The Old Rossallian - February 2014

The Old Rossallian February 2014

Your new look Rossallian Club News

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ROSSALLIAN CLUB 1

In this Issue Welcome from The President

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A word from The Head

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‘The Rossallian’ headlines 100 years ago

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Carol Service

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Remembrance Day Service

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Update from The Secretary

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Checking your details and keeping you informed

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Rossall Visitors

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Memories of Rossall (by Francesca Parker)

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Old Rossallian Lodge

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Branch Reports

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Memories of Rossall (by Jessica Yang)

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Rossallians making the news

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The Reverend St. Vincent Beechey

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ORs—a worldwide network (by George Ayres)

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Lest we forget (by Hyla Holden)

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The Carmen

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Memories of Rossall (by Jenna Birch)

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Announcements

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In Memoriam

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Rules and Regulations

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Dates for your diary

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Welcome from The President I was very proud to have been asked by the Rossallian Club Committee to take over as President in 2013.

Over the last few years we have managed to alienate ourselves quite effectively from the School. For some inexplicable reason some members have had the idea that the School wished to take over the Club, which is a total misconception. Hopefully we are now mending bridges. The School, the Rossallian Club and the Foundation must work together for the benefit of the School.

I am also delighted that Jim Cowpe accepted the invitation to take over the running of the Rossallian Office for the next year or so. This move has given us a new lease of life and already there is a much improved working relationship between the Club and the School.

We have moved our office in with Sharon Potts, the Alumni Officer and Jane Palmer, Foundation Officer.

If you wish to visit School please contact Sharon or Jim beforehand so that they can make the necessary arrangements. They would be delighted to meet you and show you round.

Upon the instructions of the Committee a sub-committee was set up some two years ago to bring up to date the Rules and Regulations. They were last updated in 1991. You will find copies of the original (1991) and the proposed revised Rules towards the back of this magazine. These will go before the members at the AGM in March 2014.

I had the honour of representing Old Rossallians at the 11th November ‘Armistice Day’ at School. It was a very moving occasion. Despite the dreadful weather, the whole School turned out. We all stood around The Square for the two minute silence and prayers. The little ones were as still as we were. After the Last Post was played, the younger pupils returned to their classrooms and the rest of School went into Chapel. It was wonderful to hear that familiar sound of hundreds of voices singing so positively. I was asked to lay the Old Rossallian Wreath on the Altar in memory of those Old Rossallians who have fallen in conflict, which I did with pride.

Please put in your diaries the weekend of March 21st, 22nd and 23rd. It was traditionally the Hockey Weekend but there is so much more going on this time to encourage many of you to come along. Please come and join us; the School has been transformed over the last few years.

I hope to meet you then.

May I wish you all a healthy and happy 2014.

Floreat Rossallia.

Roger Walker (M57-61), President

‘We must work together for the benefit of the School.’

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A word from The Head It is a pleasure to be writing to you all as Head of Rossall; having been appointed way back in October 2012, I had a long lead-in to my new role in September 2013. However, no sooner had my appointment been announced than I started to hear from and about ORs - consultants at Ipswich hospital, grandparents and great grandparents of my Ipswich High pupils, Old Rossallians living in Suffolk. It was delightful to meet with Roy Chadwell in Felixstowe and hear his stories about Rossall in the 1940’s - my children were enchanted by his tales of cycling to school as a rare day boy and playing golf at Blackpool North Shore. The many cards and letters from around the country made me feel very welcomed into the Rossall community and confirmed my view that Rossallians are a rather special and charming group of human beings!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term at Rossall - a whirlwind of activity, new routines and new people. I have also enjoyed meeting even more ORs and also attending the Manchester Branch lunch in October. Preparations are well underway for the Old Rossallian weekend in March - I do hope that you will be able to join us!

Elaine Purves, Head

‘The Rossallian’ Headlines 100 years ago • First Governor of Nigeria, Sir Frederick Lugard (Fleur-de-Lys 1871-77) • Owen Seaman (OR Master 1884-6), Knighted in the New Years Honours • Sir Frank Hollins elected first Chairman of Committee of Lancashire CC • TS Gent gets his ‘Blue’ at Oxford • Football: ORs vs The School. ORs won 5-0 • Rainfall at Rossall was 5.07 inches Taken from ‘The Rossallian’, January 1914

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‘Rossallians are a rather special and charming group of human beings!’

Carol Service Over 400 Old Rossallians and guests gathered in a full Chapel on 22nd December for a spectacular Christmas Service hosted by the School. The choir, mostly Old Rossallians, gave an outstanding performance and the audience were blown away by breathtaking performances from ORs Jennie Cooper, Jane Wilkinson, Mark Holland and Peter Bowden. Readings were given by ORs including Jonathan Chard and Kwan Sing Liem, former and current staff including The Head and Jim Cowpe, Secretary of The Rossallian Club . It was a truly emotional evening and guests were visibly moved by the magical atmosphere in Chapel.

After the candle-lit Service guests were invited to join The Head in the Dining Hall for mulled wine and mince pies. Despite the winter chill outside, the mood of the evening was certainly warmed up by festive refreshments and good company. The collection taken on the evening raised ÂŁ656 for Trinity, the Hospice in the Fylde. It was delightful to see so many Old Rossallians of all ages enjoying this festive celebration with their school friends, staff and families. Thanks to all those who joined us.

This year’s Carol Service will take place on Sunday 21st December

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Remembrance Day Service Members of the School community gathered in The Square for the annual Remembrance Service in November. Representing our Old Rossallians were Roger Walker, President of the Rossallian Club and James Garnett, Treasurer of the Rossall Foundation, each laying a wreath in Chapel.

Pictured here is (front row l-r): Roger Walker, Emma Williams - CCF Commander, Ian McCleary - SSI, James Garnett (back row l-r): Harley Howard, School Captains Scott Hughes and Aimee Hindle, Constantin Ziegenhain and Matthew Baldwin.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR The School will be marking the Centenary of the start of The Great War with a number of events during 2014. You will, of course, be kept informed.

Please remember to check The Rossallian Club web site regularly for news of other events www.rossallianclub.co.uk

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‘Members of the school community gathered in The Square’

Update from The Secretary After striving hard for a few years to withdraw from holding any office or position within the Rossallian ‘family’, I now find myself (for the third time) as Secretary of the Rossallian Club. For me, it was not a difficult decision to make when asked to accept the post because I could not stand by and watch the magnificent work of the two Stephens (Winkley and Palmer) come to a halt owing to the lack of harmony within our Club. After all, it is our prime responsibility to offer our full support to the School. We have got off to a great start and, with the full support of The Head and Council, I am working closely with Sharon Potts, Alumni Officer, and Jane Palmer, Foundation Officer.

Having witnessed at close hand the gloom and despondency which had existed at the School for many years, I can honestly say that it is now a pleasure to go to Rossall and witness the massive changes and improvements which have been made over recent years, both to the grounds and fabric of the buildings. What gives me most pleasure is the happy atmosphere within Rossall which is so plain to see. At present, Rossall has a great story to tell and we want you to see it for yourself. We implore you to come back, either by yourself or with a group of friends. You will be made most welcome and given an informative tour of the School. However, please let us know if you wish to visit as it is important that we assist the School in making it a safe place to live, work and play. As the campus is now a vehicle free zone, all visitors are asked to park their vehicles on the Visitors’ Car Parks at the front of the School . Please contact either myself or Sharon to make the necessary arrangements.

