OU Uppingham Magazine Issue 42

Page 1

Issue 42 • 2014/2015


issue 42

2

Welcome

Who What Where

Announcements

Staff News

In Memoriam & Obituaries

2 5 12 15 19

World War I

Photocall & Events

Clubs & Societies

Uppingham for Life

The Western Quad

25 28 34 40 42

Photo by Andy Wilson F.R.P.S.

A WELCOME FROM THE OU TEAM

The front cover depicts a sculpture, named “Femme en marche”, by Paul Cornet, on the lawn outside the new Science Centre. Kindly gifted to the School by an OU. OU is the magazine for the Old Boys and Girls of Uppingham School. Join us on Social Media

We send out an annual eNewsletter – please ensure your email address is up-to-date by emailing ou@uppingham.co.uk Uppingham School Uppingham Rutland LE15 9QE Tel: +44 (0)1572 820616 Email: ou@uppingham.co.uk www.olduppinghamian.co.uk

Patrick Mulvihill, Development Director, Lisa Gilman, Development Manager, Jo Franklin, OU Coordinator, Richard Boston, OU Association Secretary. Welcome to the latest edition of the OU Magazine. The warm feedback we have received from OUs in recent years has been much appreciated and we hope you will enjoy this publication with its usual mix of stories, news and photos of the lives of OUs all over the world. The main thread in this issue is World War I and the sacrifices made by that generation of Uppinghamians a century ago. The stories of the young men who gave their lives for their country are deeply moving and still sadly resonate in today’s troubled times. In other news we look at the completion of the Western Quad, a huge development in the history of the School and happily the last major capital project for the next decade. Our thanks as ever to those OUs who have made contributions to this issue. Please do send us your news and views if you would like to feature next year or on the OU website. And finally we send our best wishes to Lisa Gilman who leaves the OU team temporarily in December to have her first baby. We also welcome Caroline Steele who will be here on maternity cover for the next 12 months. Good luck to both of them! Best wishes, Patrick, Richard, Jo and Lisa

OU COMMITTEE 2014/15 The Headmaster – Chairman Richard Boston (B 56) – Secretary Members: Mike Higgs (Fgh 69), David Gavins (LH 73), Peter Doleman (C 76), Dawn Wilson (Fd 80), Jim Reddy (Hf 89), Emma Way (J 91) Emma Cannings (L 93) and Ben Fry (B 96).


3

Photo by Gillman and Soame

welcome

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER

2014 has been a memorable year for Uppingham, punctuated by significant landmarks, both joyous and poignant. As a nation we commemorate the passing of 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War and in this publication we look at the great sacrifice made by Uppinghamians during the conflict. 450 OUs died for their country, a startling number, and I can only imagine the sorrow felt by the Headmaster and his staff as the death toll of their former pupils continued to escalate. The personal stories of Richard Glover (L 1897) and James Roberts (SH 1910) featured on pages 25 and 26 remind us of the loss suffered by many and the deep impact their deaths had on those who loved them. On a further sad note we also pay tribute to Dr Stephen Winkley, my immediate predecessor at Uppingham, who passed away in April. Stephen was a big man in all senses. His physical presence was matched by a remarkable intellect and maverick temperament; his quicksilver wit was legendary. But, above all, he knew and loved his pupils. Stephen’s enduring contributions to the history of Uppingham, though, are likely to be these: he kept the faith with full boarding when many others were watering it down; he made the move to full co-education in 2001; and he began the work of transforming key facilities for the 21st Century.

Stephen Winkley will undoubtedly be regarded as one of Uppingham’s great Headmasters, following in the footsteps of The Rev’d Edward Thring, and we were delighted when former Uppingham master Nigel Richardson published the first biography of our inspirational Victorian innovator in May. Thring had an incredible energy and drive, a life force which propelled him and the School through various turbulent times to greatness. An insecure and difficult man in some ways, he was at his best in adversity or in battle, whether with the Government, or with town authorities over typhoid, or with his Trustees, about almost anything. For all his faults, and for all the pressure that came his way, Thring held firm to his core beliefs. He believed in what he called True Life, informed by a love of nature and a mid-Victorian Christian reforming zeal. He believed passionately in the importance of the individual child, whatever his (or now her) talents may be. Thring was the pioneer of the child-centred education which remains alive and flourishing at Uppingham today. I am also thrilled that we can celebrate the culmination of the Western Quad project. Our aim was to provide beautiful and lasting buildings which would speak to each other around a central quad; to establish connections between subjects that reflect Thring’s holistic philosophy. I think you

will agree when you see the photographs included in this magazine that we have fully achieved our ambitions and that the overall result is breath-taking. We have a huge number of people to thank for their time, energy, commitment and funding, all of which have been crucial to the completion of the Western Quad. I would like to pay a special tribute to Mark Glatman (L 69) who has proved truly invaluable as a critical friend, an ally and an advocate in countless practical ways over the past decade. Mark is a parent of three OUs and until June was a Trustee and Chairman of the Uppingham Foundation. A major donor himself, he has been equally generous with his time and know-how and has spearheaded the fund-raising that has made the Western Quad possible. His has been a truly extraordinary contribution to the School and all Uppinghamians owe him a debt of gratitude. Finally, and with one further connection to the history of our School, I am honoured to be the first Headmaster of Uppingham to become Chairman of the HMC since Edward Thring founded the organisation and became its first Chairman in 1869. Uppingham’s profile and reputation is arguably stronger than it has ever been and I trust that the OU community shares in the great pride we feel in the continuing success of our great School.


welcome

4

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE In 2007 the Uppingham Foundation produced a vision document for an idea called the ‘Western Quad’. The Headmaster had recently announced the School’s plans to transform the western part of the School’s campus and we wrote that this was, ‘a golden opportunity to design and build a lasting legacy for countless generations of Uppinghamians’. At the time we did not know that the world would soon enter the deepest and longest recession of modern times but under the leadership of Richard Harman and the Board of Trustees, and in particular the Chairman of the Foundation, Mark Glatman, we were determined to deliver the most ambitious development in more than a century at Uppingham. As you will see later in this magazine, after seven years, the Western Quad is now complete and the footprint of Uppingham School has been changed forever. Where once stood an incoherent development of ageing and unloved buildings now stands a superb Sports Centre (opened in 2010), complete with a bank of outdoor tennis courts, a new rugby pavilion, a re-orientated 1st XV pitch and car-parking; a stunning new Science Centre, undoubtedly one of the best facilities of its kind in the country; an extended and re-ordered Leonardo Arts Centre. And the heart of this development is of course the Western Quad itself, a beautiful green space with sculptures and space for pupils and staff to enjoy this wonderful learning environment. The scale of this project has to be seen to be fully appreciated. To add to its existing portfolio of beautiful Victorian buildings, it now possesses some of the most outstanding new facilities in

Mark Glatman (L 69), Anthony Smith (WB 81) and Patrick Mulvihill, Development Director. the country. Uppingham is now well set to go from strengthto-strength in the coming years with everything a school needs to provide world-class education for 13-18 year old boys and girls. All OUs are warmly invited to come and see this ‘new Uppingham’ for themselves. The end of this project was marked by the retirement of Mark Glatman as Chairman of the Foundation. Mark has played a fundamental role in the recent developments at Uppingham and it has been a pleasure to work with him during this exciting phase in the School’s history. Anthony Smith (WB 81), who has three daughters currently at Uppingham, has taken over as Chairman and our focus in the Foundation will now turn towards fundraising for bursaries. My thanks to every OU, parent and friend of Uppingham who has been so generous over the course of the last seven years. We have much to be proud of and the School will be forever grateful.

SECRETARY’S MESSAGE As I pen these words at the beginning of the autumn term 2014 from a thriving and vibrant Uppingham, I pause and reflect on what I might have been writing in the autumn term of 1914. The School had returned from a long summer holiday during which war was declared, but the mood was buoyant as everyone expected the war would be over by Christmas. At the time it appeared to the young to be an exciting adventure which they did not want to miss out on, so thousands, including many Uppinghamians rushed to join the Colours. How sadly mistaken and disillusioned they were to become as events unfolded. As the term progressed news would have started filtering back to Uppingham of the names of friends, many of them recent leavers, who had been killed or badly wounded in action. The effect on this small-tight knit community must have been devastating and hard for us to imagine. Sadly this would have been repeated during World War II. Five long years later, the grim cost of this terrible conflict was revealed; 450 young OUs had made the ultimate sacrifice. As the nation reflects during this centenary year of the start of the war, we are honouring those young men by planting a Field of Remembrance of 450 wooden crosses on the East Block lawn prior to Remembrance Sunday. We have also included five crosses to represent the 250 OUs who died in World War II. At this time of year we always remember all OUs who have died in the service of their country and this year we have created a permanent memorial to the six OUs known to us who have died

Richard Boston (B 56), OU Secretary standing by Uppingham’s Field of Remembrance. on active service since 1945. This was placed next to the World War II memorial and was unveiled and dedicated in the presence of relatives and friends on 11th October. Uppingham, like the rest of the nation, has evolved and developed due to the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and we must never forget them. In their memory it is our duty to prepare the current generation of Uppinghamians for the complex world they are about to enter and OUs can help us achieve this through our ‘School for Life’ initiative referred to in the magazine, which I commend to you. With my very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.


WHO WHAT WHERE 1928

Captain Percy ‘Darby’ Kennedy (H 28) celebrated his 100th birthday on 11th June. Born just before WWI, on leaving Uppingham, Darby trained to be a pilot and flew sea planes for Imperial Airways. Darby was one of the founding members of the British Airline Pilots Association in 1937 before going on to become Chief Pilot for Aer Lingus. He celebrated turning 100 in fine style at a party in his honour at his adopted home in Spain. A loyal supporter of the School, Darby now has the Captain Kennedy Sports Scholarship named after him.

a magazine called ‘The Young Elizabethan’. Andrew received ten shillings, a small fortune in 1953, and still keeps the reports in which Mr Doulton suggests that one day he might develop into a ‘tidy writer’. Andrew’s many distinguished television credits include Great Expectations,The Prisoner of Zenda,The Invisible Man and Tales of the Unexpected.

Many congratulations, Darby!

1930

1945

John Ferguson (L 30) called the OU Office in September to inform us that he was the oldest member of Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club, one of the premier links courses in the world. Sadly John passed away in October, shortly before his 99th birthday.

Humphrey Sladden (B 45) was awarded The British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List 2013.The citation read ‘For service to the community of Hartington, West Sussex’. Humphrey has served on the Parish Council for an incredible 47 years.

1941

In September David Leather (B 45) and representatives from Kingswood School attended a special celebration at Uppingham to mark 75 years since pupils from Kingswood were evacuated to Uppingham, for the duration of the Second World War, as their School was taken over by the Admiralty for strategic planning.

W Ben Robins (M 41) has been elected an Uppingham Rover at the age of 86.

1947 The work of Brian Vaughton (F 41) has been honoured with the creation of ‘The Brian Vaughton Award for Excellence in Radio Production’ which is to be given to the radio student achieving the highest overall mark on the conclusion of their BA in Media and Communication / Radio studies at Birmingham University. Brian worked in both radio and television from the late 1950s into the 21st Century. In 1961 and 1962, he compiled and wrote two radio programmes The Jewellery and Cry from the Cut, which became known as The Birmingham Ballads and have become important audio documents, preserving the legacy of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and the commercial boat traffic which used to fill the city’s once busy canals. Brian’s collection of radio equipment is to be permanently displayed at the University.

John Griffiths’ (LH 47) most recent book ‘Afghanistan; Land of Conflict and Beauty’ is now available online and provides an informative account of a country living in the shadow of perpetual conflict.

1951

Having ceased playing the piano for the ‘All Solicitors Chancery Jazz Band’ with brother Ted (Hf 54) on drums, David Ashton (Hf 51) is now banjo player with a sevenpiece New Orleans Trad Jazz band based in Manningtree, Essex.

1952

Playwright Robin Hawdon (Oldroyd) (B 52) has published his third novel, titled ‘Survival Of The Fittest’. Available online, the novel is ‘an exploration of the implications of Darwin’s theory of evolution in the modern world, but couched in the guise of a detective story’. www.robinhawdon.com.

1953

We have belatedly learned that Graham Smallbone (C 47) was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list 2011 for ‘voluntary services to music education’. Graham was Headmaster of Oakham School from 1985 to 1996. Before Oakham he was Precentor of Music at Eton College.

1949

J Andrew Hall (F 49) is putting the finishing touches to a new novel after a hugely successful screenwriting career spanning four decades. He had his first short story published at the age of 15, whilst at Uppingham, when English teacher AJF Doulton sent one of his weekly essays to

Our apologies to Robert Pouget (B 53) for the photo used in issue 41, with reference to the production of Oxford Blue. Readers may have incorrectly assumed it was Robert pictured in the photograph. We are pleased to include a photo of Robert in this issue. For more information on Oxford Blue and other products see www.oxfordfinefood.com.

who what where

5


who what where

6

WHO WHAT WHERE 1954

Anthony Le Fleming (Fgh 54), composer and organist, has dedicated his latest organ piece ‘Paean’ (published by Encore Publications) to former Director of Music, Jim Peschek, with whom he studied from 1954 to 1959 prior to gaining a scholarship to Queen’s, Cambridge.

1955

Jeremy Davies (WB 55) was awarded an OBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours List for ‘Services to British business interests in the USA’. He received his award from HRH Prince Charles in June. Jeremy is Senior Adviser,VerdeXchange Institute, a think-tank dedicated to supporting Los Angeles County as a global marketplace and a portal of entry into the US renewable energy and clean technology market. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation and its World Trade and Investment Committee. He is former National Chairman and President of the British American Business Council, the largest transatlantic business association, and a retired Managing Partner of the US firm of PwC. After leaving Uppingham Jeremy represented Warwickshire at hockey for several years and played cricket for Derrick Robins’ club touring team, the Warwickshire Pilgrims. He played against some notables including Sir Frank Worrell, Eddie Barlow, Raman Subba Row. He captained the winning Brazil team against Argentina in 1978 in Buenos Aires. Jeremy lives in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with Pippa, his wife of 45 years. John Sanderson (H 55) was appointed OBE in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to the horseracing industry.

1956

Desmond Bain (Fgh 56) was delighted to meet Basil Frost (M 45) on holiday. He has also been in touch with Anthony Russell (M 56), retired Bishop of Ely Cathedral and John Suchet (Fgh 57). After much adventuring, Desmond became Headmaster of Roselyon School in Cornwall, was founding Headmaster of Northcote Lodge in London and interregnum at Durlston Court Hampshire for five terms. John Flower (L 56) has completed a cycle tour around the world, raising £25,000

Dr the Hon Sir David KP Li (H 54) returned to Uppingham on Speech Day weekend to mark 60 years since he first joined the School, when he became the first pupil from Hong Kong to do so. Arriving at the School in a 1949 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, courtesy of Hugh Illingworth (B 57), David had a tour of the new Science Centre and in the presence of pupils and Trustees he officially set the Foucault Pendulum swinging. The Pendulum is a beautiful yet simple device which demonstrates the rotation of the earth and was kindly sponsored by David. The guest of honour on Speech Day was Professor Sir Michael Rawlins (F 54), President of the Royal Society of Medicine, and he shared a warm reunion with David whom he had not seen since the day they left School in 1959. for charity. Over the past four years, John and his wife have cycled through 30 countries, covering 18,000 miles (the circumference of the world) and finished in Washington DC. They ran over quite a few snakes, were attacked by dogs and had a couple of tumbles but survived and have raised a formidable sum of money for Scope, Mencap, the Royal British Legion and the Royal Marsden Hospital.

1957

Nicholas Watts (H 57) won the RSPB Nature of Farming award in 2013. The RSPB dubbed Nicholas ‘the most wildlife friendly farmer in the UK’.

1958

In August Stephen Maitland-Lewis (WD 58) published his new novel ‘Botticelli’s Bastard’, a mystery which deals with the relationship between a fine art restorer and the journey of an old master portrait of the 16th Century including a fictional account of the infamous Nazi heist of artwork. It is available from online retailers.

1960

Rick Stein (WD 60) has published ‘Under a Mackerel Sky – A Memoir’ in which he charts his personal journey in a way that is ‘wry and perceptive; engaging and witty’.

1961

Adrian Dixon (Fgh 61) has been awarded honorary MD degrees by University College Cork and Ludwig Maximillian Universitat, Munich. Adrian is Master of Peterhouse, the oldest college at Cambridge University and Emeritus Professor of Radiology at Cambridge, having been head of the department for 15 years. He has received a number of awards for his work and in 2014 also received the Gold Medal of the European Society of Radiology.

1962

Sir John Saunders (M 62) was the High Court Judge in the Rebekah Brooks phonehacking trial which opened at the Old Bailey in October 2013. Mr Justice Saunders is also known as the judge who presided over the trials and sentencing of several former MPs and peers in connection with the Parliamentary expenses scandal. Abboudi Hoss (Hf 62) has donated an Armillary Sphere to the Western Quad, positioned in between Science and the Leonardo Arts Centre. It comes complete with the inscription, ‘To develop the complete mind, study the science of art, study the art of science’, by Leonardo Da Vinci.

