PRESIDENT’S DAY PAGE 23
A DAY IN THE LIFE PAGE 4
ISSUE 134 • OCT 2016
O•S•NEWS THE NEWSLETTER OF THE OLD STORTFORDIAN SOCIETY
O.S NEWS - Issue 134 October 2016
FROM THE EDITOR
CONTACT US Editor: John Rycroft John.rycroft50@gmail.com Tel: (01424) 552104 OS President: Chris Forster cmaforster@talk21.com OS Administrator: Julie Pridmore Julie.pridmore@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838618
From the many comments I have received, the ‘new look’ OS News has met with your approval. I need to thank the team around me for the enormous amount of work they put in to achieve this result. OS News continues to provide members of the Old Stortfordian Society with news of events taking place at the College; news of members’ activities, notifications of births, marriages and, of course, deaths. This edition records the deaths of no less than thirteen Old Stortfordians. Their achievements are many and varied. As we approach the College’s 150th Anniversary in 2018, there are many events planned that will involve OS. In particular, much effort is being made to reach out to those Old Stortfordians who have lost contact with the College for whatever reason, urging them to reconnect for these important celebrations. John Rycroft
Alumni Relations Officer: Jennifer Hanson Jennifer.hanson@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838348 Development Director: Kevin Webb Kevin.webb@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838655 Development Office Administrator: Gail Edgar Gail.edgar@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838677 OS Benevolent Fund: Richard Price richard@price-central.com Tel: (01279) 657675 OS Staff Liaison Officer: Simon Lipscombe Simon.lipscombe@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Back issues of OS News can be viewed online by visiting the School’s website www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org Submission of articles: The Editor welcomes articles for inclusion in future issues. Please bear in mind that it is not possible to include all contributions and the Editor reserves the right to revise articles as necessary. The copy deadline for the next edition is 31 January 2017. All copy and photographs should be sent to Julie.pridmore@bishopsstortfordcollege.org, 10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2PJ
www.facebook.com/The.Old.Stortfordian.Society/ @OldStortfordian The Old Stortfordian Society Cover Photo: Alliott House by Ian Taylor
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EXAM RESULTS 2016 College pupils are celebrating another very successful set of ‘A’ Level and GCSE results, of which everyone can be very proud. In ‘A’ Levels, in which 81% achieved A* - B and 92% at A* - C, it was one of the largest Upper Sixth form groups the College has taught, with a near record number of entries, which makes these percentages all the more impressive. Fifth Form pupils’ results were equally impressive with 37% of GCSE grades at A* (against a national average of 6.5%) and 68% at A*/A. 100% of pupils gained 5 or more passes at A*/C. Of these results, the Headmaster, Jeremy Gladwin, was full of praise and congratulated all the pupils on exceeding their expectations by working so very hard and responding so well to the excellent teaching of the dedicated team of professionals.
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FROM THE HEADMASTER, JEREMY GLADWIN Speech Day Highlights – New Houses and Robert Pearce House to re-emerge from the ashes
Speech Day is always a very emotional occasion, particularly for our leavers and their parents. During our speeches, both the Chairman of the Governing Council, Philip Hargrave, and I reflected on yet another successful year for the College. We also took the opportunity to cast our minds to the future. In his speech, the Chairman confirmed that the College has been through a time of significant growth, with pupil numbers having now reached what we believe to be an optimum level. That is, large enough to provide an exceptional range of opportunities, yet small enough for individuals to be known and valued. He also reminded everyone that today’s College pupils are already benefiting or are about to benefit from many newly upgraded facilities. The Chairman announced the names of the new buildings currently under construction. These include a new Girls’
Boarding House which will be named Trotman House, in honour of John Trotman, my immediate predecessor as Headmaster from 1997 until 2011. The new Boys’ Boarding House, which replaces the boarding accommodation currently in School House, will be known as Rowe House in honour of Peter Rowe, Headmaster from 1957 until 1970. We plan to refurbish the existing School House building so that it can once again become the centre of the College and provide much needed additional classrooms. Therefore, that building will retain its historic name signifying it as the very first of our College buildings. The Chairman also confirmed that the new Boys’ Day House for the members of Collett House will retain that name in honour of the family which has sent 27 family members to the College over the years. In both our speeches, we referred to the very serious fire in Robert Pearce House that started in the early hours of the 29 September 2015 that went on to destroy almost all of the building. This was a difficult and emotional time, but most particularly for the boys of RPH, Houseparents, Mr and Mrs Honey, and House Tutor, Mr de Bruyn. I am just so proud of the way everyone responded to this dramatic event. One of
the many support staff who kept things going in the wake of the fire was our School Caretaker, Trevor Novell. Trevor joined the College as a young apprentice joiner in 1966, two years before the College’s one hundredth birthday. Therefore, at the end of this year, he will have completed 50 years’ service to the College. This is a feat unlikely to be repeated and I used my speech as an opportunity to thank him for his amazing loyalty and service to the College. Out of adversity comes new beginnings and we will be rebuilding RPH to look much the same when viewed from Maze Green Road. All current pupils and OS will recognise the building they know and love. However, we will be building a larger house with state of the art boarding and day facilities to bring RPH up to the standards of the new Rowe and Trotman Houses. The design for the new building is based around the remaining shell and since Speech Day, we have learned that we have been successful in gaining planning permission. Our aim is to be able to move from the temporary Portakabin Robert Pearce House into the newly rebuilt house in September 2017. In the words of Barbara Bloom, an American conceptual artist, with whom RPH Housemaster Richard Honey (Head of Art) is no doubt familiar: ‘When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something’s suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful.’ Photography: Ian Taylor
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A LIFE IN THE DAY OF: ANDY PEEBLES (HH, 60-66)
Where is home? Blackburn, Lancashire Career? 40 years in broadcasting, including 13 years at Radio One and work for Radio Two, ….. Smooth Radio, and 27 years of cricket coverage for BBC Radio Sport. Career plan B? I intended to run The Savoy Hotel after doing the Higher National Diploma for Hotel Management in Bournemouth. The catering department asked me to organise a dance. I DJed and the rest is history! Earliest memory? Lying in my pram watching the rooks in my grandfather’s garden in Finchley, North London. My mother used to wheel me in my pram with Vera Lynn wheeling her daughter alongside. I always wanted to meet her. Earliest memory of BSC? Cycling from Grange Road to Grimwade House for my first day in the Prep. I’d won a county scholarship to BSC after passing the old 11 plus. Strongest memory of BSC? Rugby and music inspired by the great Christopher Bishop - a massive influence on my musical life - he gave me catholic taste for all forms of music. Biggest Lesson learnt at BSC? Be yourself. Your best quality? My memory. Your worst quality? Talking too much!
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Guilty pleasure? Lobster.
Philosophy? Live life to the full.
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Tony Blackburn, the best DJ Britain ever produced.
Where would you time travel to? Abbey Road Studios to watch the Beatles record “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.
Dream dinner party guests? George Best, Ian Botham and Michael Parkinson, all of whom I’m proud to have called friends. Worst job you’ve ever done? Taking over from Alexis Korner on Radio One after he died. He discovered the Rolling Stones. Starstruck moment? Shaking hands with John Lennon in New York in December 1980. Two days later he was dead. Top of your bucket list? To return to Australia - I was there in 1992 for the Cricket World Cup and fell in love with the country. Biggest inspiration? Brian Johnston - a hero, a friend and a wonderful mentor when I began covering cricket.
First record you bought? “Let There Be Drums” by Sandy Nelson. Most extravagant purchase? A case of Chateau Pichon Longeville Lalande - the greatest claret I have ever imbibed. Biggest regret? Never interviewing Barbra Streisand or Aretha Franklin Lennon/McCartney, Jagger/Richards and Simon & Garfunkel made up for it!!
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HOME NEWS GRAND OPENING OF ALLIOTT HOUSE The Grand Opening of Alliott House took place on 19 March. The official opening was conducted by George Alliott, the great, great, great grandson of the Reverend Richard Alliott; Headmaster at BSC from when it was founded in 1868 to 1899, and the namesake of the girls’ Day House. Current pupils, AH Old Stortfordians, Governors and College Staff were present at the opening and Housemistress, Mrs Sarah Wilson, thanked everyone who helped to celebrate a new era in their splendid new House. Photography: Ian Taylor
INTERN For two weeks in the summer holiday, we welcomed 2016 leaver, Max COLLETT (CH, 09-16) to the Development Office as our first ever intern. Max made thank you calls to donors and helped us to reconnect with OS with whom we have lost touch. It was great to have you on board Max!
