Bristolienses Issue 60 Spring 2021

BRISTOLIENSES THE OLD BRISTOLIANS’ MAGAZINE Spring 2021 Issue 60

In this issue: Memories of BGS Events 2021 OB Lecture Series Transport & Urban Design Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith Remembrance 2020 From the Archivist Reminiscenses In memoriam

Where are they now?

LUNCH CLUB

Thoughts from the Chair

GEOFF WRIGHT

MEETINGS : OB SPORTS CLUB : OB OFFICE NEWS : TREASURER’S REPORT

Editorial Editorial

Contents Editorial 2 From the President 3 Joining the Team 3 Treasurer’s Report 4 Thoughts from the Chair 4 From OBs’ Office 5 From the Secretary 6 From the Archivist 7 Memories of BGS 8 Remembrance 2020 10 OB Lecture Series 12 Careers Dept 14 Lunch Club Zoom Meetings 15 Transport & Urban Design 18 Hockey Club Report 20 Rugby Club Report 21 Events 2021 22 Charter Day 2021 24 Charter Day Quiz 25 Ten Riddles 26 Reminiscences 29 Where are they now?

32 OB News 33 Weddings 35 OBs Around the World 36 Merchandise 37 In Memoriam 38 OB Management Committee 46 Honorary Members 47 Past Presidents 47

Issue 56 Winter 2019

Geoff Wright

Better late than never!

We are catching up and I hope we may be back on target in the summer. Furloughing has made things a little more difficult as has the loss of normal office contact. However, I am delighted that Tony O’Callaghan is back to work his usual design magic on this edition.

Issue 57 Summer 2019

My thanks go to all contributors. Please keep the article coming in. You make Bristolienses!

My sincere thanks, too, to Caitlin for the support she provides me in my editorial role and to Pete for his endless churn of the social media, seeking information and updates from Old Bristolians.

Issue 58 Winter 2020

I hope you enjoy this edition of Bristolienses with its mix of news, features and reminiscences. Please feed back your comments to us via Caitlin (cspencer@bgs. bristol.sch.uk) and please do not feel shy about writing me an article.

Where are the stories from BGS in the eighties and the nineties? Did nothing memorable or sharable happen? Show us it did!

Also, please send me articles on your ‘holiday jobs’. I am sure there must be many memories of menial tasks and injustices from the world of work!

Thanks to Tony O’Callaghan for our cover image of the Remembrance Crosses Installation in November 2020

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Geoff Wright (1956-1966) Issue 59 Autumn 2020

Chairman Bristolienses Editor

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President From From thethe President

The importance of connection. Taking

part in a recent luncheon club interview with Mike Burmester, it was great to be able to explain my connection to the Old Bristolians and how I, as a St Brendan’s Old Boy, ended up being your President. The answer for those not on the Zoom luncheon is that I was invited to be President as a result of my work on the sports club committee over a 35 year period. As I reflect on my time as a member of the rugby club I have many friendships and memories that I hold dear of good times on and off the pitch. These memories are what bind us together. For most of you the importance of your school memories and friendships are what bring you to this article.

In these most difficult of times connections are more important than ever, our ability to share experiences and memories whether happy or sad, enable us to

Nadine Latte

I am delighted to have joined Pete Jakobek and the Team here at Bristol Grammar School. While some schools have fundraising as a ‘nice to have’, I have joined BGS

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process and make sense of what is happening.

With time on our hands it has never been more important to reach out and make contact with our friends and acquaintances. As a mental health and wellbeing ambassador and a mental health first aid trainer I am always reminding people of the importance of random acts of kindness.

The Mental Health Foundation which publishes statistics around people’s wellbeing said in November that 61% of people surveyed said they felt better when being kind to or receiving kindness from others. The ability to share memories with others is also an important factor in maintaining happiness.

With all of this in mind it has never been more important to belong to clubs and societies that provide us with these opportunities. So thank you to Mike & Caitlin for the opportunity and thank you to the attendees for all the positive

Rich Berry feedback. I very much look forward to the opportunity to see you all in person sharing memories and enjoying each other’s company once life returns to normal.

In the meantime, whether you pick up the phone, address a letter, FaceTime a friend, or Zoom with a group, take time to go through your address book & reach out to others.

Evidence shows that both you and they will feel better for it. Wishing you the very best in the coming months

Rich Berry

Old Bristolians’ President

Joining the Team Joining the Team

under the leadership of the Headmaster, Jaideep Barot with a committed Board of Governors and staff, because this is a school that recognises the importance of providing greater opportunities for children through means-tested bursaries. This is a school that cherishes diversity, equality and inclusion.

who become our future leaders of change, benefitting our great city of Bristol and the world beyond.

While fundraising is an integral part of our work, the broader remit is to support the Old Bristolians’ Society, parents, staff and friends by developing a sense of community with opportunities to ‘join in’ socially and professionally.

The need to offer life-changing education for bright and able children regardless of financial means is stronger than ever. This is not a “nice to have”; it is an essential part of the school’s strategy. We are therefore proud to raise funds to support children

I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months when hopefully some warmer weather and a renewed sense of hope will bring us together.

Nadine Latte

Development Director

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Treasurer’s Report Treasurer’s Report

Nick Fitzpatrick

The impact of the pandemic on the Old Bristolians’ Society

has been to reduce financial activity, and there have been

relatively few financial transactions during the last three months amounting to a net outflow of about £3,000.