1963

Robert Francis QC (Hf 63) was awarded a Knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to healthcare and patients, following his inquiries into the failings at the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. His chairmanship of the case earned him the reputation of ‘the patients’ champion’. Charles Middleton-Smith (WB 63) has retired from practice as a lawyer to practise independently as a commercial mediator. www.mediate.co.uk.


1964

Robert Bland (L 64) became Shropshire’s High Sheriff in April, bringing a wealth of business experience to the role and dedication to serve his communities. His main passion is to help young people and focus on small businesses. Bart Hellyer (Fgh 64) was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for Rutland in November 2013. Bart was High Sheriff of Rutland in 2012-13. Nicholas Taylor (M 64) was awarded a PhD by University College London in January 2014. His dissertation titled ‘Queue methods for variability in congested traffic’ was a mathematical exploration of queuing processes.

1969

Sam Blyth (L 69) was awarded the National Order of Merit by His Majesty the King of Bhutan in recognition of his commitment to promote relations between Bhutan and Canada. Charles Heslop (H 69), President of the National Conservative Convention, was made an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his voluntary political service in Northumberland.

1970

Stephen Fry (F 70) has published ‘More Fool Me’ a new volume of his autobiography which tells his story through the late eighties and early nineties, ‘a time when he was ever more driven to create, perform and entertain, when he partied hard with a host of famous and infamous friends, regardless of the consequences’. John Webster (C 70) has been elected Chairman of the National Rifle Association. John first shot at Bisley in 1972 and continues to regularly compete at County, National and International levels. He has enjoyed a successful career in financial services and investment banking and brings a wealth of commercial, sporting and

charitable experience to the role. He has taken over from Robin Pizer (L 55).

1972

Anthony Trace (WB 72) has stepped down from Uppingham’s Board of Trustees after 15 years. Our sincere thanks to Anthony and his wife Caroline for the major part they have played in the developments at the School during this time. Philip Kenchington (H 72), partner and Operations Manager for C-FLY, was pleased to share the news that this unique hydrofoil sailing craft was invited as special guest to the world’s first hydrofoil sailing regatta held in July at Lake Garda, Italy. www.c-fly.co.uk. In October John Manzoni (LH 73) was appointed as the first chief executive of the Civil Service. Prior to joining the Civil Service, John was chief executive of Canadian oil and gas company,Talisman Energy, after having spent 24 years with BP.

1974

Carl Islam (M 74), Barrister,TEP, author of ‘Tax-Efficient Wills Simplified’ is offering OUs a discount on will planning and drafting.To find out more about the services Carl provides and terms please visit either the ‘Wills’ or ‘Trusts’ pages at www.carlislam.co.uk. Carl is also the founder and presenter for www.wealthplanning.tv and in September published the 5th edition of ‘Tax-Efficient Wills Simplified 2014/2015’ in paperback, as an e-book, and for the first time on Kindle. Peter Kendall (WD 74) and current Uppingham parent, Richard Whitlock, undertook the Farm Cycle Challenge in June 2014. The duo successfully completed their target of cycling 1008 miles in 12 days, from Skelmersdale to Stoneleigh, taking in all seven NFU regional offices and the Cymru office on the way. In the process they raised over £32,000 for four agricultural charities.

1975

Richard Mayson (F 75) was delighted to be awarded ‘International Wine Feature Writer of the Year 2014’ at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’

Awards which took place at The Royal Academy of Arts on London’s Piccadilly in September. Chairman of judges, Charles Metcalfe, emphasized that the awards were truly international with entries from 20 different countries across the English-speaking world, including 52 US entries. Our congratulations to Richard on achieving this great accolade. As well as being invited on the Council of the University of Sheffield last year, Richard has also now been appointed Chair of the University’s Alumni Board. Richard is in the centre of the photo, to get in touch email richardmayson@btinternet.com. Jonathan Chapman (F 75) is now Africa Bureaux Editor for BBC news, based in Nairobi, Kenya, and would be glad to hear from other OUs in the region: jonathan.chapman@bbc.co.uk. In September, John Henn (WB 75) cycled up five of the principal Cols in the Alps over four consecutive days and 7,300m of climbing. He conquered the legendary cols of Telegraphe, Galibier, Croix de Fer and Alpe D’Huez followed by Mont Ventoux, raising money for The Motor Neurone Disease Association.

1976

Former Leicestershire and England batsman James Whitaker (L 76) was invited to become the Chairman of Selectors and National Selector for the England and Wales Cricket Board in January 2014. James was a member of the Ashes-winning team in 1986-87 and led Leicestershire to two County Championship successes in 1996 and 1998. He scored more than 17,000 firstclass runs in his distinguished career.

1977

Stephen Pearson (WB 77) ran the Windsor Half Marathon in September, raising funds for the RFU’s Injured Players Foundation which supports players who suffer catastrophic spinal or traumatic brain injuries incurred while playing rugby. Stephen ran alongside Angus Swanson who is one such player and has made a fantastic recovery from his injury over a year ago.

who what where

7


who what where

8

WHO WHAT WHERE 1979

James Averdieck (F 79), founder of Gü, has started up a dairy-free business making ice cream from coconut milk. James’s relentless determination which led to the success of Gü is now being applied to his latest business adventure called ‘Bessant & Drury’s’. www.bessantanddrury.com.

1986

Rupert Wood (C 86), Julian Sykes (SH 86) and Will Dickens (SH 90) reunited for a great holiday at Camp de Mar, Majorca, this year with their families.

1981

When Philip Turner (B 81) left the army in 1999, he set up ‘Smart Turnout’, a clothing and accessories company that sells merchandise inspired by army colours and regimental patterns. He has two London stores and stockists in Europe, USA and Japan. 2014 saw the opening of Smart Turnout’s showroom in Tokyo and the first overseas store in Seoul, South Korea. www.smartturnout.co.uk

1985

Robin Blaze (Fgh 85) performed with the Bach Choir at the Royal Festival Hall in April 2014. The Choir’s annual tradition of performing Bach’s St Matthew Passion in English dates back to 1930.

After a successful career in sales and account management in blue chip companies, including 14 years in all channels of trade at AB-InBev, the world’s largest brewer, Adam Tinsley (C 81) is now Development Director at i-negotiate, an international negotiation consultancy. The company’s mission is to help organisations and their employees to realise their aspirations and create sustainable value through skilled and disciplined negotiation. Uppingham’s Development Director, Patrick Mulvihill was the beneficiary of one of their recent ‘Master Negotiator’ workshops and has seen for himself the impact that this negotiation training can have. Adam is keen to extend the offer of training to the OU

recent tour was in 2011 where he was the Task Force Chief of Staff for Task Force Helmand. Most recently, he was the MoD’s strategic planner for Iran and Syria and currently commands 40 Commando Royal Marines based in Taunton, Somerset. Lt Col Alex Janzen OBE RM (B 89) with his former Housemaster Richard Boston (B 56).

1990 1988

Our thanks to Ed Watson (M 88) for organising yet another hugely successful Sydney Dinner in May, held at the Union Hotel. Send us some better photos next year please!

1989

In January we were delighted to welcome back to Uppingham, Lt Col Alex Janzen OBE RM (B 89), who gave a memorable and thought provoking presentation to the CCF. Following a variety of deployments taking him to Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, Iraq and other locations, he was appointed as the Operations Officer for 42 Commando in Afghanistan in 2006/7 for Operation HERRICK, and deployed there again as the Brigade Planner in 2009. His most

community and is able to offer preferential rates just for OUs. If you would like to attend an open workshop or be part of a specific OU negotiating workshop, please contact Adam at adam.tinsley@i-negotiate.com or contact Patrick in the OU office.

In February Nick Holt (M 90) won two BAFTAs for ‘Best Director’ and ‘Single Documentary’ for ‘The Murder Trial’, which marked the first time a High Court trial was filmed for British television. It followed the Scottish case of Nat Fraser, a man accused of murdering his wife despite no body ever being found. Chris Madel (LH 90) spent nine months from October 2013 to July 2014 racing around the world in the Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race. Chris joined the team on board ‘Mission Performance’ in Cape Town before heading to Albany in Western Australia, then on to Sydney where they joined around 100 other boats for the famous Sydney-Hobart race on Boxing Day. Chris then continued to various locations around the world before returning to the UK in July.

In December 2013 Dr Sam Willis (LH 90) presented ‘Shipwrecks: Britain’s Sunken History’, a three-part series on BBC Four which examined the price Britain paid for ruling the waves from an island surrounded by treacherous rocks, resulting in a coastline that is home to the world’s highest concentration of sunken ships. Sam was on television again in January when he joined Dan Snow’s team taking on the rapids of the Grand Canyon in a BBC Two


Nick Wall (Fgh 92), who supported the OU London Dinner on 13th March by supplying his professionally mixed alcoholic cocktails, is pleased to announce further success with his drinks business, Tails. In 2014, they have agreed a number of key strategic partnerships to help establish and grow the business. These include an agreement with Gate Gourmet, the global leading travel and airline caterer, resulting initially in a

listing across the entire easyJet fleet this summer. In addition,Tails completed a deal with Hi-Spirits, the UK drinks experts, establishing an exclusive distribution deal across numerous UK drinks channels. Finally in June,Tails signed a partnership with Bols of Amsterdam, the oldest distiller in the world, established in 1575. The agreement sees Tails spreading across the Atlantic for distribution in the US, planned for 2015. The new Stirring Range cocktails formed under the Tails and Bols collaboration. For further details please visit www.tailscocktails.com. Our thanks to Nick who will be providing Tails Cocktails again at the 2015 London Dinner on 5th March.

programme ‘Operation Grand Canyon’.The team battled the Colorado River in antique wooden boats to rediscover the hardships of the 1869 expedition that first charted the Grand Canyon. Sam is also working on his next book, a naval history of the American Revolution and has been filming a new threepart series on the history of British Castles for BBC Four. www.sam-willis.com. Richard Groome (Hf 91) is Business Development Director of the events company ‘Rampage Velo Events’ which has been awarded the contract to run corporate velodrome challenges at the London Velodrome track. www.velo-events.com. The company also offer a wide selection of other team building activities and motivational incentives for companies.

1992

Mike Clear (LH 92) and his wife Alanna have finished making a documentary ‘Going the Distance’ about the search for the secret of lasting love. For their honeymoon, they drove a motorbike and sidecar from Alaska to Argentina and interviewed 120 couples about how to stay together for life. www.goingthedistance.org.uk.

1993

Sarah Samson (née Thomson) (Fd 94), is the Global Head of Media for Simon Cowell’s company Syco Entertainment having worked with Simon as his PR since 2001. Her work spans global television formats Got Talent and X Factor, artists including Leona Lewis, One Direction, Labrinth and Susan Boyle, as well as film and Simon’s charity projects. Sarah lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Pete.

1995

Congratulations to Chris Bond (C 95), Will Collins (B 04), Alex Collins (B 01) and Jonathan Daniel (Fgh 99) who have won two hockey tournaments this year as part of the Lloyd’s of London Hockey Team. No other school or university has as many representatives on the team. The photo below was taken after they beat BNP Paribas 4-1 in the final of the DTZ Tournament.

John Bower (B 93) has taken up a permanent post in the Chemistry Department at Bristol University after being on a Royal Society research fellowship. Sam Riley (M 93) starred alongside Angelina Jolie as Diaval in the Disney film ‘Maleficent’, a live-action retelling of the 1959 Disney cartoon ‘Sleeping Beauty’. George Reed (Fgh 93)’s company has won an award for being the Best Small Business in the South East in 2014. George runs Thorold Dewling Oil and Gas Recruitment, which he started up two years ago; see www.thorolddewling.com. He lives in Winchester with his wife Eleanor and children, Timothy and Polly.

1994

Igor Pacemski (LH 94), Owner and Creative Director of the company ‘Yes Master’, is gearing up for the 2015 launch of his new swimwear collection. The collection ‘Igor’s Laboratory’ will be part of Yes Master’s 10th anniversary collection, consisting of 10 swimwear designs.

Christian Malycha (M 95) was appointed Artistic Director of Kunstverein Reutlingen in Germany. Located in the town of Reutlingen, the art society was founded in 1953 and houses exhibitions and works on paper, paintings and sculpture. In recent decades more traditional art pieces have also been supplemented by exhibitions of photography, installations and other newer artistic expressions.

1998

Since hanging up his rugby boots in May 2013 after a serious shoulder injury, Dan Hipkiss (Fgh 98) has gone on to pursue a career in teaching cookery. He was invited by Richard Bertinet, a French chef and baker originally from Brittany, to join The Bertinet Kitchen, a cookery school in the centre of historic Bath which opened in September 2006. Harry Lightfoot (Fgh 98) was a major contributor to Must Save Jane’s most recent release, ‘Ethereal Supernova’, available to download from the iTunes store. Harry’s track ‘Into The Fire’ also featured in a trailer for the Sky Movies’ Superhero Season.

who what where

9


who what where

10

WHO WHAT WHERE

Ellie Spain (J 98) has developed a Pole Vault Squad in West London where she is Lead Coach (see www. westlondonpolevault.com). Pictured with her Coach Dan Pfaff above, Ellie retired from international athletics in 2008, after being British Champion and competing in the Commonwealth Games final in Melbourne 2006. She has various other roles in sport including being the Area Coach Mentor for Pole Vault with England Athletics, Communications Manager for the World Athletics Centre and Head of Athletic Development at Woking College.

Fred Branson (WD 01) and Chris Palfreyman (LH 01), founders of the charity Amantani, which helps indigenous children in Peru, launched an innovative and educational film project this year called ‘Meet My World’. Twelve Quechua children from the Andes of Peru were asked to write and present films that will teach traditional skills from their communities. Viewers of the films were then encouraged to send a “THANK YOU” photo to the children; a process which made the children very proud of their indigenous culture! Fred and Chris were delighted when they received photos from Stephen Fry (F 70) and Harry Judd (F 99) along with thousands of others who supported the project. www.amantani.org.uk.

1999

2004

Alexander Fulford (F 04) is undertaking a PhD funded by Cancer Research UK and works at Barts Cancer Research Institute in London having completed his biochemistry degree at Bristol University. Charlie Jardine (Fgh 04) completed a 2500 mile trip around the UK in an electric car to demonstrate the range the cars are able to travel, as well as the availability of the charging infrastructure. He drove from London to John O’Groats, then Land’s End and onto Brighton in just 16 days, running 15 events in major cities along the way. Richard Phillips (B 04) was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards at the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst on 8th August 2014.

2005

William Beckingsale (C 99) and Sam Hatt (F 99) who are both living and working in Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoyed a minireunion in Buenos Aires with Clive Mulville (C 50) and his wife, Martha. If any OUs are also in Buenos Aires, please do get in touch with William at william_beckingsale@ hotmail.co.uk, as he is keen to start up a Buenos Aires OU group. Elizabeth Burgess (J 99) was appointed Head of Keyboard at Eton College this year; she is also a freelance pianist, accompanist and chamber musician giving recitals at Wigmore Hall and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. Charlie Simpson (M 99) released his second solo album ‘Long Road Home’ on 4th August.

Max Copestake (F 01) is currently working in Vietnam for ED&F Man, one of the world’s largest sugar and coffee traders. After joining the company as a trainee coffee trader in Winterarthur, Zurich, he has worked in Uganda and Nairobi and has now moved to Vietnam, which produces roughly 20% of the global coffee consumption.

2003

Robert Wilkes (SH 03) played the role of ‘Professor’ in ‘South Pacific’ which ran at Kenilworth House Theatre during June and July. In the photo, Robert is third from the left at the back. In the last 12 months he has also appeared in ‘The Thursford Christmas Spectacular’ in Norfolk and ‘Chess’ The Musical, which was nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award.

In July 2014, Angus Collins (WB 05), on the right of the photo, joined a team of four rowers aiming to set a new world record for the fastest crossing of the Indian Ocean by rowing boat. They set off from Exmouth, Western Australia, and finished at Port Louis, Mauritius. The Fast Row West crew succeeded in their incredible challenge becoming the fastest four man crew to cross the Indian Ocean and the youngest four man crew to cross any ocean. They are also the 4th quickest row boat to cross the Indian Ocean. In December 2015, Angus is also planning to row the Atlantic and compete in what has been dubbed the ‘World’s Toughest

2001

At the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst on 11th April 2014 Tobias Bennett (LH 01) was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and Sophie Kilpatrick (Fd 01) was commissioned into the Royal Artillery.

Joe Barnett, Angus Barton, Jack Mayhew and Angus Collins.


Race’ with fellow OUs Angus Barton (Fgh 03), Jack Mayhew (Fgh 02) and Joe Barnett (B 03). The team are aiming to raise funds and awareness for the charities Teenage Cancer Trust and Cystic Fibrosis and will hold a media launch in January 2015 in Canary Wharf. Elizabeth Bridges (J 06) completed an eight week Medical Elective in South Africa before graduating from Medical School in July 2014. She took up her first post as a Junior Doctor at Lincoln County Hospital in August. Elizabeth’s brother Christopher (M 05), also in the photo, will take up a training contract with Thomas Eggar in London next year following completion of his Legal Practice Course (LPC) which he commenced in September 2014. He has developed a website called ‘Keep Calm Talk Law’. www.keepcalmtalklaw.co.uk.

