us for parts, or all, of OR Weekend, we hope many of you will join us again next year.
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“The school contingent, perhaps not surprisingly, dominated the Leader Board”
www.flickr.com/photos/rossallschool/albums
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40 Years of Girls at Rossall During her welcome, the Head reflected on the important influence girls have had at the school over the past 40 years. A special welcome was given to Miss Tracey Bennett who had travelled from New In this academic year 40 years ago, eleven 11 year- Zealand to be there. Old Rossallian Rev. Deborah old girls entered the School under the care of Mr Parsons also spoke about what it was like being one of Cyril Fayle in James House. This is where they the first cohort of girls at the School back in 1977/8, remained until Dolphin House was completed whilst current Deputy School Captain, Olivia Gregory, ensured that guests were brought up to date the following year. with what it is like being a girl at Rossall in 2018. Former students and staff joined the Head, Ms Elaine Purves, and current students and staff for an afternoon Long serving member of staff, former Rose of reminiscence, many catching up with school friends Houseparent and current Head of Junior School, Mrs they had not seen for a number of years. There was Katie Lee, finished proceedings with a number of much hilarity as guests’ recounted stories of mischief entertaining stories involving guests who attended the Afternoon Tea; there was plenty of laughter and from their school days. a few red faces! The School had put on an exhibition for the day. Guests enjoyed looking through old school photographs and Guests invited to write down their memories on cards before placing them on a special Memory Tree; these memorabilia from the School’s Archives. will now be included in the School Archives.
Rossall School celebrated 40 years of senior girls at a special Afternoon Tea held at the School during its annual Old Rossallian Weekend.
Jane Rousseau (Dn 73-76, 80-84)
Tracey Bennett (Dn 79-84)
Hannah Fryer (Dn 2006-13)
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“We welcome new players with open arms”
WEEKEND
2019
OLD ROSSALLIAN
SATURDAY 2ND MARCH
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.rossall.org.uk/orweekend2019 Please contact the Alumni Office on 01253 774288 E: alumni@rossall.org.uk
ANNIVERSARY
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Battlefields Trip
by Graeme Marrs
Old Rossallian Visit to the Battlefields of 1914-1918 Thursday 31st May – Monday 4th June 2018. The five day tour included visits to Flanders Fields, the Menin Gate, Thiepval Memorial, and St George’s Memorial Church. Rossall Chaplain, Revd. Etienne van Blerk, had prepared a service for commemoration for Old Rossallians lost to the Great War. The service took place at the New Munich Trench, Beaumont-Hamel, and moved the group to tears. The following ORs made this Pilgrimage in order to honour all those ORs who had made the ultimate sacrifice so that we, who follow, can live in peace and freedom: Graeme Marrs MBE, Chris Holt, Alf Tansey, Roger Walker, Peter Crabtree, William Hedley and Tim Sindall. Also on the trip were, Mrs Lilias Marrs, Mrs Pymm Holt, Mrs Sandie Tansey and Mrs Christine Walker. We were joined by Commodore Rupert Wallace CBE R.N. (Retired), John Dennison (Fancourt Events) and Peter Jones (Battlefields Expert). And not forgetting David Keane, an admirable driver and companion.
“I found myself moved daily by what I observed in the museum, church and memorial.” “The most moving event we attended was the short service held at New Munich Trench to commemorate Capt. Leo Jude OR. Damp and overcast, the beautifully kept cemetery, with perhaps just a hundred graves, was in the middle of the Flemish countryside, we had a Piper, we sang the Carmen and yes, the poppies were flowing on the path back to the bus.”
“On the Sunday, we attended the Service at St. George’s Church in Ypres; a wreath was laid at the foot of the Rossall Wall Plate and the citation thereupon was read. We all found this very special.” “Sunday Lunch in Bruges – A spontaneous attempt at the reconstruction of a Chariot Race, involving Ben Hur and Boudicca – one chariot wheel ran over the foot of the Chairman of Council.”
Our commemoration of the Great War will climax on November 11th at 11:00am in the Rossall Chapel.
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‘We will remember them.’ Floreat Rossallia!