We look forward to welcoming you back to our wonderful school.

Jim Cowpe (J&DC 49-55), Rossallian Club Secretary KEEPING YOU INFORMED We aim to reduce the cost of paper, postage and print by sending this magazine out electronically. Please let us know if you are happy to receive it electronically.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to receive a paper copy, please email Jim Cowpe at ross.club@btopenworld.com CONTACT Please note that our new telephone number is 01253 774286 CHECKING YOUR DETAILS Please remember to complete the Update Form on the cover sheet which came with this magazine so that we can keep your contact details and our records up-to-date.

‘It is our prime responsibility to offer our full support to the School.’

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Rossall Visitors A number of Old Rossallians have visited the School over recent months and enjoyed their trips down memory lane, including:

Joan Ashcroft (daughter of the late Headmaster Carl Young 1937-57) visited with her family. Joan married classics master David Ashcroft in Chapel in 1949 and has many fond memories of her time living at Rossall.

Redvers Wilbur (MF 02-08) visited with his partner on his return from New Zealand. Redvers is currently teaching at The Perse School in Cambridge.

Zita Calvin (R 87-92) and Douglas De Weese (SE 90-91) visited in August. Doug is living in Thailand and came over to the UK after winning auction tickets to watch Manchester United play Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Being close by, he couldn’t resist a trip to Rossall. Zita is currently living in London.

David Woodhouse (SE 71-78), Nick HoltKentwell (A 73-78), Jeff Walker (Fn 68-76) and Les Ives (SE 73-78) held their annual ‘Ross-fest’ gathering on the Fylde Coast and spent time reminiscing about their time at Rossall during their visit. Les is a caricaturist and sent in a sketch after his visit which was symbolic of his time at Rossall; this can be seen on page 15.

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Please let us know if you wish to visit - we would be delighted to see you

Memories of Rossall A wise man once taught me that we are like ships. In our early stages we are designed, moulded, shaped and fashioned by others. Initially our voyages are planned and our destinations decided; we are equipped, stocked and prepared for our life at sea by a crew of trustworthy and dedicated sailors. Just like all good adventures, our journey is fraught with danger, countless challenges, obstacles and unexpected diversions.

When we first set sail, our Captain is young, fearless and naïve; filled with curiosity, excitement and entirely unaware of what the future will hold. It is in these early years of life that we are influenced by older, wiser and more able seamen. Rossall presented itself as an effective way of preparing me for life and, with my best interests at heart, I was enrolled as a pupil in year 3. Quicker than I could possibly imagine, I was in my final year. Rossall School for this time was both an adventure and a sanctuary. Life at school challenged my abilities, both academic and extra curricular; it inspired me to pursue areas of interest and awakened my competitive nature. Rossall facilitated both my explorations and my periods of reparation and by doing so it unleashed a whole world of opportunity. I acquired an irreplaceable crew and although they have disembarked after countless years of service, their impact and knowledge endure today. I am eternally indebted to Emma Williams for acting as the driving force behind my love of hockey, Jean Briggs for igniting my passion for literature, Margaret Young for tirelessly supporting my musical endeavours and Tim Wilbur for simply believing in me.

After completing my MA in Philosophy and English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, I have now arrived at Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand.

Since leaving school I have represented countless hockey teams, sung in several choirs and beautiful venues worldwide, undertaken theatre reviews and written my very own play, helped to establish a student run theatre company and made friendships that will last for the rest of my life.

Irrespective of these, I am a strong individual with a penchant for adventure and excitement.

To say that I have become who I am simply through my biological make up would be untrue. The fact I’m not afraid of a challenge and am entirely willing to try something new helps make me the relentless person some of you know; this is down to ‘my school’. What makes life so exciting are the different routes we take. Rossall helps to prepare us for our life on the open seas; we are in charge of our present, we are able to steer ourselves towards a better future and reflect fondly on our past. Despite the struggles we face, our journeys are filled with beautiful sunsets, calm waters and the occasional green flash. Rossall was in most cases, and I believe still is, a school that fashions individuals to be the very best they can be. This is how I know Rossall isn’t just ‘a good school’, it is a way of life, and, like its alumni, Rossall will continue to achieve great things. Floreat Rossallia!

Francesca Parker (DN 98-09)

‘Rossall isn’t just a good school; it is a way of life’

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Old Rossallian Lodge The Festival Meeting of the Old Rossallian Lodge No. 5042 took place on Saturday 15th June 2013 at Rossall School, when over 50 Masons witnessed a double Initiation Ceremony of Ross Dickens (JS & SE 85-95) and Stuart Southern (D&C 92-96). Ladies and other guests were entertained by Dr Nick Lister in the Lawrence House Astronomy Centre, which was followed by a musical performance in Chapel where everybody joined in. This was then followed by a superb evening meal.

A lot of hard work had been put into the Chapel Service despite it being exam time at the School. We are indebted to the pupils, staff and of course, the former Head, Dr Stephen Winkley, for giving us such a wonderful day. A cheque for ÂŁ1300 was presented to the Rossall Foundation.

John Adam (PE 63-68), Lodge Secretary

CALLING ALL LIVERYMEN We have been invited to host an event for any Old Rossallians who are Livery Company members. If you are interested please contact Jane Palmer at Rossall School on 01253 774284 Email j.palmer@rossall.org.uk

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A cheque for ÂŁ1300 was presented to The Rossall Foundation

Branch Reports Birmingham (report by John Whitlock) The Annual Dinner and AGM of the Birmingham and Midlands Branch took place at Copt Heath Golf Club, Knowle, Birmingham on Friday 15th November 2013. As usual it was a very pleasant affair with some 21 members and guests being present.

The AGM was taken at its usual speed, so little time was wasted. We had an excellent meal, starting with melon, prawns and smoked salmon. This was followed by rack of lamb and then a choice of three different sweets.

The Chairman and Secretary of the Branch, John Whitlock, welcomed everyone and gave both the Loyal Toast and the toast to Rossall, The Rossallian Club and its Branches and to the Rossall Foundation. This was followed by the singing of The Carmen. The reply was given by Anton Maree, Deputy Head who brought us up to speed on the School, its standing both nationally and internationally and the progress made over the last 6 years by Stephen Winkley and Stephen Palmer on the refurbishment of all the Houses and the outside fabric of the buildings, including the iconic archway.

Isle Of Man (report by Charles Crossley) The IOM Branch is supported by a small but loyal group of supporters, including Council Member Derek Winterbottom and retired Council stalwart Roger Rawcliffe, and we tend to meet every 18 months or so for Sunday lunch (attracting 15-20 people including partners etc). We last met in June this year, and had a very enjoyable time at The Abbey Restaurant, Ballasalla. Derek was able to give us a healthy report on school life, and we were all pleased to hear that Rossall appears to be flourishing once again.

Vancouver In attendance: Hazel Trapnell, William Shadbolt, Sarah Pynchon, Nigel Ratledge, Rodney Glynn Morris, Paul Towne, Mandy Towne, Peter Brayford, Michael Fenner, John Lord, Eileen Lord.

Details of future events can be found at the back of this magazine

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Branch Reports Manchester (report by Roger Walker) Our Annual Luncheon was held on Sunday 6th October 2013. Branch President George Ayres and his wife Diana welcomed everyone to The Deanwater Hotel, in South Manchester. The meal was very pleasant and the company excellent and as usual we finished in fine voice with The Carmen.