Charlie Newman (NH 08) headed up the front cover of Tatler’s July issue. She was scouted at a Valentine’s Day Ball when she was 14 and signed to Models 1 by the time she was 15. She’s walked for Calvin Klein and Moschino, appeared in editorials for Elle and Vogue Italia, and is now to be the face of H&M.

Jack Raeder (F 06), Amy Tortoishell (NH 06), Qing Yao Sun (Fgh 07), Andrew Turner (B 07), Harry Barrett (B 08), Harry Fletcher (Hf 08), Henry Holmes (F 08), Anna MacKenzie (C 08), Georgina Clifford (L 09), Holly Emms (L 09) and Eleanor Shallow (J 09). In May and June, Andrew Mott (SH 07) and Oliver Kember (SH 07) toured the UK with Gareth Malone’s choir ‘Voices’. They performed 14 concerts throughout the country and both Andrew and Oliver sang solos, which was a considerable honour. The album ‘Voices’ is available online.

2007

Grace Hockenhull (C 07) has just completed her first year at Newcastle University studying BSc Geography. She took up rowing in September 2013 and after various successes in women’s novice races, she made it into the Newcastle women’s 1st eight boat.The team rowed at the Henley Women’s regatta in June, coming second to Yale University in the final. In July Grace also competed in Holland at the second European University Games (EUSA) where her team won gold in the women’s eight+ making them the best university eight in Europe. Harry Begg (LH 09) organised an Oxford Undergraduates’ Dinner in November 2013 held at Pierre Victoire with 15 OUs in attendance, including James Arden (SH 06), Philip Dorrell (M 06), Sam Perkins (LH 06),

who what where

11

Shiv Thakor (Fgh 07) carried the baton in The Queen’s Baton Relay in Leicester, as part of the main curtain raiser for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Shiv left Leicestershire County Cricket Club to join Derbyshire on a two-year deal at the end of the season. He commented: “It’s been tough to leave the county that has given me my start in pro cricket, but it’s time to take the next step forward.”

2008

Sam Sutcliffe (LH 08), Jamie Hooper (LH 08) and Charles Sale (LH 08) cycled from

the Golden Gate, San Francisco, to the Empire State, New York, this summer, a distance of 3,664 miles. The team raised money for three chosen charities including the Senahasa Trust, Blind Veterans UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK. It was great to see Jake Yeomans (LH 08) and Tim Taylor (Hf 08) in May when they came back to Uppingham to talk about their experiences of an Engineering Gap Year with Rolls Royce and the Eurofighter.

2010

For her graduation project Jess Richardson (L 2010) is organising a variety performance called Be Man Kind featuring a host of fantastic entertainment including the music comedy act, Frisky and Mannish (friskyandmannish.co.uk) and cabaret magician, Faye Presto (www.faypresto.com) and hosted by comedian David Morgan. The event will take place at 7.00pm on Saturday 6th December at the Silk Street Theatre, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Barbican, London, with tickets priced at £40 (more details at www.bemankind. co.uk). All proceeds will go towards Prostate Cancer UK.


announcements

12

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guy Noton & Claire Watchorn

Justin & Lauren Woddis

Ed & Nicola Plumley

John & Rebecca Atherton

Sarah Samson & her Bridesmaids

Henry & Fiona Fleet

Guy & Sarah Moore

WEDDINGS Justin Woddis (C 78) married Lauren Fritsch on 16th November 2013 in New York. They surprised all their guests (who thought they were there to celebrate Justin’s birthday) when Lauren, having executed a quick costume change, walked out in her wedding dress, flanked by her parents. John Atherton (WD 92) married Rebecca Innes at The Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul in Uppingham on Saturday 26th April. There was quite a considerable OU contingent in the form of best man Robert Greening (WD 92), Michael Jennings (SH 92), Andrew Sewell (F 92), James Eagle (Hf 92), Jo Edwards (Fd 95) (née Micklem), Kate van Rijswijk (Fd 95) (née Bazin), Mark Williams (WD 93), Oliver Williams (C 92), Susie Vaughton (Fd 95) (née Tate) and Tim Whyles (C 92). John’s sisters Elizabeth Mildred (J 90) and Susan Kerr

(J 93) were also there. Elizabeth is now a full-time opera singer, and sang during the signing of the registers, and Susan was a bridesmaid. Peter Lloyd (former Highfield Housemaster) and his wife Mary also joined the celebrations. Guy Moore (F 93) married Sarah Beaman in Perth, Western Australia, on 28th December 2013. Sarah Thomson (Fd 94) married Pete Samson on 3rd April 2013 in Palm Springs, California. Bridesmaids were Emma Spencer (née Ramsden) (Fd 94), Laura Cullen (née Day) (Fd 94) and the couple’s sisters Joanna Thomson and Jay Samson. From left to right: Joanna Thomson, Sarah Samson, Emma Spencer (née Ramsden) Jay Samson and Laura Cullen (née Day). Claire Watchorn (Fd 95) married Guy Noton in a quiet Valentine’s Day ceremony at St Andrew’s Church in Whissendine in 2013. They have two

beautiful boys, Ross and Troy. Henry Fleet (Fgh 96) married Fiona Button at, by their own admission: “a glorious ceremony at Château de La Napoule in the South of France. It happened on 5th July and they are both pretty smug about it all.They live in London. Henry writes for television and Fiona acts on television and in theatre. Some OUs were there to help them celebrate, not least of all their fabulous Best Man: Ben Fry (F 96).” Featuring Phil McCaughan (Hf 96); Charles Fleet (Fgh 90); Byron Fitzpatrick (LH 96); Henry Fleet (Fgh 96); Ben Fry (F 96); John Fleet (Fgh 93) and Peter Sandys-Clarke (M 95). Ed Plumley (Hf 96) married Nicola Biles on 14th June 2014.There were a number of OUs who attended including Jeremy Nettleton (SH 96), Alex Morrill (Fgh 96), Jason Medlycott (SH 97), Freddy James (B 99), Hannah Burwell (Fd 99), Gemma Brierley (L 99) and Charlie Dickens (L 99).


ANNOUNCEMENTS Matthew & Elizabeth Pexton

Katie & David Tipping

Victoria Bletsoe-Brown & James Marriott

Victoria Bletsoe-Brown (J 97) married James Edward Marriott on the 2nd August 2014 at All Saints Church, Pitsford. They have now begun married life with a move to Essex to take up roles as Geography teachers and Houseparents of Petre House at New Hall School, Chelmsford. Matthew Pexton (Hf 99) married Elizabeth Jane Jackson on 13th April 2013 in her home village in Durham, with numerous OUs in attendance. Left to right: David Wells-Cole (C 02); Rosie Wells-Cole; Alice Parsons (Fd 02); Simon Allen (Hf 99); Helena Beer (J 02); Mary Erskine (Fd 02); Simon Wells-Cole (C 99); Meghan Pexton (Sa 07); Anneliese Pexton (Sa 05);William Beckingsale (C 99); Phillip Pexton (best man) (Hf 00); Matthew Pexton (Hf 99) and Elizabeth Pexton.

Ed Moser & Jo Farnsworth

Ed Moser (WB 96) and Jo Farnsworth (J 01) were married on 8th June 2013 at The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London. Ed’s best man was Jo’s brother, Richard Farnsworth (Hf 96), and the maid of honour was his wife, Annabel Farnsworth (née Farmer) (Fd 99). The School was well represented among the wedding guests. Front row: Richard Farnsworth (Hf 96), Annabel Farnsworth (née Farmer) (Fd 99), Natasha Bond (J 01), Ed Moser (WB 96), Jo Moser (née Farnsworth) (J 01), Alice Overton (J 01) and Julia Armitstead (née Wingfield Digby) (J 01). Second row: Phillip Riesco (B 61), Byron Fitzpatrick (LH 96), Chloe Alexander

(née Cox) (Fd 99), Laura Parker (née Thomas) (J 01), Henry Fleet (Fgh 96) and George Butler (Hf 96). Third row: Fergus Chamberlain (WD 96), Lucy Sandys-Clarke (L 94), Charles Robertshaw (LH 99), Phil McCaughan (Hf 96), Ben Fry (F 96) and Ben Sealey (WD 96). Back row: Jonny Mott (Hf 98), Alex Ward (Hf 96), Nick Farmer (WB 96), Hugo Middleton (C 95), Rob Moser (WD 89) and Paddy Moser (WD 91). Katie Uttley (J 98) and David Tipping were married on 13th December 2013 at St Paul’s Church, Healey, and afterwards at Swinton Park, Masham, North Yorkshire.

announcements

13


announcements

14

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Charlie & Sam Clear

Arthur, Teddy & Wilbur Arkwright

Leopold Böcker

Olivia Henn

Olivia & Jamie Welch

BIRTHS: * Star indicates photo above

Bryan Welch (H 66)* and his wife Annie (Ae Kyung) celebrated the first birthday of their twins, Jamie Junyung Harold and Olivia Yona Mary, in Seoul in June 2014. Bryan, Annie and the children dressed in traditional Korean dress for the occasion.The children were invited to pick out items indicating their future. Jamie chose coins (wealth), which can be seen in the picture, and Olivia a ‘medal’ (a learned profession). John Henn (WB 75)* announced the arrival of Olivia Annabel Henn born on the 6th December 2013. John and his wife Magali have been married for seven years and now have two girls. James Needham (WD 90)* and his wife Hannah are delighted to share news of the

George Williams

Matilda Needham

birth of their daughter, Matilda Florence, born on 6th October 2013. Marcus Briggs (F 90) and Abi Briggs (née Bell - Fd 92) celebrated the christening of their fourth child, Rex William Tempest, with fellow OU godparents, James Needham (WD 90), Emma Lindsley (Fd 92) and Joe Hunter (WD 90). Beth and Tom Williams (B 91)* were delighted to announce the birth of George Rupert Williams on 15th July. Edward Jeans (SH 91) and his wife, Melissa, are very proud to (belatedly) announce the arrival of William, who was born on 17th November 2012, a brother to Oliver. Mike Clear (LH 92)* was happy to announce the birth of his second son Sam who was born 14th April 2014. Photographed with brother Charlie, who

Thea Holwill

has dealt with the new arrival admirably. Nick Wall (Fgh 92) and his wife Gemma are pleased to announce they have a son called Alby James Mason Wall, born 19th November 2013. Bertie (B 93) and Jo Arkwright (née Netscher) (Fd 96)* are delighted to share a photo of their triplets, Arthur,Teddy and Wilbur, born on 28th February 2013. Gareth Holwill (B 94)* and his wife, Samantha, are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter,Thea Iris, born 7th August 2014, in the Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire. Martin (Hf 98) and Friederike Böcker (née Lehmhaus) (Fd 99)* are proud and happy to announce the birth of their first son, Leopold who is a cheerful boy, laughing and smiling at all times.


STAFF NEWS Uppingham said goodbye in the summer to a number of long-standing members of staff. Ian ‘Roli’ Rolison joined Uppingham as an English Master in 1989 and over 25 years he had a huge impact on the School, whether in the classroom, on the hockey field or as House Tutor in Constables and Fircroft. With his larger than life personality and booming voice, Roli’s presence was felt wherever he went. While on stage as Macbeth at the Globe, acclaimed actor Elliot Cowan (M 89) once commented: “I knew Uppingham were in and where you were sitting because I heard that distinctive laugh, which usually comes half a line before everyone else.” We wish him well in his retirement.

Katharine Gaine (née Smallman-Smith) devoted a great many years to the School, from joining the staff in 1988 she was Head of Classics twice, Housemistress of The Lodge for 15 years and most recently a stand-in Housemistress for Fairfield. Along with her husband, David, Katharine was an integral part of a formidable duo who were much loved and respected by the countless pupils whom they taught or who boarded under their care. David Jackson left Uppingham in June after 15 years to become Deputy Headmaster at St Lawrence School in Kent. During his time here he was a mainstay of the Languages Department, Tutor in Constables and School House, master

JUST VISITING in charge of tennis (as well as coaching both boys’ and girls’ hockey) and notably the Housemaster of Farleigh for the past six years. David has many friends at Uppingham and he will be sorely missed. Stephan and Kyi Müller have moved to Melbourne following three years in charge of The Lodge and seven years with the School in the Biology Department. We wish them well in their new life down-under. Harry Spry-Leverton (Fgh 67) would have been a well-known face to many OUs as in 1990 he became the very first full-time professional Librarian at the School. Harry also served for many years as Deputy Contingent Commander in the CCF. We hope we will continue to see Harry at OU events in the future.

Francis Boston (B 46) also dropped into the OU Office in October whilst on a brief visit from Montreal to see his younger brother Richard Boston (B 56).

OTHER STAFF NEWS Nigel Richardson, who taught History at Uppingham from 1971 to 1989 and was Second Master from 1983 to 1989, launched his book ‘Thring of Uppingham’ on 1st May at the School. The book shows how ground breaking Thring’s reforms were. OUs can purchase a copy at a reduced price of £22.50 plus p&p (RRP: £25) from the School Shop, please telephone 01572 822211.

We were delighted to welcome David Veit (Fgh 52) visiting from San Francisco in April, pictured with David Jackson, Housemaster of Farleigh.

Nick Bomford, Headmaster at Uppingham from 1982 to 1991, has published his autobiography ‘The Long Meadow – A life in schools’. Prior to joining Uppingham Nick was Headmaster at Monmouth and afterwards he went on to lead Harrow in the 1990s. Dr Simon Cotton, former Head of Chemistry who joined Uppingham in 1997 was acknowledged in the New Year’s Honours List with the award of the British Empire Medal for his services to Chemistry and Education. Congratulations to Peter Green, former Housemaster of Brooklands, who has been appointed Headmaster of Rugby School.

Joe Liu (LH 97) visiting in July, while in the UK from China, pictured with Jerry Rudman, School Archivist.

Uppingham staff news

15


Uppingham staff news

16

DR STEPHEN WINKLEY 1944 – 2014 Dr Stephen Winkley, Headmaster of Uppingham from 1991 to 2006, passed away on 3rd April 2014, after a long illness.“Those who know Uppingham will be aware of the impact Stephen had on the School during his 15 years of dedicated service as Headmaster; amongst many significant developments he oversaw the introduction of full co-education to the School in 2001”, commented Richard Harman, Headmaster. “He was an inspirational character and his name will live on as one of Uppingham’s great Headmasters.”

A memorial service was held at the School on 21st September which was a celebration of Stephen’s life and acknowledgement of the contribution he made to the world of education, and in particular to the schools he taught at and led – Uppingham, Cranleigh, Winchester and Rossall. David Gaine (former Classics Master, Housemaster, Director of Studies and Second Master) pays tribute to his friend and former colleague, with additional material from John Tolputt, colleague and friend at Cranleigh School. Stephen Winkley was educated at St. Edward’s School, Oxford, and, after a PhD in Classics at Oxford University, he taught Classics and French at Cranleigh School, and went on to Winchester College, where he was Second Master and ran the scholars’ house, charged with some of the brightest boys in the country. He became Headmaster of Uppingham in 1991, and oversaw an era of change which transformed the School he inherited from his predecessor. I suspect that there is no such thing as ‘A Man for all Seasons’. There are men, and there are seasons, and from time to time there comes the right man for the right season. And there can be no doubt that in the case of Uppingham in 1991, Stephen Winkley was just that man. There was some tut-tutting at his appointment. I had met him many times before in various incarnations on Rugby Group meetings. He was certainly something of a maverick, not only in his dress-sense (the red shoes), but a man larger than life, apt to say and do exactly what he thought. The Headmaster’s secretary, Rosemary Netscher, was told that ‘We would regret it’. How wonderfully wrong they were. But if he ever thought that his early years were going to be easy, he was sadly mistaken. Although all seemed well, dark clouds were on the horizon. Boarding schools faced very real difficulties over this period. It became unfashionable to ‘send children away’, and many schools embraced a mixture of boarding, weekly boarding and day pupils: numbers in the School had fallen to just over 600, and fell still lower. Stephen’s first response was quick and effective. Instead of recruitment remaining in the hands of Housemasters,

everything was centralised by the Registrar’s office, and parents dealt with the Housemasters via the Registry. In addition, parents were for the first time to be shown round the School by Sixth Form Tour Guides, and were also invited to lunch in the Houses to see them at work. The next decision Stephen took – to keep faith with seven-day-aweek boarding – was crucial to the School’s success. He believed in proper boarding; for him it was a way of creating a safe world where people could grow and begin to understand how each other ticked. His vision of Uppingham as ‘the best boarding school in the country’ was his great legacy. There were more brave decisions. His second great victory in terms of the ‘soul’ of the School was the defeat of the Trustees’ proposal to introduce central feeding. It was reckoned that it would save huge amounts of money, and a design for a new building was produced. Stephen was strongly against it, believing that the loss of something almost unique – the ‘family’ of the Houses and their Houseparents – would lose the one feature that most attracted parents, and was and is most cherished by the boys and girls. Stephen then turned his mind to altering the shape of the School. The Hall was closed (1993), much to the chagrin of many, but it was too isolated from the main School. The Lodge was converted into a Sixth Form House for girls (1994), the first stage in what he was anxious to achieve – an increase in the number of girls in

A MAVERICK, AND A GREAT ONE. A GRUMPY OLD BEAR AT TIMES, BUT A LOVABLE ONE. AT UPPINGHAM HE WILL BE ALWAYS REVERED.


the School. The opening of the Leonardo Centre followed (1995), and this was followed by his third great victory: the decision to open the School to girls at the age of 13. Although he faced stiff opposition he prevailed, and was proved absolutely right. Numbers climbed when Samworths’ opened (2001), Fairfield became a 13-18-year-old girls’ house (2002), New House opened in (2004) and Constables was converted to a girls’ house (2006). The School had meanwhile started to take seriously the importance of marketing. Stephen called in professionals to establish a modern corporate image: a video was made, a stylish prospectus introduced. At last we could proffer an image of a modern, enthusiastic, and above all, welcoming School. The continued growth of the School necessitated a reordering of the Chapel in 2005, which greatly enhanced the interior as well as accommodating the growing numbers. Stephen saw the life of the Chapel as an integral and important part of the School’s existence. This evolved from his deep faith, expressed in his great love of hymns and hymnody (his PhD was in Byzantine Hymnography). He was uplifted by the singing in Chapel each day and greatly missed it after he left Uppingham. The concept of the Western Quad also began to take shape, and plans for a much needed third Music School, this being another area of school life that he passionately supported. Both these projects would come to fruition after his departure, and were testament to his vision of what the School could become. Soon after leaving he was head-hunted as Headmaster of Rossall School, which he succeeded in rescuing at a difficult time in its history. His health, with which he had problems during his last years at Uppingham, deteriorated, and he died at home on 3rd April 2014. He is survived by Jenny, their daughters, Imogen and Bella, his sons Leo and Mungo, and four grandchildren, as well as his stepdaughter, Jessica, and her three children. He is remembered at Uppingham for many things besides the historical record above. His sense of humour was joyous: he naturally loathed inspections, and when a pre-inspection team visited Uppingham, he quickly ascertained that none of them had previously set foot in a boarding school. The first question they asked him was about the School’s truancy policy. If the pupils managed to get past the Alsatians and the razor wire then he wasn’t that concerned, he replied.