However, the value of our reserves

has increased, partly because we have invested a further £25,000 with Brewin Dolphin which together with the movement of the markets has meant that our portfolio was worth £343,000, on the 5th of January 2021. The portfolio is quite broadly spread, with half of the 40 holdings in “blue chips”. The remaining 20 holdings in pooled funds of some sort .

standing orders. Could I ask those members who have not yet done so to tell their bank to stop the standing orders.

In addition to the £343,000 there is a further £11,000 making a total of £354,000.

Nick Fitzpatrick (1954-1965)

On an immensely larger scale, hope is now in sight for relief from some of the constraints of COVID-19, but we must not move too soon, too far or too fast! It is probably only ‘the end of the beginning’.

whilst awaiting the arrival of a heating engineer this afternoon.

Hope is in sight for relief of this

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Treasurer

You will recall that we have changed the way in which we are funded and do not need your annual sub from our members. Up until now these have been paid by either standing order or direct debit. I have stopped the direct debits but I am unable to stop the

small area of discomfort!

It is a cold February day as I write this

value hearing from anyone who is interested in taking on the role.

Reminder.....

Thoughts from the Chair From the Chair

Geoff Wright

And finally, I have given Geoff notice of my wish to step down as Treasurer, and I am sure he would

As Peter Jakobek’s article shows, School continues to educate its pupils in the different ways now necessary and against a background of rapidly changing Government decisions on health and education.

The Society, too, has continued remotely. Not a great deal has changed, but greater clarity of our history, finances, functions and future is emerging.

Nick Fitzpatrick, our treasurer, has expressed a wish to demit from this office. He has worked hard to disentangle the Gordian Knot of our finances and we owe him a great deal of thanks for this. His successor will have an easier job.

We have made an unprecedented move and asked Rich Berry to continue as President for a second term. The first national lockdown began almost as soon as he did last March and with Kate Redshaw’s full agreement we offered him the opportunity to continue through to March 2022 in the hope he will achieve one full year in office. Kate will take up her Presidency then.

Continuing this vein of hope we are

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From OBs’ Office From OBs’ Office

apart from some subjects that were taught in specialist areas.

Peter Jakobek

News from the OBs’ Office - last term the

staff and students returned in September to a COVID secure site, the students had to bubble which involved a rewriting of the timetable and students only mixing with other students from their Year group.

They stayed in the same building

dreaming of face to face gatherings and social events and tentatively mapping out things for this Summer, Autumn and Christmas, and Spring 2022. Hopefully the first will be our Midsummer Night’s ‘Dream’, a drinks plus food gathering on the terraces of BGS, in June.

On this more optimistic note I shall end, wishing you well for the coming months and thanking you for your continuing support.

Geoff Wright (1956-1966) Chairman Bristolienses Editor

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The staff had to move around the site and remain socially distanced from their students. Lunch was staggered and delivered in different buildings, whilst some students could enjoy a hot lunch in the Great Hall others were fed in the Theatre and at Failand. Games lessons resumed but there was no rugby and no inter school sport.

Competitive matches were played on Saturdays but only within year group bubbles. All assemblies were moved online so were delivered in form rooms, our Remembrance Service was replaced with a film and the Carol Service, a muchloved event at the end of term, was replaced with a memorable Carol Concert video.

At the end of term the School was told to prepare for a staggered return and set up a COVID testing process that would start off with GCSE and A Level students being tested on their return to lessons.

The Spring term started but a last-minute change in plan by the Government resulted in the School reverting to online learning, something that the School got used to in the summer during

Lockdown 1.

The students were then told that their exams had been cancelled and all assessments will be completed by the teachers. For some of us this would’ve been a satisfactory conclusion, but a parent told me that her son now feels under more pressure as he thinks that every piece of work that he now does will influence his final result, so adding to the pressure.

We have started looking at booking some dates for some events later this year to give us something to look forward to. So look out for a Summer Drinks Party in June, a Dinner in Bristol in September, London Drinks in November and the OBs’ Annual Dinner on Saturday 19 March, 2022!

We are looking forward to welcoming Nadine Latte to the office at the end of this month.

Nadine is our new Director of Development and I know that she is looking forward to meeting you all as soon as possible.

Peter Jakobek

(Staff 1982 to date)

Are you at university?

About to go on a placement year?

Do you need help funding your placement?

Every year the Old Bristolians’ Society considers applications from OBs to assist them with their placement year up to a maximum of £250 per person.

TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT THE ‘SUPPORT’ SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE WWW.ALUMNI.BRISTOLGRAMMARSCHOOL.CO.UK

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Secretary’s Report Secretary’s Report video communications companies are available – will be a permanent if less pervasive fixture in our business and social lives but to what extent will we be so reliant?

Ian Southcott

As I write this on a cold, clear morning

I would imagine that I am not alone amongst those scribbling for various periodicals in thinking of how to

avoid reference to the obvious or trying to come up with a new angle or how not to include the dreaded ‘unprecedented’ – none of which is too easy.

However, one thing that is looming is my first annual renewal of my Zoom subscription. Naturally, I paid for the executive version with no restriction on time or number of participants; however, on reflection, this may have been unwise as limiting a meeting’s duration has a lot to be said for it and would be easier on the ether and beneficial to climate change as the reduction in hot air circulation might be considerable……

In March 2020 few people had heard of Zoom and no doubt we all wish that we had invested in a few of its shares as the price has rocketed over the past twelve months in line with many West Coast big tech companies – it’s an ill wind!