A CHILDHOOD DREAM Peter COTTEE (SHa, 52-55), achieved what must be every schoolboy’s dream, to be Captain of England. It all started with a telephone call from Michael Jennings, President of Bowls England in March. “We’re having a celebration match against Cromer Marrams on 29 July,” he told Peter, “and I’m inviting you to be Captain for the day. Can you do that for me, please?” “Yes, of course,” was Peter’s answer. Time passed and Peter began to suspect that this might be a joke, but on 6 July he received an email from Bowls England with details of the players and reserves selected, with his name at the top, thanking him for agreeing to be Captain. And so the day arrived. He drove to Cromer early in the morning, hoping that all his players would arrive; they did. At the start of the match, he found himself on the green with Michael, announcing the rinks and handing out the scorecards. The match proceeded and England won comfortably. There were after-match formalities at the end of which various thank-yous were given – and then it was all over. A childhood dream had been fulfilled in Peter’s eighty-first year. He had captained England to victory!!
RUGBY SUCCESS Congratulations to George CULLEN (SuH, 00-11) on signing for London Scottish. The number 10, who has represented Oxford in the Varsity match at Twickenham on two occasions, started training with the Scots at the end of last season. The fly-half has also represented Ireland Under 18s and England Students, adding to his striking rugby CV. Head Coach, Peter Richards, is pleased to have added more quality to the backline for the 16/17 campaign. “George really impressed during his trial with us at Scottish. He can now kick on to push for a place in our match day squad throughout what is promising to be an exciting season.” We wish George well.
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HOME NEWS LOST AND FOUND
LEMON TREE
Oliver DONOVAN (RPH, 92-03), whose marriage is reported elsewhere, was frantic prior to his wedding in May. More to the point, his fiancée, Fiona Haywood, was. With several weeks to go before the wedding, she lost her cherished engagement ring. A former pupil at Hockerill Anglo-European College, Fiona had practically dismantled her car in case the sparkler had dropped off her finger. Oliver had designed the ring, and commissioned a jeweller to craft the yellow gold ring with a pear drop diamond. Luckily, with only a week to go before the wedding, Fiona found the ring, and, at the third time of trying, it was found, buried in the seat of her car. All’s well that ends well!! Oliver works for the Black Swan Group as a Recruitment Consultant covering Financial Crime.
The Lemon Tree in Water Lane, Bishop’s Stortford featured prominently at the Hertfordshire Food and Drink Awards, winning the title of Best Fine Dining Restaurant. Run by restaurateur, Luke FISHPOOL, (AH, 77-86), and supported by his wife, Sue, together with his fellow partners, his father, Paul (AH, 53-61) and step-mother, Lesley, it opened in 1996. The principles of quality food, good service and consistency have meant that the Lemon Tree has remained one of the town’s most popular eating places.
DAVID HOCKNEY Martin GAYFORD (SuH, 62-70) – Art Critic for The Spectator, has recently finished writing A History of Pictures: from Cave to Computer Screen, co-authored with David Hockney which will be published in the autumn. Martin was also heard on BBC Radio 4 in conversation with David Hockney, at a time when Hockney’s exhibition of portraits was drawing crowds to the Royal Academy in London earlier in the year.
LONDON MARATHON Jessica HATHAWAY (BH, 97-12) took part in the 2016 London Marathon. After hearing so many amazing stories from friends and family who have recently completed the London Marathon, she thought it was about time she gave it a go! She ran for a thoroughly deserving charity, WellChild. This is a national charity for sick children, which helps thousands of children and young people in the UK living with complex health conditions and provides practical and emotional support, particularly in the home. It also uses money donated to invest in projects and research to enable families with seriously ill children to get the support they need for every step of their journey. Well done Jessica, and for such a worthy cause.
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SURPRISE VISIT! BSC had a surprise visit during the summer holidays by Robert MATHER (DBH, 50-55) who lives near Sydney, Australia. He last visited in the summer of 2002 when John TROTMAN (Headmaster, 97-11) took him on a tour of the campus. This time he was escorted by our Facilities Manager, Tim HANKS (Staff, 96- ) on his golf buggy!
BUSINESS AWARDS Congratulations to Joesph McKENZIE (SuH, 98-05), Director of Xupes, on receiving the Entrepreneur of the Year in this year’s FSB Hertfordshire Business Awards. Held in June 2016 at the Manor of Groves Hotel, near Sawbridgeworth. Pam Charman, Chairman of the Hertfordshire branch of the business group, the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses), says “This soughtafter accolade of achievement, is an endorsement of hard work, determination and enterprise in business.” She went on “Hertfordshire is leading the way as the UK economy grows!” Xupes, based in Bishop’s Stortford, is one of the UK’s leading, luxury retailers of high-end watches, jewellery, handbags and fine art. Established in 2009, it has gone from strength to strength each year and reached an all-time high of £4.13m in turnover in 2015. “It’s been an exciting year and I am proud to have an excellent team around me, without which I could not have achieved this award,” comments Joe.
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LIVING MEMORIES Michael MYNOTT (SHb, 40-47), finding that he is heading towards the doubtful honour of being among the elders of the OS, Michael lives on memories now. One of the very happiest of them is to look back upon his time at BSC! During wartime, a big decision was made by the Governors of BSC to remain in Bishop’s Stortford rather than evacuate the School. This was very much to Michael’s and his brother’s (John A Mynott, (40-46) favour, for although boarders, the ability for both boys to get from their home in Essex to BSC easily was a huge advantage. Their parents’ choice of BSC was governed by the Headmaster, H.L. Price, an English international rugby player. In charge of Grimwade House was another outstanding schoolmaster, Norman Monk-Jones. The winter of 1947 was a hard one, Michael’s last at school, which he remembers mostly for the fact that that they were not allowed to play any games for the whole term. They were permitted to cycle to Takeley each day with their skates and would spend hours on the icy marshes. Most of the staff at BSC were there either through being over-age or medically unfit for military
service. Rather second-rate one might think, but in fact very far from it. Michael, amongst many others, was prepared for Cambridge and hospital entrance with great skill and, it has to be said, with success. Food was rationed. The tuck shop shelves were bare of ‘goodies’ but there was the occasional ‘off-ration’ tin of condensed milk, which came and disappeared immediately. Other memories were of the outdoor swimming pool where the boys’ nude bodies were the cynosure of eyes from the girls’ school who took their afternoon walks along the nearby pathway. Michael’s National Service (in the RAF) was postponed while he read medicine at Cambridge and then St Thomas’s. On qualifying, he was posted to Waterbeach, an RAF station on the way from Bishop’s Stortford to Cambridge. He managed two trips to Happisburgh in between these appointments and then joined a medical practice in Eastbourne. There he was able to combine his general practice with a part-time appointment in orthopaedics at the local hospital and was Medical Officer at Eastbourne College, a school in many respects very similar to BSC. Michael’s four children were educated there. He has continued to live in Eastbourne following retirement and is quite content.
CAREERS ADVICE
WJS AT THE V&A
Earlier in the year, the College welcomed back Bob ROBERTSON (HH, 64-73) to share his extensive experience of using modern languages within the workplace with the Lower Fifth as part of their HE & Careers programme.
Terry TAYLOR, (DBH,48-56), a regular contributor, visited the National Art Library at the V&A earlier in the year. While there he asked Vicky Worsfold, the Senior Librarian, what books and prints they had that had been donated by Walter Strachan, knowing that Walter was a major supporter of the V&A. Together with many other OS, Terry had attended Walter’s memorial service held there in 1993. Vicky kindly agreed to research Walter’s bequests. Indeed, he did leave a considerable collection to the National Art Library, both of his own works and various livre d’artistes that he had collected. The NAL put on a display of these works in a gallery outside the Library a number of years ago. Walter also left works to the Archive of Art and Design (part of the Library) at Blythe House. Vicky extended an invitation to anyone interested to view any of these works at any time.
Following his very interesting talk and Q & A session with the pupils, Bob mentioned that he would really like to see Garry Hudson in the near future. It was a great pleasure that we were able to get them together before Bob had to return to Berkshire for a meeting later that day. Garry was thrilled to see Bob as he was Garry’s first Oxbridge candidate in his very first term teaching at the College in 1973. Making it even more special was that Bob went on to study Modern Languages at the same Cambridge College as Garry, Sidney Sussex. The College is very grateful to Bob for taking the time to share his languages expertise with current pupils and to Garry for welcoming Bob so warmly. It’s wonderful to see the OS network work in such a positive way!
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OVERSEAS NEWS MARATHON DES SABLES
BIRTHS
Jonathan JENKINS (HH, 81-87) writes about his Marathon Des Sables experience:
To Matt HOOD (SuH, 90-98) and Charlotte. A son, Samuel Albert Craigie born on 18 April 2012 and daughter, Sophia Rose born on 1 May 2015.
Most of us used to dread the cross country run at BSC, and more than once I was drafted into making up the numbers for the Yeo Cup team. I think it’s fair to say, I wasn’t a stand-out athlete, nor did I really enjoy it. In fact, I hated pretty much every moment of slogging round the edge of a muddy field. Fast forward a couple of decades from leaving BSC, and in early April I found myself at the start line of the Marathon Des Sables – the ‘toughest footrace on earth’. 257km over 6 days in 50 degree heat, carrying all your food and water, sleeping out under the stars of the Sahara Desert.