He was impatient with mediocrity, and made difficult and sometimes cruel decisions, but he was capable of profound understanding and sympathy, which were often given discreetly, when least expected. His voice, resonant, richly serious and humorous by turns, cast a spell over the Chapel in the annual Carol Service reading of St John’s Gospel. His leaving present was, by his own request, a performance with friends and colleagues of sections from Mozart’s Requiem. Stephen Winkley was (in David Gaine’s final words) a maverick, and a great one. A grumpy old bear at times, but a lovable one. At Uppingham he will be always revered.

HIS VOICE, RESONANT, RICHLY SERIOUS AND HUMOROUS BY TURNS, CAST A SPELL OVER THE CHAPEL IN THE ANNUAL CAROL SERVICE READING OF ST JOHN’S GOSPEL.

Dr Stephen Winkley presenting the Routh Trophy to Christopher Gabbitas (Hf 95) in 1997.

OU TRIBUTES Edward Jeans (SH 91) He was an inspiring and influential Headmaster during my time at Uppingham for many of us. He is someone I thank for five very happy years, leading the school in a way that has shaped me as a person and given me the aspirations, confidence, and (most importantly) the friendships I will value for life. Nick Farmer (WB 96) An inspirational Headmaster for an inspirational school. Alex Eggleton (B 94) Dr Winkley presided over my time at Uppingham and I still vividly recall meeting him with my parents in the Headmaster’s office before I started, some 20 years ago now. I always had the impression that he knew the students, on some level, as individuals – which seems to me a good way to lead. Sih Hing Chao (SH 92) He was the Headmaster during my time at Uppingham and it was amazing to witness the school’s transformation into one of the UK’s leading public schools

under his visionary leadership. I have very fond and vivid memories of him. Dr Winkley had a fantastic sense of humour and had a way of dealing with trouble-making teenagers, such as I once was, that struck a wonderful balance between authority and tolerance. Toby Heasman (F 89) He certainly helped drive the school forward into the 21st Century and helped make some strategic decisions which did and will continue to help Uppingham School now and in the future. Tiffany Redman (L 02) He was the most fantastic Headman and I have a distinct memory of him coming up to me on my first day in the Quad and saying ‘Tiffany, now where are you supposed to be?’ I was so shocked he knew my name, he then accompanied me to my first lesson! Amy Newman (NH 04) He was a great Headmaster and a truly lovely man.

Uppingham staff news

17


Uppingham staff news

18

STAFF NEWS because he was a traditionalist but because he passionately believed that they still spoke to 20th Century audiences young and old. The quality that has been so clearly identified by everyone who knew him is his kindness, both in his classroom and in the wider world. Stephen Fry recently wrote:

BRIAN STOKES 1929-2014

‘Brian was one of the best and kindest men at Uppingham during my tempestuous time there. He never lost his temper with me, and I found him constantly engaging. There was a kind of syntactical structure he made his own: it was the Stokesian imperative-interrogative – “You’ll be shutting up?” It wasn’t a command; it wasn’t a question; it was Brian. His eyebrows shot up, looking you in the eyes. In the very short time I had with him in the Lower Sixth, he opened those eyes of mine in particular to Jonathan Swift and the world of satire. His passion for music, the expenditure he lavished on earphones and high-end reproduction was legendary, as was his performance with David Gaine and Jeff Abbott in a staff production of Wind in the Willows.’

Brian Stokes joined Uppingham in 1956 as head of the English department. He was an English graduate of Worcester College, Oxford, and had taught at Haileybury for three years: he enjoyed telling you that Alan Ayckbourn was one of his pupils, and they always remained friends. It was immediately clear that he was an imaginative, patient and fastidious teacher with the gift of communication, able to convey vividly to his pupils his love of words and literature. His tastes tended towards the classics, not

In 1966 Brian and his wife Pam took over Meadhurst. Brian’s qualities made him an excellent housemaster; if discipline was not necessarily top of the agenda, he and Pam encouraged a civilized and tolerant regime. Brian was an ideas man, full of enthusiasm and schemes to improve the life of the boys in his care. He was adept at bringing out the best in them, having the skill to turn around the difficult ones by showing his belief in them, promoting them to positions of responsibility. Meadhurst flourished, as Christopher Richardson writes:

Master 1956 to 1989

We were very sorry to receive news that other former members of Staff have passed away this year. David Balfour, died in July after a long battle with cancer. David was a member of staff from 1980 to 1994 and Housemaster of Farleigh from 1985 to 1988. Bill Pickering died at his home in Uppingham in September; he was 86. Bill joined Uppingham in 1952 to teach Chemistry shortly after graduating from Oxford. He was a Housemaster of West Deyne from 1962 to 1970 and remained at the School until retirement in 1986. He was married to fellow staff member, Jill, who passed away in 1996.

A young Bill Pickering is photographed here on the right with HRH Prince Phillip and A C Cavell behind at the opening of the Science School in 1957.

Dr John Sellick joined Uppingham in 1968 as Head of Biology, and taught here until his retirement in 1991 due to ill health. He was well known as a stickler for School rules and it was said that he could spot an illegal badge or a boy with his hands in his pockets in a crowd at

‘He was the kindest of men, enveloping us all in his enthusiasm and boundless energy. He was simply not prepared to think ill of anybody or to imagine that anyone would think ill of him. He took me under his wing when I first arrived at Uppingham and asked me to be one of his House Tutors together with Kit Swinfen. I think Meadhurst was the first house to have two House Tutors – it was a new approach, not just a novelty – and his tenure at Meadhurst was filled with innovation, bursting through some of the more staid traditions of the school, shocking some and emboldening others.’ It was in the theatre, which Brian enjoyed so much and contributed to so much, that some of the happiest memories of him remain. In his lifetime he directed or acted in over 60 plays and operas for the School and local societies. After retiring a year later he threw himself into creating ‘Music in Lyddington’, a highly successful music society. On occasion, Uppingham pupils were invited to perform, and he took a keen interest in the culture of Rutland. Brian and Pam were invited to Buckingham Palace, and later, aged 84, he was invited to meet the Queen at Windsor Castle. He was also actor, director and chairman of the Uppingham Theatre Company: one of the last things he completed was an adaptation of Northanger Abbey, which the company still hopes to present as a final tribute to him. Brian is survived by his widow Pam and their two children, Nigel and Caroline. 100m. He was a House Tutor at Fircroft and later The Hall and was also a shooting assistant from 1969 until 1990 when he was given honorary life membership of the Uppingham Veterans Rifle Club. He spent the majority of his retirement travelling the world and indexing and volunteering for the Linnean and Royal Entomological Societies. John passed away peacefully at home with his family, in September after a long battle with cancer.


IN MEMORIAM John Ferguson (L 30) Roger Mather (LH 30) Richard Gilliat (SH 31) Paul Hackforth-Jones (R 31) Charles Steer (Fgh 33) Graham Bourne (R 34) Edward Fawcett (Fgh 34) * Richard Vernon (H 35) * Peter Gresswell (WD 36) Geoffrey Bullock (LH 38) David Kater (L 38) Reginald Keeling (SH 38) J Michael Prosser (F 39) * Martin Bates (R & LH 40) * John Macdonald (LH 40) John Nicol (Fgh 40) Patrick Thomas (Fgh 40) Atherton West (WD 40) Ian Miller (WD 41) * Thomas Barker (Hf 42) * Lionel Holliday (C 42) Alan Nicol (C 42) * Peter Morton (Hf 43) James Brown (B 44) Ronald MacDougall (L 44) * Dick Malthouse (F 44) * Robin Stewart (M 44) Richard Bigger (WD 45) David Laycock (SH 45) John Samworth (F 46) * William Stockton (H 46) Douglas Baird (LH 47) Ronald Brown (SH 47) John Carrodus (B 48) Peter Muir (L 48) * Richard Nicholson (WD 48) A Jamie Henderson (C 49) Michael Briggs (L 51) * Anthony Harrison (C 52) * Allan Martin (H 52) John Garratt (H 53) Robert Lugg (L 54) Neil Smith (C 54) Michael Taylor (L 57) Alan Tomlins (WD 58) Nigel Williamson (M 58) Stephen Kershaw (LH 60) * Martin Robinson (C 60) Peter Gee (M 61) * Robert Leader (L 61) * Justin Court (WD 62) Richard Fawcett (F 70) * John Attwood (M 78) * Ben Wood (C 81) * Susan Kerr (née Atherton) (J 93) *

OBITUARIES Oct 2014 Apr 2013 Sep 2012 Mar 2013 Dec 2011 Jun 2014 Oct 2013 Feb 2014 Aug 2011 Jan 2013 Oct 2012 Oct 2013 Jul 2014 Apr 2014 Jun 2014 Jun 2014 Jun 2014 Jun 2014 May 2013 Jan 2014 Apr 2014 Dec 2013 Mar 2014 Aug 2014 Apr 2014 Jun 2013 Apr 2014 May 2014 Sep 2013 Sep 2014 Jan 2014 Feb 2013 Aug 2014 Dec 2012 Apr 2014 Sep 2013 Feb 2014 Apr 2014 Sep 2014 2013 Apr 2014 Nov 2013 Nov 2013 Feb 2014 Nov 2013 Sep 2014 Jun 2013 Sep 2014 Sep 2013 Apr 2014 Jul 2014 May 2013 Sep 2014 May 2014 Sep 2014

Edward Fawcett OBE (Fgh 34) Edward ‘Ted’ Fawcett died in October 2013 at the age of 93. He was a promoter of garden history and conservation and was responsible for transforming the National Trust. Ted joined the Trust in 1969 – it was not the most promising start to a new job as soon after being appointed as its first director of public relations he was told: ‘The National Trust has nothing to do with people.’ Fortunately he ignored this advice and set about revolutionizing the Trust’s approach to PR. Membership stood at a meagre 226,000 when he started and in 10 years he played a significant role in taking it up to one million. Property managers were encouraged to welcome visitors and recruit new members; there were cafes and shops with approved merchandise and attractive guidebooks. Today membership stands at more than four million. Ted was born in 1920 near Glasgow and brought up in Harrogate. As a boarder at Northaw School and later at Uppingham, Ted developed interests in natural history, particularly birds and plants. He joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and was called up when war broke out. He served worldwide: in the Atlantic, where he was mentioned in dispatches, in the Far East, in North Africa and in the D-Day landings, first in motor launches and later on the fast, Hunt-class destroyers. Protecting the Malta relief convoy in 1942, he bravely spent a night in a boat collecting survivors from an oil-slicked sea, finding his way back to his ship HMS Bramham by the light of exploding shells. His several sorties saved many lives. After the War, Ted continued with his education and built a career with Shell and Lucas. Eventually Ted joined the National Trust and in what was a dream job for him, he set about changing that mindset. He founded the Young National Trust Theatre, creating site-specific plays about great houses for families and schools. Ted Fawcett pushed what was an old-fashioned institution into a more popular age at an astonishing rate, managing to avoid serious dissent and fulfilling the Trust’s mission. His work was recognised when he was appointed OBE in 1988. Ted is survived by his wife and their three children.

Richard Vernon (H 35) By Richard Speight from Winchester House School Richard ‘Dick’ Vernon died peacefully at home in February 2014. In his last years, Dick has been wonderfully supported by Anne and Richard, his children. He joined the RAF as a rear-gunner in Bomber Command. Shot down over the Baltic, he was a POW till the end of WW2. He joined Winchester House School in 1946 and was an enthusiastic teacher of Geography and a skilled Rugger and Hockey Coach. He went on to become Bursar and Assistant Headmaster. Over the years, Dick contributed so much to WHS and the local community. Michael Prosser (F 39) By his son Simon Prosser (F 72)

Michael Prosser came to Fircroft in September 1939 as the youngest boy in the school for three terms and smallest for five. He left as Head Boy (last under the Wolfenden regime), member of the Games Committee, Editor of the School magazine and hooker for the 1st XV. After a brief stint in the Army, he matriculated to St. John’s Cambridge to read History, playing hooker when they won the intercollege cup. Subsequent to Cambridge, he returned to Birmingham and qualified as an accountant with Peat Marwick before working in industry for the rest of his career at Tucker Fasteners, interrupted only by a brief interlude at Harvard Business School. Throughout he maintained his lifelong love of rugby via Moseley Rugby Club both as a player (also representing the North Midlands) and as a devoted administrator, culminating as president when they drew in the final of the John Player Cup.

obituaries

19


obituaries

20

OBITUARIES He was happily married to Rosemary for 58 years and took great pride that all three of his children went to Uppingham, Julian (Rudi) (F 70), Simon (F 72) and Janet (Fd 77). Michael died peacefully on 14th July 2014. Martin Colin Bates (R/LH 40) By his son Anthony Bates (LH 71) Martin, known as Colin, was born in India in 1927. He joined Uppingham in 1940 at Redgate, moving to Lorne House when it closed in the December. He was a great admirer of his housemaster, PF Saunders and he had fond memories of Uppingham, playing for the Hockey XI and becoming house captain. In January 1945 he joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. On being commissioned he followed his brother, the actor Michael Bates (R 34), into the Gurkhas; he was posted to the Northwest Frontier during Partition. One of his great joys in later life was the annual 9th Gurkha reunion. After the Army he studied Economics at Cambridge and on graduating joined Price Waterhouse, for whom he worked in London and Calcutta. Returning from India in 1959, he worked briefly for Fairey Aviation and in 1962 started work for Getty Oil Company, retiring in 1985 as Managing Director of Getty Marine Services. Retirement was far from idle. He was a regular performer, as well as treasurer, with his local amateur dramatics society. He was also treasurer of the local branch of Save the Children. He died peacefully at home on 5th April 2014, leaving his wife, Patricia, son Anthony (LH 71), daughter Caroline and five grandchildren. Known for his terrific sense of humour and meticulous tidiness, it would undoubtedly have amused him, being a Chartered Accountant, that he died on the last day of the tax year.