Looking forward, there is little doubt that Zoom – other internet

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As far as the Old Bristolians is concerned, Zoom has enabled us to remain in touch and to continue our management and development of the Society. Committee meetings have continued, virtual lunch club get togethers are thriving and the administration function soldiers on in a remote but nevertheless effective fashion.

How will these and other facets of the Society be managed in the future?

There seems little doubt that we will strike a balance between physical and virtual contact and that balance will vary according to need and inclination. There will be a ‘new normal’ – it will not be like Bobby Ewing emerging from the shower with everything back to the way it was.

Our AGM this year has been scheduled for June; normally, it takes place in March but last year it was in July – no doubt we will be back on track by next year. The committee consists of volunteers who share a desire to embrace the Old Bristolians’ community; being an OB is a mixture of nostalgia, a wish to keep in touch, a recognition of what BGS did for us in so many ways and an attempt to maintain those bonds in whatever way we can.

But, like many other aspects of

modern life, how this is manifested and how it will be manifested has changed dramatically and will continue to do so. As a Society we need to recognise these changes and ensure we continue to keep pace with them so we remain relevant to all Old Bristolians. Social media and facilities such as Zoom were already bringing about huge change in how we communicate and this infernal pandemic may have just hastened the process along.

(Note to self: beginning a paragraph with a preposition would have resulted in severe censure in the 3B of 1964….).

Being an Old Bristolian is important and I know many of you share this view and this provides the energy and enthusiasm to ensure that the Old Bristolians’ brand is something we wish to see prosper and grow over many years to come.

One more thought to end on – in late 1665, the renowned diarist Samuel Pepys, bemoaning the misery of the Great Plague, was looking forward to sampling the wares of a new bakery opening in Pudding Lane…..

Ian Southcott (1964 – 1971) Secretary

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From the Archivist Fom the Archivist

found in the South of France, part of the estate of a gentleman who so far as we can tell had no connection with either BGS or the recipient of the prizes. More details when I am in School rather than working from home!

We are also looking ahead. 2032 approaches fast: only eleven years away from the 500th Anniversary.

Anne Bradley

What might have been a thin year with

little to report is turning out to be full of interest. Of course, some projects have slowed down, including our

digitisation of the Chronicles, but most of them are now done and as soon as possible we shall be making that website available to former pupils. We already have some additional photographs to include, and if anyone has a specific item which they would like to sponsor for inclusion we can facilitate that once Lockdown 3 ends.

We have continued to receive enquiries. Interest in the Great War continues, and there are many new enquiries concerning World War II with a consequent revision of the amazing work Leslie Morris did in producing the Roll of Honour and Record of War Service. There are many more stories to tell there, and we hope to include one in the next issue of Bristolienses. If anyone has information to share about BGS and WWII we’d love to hear from you.

And new gifts arrive.

After last year’s gift of a BGS prize volume which turned up in a Spanish charity shop, we have just received a set of prize volumes

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in 1881 when he was in the Fifth Form. They are stamped ‘Bristol Grammar School, Founded by Robt Thorne 1536’; 1536 is a short lived error frequently printed on the crest at this sort of time. All are signed ‘John W Caldicott, DD’, the Headmaster who moved the School from Unity Street to Tyndall’s Park.

Bring out your old records! Yes, we still receive gems from the 1930s.

12 January 2021. On a brief and extremely isolated visit, I have identified the most recent gift as three prize volumes, two volumes of the ‘Oeuvres de Moliere’ and Jules Verne’s ‘Vingt Mille Lieues sous les Mers’, immediately recognisable by the educated Old Bristolian even though ‘Mers’ carries very different overtones at

the moment. They were awarded to William Stuart MacGowan, for French, in 1880 when he was in the A Division of the Third Form, and

The Rev W S MacGowan MA, LLD, Clerk in Holy Orders, 1864-1939, was born in Kent. He married and had three sons, two born in Cheltenham and the third in Grahamstown, Cape Colony, South Africa. Clearly his academic promise was fulfilled, though he seems to have moved away from French to publish German readers and a book on German religious philosopher Rudolf Eucken. I probably need Crockford’s Clerical Directory to explain South Africa, and that alas is closed to me.

William and his three brothers all came to BGS, and the register identifies their father as Alexander Thorburn MacGowan, of Vyvyan House, Clifton. Definitely the gentry!

But how, o how, did the books come to be in southern France?

Anne Bradley Archivist

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Memories of BGS Memories of BGS Memories of Bristol Grammar School in the 1930s & during the Second World War.

I was born on the 1st of May, 1924, the youngest of four children of Frederick James Steel and his wife Daisy (née Cross). The others were Arthur George (8/10/1917), Cyril Frederick (29/11/1920) and Constance Susan Emily (6/7/1922).

We lived at 46 Shaftesbury Avenue, Bristol, but moved up the hill to the more salubrious 20 Upper Belmont Road when I was three, so I cannot remember much about my first home. I was also very ill there and only survived because of dedicated nursing by my mother.

The late 1920’s and early 1930’s saw the ending of social conditions that had existed for a very long time. We walked almost everywhere, unless lucky enough to possess a bicycle. Cars were almost unknown and had to be garaged when not in use, so onstreet parking did not take place to any extent. Public Transport was mainly by electric tram, which could be quite exciting on the open top deck! Longer journeys took place on steam-hauled trains.

“Bone-shaking” buses covered other routes.