MARRIAGES
Why? Well, I’d done 10 consecutive London marathons for charity and had exhausted my supporters for that so needed something bigger and better! My training was, at best, limited, although I tried to compensate with buying a lot of gadgetry. But the desert is unforgiving, as I was to find out. This was the ‘longest and sandiest’ version of the event, and doing a marathon a day, knee deep in sand dunes or 1000m up a cliff face soon had me yearning for the BSC fields. It was always going to be a struggle to finish – I was 10 years older than most, fatter than all, and not looking good in the lycra. After 4 days, I was eventually wiped out by dehydration (water is limited). I was put on a drip, and completed another 25km, but was forced to pull out after a total of 159km (4 marathons), halfway through the dreaded ‘double marathon’ day/night. I was one of 15% who didn’t make it. The usual failure rate is 5%. This year’s course was the toughest version to date. Photos and videos are on www.facebook.com/jonathanjenkinsmds. On the upside, I made friends for life, raised £16,000 for London’s Air Ambulance charity, which is apparently enough to give 6 people significantly better life chances in extremely bad situations. If you want to donate, you still can by going to www.justgiving.com/jonathanjenkinsmds. I am disappointed, but know a lot more about myself and the challenge. I now have unfinished business, and am going back in 2018. Who is going to join me?
Joe NEAL (RPH, 55-60) has just launched his fourth poetry collection, Still Rise the Sun. Together with his last two publications, Turn Now the Tide and Hear the Colour, it forms a trilogy. Recordings of these books and other details can be obtained from Joe’s website, http://stillrisethesun.com. Joe lives in Ireland and continues to work as a freelance actor and writer.
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Oliver DONOVAN (RPH, 92-03) married Fiona Haywood at Maidens Barn, Pleshey, near Chelmsford on 20 May 2016. Other OS attending were Jordan Childs (RPH, 95-03), Best Man, Richard Springham (HH, 92-03), Alex Jennings (RPH, 92-03), Iain Mackay (SuH, 95-03), Ushers, with Kat Pryor (BH, 01-03), Anais Roc (BH, 01-03) and Stacey Brown (BH, 95-01).
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MARRIAGES Paul BURT (HH, 86-94) married Nichola Smith at Great Dunmow Maltings, Essex on 4 September 2015, followed by a Reception at the Radisson Hotel. OS present were Tim Burt (HH, 87-96), Justin Pigram (SuH, 84-94) and Gary Butcher (SuH, 87-94). The couple began their honeymoon with an early start at Burghley Horse Trials Cross Country day. Edd HOOD (SuH, 90-00) married Samantha Baldwin at St Michael’s Church, Bishop’s Stortford on 29 August 2015. The Wedding Reception was held in a marquee at Hazel End Vineyard. OS in attendance were Dave Crease (SuH, 92-00) (Best Man), Adam Barnett (SuH, 95-00), Spencer Kersey (SuH, 96-00), Becky Trapp (née Pither, BH, 99-01), Matt Hood (SuH, 90-98), Liz Hood (BH, 01-03), Simon Hurwitz (HH, 65-72), Richard Hood (SuH, 70-75) and David Hood (SuH, 65-72). Hannah TAYLOR (YH, 99-03) married Edward Chatterton on 27 July 2016 in Sutton Coldfield. The reception was held at Moxhull Hall. The OS were represented by the entire Taylor family: Ian (Master, 67-04), Joan (Staff, 99-05), Margaret (YH, 88-90), Pamela (YH, 89-91), Jenny (YH, 91-93 and current staff) and Bridget (YH, 97-99). Other OS guests were Hannah’s contemporaries at BSC (see photograph) Nicky Lindop neé Long (YH, 96-03), Liz Hood (BH, 01-03), Joy Roach (BH, 96-03), Vicky Gallop neé Culling (YH, 96-03), Lara Rutter (BH, 95-03), Lisa Schnetkamp (YH, 01-02), Kate Ailey (YH, 01-03) and Nathan Hulme (SuH, 91-03). Hannah and Ed live and work in the Birmingham area. Hannah is a chemistry teacher and Ed is a journalist.
Helen TRANTUM (BH, 00-07) married Philip CARPENTER (SuH, 00-07) on 20 March 2016 before family and friends at Stock Brook Manor. OS in attendance were maid of honour Emma Dabbs (BH, 02-07), best man Michael Swainsbury (HH, 02-07), ushers Robert Trantum (CH, 00-08), Ed Kimber (CH, 94-06), Lawrence Malyon (SuH, 05-07) and Oli Forrest (CH, 05-07), and bridesmaids Jenny Carpenter (AH, 01-08) and Rebecca Hardie (BH, 05-07). Other OS in attendance were Gemma Price (AH, 06-08), Ravin Thambapillai (SuH, 02-07), Matt Pike (HH, 02-07), Mariella Rutter (BH, 00-08), Caz Brown (YH, 04-06), Maddy Bird (AH, 02-07) and Nikki Peters (YH, 00-07). Felix WONG (SH, 07-09) married Queenie TAM (YH, 07-09) on 25 December 2015 in Disneyland, Hong Kong. Thirteen OS were present: The OS Group photo below shows from left to right: Fiona Williams (BSC Staff), Edward Chan (SH, 0507), Eddie Tam (SH, 05-07), Glyn Sloman (Former BSC Staff), Queenie Tam (YH, 07-09), Felix Wong (SH, 07-09), Alison Sloman (Former BSC Staff), Tobe Wan (YH, 02-08), Sharon Ho (YH, 08-10), Jeany Jiao (bridesmaid, (YH, 08-10), Jacky Shing (SH, 08-10). Cherry Tam, (bridesmaid and current pupil (YH, 12-) was in attendance as was Colin Williams (BSC Staff).
Photography: Ian Taylor
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OBITUARIES BURRY. Michael (Budge) Burry (AH, SHb, 39-44), died on 19 July 2016, just a few days after his 90th birthday. Budge was a long serving Committee Member and Vice President of the OS Society who was very well respected. A full obituary will appear in the next edition of OS News. COLE. John Christopher Pyett COLE (Master, 64-69), died 25 March 2016, aged 78. Attending the Memorial Service, held in April at Bidford-on-Avon, was OS, Peter Savidge (HH, 66-70) a friend for over 50 years. We are grateful to Peter and to Harriet Moat, John’s daughter, for supplying material from which this appreciation has been compiled. John attended Christ’s Hospital, Sussex between 1947 and 1956, then went on to Hertford College, Oxford. After a brief calling to follow his father into the ministry, John became a teacher, a very successful one too. His final appointment was as Headmaster of the Blue Coat School, Nottingham, a post he held for 8 years. Joining as he did at a difficult period in its history, his uncompromising leadership helped turn it around. His period at BSC, teaching English and taking a particular interest in dramatic and operatic productions, will be remembered by many OS of that vintage. His epic productions of King Lear, with a young actor, Adrian Blake, in the title role; The Winter’s Tale; Willis Hall’s The Long and the Short and the Tall, a post ‘A’ level production, one of the most gripping plays ever staged during John’s time at the College;
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Sergeant Musgrave’s Dance; Mozart’s Magic Flute, Donizetti’s Il Campanello, not forgetting two major operatic productions in the College’s centenary year of 1968 with works composed by Elizabeth Maconchy, The Three Strangers, which had not been publicly performed before, and a specially commissioned piece, The Birds, left one spellbound. In this regard he was ably supported by conductors, Ernest Warburton and Christopher Rees. It was at his next post at South East Derbyshire College of Further Education, that he met his future wife, Moira, to whom he was happily married for 44 years, and to whom he was totally devoted. On retirement, John and Moira moved to Warwickshire to be closer to their children, Nicholas and Harriet, and their grandchildren whom John adored. He was so proud when his son became a Circuit Judge in Birmingham last year. John was devastated when Moira died almost two years ago. Peter Savidge, whose friendship with John continued through the last five decades, was delighted when John and Moira moved to Warwickshire. By coincidence, when John was called out of retirement to the Stratford upon Avon Girls’ Grammar School, there among the pupils were Peter’s daughters; a remarkable cycle completed as Peter had sat in John’s class forty years earlier. Along with many, Peter will miss John’s effortless ability to quote Shakespeare at every opportunity, his wisdom and humour, but above all his friendship. Our condolences go to Nicholas and Harriet, to their children and wider families.