Ian James Miller (WD 41) By his wife Moira Miller Ian died in May 2013 after a series of strokes, aged 85 years. He spoke often of his enjoyable years at school – not a scholar, quite good at sport, especially Fives, his chief and enduring interest being music. He did not play but was always in the Choir, going to London in the holidays for many concerts. Ian spent five years in the Cameroon as a banana planter and then joined the B S A Police, Rhodesia. After 20 years he retired as Det. Superintendent. He studied to become a Loss Adjuster and started his own business. He retired aged 77. He was a keen tennis and squash player and almost until he died held musical evenings at home, using his great knowledge and collection of music to talk about the programme. I am from Cape Town – we were married for 58 years and have two daughters now living in the UK. One of the first things Ian did when we first visited England was to show me round Uppingham and later he took a daughter there too. Thank you for giving Ian such a good start in life – he spoke often in the last months of how much he had enjoyed his life and I consider much credit for that was due to Uppingham. Thomas Barker (Hf 42) Notes made by Tom on his life. Thomas Barker was born in Brighton in 1928 and having won a scholarship to Uppingham in 1942 he then went on to New College Oxford. Between school and university most did two years compulsory National Service; Tom in his father’s WWI regiment, the Worcestershire Regiment, in which he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1947 and served in bomb-flattened Berlin during the blockade and airlift. Among other duties he was to guard Spandau prison where the main Nazi war criminals (including Rudolf Hess) were detained. After this experience, New College was idyllic. The tutors treated returning soldiers with amazing courtesy; they included Lord David Cecil and the philosopher Isaiah

Berlin. In spite of all these inspiring teachers, Tom only managed a 2nd class honours degree in Mods and Greats, but did lift the University Prize for Greek Verse. On joining the Foreign Office he was sent to the African Department. There he was desk officer for the former Italian colonies, and helped produce the Eritrean Constitution in three languages, Amharic at the front, Arabic at the back and English in the middle, so all parties were happy. He also took delivery at London Docks of a consignment of Ethiopian coffee, a gift from Emperor Haile Selassie to the people of East Anglia who were suffering the effects of the floods and high tides of 1953. Tom spent the next four years in Iraq, the first three during the height of British influence in the Middle East when the Hashemites were on the throne in Baghdad and Amman and the pro-British Nuri Said was Iraqi Prime Minister; and the last after the revolution when the Embassy was sacked by a mob, and the King, Crown Prince and Prime Minister were all killed. Camping in the Kurdish mountains, picnics at Babylon, afternoon tennis at the Alwiyah Club, and the balls given by the Baghdad Hunt all came to an end; the Hawker Hunters flew out from the great RAF base in the desert at Habbaniyah and the Russian MIGS flew in the next day. On his next posting to London, he went skiing in Austria and met and married Griselda. After postings to Mexico and Venezuela; they had a year’s stressful stint in charge of security policy in Northern Ireland in Stormont Castle when detention without trial was being phased out and a soldier, a policeman or a civilian was killed every day on average. Disillusioned by this experience, Tom retired early and came home with the family to live in Perthshire. He worked in Edinburgh for 15 years as Curator of the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle; there he much enjoyed helping relatives trace service records and burial places of Scottish war casualties, and arranging the annual service of commemoration. Tom died in January 2014 in St Andrews, he was 85. He is survived by his wife, Griselda, and their three children.


Alan Nicol, CBE (C 42) Provided by his son James Nicol Alan Nicol passed away peacefully in December 2013 at his home after a long illness, surrounded by his family. Born in Edgbaston, he emigrated to the US in 1971 and then moved to Savannah to retire in 1992. Following evacuation from Birmingham during the war, he was educated at Uppingham, then performed his National Service with the Royal Engineers in the Royal West African Frontier Force in Ghana. He returned to Caius College, Cambridge, where he obtained a BA in civil engineering in 1952 and an MA in 1956. He spent most of his career with John Laing PLC. He met his future wife Pamela (“Paddy” Macfarlane) in London while at a Scottish Country Dancing party at the London Scottish Rugby Club, of which he was a member.They married in 1959. He was posted to the US in 1971 for a three year assignment as President of Laing Construction Services. Deciding to stay in the US, he took on various leadership positions with the British American Chamber of Commerce in New York, rising to President, for which he was given the CBE by HM the Queen in 1989. He retired to Savannah in 1992 and became an American citizen with Paddy. He had a lifelong love of sailing. From his early days racing with Sir Francis Chichester in Gypsy Moth, Sir Maurice Laing in Vashti and Clarion, and showing Prime Minister Edward Heath the ropes in Morning Cloud, he was an exceptional ocean racer; he sailed in five Fastnet races, and many others, before starting his family. Much later, he was ‘Our Man in Savannah’ to the1996 British Olympic Sailing Team, a three year volunteer effort to handle much of the team’s Savannah logistics for the Atlanta games. More recently, he enjoyed sailing in the West of Scotland and Croatia. And in his twilight years as an octogenarian, he was still winning races with his friends at The Landings Sailing Club. He was a member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the New York Yacht Club. His first love was his family. He enjoyed a happy 44-year-marriage to Paddy, who passed away in 2003. Alan’s brother John (Fgh 40) sadly passed away in June 2014.

John Samworth (F 46) By Mark Samworth (F 84) John Samworth passed away on 31st August, aged 81. He came to Uppingham in 1946, joining Fircroft, before leaving to take up National Service in 1950. During his time at the school he was a keen cricketer, and was in the 1st XI with his twin, Frank (F 46). John joined the family business in 1953 after leaving the army and played a major role in its growth and development for over 45 years. Working with Frank and David (F 48), his younger brother, John developed a number of food manufacturing and retail businesses, including the acquisition of Pork Farms in 1969. The firm was subsequently sold to Northern Foods in 1978. In 1977 he left the Pork Farms business and purchased the Ginsters pasty company in Cornwall thus starting the business that is now called Samworth Brothers (so named when his brother David joined him full-time in 1985). John was made a Fellow of Uppingham School in 2013, having been a keen supporter of its continued development over many years, and was also very involved in philanthropy in and around his home in Nottinghamshire. John married Lesley, in 1976, who survives him. His twin brother Frank died in 2005. Ronald MacDougall (L 44) Written by his daughter Christina

Dad had what can only be described as a varied and interesting life. Born in Argentina, where some of his family still reside, he had an idyllic childhood riding horses as far as the eye could see and eating steak every day. In 1944 he was shipped over to England on a dangerous voyage through torpedo-ridden waters. He was sent to

Uppingham where he was soon put in his place for being cheeky by none other than the School boxing champ who knocked him out. Dad learnt humility quickly. After school came National Service where he worked on early computers – the kind that took up a whole room and had flashing light bulbs and reel tapes. On joining the RAF as a pilot officer he was taught to read the clouds and flew Chipmunks, Harvards, Meteors, Canberras, Hastings and Viscounts. Later in life he went to University in Newcastle to study Theology and Classics whilst working part-time as a barman and bus conductor to keep him and his friends in milky coffees – his speciality. At the age of 41 he became a teacher in Cheadle High School where, because of his language skills he was tasked with ‘looking after’ the language assistants.The bets were on: Would he marry the French or the German lass? Dad, being somewhat lacking in organisational skills, quite sensibly went for the German one, our mum. For her part, she was attracted to his tattered, hand-me-down teacher’s gown and his delightful carefree eccentricity. So, after a teaching career in several schools leaving a trail of fond memories and bewildered pupils, Dad retired at the age of 60 to take up his honourable new profession as a ‘gentleman of leisure’. A lot of Dad’s study was of languages and he utilised any and every opportunity to practise them. At any kind of meal out Dad would seek out any staff of non-British origin and spend more time speaking to them than to the rest of us. Berlusconi jokes with Italian waiters were his speciality. Sadly, he never cracked Polish but he never stopped trying and definitely knew enough to send Polish thank you messages to chefs and took great joy in doing so. Ronald MacDougall passed away in April 2014, aged 83. Dick Malthouse (F 44) Compiled by Nick Boston (WD 44) assisted by Pat Morrish (F 45) Dick Malthouse went to Uppingham in September 1944. He became a leading member of the 1st XV and in 1948 led the pack when Uppingham won all its school fixtures and was also successful in leading Fircroft to win the Overs’ rugger, having led the house Unders’ team to victory two years previously. He subsequently sent his two sons and one of his daughters to the School.

obituaries

21


obituaries

22

OBITUARIES On leaving Uppingham, he was commissioned in the Royal Artillery for his National Service and spent several months serving on the Suez Canal. He went up to Pembroke College, Cambridge, after leaving the army where he studied law. He obtained his college rugby colours and became a member of the Oxford and Cambridge Woodpeckers Rugby Club, with which he went on several tours. He joined Rosslyn Park and later became captain during the 1959/60 seasons when he became known as King Dick, leading the club to the most successful years in the club’s history. After he finished playing, he kept a keen interest in the club and later became Chairman. After coming down from Cambridge in 1954, he joined the London Solicitors, McKenna and Co as an Articled Clerk, where he remained for 40 years and finished his time there as the firm’s Senior Partner. Another passion was his friends, collected throughout his life, with whom he would have a good get-together whenever he could think of an excuse – he loved a party! Luckily Jean, whom he married in 1957, was and is a good cook!

Peter Muir (L 48) By his daughter Jane McDonald After leaving Uppingham, Peter followed his passion for cars to study Automobile Engineering at Loughborough College. This led him to National Service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, where he picked up many colourful stories during his time in Aden. In 1960, he began his lifetime career as a Patent Agent working until the early 90s with the Rover Group, in all of its guises. Some high profile consultancy work followed until he finally settled into a happy, holiday-filled retirement with his wife, Angela, and their Spanish rescue dog, Tookie. Peter was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and recovered well from several rounds of chemotherapy, but sadly not the last one. He is much missed by all the family.

Michael Briggs (L 51) By John Barnett (L 51)

I was sorry to hear the news that Michael had died in April 2014 in France. He was an entrant to the School and The Lodge, when Alfred Doulton was Housemaster, in Autumn 1951, along with eight others of us, and is now sadly the third member of that group to have died. He was respected and much liked by all, and became House Captain in our last year in 1957, when Bryan Matthews was the HM. After Uppingham he qualified as a Civil Engineer at Loughborough College and joined a Civil Engineering Consultants practice in London with whom he remained, as far as I know for the rest of his career, eventually becoming senior partner. We didn’t meet a great deal after we left School, but he joined my wife and I for lunch at our home in Northamptonshire two years ago, when we found him as likeable and as good company as we had always remembered him of old. Anthony Harrison (C 52) By his son Giles Harrison (WD 87) Anthony died at home in Cornwall at the age of 76 after a long illness. He was a former Partner and, subsequently, Senior Partner, of the well-known Midlands Chartered Surveyors and Auctioneers, Howkins and Harrison. Anthony was born and raised near Rugby into a farming family. His childhood with younger sister Meryl was a rural idyll, and he soon developed a great interest in the flora and fauna of the countryside – birds in particular were a life-long passion. He enjoyed the country life at Uppingham School, where he also honed his woodworking skills – his carpentry teacher once commented that Anthony ‘could make his tools sing’. He would go on to put these skills to good use, making several boats in his life – from designing and building a 15ft

wooden launch, to fitting out a 40ft twinmasted sailing yacht. He sailed almost every weekend – despite living for most of his life in the Midlands, about as far from the sea as it is possible to get in the UK! After serving his National Service with the Royal Horse Artillery, Anthony qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. He specialised in the rural side of the practice and was highly respected as a determined and tough but fair negotiator. For many years, he also played a very active role as an Auctioneer in the weekly cattle market at Rugby and followed his father as Chairman of Rugby Livestock Sales until 2008 when the cattle market relocated to Stoneleigh. His professional standing was recognised by his appointment as the National President of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers in 1990/91. He married his first wife, Carolynn, in 1967, and they had two sons, Edward (WD 85) and Giles (WD 87), but the marriage was dissolved in 1984. Subsequently, he met and married his second wife, Judy, eventually retiring to Cornwall in 2007. There he had hoped to indulge his longheld passion for sailing. Sadly, their hopes were dashed by his declining health. He is survived by his widow, Judy, and son, Giles, a television producer and director with the BBC. His elder son, Edward, was tragically killed in 2000 while on safari in Africa. Stephen Kershaw (LH 60) By his wife Elizabeth Stephen died in June 2013 and two of his closest friends Robert Pope (WD 60) and John Gillespie (H 62) spoke at his funeral. His cousin James Mallinson (LH 52) was also present. Stephen had a great affection for Uppingham, for the School itself, the town and the surrounding countryside. Peter Gee (M 61) By his daughter Kate Gee (Fd 94) A Rutland man born and bred, Peter followed in the footsteps of his father (GS Gee, M 1920) and started at Uppingham in 1961 after prep school at Winchester House. He always spoke of his days at Uppingham with great fondness and made lifelong friends, many of whom have


recounted the pranks and mischief of his school days as well as the kindness, decency and charm that saw him rise to become Captain of School. A gap year teaching in Ethiopia was followed by Keele University reading Law before joining the family firm Stead & Simpsons, a company he loved and for whom he worked for 20 years. He then spent time at Clayform, Barratts, Ponden Mill and Celtica as well as holding the position of Chairman of Leicester Real Property Company. Alongside his working life he wholeheartedly believed in the importance of community and involved himself with many local projects which benefited from his wisdom and experience. After moving from Rutland, first to Yorkshire and later to Shropshire, he found people welcoming wherever he went, mainly due to his great gift for putting others at ease and his generosity of spirit. He made many friends through his love of outdoor pursuits, skiing, tennis, shooting and walking to name but a few of his pastimes, and his energy and humour were infectious. He spent some of his happiest times holidaying in Rhosneigr, Anglesey, which was the setting for many seafaring adventures always followed by his signature gin and tonic. He was a devoted family man, a loving husband to Karen, father to Kate (Fd 94) and Jeremy (M 93) and grandfather to Poppy and leaves a huge hole in the lives of those that loved him but we are thankful that he left us with so many wonderful memories. Robert Leader (L 61) By Stephen Kemp (LH 65) Robert “Rob” Leader died on 17th April following a short illness, borne with extraordinary courage and humour that was no surprise to the many who knew him. Having developed his woodworking skills at Uppingham, during which time he made the altar table in the Chapel, Rob had a brief career in the furniture industry, then moved into the banking sector before deciding to follow a more vocational path. He managed the Leonard Cheshire Foundation residential home at Staunton Harold in Leicestershire throughout the period of its relocation

to purpose-built premises at Netherseal, Derbyshire (experience that would later stand him in good stead) before becoming director of an NHS Acute Hospitals Trust, then Head of the Health Service for British Forces Germany, based near Dusseldorf. In 2001, Rob became Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, then known as St Dunstan’s, thus fulfilling a lifelong ambition to head a national charity, a post he loved and continued to hold until his death. His vision led to a highly successful rebranding of the organisation and to the opening of Blind Veterans centres in Sheffield and Llandudno, both having highly advanced care facilities of which he was rightfully proud. Rob was immensely social and, as befits a quintessentially English gentleman, rarely declined a glass – or two, perhaps – of decent wine. He lived life in London to the full, becoming Vice Chairman of the Confederation of Service Charities, Chairman of the British Members Council of the World Veterans Association, representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Ealing and Upper Warden of the Worshipful Company of Horners. The son of a vicar, Rob was deeply compassionate and had often contemplated taking Holy Orders; only shortly before his illness did he announce that the time had passed for that final change.

Shaffer’s ‘The Royal Hunt of the Sun’; I recall he had no less than 800 lines to learn. I think the stage was his calling but it never came to pass. Richard took his terminal illness with great fortitude and earned everyone’s respect. Stephen Fry (F 70), his friend at School, was very supportive in the last months of Richard’s life and made a generous contribution towards the palliative care unit where Richard died. John Attwood (M 78) By his friend Matthew Barnes (M 78) John and I were great friends, from the moment we met on our first day at Uppingham, to his premature death 35 years later. His big personality and charm made him a natural comic actor in school plays and an amusing debater at Birmingham University, where he studied law. This helped him achieve his childhood ambition of becoming a criminal barrister, appearing successfully in courts across the West Midlands in some difficult and high profile cases. He leaves his wife Claire, sons Alex and Joe and many humorous memories. Ben Wood (C 81) By James Hardwick (C 79)

We met very soon after my arrival at Uppingham in ’65, when I had been given a ‘tish-call’ to The Lodge. I will never forget his terrifyingly huge, 6ft 7ins frame overhanging the bed with feet poking through the ‘tish’ curtain. Fate decreed that we were to become brothers-in-law; his hospitality and humour was always guaranteed and unsurpassed. He leaves a huge hole in the life of so many work colleagues, friends and, in particular, the family he so adored. He leaves his wife, Sue, daughter Elizabeth, son, Robert, and three grandchildren. Richard Fawcett (F 70) Provided by his mother, Joy Fawcett Richard died of cancer on 23rd May 2013. He was in Fircroft during Geoff Frowde’s time and I can honestly say that was probably the happiest time of his life. He was House Captain and Second Head of School and quite well-known for his contributions to drama; amongst many other parts, he took the lead in Peter

It is very sad to report the death of Ben from cancer shortly after his 48th birthday in May. Ben was a prominent figure during his time at school, thriving both academically and in sport where he was Captain of Rugby and Captain of Cross Country. He was also an immensely popular member of the house and school.

obituaries

23


obituaries

24

OBITUARIES Ben arrived into the Remove at Uppingham, two years after standard entry, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Adam, who had started at Highfield the previous year. Prior to that Ben, spent five years at his local school in the rural Correze in France, where both had played junior rugby for their well-known local club, Brive. For two years, Ben and Adam formed the centre partnership of the 1st XV. Ben was a fearless tackler blessed with huge stamina, which helped him excel at middledistance running in the summer term. After studying Modern Languages at Edinburgh, Ben found his way into the world of branding and marketing, working for the last 10 years as the senior director in Paris for a division of advertising giant WPP. In his career he worked for many leading brands of large companies like LVMH, SABMiller, Glenmorangie, and was particularly involved in the re-launches of Levi jeans and Clarks shoes, when their brands had fallen out of favour. It was a career to which he was well suited, combining creativity with teamwork. France played a large part in Ben’s life, and although he loved England, he was most at home across the Channel. After a few years working in London, he had settled back in France, living and working in Paris, which allowed him to spend weekends at the family home in the Correze, or at his French wife, Stephanie’s house in Picardy. In another life Ben might have been a vigneron, and in the Correze he indulged his passion for wine, planting his own vineyard which produced remarkably drinkable reds and whites. He was extremely knowledgeable about wine, and always very generous with his cannily-assembled cellar. Sport featured throughout Ben’s life, and after hanging up his rugby boots, he became a really brave and accomplished surfer, a sport which he had learnt on the Atlantic coast of France. Over the years he travelled all over the world to surf, including places like Mexico, Bali, Australia, and frequently returning to the Basque country in south-west France. He was also a brilliant skier and snowboarder. Besides sport, Ben was hugely cultured and widely-read, but always in an unpretentious Uppingham way. Ben spent the majority of his time in Constables under the benevolent housemastership of John Hodgkinson,

and became house captain and a school praepostor. He is fondly remembered for his stylish dancing, love of Billy Idol, expertise at croquet on the house lawn in the summer, and enjoyment of a beer and a laugh in the school bar. Ben’s year at Constables remained very close, with James Hardwick (C 79) best man at his wedding, and Hugo Woddis (C 79), Marcus Hill (C 79), Alastair Crossman (C 80) and brother Adam (Hf 80) frequently meeting up for weekends of some or other physical challenge. Together, his friends have had his name engraved on one of the pavers at the Sports Centre.