Guests included the New Head Elaine Purves, who spoke enthusiastically about her first few weeks in post, Jane and Stephen Palmer, Sharon Potts, School Captains Aimee Hindle and Scott Hughes, and Alf and Sandie Tansey. A total of 38 attended and it was good to see Tom Gover from the South West and Nick and Maureen Hadfield from the Lakes. Some of our regulars could not attend for different reasons but the following helped to make a very successful day: George and Diana Ayres, Miles Green, Ted and Christina Bridge, Richard and Helen Scragg, Barry Knight, James and Glenny Garnett, Henry Shepherd and Jane, Ian and Andrea Preston, Phil and Deborah Brown, Roger and Christine Walker, John and Christine Preston, Jim and Moira Cowpe, John Milns and Geoffrey and Muriel Mills.

Scotland (report by Ben Griffiths) We held our Annual Dinner in Edinburgh which was well attended but unfortunately a few regulars were unable to attend for various reasons. Michael Stokes spoke passionately about the School and the great work that has been done over the past few years to protect its financial future.

Michael also conveyed his belief that encouraging the most recent generation of ORs to become involved in the Club is of the utmost importance. The desire to assist young ORs as they embark on their careers was covered and received much admiration. I have been in contact with a number of young/recent ORs who are now studying at Scottish Universities to advise them of the Club, network and dinner and am hopeful to meet up with some of them in Edinburgh before year end.

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‘As usual, we finished in fine voice with The Carmen’

Oxford (report by Hamish Aird) The main activity of the Oxford Branch is the annual dinner at Radley College. Our dinner was held on Friday 27th September 2013 on a warm evening. We started with drinks and canapes in the Blue Room of the Mansion and then moved through to the Dining Hall for an excellent meal. We very much enjoyed having Stephen Palmer, the Bursar, as our guest together with the stalwarts of the Alumni Office, Sharon Potts and Jane Palmer.

Stephen spoke movingly about Stephen Winkley and his amazing contribution to Rossall during the five years in which he turned the School round. He also gave us good news about the new Head, Elaine Purves, and how she had settled in quickly and effectively. It was good to see the Barlass family; Simon is Head of Languages at Radley, and Norman and Ann came up from near Bournemouth. A number of our regulars were on holiday and sent apologies, but the 27 of us who met had a good evening: Hamish Aird, Simon Barlass, Norman Barlass, Ann Barlass, Ted Bridge, Christina Bridge, Jennifer Cooper, Peter Esnouf, Richard Farrell, Michael Guilbride, Janet Guilbride John Harrop, Liz Harrop, Nick Holt-Kentwell, Cathy Holt-Kentwell, Iain McKend, Fiona McKend, Tim Messenger, John Milne, Boo Milne, Mike Openshaw, Stephen Palmer, Jane Palmer, Sharon Potts, Alf Tansey, Sandie Tansey, Tony Westhead.

Yorkshire (report by David Holroyd) The Yorkshire Branch held a lunch at Ilkley Golf Club on Sunday 9th June 2013.

On a lovely Yorkshire Summer’s day some thirty Rossallians and guests met to chat over yesterday and today. Our main guests were Rossall’s Deputy Head Anton Maree and his wife Alison and Hazel Trapnell. We had an excellent lunch, as always.

Anton then gave a very good speech on the Rossall of today and its plans for the future under the new Head Elaine Purves. We were led by John Marshall on the guitar in ‘The Carmen’ which completed a lovely afternoon. Those also attending were Richard and Mick Brown, Richard and Sue Clark, Jim and Moira Cowpe, Peter and Peggy Crabtree, James Garnett, Philip Garnett, Peter and Helen Hardern, John Marshall, Alan and Jan Priest, Neville and Elizabeth Sheard, Alf and Sandie Tansey, Roger and Christine Walker, George and Rosanna Whitehead, David Wimpenny, Thanks must go to Sue and David Holroyd for organising the occasion so well.

‘We had an excellent lunch, as always‘

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Memories of Rossall How can I start to summarise seven years spent at Rossall School into one side of A4?

I don’t have a clue. But what I can do is start by telling you about the earliest fragments of my Rossall memories.

Leaving Tokyo, where I grew up, at the age of 11 to attend Rossall School (on the other side of the planet!) turned my world upside down. I don’t think I can ever forget the sight of Rossall’s symbolic red bricked Archway as the taxi pulled up next to the RosShop on my first day. Armed with little more than the limited English I had learnt in primary school, I turned the page to a whole new chapter in my life.

What I enjoyed the most about Rossall right from the start was the sheer range of extra-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to actively participate in music, sports, drama, art, etc. This is something which I believe to be the most unique quality of Rossall School. From an Asian perspective, “schools” are institutions that function solely as a place where young people are force fed information, which they then regurgitate in university entrance exams. But Rossall did more than simply educate its pupils. Besides attending classes, my life was packed with playing RossHockey, fives, squash, tennis, taking piano classes, singing in choir, visiting the Lake District, participating in Literary Society and quietly painting in the art studio. I owe a lot to the inspirational teachers I was lucky enough to have over those seven years, because they were inspirational both in and outside of the classroom.

Mr McCafferty taught me how to play chess when I could barely speak English. Through the countless rounds of games we played, I learnt how to handle losing and at the same time how to learn from my mistakes and use it to win. Mrs Nichols not only taught me French for six years, she convinced me not to give up too easily just because something is challenging. I was happy to use my French while travelling in Paris and Geneva this spring.

My parents are considering sending my sister to Rossall so that she can have the academic education and life education that I had. I fully support their plan, because it means I can come back to Rossall to visit my sister, the beautiful campus, and the people who inspired me when I was growing up.

Jessica Yang (O&R 01-08)

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‘I owe a lot to the inspirational teachers I was lucky enough to have.’

Rossallians making the news Mrs Jean Briggs’ first novel, The Murder of Patience Brooke, featuring Charles Dickens, will be published in paperback by The History Press in August 2014.

Victoria Hesketh (aka Little Boots) (DN 94-00) recently had a two page feature in the Sunday Times Style section. In order to be her own boss and make all her own decisions, she has set up her own label entitled ‘On Repeat’. Her second album, Nocturnes, is now available from ‘On Repeat’.

Stephanie Fraser (JS & DN 95-11) has recently moved to London to promote her new EP ‘Walking Woman’, after being signed by Island Records. It is now available to purchase on iTunes.apple.

Stephanie was awarded the 7+ scholarship and during her time in Junior School staff discovered she had a singing talent. At age 11, Stephanie was awarded a music scholarship. As a result of this scholarship she started writing and performing her own songs both in the UK and Canada. Stephanie was a member of the choir throughout her time at Rossall. She played hockey for the School and became a Monitor in the Sixth Form. Upon leaving Rossall she attended Leeds College of Music to pursue a music career. For a free download visit: www. stephaniefraser.co.uk Juls Dawson (Fn 85-92) and his wife and business partner, Stephanie, were recognised in fashion trade press publication Drapers Record in December in its annual list as the 97th most influential people in the fashion industry for their business JUST Consultancies, which was started in 2012.

‘Rossall in the 70s’ by Les Ives If you have any news you would like to share, please let us know.

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The Reverend St. Vincent Beechey I am sure that some of you will have read the article by Norman Bancroft in the July Rossallian Club News and wonder what has happened to this ‘grave’.

