Eagle news July 2016

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Eagle News

Issue 113 Summer 2016 The Magazine of the Old Bedford Modernians’ Club

London Lunch 2016 Inside:

Headmaster 03

Events Gallery 04

Wedding Congratulations 16

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The Magazine of the Old Bedford Modernians’ Club Founded 1892

Issue 113 Summer 2016 Bedford Modern School Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7NT Telephone: 01234 332663 Email: externalrelations@bedmod.co.uk School telephone: 01234 332500 School fax: 01234 332550 Website: www.bedmod.co.uk President: Richard Groom (1953 – 60) Chairman: The Headmaster, Michael Hall

Recent leavers, who all left BMS in either 2014 or 2015, attended this year’s London Lunch on 04 March at Merchant Taylors’ Hall thanks to the generosity of OBMs who sponsored their places.

Facebook: /BedfordModernSchool /Bedmod Twitter: @bedfordmodern @OBM_Club LinkedIn: BedfordModernSchoolAlumniLinkedin Bedford Modern School is part of the Harpur Trust: a company limited by guarantee Registered in England: Company Number: 3475202 Registered Office: Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7PZ Registered Charity Number: 1066861 The views of contributors are their own and not necessarily those of Bedford Modern School

Design by: The Answer Machine www.theAnswerMachine.co.uk Printed by: Merrys Limited www.merryprinters.co.uk

Contents 3

Letter from the Head

4

OBM Events Gallery

6

School and OBM News

12

Sports Roundup

16

Memory Stir

22

Obituaries

30

Directory of OBM Services

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Letter from the Head Michael Hall

It has been a progressive and, in many ways, a transformational few months for the OBM Club.

We reached an important milestone in the history and future development of the Club at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 25 January 2016 when the proposal for the School to take over the management of the OBM Club was wholeheartedly approved. The new arrangements came into force immediately although for the vast majority of OBMs there has been no discernible change as BMS staff have been running OBM Club events, producing Eagle News and dealing with all communication for some time now.

The new arrangements have been summarised in a Memorandum of Understanding which can be found on the OBM section of the BMS website and I do recommend that you take a look. However there are two key changes: in September a new advisory group of willing volunteers, which will be as representative of the whole OBM body as possible, will meet for the first time to help shape our thinking on future developments. We will also be asking for opinions and advice from a broad base of OBMs using a variety of communication channels. Secondly, the honorary position of President will remain but the election process for future presidents will become more open and transparent as we will seek nominations, against a set of criteria, from all OBMs.

I am honoured to have been trusted with leading the OBM Club into the future. The rich heritage which has allowed us to reach this point will certainly not be forgotten, and my sincere thanks go to all who have served on the Management Committee tirelessly during so many years. With the help and advice of as many of you as possible, I look forward with enthusiasm to making the OBM Club even stronger than it is already.

I am equally delighted to report that we have established a thriving Foundation Board comprising current and former parents as well as OBMs. This enthusiastic group of people have raised enough money in a few short months to fund a student through their sixth form years here at BMS and we are hoping that other members of the BMS community will help us to fund even more bursary places in the future. To that end we will be launching a regular giving programme in the next academic year. If OBMs were generous enough to consider donating as little as ÂŁ10 per month it wouldn't take many to enable one student to be given the opportunity of a BMS education which we know from past recipients is nothing short of life changing. One OBM described it to me as akin to the modern day 'direct grant' of which he was himself a beneficiary.

In June I had an opportunity to meet some benevolent OBMs who have left a legacy to the School in their wills. It was a great pleasure to be able to thank them in their lifetime for their generosity by hosting a lunch in their honour; something I will be repeating more regularly.

This year's Founder's Dinner, also held in June, attracted a record number of guests with 120 OBMs, teachers and guests coming together to celebrate music-making at BMS. We were entertained with performances by the School's Big Band and a piano trio comprising talented students Nabila Eldin, Tarek Eldin and Greg May who, at just 14 years old, was the youngest attendee.

I shared happy memories with those who left the school many years ago and others who were themselves here as students in the last couple of years. It was a tremendous occasion and a thoroughly agreeable way to spend a Friday evening.

I am always delighted to meet OBMs either here at the School or at events elsewhere and I look forward to meeting many more of you during the course of the next academic year.

With my very best wishes

Michael Hall Headmaster

DATE FOR THE DIARY - 10 DECEMBER 2016 Girls' Sports Festival

The Bruce Willey Memorial Rugby Match

OBM Club Christmas Lunch

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OBM Events

OBM Events Gallery (January - June 2016)

OBM Football

Four OBM teams took on current BMS teams for an action packed afternoon of football on 18 March.

Classical Showcase The Classical Showcase on 05 May certainly didn't disappoint with a wealth of musical talent on display and a wide repertoire providing something for everyone.

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OBM Events

To see more visit the picture gallery in the OBM section of the BMS website

London Lunch

Another very successful lunch was held at Merchant Taylors' Hall on 04 March.

126th Founder’s Commemoration Dinner A record number of OBMs, staff and guests celebrated music-making at BMS on 17 June at this very special occasion which included some outstanding musical performances.

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School and OBM News

News

2016 Queen’s Honours List

Sally Peck, Chair of Governors and former BMS student Richard Groom, current President of the OBM Club, were both recognised in the 2016 Honours list.

Former Chairman of the Harpur Trust, long standing Trustee and current Chair of Governors at Bedford Modern School, Sally Peck, was awarded an OBE for services to the community through Education and Sport in Bedford and the Eastern Region.

Richard Groom (1953 - 60) was awarded an MBE for services to the community; particularly disabled young people. He also helped to raise millions during his time as chairman of

the Lord's Taverners, an organisation that gives disadvantaged children the opportunity to play and engage in sport.

Richard said: “I do a lot of charity work, because I enjoy it. To see the faces of those youngsters when they were suddenly able to do things that they didn't think possible because of their disability was reward enough for me.”

More recently Richard has been the chairman of the Orpheus Centre, a performing arts college for disabled young adults in Surrey.

BMS EU Referendum Question Time 2016 On TTuesday 21 June, just two days before the European Union Referendum, the Politics Department hosted 'BMS EU Referendum Question Time 2016.'

The panel consisted of a selection of interesting speakers. On the 'remain' side economist Séan Rikard and OBM Nick Luder were joined by BMS Year 12 students Vincent Rustil, Emilia Cook and Ashling Hickey. On the 'leave' side guest speakers Conservative MP Richard Fuller and and Mid Bedfordshire UKIP Chairman Johnny Shilton - both OBMs - were joined by BMS Year 10 students James Harding and Thomas Sharp.

Moderated by History teacher, Dr Boa, the debate concentrated on topics including scaremongering, immigration, jobs and housing.

On 23 June students were able to vote in a mock referendum which resulted in 74% of BMS students voting to 'remain' and 26% voting to 'leave'.

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School and OBM News

Unique opportunity for BMS playwright Year 13 student, Will Smith, has been accepted on to the 'Quarry Theatre Project', an exciting new initiative for aspiring playwrights in Bedford.

The project is a joint scheme between Papatango, an award-winning London based theatre company whose previous playwrights have gone on to win BAFTAs, and Bedford's new Quarry Theatre.

Will was accepted on to the project after submitting a scene from an original piece which he has given the working title 'Quitting my job'.

Will participated in professional playwriting workshops held at the Quarry Theatre.

Under the guidance of Papatango's artistic director and founder George Turvey and producer Chris Foxon, the project closed with a rehearsed reading of two of the scripts complete with professional actors.

Shelly Leather, Bedford Modern School's

Head of Speech and Drama explained more about the accomplishment: “Will had been writing a script to perform at our Senior Speech and Drama showcase in February and when we mentioned this competition to him he jumped at the chance to enter.

“I've been writing for two years now and am interested in pursuing writing as a career so this is a really great opportunity for me to develop my skills.”

“This is a superb opportunity for him to learn from Papatango, a prestigious organisation who are renowned for discovering and launching some of the best new talent in playwriting. To be accepted on to this scheme whilst still at school is a real indication of Will's aptitude and is an exciting start to a possible career in creative writing.”

Will, who hopes to study English and Creative Writing at university, said: “I submitted my work after some great advice and encouragement from my teachers at school, particularly Mr Roberts in the English department who kindly advised me how to shape the play after my first draft.

OBM donates to worthy cause OBM and former Head Boy, Theo Cassell (2004 - 15) has secured a commemorative photograph of the 2012 Year 10 BMS rugby team in a silent charity auction for the Matt Hampson Foundation, a charity set up by former English rugby union prop Matt Hampson, who was left paralysed following an accident during a training session.

The photograph captures Theo and his Year 10 teammates celebrating reaching the quarter finals of the Daily Mail 2012 U15 rugby cup after their victory against Bromsgrove School where they won 12-7.

Theo, who began playing rugby at BMS in Year 3, said: “This photograph brings back some great memories for me; I grew up with these boys so it's nice to have something to hold on to from my school days.”

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School and OBM News

News

Robert Luff Medical Essay Scholarship Molly Thornton is the winner of this year's Robert Luff Medical Essay Scholarship.

Year 12 students interested in a career in medicine were invited to write an essay of no more than 1,500 words on a medical topic proposed by guest adjudicator OBM Billy Leung during the autumn term. Molly's winning title was 'The World's first head transplantation: a surgical brilliance or an unethical experiment?'

The scholarship prize, which deducts £1,000 from the two years of Sixth Form school fees, was established by the late OBM Robert Luff who was significantly involved in supporting medical research and education, particularly at Bedford Modern School.

Molly's Biology teacher Sarah Sanctuary commented: “Many congratulations to Molly.

She has produced a very well written and thought provoking essay on a topic which I am sure will challenge us all on the ethics surrounding such radical surgery. We are in a very exciting age for the development of new surgical techniques but will they be a benefit or detriment to the human race - is it a step too far?”