London is planned for next May. He is much missed by all of us. Ben is in the centre of the photo wearing the red jumper.

Ben leaves his wife Stephanie, a friend from his childhood in France, and two wonderful daughters, Mathilde (18) and Eleanore (16). A memorial service in Susan Davina Kerr (née Atherton) (J 93) By Elizabeth Mildred (nee Atherton) (J 90) Susan will be remembered by many from her time at Uppingham as the multi-talented, popular girl with an impish sense of humour, who was as at home playing the cello in the orchestra and singing in the choir as she was studying for her A levels and who took the stage by storm as Sandy in Grease. On leaving Uppingham, Susan studied History of Art at Trinity College, Cambridge, where she sang as a Choral Scholar in the chapel choir, and then went on to pursue her singing as a mezzo-soprano, both at the Royal Academy of Music and then at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. She was immediately plucked from college by Glyndebourne Opera to sing in their chorus, where she both began her career and met her future husband, Sean. Roles with companies such as Garsington Opera, Tête-à-Tête and English Touring Opera followed, and she was subsequently chosen by Graham Vick to appear in Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno d’Ulisse and as Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni for his Birmingham Opera Company. Susan and Sean married in 2008 and settled in Royal Tunbridge Wells where Susan gave birth to Ethan in September 2010. She continued to combine her performing with teaching and also completed a course as a masseuse, which she was able to offer to stressed-out opera singers in breaks from rehearsals!

After a considerable time of poor health, Susan was finally diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in November 2012. With her usual determination, stoicism and sense of humour, she fought valiantly, enduring months of chemotherapy and major surgery. Ultimately though, the doctors were unable to stay one step ahead of the disease and, very sadly, Susan lost her battle in the early hours of Wednesday 24th September 2014. Everyone who knew Susan has been devastated by her death, but her memory will live on through her gorgeous four-year-old son and through the many recordings of her singing. She will be remembered for her absolute devotion to Ethan, her love for Sean, her bravery, determination, grace and kindness, and probably, above all, for her wicked sense of humour.


25

World War I

WORLD WAR I THE STORIES OF TWO UPPINGHAM FAMILIES

To mark the centenary of World War I and the great sacrifice made by so many Uppinghamians, we feature here the stories of two OU families and how the war impacted on them. We know that the conflict influenced many OU families and we see the lives of the Glovers and Roberts as being representative of all of them.

Uppingham School Bisley Team 1901. In the photo, Richard is standing in the centre,William is seated on left.

THE GLOVER BROTHERS’ STORY William Glover (L 1895) and his brother Richard (L 1897) both excelled at sport at Uppingham, were appointed praepostors and held high rank in the Cadet Corps, Richard commanding it. After leaving School the brothers went straight into the family business in London but continued with their enthusiasm for sport by playing rugby for the OUs and Rosslyn Park, and for the military, by joining their local Territorial Regiment, the London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). On the outbreak of war they volunteered immediately and by April 1915 they had taken their 100-man companies into the trenches in France. Six months later in November 1915, shortly before his 32nd birthday, the 6ft 3in Richard was shot in the head by a sniper and, after William was called to the aid station, died at his brother’s side. In a letter to their mother breaking the dreadful news, William wrote: “Nov 5th. My dearest Mater, I hope you will bear up under the saddest news, the very worst. We have lost our Richard. I was with him when he passed away, very calmly and peacefully and without pain. He was quite unconscious all the time. Our doctor is sure that he cannot have suffered at all. He was hit in the side of the head by a sniper although he was stooping down at the time and not taking any risks. I think the sniper must have been high up off the ground. We have been going into the trenches on alternate four days, he and I, being the senior company commanders, so I was not with him when he was hit. A message came on the telephone, and I rushed in time, thank God, to be with him before the end. I cannot send you all

the messages that I have received from all the officers and men of our regiment and others in the division. They all knew and loved him, the best officer they could possibly have. Ever your loving son William.” Richard’s ex-headmaster wrote of him: “Never was there a simpler, straighter, more modest and true-hearted good soul, never amongst Uppinghamians, one more devoted to the School. With absolute manly virtue he combined a charm which was exceedingly rare and which made him essentially loveable. He leaves us a pattern of the true Christian gentleman.” His commanding officer wrote: “Oh, he was such a good fellow; and I am sure that there is not a man in the battalion who does not grieve at his death.” Richard was awarded a posthumous Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and member of Rosslyn Park Rugby Club. He was unmarried. His best friend and elder brother William flourished, finishing the war as a Lieutenant Colonel, being mentioned in Despatches three times and made a Member of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG). After the war he became Lieutenant of the City of London and President of Rosslyn Park Rugby Club. He also served in the Second World War. William was married and died aged 77 in 1959.


World War I

26

JAMES THURSBY ROBERTS (SH 1910) By Prebendary John Woolmer (WD 55) After Uppingham, Jim passed into Sandhurst and began his military training in April 1915. His father wanted him to join the Indian Army but in the end he passed into the Queen’s, the second most senior infantry regiment. He then was sent for training at Bridgewood Camp near Rochester. He commented: ‘The officers here are an awfully decent lot and I am getting on alright at present. There are a good many, so I do not suppose I shall go out to the Front just yet.’ Then quite suddenly, he was given his embarkation orders. He had a merry tea with his Great Aunt Sophie in Brighton went to church, had his name put on their prayer list by his Aunt and arrived in France on October 1st 1915. A few days later he was in the trenches:

‘WE ARE AT PRESENT OCCUPYING THE FRONT LINE TRENCHES AND MY PLATOON IS ONLY 40 YARDS FROM OUR FRIENDS THE HUNS. PLEASE EXCUSE BAD WRITING BUT I AM IN A DUGOUT WITH VERY LITTLE LIGHT IN IT. Lately they have been shelling us a great deal but their range has not been very good… the worst thing are the snipers… it is very tiring work and one cannot get much sleep. Please ask mater for some of the following: marmalade, jam, tinned fruit, toilet paper (v necessary), cocoa, cigarettes (unobtainable here)…’ The fast, manoeuvrable war of August and September 1914 had turned into static trench warfare. The German trenches were well-built and comparatively dry and their strategy was that of siege warfare. The British strategy was to try and break out whatever the casualties. Their trenches were far less well-built. By November, Jim was hoping to be re-deployed to Serbia to fight in the Balkans – but this was just a rumour. There was to be no escape. Conditions at the front were getting worse. He writes, on February 25th, about:

‘rotten trenches… a distinct smell of gas… a Hun attack preceded by a huge bombardment… about 80 Huns killed… German snipers quietened by our snipers… roads in an awful mess… icy cold water over my waders… trench foot reducing our strength… How much longer our brigade staff expect the men to carry on like this, I do not know. They are simply turning the men into a mass of emaciated humanity…’ Finally on May 22nd, Jim had another leave. His sister Hilda, in her autobiography written nearly 70 years later, records her memories: ‘Then Jim had another leave, he said he wanted to spend it in London not waste time travelling, so dad and I rushed off. We spent it hectically, theatres, meals out, anything to forget the horrors of the Front. Jim knew a big battle was planned, and I think he knew that he might not come back.’ Hilda’s account closed with the sombre words: ‘then the battle of the Somme started’. On July 7th, Jim wrote home: ‘We have been having most stirring times lately and will I expect have some more to come but I must say I do not enjoy this advancing very much. Our division gained its objective alright but they do not seem to be pushing on now. Poor old Brocklehurst (his captain) was killed by shell fire and Harvey was wounded in his behind, we always told him he had too large a behind. The Hun prisoners came in very useful as stretcher bearers, taking the wounded from the advanced field ambulance down to the ambulance cars.’ Jim was now in command of the company: ‘Today is a glorious day and we are back resting… we have just come off church parade… I am still in charge of the company… no more leave until September so Cheerio.’ Hilda, possibly with foreboding, wrote at the same time ‘My dearest old boy, how splendidly you are doing – well played England… Your photos arrived today and they are awfully nice old boy… we passed a large hospital at Roehampton for soldiers who have lost their limbs, it is so sad to see some quite young without any legs… Au revoir, your loving sister Hilda.’ Jim never received this letter. At dawn on the 14th of July, Jim, in command of B Company, was ordered with the rest of the brigade to attack some high ground believed to be part of the German

defensive works. It was called High Wood, known as Foureaux. The attack was a success, an experience all too rare in recent weeks. This promised a great opportunity for the British front to break through the German lines. Several senior officers walked calmly up the slope towards High Wood and were not shot at, and so the commanders of the 3rd and 7th Divisions requested permission to advance and seize the initiative. The High Command had set this task aside for the cavalry. But where was the cavalry? It was nowhere near. By the time that the cavalry arrived, the Germans were ready, and when it tried to break though, it was beaten back by German machine gun fire. The fight at High Wood was incredibly fierce and now that the British had taken the hill, they fought doggedly to keep it.

SO IT WAS THAT JIM WAS HERE, DESPERATELY FIGHTING TO TRY TO WORK OUT ALONG THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HIGH WOOD AND DRIVE THE GERMANS OUT, WHEN A GERMAN SHOT RANG OUT. JIM FELL. He had been critically wounded in the neck and back. He was evacuated and transported to Nettley. He died on July 20th 1916 aged just 20. He had left School House just over a year earlier. He was buried in the Nettley War Cemetery.


UPPINGHAM AND THE GREAT WAR By Tim Halstead (Fgh 72) Uppingham’s contribution to World World I was mainly at the junior officer level (Captain, Lieutenant and Second Lieutenant) with over 77% of those known to have served falling into this category. We can identify 2,160 OUs who are known to have served. The World World I memorial lists 447 OUs who lost their lives during the conflict but it has been discovered that there were at least 450 old boys who were killed in the war, and it is likely there are more that we do not know about. Of those who died 67% were under the age of 30. During the war, the highest casualties were suffered by the junior officers, who were leading their men on the front line. With

77% of OUs falling into this category it is no surprise that 83% of the OUs who died were junior officers. The School’s philosophy stressed a strong sense of duty, leadership skills and taking responsibility which made its old boys good officer material. We know less about the contribution of old boys who were not involved in the armed forces. Some such as Boris Karloff (F 1903), the actor, wished to serve but failed their medical. Others served in other ways, CRW Nevinson (SH 1903) became an official war artist, while there were a few such as Gerald Shove (Fgh 1902), a Cambridge academic, who were conscientious objectors. Until 1916 the School focussed its contribution to the war by preparing boys for the conflict through the training provided by the Officer Training Corps

(OTC). With the arrival of Rev’d Owen as Headmaster in 1916 the School’s contribution widened. Local farmers accepted his offer of as much labour as they required during term time afternoons; up to 70 boys at a time were engaged in this work. Other contributions by the School included Summer Harvest Camps and the metal shop and woodwork shop producing items needed for the war effort. An OU who played a significant part in leading the British Army to victory was Lieutenant-General Sir Louis Vaughan (Hf 1889). He entered the army after Sandhurst in 1895 and undertook a number of staff roles during the war culminating in being, from May 1917, Chief of Staff to General Sir Julian Byng, commander of the Third Army. The Third Army, as the largest of the British armies on the Western Front, would play a key part in the military victories which gradually pushed the German army back in the last 100 days of the war until the Germans sought the armistice which came into effect on 11th November 1918. Vaughan appears in a photograph with Sir Douglas Haig (the BEF Commander), his army commanders and their chiefs of staff taken at Cambrai Town Hall immediately after the armistice had come into effect. Sir Louis Vaughan is just one example of the wide variety of contributions made by OUs to victory, ranging from high command through the provision of specialist skills, to those who served on the front line in positions of leadership.

Thornely, also won the Military Cross as a Lieutenant in the 11th Royal Irish Rifles. It was an action immortalised in the picture ‘Attack of the Ulster Division’ which hangs in the Belfast City Hall and shows Thornely leading his men in the assault. Wounded in the action he was detailed to assist the artist, James Prinsep

Beadle, with the painting and provided the painter a description of the action. The Somme Museum in Northern Ireland has, amongst other things, a collection of 100 letters written by him to his father during the war.

FRANCIS THORNLEY (C 1910)

On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the 1st July 1916, Edward Brittain, the brother of Vera Brittain, author of ‘Testament of Youth’, took part in the action for which he won a Military Cross. Edward was later killed in action in Italy in 1918. On the same day in another part of the battle front, another OU, Francis

Mike Garrs (F 63) book ‘Valiant Hearts - The Story of the Uppingham School V.C.s’ can be purchased by emailing mike.garrs49@ntlworld.com. The cost is £11.95 which includes postage and packing and all proceeds are shared equally between The Royal British Legion and Uppingham. Acclaimed World World I artist CRW Nevinson’s (SH 1903) painting, entitled ‘A Star Shell’ was featured on a stamp as part of a series of commemorative stamps to mark the Centenary of the First World War issued by The Royal Mail from July 2014.There will be 30 stamps produced which will be released over the next four years. As well as being an artist, CRW Nevinson also has the strange honour of hosting the first ever cocktail party held in England in 1924.

World War I

27


photocall

28

OU EVENTS As you will see from the following pages we have had another very busy year going about our core business, which is keeping OUs in touch with each other and the School. From Australia to the Far East and North America, as well as much closer to home, we have been delighted to see many OUs joining events, catching up with old friends and reminiscing over past times. Our

VANCOUVER DINNER

particular thanks to those OUs who have supported these events as hosts in their own homes, or as local organisers who help to ‘rally the troops’ in some of our far flung locations. Forthcoming highlights for 2015 include another dinner in Dubai, our ever-popular dinner at the Hoste Arms in Norfolk and a very special gathering planned for Kinross

October 2013 at The Vancouver Club.

House overlooking Loch Leven in Scotland. For more details of these or any other of our events do please contact Jo Franklin in the OU Office. We look forward to welcoming you to an OU event soon and can promise you a warm welcome. More photos can be viewed on the OU website and Facebook page.

TORONTO DINNER

October 2013

Kindly hosted by Michael Royce (SH 60) and his wife Sheila at their home.

David Kennedy (Hf 59), Russell Smith (M 73), Gillian Smith, Richard Boston (B 56), Lucy Crellin (née Tompkins) (Fd 81), Bruce Wilson (LH 67) and Neil Crellin.

BOSTON DINNER

Above: Andrew Stratton (Hf 06), Olivia Hoblitzelle, Richard Boston (B 56) and Keith Taylor (F 46). Right: Hugh and Laura Silk (née Cheney) (J 88).

October 2013 at Lucia Ristorante & Bar.

Charles Fogden (M 71), Sheila Royce, Jennifer Trant, Patrick Trant (C 38), Michael Royce (SH 60), Richard Boston (B 56) and Andrew Crighton (LH 64).

NEW YORK DINNER

October 2013 at Morton’s.

David Sawyer (Hf 77), Emmanuel Ticzon (LH 03),Tom Carr (SH 96), Simon Prosser (F 72) and Richard Boston (B 56).


LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND DRINKS

November 2013 at the home of Fred (SH 77) and Dawn Wilson (Fd 80).

Gill Boston, Patrick Mulvihill, Dawn Wilson (née Keene) (Fd 80), David Mathieson (H 73), Susie Mathieson (née Taylor) (Fd 75), Richard Boston (B 56), Anne Palfreyman, Kim Renwick, Michael Lamyman (WD 82), Jonathan Palfreyman (LH 64), Clive Sherwood (L 58), Fred Wilson (SH 77), Michael Cunliffe-Lister (Hf 63), Hugh Illingworth (B 57), Simon Boston (B 51), Debby Illingworth, Steve Kemp (LH 65) and Jos Kemp.