Peter Hardern and I visited the Church of St Mark in Worsley, Greater Manchester in January of last year and I think it is fair to say were surprised by what we found. It is in fact not a grave but a Memorial to a ‘man of many parts’. We spoke to the Church Warden whilst we were there who stated that the Memorial had never altered as long as he had been at St Mark’s. I also had another friend, who unfortunately has just passed away, who has been going to the Church for over 40 years and her comment was that this photo is a true likeness as to how it had been constructed and has not changed since it was first made. In the booklet produced by the Church, from historical records it states: ‘His Memorial stands in St Mark’s churchyard immediately underneath the East Window. It looks as though it has been vandalised, but it has not. It was designed that way to express ‘work in progress’.’

Further information about the Founder of Rossall can be found on Wikipedia.

Roger Walker

BON VOYAGE The School said farewell to Pelican Houseparent Guy Emmett at the end of last term.

Guy has taken up the post of Deputy Head at Ackworth School in Yorkshire. He moves there with his new wife Helen, who taught Geography at Rossall.

Guy will continue to be involved with OR Hockey and is helping to put teams together for the OR Weekend in March.

Prior to his departure, and as a thank you for all his support, Guy was presented with an OR tie by Hockey Secretary, Ian Preston. We wish Guy and Helen all the best for the future and look forward to seeing them back at Rossall in March.

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Guy Emmett and Ian Preston

It was designed that way to express ‘work in progress’.

ORs - a worldwide network Since the 1850s Old Rossallians have been based around the world, but in our fast changing world today not only individual ORs, but clusters and even Branches of ORs! My own experience as an OR began at the end of the Summer term in July 1955 when I returned home to Bramhall in Cheshire and began working in our family refrigeration company based in Manchester. It was a chance encounter with an OR, then articled to a solicitor in Manchester, which drew me into our Club!

J O Cretney (P 44-48), always known as ‘Jo’, alerted me to the Manchester Branch Dinner, traditionally held at the Café Royal Restaurant on the first Tuesday in December. Once booked, I was then hooked! The connection continued when I moved to work in Birmingham in 1958.

Though living in ‘digs’, I would nevertheless transform my appearance and proceed into Birmingham centre in my Dinner Jacket on the bus, to the surprise of several passengers. At the Conservative Club, where the Branch Dinner was located, I would meet and reunite with familiar friends and faces, as well as meeting Rossallians of earlier vintages!

This pattern has continued over the past 50 years but never more so than the happy memories stored from my time as OR Club President between 2003-06. A large ring-binder in the Ayres ‘filing department’ contains detailed information about the many branches and gatherings around the Kingdom, attended during those years. A special highlight combined a new link with one OR and the reunion with another OR. The creation of the Rossallian Foundation in 2004 brought me into contact with one OR (PG Rollason: MC 43-45) and led to the reunion with another (TCA Wadeson: JS and M 44-54). Peter Rollason had moved to Bulawayo in Rhodesia in the late 1940s with his parents where they opened a pharmacy business, still active in 2014!

During a conversation with Peter back in 2004, I mentioned a dear friend and first study mate in 1950, Tim Wadeson, a mining engineer whose listed address in OR Register 2002 was Harare in Zimbabwe!

A glance from Peter in his telephone directory confirmed no sign of Tim in Harare, but a quick check on Google revealed Tim’s outstanding career in the mining industry and personal contact was re-established. Indeed, both Tim and his wife Jennifer attended the Triennial at Rossall in May 2006, and whilst staying with them at their home in Llandudno near Cape Town in 2008 we enjoyed a delightful lunch with ORs discovered in that beautiful region. Since then both Peter and Tim have taken part in several OR activities, and in the autumn of 2013 Peter met up with ORs in Ireland during his visit to Dublin for an International Pharmaceutical Congress. So many similar stories could be told, and access today for ORs of all ages has never been easier via the wonders of our electronic age. You will have received details about the wonderful OR weekend planned for March when the warmest welcome awaits all ORs. To Rossallians around the world ‘heartiest greetings’, and Floreat Rossallia.

George R Ayres (M 50-55)

‘Once booked, I was then hooked’.

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Lest we forget Being a third generation Rossallian, when I arrived at the school in September 1965 I was already aware of its history and peculiarities (RossHockey, Sunday evening brew, ‘Marys’ and ‘Johns’ etc). The first generation of my Rossallian family had all been killed in the Great War and I was reminded of this daily when, as a junior, I took my place in the Memorial Chapel for prayers and services. There, on the boards looking down at me, were the names of my grandfather and great uncles.

Since 1970 I have visited Rossall only once and so it seemed right and proper that, as I was going to be in the Lake District in autumn (2013), I should make a visit and pay my respects to all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice, especially as we will be remembering the 100th anniversary of the start of The Great War. I had been part of David Dixon’s October 2007 Mission to Ypres when a Memorial Plaque was dedicated in St George’s Memorial Church to those ORs who had fallen in the Ypres salient; the service and, later, Final Post at the Menin Gate were very moving occasions.

Of my family, the first to fall was Lt. Colonel P W Beresford (MC 1890-94), my grandmother’s brother, a soldier-priest who led the 3rd Battalion London Regiment. He had survived three years of war although not unscathed, having been wounded in April 1915 and then gassed at Loos in September of the same year. He had won a DSO at Bullecourt in April 1917 when he assisted an Australian division during heavy enemy counter attacks. He was killed on 26th October 1917 at Poelcappelle (Passchendaele) aged 42.

Five weeks later on the 1st December 1917 my grandfather Revd. O A Holden (MC 1888-93), an army Chaplain, was killed by a shell in a communication trench whilst rescuing the wounded near Cambrai. He was aged 43. Another great uncle, Lt. Colonel H N Holden (MC 1887-92), had survived four full years of war, having arrived in France with his regiment, the Jodhpur Lancers, right at the beginning of hostilities in August 1914. After years in the trenches on the front line, they moved to Egypt and Palestine where the regiment distinguished itself in the capture of Haifa from the Turks in September 1918, followed by Beirut in October. Two weeks later he was killed near Aleppo on 26th October, just four days before the Armistice with Turkey. He was aged 47, and amongst his medals he had been awarded a DSO and bar for gallantry.

Finally, the intriguing story of Hugh R A Beresford (F 1929-34), a cousin of my father DCBH (MC 1929-34), and an almost direct contemporary of his at Rossall, who was the only member of the family to be killed in the 2nd World War. Known by the family as ‘Tom’, he came from Hoby in Leicestershire where his father was the Rector. He was a fine cricketer, playing in the 1st XI for four seasons and captaining it in his final year. After Rossall he took a commission in the RAF and when war started flew Spitfires and Hurricanes. On September 7th 1940, towards the height of the Battle of Britain, he led his flight from 257 Squadron from its Suffolk airfield for the fourth time that day in order to intercept a German bomber attack on London. His flight was attacked by an overhead fighter escort and HRAB’s hurricane was seen to fall away and enter a steep dive. The aircraft thudded into soft ground at Spit End Point in the Thames estuary. Fast forward 39 years now to 1979 when his plane was discovered and recovered in the presence of a BBC documentary film crew. The serial numbers on the fuselage connected the crash with the identity of the pilot, the remains of whose body was still in the cockpit.