We all went to Sefton Park Junior School, which provided a good education. After Sefton Park School, Arthur went to Cotham School, Cyril went to North Bristol Central School and Connie went to Fairfield School. In 1935 I was awarded a Christchurch Exhibition Scholarship at Bristol Grammar School and this entailed an interview in their Vestry. One of the interviewers asked me if I knew how an aeroplane worked. When I replied that I did, he remarked

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“That’s more than I do!” and so started a new phase of my life.

At BGS I did well at first and, on Arthur’s advice, selected the “modern” route of Latin, French, German, Maths and Science etc. in contrast to the “classic” route which included Greek. My progress

Air-raid Alerts, pupils evacuated to four underground trench shelters in the playing field, while the 6th formers were allocated fire-guard duties. With several others I was assigned to guard the Preparatory School (now 6th Form Block).

BGS – “SHELL” FORM (1935-1936) Front Row: Centre – Peter Steel, Right End – Alan White 2nd Row: Centre – M Guerra (Form Master & French Teacher) Back Row: 3rd from Left – A Dudley Osborne

MAIN ENTRANCE - Library on the left, “Fives” Court on the right

faltered in the 2nd year (Form 4b) until I realised that homework was important, after which I regained a better position. In the 5th and Lower 6th Forms, Mechanics, more Maths and Science (which I enjoyed) enabled me to achieve good grades in the First School Certificate in 1939.

I attended the 6th Science Form for two years, studying mainly Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, with other subsidiary subjects such as Art (including Architecture). During

First School Certificate – July 1939

I served as a daytime fire-guard until the building was destroyed in the night air-raid of 24/11/1940.

Air-raid trench shelters were situated under the bank on the right

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Memories of BGS Memories of BGS

proceeded normally and as I did well in the Exams, I was awarded quite a valuable prize, comprising a number of books. These had the school coat-of-arms in gold on the front and a label inside stating “for proficiency in Science” etc.

BGS Preparatory School

The war did not affect us much at first. After Poland had been over-run by Germany and Russia, an uneasy calm set in (the “phoney war”).

On 9th April 1940 the war suddenly erupted. Norway and Denmark were invaded by Germany; Denmark surrendered but Norway put up a fierce resistance, aided by hurriedly rushed in British and French forces. German air superiority won the day, forcing the final evacuation from Narvik on 9th July.

Meanwhile, on 10th May 1940, Germany attacked Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Holland surrendered after four days and the Nazi armies swept into France, by-passing the defensive Maginot Line, leading to the evacuation of British and some Allied forces from Dunkirk on 29th May. France surrendered on 22nd June and on 30th June, the Channel Islands were occupied. This had certainly been a “Blitzkrieg” (Lightning War) and an unexpected disaster for the Allies. The totally unexpected fall of France now meant that German bombers could reach the whole of Britain. Small scale night-time air-raids on the Bristol area started in June 1940 and many hours were spent in air-raid shelters. We had a brick and concrete one in the back garden, fitted with bunk beds.

During all this time, school

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At school, we had a grand-stand view of two incidents during the Battle of Britain, the daylight raids of 25th & 27th September 1940.

In the first, about 70 bombers in formation passed over the City at about 4,000 metres high to bomb severely Filton aircraft factory.

Much damage was caused and about 100 people were killed. Antiaircraft fire brought down a Heinkel bomber at Failand. The raid two days later was a different story; 18 RAF Hurricane fighters were on patrol and attacked the formation, which broke up and scattered, jettisoning bombs. Ten bombers were shot down, with the loss of two fighters.

Major night air-raids started on Sunday 24th November 1940, although many air-raid warnings had been sounded in previous weeks. I was off duty, but following the alert siren at 6.21 pm, parachute flares were dropped and it soon became clear that many bombs and incendiaries were landing. I reported for duty 18.50 to 00.15, but nothing happened in our sector. The main target was the city centre and enormous damage was done. Great fires raged out of control and water supplies failed due to damaged mains. One of the areas destroyed was the Castle Street shopping district, which has never been rebuilt but now forms the Castle Park open space. Heavy bombs were also dropped further out and one, in Falmouth Road, caused damage to Horfield Baptist Church, where Connie and Cyril were sheltering after the Evening

Service had been halted. At the University, the fine Great Hall was destroyed by fire and at the Grammar School, the Preparatory suffered the same fate, so my services as a fire-guard were no longer required there! Nearly 200 were killed, but in a few days the City was operating again, despite the loss of much property.

Life at School proceeded normally and I passed the Higher School Certificate in Physics, Chemistry, Pure and Applied Mathematics, which meant that I was qualified to enter University. I applied for a State Scholarship and thought

Higher School Certificate – July 1941

it would be interesting to study Chemistry. To my surprise, in August I received an offer of a City Senior Scholarship worth £30 per year towards the fees of £42, to enter the BSc course in Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol. This sounded even more interesting, so I accepted.

And so ended my time at Bristol Grammar School!

Peter H Steel (1935-1941)

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Remembrance 2020 Remembrance 2020

This year we were unable to hold our usual Service of Remembrance in the Great Hall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The solution that we came up with was to produce a film which encapsulated the essence of our normal tribute to the Old Bristolians that died fighting for their Country.

We are very fortunate to have the services of Tony O’Callaghan in the OBs’ Office, Tony is a talented film maker and he put together what proved to be a very moving tribute.

were able to sponsor these crosses either in remembrance of one of our OBs or of someone important to them and their family. It was a poignant installation in the centre of the school and we were grateful to the many people who sponsored a cross, helping us to raise £750 for the British Legion.