OBMs collect DofE gold Two former BMS students, Alex Jeacocke and Joe Russell, who both left the school in 2014, collected their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award on Tuesday 01 March at St James's Palace, London.

Achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award requires the skills, mentality and determination to really succeed as proved in the 12 - 18 months spent volunteering, developing physical skills and participating in expeditions.

Alex Jeacocke commented on the day saying: “Our trip to the palace was a fittingly great end to completing the award and a definite highlight of the whole experience. Speaking to Prince Philip was surprisingly fun, especially when we were treated to his impression of an organist, complete with royal laugh, after he misinterpreted what I meant by church sound technician!”

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School and OBM News

OBM takes fashion world by storm Alice van der Schoot, 20, now working under the pseudonym Alice Buckingham, left BMS in 2014 to study Neuroscience at the University of Leeds. She is currently balancing her studies with a successful modelling career after being signed to global modelling agency Viva Model Management last summer.

Alice landed her first big modelling job as the poster girl for Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane's Spring/Summer 2016 advertising campaign, which was affirmed by Vogue in their February interview with Alice stating: “For most models, becoming the face of a buzzed-about brand is an accomplishment garnered after seasons on the catwalk, but every so often, a newcomer makes the jump before they even set foot at Fashion Week.”

Since then Alice has taken to the catwalks of London and Paris Fashion Week featuring in shows for prominent designers including Mulberry and Erdem.

The upcoming model, who last month graced the pages of renowned fashion magazines Garage, Heroine and Muse, commented on her time at school saying: “I felt like a changed person by the end of my time at BMS. My teachers put so much trust in me, encouraging me to work independently to the best of my ability and to reach out and get involved with other activities such as being on the charity committee. Without that experience I wouldn't have been able to manage my time balancing modelling with a degree. My confidence grew both socially and academically.

“I was given a huge amount of support throughout my A Levels and encouraged to apply to study Neuroscience at university.

I felt able to be myself, which has been very important to me working in the modelling world.”

NYTsuccess for BMS students Amelia Hamer (Year 13) and Emily Carter (Year 12) have been picked from 5,000 hopefuls to join the world-leading youth arts organisation National Youth Theatre (NYT) following auditions in February for the 500 available places. To secure a place on the NYT course is an outstanding achievement that is widely recognised as an important stepping stone to a career in acting.

Shop of Horrors. Amelia and Emily also took to the stage together last year to perform as mother and daughter in the BMS Sixth Form theatre company's production of The Revenger's Tragedy.

Founded in 1956 as the world's first youth theatre, NYT has built a reputation for producing world-renowned actors such as Daniel Craig, Helen Mirren, OBM Jeremy Irvine, Orlando Bloom and Colin Firth.

Amelia who has secured a place to study at Oxford School of Drama said: “I was slightly hesitant to audition as I had heard how competitive the auditions were. When I found out I had won a place I was in complete shock!”

The girls will now attend a two week acting course in central London in August to equip them for their future involvement with NYT.

Both Amelia and Emily are actively involved in Performing Arts at BMS and starred in lead roles in this year's school production of Little

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School and OBM News

News

Show business Careers Day success for 2016 OBMs OBMs Sope Dirisu and Charlie Russell have had much to celebrate recently as their careers on stage and screen continue to go from strength to strength. Sope stars in The Huntsman: Winter's War whilst Charlie performs in the West End play The Comedy about a Bank Robbery which opened on 21 April 2016 at the Criterion Theatre London.

The Huntsman: Winter's War is a dark fantasy adventure film based on the characters from the German fairy tale Snow White which sees Sope taking on the role of a soldier named Tull. Sope appears alongside Hollywood stars such as Charlize Theron, Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt and Chris Hemsworth in the sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman. Sope has also seen much success on the small screen featuring in popular television shows such as Humans, The Mill and most recently Undercover on BBC1.

Bedford Modern School hosted its annual Careers Day on Tuesday 14 June, attended

by Year 12 students from BMS and other local schools. The Sixth Formers were able to choose from a wide variety of sessions on offer throughout the day, hosted by leaders in industry and commerce, current parents and a number of OBMs. OBM Robbie Hyde, Analyst at JP Morgan, talked about his career in banking and how he navigated the path to land his dream job. He said: “I started applying for banking work experience during my time at BMS. “Creating a timeline of experience at an early stage shows that you're serious and have a great work ethic!

“The banking culture is full of driven and hardworking people. It's great to be surrounded by smart, likeminded people, in such a motivated environment!”

John White, Director of Sixth Form, commented on the day saying: “Thank you to everyone who supported this fantastic event especially the workshop presenters, including OBMs and parents. It was truly an inspirational day.”

Piano hits the right note

Following the success of The Play That Goes Wrong, which won 'Best New Comedy' at the prestigious Oliver Awards last year, Charlie features in a new West End play; The Comedy about a Bank Robbery. The play, directed by theatre company Mischief Theatre, has received rave reviews and tells the story of a group of useless crooks who try to steal a precious diamond.

Laura Coltman, Director of Performance Arts at BMS commented: “The recent success of these two OBMs who studied with the Performance Arts Faculty is extremely impressive. The School is so proud of them and their achievements.”

On Monday 01 February staff and students unveiled a beautiful Yamaha grand piano which has been generously donated to the Junior School by the BMS Parents' Association.

Junior School pianists joined Headmaster, Michael Hall, Head of the Junior School, Joanna Rex and Bedford Modern School's Director of Music, John Mower in thanking Zohra Zaman, Chairman of the Parents' Association for the wonderful gift. To show their appreciation the students presented Zohra with a book of thank you messages and promising musician, Jack Lindner, Year 3, played a short tune on the new piano for all to hear.

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School and OBM News

Bestselling author visits BMS

On Tuesday 17 May Bedford Modern Junior School students were in for a treat when Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of the children's novel and film How to Train Your Dragon, visited the school to talk about her new novel How to Fight a Dragon's Fury.

The general public will have to wait until September for the latest paperback instalment in the series, How to Fight a Dragon's Fury, however the BMJS students were lucky enough to get their hands on pre-release copies personally signed by Cressida herself!

Following the book signing, Cressida spoke about her love of writing and the creation of her fantastic fictional world of dragons and Vikings.

Dominic publishes first sci-fi novel Year 13 student Dominic Hodgson published his first novel, Gift of the Mancynn, on Tuesday 10 May; an impressive science fiction tale about a teenager who receives visits from mysterious figures.

Fellow student Sophie Edgar, also in Year 13, designed the book cover and explained: “Dominic gave me some basic ideas he wanted to see incorporated into the cover, along with a brief synopsis of the story, which gave me freedom to experiment with possible designs. We eventually came up with a design we were both happy with, which was then sent off for printing.”

18 year old Dominic decided to be an author at the age of five. He has already finished writing his second novel Archk of Angels which is currently being edited and a third novel is underway.

Stephen Bywater, Head of English at BMS, and himself a published author, said: “Dominic has been working on his tetralogy since Year 8 and it is wonderful that he has now achieved, with true grit and dedication, his burning ambition. His love of sci-fi and fantasy is embedded in every page and I, for one, have never read anything quite like it. It takes you to places and other dimensions, shakes foundations and nimbly overturns reality. I'm certainly looking forward to the day when Dominic's Dr Who scripts are turned into full-blown episodes.

“Steven Moffat and Neil Gaiman had better watch out, there's a new kid on the block!”

The novel, published by Ravenswood Publishing, is now available on Amazon as an eBook and paperback.

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Sports Roundup

Sport Rugby

Water Polo

After making it through to the divisional and county trials, BMS 1st XV rugby captain and scrum-half Will Hardwick, played an impressive game for the Midlands U18 team on Sunday 21 February helping beat the Northern U18 team 21-17 which led to his selection onto the 24 player England Counties U18 squad.

Abigail Turner, Year 11, has been selected for the England U17 women's water polo team and took part in the 2016 EU Nations Cup in Odense, Denmark from Friday 01 April to Sunday 03 April.

Patrick Jerram, Director of Sport at BMS said: “Will has been an outstanding member of the School's 1st XV rugby team this year and as captain has led by example in every game. He is a very intelligent and physical scrum half and fully deserves this opportunity; I am confident he will be able to make the step up.”

Abigail joined some of the best international female under-17 water polo talent from across the world at the University Swimming Pool in Odense, competing against teams from Switzerland, Malta, Ireland, Wales, Czech Republic, South Africa and Denmark.

Abigail, aged 16, said: “I was able to play at a national level last year after being selected for the GB Talent Squad; to now have the opportunity to play internationally is incredibly exciting.”

Ashley Bygraves, Abigail's water polo coach at BMS, commented: “Abigail is a driven, focused and disciplined athlete. She strives to improve every time she is in the pool and follows a strict training program which includes swimming sessions - working on technique and speed, water polo skill sessions and various land training every morning and evening.”

Cyclo-cross Pierre Botha, Year 7, took part in the Central Cyclo-cross League held across the country from 01 October 2015 to 06 February 2016.

Pierre received third place in the under 12 category, achieving a score of 24.77% - an outstanding accomplishment considering 76 other cyclists entered the race.

Cyclo-cross is a demanding cycle sport that takes altered road bikes onto closed off-road circuits. Races can last up to a maximum of 60 minutes and include obstacles which require cyclists to dismount and run with their bike on their shoulders.

Regardless of the competition's sometimes disagreeable weather conditions Pierre competed in 13 out of 14 races. Scores were taken from Pierre's best nine events to give his final ranking of third place.

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Sports Roundup

Hockey Six BMS hockey players have been selected to attend this summer's Junior Regional Performance Centre (JRPC) at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. The JRPC is a training centre open to anyone who has successfully completed their assessment at a Junior Academy Centre (JAC) or previously been involved in National Age Group Squads. After attending a JAC, a JRPC is the next step on the England player pathway.