LONDON DINNER

March 2014 at the Mandarin Oriental.

Jenna Blencowe (Sa 02), Sarah Crabtree (Sa 02), Kate Greenhalgh (Sa 02) and Marie-Claire Reffell (J 02).

Julian Tolhurst (C 86), Rupert Wood (C 86) and Simon Bray (Fgh 86). Behind: Ben Helps (C 86) and Myles Bray (C 86).

Andrew Burner (SH 90), Emma Holland (Fd & L 93),Tom Watson (M 90), Sarah Wall (Fd 92), Jody Grimmer (Fgh 90), James Needham (WD 90) and Nnamdi Ezulike (Hf 90).

Clare Warman (LH 75), Robert Bulpitt (Fgh 72) and Dave Turnbull (Fgh 72).

Boujis Nightclub - Our thanks to Tod Russell-Welply (C 99) who arranged complimentary entry to Boujis after the dinner which a gang of OUs and also the Headmaster took advantage of.

photocall

29


photocall

30

HONG KONG DINNER

April 2014.

Michael Hsin (C 81), Gigi Pang, Sandra Wong, Christopher Wong (C 85), Jason Wong (C 82) and Patrick Mulvihill.

William Lam (F 76), Joshua Law (WB 75), Dr. the Hon Sir David K P Li (H 54), Richard Harman and Christian Li (WB 05).

Nick Charlwood (Hf 96) and Joe Liu (LH 97).

Joanna Plumbly (Fd 01) and Emma Sharrock (Fd 02).

THEATRE DINNER

May 2014 at the Pleasance Theatre and Shillibeers, Islington, London.

Nick Simons (Fgh 86), Clare Shaw (née Stuart) (Fd 89) and Katie Bryers (née Pattinson) (Fd 89).

David Calvert-Thomson (Hf 67) and Christopher Richardson, former Director of Drama.

Robert Ditcham (M 74), Simon Gimson (WB 74) andv Andrew Bowles (M 73).

Alistair McLachlan, former Theatre Manager, Charlotte Gallagher (L 03), Tim McMullan (SH 76) and Penny Badowska (née Jones) (Fd 79).


LEICESTERSHIRE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE & RUTLAND DRINKS September 2014 hosted by Andrew Bowles (M 73) and his wife, Claire.

Mike Higgs (Fgh 69), Jane Waite, Bertie Higgs and John Waite (WD 64).

OU 1984 LEAVERS’ GET TOGETHER

Katie Kennedy (née Hilton) (Fd 83), Peter Doleman (C 76), Richard Symonds (WD 76) and Lynn Doleman. September 2014, organised by Chris Robinson (H 79) held at The Clarence Pub in Mayfair.

Peter Martin (H 79), Rob Riddle (SH 79), Frank Toone (SH 79), Nigel Sturgess (Hf 79) and Nick Briggs (B 79).

Ros Barker (née Clarke) (Fd 82), Helen Macintosh (née Heyman) (Fd 82) and Lucy Womack (née Hilton) (Fd 82).

Lou Gulacar (née Wheldon) (Fd 82), Robert Gough (LH 79), Nick Potter (B 79) and Henry Bowman (WD 79).

Jonathan Burman (Fgh 79), Sophie van Berckel (née Wade) (Fd 82), Ed ‘Sketch’ Carter (SH 79) and Stephanie Heath (née Johnson) (Fd 82).

photocall

31


photocall

32

NEW HOUSE 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Front row: Izzy Curtis (NH 04), Lucy McWhirter (NH 04), Megan Davies (NH 04), Anna Sleight (NH 04), Fiona C. Buckley, Fi Thompson (NH 06), Nicky Bushnell (NH 04), Tilly Prior (NH 07), Polly Rogers (NH 04). Back row: Dr Kyi Muller (NH Tutor 2005-10), Rosalind Boldy (NH 07), Katy Gurney (NH 05),Francesca Sutcliffe (NH 07), Jessica Poore (NH 04), Letty Thomas (NH 04), Alicia Simmons (NH 11), Katie Chapple (NH 07), Richard Boston (B 56), Lauren Yeomans (NH 04), Jules Rimet (nĂŠe Noble) (NH04), Pippa Smyth (NH 04), Mrs Virginia Gill (NH Tutor 2010-12).

OVER 60s LONDON LUNCH

October 2014 at the Cavalry and Guards Club.

Sir Patrick Garland (LH 43), Geoffrey Fox (LH 43) and David Sutcliffe (B 50).

Richard Bernhard (B 64), Paul Ashworth (F67), Anthony Walker (L 61) and Alastair Neale (Fgh 61).

Stephen Beharrell (WB 58), Greg Hutchings (M 60), Peter Wall (Fgh 60) and David Ashworth (L 58).

Richard Earlam (WD 47) and Anthony Hicks (M 44).


OU MILITARY LUNCH

photocall

33

October 2014, Uppingham. are: Jeffrey Bucknall (LH 42), Michael Cawthorn (LH 44), Christopher Nunn (LH 47), Clive Laurence (M 51) and Kristian Gover (M 87). We were delighted that so many OUs were able to join us for the occasion which was followed by a lunch held in the Undercroft.

Photo by Andy Wilson F.R.P.S.

A post 1945 War Memorial was unveiled and dedicated to honour OUs who have made the ultimate sacrifice and died on active service since World War II. The Memorial was unveiled by Geoffrey Fox (LH 43) and Lt Gen James Everard CBE (LH 76) Commander, Land Forces. Those commemorated on the Memorial

Pat Morrish (F 45) and Keith Taylor (F 46).

John Holmes-Smith (L 48) and Nigel Brook (Fgh 48).

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 2015 Middle East Dinner, Dubai 20th February The London Dinner 5th March The Mandarin Oriental Scottish Dinner 8th May Kinross, the home of Donald Fothergill (B 74)

Speech Day/Founders Day 23rd May Uppingham

Over 60s London Lunch 1st October The Cavalry and Guards Club

Norfolk Dinner 11th June The Hoste, Burnham Market

Bath / Bristol Dinner 15th October

Sydney Dinner July – TBC

Thank you to all those we have seen in the past 12 months and for helping to make OU events so successful and well attended. Please visit the OU website for up-to-date information and details on forthcoming events or contact Jo Franklin.


clubs and societies

34

CLUBS & SOCIETIES THE UPPINGHAM VETERANS RIFLE CLUB 2014 has been another steady year for the club, perhaps not the top vintage but still plenty of success to report. For many the season started in March with what has become an annual gathering of old boys and girls to shoot against the school. For those that are not aware, shooting does not differentiate between sex in competitions and everyone competes on an equal basis from school age to experienced international shots.The March shoot and dinner at Uppingham saw a turnout of OUs and whilst they put on a good performance, the school was narrowly beaten by an OU team that included a number of Commonwealth Games medallists. It was also a chance for some of the OU’s children to have a go themselves. In May, John Webster (C 70) captained the NRA team to the Channel Islands taking with him Ant Ringer (B 79) and James Watson (L 88) as coaches and Jo Dickson (née Harris) (J 04) as a travelling reserve. The Imperial Meeting at Bisley in July was well attended with OUs putting out three teams for the Veterans’ Match. The school were back up to full team numbers and put in a good performance with a young team that has a foundation to build on for next year.

The UVRC Annual Dinner. Individually, Ant Ringer (19th), Simon Belither (L 71) (37th), James Watson (71st) and Jonathan Hull (F 74)(88th) appeared in the top 100 of the Grand Aggregate with Chris Watson (M 92)(101st), Chris Belk (WB 51) (114th), Simon Osmond (WB 85) (148th), Gaz Morris (LH 89) (160th), and John Webster (172nd) making the top 200. Nicholas Hinchliffe (Fgh 71) captained the England team to a record score in the National Match helped along by a number of OUs (John Webster, Ant Ringer and Simon Osmond). Ant Ringer top scored in the winning teams for both the Kolapore match for Great Britain the following day and the Mackinnon for England two days later. Chris Watson and Gaz Morris were part of the Welsh team in the National but

Commonwealth Games Welsh OU pair, Gaz Morris and Chris Watson.

had to cut their meeting short in order to travel up for the Commonwealth Games. At the Commonwealth Games, the OU Pair (officially the Welsh Pair) put in a good performance to be placed 7th in some very tricky wind conditions. In the individual match, Chris Watson finished 13th and Gaz 14th in a field of 34. England had dominated the Games taking Gold in the pairs and a Gold plus Silver in the individuals. Looking to next year, a few of the club are waiting to hear the team announcement for the World Championships in the USA next August.The club is also planning the annual dinner and shoot at Uppingham for February / March. Anyone interested should contact the club secretary Henry Ives (henryivespt@gmail.com ).

Simon Osmond (left) and Ant Ringer reflect on the record result of the National Match.


OU SWIMMING

OU SAILING ASSOCIATION One of the great opportunities available to OUs, is to take part in the Arrow Trophy sailing competition between independent schools. This is an annual weekend regatta with all teams sailing identical Sunsail F40 yachts in a competitive but friendly spirit. Uppingham has a good track record, having won it twice; so we take it seriously but also have a lot of fun and all abilities are welcome. David Gavins (LH 73) was our chef d’equipe, Ben Fry (F 96) performed wonders with provisions to sustain the crew. Gavins also shared the spoils of a fishing trip and produced smoked trout for us. OUs came from far and wide; George Gavins (LH 04) bought university friend Ali McRobert (Old Cheltonian). John Tildesley (WB 72) and Alex Woodroffe (F 87) guided us skilfully to Cowes in the dark on Friday night. While half the crew spotted the lights of passing ships, the others prepared supper in Gavins’ Gastro Galley! Mark Dicker’s (SH 93) family were visiting the island but our press gang was unable to persuade his sister (an Old Oundelian) to join the Uppingham boat! With the arrival of Henry Arnold (F 01) and pints in hand we were ready to talk tactics and roles for the race. Saturday brought warnings of a storm.The race committee announced a two hour delay which was frustrating but wise. While our neighbours practiced their moves, Uppingham had a succession of fried breakfasts below decks and established a very efficient sandwich production line. The weather gave us power to play with and we were soon on our way.The race format is short fleet racing on Saturday, and the top four teams go into a series of match races on Sunday to determine the overall winner.The Uppingham boat started in the middle rankings but rose into the top third – not enough to make the final but we were in with a chance in Sunday’s fleet racing. With 25 teams locking horns, the competition and rivalry were bound to be intense. Saturday’s shakedown included plenty of technical shouting (“Sheets in the water!”, “The spinnaker’s upside down!”) and running repairs to worn blocks. Furthermore, who can deny being out to impress when, for the first time, there was a Roedean boat amongst the fleet! Small wonder then that one of our team, Mark Dicker, gallantly volunteered to climb their mast to unsnag a snag! Following a very entertaining dinner, Sunday’s weather could not have been more different – flat calm and not a breath of wind. It was a shame not to be sailing but the immense warmth of the sun, plus a remarkably attractive fry up and leftovers from the galley, put the world to rights! So the 2014 Arrow was huge fun, despite a partial result. Next time we want two days racing and two boats; we have the track record to get a podium position. Any takers? To join the fun with OUSA please contact david.gavins@btinternet.com. Simon Ward (F 75)

On Speech Day, the OUs swam against the School. What started as a respectably sized team a week or so before the event, was severely depleted by withdrawals of varying degrees of authenticity. Back in the 1970s, excuses for missing the match were on the lines of ‘I pulled a muscle doing back to back triathlons last week’ or ‘I have my BA final exams next week, and having done no work whatsoever so far this year think I had better now do some this weekend.’ Nowadays, it seems to be more on the lines of ‘I pulled a muscle opening a bottle of Sanatogen’ or ‘my grandson’s hamster ate my truss’ – reinforcing last year’s plea for some more recent leavers to please contact Nick Hutchinson on nick44@virginmedia.com, so we can get the average age of our team below the 50 mark and the number of useable limbs per swimmer back up to something approaching four. Humiliatingly, we had to borrow two swimmers from the School, whose team was already severely depleted due to calls by other sports and events that afternoon. This resulted in a somewhat unexpected OU win, in which all of our modest (in terms of numbers at any rate – Speedos and modesty are generally not happy bedfellows) team played a full part, although special mention must go to Adrian Parkes (WB 78), making his OU debut having been press ganged from the spectators gallery minutes earlier, but performing brilliantly despite that. We must be prepared for a backlash next year, so the message to the more mature OU swimmers is start training now (don’t stagger up that daunting flight of four steps, bound up!) and to the younger ones is: where are you please? Nick Hutchinson (L 68)

THE UPPINGHAM ROVERS CRICKET CLUB The Rovers enjoyed a successful summer, despite an early set back after losing to Bradfield Waifs in the opening round of the cricketer cup. A win at Charterhouse Friars, thanks to runs from Alex Collins (B 01) and Ben Crowder (Hf 99), was followed by a comfortable team win against Lancing Rovers. These were followed by two dominant wins against the Old Eastborunians where Duncan Kennedy (B 79), Tom Kennedy (B 06), and Stuart Peters (WB 00) contributed with the bat.The tour to the South Coast sadly ended in a wash out against the Old Malvernians. All was not lost for the Rovers however, as the summer ended with a glorious victory over the Band of Brothers at Belmont House in Kent. The Rovers are always keen to welcome new cricket playing members, anyone who is keen to play please get in touch at uppinghamroverscc@gmail.com. Stuart Peters (WB 00)

The Annual Rovers Tour in Eastbourne. Katie Kennedy (Fd 83), Ben Kennedy (B 09),Tom Kennedy (B 06), Duncan Kennedy (B 79) and Annie Kennedy (Fd 11).

clubs and societies

35


clubs and societies

36

OU HOCKEY Held on 23rd March, it was a clean sweep for the OUs. A strong OU XI, unchanged more or less from the 2013 team, were keen to claw back the bragging rights having lost 5-3 to the school a year ago. They did not disappoint, playing stylishly and winning 3-1. Competitive fixtures at 2nd, and 4th XI too, though a number of ex 2nd XI players turned out in a strong outfit to beat the 3rd XI convincingly.

THE UPPINGHAM SOCIETY OUs v 1st XI: OUs won 3-1 OUs v 2nd XI: OUs won XI 3-2 OUs v 3rd XI: OUs won 5-1 OUs v 4th XI: OUs won 2-1 Next year’s OU hockey day will take place on Sunday 22nd March.

The Uppingham Society, funded by the OU Association and run by Basil Frost (M 45), supports many OUs who are raising money for good causes or who are involved with charity work. Sarah Crabtree (Sa 02) received a grant from the Uppingham Society in 2014 and writes... “Running for Breakthrough Breast Cancer I completed my second London Marathon on 13 April 2014 in 4 hours and 16 minutes, raising £5,650, taking my total raised for Breakthrough so far to over £10,000. I had the chance during my training to visit Breakthrough’s labs & scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research to see first hand where the money I raised was going and that really helped to inspire and motivate me on the big day. The race itself was amazing under lovely sunny skies with fantastic support from the crowds too and I took 61 minutes off my previous time so I was very happy. I was also particularly chuffed to collect my Lucozade at mile 23 from England Rugby Captain Chris Robshaw! With huge thanks to the Uppingham Society for its donation.”

OUs are in white shirts. Back row: Charlie Paxton (B 01),Tim Packer (B 01), Alex Collins (B 01),William Collins (B 03), Chris Symes (SH 04), Jamie Sharrock (M 99), Ben Crowder (Hf 99), Rory Hayward (Hf 03) and Harry Mayhew (Hf 04). Front row: Jono Daniel (Fgh 99), Nick Thorley (F 99), John Moroney (M 00) and Stu Peters (WB 00).

OU SHOOT The annual OU Shoot took place on 23rd October at Sir William Proby’s estate at Elton Hall, near Peterborough.

If you are interested in joining a future OU shoot, please contact Neil Kennedy (Hf 59) at kennedyconsult@aol.com. Tom Barton (WB 87) also received an Uppingham Society donation in support of his fundraising activities. In October he ran the Basingstoke Half-Marathon, completing his 100 mile challenge and in doing so has almost reached his target of raising £3,500 to fund a Lepra Community Education Van.

From left to right: John Edward (WD 57), David Edward (WD 88), Philip Amps (Fgh 78),Tom Cross Brown (F 61), Neil Kennedy (Hf 59), Jon Greaves, Pat Barker and Ted Watson.

To apply for an Uppingham Society grant, contact Jo Franklin at jsf@uppingham.co.uk.


37

clubs and societies

OU CROSS COUNTRY The event held on 18th January attracted a great turnout and the course proved to be particularly ‘character building’ this year due to the mud slide that it became.The OU team ran extremely well and were delighted with the result, coming in sixth out of ten teams. If you would like to take part next year, on Saturday 24th January, please contact Iain Wakefield (WB 82): 07831122799 or iain.wakefield@btconnect.com. From left to right: Stephen Pearson (WB 77), Christian Wakefield (WB 88), Richard Wade (WB 80), Chris Pearson (WB 74), Justin Greer (L 82), Charles Bond (C 82), Alex Potts (Hf 82), Matthew Wheeler (Fgh 79), James Caton (L 79) and Iain Wakefield (WB 82).