COUCHER. Michael John Coucher died in South Africa on 16 May 2015 due to complications arising from a brain tumour. Born in England on 1 June, 1933, Michael won a scholarship to the College and then went on to win a further scholarship to study medicine at Guy’s Hospital in London. He qualified in 1957 and moved to South Africa the following year, encouraged by the numerous fit, fun-loving and sun-tanned South Africans he met at medical school. Initially experiencing some ‘very exciting’ medicine at the King Edward VII hospital in Durban, Michael moved to Cape Town with his wife Jean and joined the Pickering private practice. He then set up on his own. Michael was an excellent doctor with superb diagnostic skills and bedside manner. He was particularly skilled at obstetrics. Well loved by his patients, his initial medical practice was in Claremont. Michael was a get-up-andgo enthusiast who enjoyed life to the full. He loved medicine, people, music, gardening, antiques, calligraphy, wine and vintage and classic motor cars. He was intelligent, driven, compassionate, great fun and an inspiration to his family. Michael is survived by his wife Jean, daughters Georgina and Susannah and son Robert and their families to whom we send our sincere sympathy.
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CREASEY. Brian Creasey (SHb, 48-51) the eldest son of Gaylor Creasey and Mary Janet Creasey (née Leslie) born In Knebworth, Hertfordshire, died on 19 June 2016, aged 81. The eldest of four brothers, Leslie, Duncan and Mark, he was educated at Alleynes Grammar School, Stevenage and then Bishop’s Stortford College. It was at Bishop’s Stortford College that he picked up his love of gardening, that was to continue throughout his life. He was a good long distance runner and played rugby for the College and Welwyn Garden City Rugby Club. He served his National Service in The Royal Artillery (The Gunners) at Oswestry. In 1958, he married Diana Ramsey at St Mary’s Church in the grounds of Knebworth House. In the mid-sixties, Brian started Countryside Hire Ltd with an old secondhand Commer van. Over the course of twenty-five years, he built this up to a fleet of over 600 vehicles and employed over thirty staff, putting customer service and its staff first in an industry that had a pretty poor reputation. A well-known figure in the rental industry he held the annual ‘Ides of March’ lunch, bringing together the industry to talk about its problems and working together to improve quality. The company was sold in 1990 to the French company VIA. In 1971, Brian and his young family moved into Warwick House, the remains of ‘Easton Lodge,’ near Great Dunmow, the seat of The Countess of Warwick. He set about restoring both the house and the gardens over the next 30 years,
with a further 4.5 acres being acquired on the way, and permission to restore a further 23 acres. This is now run by a charitable trust to ensure the continued preservation of the gardens. Brian retired from running the gardens in 2008 and later moved to Somerset as his general health declined. He is survived by wife Diana, 4 children and 9 grandchildren. EAREY. David Thomas Earey (RPH, 45-50) died suddenly at his home in Chelmsford on 1 July 2016, in his 81st year. Born at Webbs Farm, White Notley, the fourth of five children, David was educated in Braintree before attending the College. Excelling on the sports field, his performance in the classroom was not quite as high achieving, which left him with some regrets, but as the years rolled on he was forever looking back with rosier and rosier tinted spectacles! Latterly, he would come to the College to watch his grandsons play rugby and hockey for Felsted, not knowing which team to support. David attended many BSC reunions with his great friend, David Bowtell (AH, 45-52), the last one at Cambridge in April this year. After leaving school at 16, he joined his father at Webbs Farm and, apart from holidays, was there pretty much every day of his life. He developed the farm from mixed arable and livestock to predominantly cattle to include a suckler herd, where he was able to show his commercial beef cattle at county shows with considerable success. Diversification is vital in farming and David oversaw the development of Notley’s Golf Course from its conception. He was immensely proud of it and popped in most days to see
what was going on. David married Mary in 1958 and they had two daughters, Alison and Louise. Although very much a family man, his great love was sport, being both a participator and spectator. During his life, he had flying lessons, played badminton, tennis, table tennis, snooker, squash and golf. He enjoyed watching cricket too but rugby was his greatest passion. He played fly-half for the OS and then Chelmsford Rugby Club. David played tennis from his schooldays until he reluctantly hung up his racket at the age of 80. David had a terrific sense of humour and was competitive in everything he did. He was a real family man, a devoted father and husband. He was also immensely proud of his four grandchildren, taking an interest in everything they did. David Bowtell, a close friend of David’s for over 60 years writes: “We first met in Grimwade House where he reminded me later, I beat him at table tennis; I think it constantly troubled him! I was in AH and David in RPH so our paths did not cross much until later. After our school days, I continued to play tennis with him until fairly recently. I had to have a good partner to beat him and I can’t remember ever succeeding at singles. David was always good company, on and off the tennis court, where, as in all the sports he played, he had a great will to win. We had many visits to sporting events, and on one occasion we even managed to sit in the VIP seats at a Twickenham Varsity Match. I have lost a true friend and I will miss him greatly.” We send our sincere condolences to Mary, Alison, Louise, to David’s four grandchildren and the rest of the family.
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OBITUARIES JOSCELYNE. Michael Newsome Joscelyne (SHb, 27-34) died 15 February 2016. His funeral service was held in Warminster on 1 March. Born in the Stanway Rectory, just outside Colchester in August 1917, Michael never knew his father who was killed in action fighting in the First World War, only six weeks after Michael’s birth. At the age of ten, Michael went as a boarder to Bishop’s Stortford College. He was a keen rugby player, playing in the 1st XV for the school and afterwards for Southend and Colchester. He was Secretary of the Gardens Club, and a member of the Senior Athletic Team, setting a school record for the 220 yards that is still unbeaten to this day. [They now run 200 metres replacing the 220 yards, thus preserving his record.] Later in the army he was selected from over a thousand cadets to play in the 1st Rugby XV, alongside a Welsh and an Irish international. Undecided on what to do on leaving school, Michael went to University but dropped out, tried horticulture and then law but, in both cases, he realised he had no real interest. When war was declared, he volunteered for the Royal Artillery and served in an anti-aircraft battery during the Battle of Britain. After this, he was posted to India and then Burma. Late in 1942, he volunteered for ‘V’ force, an irregular unit connected to the Special Operations Executive, which operated behind Japanese lines. As with many of his generation, Michael spoke little of his
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war-time experiences. When war ended, Michael emigrated to Canada, involving himself in a range of jobs there, including working as an armed guard at a reservoir in British Columbia. This appealed to him as it entailed long periods alone in a log cabin in the mountains where he could write short stories. He had started writing during his time in India and this was to become a life-long interest. He rarely had things published but did have occasional successes, including a short story broadcast on the BBC. His writing was primarily for his own satisfaction and it gave him great pleasure. After six years in Canada, he received news that his sister Patricia’s husband, Cecil, had died suddenly, leaving her to run Churchfields Farm and bring up four young boys alone. He returned to England to support her and them. He was very fond of all his nieces and nephews and always delighted to hear their good news and concerned by any of their troubles. He very much enjoyed his regular visits to the farm throughout his life. In the mid 1950s, he moved to London, joined Oxford University Press and spent most of the sixties working in an editorial capacity for various publishing houses and an art magazine. It was during this time he met Mary and they married in 1967. He briefly tried writing as a career but this was not to be. His lifelong interest in the arts was much wider than just his writing. Up until only a couple of years ago, Michael and Mary would regularly visit exhibitions at art galleries and museums in London or around the country. By 1971, now in his fifties, an age when most would be thinking they could rest on their laurels, Michael was well into