Guy Marsh, BMS Hockey Coach, added: “This is the first time BMS has had four boys recognised at this level. With strong interest in Years 7 and 8, I hope that they will

become role models to the younger boys who are already making headway at County level for Bedfordshire.”

The prestigious scholarships recognise Peter's excellent academic record and achievements and the university has also recognised Peter's swimming ability and has invited him to join its distinguished swimming team. A keen swimmer, Peter currently trains with Hatfield Swimming Club for 18 hours a week and will compete at this year's British National Championships at the end of July.

Peter's tutor and Head of Humanities, Rachel Gleeson, added: “Peter has worked extremely hard to balance exam and lesson pressures with daily training both in and out of the pool - often taking naps during his free periods to recoup and recover! He has been determined with his swimming and US applications and thoroughly deserves the rewards he has received.”

The successful players; Leo Johnson (Year 10), David Townson (Year 9), Thomas Constant-Lebrun (Year 9), Emma Townson (Year 11), Sarah Baxter (Year 10) and Matthew Radley (Year 10) will receive six days of high level coaching on the core skills of hockey from JRPC coaches in their U15, U16 and U18 age groups.

14 year old Thomas Constant-Lebrun said: “I dedicate a lot of my time to hockey so it's nice to know that my hard work has been recognised. I'm really looking forward to camp this summer.”

Swimming Bedford Modern School Year 13 student and accomplished swimmer Peter Webster has been awarded both the Crimson and Gold and the International Diversity Award scholarships by the University of Denver in America, allowing him to study Electrical Engineering and continue his passion for swimming from 04 September this year.

18 year old Peter said: “I've been swimming since I was 11 years old. I remember watching the 2012 London Olympics and being really impressed with the US swimming team and it was then that I started thinking about applying to study at an American university.

“I'm really looking forward to starting my studies in the US whilst also carrying on my passion for swimming.”

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Sports Roundup

Sport Rugby Fives On Monday 23 May the first Rugby Fives match for some time between OBMs and current Year 11 students took place on the courts at Clarendon Street.

The OBM team consisted of; Phil Atkinson (1965-75), Chris Ryan (1979-83), Ian Corby (1965-72), Mark Kiteley (1963-1972) and Howard French (1955-60). The match started with each player playing one set against their opposite number. Chris, Ian and Mark all recorded comfortable wins against their young opponents although all courts saw some long rallies played.

For the school team (Joe Sumner, Ollie Colbert, Nishant Pradhan, and Charlie Clark), Charlie struggled with left hand shots, Nishant overplayed the angled return and Ollie gave too many points away on serve. The number one court was a much closer affair. Joe Sumner made a very aggressive start to his match against Phil. Both players showed tremendous determination and rallies were lung-burstingly long! Joe looked dominant at 10 - 8 in the lead needing just one more point for victory. Phil was not ready to concede and he played some magnificent attacking shots to steal the match 12 points to ten.

The doubles matches were dominated by the OBMs. They were able to use their years of experience playing as a team to best advantage. The first pairs had one very close match which finished 15 - 13 to Phil and Chris. Joe and Ollie achieved excellent wins over the OBMs second pair; a match which saw some very hard hitting and a few generous let calls.

With a win for the OBMs by 58 points, the overall results were:

Singles BMS 23 OBMs 45 Doubles BMS 63 OBMs 99 Total BMS 86 OBMs 144

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BMS students triumph once again at Rugby Fives Year 9 students Katie Sumner and Maddie Kent became the National Schools U14 Rugby Fives Doubles Champions on Sunday 17 April for the second year running following their appearance in the Girls' Championships at Marlborough College. The girls faced a tough challenge in the final against a pair from Malvern College.

The girls also achieved medal positions in the singles competition. Maddie got through to the quarter finals while Katie progressed to the finals where she won 11-0, making her the U14 Rugby Fives Singles Champion.

Women’s Sport Week Heather Gilbert, Girls Games Co-ordinator at BMS in partnership with Bedfordshire School Sport Partnerships and Bedfordshire County Cricket Club organised the first BMS Women's Sport Week from 06 June to 10 June, with the aim of raising the profile of sport among women in Bedfordshire. Students and mothers from 28 lower schools across the county joined BMS to take part in a range of exciting sports including cricket, athletics, swimming and football.

Activities such as 'Disability Tennis' were open to boys and girls, providing them with the opportunity to experience playing both visually impaired and wheelchair tennis.

The week ended perfectly when the BMS girls were joined by their mothers in a fantastic 'Mothers and Daughters' rounders match.

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Sports Roundup

London Marathon On Sunday 24 April Sixth Form student Owen Hewett, 18, completed the 26.2 mile route of this year's London Marathon in an inspiring 3 hours and 57 minutes, raising £2,087.84 for the charity London Youth which supports young people in London to make a positive contribution to their community.

Owen commented on his experience saying: “I started thinking about entering the marathon when I was around 14 years old and after turning 18 in January I was finally old enough to enter. I started training four times a week last November, then in January I seriously injured my shin and after seeing a physiotherapist I was advised to stop running and to train only by cycling and regularly visiting the gym. At this point the furthest I had run was 11 miles.

“The day of the marathon was incredible; I had some of my closest friends and family there to support me. The encouragement from the public was amazing. I remember hearing people cheering my name (which was displayed on my running shirt), this really helped me to get through those tough last couple of miles and I don't think I could have finished without hearing those cheers and words of encouragement.”

It wasn't just a day of triumph for Owen however. Three inspirational BMS teachers also completed the course: Head of PE Mr Bignell, ran for the Primrose Unit (Bedford Hospital’s Oncology Unit) in 4 hours 3 minutes; Head of Science Mr Else, also ran for the Primrose Unit in 4 hours 20 minutes and Geography Teacher Amy Vaughan, who ran for the Alzheimer's Society, finished the race in an astonishing 3 hours and 55 minutes.

Club Sporting Contacts Cricket Kevin Appleton Kevin.appleton@hotmail.com

Fives Chris Ryan chris@standrewscarehome.co.uk 01234 352890

Football Jack Leadbetter jack.leadbetter@btinternet.com

Golf Richard Ebbs 63 Days Lane, Biddenham, Bedford 01234 344100

Hockey Mike Carter 5 Clarendon Street, Bedford 01234 215441

Rowing Michael Biggs MikeBiggs@aol.com

Rugby Theo Cassell theocassell23@googlemail.com James Pollard jamespollard5@gmail.com

Water Polo Mark Bullerwell 1999bars@gmail.com

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Memory Stir

Memory Stir

Wedding Congratulations Katy Berrill

Sam Manners

2004-06

1992-2001

former BMS Head Girl married John Kennedy on 12 September 2015 at Courteen Hall, Northamptonshire.

John White, Director of Sixth Form at BMS and Sam's close friend writes: 'On Saturday 23 April Bedford Modern School played host to an OBM five-a-side football match welcoming back OBM Sam Manners (1992 - 2001), former Captain of Football and long-time employee of the Holiday Activity Courses, who returned to the UK from his home in New Zealand for his 'UK wedding' to Ali Douglas.

Jay Nicholl 1986-94

Sam formed an OBM team which included Rob Rausa (1996 - 2001), Harvey Galvin (1998 - 2003), Mike Rausa, Sam's brother-in-law Jack Douglas and current Year 11 BMS footballer Kieran White (to give some valuable energy to the side!) The team played against OBM and former Captain Tom Leaning who led an athletic staff-based side including Ashley Tapper, Ralph Millar and me. We also welcomed Mick Manners, father of the groom, as guest goalkeeper.

In a competitive match the staff side gallantly allowed Sam to score the winning goal with a miscued shot into the top corner of the net right on the final whistle. Despite several hotly contested fouls everyone enjoyed the occasion a great deal.

married Rachael Rogan on 05 March 2016 at Furness Abbey, Cumbria. A special mention goes to the celebrant (and brother!) Ali Nicholl (1990-98) and best man Luke Perry (1984-95).

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On Saturday 30 April the sun shone brightly as Sam and Ali enjoyed their UK wedding at the home of Ali's generous family, in Sandbanks, Poole. A strong OBM contingent was in attendance. Sam's good friends Matt Garner, Rob Rausa, Carl Knighton and Michael Burt had also made the trip to New Zealand for the couple's wedding 'down under'.

Sam commented: “John was my football manager at BMS and I worked for both him and Ashley on the holiday courses and played OBMs and five-a-side for 10 years after leaving BMS. We have been close friends ever since and it meant the world that they could make my wedding in the UK. The bonds I made at school are clear; 15 years after leaving and although I now live in New Zealand, my wedding and stag do were attended by more than 10 OBMs and staff.”

We wish Sam and Ali the very best of luck as they return to New Zealand to embark on their life together.'

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Memory Stir

Wedding Congratulations Callum Hugo 2000-07

and

Emily Taylor

Chris Webb

2005-07

1999-2005

met in 2005 when Emily joined BMS. When they left in August 2007, Emily went to the University of East Anglia to study history and Callum to The University of Nottingham to study American Studies. After maintaining a long distance relationship they graduated in 2010 and both went on to Nottingham Law School together to study for the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course.

In 2012 both Emily and Callum started as paralegals at Leech & Co in Manchester and moved to the city where they set up home.

Callum is now a Trainee Solicitor at Horwich Farrelly and Emily is a Litigator at Simpson Millar LLP.

They married on 03 June 2016 at The House, Shuttleworth in Old Warden, Biggleswade.

Callum's best man was Laurence Hurley who he met at BMS when they both joined in 2001 and Nick Crossley, Rupert Houghton and Joe Ross, who he also met while at BMS, were groomsmen.

married Dr Philippa Vega on Saturday 11 July 2015 at St Andrew's Church, Farnham, Surrey.