The final film was streamed to the School on the morning of Armistice

Day and at noon to the OBs’ Lunch Club.

You can still watch our Remembrance 2020 Film on the Old Bristolians’ website in the Media section.

Peter Jakobek

(Staff 1982 to date)

Our thanks to Captain Simon Lowes (Old Bristolian 1997-2004), Headmaster Jaideep Barot, Head of School Issy Britten and Deputy Head of School Theresa Markey for their generous contributions and excellent readings. Special mention must also go to Annie, a BGS Year 9 student, for her remarkable rendition of The Last Post and Reveille.

As a further tribute, we decided to plant crosses in the Headmasters’ Lawn to mark our remembrance of the 350+ former pupils who were killed in conflicts from the Boer War until the present day.

OBs, parents, students and staff

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Remembrance 2020 Remembrance 2020

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OB Lecture Series OB Lecture Series For many years, I have wanted to create an Old Bristolian

Lecture Series that would involve a great selection of

Historian, biographer and of course for his work as a historical advisor on Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ Robert has often visited us at BGS to talk to our students so it was great to be able to share his knowledge with a wider audience.

When we went into lockdown in March 2020, as with many other businesses we had to think of alternative ways to continue our connection with the OB community but also to offer new ways of connecting with us.

Robert spoke passionately about his time at BGS and how much it meant to him, before going on to discuss his latest book ‘Battle of Brothers’ which details the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry. Robert gave us great insight into how he writes his books and his inside knowledge of the Royal family.

Old Bristolians joining us, ideally, in the 1532 MacKinnon Theatre across many weeks.

The first step was to take our regular Friday Lunch Club offering and see if that would work remotely, which it did - really well! We then decided to launch a virtual Lecture Series to be held in the evenings, perhaps one a fortnight, and with the ability to have guest speakers and indeed audience members, from all over the world.

Next up, was author and Old Bristolian Anna Hoghton. Anna is an award-winning children’s author, poet and filmmaker and

on his research in Africa and how we could stop people migrating

by supporting them in their own countries. Alex has previously spoken in person at our A Level Presentation evening about how his life has changed in comparison to his years at BGS. Alex is also married to a fellow Old Bristolian.

Just before Christmas, we welcomed comedian and author Mark Watson to our Lecture Series.

I’m sure many of you have seen Mark on TV; Mark is a regular guest on celebrity game shows and has

To launch the series, we were delighted to secure Old Bristolian Robert Lacey. Known for his illustrious career as a Royal joined us to discuss her first novel ‘The Mask of Aribella’ a children’s novel with a timely title given the pandemic! Anna gave an inspiring talk about her passion for writing and her journey throughout her career. Her novel received some excellent reviews and recently won the Quality Fiction Award at the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards.

In November we were delighted to host Professor Alex Betts as our guest speaker. A renowned Political Scientist and Forced Migration expert, Alex presented

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recently appeared on Mastermind and Richard Osman’s House of Cards. Mark joined us to discuss his new book ‘Contacts’ but got lost in memories of BGS, with many of his former classmates and teachers joining the talk. It was a relaxed talk and as always with Mark, very entertaining.

Before we wrapped up for the Christmas holidays, we welcomed local Member of Parliament and historical writer Chris Skidmore to

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OB Lecture Series OB Lecture Series

who joined us from Ankara to talk about his expedition on a tandem, riding from Bristol to Beijing. He was interviewed by current Head of House Ben Scott (Black house).

talk about his latest book ‘Richard III’. Chris spoke about his career and his passion for history.

Most recently we had OB Rebecca Guy speaking to us about her career in nutrition. Rebecca discussed all

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

After the success of the first series we started 2021 with three new lectures. In January we heard from CBBC presenter and writer Joseph Elliot who talked about his latest

DO YOU HAVE ANY NOTABLE MEMORIES FROM SCHOOL?

the different opinions on healthy eating and aimed to dispel some diet and nutrition myths.

Didn’t manage to watch them live? You can catch up on these, and many more, on our website here: https://alumni. bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/pages/ book ‘The Broken Raven’, the follow video-library up to his hugely successful ‘The Good Hawk’.

Peter Jakobek

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHOTOS FROM YOUR TIME AT SCHOOL - WE’D LOVE TO SEE THEM AND SHARE THEM HERE OR ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA

We were so pleased to be able to catch up with Luke Grenfell-Shaw

(Staff 1982 to date)

RECENTLY MARRIED? HAD A BABY? STARTED A BUSINESS? WRITTEN A BOOK? RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITY? LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU & YOUR ENDEAVOURS EMAIL OBS@BGS.BRISTOL.SCH.UK

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Careers Department Careers Department News

Alex Smith

On Monday 21st September the Careers

and Higher Education department hosted its first virtual event – ‘Considering a Career in…the Army’ for a

number of students in years 10-13.

The format of the event was similar to the one which focused on careers in the media industry before lockdown – guest speakers sharing their professional experiences and then taking questions.

Molly Coombes (OB 2012) studied Spanish and Linguistics at the University of Sheffield before joining the Army and finding her place in the Intelligence Corps. Her honesty in revealing to students that she hadn’t known which career path to follow during Sixth Form and that the epiphany hadn’t happened until she was kneedeep in mud with the Sheffield University Officer Training Corps was reassuring for many.

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Jason Button, who leads Army Officer recruitment in the South West was able to give the students accurate and up-to-date information about application, selection and obligations in the Army. Many students expressed interest in the new format Army Internship which works somewhat like a GAP year opportunity.

the sector is set to grow rapidly, especially as many companies vow to build back better after the Covid-19 pandemic and tackle the challenges of climate change.

