JUNE 2014 FORMER PUPIL NEWS FROM BABLAKE SCHOOL
Old Wheatleyans Summer Newsletter
Welcome to the Summer edition of the former pupils’ newsletter... Dear Old Wheatleyan,
June 2014
Bablake remains a very vibrant community with a simple aim: to give our pupils the best possible start in life. Our efforts have been recognised this year with some fine accolades. In the Autumn Term, we received our International Cross of Nails from Coventry Cathedral, reflecting our commitment to peace and reconciliation both within and beyond our school community. Inspectors descended on the school with five days’ notice in March, and we were delighted with their conclusions. They stated that “Bablake School fully meets its aims of developing character, Intellect and physical well-being within a happy, scholarly and caring community.” They judged that “the school has made significant progress since the previous inspection, underpinned by a culture of self-reflection and the desire for continuous improvement, and that pupils are very well educated in accordance with the school’s ambitious aims.” In my letter to parents, I was able to write: “As a team inspector, I have been involved in the inspection of seven other highly successful independent schools, and I am delighted to say that none of them has received a report with such positive outcomes as our own! It is especially difficult to achieve an overall ‘excellent’ grade for teaching, so we are particularly proud of this judgement in Bablake’s case.” We have recently undergone a thorough audit of our arts provision by Trinity College London, and we have been awarded Artsmark Gold status by Arts Council England for our outstanding contribution to arts and cultural education. This is in recognition of our commitment to provide highquality art and design, music, drama and dance through curricular and co-curricular opportunities, as well as through partnerships with artists and arts organisations. Schools are dynamic and living entities, and there is no such thing as a ‘status quo’; we either keep moving forwards or we regress. We are pleased in this issue of the OWs’ newsletter to celebrate some of the achievements of our former pupils, and we would be very glad to receive your news. I hope you feel that Bablake fulfilled its mission of preparing you for life. My very best wishes, John Watson Headmaster 1
News ……. Ben Cooper 2005 - 2010
Congratulations on Scotland U20 6 Nations Selection We are delighted to congratulate former pupil Ben Cooper, who now plays for Boroughmuir RFC, on news that he has been selected for Scotland's 2014 6 Nations U20 squad. After enjoying his formative years as a rugby player at Bablake and moving through the ranks with his local club Nuneaton, Ben headed North and found success with Scotland's U18 set up. Ben also played for Scotland's U20s at last year's Junior World Cup, kicking the last minute penalty that brought a win against Samoa. He recently paid another return visit to Bablake to lead a kicking session with current 1st XV fly half James Faulkner in preparation for the annual fixture against KHVIII. As well as working with James, Ben, who hopes to be starting for Scotland's U20 XV against Italy in the 6 Nations contest on Friday 21st February, also joined in with the full 1st XV training and offered some excellent advice. Mr Rob Burdett, Head of Boys' PE and 1st XV coach, who earlier had been presented with a Scotland shirt by Ben to join the other representative shirts in our Sports Pavilion, commented: 'It was great to see Ben again and I am delighted he is doing so well with Scotland. The 1st XV really enjoyed having him join in with the training session. He made some great points, which I'm sure will help them improve further” Ben looked pretty sharp too when he joined in the game of touch at the end! Ben also presented the Mick Hibbert Trophy at the Bablake v KHVIII 1st XV fixture.
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News cont… Lorna Syson 1997 - 2004
Melissa Kite
Successful Young Designer features in National Campaign
New Year Resolutions through a Former Pupil's Eyes
Former pupil and successful young designer Lorna Syson featured in a full page national advert in the Daily Telegraph. Advertising the business benefits of Sage, Lorna is also the face of a national campaign video. The video offers an interesting insight into Lorna's business and her clear vision for future achievement. While we are unable to comment on the business benefits of Sage online, it is excellent to see one of our humblest yet most talented pupils clearly thriving in a very competitive field.