OU GIRLS’ FOOTBALL Girls’ Football has grown hugely in the last few years.The School’s 1st XI played 10 matches, won the Midlands League unbeaten, came second in the Midlands Cup and sent one player to represent the Midlands at the national ISFA tournament. This year we have four players trialling to represent the Midlands and are ready to compete in the National 7s tournament and National Cup.The OU match on the 21st March 2015 is a fantastic opportunity to return to the Middle and take on the current crop of footballers for their final fixture of the season.The OUs will be coached by Jon Barker, who originally set up Girls’ Football, and it is hoped that as many as possible can return to take on siblings, old housemates and catch up with old teammates. For more details and to get involved contact Jules Leang at JL2@uppingham.co.uk.

OU SQUASH The annual OU Squash fixture will be held on Saturday 6th December.The OU squash team has regular matches against other old schools teams (in the Londonderry Cup) and against the Queen’s Club in London every year. If any OUs are keen to participate or would like further details, please contact Charlie Richardson (Hf 98) at charles.h.richardson@gmail.com.

OU RUGBY

Back row: Edward Shires (Fgh 01), James Arden (SH 06), Patrick Adams (Fgh 06), Tom Moxon (WB 06),Tariq Al-Humaidhi (B 07), James Cotton (B 09), Charles Paxton (B 01),Tom Higgs (C 00),Thomas Howell (Fgh 04),Will Arden (SH 09), Rupert Innes (WD 09) and referee Iain Wakefield (WB 82). Front row from L-R:Thomas Hamilton (WD 06), Henry Bowles (M 06), John Moroney (M 00) Jamie Sharrock (M 99), Henry Watkins (Fgh 08), Edward Shires (Fgh 01) and Jordan Dobney (WD 09). A cold, wet and foggy Leicester welcomed back the OUs this year, so a showcase of free flowing running rugby was not looking too promising. The young OUs had held their end of the bargain and produced a full quota of players, however the old OUs struggled to put out a full side, so, after a bit of negotiating, the match went ahead, but only 10 a-side. Enthusiasm, pace and determination were all on show, but both sides soon started to run out of puff – 10 a-side on L1 is an unfit OUs’ nightmare! Despite the conditions, some impressive rugby was on show with some outstanding tries being scored.The old OUs (plus a few younger ones) edged ahead and by half time they were almost out of sight. By the time the second half started, it was obvious to see that the first

half had taken its toll.The pace slowed and by the time the final whistle sounded, relief was etched on every OU face. Although numbers were on the low side this year, it is hoped that OU rugby becomes an annual event. Plans for next year are already afoot, so if you are interested, please contact the OU Office. A big thank you must go out to all the OUs that attended, the event would not go ahead without your dedication. Thanks also go to Iain Wakefield (WB 82) who refereed the game and then a school fixture on the Middle immediately afterwards. We look forward to welcoming back both new and old OUs next year. Contact me for information at jamiesharrock@btinternet.com. Jamie Sharrock (M 99)


clubs and societies

38

OU GOLFING SOCIETY 2013 CAPTAIN’S MEETING It was a most welcome decision by the Captain Peter Unsworth (F 63) to take us back to Luffenham Heath, our spiritual home, in September last. He and his wife, Sandra, organised a very successful weekend for 46 OUs, wives and partners. Peter had travelled many miles during the year to support our teams in fixtures around the country and was rewarded with a weekend of warm and sunny conditions.The prize-winners were: The Acorn (best stableford score) Peter Crocombe (B 03) Lee Tankard (best scratch) Rowan Northcott (B 05) Johnson Trophy (best single figure handicap) Anthony Flather (M 70) Witt Cup (best 10+ handicap) Ben Marsh (M 62) Veterans Salver (over 55) Martin Walker (L 67) Scott Graham Quaich (over 70) Basil Pickford (C 44) Scott Graham Trophy (putting) Peter Unsworth (F 63) Ladies Team Prize Barbara Cheetham, Kay Murmann and Sandra Unsworth Christopherson Rosebowls (foursomes) Derek Bunting (B 45) and Rowan Northcott (B 05)

Since handing over the Captaincy, Peter Unsworth was appointed Chairman of the R&A Championship Committee and chaired a very successful Open at Royal Liverpool in July. He follows other distinguished OUs who have held office at the R&A such as DNV Smith (B 1919) (Captain), MSR Lunt (WB 48) (Captain) and KRT Mackenzie (Fgh 34) (Secretary). We now look forward to the 2014 Captain Mike Ingham’s meeting at Ashburnham in October.

SOCIETY MEETINGS AND MATCHES Our meetings and matches mainly against other teams of Old Boys are open to all OUs regardless of ability so whether you are a member or not (the subscription is only £10 pa, free for under 26s) do contact the Match Organiser (see list on the OU website) and come along and enjoy some great golf in excellent company on first class courses.The winners of our regular area meetings this year were: Merseyside (Delamere Forest) Martin Walker (L 67)

L – R: Anthony Myers (Fgh 47), Martin Walker (L 67), Andrew Renison (F 54), David Downes (L 59), David Goodale (B 54), David Tate (WD 54), Hugh Smith (WB 64) and Richard Taylor (M 59).

West Midlands (Little Aston) George Mitchell (F 65) London (Piltdown) Edmund Northcott (B 03) OUGS v Uppingham Rovers Rovers won 3-2 OUGS v Borth & Ynyslas GC OUGS won 3-2 Wales Tour David Hopkins (WD 60)

L – R: Tom Hayes (SH 74), David Hopkins (WD 60), Mike Ingham (M 66), Martin Walker (L 67), Derek Bunting (B 45) and Martyn Lindrea (F 54).


REPRESENTATIVE COMPETITIONS The competition amongst Northern Public Schools for the ‘Birkdale Bucket’ is held each year in March at Woodhall Spa and is contested by Uppingham, Giggleswick, Oundle, Pocklington, Sedbergh, Stowe, Worksop and Wrekin. We were represented by the largest squad of 12 players in a field of 60 and our best four scores on handicap enabled us to win the trophy again for the third year running.The four winning players were Neil Brearley (F 93), Eddy Allingham (H 81), David Hopkins (WD 60) and Ben Jason-Wood (B 84). In the 2013 QE Coronation Schools Tournament for teams of six playing scratch foursomes on a knockout basis at Royal Burgess, Edinburgh, our team consisted of Sam Debenham (C 90) (Captain), Dennis Watson (M 76), Damian Pitts (Hf 91), David Dean (Fgh 00), Eddie Allingham (H 81) and Ewen Wilson (M 85).The team did well winning 2-1 against Morrisonians and 2-1 against Perth Academy before losing to Glasgow High School in the quarter-final.The 2014 event is to be played from September 20th-22nd. In the 2014 Halford Hewitt, James Gunton (SH 97) and Lloyd Wigglesworth (C 72) returned to the side which included Eddie Allingham (H 81), Sam Debenham (C 90), David Dean (Fgh 00), David Pattrick (F 65), Chris Gotla (H 68), Nick Freeman (L 70), Damian Pitts (Hf 91) and Ewen Wilson (M 85).Thanks to the generosity of Nick Freeman all were dressed in new light blue OUGS team sweaters. Showing good form in the early rounds, like last year, they won the first two rounds at Royal St Georges beating Wrekin 4-1 and Shrewsbury narrowly 3-2, before moving on

to Deal for round 3 where, they succumbed again narrowly, 2-3 to Kings School, Canterbury, who were enjoying their best run ever.The team has hopes of improving on their good showing recently in the next few years. There was a trusty band of eight OU supporters watching them as usual and joining the team for practise at Rye on the Wednesday where we played a friendly match against the Old Oundelians which we won. Six of our supporters then travelled to Littlestone on the Thursday after watching the team play at Deal and Derek Bunting (B 45) and Andrew Renison (F 54) managed to beat their fellow OU supporters amongst others to win the consolation competition for the Peter Kenyon Bowl. In the 2012 Bernard Darwin (over 55) our team advanced further than they had ever gone before when they succeeded in reaching the final only to be narrowly beaten by Radley. With an unchanged team in 2013, our team consisted of Chris Gotla (H 68) (Captain), Chris Flather (M 67), Tim Dickson (S 67), David Pattrick (F 65), Jeremy Cooke (WB 67) and Jim Girling (WB 65).They played Wellington in the first round winning 2.5 – 0.5 but lost to a strong Malvern side in round two. In 2014 Chris Flather, David Pattrick and Tim Dickson were absent but Nick Freeman (L 70), Richard Venables (H 60) and Mike Ingham (M 66) stepped in to make up the team. Considering the relative handicaps we had an excellent first round win against a strong Harrow team but succumbed 2-1 in the second round to the eventual winners Malvern. In the 2014 Senior Darwin (over 65) the Captain David Downes (L 59) was able to

From left to right: John Newbould (F 63), Derek Bunting (B 45), Anthony Flather (M 70), Mike Ingham (M 66), David Hopkins (WD 60), Eddie Allingham (H 81), Neil Brearley (F 93), Ben Jason-Wood (B 84), David Downes (L59), Nick Freeman (L 70), Chris Flather (M 67) and Tom Jason-Wood (B 81).

select three new team members – James Musson (B 63), David Burke (LH 61) and Alan Thomas (H 62). After last year’s success when the team was beaten in the semi-finals, we were drawn to play Winchester in round one and lost 2-1. However in the plate competition Alan Thomas, Andrew Renison (F 54), David Downes (L 59) and David Hopkins (WD 60) had an aggregate score of 46 points and finished third only three points behind the winners. In the Veteran Darwin (over 75) we were again represented by Derek Bunting (B 45) and Robert Gardner (WD 51) and by Graham Barber (LH 44) and Tony Pull (M 49).They enjoyed the day but sadly did not feature amongst the winners although Tony Pull celebrated with a hole in one! As winners of the 2012 Grafton Morrish our team was exempt from playing in the 2013 qualifying competition in May and entitled to go straight to the Finals in October. And what a marvellous defence of their title they put up.The Finals are a three-day matchplay event and our team consisted of Damian Pitts (Hf 91)(Captain) and Ewen Wilson (M 85), David Pattrick (F 65) and Eddie Allingham (H 81), James Gunton (SH 97) and Nick Freeman (L 70). The team played all four of their matches at Hunstanton, beating Stowe 3-0, Cheltenham 2.5-0.5, before beating Berkhamstead 2-1 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals on the Sunday morning, despite an early night on Saturday, all seemed to catch the three putt bug and Wellington secured a 2.5-0.5 victory against us.The team had nevertheless played some quality golf and defended well.This year they have qualified in third place for the Finals which are on October 3rd - 5th. Andrew Renison (F 54)

Modelling the new OUGS jumpers, from left to right: Lloyd Wigglesworth (C 72), Ewen Wilson (M 85), David Pattrick (F 65), Eddie Allingham (H 81), Chris Gotla (H 68), Nick Freeman (L 70), James Gunton (SH 97), Damian Pitts (Hf 91), David Dean (Fgh 00) and Sam Debenham (C 90).

clubs and societies

39


Uppingham for Life

40

UPPINGHAM FOR LIFE INTO THE DRAGONS’ DEN In last year’s Magazine we mentioned plans to launch a Dragons’ Den style initiative at Uppingham whereby OUs who are starting a new business can bid for investment from a ‘club’ of OUs or Uppingham parents with funds to invest. Plans have been developed during 2014 and we would be keen to hear from potential investors or entrepreneurs with a view to having the first set of bids for support made in spring 2015. As

well as investing funds, we expect the investor to play a guiding role in their chosen business either as an adviser or by mutual agreement as a non-executive director.With this support in place we want to see yet more OU enterprises reach great heights in the future. For details of the scheme, or to register your interest either as a potential investor or entrepreneur, please contact Patrick Mulvihill in the OU Office.

OU ENTREPRENEURS Many young OUs are venturing into the world of start-ups, either direct from school or after a few years’ experience in the corporate sector. Here are just a few examples of the many and varied products and services which our entrepreneurial OUs are getting involved with: Fergus Chamberlain (WD 96) has founded Gran Luchito which specialises in authentic Mexican cooking ingredients.Their products can be found in Tesco, Ocado, Marks & Spencer Whole Foods Market, in the Swedish Supermarket Ica as well as online with amazon. For recipes and details of the Gran Luchito range, visit www.luchito.com.

Edward Bonnar (LH 04). After spending 18 months working on Jermyn Street, Edward started Beaufort & Blake in 2013, with the aim of modernising the Men’s shirt market by renovating traditional shirting heritage with contemporary style and iconic prints. Patterned Dress Shirts (as seen on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’) were an important start to stand out in a crowded market. www.beaufortandblake.com.

Joe Carnell (M 06) left school at 18 and made it his mission ‘to set out and revolutionize the health food market, one salad at a time.’ The inspiration behind ÜGOT was born out of a frustration of the lack of places to get fresh, quality food served in a fun, accessible way. Mix this frustration with a desire to explore the synergy between food, music and fashion and after teaming up with founder of SBTV Jamal Edwards, ÜGOT, was born.’ More details can be found at Facebook.com/UgotUk.

Emily Jack (L 06) founded Kings Tutors in 2012. Based in London, Kings Tutors provides private academic tuition throughout the UK to help pupils with entrance and national exams. Their aim is to increase the confidence and knowledge of their tutees and to help them fulfil their full academic potential. More information at www.kingstutors.co.uk.


Edwina Harrop (J 99) has launched her own luxury resort-wear brand specialising in travel bags (‘holiday essentials’ according to Vogue and GQ). Her bags are currently stocked on net-a-porter and soon to be available at other high-end retailers in 2015. Eddie has now been joined by Alexandra Dorrell (Fd 02) and details of the company can be found at www.eddieharrop.com.

James Yeomans (SH 02) has opened a brewery on the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, south-east London.The brewery makes a range of craft cask ales, and has recently doubled capacity to 160 casks a week, currently being served at more than 50 pubs across London and Kent. For more details visit www.hopstuffbrewery.com.

These are just a few examples of the many OUs who are succeeding on their own in the world of business. We would be pleased to hear from others who are following the entrepreneurial route and offer them publicity in the future. Finally, our thanks once again to Callum Bush (WB 99) whose mobile and tablet accessory business MediaDevil continues to sponsor senior sports kits at Uppingham.

OUs ENTERING THE WORKPLACE

LINKING OUS

In today’s highly competitive job market, a word of advice, a recommendation or some practical support can go a long way in helping school and university leavers on their way to a successful career. The OU team receives many requests from young OUs seeking help and it’s fantastic when we get more senior OUs willing to lend a hand. Examples of recent support include an MA graduate in History and Business of Art who was found a two-week placement with Christie’s; a school leaver who gained work experience in a global property company in Hong Kong; and a recent graduate whose support from an OU eventually helped him into his preferred field of ship-broking. I know that the OUs who helped these young people were delighted to have been able to offer assistance and took great satisfaction in doing so.

There are now more than 900 members in the OU group on the professional-networking site LinkedIn. If you are looking to expand your business connections or develop career opportunities then do join the group. In addition, a sub-group aimed at OUs in ‘property ‘has been established by Philip Hunter (Fgh 93). In just a few weeks 50 OUs in this sector have already joined this group and it looks like it will be a big success. We have also been asked by Katie Miller (Fd 03) to start a group for OUs in the field of medicine, so if you are working in the medical sector, please find us on LinkedIn and discover the many OUs whose careers relate to yours.

If you think you can help a young OU in your profession, do please contact the OU Office.

Uppingham for Life

41


Photo by Kilian O’ Sulivan

THE WESTERN QUAD

The Science Centre atrium with Foucault Pendulum in the foreground.

The Western Quad, the largest development at Uppingham in more than a century, is now complete. As these pictures demonstrate, our vision of turning the western part of the School’s campus into an inspiring learning environment has been realised, complete with beautiful stone, glass and green spaces.The Science Centre is world class, the Leonardo Arts Centre has been transformed and with the new Sports Centre still being acclaimed, Uppingham now has a superb range of facilities.

Photo by Andy Wilson F.R.P.S.

The Western Quad

42

If you are visiting Uppingham please do get in touch and we will be delighted to arrange a tour of the Western Quad, so you may see these fantastic new developments for yourself. Bronze sundial heading towards the Science Centre.


Photo by Kilian O’ Sulivan

The Western Quad

43

Looking across towards the Cavell Centre.

The new quad as seen from the theatre.

View of the Leonardo Arts Centre from the Science Centre.


London The

Dinner

Thursday 5th March 2015 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Knightsbridge £85.00 per person (£65.00 for OUs aged 29 and under) Includes: Pre-dinner drink Three course meal ½ a bottle of wine. Tickets are available from Jo Franklin 01572 820616 jsf@uppingham.co.uk We are delighted that Tails Cocktails will be providing drinks at the event again courtesy of Nick Wall (Fgh 92).


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.