Chris reads Classics at Girton College, Cambridge, and works as a freelance bassbaritone singer. He sings with a number of professional consorts and choirs in the UK and mainland Europe, and he is also a lay clerk at Southwark Cathedral. Chris' recent operatic projects include Colline (Puccini's La Bohème) for Merry Opera, Sarastro (Mozart Magic Flute) for Opera Anywhere, and Dulcamara (Donizetti L'Elisir d'Amore) for Westminster Opera.

Pippa is a junior doctor in the Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, about to complete her first foundation year. Next year she will be based at Ealing Hospital. She read Medicine at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, completing her training at University College London.

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Memory Stir

Memory Stir Richard Chadwick Staff 1971-09

writes: ‘in 2001 Steve Harvey, 25 BMS lads and I took part in a World Challenge expedition to Tanzania, involving working in a community project, acclimatisation trekking, and a 6-day attempt to summit Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point at 19,341ft (5,895m). Over half our group made the summit, but unfortunately I was not one of them! I had to turn back just 200m below the crater's edge with altitude sickness ("he thinks he's the Bishop of Colchester"). A wonderful trip ended with a few days R and R in Zanzibar, where those of us who failed to 'summit' pondered our lack of success.

Now free from the shackles of schoolmasterly responsibility, I decided to have another crack at Kilimanjaro in February this year in aid of charity. At the age of 66, and with two replacement knees, I am considerably older than last time, but clearly no wiser!

With two nights in Arusha prior to departure for the mountain, I spent the acclimatisation day re-visiting Olmotonyi Primary School, the scene of our rural project 15 years previously. The school looks in good shape and, although few staff remained from 2001, the evidence of our work, upgrading classrooms and concreting dusty dirt floors, was there to see.

It's difficult to explain the emotions of a tough expedition but this account might give a brief insight.

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Old Bedford Modernians’ Club

Our party left for the Londorosi Gate, Kilimanjaro National Park and we trucked up to our starting point on the Shira plateau at 2880m. Over the next eight days we walked for nearly 50 hours, covering a total of about 70 miles in an undulating approach route (demanding, but good for acclimatisation) including an additional three local summits, Shira Cathedral , Lent Hills and Arrow Glacier with a total height of 785 metres (2600 feet), and down 800 metres (2500 feet ) from Lava Tower to the Barranco Wall which we then had to climb back up (300m pretty sheer, really enjoyed that!)

The walking was spectacular. Approaching from the remote Shira Plateau, it was a few days before our route merged with the more popular routes. After five nights of sleep deprivation on the cold mountain, it's fair to say we were all suffering a little from 'mountain fatigue' by summit day, so to say we walked up the mountain and down again is an oversimplification. Tom just wandered up and down with no apparent issues (does nothing phase the lad?), Tina and Anton used oxygen for summit day and coped pretty well, and I, rather stubbornly, tried to get up without oxygen. Was that a mistake or what? I was constantly offered it until at about 5500m I had no choice but to accept, and eventually made it up, but in no state at all!

The long, long journey down was an endless hallucinatory sleepwalk, with casualties strewn all over the mountain, but stopping is not an option, and I arrived back, some time after the others, and made straight for the toilet tent!

The final 40 hours had been a struggle. After rising at 6.30 on the Thursday morning, we had only had a few cursory 'naps' until getting into a bed at about 1.00am on the Saturday morning. It had been tough, but all four of us had made it to the top.

I was too exhausted at the summit for any euphoria. That came the next day, and, after a decent sleep in a hotel and a relaxing massage we celebrated with a memorable night out, involving a bar crawl, restaurant meal and a few cocktails in an Arusha nightspot, dancing 'till two to a Rastafarian band…”No Woman No Cry…etc”. It was like being a student again (briefly!)

Wonderful though our chef Jeremiah's work was in difficult conditions, I never want to taste his porridge, cucumber soup or vegetable stew again.

Maybe in time, I will come to realise that 1) I am less infallible than I think and 2) me and extreme altitude don't get on. But I doubt it!’

Harvey Smith 1975-85 writes: ‘I attended BMS between 1975 and 1985 living in Bedford for most of that time.

Medical school was followed by the Army, marriage, two daughters and then the NHS. We migrated to Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia 7 years ago to set up a day surgery business. We returned to Europe in July 2015 and Deborah Burrows, a BMS member of staff, was kind enough to show us around the school for an hour. I had not been back since 1993.

The school externally looks unchanged apart from the replacement of the military surplus green paint with bright red. We walked through corridors and locker areas that seemed familiar into areas of significant in fill and subdivision. From the north side of the school the impression was of orderliness with landscaped grounds replacing a wild area.

The new sixth form centre was very impressive I was amazed to find PPE now a school department.

I was very interested to hear about the restructuring of the Harpur Trust in Bedford with the amalgamation of BHS and DAHS. The move to a mixed sex school 10 years ago was clearly an excellent strategic decision. I noted the absence of the large bike sheds at the front of school. Cycling to school is apparently no more. I did wonder where the painting of Dr Dobinson had gone. The dunhill permanently attached to his left hand while posing for the picture was I think edited out of the final painting. I wish the school, staff and pupils the very best for the future.’

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Memory Stir

Matthew Sawyer

James Anstee

2002-08

1934-39

Matthew's dream from a very young age was to become an architect, and despite the course's difficult entry requirements, was pushed by his teachers to help him achieve his aims. During his time at BMS he had an interest in anything design, taking Art and Design Technology for his A Levels and enjoyed the design and realisation of his inventions which ultimately became integral to his architectural career. The drawing and construction skills which he learnt during this time gave him the confidence within the design studios and workshops during his further studies.

Following his time at BMS, Matthew went on to complete a foundation course at Northampton University in Art where he obtained a Distinction. After his foundation studies he received a place at Oxford Brookes to study architecture where he gained a First Class degree and was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects South-West Leslie Jones Memorial Prize for excellence in building construction. Consequently, Matthew was able to secure a job at a prestigious London architectural firm, Grimshaw Architects, and after working at the practice for two and a half years his efforts were recognised and he was awarded an architectural grant to continue his studies during his Masters Course. Today, he is nearing the completion of his two-year Masters course at the University College of London at the Bartlett School of Architecture. This school is consistently highly regarded within the architectural community and has been ranked the second best architectural school in the world for the past two years by the QS Worldwide University Ranking.

Matthew is looking forward to continuing his architectural career after finalising his studies by going back to Grimshaw Architects and hopes to start his own architectural practice in the future.

a retired teacher together with his wife, Diana, visited the School on Tuesday 03 May ahead of his 95th birthday on 24 June. He particularly wanted to look at the WWII Roll of Honour which is currently housed in the BMS reception area but also managed to see the memorial to the fallen of WWI and visit the Luff foyer too.

On the day of his visit the memorial book was turned to the page of Albert Manning who, by coincidence, James remembered! Lots of

memories flooded back and he was amazed by our very 'modern' school which is very different to the school that he remembers. He does however firmly believe that BMS set him off in the right direction for life!

Andrew Wilson

Dave Hurley

Staff

1972-82

Current BMS Biology Teacher, David Jenkins writes: 'Many will fondly remember Andrew Wilson who was for many years Head of Classics at BMS and Head of the Army Section of the CCF. For me, the attached photo of the CCF in 1981 was a real memory stir although there are some names I can't quite remember.'

writes: ‘on 02 April a group of us who had been in contact by email met at Bedford Blues where Shaun Clarkson had organised a table (thank you Shaun for fitting that into your hectic schedule). We had all played rugby, cricket and football together for the school for many years and although it had been 30-odd years in some cases it was straight into a whip round and the banter started. There followed a long day and it was great to see Richard Chadwick our old rugby master and form tutor. We were also able to remind Hoss Lilley and Bruce Mackay how we beat the OBM XV that year.

Max Cornish showed he had not changed that much since school later in the evening.’

Back Row (l-r)

Back Row (l-r): Martin Rodgers, Andy Tyler, Rob Barker, Barrie Norman, Shaun Clarkson, Andy Oakley, Chris Pollard, Mick Allen. Front Row (l-r): Richard Chadwick, Dave Hurley, Max Cornish.

Phil Jackson, Ron Berry, Dave Berry, Rodney Hogg (I think), Me, Tony Hoyland who was the RSM, and a young man who's name actually escapes me.

Front Row (l-r) Tony Sampson, Ross Macrae, John Hale, Digger Roberts( after whom Digger's wood is named) Dan Dickey, Andrew Wilson and finally Martin Gant.

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Memory Stir

Memory Stir Rhys Parker 1983-88 writes: ‘I joined the CCF in the 4th Form (in old money) and, having worked out that the RAF section not only exposed you to the activities enjoyed by the other services, but took you flying as well, it seemed a logical choice. The Friday afternoons on the parade square were more than compensated for by summer camps to RAF bases as far afield as Finningley and Wildenrath (in Germany), trips to Colchester for shooting competions, gliding at South Cerney and - on what seemed a regular basis - the bus ride across to Cambridge for Air Experience Flights in the venerable Chipmunk.

All of this must have made an impression as my thoughts turned from a constant flit between the law and veterinary surgery to a life of aviation; I wanted to fly the Phantoms I had seen at Wildenrath.

As you are aware, the CCF was so fortunate to have Lt Col 'Digger' Roberts at the helm and, in the RAF section, Colin Furneaux and his merry men ensured we were kept active. On reflection, it is abundantly clear that, not only did they have a real passion for it, but they actively sought out opportunities for those of us who expressed a real interest in joining the Royal Air Force. Such contacts were invaluable when it came to advice for interview technique at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC), then at RAF Biggin Hill, which for a fortunate few - led to Flying or Sixth Form Scholarships. As the recipient of a Flying Scholarship, I spent three weeks of the postLower Sixth summer holidays at Cambridge Airport where I amassed 30 hours flying time including ten hours solo - on the Cessna 152.

This galvanised my thoughts and made me determined to pursue a career in the RAF. Having been unsuccessful in securing a University Cadetship, I took the place - secured by dint of the Sixth Form Scholarship - at Initial Officer Training (IOT) and, aged 19, presented myself at RAFC Cranwell for 30 weeks of basic training; my military life had begun.