Former pupil and journalist Melissa Kite, who writes for the Spectator and a number of the nationals, has just published her own take on the dilemma of New Year’s resolutions. Expect her usual blend of selfdeprecating humour and political satire. To read her thoughts, please seehttp://www.spectator.co.uk/life/reallife/9106242/melissa-kite-no-moreboyfriends/. In the meantime, we wish everyone all the best for the personal challenges they will face in 2014 and targets they have set for the months ahead. (Archive photo from visit to meet Melissa Kite at Westminster in 2007.)
Josh Sood
1983 - 1990
2003 - 2010
New Musical An exciting and timely new musical written by University of Birmingham Music undergraduate and former pupil Josh Sood, with fellow student Leo West, had its first night on Tuesday 25th February. The musical, which questions celebrity culture, the strength of friendship and the nature of comedy, was performed at the University of Birmingham Guild of Students' Debating Hall over five nights.
Nottingham University evening Headmaster Mr John Watson and Head of 6th Form Mrs Alison Tumber visited Nottingham recently to be reunited with 9 of the Classes of 2005 and 2006 who are currently studying at either Nottingham Trent or the University of Nottingham. The students enjoyed the chance to update Mrs Tumber and Mr Watson on their university experience and were keen to hear current news from Bablake. All of this took place over a very pleasant meal at Nottingham's Zizzi Ristorante.
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News cont…. Broadcaster Brian Matthew ... Still Working at 85! Over many decades, Bablake former pupils have produced some popular broadcasters on both radio and television: Barry Lankester, Andrew Bevan, Liz Copper on Midlands frequencies, and Martine Croxall and Emma Walden on national BBC and London ITN screens respectively. Each has built a loyal following and has been a familiar and wellloved voice and face in our homes. For those of us who knew and taught these pupils, there is a feeling of pride that we have contributed to their present stature and success. One man, however, stands head and shoulders above the others in longevity and length of service as a broadcaster: first heard on the radio in 1948 introducing from Germany a military forces weekly link-up around the world, he is still broadcasting on Radio 2 on Saturday mornings introducing popular music- 65 years of service! Brian Matthew was born in Coventry in 1928 and joined Bablake in 1939. When in 1940 the school was bombed, Brian was one of the school group evacuated to Lincoln. For many boys these were unhappy times, parted from family left behind and continually threatened by further air-raids. It is no surprise that some were demotivated and Brian`s school reports testify to the fact that he failed to shine academically. His autobiography pulls no punches about relations between him and several members of staff but his final reports in 1946 bear evidence of improved results and relations. Consider the reticent boy taking home yet another critical report to his parents and their reaction; how times have changed at Bablake, where constructive comment and encouragement by all the staff are aimed to motivate. He was called up for National Service, joined the Army and was posted to Germany. No wonder Brian`s father was delighted to write to the Headmaster informing him that Brian`s career was blossoming and he urged Mr Seaborne to tune in to a special Boxing Day forces round-up which Brian was to introduce. Ironically neither party could believe their ears when they listened to Brian`s by-now deepened, silky tones, for which he has since become renowned! On leaving the Army, Brian trained as an actor at RADA, although at one time there had been talk of him training for the Baptist Ministry. He joined the BBC and rose to prominence on the Light Programme hosting 'Saturday Club' (1957- 1960). His ITV work as a presenter of 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' spanned 1961- 1966. Popular music increased its audience with millions of listeners on BBC radio in the 60s and there was competition with offshore pirate radio. 1973 saw the launch of 'My Top 12'- a one hour weekday afternoon show where a music personality was invited into the studio, having been primed to select their all-time favourites, which were played with additional comment. However for many readers of this tribute, we remember Brian for his Radio 2 show 'Round Midnight' (1978- 1990). In 2008 Brian celebrated 50 years associated with 'Saturday Club' and he was rewarded with a Sony Gold Award 'celebrating more than 50 years of national and international radio broadcasting… a truly outstanding contribution to UK radio'. A brief retirement in 2006 saw him hospitalised but he soon returned to 'Saturday Club' on Radio 2 and at the ripe old age of 85 he is still broadcasting. Brian, with huge pride we salute you and your mellifluous voice! The tremendous tribute above to Brian Matthew has been written by Mr Terry Patchett (Astro Manager), who himself has been working since 1964 at Bablake and is still in fine form! 4