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The intriguing story of HRA Beresford

On 16th November 1979 Flt. Lt Hugh Beresford (picture right) was buried with full military honours in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey. He was just 24 when he lost his life. RIP. It is important to continue to remember and honour those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hyla G Holden (P 65-70)

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Anton Maree, Deputy Head at Rossall, will be delivering a seminar entitled ‘WW1 and the impact on Rossall School’ during the OR Weekend in March. This fascinating seminar will tell the story of some of our lost Rossallians and share never seen before letters received by Rossall pupils from the front line.

THE CARMEN I have been asked on many occasions to translate the first verse of the Carmen, which was composed by two Rossall pupils in 1868 (words by W W Walker and music by C H Lloyd).

Together, let us salute in song, you, oh Rossall, Standing proud against the foaming waves.

Let us call for glasses and let us drink to you, our gracious Mother.

In unison, let us express this sentiment, ‘Long may Rossall flourish’.

Jim Cowpe (J&DC 49-55), Secretary, Rossallian Club

Details of our Old Rossallian Weekend can be found on the back cover

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Memories of Rossall My time at Rossall School was a time that I will never forget. It is the place where I had the greatest time of my life and it will always hold a place in my heart. I met friends that I still talk to all of the time, and when we get together all that can be talked about are the times that we shared.

Meeting peers from other countries allowed me to learn about many different cultures and travel to their homes.

With best friends from the United States, Germany and the UK, it can be a difficult task to keep in touch. Although we do not talk every day we will always have that connection, and when we do talk again it feels like we were never apart, something that Rossall created.

I feel that I have a family I can always contact and when meeting other ORs around the world, or speaking to others Jenna pictured with OR and about my school, I feel a sense of pride that can never be school friend Tario Ahlers taken away. Although only at Rossall for my International Baccalaureate years I did not feel that I was not part of the school that I came to love. I will never forget my first few days at Rossall, after leaving Fleetwood High School. During my last year at Fleetwood High School, my parents and I made the decision to apply for the I.B. programme, which came to be the greatest decision I have ever made in my life.

I had many influences from Rossall that still play a role in the type of student that I am now at college. My Houseparent, my teachers, the Headmaster all helped me to believe that I could achieve anything that I wanted to with dedication and hard work. Years later I am now going to graduate from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I came to America in 2011 on a golf scholarship, now four years later I am facing the next step in my life. When I graduate in May I will be chasing after my dream of playing professional golf in either Europe or the United States. No matter what I decide to do or end up doing, I always know that I will have a home at Rossall and whenever I visit I feel like I fit right into place no matter the changes. I am as proud of Rossall as I hope Rossall is proud of me.

Jenna Birch (DN 07-09 )

SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH US We are always delighted to hear from our Old Rossallians about their life after Rossall. If you have any news you would like to share with our OR Community, please get in touch and we will do our best to include your story.

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‘Rossall will always hold a place in my heart.’

Announcements - Congratulations To Katie Beadle (nee Burridge) (DN 97-00) and husband David on the birth of Theodore James Beadle, born November 2013.

To Emily Corcoron (nee Hough) (R 87-96) and husband Noel on the birth of Archie, born August 2013.

To Sally Pouller (nee Greetham) (R 94-01) on the birth of baby Sophie, born October 2013.

To Andrew Wood (JS & P 87-96) and Meredith Wood (nee Johns) (DN & R 89-94) on the birth of their daughter Annabel, a sister for James who is currently in Rossall infants.

To Michelle Hanson (nee Martin) (R 85-95) and husband David on the birth of twin boys Henry and Hugo on December 2013.

To Daniel Hignett (SE 99-06), on the birth of a son, James Daniel, born December 2013.

To Richard Cooke (PE 94-01) and wife Sarah, on the birth of a son, Henry Peter, born in Singapore on 12th November 2013. Richard would love to hear from any ORs in or around Singapore. Email: richardcooke1983@hotmail.com.

To Scarlett Rutherford (DC 99-04) and Danny Craven (PE 93-00) (below left) on their marriage at Rossall on Saturday 24th August. Their wedding guests included over 30 ORs.

To Andrew Nicholson (PE 92-05), who married Katie Lawrence in Chapel on Saturday 13th July (above right). A number of ORs joined them at their celebration.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: 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.

If you have any news, please contact Jim Cowpe, Secretary on 01253 774286

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In Memoriam John Hindle (DC 48-52) One of Rossall’s finest sportsmen, John died aged 78 after a short illness on 4th October 2012. He was wonderfully fit when he came up to school to open the new all-weather hockey pitch only two years ago, and we had all fallen into the trap of thinking him to be indestructible; indeed, he had been skiing only a few months before he died.

He entered Dragon Crescent House in 1948 and was there under two housemasters, firstly Ted Peel and then Philip Wilson who were both strong academics, though it would be fair to say that neither conjugating Latin verbs nor mastering integral calculus were ‘Spud’ Hindle’s metier!

However, his talents on the games fields, particularly on the shore, soon established him among the School’s sporting elite and he had become a fine hockey, cricket and squash player by the time he left school in 1952 to join his uncle’s building business in Preston. It soon became clear that whatever shortcomings he may have had in the classroom were more than offset by his boundless energy, steely determination, and a sharp eye for business. By the time he and his father, soon afterwards, had formed their own building company, John had already started his own poultry farm as a sideline - he was on his way! His father must have been a gentle partner, for during this time John was able to indulge his sporting talent to the full. He played hockey first for Lancashire and England and then for Great Britain at the Rome and Tokyo Olympics, cricket for Preston and squash for the Fulwood team which he started with John Forrester, who is mentioned elsewhere on these pages. It was extraordinary that these two great friends and characters should have died within a month of each other.

Their team, however, nearly came to a sticky end early on, when the two of them with their friend, Mould, went to watch a British Heavyweight Title Fight between Henry Cooper and Brian London. All might have been well had they not, sufficiently emboldened by drink, ventured into Brian London’s nightclub in Blackpool the following week, and suggested to the great man that they didn’t think much of his boxing! All three of them were hurled bodily down the stairs!

Despite this setback, John was again selected in 1968 for the GB team in the Mexico Olympics, but by this time their building business, Poco Homes, was growing rapidly, his father had departed on a long cruise to South Africa, and so John had to stay at home and work instead.

Perhaps it wasn’t all work though, for at about this time he met Ann Hide, step-daughter of ‘Baggy’ Hide, another famous Lancashire sportsman, and they were married in 1974. Their daughter Emma was born a year later; she was the apple of her father’s eye and it was inevitable that she would follow in his footsteps. This she duly did, but in her case in the equestrian field, becoming an International in 2004 and riding for Great Britain in the Beijing Olympics of 2008.

So, two Olympians in one family; there can’t be many of those!

By the time his business, Poco Homes, was sold in the mid-eighties, it had become one of the largest house building companies in the country, and this might have been thought a good point to retire, but not for Hindle! He soon set off again, starting a new company, Brookhouse, which occupied him for the rest of his life. Brookhouse has become one of the foremost owners and operators of retail parks and housing developments in the land and will now be run by his daughter, Emma.

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‘One of Rossall’s finest sportsmen’

John Hindle, despite his great successes, which he never talked about unless asked, was a most kind, modest and generous man. He was a great supporter of the School and put his professional staff at the School’s service whenever help and advice was needed over planning and estate matters. He loved to share his great passion and knowledge of good food and wine with his many friends, and regularly entertained them at restaurants around the globe - places they could probably never have afforded to go to themselves. The lunch party for 250 people after his memorial service, which he organised himself, will never be forgotten by all those who were there. He was a remarkable man and a great Rossallian.