the next phase of his life, as a family man with two young children, having moved to Warminster. From there he enjoyed wonderful family outings to the seaside, playing in the sea, struggling with a tiny rubber dinghy, trying not to capsize, but invariably failing. Always a caring father, kind, thoughtful with a gentle sense of humour, he knew his own mind and was happy ploughing his own furrow. As Michael’s children grew up, he encouraged them to be independent too. After retirement, he stayed fit and active, walking into town daily for his newspaper and to shop. He played in the local badminton club and could still do head stands into his seventies. Well into his nineties, he and Mary made regular visits to London, to see friends, to go to the theatre and art lectures or to go on holiday. Michael was good and kind, unassuming but quietly self-confident. He had clear values and stuck to them. A great family man, he also valued his friends. He did his duty by his country. He lived long enough to enjoy grandchildren and died peacefully in his bed. In short, he lived a full life. We are grateful to Paul for sharing his reminiscences of his father, and offer our condolences. NEWLAND. John Basil Newland (known as Jack) (SHb, 29-33) died on 3 May, 2016, a couple of months before his 100th birthday. Born in Grimsby, just four months after his father was killed in the First World War, his early schooling was in Cleethorpes before starting at BSC at the age of 13. On leaving, he entered the Midland Bank in which he spent his entire working life. Wartime interrupted Jack’s career, and he volunteered for the Royal Navy. After
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initial officer training, he was posted to the battleship, HMS King George V. On returning to the Midland Bank, he served in various locations before being offered a posting to Belfast to oversee the merger of two of its subsidiaries, Belfast Banking Co. and Northern Bank, and to run the merged Bank. This move gave Jack the challenge and independence he desired. He settled quickly in Northern Ireland, a place he loved for its people, its countryside and its culture. Jack’s task went well and a unified Northern Bank built a new Head Office in Donegall Square in the centre of Belfast. A quietly proud man, Jack was awarded the CBE in the New Year’s Honours List in 1980. He retired 34 years ago but carried on working, not just for the Bank. He volunteered his experience at Queen’s University (the Senate, Investment Committee and QUBIS) and the Ulster Independent Clinic. Jack was always happy with his own company and would often wander off during family walks after spotting a bird and had a brilliant sense of direction. He was a keen gardener and was very active well into his nineties. He would happily talk to anyone he met and had a good sense of humour. He loved to do crosswords and watch the rugby. We send our sincere condolences to Hilary and the rest of the family. ROSE. Vice President of the OSS, Colin Neal ROSE (SHa, 45-53) died 26 May 2016, after many years battling against ill health. For the last three years, Colin
had been at Abbey View Nursing Home, suffering from dementia and Parkinsons. The move from his London home, overlooking Lord’s Cricket Ground, to Dorset, to be nearer to his sister, Celia Harvey, meant that she was able to visit him frequently. At the service to celebrate his life, held at the Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday, 8 June, Celia delivered the eulogy in which she spoke fondly of her brother. Colin was born in Bishop’s Stortford, and was educated at BSC. His strength was in foreign languages, which were nurtured by his teachers, and which he went on to use in his future career. At the College, Colin’s sporting prowess was evident, swimming for the Smolts team in 1950 and then the First Team for three consecutive years. He also swam in the winning team of 1953 in the Public Schools’ Medley Relay, comprising Ling, Rose, Garner and Khorram, held at the Seymour Baths in London. It is not surprising that Colin became a member of the OSSC, regularly playing waterpolo for them, a sport he continued to enjoy up to his 70th birthday. Colin won a place at Brasenose College, Oxford, to study French and German, where he was awarded his blue in 1958 at swimming and water-polo. He took a year out as Assistant at a French Lycée and finished his degree a year later. He chose to serve in the Navy for his National Service as it meant he could learn Russian, which he used as a translator in Icelandic waters and Northern Germany. He joined the Post Office and after ten years he was chosen to represent the British Post Office at the Universal Postal Union in Berne, where he stayed for two years. He finally came back to London with promotion to Head of Overseas Consultancy Services. It was at this point
that he bought his flat opposite Lord’s Cricket Ground, from where he extended hospitality to many OS, among whom were former Headmaster, Steve Benson (82-97) and Jack Hulbert (SH/AH 4549). In return, Colin would stay with them when he visited Norfolk for his annual volunteer stint on North Norfolk Line (The Poppy Line). Trains, alongside art and music, consumed much of Colin’s leisure time, and he would spend hours over his model trains sets, as is recalled by his one-time contemporary at BSC, John Kitching. John and Colin were both in the swimming team, but it was model trains that are most remembered, visiting Colin on a Sunday afternoon (Colin was a day-boy, John a boarder) to play with his train set. Colin served on many Committees, not least the OSS for many years, yet declined to become President. He was honoured to be nominated as a Vice-President, and was delighted to accept. Steve Benson speaks of Colin’s devotion to duty, as being a man of great integrity, warmth, modesty, generosity, kindness and gentle good humour. He knew his mind and held to his beliefs, relishing debate without rancour. Perhaps Colin had the final word. His love of music was clear in the choices that were made for the Celebration service, and the piece selected as the mourners left the crematorium was the Coronation Scot, by Vivian Ellis. In saluting a gallant OS, who will be missed by so many for so many varied reasons, we express our heartfelt condolences to Celia and her family.
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OBITUARIES to lead an active life. A memorial service in a Quaker format was held on 3 September 2016 at the Salvation Army Hall, in Loughborough. His widow, Ivy, is still resident in Loughborough at the family home. Our condolences go to Ivy and Becky and members of their wider family and friends.
STRACHAN. Dr Alec Napier Strachan’s daughter, Becky Strachan, has provided news of her father’s death at the age of 87. He was a pupil at Bishop’s Stortford College during the war (DBH, 39-47), and one of his wishes was to send his autobiography of his early years to the College. This has been received and is obtainable from the OS Office. Alec had very fond memories of Bishop’s Stortford College, and was particularly fond of his swim before school each morning. Although living close to the College, Alec involved himself in many activities of boarding-school life, which he was particularly pleased about. He won a minor scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, and went on to become a senior lecturer in Chemistry at Loughborough University, and was subsequently awarded an honorary doctorate of science for his work there. He was very active in politics and local government, and was mayor of Loughborough from 19681969 and Chairman of Leicestershire County Council in 1990. He was also very involved with charitable work, particularly Amnesty International and a range of charities helping disabled people. Despite having multiple sclerosis for the last 52 years, Alec still managed
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SQUIRES. The Rev Lawrence Saunders Squires (SH, 25-28) died on 21 April 2016, at the age of 104. Born in Wanstead on 6 July 1911, the only child of Maude and Frederick, he attended Chigwell School. However, after his father was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident, he became a boarder at Bishop’s Stortford College in Grimwade House in 1924, moving on to School House the following year. Here he greatly enjoyed rugby and singing, and went on to train as an architect when he left in 1928. One of Lawrence’s successes at this time was the Daily Echo building on Richmond Hill in Bournemouth for which he was responsible for the public reception area. Lawrence took great delight in visiting this unique building two years ago, on the 80th anniversary of its completion and was photographed outside the building holding a picture of a model of the building. He met his future wife, Marion, in 1931, in Bournemouth, and they married in 1940. By this time, he had been called to the ministry. Lawrence’s ministry was to take him and Marion, and his young, yet growing family of three daughters, overseas, to Jamaica and much later to Canada, where they spent
seventeen happy and rewarding years. Eventually, Marion’s ill health and their increasing age made a return to Britain a wise move. They settled in Hampshire where Marion sadly died a while later. Lawrence married his second wife, Connie, in 1999 after a lightning courtship; she was 85 and he 87. They enjoyed companionship at home in Lymington and entertained and travelled widely before Connie’s death four years later. It was during this later period that Lawrence revisited Bishop’s Stortford College and was invited to preach in the Memorial Hall at the evening service on 7 May 2000. Lawrence made no claim to be an intellectual yet his hands-on and visionary approach carried the congregations he served with him. His delight in people and his hospitality never diminished and the large gathering of friends and family at his 100th birthday party was evidence to the affection in which he was held. His faith remained strong to the end and he had no fear of dying. He chose the music and reading for his own Thanksgiving Service and wrote the words for one of the hymns. His was certainly ‘a life less ordinary’, a life in which his devotion and his love for the people he served were intertwined and inseparable. His funeral took place at Bournemouth Crematorium on Monday 9 May, which was attended by family only. There followed a Service of Thanksgiving at the United Reformed Church in Lymington. Our sympathies go to all concerned.