News cont…. Alex T Smith 1996 - 2003 Twitter Takeover Bablake former pupil Alex T Smith took over the World Book Day UK Twitter handle for an hour one Friday evening answering tweets containing the hashtag 'AskAlex' with his traditional aplomb and good humour. For the 'Twitter Takeover', Alex, who has been selected as official illustrator for 2014 World Book Day, spent an hour answering enquiries which mainly covered his experiences as an author and illustrator. In answer to one of our questions about which classic children's story Alex would like to revamp, he said there were quite a few he would like to do, including 'Matilda', '101 Dalmatians' and 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. Meanwhile, when asked by author H L Dennis whether teachers had encouraged him with his art at school and if there were particular ones who had inspired him, Alex tweeted: 'Yes, I had three AMAZING art teachers: Mr Weaver, Mr Warner & the lovely Mrs Goodwin. Always enthusiastic and supportive!' He kindly added in another tweet: 'Also had THE most incredible careers teacher who listened and spotted what I was good at and moved mountains to help me.' We thank Alex for his kind words and are looking forward to further coverage of his excellent work in the media reports and promotions leading to World Book Day which took place in March. (Illustration by Alex T Smith.)
TE Dunville… Cov’s first £100 a week ‘superstar’! Coventry's Music Museum opened a temporary exhibition on March 22, the ninetieth anniversary of the death of Coventry’s first real superstar. His name was TE Dunville and despite being almost forgotten now, in 1890 he was on an eye-watering £100 a week! Born Thomas Edward Wallen, in Coventry, on July 29, 1867 at 32 New Street, (now demolished, just to the rear of the Cathedral Ruins where Coventry University now stands) and educated at Bablake School, he was the son of a tailor who had plans for him to enter into the silk trade. Teddie developed other ideas after he had witnessed a theatre show while attending The Coventry Fair at Spencer Park. He settled down in a job at Rudge Whitworth for a while until he was sacked at 16 when a foreman slipped on a floor Teddie had been greasing up to practise his splits. He then formed a dancing comedy troupe, The Merry Men, with Robert Martell. There was nothing stunning about them, but it was with them that Wallen would discover his real forte. One night the act was going along as normal until things started to go because the pair squeezed themselves into two small barrels and were unable to get out and were dragged off the stage still in their barrels. The audience was in hysterics. It immediately dawned on Wallen that this was the way forward. He became a solo artist and the legend of TE Dunville was born. Billed as an ‘Eccentric Comedian’ his bizarre hairstyles, red nose and long skinny tight clad legs perfectly complemented his physical humour. He was also one of the first ‘alternative comedians’, always ready to joke about the news of the day, when he wasn’t singing his nonsensical song of course. The exhibition tells the tale of this unique star and his bitter-sweet life. The exhibition features a short film based on this eccentric comedian and singer, starring actor/comedian Richard Coad. The exhibition celebrated the life of the first real Coventry icon, forgotten by most but thankfully not by everyone 5
Other News….. Old Wheatleyans RFC celebrates its 85th Anniversary Generations of players from the Old Wheatleyans RFC gathered one weekend in March to celebrate the club’s 85th Anniversary with a dinner. It was excellent to see some of our current 1st XV invited. The Wheats were also joined by former England and British & Irish Lions International, Tim Stimpson, who spoke passionately about the game, its traditions and the special bond that is created by teams and clubs. Club Chairman Dean Bryant and Nick Newbold from chief sponsor HIA International said a few words about the history of the Old Wheatleyans RFC, relayed their own personal memories and remembered absent friends fondly. Two wins on the Saturday afternoon for the 1st XV v King's Norton and the 2nds against Coventry Welsh, provided further cause for celebration and your reporter understands the party continued until the early hours. Some of our 1st XV are pictured with Tim Stimpson (middle) and (left) Old Wheats 1st XV captain Ben Craig (ex KHVIII). Further photographs of the event appeared in the Coventry Telegraph. The full album may also be viewed on the Old Wheatleyans RFC Facebook page.