The twin incentives of labour market resilience and work with a meaningful impact should make this sector attractive to many of our students.

Its second virtual event –

The students were able to ask questions via the chat function or through their microphone after lifting their ‘electronic hand’ and the format facilitated conversation with ease. Our students are now completely at ease with using MS Teams to participate in events such as these and this in itself will improve their preparedness for the changing work landscape.

‘Considering a Career in… the Environment and Sustainability’ was held for a

number of pupils in Years 10–Upper Sixth. The format of the event again involved guest speakers from the Old Bristolians’ community sharing their professional experiences ollowed by a Q&A session.

Lucy Eggleston (OB 2012) studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham before working on sustainable composites as a Research Engineer and then moving into Environmental Policy Consultancy.

Overall the events were a success due to generous guest speakers and the ability to adapt to new ways of working. The Careers and HE department look forward to arranging similar events for other career sectors in the future.

Sarah Goodenough (OB 2014) read History at Oxford before completing a Masters in Environmental Technology then working for Global Optimism on projects run by the United Nations.

Alex Smith

Higher Education and Careers

Their journeys into the Environmental and Sustainability sector were not direct, both of them being influenced by meeting the right interesting people at the right times.

A view they both shared is that

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Lunch Club Zoom Meetings Lunch Club Meetings

LUNCH CLUB MEETINGS What are these?

When do they take place? Can anyone join in?

What do I need? Do I have to say anything?

The meetings are currently one of only two windows where Old Bristolians can meet during lockdown. The other forum is the lecture series organised by Pete Jakobek.

The Zooms usually take place at midday on the first Friday of each month. There is an OB guest speaker who talks on a subject of their choice, quite often from their careers but not exclusively. They talk for 20-25 minutes followed by

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questions from those present on the Zoom.

You do not have to participate actively, you can just watch and listen and stay muted. All you need is an internet connection and a device. You can be at home anywhere in the world, at work, in a parked car or on the beach – to name but a few locations.

Please come and have a look. It is not an exclusive club for a chosen few. All are welcome. Details from obs@bgs.bristol.sch.uk

Mike Burmester (1953-1964)

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Richard Horton was our guest in October ; he is Editor-in-Chief of the Lancet, which he described as the medical equivalent of the Economist.

October

September

Helen Molesworth spoke to the lunch club in September from her rather smart apartment in Geneva. The subject embraced her career in the jewellery business. After studying Classics at BGS ( here she paid tribute to David Miller) and Oxford University, she walked the length of Bond Street to look for a career opening. During her first ten years she worked for both Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London and Geneva.

Richard reflected on his time at BGS, praising Edward Towne and Ron Cockitt in particular.

After Birmingham University he spent ten years as a medic before joining the Lancet in 1990, where he could pursue “a mix of words, medicine and politics”.

At the age of 26 she was invited to Kensington Palace to value the tiara that Princess Margaret had worn at her wedding to the Earl of Snowdon in 1960. Viscount Linley produced the jewel from the safe while the wife of the Aga Khan poured the champagne. It sold for £1M as did the accompanying necklace.

The title of Helen’s talk was “From BGS to Bling” but to this listener “The Jewel in the Crown” would have suited equally.

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No Great Hall ceremony nor Failand commemoration this year.

However we were amply compensated by being able to watch a fifteen-minute video created by Tony O’Callaghan which had been shown to students at school earlier that morning.

Starting with views of Thiepval and Normandy cemeteries we were then transported to the Bavarian Alps and the sound of cow bells to see and hear Captain Simon Lowes give an address.

After BGS, Manchester University and Sandhurst, Simon served seven years in the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers. He went straight to Helmand province after joining up where he was to spend two more tours. Simon explained what Remembrance meant to him.

From his contacts in China the magazine had published five papers in late January 2020 which demonstrated quite clearly how serious the “syndemic” was.

Since this crowning moment in her career, Helen went on to work on famous private collections, set up an academy on gemstones before branching out into archaeology and mining, exploring the source of valuable stones.

November

Lunch Club Zoom Meetings Lunch Club Meetings

His own book titled “The Covid 19 catastrophe” underlines the message. Richard summarised a few key messages on pandemics generally. History shows they change society. The margins of society move to the centre. The virus will not go away; we can at best seek peaceful co-existence.

Vaccines will not be 100% successful, will not cure 100% of those injected and will not reach everyone. He left us with a quote from an authority that Covid 19 will be “ a portal between one world and another.”

There followed a service from school with Annie from Y9 on the bugle, two minutes silence, wreath laying by the Head of School and our President, recitals from the two deputy heads of school and an address by the Headmaster.

All the while the camera shot crossed to the Headmaster’s Lawn and row upon row of crosses. Simon spoke further to those watching the Zoom before answering questions.

Remembrance is still moving whatever the setting.

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Lunch Club Zoom Meetings Lunch Club Meetings

St. Paul’s lies in the diocese of Europe whose Bishop is located in Brussels and his deputy based in Gibraltar. This bishopric extends from Reykjavik to Casablanca, from Moscow to Spain. St Paul’s has a team of multinational clergy led by the Archdeacon to the East who ministers to a congregation of sixty including HM Ambassador.