Graduating from IOT in February 1990, I spent a further nine months at RAF Cranwell on Basic Flying Training on one of the last courses to fly

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Old Bedford Modernians’ Club

the Jet Provost. Sadly, this is where my Phantom dream ended as I was selected for multiengine training at RAF Finningley, receiving my wings in the summer of 1991.

My first operational posting was to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire where I spent a total of nine years flying the Lockheed L1011 TriStar in the passenger, freight and air-to-air refuelling (AAR) roles. Joining the squadron at the end of Operation Granby (Desert Storm or Gulf War 1 as it is otherwise known) I spent much of my time on deployment to Italy where we provided AAR support for NATO aircraft policing the no-fly zone over the rapidly deteriorating Former Yugoslavia.

The squadron's peacetime role saw us providing global support to the Armed Forces and I operated to places as far afield as the Falkland Islands, Australia, Diego Garcia, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, as well as our more regular tasks to Canada, the USA and Cyprus.

Having progressed from co-pilot to captain (at the time, aged 25, I was the youngest on the squadron) and then as an instructor, in 1999 I was selected for an exchange posting with the Canadian Forces.

There I spent three years flying the Airbus A310 in the global passenger and freight roles, including VIP missions with the Canadian Prime Mininster, the Governor General and the Royal Family.

On returning to the UK, I was posted back to the TriStar and - having been largely immune from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq found myself flying into Basra shortly after the 'end of hostilities' which, as we know, was anything but. I finished my time in the RAF in a Headquarters job where one of my less arduous duties was planning the flypasts over London for Her Majesty The Queen's official birthday.

Retiring at the rank of squadron leader, aged 38, I joined British Airways in March 2008 and spent six years flying shorthaul routes around Europe on the Airbus A320.

As I write, I am on board the largest commercial airliner in the world and have been flying the Airbus A380 aircraft for the past two and a half years on some of our most prestigious routes - although I'm sure that fellow OBMs on other aircraft in BA might disagree!’

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Memory Stir

Adam Nicoll

Robin Wills

John Clifton

1986-93

1960-69

1927-33

On January 22, Adam Nicoll arranged the 20th consecutive 'class of 1993' OBM reunion at The Seven Stars pub behind the Royal Courts of Justice just off Chancery Lane in London. He writes: 'it was a fitting boozer for this social kaleidoscope in the OBM calendar of the biliary tract. A weaker turn-out than usual unfortunately, due to various attempts at abstinence in January by the poorly educated (oh!), forty-something family pressures (many of our vintage have made the mistake to go multiple now) and some foolhardy diary mismanagement (I'm in Moscow that day), but a dozen of us collided socially, intellectually and spiritually - it was like a 1950s Oxford University Common Room at times, C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had nothing on us - we covered Jeremy Beadle, colonic irrigation, Marathon des Sables (same thing right?) and reminded some that the school was still (!) now, co-ed and had been for the entire millennium pretty much.

donated two splendid dress swords belonging to his wife's late husband Major Andrew Makepeace, who died in 1995. The swords will be used by the School's Combined Cadet Force (CCF) to recognise excellence within its ranks.

Ben Shorten (1936-44) writes: 'John Roland Clifton has been appointed Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur by the French government in recognition of his flying services in the RAF during the D day landings in Normandy in June 1944.

Other luminaries in attendance were Charlie Charles Charleston Tomkins, and Mark Denney, celebrating the birth of his son who will no doubt one day grace the fields of Manton Lane with an egg under one arm and a blond under another.

I shall be hosting another reunion later in the summer so hopeful that the net can be cast wider still to those who ducked this particular missile. Anyone wishing to get in touch for details can do so at adamnicoll10@hotmail.com’

As a member of RAF ground crew, John was posted to France with the British Expeditionary Force in 1940 servicing Wellington bombers.

Cut off with his unit after Dunkirk, he made his way back to the UK via Marseilles and Gibraltar.

After gunnery, wireless and navigational training John's air crew activities centred on light bombers Blenheims and Venturers. At the time of the Normandy landings his squadron was flying the fast American Boston light bombers. Returning to France following the Allies advance, his squadron was engaged mainly in support operations through northern France, Arnhem and the Ardennes, culminating in the Rhine crossings and Germany that brought the war to an end.

After Sandhurst, Major Makepeace served with the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) which has now been disbanded and subsumed into the Light Infantry (The Rifles). Following his departure from the Army he remained very active with the Durham army cadets until his death some 20 years ago.

John, who must be one of our oldest OBMs, celebrates his 99th birthday in July 2016. He deserves our warmest congratulations for this award and his longevity.'

WO2 Alex Smith, CCF Contingent Commander from September 2016, said: “I'm delighted to receive these dress swords on behalf of the School and the CCF and fully intend to use them to mark excellent performance within the CCF on an annual basis.

“I extend my grateful thanks to Robin and his wife, Diane, and hope that Major Makepeace would approve of the future intended purpose for these fine pieces having given loyal service to the military during his life.”

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OBM Obituaries

Obituaries SD King 1948-56

South House, died on 07 January 2016 aged 78. Dr Tom King (1943-50) writes: 'He was the youngest of four brothers (PP, RE, TK and SD) who passed through the school in an extended decade between 1941 and 1955.

It was a time of considerable achievement both academically and in sport - the Boat Club, with the notable coaching of 'Lanky' Stevens, Stan Alder and the eccentric Dan Dickie contributing greatly to this success. In that era, crews competing annually at Henley Royal Regatta all acquitted themselves well. The Kings were represented in 1947 (PP), 1950 (TK and SD) and 1955 (SD) crews. Sidney always maintained that as cox at HRR he was both the youngest and lightest on record!

Of them all, the 1949 eight deserves special mention, winning, as it did, the prestigious pre-Henley 'Marlow Eights' whilst, at the same Regatta, the 2nd V111 raced in the 'Public School Eights' - losing only to Eton in the final.

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Heady days indeed. The 1950 V111 (coxed

by SD) achieved something that had eluded the School for 22 years when they beat 'The Grammar' at Bedford Regatta and this Sid, now rowing, repeated at HRR with the 1955 crew! Two such wins out of two remains, I think, unique.

SD went on to row for the RAF during his time in National Service, and subsequently for Durham University. He continued his involvement in the sport both in club crews and, latterly, as a regatta umpire; in this role he was officially recognised and appointed by the ARA. For his services to the sport he was later elected a Member of Leander Club.

From Durham he obtained his degree in Geology and Physics. His work as an Industrial engineer began with 3M in Swansea and later with Tube Investments in London and Tube products in the Midlands.

In 1968 a short step was to see him in Wales with British Steel - a move that was to determine his future - meeting and marrying

the love of his life, Jean Richards, a teacher from Swansea. They remained devoted until his death in their Golden Wedding year.

He retired through ill health in 1991 but remained extremely active, both on and off the water, in Mumbles where they had set up home. He was an enthusiastic and generous 'Bon Viveur', and took great pleasure in his family ties and from his many varied interests.

After a long illness and wonderful care, both from his wife and professionally, he was allowed a peaceful end.'

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OBM Obituaries

Anthony Wilkins

James (Jim) Douglas Kirby

1942-49

1929-34

County House, died peacefully in his sleep on 30 December 2015. Pete Wilkins, his son, writes: 'I think his crowning school glory was rowing at number 2 in the victorious BM eight at the Marlow Regatta in June 1949.

However, he was extremely proud of all his time at Bedford and whatever my or my brother's victories were through school, Dad would always say it would have been different had we faced Bedford Modern.

After school Dad embarked on a period of National Service, affording him a trip to Egypt in the early 1950s, tales of which, as his children, we were (too) often delighted by. For the majority of his working life he worked for Nationwide Building Society, an employer to which he was very loyal.

He retired in 1987 and enjoyed many years of happy retirement with his devoted wife, Joan who he married back in 1963.

He will be much missed by his wife, two sons of whom he was very proud and six grandchildren who he loved very much.

They will, in turn, be forever grateful for his 'modest stillness and humility', of which he was an, if not the, exemplar.'

Nick Atkins 1979-85 County House, died suddenly on 02 December 2015, aged 47.

He represented the school at Athletics up to National level in the English Schools Championships 1982 (400 metres) and 1983 (800 metres).

Nick leaves behind three sons.

died in March 2014 after a short illness in his 97th year. Jim's daughter, Sue Woodstock, writes: 'Jim was born in Bedford in August 1917 and educated at Bedford Modern School where he enjoyed all sport, playing rugby and cricket for the school's first teams.

On leaving school in 1934 he joined the Woolworths business in the Bedford store becoming Stockroom manager in 1937.

But indoor life did not suit him and following in the footsteps of his father and older brother he joined Luton Borough Police Force as a Constable in 1938. Although the country's Police Forces were a reserved occupation during wartime, Jim volunteered to join the RAF and on his third application his Chief Constable gave his permission for Jim to join to train as a pilot in April 1942.

After training, part of which entailed a year in Canada, Jim was awarded his wings in Moose Jaw. On return to the UK and after further training stations he was posted to a Bomber Command Squadron flying initially Wellington aircraft and then Lancasters.

After the cessation of hostilities in Europe by which time Jim had been promoted to pilot officer he was required to return to his Police Force in Luton.

In 1947 the Luton Borough and County Forces were amalgamated. In 1950 Jim was transferred as liaison officer to Sir Harold

Wernher's Luton Hoo Estate working between the estate and the public in general. In 1953 he transferred to Dunstable on CID duties and then was put in charge of the CID at Leighton Buzzard. Upon being promoted to Sergeant, Jim served in Bedford for a period and was then reposted to Luton in 1958. He was shortly promoted to Inspector rank, and from 1964-68 he worked in the Prosecutions Department where he was in charge at the time he decided to retire in 1968 after 30 years of service (wartime service included). He then worked for the Local Authority doing prosecution work until 1981 when he totally retired. Jim was a keen sportsman, cricket being his first love. For many years he played for Luton Town and Bedfordshire 11s - he was still playing cricket locally into his early 80s.