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Let’s hear from the Archives…….. Since the last Newsletter I have been preoccupied, above all, with getting the second edition of “The Lion and the Stars” ready for possible publication. Both Terry Patchett and Edward Jenkins have been kind enough to read through chapter nine, which covers the years since Mr John Watson took over the School, and make their suggestions and corrections. So too has Mr Watson himself and I am grateful to him for the frank and helpful exchange of views we were able to have. As I have said before, we now need to come up with feasible ways of publishing the final product we come up with. In the meantime I plan to seek opinions on the Bablake of today from pupils, parents and a wider range of staff. I have been able to provide Mrs Helen Zgraja, who is managing our new shop, with old Bablake photographs for her to copy for display and also some books from yesteryear from our archives on long-term loan. I was able to replace lost Wheatleyans from the eighties and nineties for one former pupil and to help another man find out more about his father’s time at Bablake in the twenties and thirties. Prompted by one of their number we have started to look at the possibility of a, perhaps last, reunion for those who were evacuated to Lincoln almost 75 years ago. I have also been trying to give some comfort and support to a former pupil of the nineteen-eighties who is not in the best of situations at the moment. I was amused while proof-reading contributions to our Where Are They Now? folder to find that one man had claimed it was his grounding at Bablake that had allowed him to have two carers. I suspect he meant “careers”! Looking at the form photographs which John Rushton has come up with for this issue I recognise only the form masters. The young man in charge on the 1966 photo is Bill Sharrod, a Geographer who was only with us for two years but whom I know the Proctors still visit from time to time. The Sixth Form form master is Brian Caudwell, who has provided us with the names for that group, still lives locally and whom we were delighted to see at our last Open Morning. I am also still trying to negotiate my way round various conceivable outcomes as to where the archives might more adequately be housed for the years ahead.
Former Pupils’ Update There was a lot of focus in the first half of this term on our former pupils following features in the last edition of The Wheatleyan. Former pupils in a variety of fields were also referenced in the Careers Department's talk to 3rd year parents, and they are constantly referred to in formal presentations and one-to-one referrals in school. Two thirds of the delegates at our biennial Careers Convention were former pupils and we had over 20 others nominated as e-delegates for future consultation. In fact, the Careers Department utilises social media platforms (such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter) and email contact with former pupils to excellent effect, to ensure our current pupils are able to be offered the most up-to-date professional advice from those who are experienced in their professions. Some of the delegates at the Convention enjoyed a tour of their old school before the event began and former pupils are always welcome to revisit. There are also already two official reunions planned for this year, details of which can be found in this edition of The Wheatleyan. Almost daily news of former pupils is posted in a closed Facebook group for former alumni and we would be delighted to expand this group beyond its current membership of 1,010 people. Please send any news on former pupils to Mrs Sylvia O'Sullivan or Mr Mark Woodward.
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Bablake reaching all corners of the world….. Cathy Scott-Burt, a teacher here at Bablake, accompanied the Classics trip to Greece in October last year and while in Tolon (pictured) met a couple who were on holiday there. They were having dinner in the hotel and got talking to our pupils, asking where they were from and how they were enjoying the wonderful sights and weather. On hearing that the children were from Bablake School, the gentleman came to introduce himself: Mr Chris Shrapnel had heard of Bablake as he knew his father had attended the school in the 1920s! Now resident in Somerset, Chris had no contact with the school but was very pleased to hear about us and interested in how different the school is today compared with the establishment his father had attended. Mr Peter Burden, our archivist, has researched Mr Shrapnel’s father and found that Reginald Shrapnel left the school in 1925 from form 5A and became a clerk with the GPO. The name Shrapnel is an interesting one: Major-General Henry Shrapnel (1761–1842), was an English artillery officer whose experiments culminated in the design and development of the artillery shell but we had no idea until this meeting that a member of the family had once attended Bablake. It’s always lovely to meet people who have a connection with the school personally or through their family, but a delightful hotel on a beach in Greece was the last place we expected to find someone!