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WATKIN. Bruce Watkin, (SHb, 2735) who died aged 98, was one of the founder members of Mass Observation, the social research organisation set up to record everyday life in Britain. Bruce was born in Bloomsbury, London to Frank Bailey, a businessman, and Eve, a travel writer, but after his parents’ divorce he was adopted by Paul Watkin, a GP in the East End of London, and took his surname. At BSC, he was a member of the Architectural Society, the Natural History Society; he sang in the School Choir, and was a member of the Senior Athletic Team in 1935. He read classics, then geography at Christ Church, Oxford. There he was known for giving some of the best parties, including one for the poets Robert Graves and Laura Riding on their literary visit to Oxford in 1937. He was also a founder member of the Experimental Theatre Club in Oxford. His work was interrupted by the Second World War, during which he served with the RAF in the workshop of the engine designer Harry Ricardo, testing burner-atomisers for the first jet engines. Bruce was in at the beginning of Mass Observation in 1937, listening anonymously to ordinary conversations and watching people at work while keeping detailed diaries of what he saw and heard. After the war, Bruce went into town planning in Leeds, Staffordshire and London. He was one of the first students at the Open University, obtaining a BA in Earth Sciences in 1975, and went on to become field adviser for the National Parks Commission and a chief advocate of the setting up of Exmoor National Park in south-west England. In his 70s, he was Secretary of the Somerset Archaeological Society. A keen observer of people, buildings and the English countryside, he was also the
author of two Shell Country Guides, on Surrey (1977) and on Buckinghamshire (1981). Bruce was married first to Brigitte Paneth and, after their divorce, he moved to south-west England to live with Joan Keenleyside. After Joan’s death, he married Joan Haldane. He is survived by two sons, Brian and Keir, from his first marriage. We are grateful to Sean Haldane, Bruce’s stepson, for this abridged version of the appreciation which appeared in the Guardian. WHITELEY. General Sir Peter Whiteley OBE KCB GCB (GH, 28-32) died, aged 95 on 2 February 2016. Colonel Richard Preston (RPH, 50-54) attended the Service and Thanksgiving for the Life and Work of Sir Peter, held in Exeter Cathedral on 6 May, on his own account as a Colonel in the Royal Marines and to represent the College and the OS. As far as Richard is aware, only three OS have held a regular commission in the RM; Sir Peter, himself and Nick Wastnage who was invalided in the 1960s after being wounded in action during confrontation with Indonesia. We are grateful to Richard for his personal account and recollection of Sir Peter, one of the most, if not the most distinguished Old Stortfordian. During the service, Sir Peter’s Banner, Orders and decorations were processed to the altar by his grandchildren, including one serving Naval officer. Sir Peter had specified the order of service including the hymns and readings. The tribute, paid by his son Christopher, concentrated on his career both in the Royal Marines and afterwards as Lieutenant Governor and Commanderin-Chief of Jersey. Peter John Frederick
Whiteley was born 13 December 1920 in Stansted Mountfitchet where his father was a solicitor. He was educated at BSC, spending only two years there in Grimwade House, then at Bembridge School and L’Ecole des Roches, Normandy. He won a scholarship to London University but, on the outbreak of war, volunteered for the RAF which rejected him for poor eyesight, a strange rejection for someone who later became a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm where deck landings pose a greater test of skill as an aviator. He was commissioned into the RM in 1940 and served throughout the war at sea. He qualified as a pilot in 1946 and flew Seafires (the Naval version of the Spitfire), Fireflies and Sea Furies, later converting to fly the Wessex and other helicopters. After the Staff College, Camberley he was appointed Brigade Major (Chief of Staff) to 3 Commando Brigade where he returned to Camberley on the Directing Staff. During this period, he was tasked with re-designing the Commando Brigade which was then designed for the 193945 role of small scale raiding tasks and lacked the supporting artillery, engineers and logistics for sustained operations. His ideas were implemented and he considered that to be ‘my most lasting achievement’. He commanded 42 Commando during confrontation with Indonesia. In 1968 he became the commander of 3 Commando Brigade at a time when the Brigade, that had served overseas since 1945, was preparing for the withdrawal from the Far East and conversion to the UK’s specialists in Mountain and Arctic warfare with war roles in North Norway
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OBITUARIES and Denmark. From 1972 to 1975 he was Chief of Staff at HQ Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH) based in Oslo where he was adjudged an outstanding success and established good relations with the military and political leaders of Norway, Denmark and Germany that were to prove invaluable in a later appointment. He was Commandant General Royal Marines from 1975 to 1977 and would have expected to retire from that post but, on the unexpected death in office of the Commander-inChief AFNORTH, he was the unanimous choice of the countries concerned to replace him. Up until this time, UK posts at the highest level had been shared on a rotational basis between the Navy, Army and the RAF. Royal Marines, irrespective of suitability, had not been allowed in. His appointment broke the mould of ‘Buggins’ turn but was not repeated until the mid to late 1990s when RM were appointed on merit to operational commands in Iraq and Afghanistan and culminated this year when a RM was made Vice Chief of Defence Staff, of which Sir Peter learned and was delighted shortly before his death. From 1979-84 he was a popular and successful Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Jersey. A linguist, speaking French, Italian, Malay and Norwegian, and a lover of classical music, contemporary ballet and opera, he was an active vice chairman of the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, held a wide range of voluntary positions in Devon, London and Jersey and was Governor of a number of schools. Like most marines, he was a keen sailor. Richard Preston’s
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RETIREMENT contemporary at BSC, David Wright, remembers seeing him often sailing around Oslo when they were both based there. He was appointed OBE in 1960, KCB in 1976, GCB and Knight of Justice of the Order of St John in 1979, Chevalier de L’Ordre de la Pleiade in 1981 and DL of Devon in 1987. He married Nancy Clayden in 1948 and she survives him with their two daughters and two sons. Both his sons followed him to the Armed Forces, one of whom, Julian Peter Whiteley BSc MBA, became Headmaster at Taunton School 1997 – 2004. The College had great pleasure in welcoming Sir Peter back to the College as Guest of Honour at the Centenary Celebrations for Grimwade House in May 2012 where he engaged incredibly warmly with current pupils, staff and fellow OS. A distinguished member of the OS Community, Sir Peter remembered fondly his time at the College. As we go to press, we have heard of the death of Anthony Hill, on 22 July 2016, after a short illness. Anthony had been on the College’s Peripatetic Music Staff for over 50 years as a piano teacher.
May they be remembered.
HAPPY RETIREMENT TO MRS ALISON SLOMAN Around 50 Sloman-nurtured Young House girls, and some of their mums, conspired with us, and Mr Sloman, to spring a surprise on an emotional Mrs Sloman after Speech Day on Saturday, 2 July. Travelling from near and far for the event, the furthest from Hong Kong, Mrs Sloman’s girls gave her a worthy send off at the end of her final term. Tears, laughter and lots of reminiscing was the order of the afternoon in the House. Enormous thanks to all the Young House girls from 2000 onwards who kept the event a secret over a period of months; a huge accomplishment in this period of social media! We are sure that Alison forgave the plotting that went on behind her back when she saw the room full of girls from across her past 17 years in Young House. We all wish Alison and Glyn a retirement that is full of relaxation and look forward to inviting them back for OS events in the future. Jennifer Hanson
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AGM THURSDAY, 10 MARCH 2016 The Annual General Meeting of The Old Stortfordian Society was held in The Rotunda in The Ferguson Lecture Theatre. It was a very brief meeting at which the President, Chris Forster (SuH, 82-90) was elected to serve for a further year. Michael Baim (SHb, 58-62), Ed Inglis (AH, 51-59) and Steve Ross (SHa, 65-72) were elected as Committee Members, while Charles Olley as Hon. Treasurer, John Rycroft as OS News Editor and Julie Pridmore as OS Administrator, were all duly re-elected. David Clare (HH, 56-64) was elected a Vice President. Charles Olley presented the accounts, which were duly adopted and Richard Price submitted a report on behalf of the Benevolent Fund Trustees. As always, Richard reminded us that should any member be in need, or if any member knows another in hardship, they should address these concerns to the Trustees, who can be contacted via the OS Office. Any contact in such circumstances will be treated in the strictest confidence. After the meeting, refreshments were served in the Ferguson Lecture Theatre. This was followed by the Annual Lecture, entitled An Evening with Bob Kisby (Staff 1973-2011) Reminiscences of an Era of Change at BSC.
1968-2018
‘FIFTY YEARS ON’ A look at the College over the past 50 years Bob Kisby takes an anecdotal look at how the College has changed. Amongst a series of stories about life from the seventies to the present day, he explores what life was like in the Boarding Houses, why and how girls were introduced into the School, which was the best College Rugby Team, the changes in College buildings and where the College is heading as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. This fascinating and amusing book would make a fabulous Christmas present and is available at a cost of £10 (inc. p+p). Please send your cheque made payable to ‘Bob Kisby’ by 18th November to Jennifer Hanson in the OS Office, Bishop’s Stortford College, 10 Maze Green Road, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PJ. The total order for books will be placed with the printers and they will be posted out in time for Christmas.