Arthur Stephenson (MC 54-61) John Forrester (A 46-51) John Forrester, who was born in July 1933 and entered Anchor House in September 1946, died after a long illness on 5th November 2012. He was born at North Brook, Leyland in Lancashire into a Rossallian family, his father having been at the school in the early part of the last century.

After a tough upbringing during the war at Ramillies Hall Prep School in Cheshire, John was well equipped to deal with the rigours of an equally tough Rossall, where he thrived under the benevolent eye of his housemaster ‘Doggy’ Graham, whom he admired very much. He loved Rossall and had a distinguished school career academically and played rugby, hockey, squash and tennis for the first teams before going up to Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1951 to read Land Management.

His National Service followed, when he was commissioned into the Royal Engineers, serving mostly In Malaya and Borneo, enjoying it so much that he was tempted to make the Army his career. However, his father and grandfather had run the family’s Land Agency business in Leyland for many years and it was to this he returned in 1958, continuing to run it with great enthusiasm and competence for the rest of his life. It was a great joy to him when he was joined in the business by his son, another John Forrester, and also noted Rossallian (JS&A 81-89), in 1992. He married his wife Sue in 1968 and they have had three fine children in Sarah, John and Lucy who have between them provided eight grandchildren. The youngest of them, Monty, arrived just a week before John died.

These are the facts, but they say nothing of the man himself. John was one of life’s true gentlemen; understated, polite, modest, diligent, determined and with a wonderful sense of humour, always at ease and much loved by a huge circle of friends. He was at his happiest at home at Mawdesley Hall with his family and his garden and it was difficult to prise him away from there, but once at a party, he was the life and soul, and invariably the last to leave. I had the good fortune, for the last forty years, to spend most Friday evenings with him, playing squash in the winter or tennis in the summer, often playing doubles against our sons, Rossallians all. They were always unruly affairs, with the fathers resorting to disgraceful gamesmanship to keep on level terms and always ending with several beers in the Forrester kitchen.

‘He loved Rossall and had a distinguished school career’

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In Memoriam John was the most contented of men and considered life to have dealt him a very fortunate hand. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999, he dealt with this setback with quiet dignity and with no complaint, and seldom did it prevent him from being in his office by 5.30am! Happily his leukaemia went into remission and he had nine more very happy years, living life to the full. John Forrester was one of the finest of men who made the most of whatever opportunities came his way, and was admired and held in great affection by all those who knew him.

Arthur Stephenson (MC 54-61) Richard (Dick) William Miles Shepherd (F 47-51), 16 January 1934 – 11 March 2013 I first met Dick in 1942 at Stoneygate School, Leicester, where he made many friends, of whom many were later educated at Rossall. Stoneygate School had the unique distinction of sending more boys to Rossall, at the same time, than any other preparatory school apart from Rossall Junior School. There were thirty-two of us in the late 1940’s mostly in Fleur de Lys. Another set of extraordinary educational circumstances - Dick and I were in the same form and set at both schools and shared a study at Rossall. A total of 9 years! Our various study mates included: Louis Watson, Mick Timms, Tim Roper and Dick Salem. Dick specialised in physics and chemistry, a useful combination for his future career in the leather tanning industry.

Dick did not excel either academically or at sport but participated enthusiastically at both and consequently enjoyed a successful life. After Rossall he attended the Leather Seller’s college in London where he obtained the necessary qualifications and joined his father in the family leather business until National Service. He joined the Royal Navy on a short-term commission in order to fly. He trained as a navigator and it was on a night training flight that the pilot lost his bearings and the plane ditched in the western approaches. Dick escaped the sinking plane and clambered into a single man dinghy, however his problems caused by the pilot continued when another trainee also clambered into the dinghy – two men in a one-man dinghy in a rough sea. It was many hours before they were found by an RAF Shackleton and subsequently rescued. This adventure qualified Dick to be a member of the most exclusive club in the world, The Goldfish Club. Entry qualification – only those whom have survived an aircraft ditching in the sea. The only club that has neither volunteers nor a waiting list to be members. That was the end of Dick’s flying career but to his annoyance he still had to complete his two years National Service.

Dick played Rugby football for Oakham for several seasons and latterly enjoyed playing Bridge with his friends. He, also, in a 50/50 partnership grew vegetables for personal consumption in a friend’s garden. The duties were strictly 50/50 – Dick did the gardening and his friend the harvesting. During his retirement he acted as a Business Mentor for the Young Enterprise Scheme Workshops at the Robert Smyth Academy in Market Harborough.

Dick and Margaret were married in August 1957 and had five decades of a very happy marriage.

Two daughters were born to them, Fiona and Penny. His daughters, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive him. God bless him.

Roger Fewkes (F47-50)

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‘This qualified him to be a member of the most exclusive club in the world’

Nick Boyes (SE 77-86) Nick sadly passed away at the Royal Marsden Hospital on 1st September 2013, having been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. He was 45. Nick started his career with Air 2000 and then joined BA. He was with them for 20 years until he became ill in April 2013. During his time at BA, he met his wife Natalie and set up home in Brighton. They both loved to walk and spent many hours walking their beloved dog, Minnie. Nick loved skiing and over the years became a passionate snowboarder. He and Natalie spent many holidays in the Alps, where his ashes will be scattered.

Nick’s family are raising money through various charity events with all proceeds going to melanoma research. If you would like to donate please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ fundraiserweb/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action? userUrl=NicholasBoyes&faId=373105&is Team=true Pastor Douglas John Dunnett (C 35-40 ) Douglas passed away peacefully at home on 7th October 2013, surrounded by his family. His daughter April told us that Rossall must take a large share of the credit for Douglas’ lifelong love of Ancient History and Ancient Languages; his speciality later became koine Greek (the language of the New Testament). Right up to the last few days of his life, he was studying it every day.

Rossall is also the place where he learned to love sports and sportsmanship, hill walking and classical music, especially Beethoven.

Neville Cormack (R 44-49) On the death of his father in 1949, Neville Cormack abandoned his offer to read History at Oxford University to run the family business. As was said at his funeral, Neville had the ability to do the right thing and to make things right, as well as having an intuitive understanding of what made people tick and remarkable powers of insight; he knew how to get the best out of people.

Neville led and developed a successful company for 57 years and was awarded the OBE in 1987. He was an international figure in the carpet business and a prominent member of the Industrial Society. He knew all of his workforce and is remembered with great affection for his kind, courteous and gentle manner.

Many benefitted from his keen interest in education, not least youngsters from the local area, who were supported through bursaries at Bury Grammar School. He was a committed member of Rossall Council (and President of The Rossallian Club 1994-97), which benefitted from his business and entrepreneurial skills in many facets of school life. His support and friendship to Rose House and his practical input to the Sixth Form Challenge of Industry Conference are only two such areas out of many. In all of this, Neville never forgot his roots and at an age when most people would have been thinking of retirement, he took on the governorship of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School. All of this clear understanding of the relationship between business, wealth creation and ethics were underpinned by his Christian faith and a natural generosity.

‘Rossall must take a large share of credit for his love of history and languages’

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In Memoriam It is impossible when thinking of Neville not to include Betty, whom he met when he was three.