2018 marks the final year of Centenary commemoration for all the Rossallians who lost their lives during World War One, 1914-1918.
WW1 Commemoration Service Sunday 11th November 2018 11.00am gathering at 10.50am
Visitors
David Deighton (MC 46-49)
Daniel Hignett (SE 99-06)
Tiffany Ng (Dn 96-99)
Peter Robinson (DC 62-67) Tony Nickson ( J & DC 61-68) & wife, Heather and ... David Blakeney (DC 72-75) Lauren Seaton (Wr 10-12) Danielle Sorbie (W 05-13) Paul Wiseman (Fn 76-86)
To arrange a visit to Rossall please call 01253 774288
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Congratulations to:
Vaughan Kennedy (Fn 76-82) on his marriage to Fiona. The wedding took place in St. John the Baptist Chapel in April 2018.
Introducing... Julie Barkhuizen, Alumni Officer Rossall is pleased to announce the appointment of our new Alumni Officer, Julie Barkhuizen. When I first walked through the school gates in 1985, I never anticipated I would have such a long and varied career at Rossall; at Christmas I will have completed 100 terms! I began my career in the Bursary as Finance Officer, and have since been Parent Liaison Manager, Marketing Executive, Website Manager, Admin IT Network Manager, Database Manager, and for the past ten years I have greatly enjoyed being in the Registry, recruiting new families and meeting the wonderful children who become such fantastic Rossallians. I have had seven jobs and Jeremy Quartermain is my sixth Head. I am now about to take on the role of Alumni Officer, which will allow me to continue to share my passion for the School with yourselves, supporters and friends. I will also be working on the school archives and researching and logging as much history as I can. I am looking forward to new challenges and I hope to see many of you at future events, be friends with you on social media and see you here at Rossall again in the future. Floreat Rossallia! 16
To place an announcement please email alumni@rossall.org.uk
Changing Lives Rossall Foundation’s Changing Lives Bursary Programme, which provides 100% means tested bursaries, has now awarded 4 places to day students in the Sixth Form and one 5 year Bursary for a Senior School weekly boarder. The first recipient, Harriet Hunt, has just completed two years in the Sixth Form and told us what the opportunity to attend Rossall meant to her. The bursary I received at the beginning of year 12 has provided me with the opportunity to study at a wonderful school. Coming from a low income background, I could only dream of attending Rossall, but the financial assistance of the Scholarship turned this dream into a reality. I was able to study in a perfect learning environment and have been given many opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. I chose to study Geography, English Literature and Drama and the small classes along with superb teaching made the whole learning experience a joy. Within the subjects I was able to take part in Drama productions, poetry competitions and various field trips. The House system is amazing and it meant I could fully immerse myself in everything Rossall has to offer. I joined most sports teams and was involved in all House competitions, even captaining the netball team, and leading them to victory two years in a row. I took part in Cookery Club, Farrell Society, and even learnt how to play Hockey, gaining a place on the school team. More recently I have also completed my Dof E Gold Award. I was extremely proud to be appointed School Monitor, Mentor and House Monitor, and this provided me with the opportunity to give something back to Rossall. The highlight for me was when I was asked to read out the final sports report at Prize Day, which was an honour, and receiving two prizes made the day complete. Rossall is special to me because I have met a lot of people from around the world whom I can call lifelong friends. On my first day at Rossall I felt very welcome and my Houseparent encouraged me to get involved with everything, and that is certainly what I did. I have made so many memories and am delighted to call myself a Dolphina. I would like to thank everyone who had made it possible for me to attend Rossall as it has shaped me into the young adult I am today and I have experienced an amiable education which I am extremely grateful for. Thank you so very much.
Floreat Rossallia! To find out how you can contribute to the Rossall Foundation Bursary Programme visit www.rossall.org.uk/alumni/rossall-foundation/ or contact Development Director, Henry Shepherd.
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In Memoriam in Kent and St. George’s School Harpenden. He was also Chaplain at Repton, Cranbrook and St. George’s.