OS LECTURE 10 MARCH 2016 After the AGM, we had the great pleasure of welcoming a favourite former member of staff, Bob Kisby (Master, 73-11) back to the College to deliver the 2016 OS Lecture. Bob shared reminiscences of his time at the College in an insightful and witty manner. His career began while the College was a boys-only school and they were excelling on the hockey pitches and in the swimming pool but failing to reach their potential in rugby fixtures. Bob delighted his enraptured audience of OS and staff with stories covering his journey to secure a new Sports Hall, the ski trip programme that he helped to introduce and the successful implementation of ‘The Kisby Plan’ on the rugby field. The challenges and rewards that Bob and his wife, Inger, faced as they supervised the introduction of the first girls into the College as House-parents of the newly formed Young House put the co-educational environment that we are all now so used to into perspective. The delicate process of choosing a suitable uniform for the girls was one that Bob illustrated through numerous photographs, showing how the uniform evolved greatly over a relatively short period of time. It was a real joy to see so many of Bob and Inger’s Young House girls in the audience enjoying the stories of their trailblazing school days! Bob’s lecture was engaging and entertaining from start to finish and was thoroughly enjoyed by all that attended. A huge thanks must go to Bob for doing us the honour of speaking and to all those that joined us for the evening. Photography: Ian Taylor
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OS LADIES V SCHOOL HOCKEY MATCH FRIDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2016
OS GOLF SOCIETY OS V STAFF With success at Rio by the GB Ladies team, this annual hockey match between the OS ladies and a BSC XI was always going to be a keenly contested affair. Taking place on a warm Friday evening, the OS side successfully retained their 2015 title with a final score of 4-3. It was an excellent match with both sides playing a very high level of hockey, and teams were supported by a large bipartisan crowd. It was really good to see OS of differing age groups playing together, determined to win the match! The OS had a strong defence with good pace in attack. Awards for players of the match went to Becky Stapleton (née Witherden (BH, 95-07), and BSC goalkeeper, Katherine Webb. Thanks go to Jennifer Hanson for organising this great event, and to Dave Eggleton (AH, 82-90) for his umpiring. Victoria Farrant (TH, 04-16), Captain
The OSGS had a very enjoyable Golf day at Bishops Stortford Golf Club on 2 September where BSC Staff were the hosts. We met at 11.00am for coffee and subsequently played 5 four-ball matches. On a grand Stableford aggregate score, the OS team were beaten soundly. BSGC laid on a very good carvery in the evening, after which the prizes were distributed (Results below). Our thanks go to Jennifer Hanson, the OS Alumni Relations Officer, and Gary Law, the BSC Staff Captain, who arranged a marvellous day for all. Gary is very keen to play the fixture again next year on a straight four ball competition, and I hope that the OS can muster a team of 20, making 10 pairs in total for the 2017 match. The OSGS is very keen to increase its membership and arranged to offer subsidised green fees, by way of introduction, to seven current pupils for the meeting that was held at Letchworth on 22 September. We would be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to play in either or both of the annual meetings, or get involved in the Halford Hewitt Public Schools competition at Sandwich or the Cyril Gray Public Schools competition for the over 50s. Please contact the following if you are interested in joining us, or indeed any suggestions that you may have to improve the society and increase membership. Peter Smith peterpsmith1@hotmail .co.uk Keith Turner keith.turner@bmtclaw.co.uk Stuart Findlay stuartfindlay2016@gmail.com Peter Smith
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CYRIL GRAY 2016 TOURNAMENT AT WORPLESDON GOLF CLUB 23-25 JUNE 2016 Well! That was different!
clubs and trolleys and we play near trees.
I have never heard of a golf match being decided on by a oneshot shoot out.
The organisers were therefore in a bit of a quandary as to what to do and, after much discussion, (uniquely as far as we know) agreed that the results of the first round games of the Plate should be decided in a ‘shoot-out’. They chose the lovely 4th hole at Worplesdon, firstly because it is a great golf hole and secondly (and probably more importantly) because the green for that hole is right in front of the Clubhouse so they did not have to go far from the cover of the Clubhouse to see things. This is a 175 yard hole all uphill to a green some 40 feet or so above the tee. Each player in the 6-man team was allowed just one shot and the team which had the ball nearest the pin (on the green) won that round and moved into the 2nd round to be played on the Friday.
Anyway, we played our 50 + scratch foursomes annual version of the Halford Hewitt first, as usual. We had a team of 6 but this was only by good luck in itself. We had, on paper, the potential to put out the finest team ever this year but then one went to the mud-bath at Glastonbury, another had to be in Court, another had a surprise holiday booked for him by his wife and so on and so on. Thanks to Stuart Findlay stepping in at the last minute, we did have a full team. We were also glad to welcome a newcomer to the group, James Scott. In the first round, we played against Dulwich. They had the good fortune of having a golf course at the bottom of the road leading to their school so golf was an important sport for them and it seems many of them continued playing long after they had left school. This year we swapped the teams round a bit and James Greenall played with Peter Lennie; Keith Turner with James Scott and Mike Claridge with Stuart Findlay. Poor Mike and Stuart seemed to have drawn the Dulwich top pair as they were 9 down after 9, a position from which it is difficult to win! James and Peter put up a spirited fight but lost 5 and 4. Keith and James fared much better, winning 4 and 3 but overall we lost 2/1 and so headed for the Plate first round which was to be played that same afternoon. The day in question was the Thursday of the thunderstorms in Surrey and what storms they were. We had quadruple thunderclaps and incessant rain. Golfers do not like very much going out in thunderstorms. We hold metal
Of the 12 balls hit in our match only 2 actually reached the green and our best ball spun back off it. So we lost. We felt a little cheated to be honest but none of us fancied going out to play a full 18 holes in that weather. As always it was great fun. The course is an absolute delight to play and the camaraderie is wonderful. The evening meals together were also super. All in all we look forward to next year’s match when it is to be hoped that those at Glastonbury will decide they are too old for Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll; those in Court will seek adjournments and those with wives booking holidays without checking on their husbands’ golf diaries will have received a few kindly words of warning. Oh! I have just realised that if that happens I may not get selected to play! Keith Turner
OS V STAFF RESULTS Winning Team – BSC Staff Best OS Golfer - James Greenall (AH, 65-74) (score of 38) Best BSC Golfer - Sandy Barnard (score of 44) Best Pair – BSC Sandy Barnard & Mark Self (score of 81) Runner Up – Best Pair – BSC Ed Jones & Simon Lipscombe (score of 78) Longest Drive – BSC Colin Williams Nearest the Pin – OS John Turner (DBH, 43-52)
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O.S NEWS - Issue 134 October 2016
OS VETERANS’ DINNER FRIDAY, 1 APRIL 2016
There was a change of venue this year for the OS Veterans’ Dinner (which I am ashamed to say I refer to as the OS Old Farts Dinner) which was held on April Fools Day. Frank Bennett and Julie Pridmore took on board the comments of dissatisfaction from those who have attended this annual bun fight in recent years at the hotel in Cambridge City Centre with its mediocre food, rooms desperate for refurbishment and chronic parking problems, and set about finding a better venue. They certainly came up trumps and so it was that just over 60 OS and their current wives or girlfriends gathered at the Hallmark Hotel (formerly the Menzies Hotel) on Bar Hill, 4 miles outside Cambridge conveniently situated right next to the A14 and close to the M11. This proved to be a vast improvement and everyone was impressed with the facilities and quality of food and service. Those who stayed overnight were well satisfied with a good night’s sleep in comfortable rooms and a substantial breakfast and those who brought their golf clubs were able to enjoy a round on the excellent course. Top marks to Frank and Julie! Julie and Jennifer were on hand in the bar to greet those attending with a smile, a name badge (in case you looked so decrepit that no one recognised you) and a glass of Prosecco. Old chums were soon found and there developed a great
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hubbub of greetings and exchanges of news and views before the assembled company was called in to dinner in the adjacent spacious room. After a first class meal, Frank Bennett held forth with a warm welcome and, to the relief of most, declared that we were excused from singing ‘Heroes’. He then handed over to Stuart Findlay who spoke (very eloquently despite his wine intake) about the fund for assisting pupils at BSC whose parents are unable to find the fees for their offspring to continue their education in the 6th Form. Stuart gave some anonymous examples of those who had already benefitted from the fund and encouraged OS present to support this worthy cause. Then it was the turn of Malcolm Hemingway, the School Bursar, who gave an illuminating update on the building work going on at BSC and the plans for the future. He also included in his report the latest news on the rebuilding of RPH following the recent disastrous fire.
Next came the obligatory photograph of all OS in attendance followed by time for circulating. This resulted in outbreaks of raucous laughter more often than not caused by attempts to take off the famous characteristics and memorable sayings of past members of staff with Freddie Bryan-Brown, Teddy Wall, ‘Skello’ Darlington, Walter Strachan and Charles Mellows among others being the victims. Stuart Findlay and Paul Hickling were still reliving the memories, tucking into the wine at a late hour and receiving instructions from the staff to switch the lights off when they left. It is rumoured that when the breakfast staff arrived in the morning, they were still there! Frank mentioned in his welcome speech that he would like to double the numbers attending the Veterans’ Dinner in 2017, so come along all you OS Over-60s (old Farts) and enjoy a cocktail of conviviality and nostalgia together with a good dinner and a bottle of wine amongst your old pals. David Hogsflesh (SH, 57-62)
OS Attending: Mike Askins (SHa, 40-48), Michael Baim (SHb, 58-62), Joe Bennett (SHb, 42-48), Frank Bennett (SHa, 54-62), John Bolland (GH, HH, 54-63), David Bowtell (AH, 45-52), David Clare (HH, 56-64), Peter Collett (DBH, 43-52), Peter Crameri (DBH, 39-49), Jack Davies (SHa, 47-50), Peter Davies (SHa, 56-62), David Earey (RPH, 45-50), Mark Elliott (SuH, 69-76), Maurice Elliott (DBH, 43-48), Stuart Findlay (SHa, 5561), Paul Fishpool (AH, 53-61), Chris Forster, OS President (SuH, 82-90), Jennifer Hanson, Alumni Relations Officer, Michael Hart (DBHy, 47-55), Tony Hazell (SHa, 47-52), Malcolm Hemingway, Bursar, Paul Hickling (SHa, 56-63), David Hogsflesh (SH, 57-62), Nick Houlder (HH, SuH, 62-66), Jack Hulbert (SH, AH, 45-49), Ed Inglis (GH, AH, 51-59), John Liddell (AH, 43-49), Colin Logsdon (SHb, 43-50), Robin Marshall (DBH, 44-51), Tim Moore (GH, RPH, 53-60), Robin Newman (SHa, 46-51), Cyril Pavey (SHa, 47-50), Richard Price (HH, 54-63), Julie Pridmore, OS Administrator, Tony Rea (HH, SuH, 63-68), Edward Rook (SHa, 50-54), John Rycroft (RPH, 64-69), John Tedder (RPH, 59-63), Kevin Webb, Development Director.