Anyone lost their Bablake boater?! Former Pupil Jane Cook found this one at an Antiques Fair…...
The signature above the Arthur Hammon logo looks to be of the one and only John Malin, former teacher and Deputy Head! 8
Glimpses of Bablake ... Another stunning new glimpse of Bablake Earlier this year former pupil and current Keele Law undergraduate Abhimanyu Bose shot a series of short timelapse sequences covering an exhaustive range of daily activities on our campus. The result of his filming is a stunning timelapse video that successfully shows a typically busy day at Bablake. Asked to comment on the promotional film, Mrs Sarah Harris, Director of Marketing and Admissions, commented: 'We are delighted with the energy that is conveyed in this video. The busy nature of a day at Bablake is shown eloquently by timelapse filming. The video has been showing in our Main Foyer since our November Open Session and has been a talking point for everyone who has seen it. Staff, pupils and parents all love it!'
A view of Bablake taken during the 1960s
Photo supplied courtesy of John Rushton FP
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A walk down memory lane…. The following photographs were kindly sent to me by former pupil John Rushton, I have added some names, do you recognise anyone? 1964 Shell P
Back Row: David Small, Malcolm Rose, Gary Ruck, David Thomason, John Rushton, David Bakewell, Steven Dobson, Christopher Bayley, Peter Jackson, Richard Venables, Martyn Berry, David Bradford, Roger Burrows. Middle Row: Stephen Harris, Mark Perry, Richard Cuthbert, John Caves, Philip Burton, Tom Faulkner, Robert Verrion, Peter Campbell, Richard Charley, Graham Wells. Front Row: Ian Fletcher, John Carson, Neil Sutton, Clyde MacPhail, Alan Jones, T.W.Patchett, Stephen Lombard, Graham Wardle, Richard Phillips, Geoffrey Glover, Michael Osler.
1966 3S
Back Row: Malcolm Rose, Mark Perry, Richard Cuthbert, Christopher Bayley, Steven Dobson, John Caves, Alan jones, Graham Wells, Richard Venables, Richard Phillips, Middle Row: Richard Charley, Clyde MacPhail, Mohanjit Singh , Tom Faulkner, Robert Verrion, Philip Burton, Peter Campbell, Peter Jackson, Stephen Lombard, Stephen Harris. Front Row: David Small, Neil Sutton, David Bradford, Robert Wildman, John Rushton, Bill Sharrad, David Thomason, Martyn Berry, Roger Burrows, John Carson, Ian Fletcher. 10
Bablake Partners… Over the last year, we have reported on new partnerships with Coventry University, IGGY (University of Warwick), Leicester Tigers and Orchestra da Camera (amongst others) the majority of which have resulted from connections our new Outreach Coordinator Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt has established. Those who have attended our recent events may have noticed that a Bablake 1344 wine was being served to the adults. Local company Bablake Wines is now labelling and supplying wine for such events and future reunions. It is also now possible for parents and former pupils (18+) to purchase these wines direct from Bablake Wines. A red Chilean Merlot (c£6), a white Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (c£6) and a French champagne (c£17), all with the Bablake 1344 label, are available at a few days' notice. For precise prices and more information, please email Bablake Wines direct or telephone 024-7622-8272. While we would obviously be very keen to promote only sensible drinking, we have received feedback at recent events that these bottles would make excellent presents for friends of Bablake.