He would be the first to admit that his long and fulfilled life was due to their togetherness. Their children, Helen, John (J&R 1970-76) and David (JS&R 1973-83), remember a loving father, who never raised his voice and their grandchildren, who were and are a source of great pride and interest, have a great model to emulate.

George Scarlett (CR 68-89)

Clive Blaber (JS&R 73-78)

Roger Smith (R 51-55)

Frank Drury (A 33-36)

Richard Taylor (A 53-60)

Michael Milnes (R 45-49)

Michael Terry (R 47-50)

Robert Tranter Owen (JS&MC 39-49)

David Cutter (M 43-48)

Keith Parkinson (A 55-58)

Antony Cooke (JS&PE 51-62)

Guy Penn (M 42-47)

Charles Anthony Smith (F 48-52)

John Pickering (MC 52-57)

Peter Anthony Webb (P 55-58)

The Pottinger Trophy For the first time, the School held a dinner to present the Pottinger Trophy to a worthy pupil in SE House.

The recipient of this trophy was Nik Wietlisbach.

The trophy will be awarded annually for all-round excellence and in memory of the late Florian Pottinger (SE 07-10).

Florian’s family joined staff and pupils at the event and his father presented Nik with the trophy.

The solid silver trophy was sponsored through the Rossall Foundation, which received generous contributions from ORs.

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‘He will be remembered with great affection’

Rules and Regulations Rules and Regulations of the Rossallian Club AS COMFIRMED BY THE GENERAL MEETING HELD AT ROSSALL ON DECEMBER 17TH 1894 AND AS AMENDED ON SUBSEQUENT DATES - 1991 EDITION RULES 1.

The Club shall be called ‘The Rossallian Club’.

2.

Old Rossallians, past and present members of the Common Room and Members of the Governing Body of the School shall be eligible for membership.

3.

There shall be one General Meeting of the Club at Rossall in each year, on the day of the Committee Meeting. The Club Dinner shall be held in London or Rossall every three years on a date to be fixed by the President of the Club, and business may be introduced thereat and dealt with as at a General Meeting or referred to the next General Meeting. An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time on the demand of 20 members of the Club. The President and Secretary shall decide as to the steps to be taken to notify members.

4.

The Officers of the Club shall be: 1 President.

2.Past Presidents.

3.Two Vice Presidents, in addition to the Headmaster (ex officio) and such members as the Club may elect to this office for life.

4.

A General Secretary and Treasurer, who shall live in or near Rossall.

5.

The Secretaries of the Branches (ex officio)

6.

The Games Secretaries for each of the following: Cricket, Rugby, Golf, Hockey, Tennis, Shooting, Squash and any other games which may from time to time be approved by the Committee.

5.

There shall be a Committee to manage and control the affairs of the Club with the power to appoint Sub Committees and co-opt members for special purposes.

6.

The Committee shall meet on the day of, but previous to, the General Meeting.

7.

The Committee shall consist of the Officers of the Club with no more than ten other members, three to form a quorum and they shall elect from among their number a Deputy Chairman to take the Chair at Committee Meetings in the absence of the President.

8.

The President shall be elected at the General Meeting next preceding the Triennial Dinner, but shall not take office until the day after that Dinner. At the end of his term of office he shall not be eligible for immediate re-election. In the event of a Triennial Dinner not being held, a new President may be elected at the General Meeting immediately following the President’s completion of his three years of office, or the election may be deferred at the discretion of the General Meeting.

9.

In the event of the office of President becoming vacant during a Triennial period, the vacancy shall be filled at the next General Meeting of the Club, and the President then chosen shall be eligible for reelection for the next Triennial Period.

10. The Officers (other than the President) and the rest of the Committee shall be elected at the General Meeting. The said Officers and eight other members of the Committee shall be eligible for immediate re-election.

11. The Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy occurring in the Committee during the year: the person so chosen shall retire at the end of the year and be eligible for re-election.

12. All applications for membership of the Club shall be approved by the President and the General Secretary, provided that they may refer any application to the Committee, whose decision shall be final.

Current Rossallians shall be eligible for election during their last term at School on the recommendation of the Headmaster, but their membership shall only take effect from the date of their leaving school.

Members of the Common Room shall, after two years service, be invited to become members of the Club without subscription. No-one may apply for membership before his sixteenth birthday.

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Rules and Regulations 13. Payment of sixty five pounds, or whatever is the current sum authorised by the General Meeting, shall constitute Life membership and any member failing to pay his contribution within three months of his election shall cease to be a member unless the Committee decide otherwise.

14. The Committee shall have the power to call on any member to resign by letter sent to him at his last known address. If his resignation shall not have been received within one calendar month from the date of the despatch of the said letter, then such person shall cease to be a member of the Club and his name removed from the list of members.

15. The Games Secretaries shall have the power to arrange matches under the title of “Old Rossallians” and make all the necessary arrangements.

16. Branches of the Club for local activities may be formed at home or abroad at centres approved by the Committee, with power (subject to these rules) to appoint their own Officers and Committees and to frame by-laws. Branch Secretaries shall forward to the General Secretary in the month of October each year reports on their respective Branches. The President and General Secretary of the Club shall be exofficio members of all Branch Committees.

17. The year of account shall be from September 1st to August 31st. The General Secretary and Treasurer shall present his accounts at the General Meeting. An Auditor shall be appointed by the Committee.

18. A list of members of the Club, with their addresses, so far as known, shall be printed and circulated each year or at such intervals as may from time to time be decided upon by the Committee.

19. The colours of the Club shall be dark blue with narrow crimson and white stripes, and an alternative tie shall be available to members in dark blue decorated with the School Crest.

20. These Rules may be amended at a General meeting of the Club, provided that notice of the proposed Amendment has been forwarded to the Secretary and published in the issue of “The Rossallian” or in the Rossallian Club Newsletter previous to the meeting being held. Other business may be dealt with at General Meeting without previous notice, or referred by the Chairman to the next General Meeting.

Note: In the above Rules of the Rossallian Club, ‘his’ includes ‘his’ or ‘her’ as applicablew Rules and Regulations of the Rossallian Club AS COMFIRMED BY THE GENERAL MEETING HELD AT ROSSALL ON DECEMBER 17TH 1894 AND AS AMENDED ON SUBSEQUENT DATES - 2014 EDITION 1.

Name of the Club The Club shall be called ‘The Rossallian Club’.

2.

Objectives of the Club a. The promotion and maintenance of friendships between Old Rossallians (ORs). b. The organisation of functions, sports and societies (in these rules called activities) for ORs. c. The furtherance generally of the interests and prosperity of Rossall School and of its past and present members and associated organisations.

3.

Officers of the Club: Shall be as follows: 1. The President.

2. Two Vice-Presidents 3. The Secretary, who shall live at or near Rossall 4. The Treasurer, who shall live at or near Rossall

The Committee of the Rossallian Club shall consist of: 1. The Officers of the Club (as stated above) 2. Past Presidents 3. The Head

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4. The Branch Secretaries

5. The Games Secretaries (from all the games approved by the Committee) 6. Any other Member of the Rossallian Club that the Committee deem appropriate The above shall manage and control the affairs of the Club with powers to appoint sub-committees and to co-opt members of the Club for specific tasks. A quorum for all meeting purposes shall be not less than 7 members, from the above Committee. Any co-opted member is not entitled to vote at meetings of the Committee.