Their duties were not those of

a UK parish but rather “just” worship and care. The Anglican community consists of 1/3 UK expats, 1/3 African and 1/3 other English speaking. One of James’s responsibilities was to help Syrian refugees write CVs to help them find work in Greece where it is likely they will spend up to ten years before moving elsewhere in Europe to settle permanently.

James concluded with pictures of the Greek Orthodox church celebrating Good Friday-– before some delightful pictures of art and iconography.

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January saw President, Rich Berry, in the hot seat. His first appearance with our extended family was to play for the OB’s 3rd XV at the age of 14, going on to captain the 1st XV, be rugby club chairman, then sports club chairman. In recognition of these achievements he was made an honorary member of the Old Bristolians’ Society.

January

December

Rev. James Harris – a student of classics at BGS and Cambridge University - spoke to us in December of his time based at the Anglican church in Athens from August 2018 to July 2019. Through a slide show we were able to enjoy the contrast of the Acropolis with modern day Athens, to appreciate the stunning blue sea, city and countryside, sun and snow.

Rich concluded his talk with reference to the commemoration of Remembrance Day by the junior sports sections at Failand. An inspiring talk from a committed and talented leader.

Mike Burmester (1953-1964)

Free on Fridays?

Rich was educated at St. Brendan’s College where he was beaten three times by the Christian Brothers for misdemeanours. He went on to St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s College in Cheltenham for a 4-year PE teaching course, followed by a range of jobs in further education, before being seconded to Henbury School in 2002 to help it through special measures imposed by Ofsted.

His next, and in his words most significant, appointment was at the Bristol Gateway School in Lawrence Weston where he climbed the steep learning curve in social and mental health issues – a speciality that informed the rest of his career. After retirement, Rich became chairman of “Engaging in their future” and set up his own independent education consultancy specialising in the understanding of emotional brain growth.

Our monthly Lunch Club Zoom Meetings will continue during Lockdown and beyond A chance to meet over a virtual drink beforehand and enjoy a an entertaining speaker They run between 12 and 1 approximately Why not try logging in and jumping on to Zoom?

You do not have to be a regular attender

Next term’s talks and dates will be available via the Old Bristolians’ website soon

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Transport and Urban Design in Auckland Transport & Urban Design

George Weeks

At BGS I’d always enjoyed human geography (thank you Mr Huckle).

Growing up in Bristol, one experienced an ever-changing urban landscape ranging from the sublime (Queen Square restoration) to the abysmal (almost anything at Cribbs Causeway). Following a social sciences degree at Durham, I obtained an MSc in planning and real estate in at Glasgow and an MA in sustainable urbanism via The Prince’s Foundation for the Built

Cities are where most people in the world live. Urban design is the

Auckland cityscape

process of making the human habitat a pleasant place to be.

In 2019, Auckland came joint third in the Mercer Quality of Living survey. One third of New Zealand’s five million people like Auckland enough to call it home.

For a few years now, this figure has included me. I’d previously spent five enjoyable years as an urban designer at Transport for London (TfL), working on highprofile projects like High Speed 2 and Battersea Power Station regeneration, with a (voluntary) side-hustle in cycling-and-urbanism study tours.

Academy of Urbanism study tour to Malmö

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MA in Sustainable Urbanism

Environment. This led me to my urban design job at TfL. By 2016 I was looking to take my experience overseas.

In early 2017, I packed up my possessions, gave away my houseplants (biosecurity laws in New Zealand are very strict) and took a taxi to Heathrow Airport. £600 of excess baggage charges later, I was on my way to Auckland.

My new job was in the City Centre Design Unit at Auckland Council, where I would conduct a full refresh of its City Centre Masterplan.

First published in 2012, this was a detailed, attractive vision for city,

bursting with drawings, ideas and energy. This had been instrumental in shaping major investments in transport infrastructure and real estate. My job was to bring the 2012 Masterplan up to date and get it approved and published, while retaining the excitement of the original vision. To cut a long story short, we finished this in 2020 and if you want to have a browse, visit www.aucklandccmp.co.nz More generally, I had to become familiar with Auckland’ geography.

The city sits on a narrow isthmus formed by over 50 volcanoes. With east and west-facing harbours.

It is ideal for shipping and trade.

Auckland was briefly (1840 – 1865) the capital of New Zealand and its early street plan (partly built) was based on Bath, with crescents, circuses and avenues.

Electric trams appeared in 1902 (seven years after Bristol), with a spiderweb of tramlines connecting walkable suburbs with a bustling city centre.

Inspired by futuristic visions underway in 1950’s Los Angeles, Auckland’s tram system was completely dismantled by 1956 to be replaced by a brutal urban ring motorway. This displaced 15,000

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Transport and Urban Design in Auckland Transport & Urban Design pandemic has meant more opportunities to explore this beautiful country.

Living and working overseas has given me a chance to get under the skin of a city to an extent that is impossible to get from a regular visit. If you have the opportunity to gain international experience, particular in an area of professional interest, I sincerely recommend giving it a go. people during its construction and effectively severed the central and inner city from its surroundings (à la M32 in St Paul’s), a problem that remains today.

Major investments are now underway to try to repair the damage, with new streetscapes, public spaces and transport infrastructure. Much of Auckland city centre is dominated by construction of City Rail Link (CRL); a $4.4bn, twin-track, fourstation underground railway line.

This is New Zealand’s largest ever transport infrastructure project – one which will move as many people as 16 motorway lanes.

and funding. This is painfully reminiscent of the Bristol tram debacle 20 years ago. Hopefully it will be resolved in less time – a government announcement is imminent.