Christopher Ian Robertson (F 48-53)
Ian Robertson, known as Rob, was in Fleur-de-Lys House from 1948 – 1953. His father was an OR, Sandy married Barbara Frances Gladwyn in 1955 and as was his brother, George. Sadly Rob died on 31st they adopted four children: Chris, Clare, Alison and Timothy, who sadly predeceased him. January this year. At Rossall, Rob was on the 1st Rugby team, Captain Sandy was a down to earth, no nonsense man, and full of Athletics and a School Monitor. He gave the Vice of life. He always showed a kindness to those who he President’s Medal in memory of his father, and was came across helping in marriage guidance counselling for many years on the Midland Branch Committee of for twenty-five years and helping the disabled. Sandy was a keen sportsman and enjoyed Rugby, Football, the Rossallian Club. Cricket (he was a regular in the local village team for On leaving Rossall, he studied Mechanical many years) and Horse riding on Exmoor, particularly Engineering at Manchester University. Jobs took him after he moved to Oare on the edge of Exmoor. to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Germany, Cyprus, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, before he settled in Above all, he was a devoted Christian. His last words Plymouth. He met his wife, Shirley, in Manchester to his wife were to thank her for sixty-two years of and the pair married in 1960, and had two children, a wonderful, loving marriage and he commented he Andrew and Helen. He eventually set up his own was going to stay with his son, Timothy. business, a high-tech printing works in Plymouth. Rob later moved to Gloucestershire, where he worked as a carer in the Star Home. For this, he required a licence to drive a school bus and when he retired, he drove a bus locally for several years, eventually becoming a self-employed taxi driver. He met up with Penny and married her when they were living in Bussage. They had several happy years here, but eventually ill health over took them both and they were forced to live in a nursing home. Rob’s health deteriorated rapidly over the last months of 2017. Rob was a loyal Rossallian and a great friend. He always had a positive viewpoint and particularly found an interest in his passengers when driving his taxi – he was interested in people.
Alexander (DC 41-48)
Frederick
Junes
Noble
(Sandy)
Sandy passed away on 14th April 2018 and was a pupil of Rossall from 1941 – 1948 in Junior School and Dragon Crescent. He was House Captain and on the 1st Rugby Team. He also captained the 2nd Cricket eleven. On leaving Rossall, he became a 2nd Lieutenant in the RA, where he spent most of his time playing sport, particularly Rugby and Cricket. After National Service, he went onto Selwyn College Cambridge, where he obtained a BA in 1953, following which he went on to the London College of Divinity and was ordained a Priest. He taught at various schools, including Repton, Blundell’s, Cowley Cof E Upper School, Oxford and Cranbrook School
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May they rest in peace
Sandy (fourth from left) and the Rossall Cricket team.
Roger Fewkes (F 47-50) Philip Roger Fewkes was at Rossall from 1947 – 1950. He sadly passed away on 18th March 2018. Roger, with elder brother John, was one of some thirty-two pupils who came from Stoneygate School in Leicester. On leaving Rossall, Roger completed his National Service in the RAF and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1958. Together, with his brother John, they bought the Hosiery Business of John Scott-Nichol Ltd and built a quality brand in the sock industry supplying leading schools and many Gentlemen’s shops in London. They hand delivered socks to Buckingham Palace and were awarded a Royal Warrant in 1972. They eventually sold the business in 1990. Roger and Elizabeth, who had known one another for many years, came together to form a long term, loving partnership. He loved the younger generation and Liz’s grandsons regard him as their grandfather. Roger had many interests. He was a keen golfer and
won the Leicestershire and Rutland Championship, he became a full member of the Leicestershire Golf Club and eventually became President.
Treasurer of the Dorset Gardens Trust. Above all he was a family man, devoted to Liz, Patrick and Julia and their families; he had five grandchildren. The Roger also became involved in local politics being same words cropped up in all the letters the family a Parish Councillor of Tugby and a Councillor of received – a true gentleman, his big smile and sense Harborough for the ward of Tilton for many years of humour. where he served with distinction. In 1999, Roger was elected Chairman and remained in post until he retired in 2007. Roger remained a true Rossallian throughout his life, being a loyal member of the Rossallian Birmingham Branch. He had a particular interest and, together with his brother John, worked tirelessly to maintain a relationship between Rossall and the Royal Northern College of Music. He was always a cheerful, positive and thoughtful friend, who will be dearly missed.