A Management Committee comprising of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and at least two other Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Committee. The purpose of the Management Committee is to assist the Committee and to function between the meetings of the Committee. Minutes of their meetings shall be recorded and circulated to all members of the Committee.

4.

Committee Meetings, AGMs, EGMs and Triennial 1. The President will act as Chairman at all meetings. In the event of a Committee Meeting, AGM or EGM being held where the President is not present, a Vice-President shall chair the meeting. If neither the President nor a Vice-President is present then a Chairman shall be elected by those present, to conduct the business of that meeting, by a show of hands.

2. There shall be two Committee Meetings each year, one in the Spring and one in the Autumn. Voting on all issues shall be by a simple majority through a show of hands or, at the Chairman’s discretion, by a secret ballot of those present.

3. There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Club, each year, at a time and venue to be decided upon by the Committee. Voting on all issues shall be by a simple majority through a show of hands or, at the Chairman’s discretion, by a secret ballot of those present.

4.

Any other business may be dealt with at an AGM with prior notice of that business being given to the Secretary, in writing, at least 28 days prior to that meeting.

5.

The Club Dinner (known as the Triennial Dinner) shall be held every three years at Rossall, on a date to be agreed upon by the Committee.

6.

An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time, on the demand of any 25 Members of the Club, in writing, to the President and Secretary. The President and Secretary shall organise the meeting to take place within 28 days of the communication and ensure that members are notified of the date, venue and business of that meeting, through letter or E-mail. The business at such a meeting shall be confined to such resolutions. 50 members shall constitute a quorum. Voting on all issues shall be by a simple majority through a show of hands or, at the Chairman’s discretion, by a secret ballot of those present.

5.

Membership 1. a. Any pupil having attended Junior, Middle or Senior School for a period of no less than 2 years shall be eligible for membership of the Rossallian Club. Current Rossallians shall be eligible for membership during their last term at School. Their membership shall only take effect from the date they leave Rossall. b. Members of the Common Room and Governors who are not already Rossallians shall, after three years service, be invited to become members of the Club. c. Any person who has Rossall interests at heart may be eligible for membership.

2. No one shall be eligible for membership before their sixteenth birthday.

3. All applications for membership shall require the approval of the Committee at its next meeting.

4. Every Member shall, from time to time, communicate their contact details to the Secretary and all notices delivered or sent in accordance with those contact details shall be deemed to have been sufficiently served or given.

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5. The Committee, in consultation with the relevant Branch Secretary, shall have the power to expel or call upon any Member to resign, by letter sent to their last known address. If their resignation or appeal against the decision shall not have been received within 28 days from the date of the despatch of the said letter, then such person shall cease to be a Member of the Rossallian Club and their name shall be removed from the list of members.

6.

President and Vice-Presidents 1. The President and Vice-Presidents cannot serve in those positions for more than two consecutive terms. Nominations for these positions shall be given to the Secretary no later than 28 days prior to the Autumn Committee Meeting.

2. If there is more than one nomination for President then the nominees shall be given the opportunity to present their case to the Committee. The Committee shall choose the candidate they deem most appropriate for the position and present them to the members for ratification at the AGM in a Triennial year.

3. Likewise, if there are more than 2 nominations for the position of Vice-President, the same process will apply.

4. The President and Vice-Presidents shall take office during the Triennial Dinner.

5. In the event of the office of President becoming vacant during a Triennial period then the vacancy shall be filled by one of the Vice-Presidents, who will be elected by the Committee and will continue in this office until the next AGM when that person may be appointed to the position of President.

6.

If the President and Vice-Presidents vacate their offices then the Committee shall elect persons to take the offices vacated until the next AGM.

7.

The Secretary and the Treasurer 1. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be appointed by the Committee.

2. The Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy occurring during the year.

8.

Branches and Sports 1. Branches of the Club, for local activities, may be formed at home or overseas at centres agreed upon by the Committee, with power to appoint their own Officers and Committees, to operate their own bank accounts and to raise their own funds should they so wish.

2. Branch and Sports Secretaries shall forward to the Secretary, prior to the Autumn Meeting each year, reports on their respective activities. These will be circulated to all members of the Committee with notice of the meeting.

3. The President and Secretary of the Club shall be ex-officio members of all Branch Committees.

4. The Games Secretaries shall have the power to arrange matches under the title ‘Old Rossallian’ and make all the necessary arrangements.

5. After making provision for the general purposes of the Club, the Committee may make grants each year for the purposes of Club activities as they see fit.

9.

Accounts 1. The year of Account shall be from September 1st to August 31st. The Treasurer shall present the Accounts to the Committee at the Autumn meeting for their approval. If approved they will then be presented to members for their approval at the next AGM. If the Treasurer is not available then the President shall present the Accounts.

2. An external Examiner of Accounts shall be appointed by the Committee.

10. Amendment to the Rules and Regulations These rules may be amended by the Committee, subject to the approval of the membership at an AGM or EGM provided that 28 days notice of the proposed amendment has been forwarded by the Secretary to the membership by post or E-mail.

11. Club Colours 1. The colours of the Club shall be dark blue with narrow crimson and white stripes. An alternative tie shall be available to members in dark blue with the School Crest.

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16/01/2014

Dates for your diary Date

Venue

Contact

Monday 3rd March

OR Drinks Reception Sharon Potts Reitschule Café Restaurant, Munich s.potts@rossall.org.uk Hosted by Elaine Purves, Head

Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March

Old Rossallian Weekend Rossall School

Sharon Potts s.potts@rossall.org.uk

Friday 2nd May

Oxford Dinner Radley College

Simon Barlass sb@radley.org.uk

Saturday 10th May

Lakes Lunch Lindeth Howe Hotel, Bowness

George Scarlett gill_george.scarlett@virgin.net or 01539 431906

Sunday 8th June

Yorkshire Lunch Ilkley Golf Club

David Holroyd holliesramsgill@yahoo.co.uk

Friday 18th July

OR Golf Day (Men and Ladies) Ilkley Golf Club

David Holroyd holliesramsgill@yahoo.co.uk

5th-7th August

OR Cricket Tour

James Preston 07920 134408

Friday 19th September

Late Summer BBQ The Oriental Club, London

Sharon Potts s.potts@rossall.org.uk

Sunday 28th September Manchester Lunch The Stanneylands Hotel, Wilmslow

Roger Walker chrisandroger@metronet.co.uk

Sunday 21st December Carol Service

Rossall School

The Edinburgh Dinner will be held later in the year. Further details to be announced.

Hogwarts is coming to Rossall!

There are plans to hold a ‘Harry Potter Readathon’ in Big School where the complete series of Harry Potter books will be read non-stop from beginning to end. As yet, the dates have not been finalised but it will take place some time at the end of June/beginning of July.

As many people as possible be will required to read in twenty minute sections. Readers will need sponsors and all money raised will go towards major projects or bursaries. All members of the Rossall community will be involved. Full details will be announced as soon as they have been finalised. For this to be a success, we need as many volunteers as possible. To register your interest please contact Jim Cowpe on 01253 774286 or cowpejim@uwclub.net

Old Rossallians and their guests are welcome to all our events

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OLD ROSSALLIAN

WEEKEND

Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd March 2014

Rossall School, Fleetwood 32

For further details or to book please contact Sharon Potts. Alumni Officer T: 01253 774288 E: s.potts@rossall.org.uk