Jim took up golf at the age of 60, by now living in Chesham to be near his daughter and family, and played locally until his 90th year. Throughout his life he was also a keen supporter of Luton Town Football Club and a founder member of its Vice Presidents' section.

Whilst in Luton in 1940 Jim met Irene, whom he married in November 1942 in Torquay, Devon during his RAF training. They remained together for the next 63 years when Irene sadly died at the age of 87.

Jim survived a further 5 years during which time he celebrated the marriage of his two grandsons and met four greatgrandchildren. Throughout his life Jim returned to Bedford weekly on average to visit his parents and latterly his sister and very often he would recount his experiences from his school days - he was very proud of having attended Bedford Modern School although there was always some rivalry with his older brother who attended Bedford School!'

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OBM Obituaries

Obituaries Jerry Cooper 1946-54

24

I don't remember having to hand in any project though.

We went our separate ways for National Service, he into the RAF Regiment and I joined R C Tomkins in the 1st Bedfords in Egypt. Jerry was envious that I was able to take a flight in a two seat Meteor jet fighter at the invitation of the local RAF Station at Ismailia, while all of his flights used propellers.

Culver House. Barry Montague (1944-53) writes: 'Jerry and I were first brought together by our determination to gain the necessary exam levels to apply for entry to Oxbridge.

It was one thing to achieve A Levels but quite another to acquire those five necessary Matriculation subjects at Credit (later O Level) standard; the bête noir of these was, of course, Latin. We were lucky that Colin Hill took us seriously and he became a valuable mentor. JET took little interest in us (but was pleased a few years later to dine with us and all undergrad OBMs at Cambridge!). I had dropped Latin after First Form, having suffered at the hands of Revd Hartley and his 'Tonk' and so had the prospect of doing five years' work in one.

Jerry had soldiered on a little longer but still had much ground to make up. We spent many an anxious hour together with Caesar's Gallic Wars in one hand and a translation in the other, trying to make sense of it all. Come the exams and I passed!

Jerry had to re-sit but all was well.

Coincidentally, we both applied to Emmanuel College, Cambridge (Toot's old college) and were accepted after National Service, of course.

Hugh Armstrong

Jerry was an all-round sportsman excelling in Fives, Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. There was a memorable occasion when he 'nursed' me round the track in an 880yd race so that I gained some points for my house. I returned the favour after the exams were over when VI Formers were expected to produce 'worthwhile' projects before the end of term. Having studied Geography we decided on a 'Survey of the River Ouse flood plain', which we thought sounded imposing enough. We took a tub pair from the boat house every day for a week and I taught him how to row. 'Three Men in a Boat' became two, as we picnicked at Cardington Mill or near the Slipe in Queen's Park enjoying the occasional swim.

County House. Died on 26 January 2016, aged 71. Clive Akass (1954-62) writes: 'It did not take Hugh long to discover that he was not cut out for a military life, despite having been an enthusiastic member of the school CCF band. He joined the Army straight from school and left almost immediately to pursue another interest from his schooldays: acting. He met early success after leaving the Rose Bruford drama school, becoming in succession a member of the Royal Shakespeare and National Theatre companies, and appearing in seminal productions at the Royal Court and Mermaid theatres. In 1974 he played R P McMurphy in One flew over the cuckoo's nest at Liverpool's Everyman Theatre, with a

Old Bedford Modernians’ Club

At Cambridge he made my rooms in New Court his second home and the next year, his room in The Hostel did the same for me. He always maintained that his

interest in Classical Music came about because of the 'brainwashing' he received from my record player. Two years after leaving University he was my Best Man and a few months later, I was his. I forgave him for spending his teaching career at 'the other place'. I moved to Australia but on our trips back to UK it was always easy to pick up where we had left off and continue our friendship.

I am so glad that I was able to meet him in May 2015 on Bedford Regatta weekend. He brushed aside my concerns about his health as “just a bit of bronchitis, Mont”.

RIP old friend.'

1953-61

cast that included future luminaries like Bill Nighy and Julie Walters.

He had also a major role in the 1968 movie Prudence and the Pill, starring David Niven and Deborah Kerr, and he played the monster in the cult film Death Line, starring Donald Pleasance.

Sadly his career lapsed into a cautionary tale about the perils of dropping out. He spent many years travelling the world, including several soul-searching in India, where he formed a theatre company at the Pune ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Under his direction the company toured India with Shakespeare productions, performing once in front of Indira Gandhi.

Hugh moved from India to the US with the Rajneesh organisation but left before the scandalous collapse of its commune in Oregon. He never managed to pick up the pieces of his acting career in any conventional sense. But life was Hugh's theatre. He was a travelling entertainment and until the illness that marred his later years, and sometimes even then, he brought laughter wherever he went.'

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OBM Obituaries

Robert George Miles 1938-40

South House. Nigel Boothby (1950-58) writes: ‘Robert George Miles, better known to everyone as 'Bob', was born in Bedford on 16 May 1924, of parents who kept a shoe shop in the Midland Road.

He attended schools in Bedford and finally in 1938, Bedford Modern School - a scholastic journey during which he recalled that one Headmaster claimed to have known him better by the seat of his trousers than by his face. However, Bedford Modern School was to have a profound effect on Bob's future life.

Having left school at the age of 16 he joined the company of J R Eve & Sons, who were Estate Agents. During his time with that company, he always took sandwiches for his lunch which he ate in the Corn Exchange, where he and his friends were able to watch, and listen to, the Glen Miller band rehearsing their broadcasts over the BBC from the Corn Exchange in Bedford.

One by one his friends joined the services and Bob did likewise, joining the RAF in 1942. He served at a number of establishments before attending an Armourers Course at RAF Hereford, a station which is still operational today.

When his operational posting came, it was not to one of the more famous aerodromes of Fighter or Bomber Command fame, but a small airfield at a place called

Tempsford, which was deliberately constructed according to the designs of a famous illusionist of the time: Jasper Maskelyne. It was described as 'Churchill's Secret Airfield' and it was never attacked.

It was from here that agents of the Special Operations Executive, or SOE, were despatched to various locations in Europe, of whom the names Violette Szabo and Odette Sansom are but two of many.

Whilst the work that was undertaken at this airfield was of a particularly sensitive nature, Bob recalled that his most dangerous period was, in fact, after the war when unused ammunition, ranging from bullets for small arms to aircraft delivered bombs had to be taken to the Norfolk Brecklands for disposal.

After demobilisation, Bob returned to J R Eve and Company for whom he subsequently acted as Rating Officer on behalf of Bedfordshire County Council.

Bob was initiated into the Old Bedford Modernians' Lodge on 11 February 1948.

He was Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1960 - 61 and remained fully committed to Freemasonry for the remainder of his life.

Bob subsequently left the Bedford area and settled in Sale. It was here, whilst maintaining a business in property, he met, professionally, his future wife, Thelma.

Having acquired property that was divided into flats, Bob set about the task of letting them. Being one who was never short of ideas and being aware that there were large theatres in Manchester, he was able to arrange lettings to members of the theatrical society. Hence he found himself with tenants such as Dicky Henderson, Diana Quick and Albert Finney, but he was never more surprised than to answer a knock at the door to find Sir Bobby Charlton on the doorstep wishing to discuss the possibility of accommodation for some of Manchester United's rising stars.

On retirement, Bob and Thelma moved from Sale to St Briavels in the Forest of Dean.

Having bought a bungalow on a hillside Bob and Thelma set about learning how to clear shrubbery and create a garden all at an angle of 45˚ - not exactly ideal, but they succeeded. Unfortunately the steepness took its toll and a further move became necessary.

Taking up residence in Begwyns Bluff at Clyro near Hay-on-Wye, they found tending the garden to be much easier: after all, it was at the more comfortable angle of about 35˚! In due course tending gardens at Begwyns Bluff also became difficult and a move to more urban accommodation became necessary with a flat in the centre of Hay-on-Wye providing their needs. With their lounge windows extending almost to the floor, it was thus that Bob became known as 'the man in the window'. Always there, waving to all whom he knew, especially the pretty ladies, (whether he knew them or not).’

Gwyn Nicholls 1964-70 North House, died in October 2015.

Gwyn Raymond Nicholls attended Aston University from 1971 until 1975 obtaining a First in Maths and Computer Science, and an Msc in Computer Applications. He subsequently worked for Worcestershire County Council from 1975 to1992 ending as Technical Support Manager.

In 1992 he decided on a career change and went to Worcester University until 1993 obtaining a PGCE in Maths and PE. From there he went on to teach Maths and IT in Birmingham and later, during the years 1993-2013, in Worcester.

Gwyn married Anne in 1975, and they lived in the Worcester area all their married life. They have three children, Helen, David and Simon and three grandchildren.

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OBM Obituaries

Obituaries Cliff Mitchell 1949-55

Cliff did a great deal of work for Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club; more than 30 years as the Club Secretary, Fixture Secretary and Trustee. Leighton Buzzard Round Table and 41 Club, of which he was founder Chairman, also gave him much enjoyment and they benefitted from his organisational abilities.

He was elected to Slapton Parish Council in 1978 and appointed Chairman on three subsequent years.

At the end of Cliff's eulogy he was described in one short sentence: 'He was a man of utmost integrity.'

ANS Thompson Staff

School House for two terms and then Shakespeare House, died on 24 December 2015 aged 75. The following is taken from information supplied by Neil Coles: BMS gave Cliff the playing field he so enjoyed with colours for rugby, rowing and, perhaps part of his precise nature, fencing, where he excelled in foil; one of our best for years.

He spent from 1957-59 at Nottingham University's Sutton Bonnington School of Agriculture much to his Father's delight as with four sisters he had presumed Cliff would take on the farm which he did for a while (195961), but it wasn't the life for him.