Anthony John Whale (F 53-62) Anthony was born in Alston, Cumbria, the eldest son of John and Josephine Whale. John taught Modern Languages at Rossall and then became a Housemaster, so Anthony was brought up here, attending the Prep School and becoming a boarder in the Senior School. He left aged seventeen and worked for John Clarks, Chartered Surveyors in Northumberland, where the senior partner, Lord Carlisle, was instrumental in introducing Anthony to Lord Lonsdale who owned the Lowther Estate near Penrith. Through this introduction Anthony began a 20 year career on the estate, dealing with many farmers and landowners in the country. In April 1975 Anthony met his future wife, Liz, at the wedding of his sister in the Rossall Chapel. For the first 7 years they lived on the Lowther Estate and their two children, Patrick and Julia, were born during this time. In 1983 the family moved to Loweswater, West Cumbria, following a chance meeting with a previous client of Anthony’s, and for ten years Anthony managed their estate and they lived in a house owned by the Falcon family overlooking Crummockwater. The Whales moved again to a farmhouse on the Whitburgh estate, and remained there for 18 years. In 2010 Anthony retired; he and Liz decided to have a complete change and moved to Dorset. Anthony had a lifelong passion for music which began at Rossall when he joined the Chapel Choir, and he belonged to a choir wherever he lived. He was also greatly interested in photography and everything involving the countryside and gardens, and was
James Addy (M 46-50) Brian Ashton (JS & PE 47-57) Jack Ashton (JS & Pe 36-44) John Ayling (JS & DC 48-55) Frederick Berchem (A 45-49) Harry Brookes (A 47-50) Gerald Brown (JS & Fn 71-80) Stanley Farquhar (F 36-40) Wilfred Graham (SE 38-43) Norman Grimshaw (R 62-66) David Johnston (M 62-67) Andrew Lee (JS & R 57-67) Gordon MacKeith (JS & Pe 44-54) Peter Marsden (J & M 62-69) John Neill (JS & M 41-47) Simon Nuttall (J & DC 67-74) Bruce Raper (DC 51-55) Ian Robertson (F 48-53) James Seddon (R 56-61) Robert Waring (JS & Fn 66-75) We aim to print all announcements as accurately as possible, based on the information provided. Any omissions or errors will be amended and re-printed in the next edition.
To place an announcement please email alumni@rossall.org.uk
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Dates for your Diary Date
Event & Venue
Contact & Book
Friday 21st September
Late Summer Barbeque Oriental Club, London
www.rossall.org.uk/orsummerbbq/
Friday 21st September
New York OR Gathering Venue TBC
More information to follow via email and Rossall Alumni on Facebook
Thursday 4th October
Golf Day Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Course
Dawn de Beer - Development Office
Sunday 7th October
Manchester Lunch The Deanwater Hotel, Cheshire
Info: Roger Walker 01625 890075 Book: Development Office
Wednesday 17th October
Moscow OR Gathering Venue TBC
More information to follow via email and Rossall Alumni on Facebook
Week Commencing Monday 5th November
Vietnam OR Gathering Venue TBC
More information to follow via email and Rossall Alumni on Facebook
Sunday 11th November
Commemoration Service St John the Baptist Chapel, Rossall
alumni@rossall.org.uk More information to follow
Monday 19th November
Speaker Series - Brian Redman Rossall School
More information to follow
Saturday 24th November
German Dinner Munich
More information to follow
Saturday 22nd December
OR Carol Service St John the Baptist Chapel, Rossall
alumni@rossall.org.uk More information to follow
OR Weekend Rossall School
www.rossall.org.uk/orweekend2019/ alumni@rossall.org.uk
2018
2019 Saturday 2nd March
For more information, and to book all events, please contact The Alumni Office unless otherwise stated.
Post
Telephone
Alumni Officer Rossall Foundation Rossall School Fleetwood FY7 8JW
01253 774288
alumni@rossall.org.uk
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www.rossall.org.uk/alumni
development@rossall.org.uk Development Officer Dawn de Beer d.debeer@rossall.org.uk