O.S NEWS - Issue 134 October 2016
2000 LEAVERS REUNION SATURDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2016 At the kind invitation of the Headmaster and Old Stortfordian Society, I attended a reunion of 2000s leavers. After navigating my way from the car park through the school using a Duke of Edinburgh worthy system of signs and discreet arrows, I was warmly greeted by old peers and teachers. Coffee, catching up and some reminiscing on old times over, we took our seats to listen to the current Headmaster, Jeremy Gladwin talk us through the major changes that had occurred under firstly John Trotman’s time as Headmaster, before moving more recently into today’s College and his own achievements as Headmaster. The first thing that took me by surprise is the scale of growth in terms of pupil numbers, now numbering almost 1170. I was curious to see how the infrastructure had also grown to accommodate this
expansion in pupil numbers. Walking around the school with one of the prefects and another boy from the upper sixth I was really impressed to see, in particular, the Art Building where the standard of work on display would not have been out of place in a public gallery. The swimming pool, which although built quite some time ago, to my joy had been built over the old outdoor pool (anyone with memories of this will shudder at the thought). I was sad to hear that the College no longer played water polo competitively, as it was this very sport during my time at the College that gave me the opportunity to visit Eton College and play against the Duke of Cambridge. That said, he put about 5 goals past me and we lost the game but the experience will live with me for ever!
Other highlights from the day included seeing Mr Birchall (Economics, 88present), again with him drawing out key facts about me from his memory bank which left me impressed. Mrs Wilson (French & AH Housemistress, 98present) and I reminisced about some of the humorous things from our final years at the College. All in all a very special day for all involved and thanks to the organisers. Spencer Kersey (SuH, 96-00) Photography: Ian Taylor
OS PRESIDENT TALKS TO LEAVERS THURSDAY, 21 APRIL 2016 OS President, Chris Forster (SuH, 82-90) took the opportunity, before exam leave began, to informally introduce the U6th to the benefits that engagement with the OS Society could bring them in the future. Exams now behind them, the U6th Leavers are welcomed to the OS Society.
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O.S NEWS - Issue 134 October 2016
10TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION FOR 2006 LEAVERS SATURDAY, 25 JUNE 2016
It was a real pleasure to return to the College this summer and to see so many familiar faces.
thrilling to experience at first-hand how the College is going from strength to strength.
The College very kindly hosted approximately fifty of ‘the Class of 2006’, together with partners and staff, in the school grounds. What a great day it was, seeing so many old friends again, for some the first time in a while, and how
A drinks reception was followed by an address from the Headmaster, Jeremy Gladwin, welcoming all, providing an update of what is happening at the College, from exam and sports results, to developments taking place in the school’s infrastructure. We were then divided up into groups for a tour of the school’s grounds. Whilst the efficient forming of groups was reminiscent of school days, the structure was in fact far more allowing, with many visitors turning up late for their tours, and being able to direct them where they pleased! It was fantastic to see further development of the College as we went around, such as the new art block, as well as the interim accommodation for RPH.
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I remember being impressed when the ‘new’ indoor pool was built whilst I was at the College, and we recognised this when we saw it again, that it really was a great facility. How wonderful to experience this ‘wow’ factor once more as we went around, thinking of the impetus it must give the current girls/guys to do great work, and to achieve new heights on the sports field. This sense of development was coupled with a good helping of nostalgia – from a few photos of us on display, by spending time again with the teachers we knew when we were there, and catching up on what has happened since. Overall it was a special day to be back in the fantastic environment we grew up in, and to see it going forth so well. Dan Wakerley Photography: Ian Taylor
O.S NEWS - Issue 134 October 2016
OS PRESIDENT’S OS REUNION AT THE FAMILY DAY SUNDAY, 26 JUNE 2016 DORCHESTER
The weather smiled on us again for a glorious President’s Day, with the highest attendance to date. There was plenty on offer to keep all ages entertained, from a superb hog roast, a close up magician to zorb balls. For the first time, we also had an OS and current parents’ classic car display which was incredibly popular. But, as always, the highlight was the 20/20 cricket match, and I’m delighted to say the OS won again with a score of 152/3 and won by 7 wickets (BSC 149). OS Man of the Match- James Sandford (RPH, 05-10) BSC Man of the Match- Harry Bailey The Car Show Champagne Prize Draw was won by Andy Pickup (Current Parent) who brought along a 1969 Chesil Speedster Porsche 356A Replica. Enormous thanks went to Head Groundsman, Nigel Witherden, BSC Captain Dave Hughes, BSC Team Manager Matt Drury, OS Captain Will Moore (RPH, 01-14) & OS Team Manager, Paul Bashford (SH, 7786) & Paul Brooker (HH, 79-86) who helped rally the OS team! Grateful thanks go to the school for their continued support of this event. Chris Forster
Standing from the left: Richard Harris-Jones, Alan Gillett, Phil Franklin, Barry Leach, Derek Rona, Tim Shaw, Jim Collett, Duncan Robertson, Bob Rabl. Kneeling from the left: Andy Peebles, Warwick Morris, Tony Clark, John Levine, Simon Leak, Peter Bentley, Paul Ekins
50 YEARS ON! WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2016 Sixteen Old Stortfordians gathered at The Dorchester Hotel in London to mark the 50th anniversary of their departure from the College in 1966. The group included some leavers from 1965 and 1967. Some had met up in the intervening years, but many had not seen each other since the day of their departure from school. However, friendships were quickly rekindled, with many schoolboy anecdotes being exchanged with much hilarity. Old photos of College sports teams were brought out, with us all trying to pick out friends and acquaintances. Programmes from drama productions were also produced recalling memorable moments on stage. Andy Peebles took us down memory lane, which included musical hits from exactly 50 years ago, plus some amusing stories of College life and the 1960s decade as a whole. One attendee (John Levine) had made the long journey from the USA to be present and another, Bob Rabl, travelled from Switzerland. This very convivial lunch came to an end with a resolve to maintain contact and to repeat the gathering at some future time. Alan Gillett
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OS EVENTS PROGRAMME 2016/17 Friday, 11 November
Service of Remembrance - Memorial Hall, BSC, 10.20am
Wednesday, 16 November Professionals in Law Networking Event Daly’s Wine Bar, 210 The Strand, London, WC2R 1AP 6.30- 8.30pm
Sunday, 11 December
Unveiling of Geoff Timm Memorial Outside the original Alliott House 11.30am to 12.00pm
Sunday, 11 December
OS vs BSC 1st X1 Rugby Match Doggart Pavilion. BBQ Provided 1pm Kick off
Sunday, 11 December
OS Family Carol Service Memorial Hall, BSC, 5pm Followed by mince pies and mulled wine
Friday, 27 January
OS Quiz night - Quizmaster: David Hopper Kua’aina Hawaiian Burger & Sandwich Grill, 40 Goodge Street, London W1T 2QP
Saturday, 25 February
OS 10th Anniversary Reunion for 2007 Leavers Ferguson Lecture Theatre, BSC, 11-4pm
Thursday, 9 March
OS AGM - Rotunda, Ferguson Building, BSC, 6.30pm
Saturday, 11 March
1868 Society and Headmaster’s Giving Club Lunch – BSC
Friday, 24 March
OS Veterans’ Dinner for OS over 60 years old. Menzies Hotel, Bar Hill, Cambridge, 6 for 7pm
Wednesday, 26 April
Professionals in Media/PR/Advertising Networking Event Hoxton Hotel, High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD, 6.30 - 8.30pm
Thursday, 1 June
OS Golf Society Spring Meeting - Gog Magog Golf Club. Cambridge
Saturday, 1 July
OS Diamond Reunion for OS who left BSC over 60 years ago Ferguson Lecture Theatre, BSC, 11-4pm
Sunday, 2 July
OS President’s Family Fun Day. OS vs BSC Cricket, Children’s Entertainment, BBQ. Doggart Pavilion, 2-6pm
Further event details and reunion invitations will be sent out nearer to each event but, in the meantime, please save the relevant dates in your diary! If you require any additional information please contact Jennifer Hanson, Alumni Relations Officer at jennifer.hanson@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
Event attendance can be confirmed at www.stortfordians.org/events
O•S•NEWS ISSUE 134 • OCTOBER 2016