I recall that Tommy was 'house tutor'; the title given at that time to assistant house masters, at Shakespeare House when I moved from Chaucer House to Shakespeare in 1948.

He joined E T Ray & Co solicitors where his precise nature was suited and remained there until June 1987. He subsequently became the Assessment Manager for the Solicitors Complaints Bureau until retirement in March 2005.

Eric Baker

Cliff's great passion was rugby which he played at college and for Leighton Buzzard.

He was captain and organiser of the Occasionals XV, which consisted of older players and some Oxford and Cambridge Blues who just turned up to keep fit.

He also took up refereeing where he rose through the ranks to the RFU panel only just below international recognition until a broken leg forced him to retire and he then became a panel assessor at that level.

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Paul Grace (1947-56) writes: 'I learnt recently from a fellow Rotarian, that A N S (“Tommy”) Thompson, who taught history at BMS in the late 40s and early 50s, had died aged 97.

He left BMS in 1955 to teach Economics at Nottingham High School and in due course he became head of Economics and Politics at that school, which amongst its alumni are a former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kenneth Clarke and shadow chancellor, Ed Balls.

Old Bedford Modernians’ Club

I thought of him as a very fair man. In those days the youngest boarders had to be in bed by 8pm, lights out at 8.15pm and any talking thereafter led to a 'slippering' by Tommy, who treated all boys in the dormitory equally.

Whilst at BMS Mr Thompson was the scoutmaster of a flourishing troop. For those not in the scouts, on entering the third form, membership of the CCF became compulsory. He continued his involvement with the scouting movement at Nottingham and in the late 50s started the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for the Venture Scouts, continuing that activity for a further 12 years after his retirement.'

1934-42 East House, died aged 90. Son-in-law Chris Hall writes: 'Eric Charles Bateman Baker was born in Brighton on 10 June 1925. His family were farmers, and his father an engineer.

For business reasons, the family moved from Brighton to Bedford, where Eric completed his education at BMS. At school he was in the CCF and a keen member of the Rowing Club, competing at Henley Royal Regatta.

In later years he regaled his grandchildren with fond memories of life in the old school building, and of swimming in the Ouse to

gain the 'button' required to allow him to row on the river.

He left school in 1942 having gained his School Certificate, and volunteered for war service. His first posting, aged 171/2, was to HMS Ganges for training, and then to HMS London. Four months later he was selected for Officer Training and posted to HMS King Alfred. In October 1943, Eric was appointed to the rank of 'Midshipman RNVR' and posted to HMS Rother, a 'River Class' Frigate detecting 'U Boats' in the Atlantic. His posting to Rother lasted from 1943 to 1945.

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OBM Obituaries

He was on sonar duty, responsible for submarine tracking, and his expertise was credited with Rother's only confirmed sinking.

involving a return of cancer, stents, and a hip replacement, ultimately forcing him to retire in 1988.

On cessation of the war in Europe in 1945, Sub Lieutenant Baker was posted to HMS Welcome, a minesweeper, taking him to Africa, Hong Kong and into Singapore on VJ Day in August 1945. Eric was on the first British ship into Japan following the dropping of the two atomic bombs, and witnessed their horrific aftermath. An example of Eric's modesty is that it was only in 1999 that he was persuaded to apply for the Medals he had been awarded during the war.

He was father to four sons and a daughter; grandfather to 18 grandchildren; and great-grandfather to 22. Very much a 'family man', he devoted his life to Jean and their family. He was a Freemason for more than sixty years, and the first Senior Vice-President of Sandy Rotary Club.

Eric was skilful with his hands, and also a good artist who painted some excellent water colours. Although not an attender of OBM events, he maintained a keen interest in the School through three of his grandsons attending BMS.’

Alan Locke Old Owenian

While still in uniform he met his future wife, Jean, commencing a love story that lasted seventy years. They married in 1947 at St Peter's Church in Bedford, and Eric commenced work with his new father-inlaw in electrical retail and car sales. When his own father became unwell, Eric left to support him in his business manufacturing refrigeration units, to such success that it was taken over by Prestcold, a leading refrigerator manufacturer. Although offered a Directorship, he preferred instead to run his own business. Eric purchased a hat ribbon factory in Luton, and over the years grew that business, taking it into the seasonal Christmas trade by producing ribbons, bows, gift tags and tinsel, and moving into a new factory, 'Tiwell', in Sandy, Bedfordshire. At one time Jean and all of their children also worked in the business.

Unfortunately, Eric's health became a challenge that would have finished lesser men than him. Kidney stones were followed by a first cancer operation in 1974, quickly followed by many more serious operations,

died on 12 April 2016, two days before his 88th birthday.

Jim Baylis writes about his old friend: 'Alan died unexpectedly of the Myeloma blood cancer which he had fought very positively for three years. Alan spent his early years in Hornsey, North London where he was born and went to school. At the age of 12 he passed a scholarship to Dame Alice Owens School at Islington. But the outbreak of World War II meant he was never to attend the school in London. He was evacuated to Bedford with the school for the duration of the war.

The school found help and support from the people of Bedford. Alan spent the first three months with one family then moved to another where he stayed until 1945. The school used many facilities in the town not least of them Bedford Modern School where they held lessons in the afternoons.

Despite the war the school went from strength to strength with many of its students achieving university places. Alan spent three years at the Slade School of Art, University College London, where he was taught by the likes of Stanley Spencer and had models such as Quentin Crisp. They were interesting times and it was here he met Audrey Barlow a fellow student who became his first wife. They lived in Kenton, Middlesex and had two sons and a daughter.

On leaving The Slade, Alan had to do his National Service and went into the Royal Army Educational Corps where he swiftly rose through the ranks to Captain. On leaving the army he worked for The Bureau of Current Affairs and then moved into advertising. He worked for a variety of London advertising agencies handling a range of clients; Anadin and Bovril to name just two.

At the age of 43 Alan moved into the charity marketing business running the London office of Webb Ivory where he advised charities on their Christmas cards and gift selections for fund raising catalogues. He moved to Tonbridge, Kent to join Hilary who later became his second wife.

Semi-retirement came in 1992 when he worked part time from home for other companies selling Christmas cards and gifts to charities. He finally retired aged 72.

Throughout his life he was involved in amateur dramatics; he wrote poetry, attended art classes and was known locally as the best Father Christmas in the business.

His real joy was Italy; Venice, Rome but particularly Florence where he would spend days in the Uffizi just soaking up the art.

Alan's extensive general knowledge ensured he was always somebody people wanted to talk to, listen to and learn from.

His wicked sense of humour was a joy, and his loss is felt by all who knew him.'

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Obituaries Derek Robert Norman

'Derek Lofty Norman 60 years an Ath man'.

Just think how many OBMs would have passed through that club in those 60 years?

1940-45 The Centenary History of the Ath recognises his part in the development of that club as follows:-

West House, died on 25 February 2016 after a short illness, aged 87. Neil Norman, his brother, writes: 'Derek was born in Isham in Northamptonshire, the eldest of four children, and moved to Kempston in 1936.

At school he played for the First XV and also established himself as a talented sprinter.

On leaving school he joined the Post Office Telephones (later BT) where he enjoyed a successful 40-year career.

In addition to his day to day work he served for many years as honorary secretary to his local branch of the Institute of Post Office Electrical Engineers, organising events and meetings for that group.

“From then onwards followed a period of rapid expansion thanks largely to the efforts of one man, Derek “Lofty” Norman. On and off the field, as Captain and Team Secretary, Lofty Norman ensured that each new team had a full side, was decently turned out and was given effective leadership. Recognition of his great service to the club was given in 1961 when he was made a Life Member.”

In 1962, during his spell as Team Secretary, the club was able to report that it had turned out an unprecedented 10 teams in one day.

Back in the 1970s he was one of the early pioneers who drained, ploughed and seeded the land when the club acquired new fields opposite Putnoe Woods and as groundsman he spent many happy hours marking out the new pitches and looking after officials on match days in his post of

Ground Secretary, a position he held from 1967 until his retirement in 2006.

In 1998 he was presented with an award by the RFU to mark 50 years' service to the club, not just any presentation - this was presented in the Royal Box at Twickenham on a day when he had fulfilled a lifelong ambition to see Bedford Athletic play (and win) at the home of Rugby. Derek was universally known as a rugby man but he also played soccer and cricket and was quite a sprinter. In 1948 he travelled to the London Olympic Games with his father where he saw the Dutch sprinter Fanny Blankers-Koen win the 100 yards gold medal, the next day he ran the event in the exact same time of 11.9 seconds!

He also served as secretary to the Friends of Elstow Abbey for many years and his funeral in that historic church was a standing room only affair, an appropriate tribute to the great regard in which he was held by the sporting community of Bedford.

Derek is survived by his widow Olive, children David and Caroline and grandsons Joseph and Matthew.'

Dr Evean Chand 1975-82

After he retired from BT he worked for a while at Bedford Hospital, but in working at the hospital his initials of D R led to people on occasions assuming that he was DR Norman, however on trying to put them right and tell them he was a Mr not a Dr the assumption then was that he must be a surgeon!

In 1955 Derek married Olive Webb. Last year they celebrated 60 years of married life together and received a congratulatory card from the Queen.

Family was very important to Derek but his second family was Bedford Athletic Rugby Club, “the Ath”; a club he joined as a player in his late teens and for whom there is a brass plaque in the clubhouse which reads

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Old Bedford Modernians’ Club

North House, died in 2016 aged 52.

Simon Diffey (1977-80) writes: We were great chums at school and along with Steve Darnell, Paul Thomson and Angelo Viscusi, would spend most summer evenings larking about on railway lines or by the river on the Queens Park side.

Chand was a quiet but always amusing chap who joked about his Dad working on the buses when others boasted their fathers were bastions of industry.