Sad News…
George Jones - Bablake former teaching staff 1965 - 1993 We were saddened to learn that George Jones, a long serving Chemistry teacher over 28 years, had passed away in January after a period of illness that confined him to a wheelchair. News of his death reached us neither by word nor newspaper announcement. George, a Liverpool lad, graduated from his hometown university and, after National Service in Cyprus, entered the food-processing industry in Lincolnshire. A sudden resignation at Bablake provided a post which George took up in January 1965 without teaching qualification or experience. He soon demonstrated a knowledge and enthusiasm for a whole range of interests: civil law, history and philosophy of science and metallurgy but predominantly a fascination with astronomy which led to GCSE. Suffice to say that George was a very interesting person to sit and chat with, worldly-wise and opinionated; owner of a droll sense of humour he would leave his audience thinking and laughing. His observations and searching questions at staff meetings often brought the house down. Those few contemporaries still in service at Bablake will surely fondly remember George, as will many of his former pupils who will be grateful for his guidance and inspiration. He leaves a widow, Sylvia and two daughters. Terry Patchett - February 2014 11
Sports Reunions Charity Netball Tournament - Saturday 30 August 2014 This year England Netball has been promoting ‘Back to Netball’. With a slightly different spin on this we would like to stage our own Bablake event by inviting you back to play in a charity tournament to be held at school on Saturday 30 August 2014, with play starting at 10.30am. The emphasis is on fun and, whether you still play or would like to come back and find out what skills you have retained, we would be pleased to see you. Equally we would be pleased to welcome spectators. Hopefully PE staff who taught you will also becoming along. The structure of the day will depend very much on the response and more details will be circulated once we know numbers. As far as possible we will try and keep year groups together. Some players may, however, need to link with a year above or below as we will try and balance the teams and are sure we will not get a perfect distribution of positions. Should we need additional umpires please would you indicate if you would be willing and able to offer to officiate if necessary? The charities we are supporting are Breast Cancer Care and Cancer Research. If you would like further information, a copy of the letter and form can be downloaded from the Former Pupils’ section of the school website www.bablake.com or email sms@bablake.coventry.sch.uk for further details.
Coventry School Hockey Club Holland Tours Players’ Reunion - Saturday 6 September 2014 Following the great success of last year’s September reunion dinner and games at Bablake, attended by 100 plus former players, staff and family, it is planned to hold another dinner at King Henry VIII on Saturday, 6 September 2014. The reunion is for Bablake, KHVIII and Woodlands Hockey players. Many of you took part in the successful and sociable tours to Holland (Val at the wheel) and Spain. All former team members from that era are invited whether or not they actually toured. Slightly older and younger club members who are interested are also welcome. You can bring your parents and partners to the dinner and to watch or participate in the games. For further information please contact: Dave Howarth co-chairman (dave_howarth@hotmail.com 07784 536038) Symon Whitehouse co-chairman (symon@isos.co.uk) Graham Burgess, Pat Head, Sue Smith, John Green, Sue Sutton, Mike Smith Rod Dunnett (roderic.dunnett@sol.co.uk 07962 902751)
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Other School Publications You can now read Bablake publications online. Visit the publications section of the school website using the following link: http://bablake.com/publications_item.php?item=1 and simply click on the cover to view in an interactive PDF viewer.
Diary Dates Published annually, the Wheatleyan is Bablake's official school magazine. Each issue celebrates the best of the preceding academic year.
Reunion for former pupils who started at Bablake 1960 - 69 Spring/Summer 2015 Date to be decided sosullivan@bablake.coventry.sch.uk …………………………………….
Stretch appears once a year and is edited by a small group of L6th students in their work experience week. We believe it is student journalism at its best!
Reunion for 1994 and 1995 intake May 2015 pfb@bablake.coventry.sch.uk ………………………………………..
As well as highlighting forthcoming events, our termly newsletter is an instant record of Bablake’s pupils’ most recent tremendous achievements.
Contact: Email: Telephone: Website: Facebook: Twitter: 13
Charity Netball Tournament Saturday 30 August 2014 Contact Sue Smith sms@bablake.coventry.sch.uk ……………………………………….
Bablake Weather Station Reunion Autumn Term 2014 sosullivan@bablake.coventry.sch.uk Or Steve Jackson swj@bablake.coventry.sch.uk ………………………………………. Possible reunion to mark 40 years since girls started at Bablake in 1975 …. Watch this space!!
Sylvia O’Sullivan Alumni Relations Officer sosullivan@bablake.coventry.sch.uk 024 76271259 www.bablake.com/former pupils www.facebook.com/Old Wheatleyans www.twitter.com/bablakeschool