He worked hard, qualified at Guys to become a successful Dentist in London and the Home Counties.

Evean leaves a wife Kashmir with three sons and is much missed.'

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Jack Stevens Staff 1959-82

Jack's son, Tony Stevens writes: 'John Lawrence Stevens, known as Jack, was born in Farnborough, Hampshire on 29 August 1922, the third of four children. His father, ‘Steve’ Stevens was a leading figure in the early British aircraft industry, ending up as the Deputy Director of the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. Jack went to Farnham Grammar School, then as a boarder to Bradfield College.

Jack had plans to follow his father and elder brother and go to Downing College Cambridge to study Engineering, but as happened to many at that time, these plans were disrupted by World War II. Instead he went into the army and began officer training with the Royal Engineers.

During his early training Jack spent time at Birmingham University where he developed a talent for going into cafés in uniform and leave having had a meal for the price of a cup of tea. He also earned beer money by serving as a night time Fire Watcher for local factories.

Jack was sent to Chelmsford where he was responsible for the mining of all road and

rail bridges in the area - in case of the much-feared German invasion. Jack wasn't any kind of saint, he had something of a penchant for practical jokes, once terrifying an old lady walking along the road by sending a manhole cover flying into the air by means of a small explosive charge. It was while in Chelmsford that he met his future wife Pip. They married in 1943.

Jack was sent to India after D-Day to help the preparations for liberation of Burma and Pip went with him. After the war they stayed on in India, still with the Royal Engineers in the Punjab, then went to Nigeria for two years and various parts of the UK. By now they had their only son, Tony, so each move was quite an upheaval for the family.

Jack finally obtained his degree from Downing College in 1950 with the help of Army sponsorship. He was now an instructor at the School of Military Engineering at Chatham. During this period he also planned nuclear bunkers and for light relief he updated the coastal water charts for Commodore of the Royal Engineers Yacht Club. Whilst at Chatham he became interested in gliding and many summer weekend afternoons were spent gliding over the nearby Kentish Downs.

When Jack left the Army in 1955 with the rank of Major he became Head of Maths at St Edmunds College in Hertfordshire.

In 1959 Jack moved to become the Head of Maths at BMS at the age of 37. As a teacher he insisted on high standards of behaviour from his pupils. He also preferred teaching the less able pupils, devising new ways to help them achieve good O Levels.

Jack served in the CCF and greatly enjoyed taking them on their annual camp and arduous training in Wales and the Lake District.

He was a keen member of the staff cricket team.

He was also given the terrible task of devising the school timetable (and this was without a computer), earning the affectionate nickname of ‘Mr Timetable’. Jack was also called on to plan the school's move to the

new location on Manton Lane. Jack retired from BMS in 1982, but there was no slowing down. He was now a full-time carer for Pip and very much enjoyed spending time with his two small grand-daughters Zoë and Tessa. He volunteered to work for the Bedford Talking Newspaper for the Blind, recording local news stories for many years.

Sadly Pip died in 1990 and Jack took on another job, driving for Bedford Social Services. He helped many disabled and disadvantaged people to access their hospital appointments and to have holidays in destinations as far away as Bournemouth and the Lake District.

At around this time, Jack became interested in the history of religions and found time to write a pamphlet called “The Creation of God by Man”. This contains some quite radical ideas for the time it was written.

Jack always loved cars. In the early 2000s, Jack bought one of the first Toyota Prius hybrid cars as part of his green approach.

In his later years the loss of his driving licence was a bitter blow but Jack soon bounced back. He bought a mobility scooter which gave him back his independence and satisfied his “need for speed”.

In recent years Jack had to cope with frailty, the trauma of a serious head injury, a broken wrist, the loss of his sense of taste and smell and increasing hearing problems. In spite of these difficulties he maintained his independence with characteristic determination. When his wrist wasn't healing properly he designed and modified some cutlery to enable an easier grip. He remained positive through all his difficulties, always ready for a game of cards (which he usually won) or Scrabble (which he always won) with any visitor.

When he died peacefully in his sleep he had defied the doctors by surviving a week longer than they expected. How typical that was of Jack!'

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Directory of OBM Services Building Contractor

Engineer (Civil and Structural)

Printer

Richard (Dick) Gray (1964-71), R.P.Gray Ltd., 14 Wilden Road, Renhold, Bedford, MK41 0JP, 01234 772007, rp_gray@yahoo.co.uk www.rpgray.co.uk

Neil Johnson (1964-71), Neil Johnson Associates, Unit 9, Beancroft Farm, Beancroft Road, Marston Moreteyne, Bedford, MK43 0QE, 01234 768684, neil@nja-group.co.uk www.nja-group.co.uk

Simon Diffey (1977-80), Merry Printers, 22-36 Hastings Street, Luton, LU1 5BE, 01582 726959, www.merryprinters.co.uk

Commercial, industrial and domestic HNBC registered house builder established in 1980.

Business Consultant Andrew Penn (1961-70), Leyhill Solutions, 40 Whitehall, Lidlington, Bedford, MK43 0RS, 07775 426355, 01525 403232, andrew.penn@leyhill.com, www.leyhill.com Improving your business using internationally recognised standards e.g. ISO,EFQM,IIP& CSE.

Chartered and Certified Financial Planner Josh Butten (2002-10), Myers Davison Ginger Ltd, Church View, Hulcote, Bedfordshire, MK17 8BW, 01908 584925, joshbutten@mdgifa.com www.mdgmk.com Experienced and highly respected firm of Independent Lifestyle Financial Planners providing services which add tremendous value for Private Individuals, Families and Businesses. We learn everything about you and answer life's biggest financial questions..

Consulting civil and structural engineers and building design consultants.

Printers and designers of quality product literature, report and accounts, manuals and business stationery.

Land and Property Consultants

Solicitor

Jeremy Clayson (1964-71), Warmingtons, Park Farm, Stevington, Bedfordshire, MK43 7QF, 01234 823661

Simon Parrott (1975-80), Sharman Law, 1 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PF, 01234 303030, simon.parrott@sharmanlaw.co.uk www.sharmanlaw.co.uk

Fisher German LLP is a leading national firm of Chartered Surveyors and Specialist Property Consultants.

15 offices nationwide covering 6 sectors: Commercial/ Planning & Construction/ Property Agency/ Renewable Energy/ Rural Consultancy/ Utilities & Infrastructure.

Optometrist Simon Browning (1970-78), Simon Browning Optometrist, 55 Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 2SR, 01234 353454, sbrowning@eye1.co.uk.

NHS and private eye examinations, contact lens consultations, and optomap peripheral and central retinal examinations carried out.

Chartered Surveyors Giles Ferris (1982-1991) BSc (Hons) MRICS, Stimpsons Eves Chartered Surveyors, 1 Lurke Street, Bedford, MK40 3TN, 01234 341311, www.stimpsonseves.co.uk Offering a variety of professional services including Commercial Agency Disposal & Acquisition, Rent Reviews, Lease Renewals, Landlord & Tenant Advice, Schedules of Dilapidation, Red Book Valuations Condition Surveys, Rating Appeals, EPC and Asbestos Reports.

Office also in Ampthill.

Tree Surgeon Neil Smith BSc (Hons) (1988-96), Heritage Arboriculture, New Buildings Farm, Orchard Lane, Harrold, Beds, MK43 7BU, 01234 720801, 07787 726962, neil@heritagearboriculture.co.uk www.heritagearboriculture.co.uk Tree-related advice: planning and TPO applications; hazardous tree removals; veteran tree management; crown thinning and reductions; hedgework; orchard/fruit tree management; tree planting; stump grinding.

Pest Control Matt Wheeler (1985-90), Professional Pest Management Ltd., Unit 7A, Old Bridge Way, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5HQ, 01462 811818, matt@ppmlimited.co.uk Specialises in domestic and corporate pest management. Council appointed.

Nationwide. Port Authority security clearance.

Veterinary Surgeon David Chennells (1961-70), Acorn House Veterinary Surgery, Linnet Way, Bedford, MK41 7HN, 01234 261839, 01234 266412, www.acornhousevets.com Fully equipped purpose built seven vet clinic for companion animals and also farm services.

If you are an OBM with a business or service to promote, and would like to appear in this listing, please email externalrelations@bedmod.co.uk for business rates.

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Old Bedford Modernians’ Club

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This year The Harpur Trust celebrates its 450th anniversary with a full programme of events and activities in honour of the remarkable legacy left to the people of Bedford by Sir William Harpur.

Yet to come is a specially commissioned play exploring and celebrating the rich 850-year history of Bedford and its most famous citizens, written and directed

by BMS Speech and Drama teacher Mark Burgess.

always announced as being live “from somewhere in England”. The play uncovers the lives of key Bedfordians, its connections with famous people and the stories behind some of the town's iconic landmarks.

Somewhere in England (The Bedford Play) is a reference to the BBC's live broadcasts from Bedford (and particularly Bedford School) during the Second World War. The town's true identity had to remain a secret to avoid being bombed by Hitler's Luftwaffe and so the broadcasts were

Performed by professional actors with a live orchestra, it will run from 08 September to 14 September at the Quarry Theatre at St Luke's. Tickets are now available priced at £8 (£5 concessions) from www.harpurtrust.org.uk/450th/thebedford-play.

More than 100 BMS staff and students took part in a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Church on April 22 which involved students and staff from all four Harpur Trust schools. Following the service, the congregation moved to Bedford Corn Exchange for a buffet reception where each school had on display a collection of artefacts old and new showing the history and development of each institution.

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W

e are extremely grateful to everyone who has, over the years, pledged their support to the School, and would like to express our thanks to everyone who has made a donation for their generosity. Every gift we receive really does make a difference.

If you have left a gift for Bedford Modern School in your will, please let us know so that we can thank you in your lifetime.

Write to: Tel: Email:

Julie Ridge, Director of External Relations Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7NT 01234 332500 jridge@bedmod.co.uk

Thank You.