George Weeks (1995-2002)

Cycling from Mt Cook to Oamaru via the Alps 2 Ocean Trail

Within New Zealand I have travelled a great deal, with plenty of skiing, tramping and cycle touring. I also sail a lot – Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour is more appealing than the Bristol Channel and Westhaven marina is five minutes’ cycle from my office. It’s a good way to unwind after work.

City Rail Link under construction – this site will be New Zealand’s busiest railway station in 2024.

Light rail lines are also planned (and needed) in Auckland but progress has been hampered by disagreements about design

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Travel within New Zealand has been the sole option following last year’s COVID-19 border restrictions. While I miss having overseas visitors, New Zealand’s adeptness at maintaining relative normality during a global

Sutherland Falls, Fiordland National Park

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Sport - Hockey Club Report Sports Club Report Old Bristolians’ Sports Club in the Community

It was late on a Friday when Edd Thompson from hockey put the question; how do we help the

It has been a strange and challenging year for our Sports Clubs. All sport stopped from March through June but Cricket and Hockey finally played some matches in July and Rugby trained in a socially distanced format in August.

Despite the restrictions our members have been working hard to stay connected and relevant in the Communities we live in.

kids near us with getting school meals during their holiday? We decided to donate some of the hockey match fees and put out a request to Hockey and Sports Club members for further contributions.

Within 20 hours we had £2,000.

Our final total was £2,700.

In October, the Hockey Club reached out to Rugby and Cricket for support to providing Free School Meals within our area. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised – but the response was magnificent!

Nels Kitchen (Nick and Lisa our Club House caterers) offered their time and organised deals with Woods Family butchers and Hobbs House bakers to help. With around 20 volunteers to help deliver the meals we were ready, with a

capacity of 60 hot meals a day.

Edd was busy reaching out to identify families and centres that required our services. We appeared in Best of Bristol and Bristol Post to get the word out. Many families in Bristol had not received their vouchers, and contacted us as back up to the main Council schemes.

We supplied families from North Somerset, South Glos and Bristol City Centre with hot meals plus fruit from Monday 26th October to Sunday 1st November. By Sunday we had cooked and delivered just under 400 meals.

Our team were touched by how some of the families reacted and were so relieved that we could do something for people who were really struggling. Some of the kids took the time to send notes of thanks.

We had money left over so over Christmas the OBs’ elves were once again busy on the Free School Meals. We prepared a box of food and a small gift for every child that we could contact.

Each box of food contained enough for at least 15 meals including fresh fruit, drinks, cereal and milk.

Thanks go to Tesco, who picked all our food from their shelves and loaded Nel’s kitchen van. Failand Club house was turned into a food warehouse and production line where we prepared and packed 50 boxes of food - enough for more than 800 meals! These were

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- Rugby Club Report SportsSportClub Report

distributed around S Glos, Bristol and N Somerset to families in time for their Christmas holidays.

An amazing effort by all involved, PROUD TO BE AN OB!

Jan Bowen (OBHC Chair 2021)

Plans are in place for Cricket as soon as the Government and ECB lift the restrictions. This cannot come soon enough as although the playing sections finances are under control playing sport is our priority.

The ground is in good shape with Gareth, the grounds man, finishing clearance of the bottom boundary and a full cut back of the top boundary to show the row of Lime trees in full.

The annual accounts for last year have remained healthy despite all the lost income and we are currently on track to break even this year as monthly grants from the Local Authority cover general expenses.

Old Bristolians’ Sports Club Failand At the end of last year some sporting activity was possible if only for an all too brief period.

Hockey matches and Rugby training, particularly the Minis and Juniors, were allowed and we all hoped that the New Year would bring a full sporting programme.

Alas, full lockdown stopped all activity and closed the Clubhouse.

During the time that hockey was allowed, thanks to some creative thinking and planning by Nick the Club Steward, we were the only Club to offer visiting teams any hospitality in the form of a ‘takeaway service’ from a wooden hut next to the score box.

Now in February Hockey and Rugby leagues have been officially suspended for the rest of the season but the possibility of extending the seasons may allow some friendly matches in May.

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There is lots of activity from the Sporting Bodies to help Clubs prepare for the return to sport.

We will need to make some alterations to the Clubhouse to meet Government rules but we can reclaim the costs of any works, for example new stronger extractor fans in the showers.

Clare, the treasurer, has kept the finances in immaculate order and we are sorry that she has indicated her wish to stand down.

We are therefore looking for a new treasurer. The club’s finances are well organised but do take some time to manage and as the plan to incorporate the Club progresses we do need a treasurer who ideally has an accountancy background.

If there is anyone out there interested please contact Richard Leonard (leoharrier@gmail.com).

The tractor shed is having some repairs to ensure it stays in shape and is there as a lasting memory to Daryl and Godfrey Harris. We have

installed a new electricity supply for the tractor shed and the planned replacement for the Nissen Hut. The supply can also be extended to provide power to the Apogee classroom now situated in the top corner of the ground.

Apogee is a company owned by a Rugby Club member and is an ‘Alternative Education Provider’ for a small number of children who do not fit into the normal school structure. This is an exciting project that is being developed and as soon as the Local Authority has granted the licence we will report fully on the project. The rental income from this will also benefit the Sports Club and upkeep of Failand.

The Rugby Club has obtained several new sponsors and new colourful advertising boards are now along the touchline. This has prompted a review of the signs at the entrance gates and soon new signs in OBs colours with ‘War Memorial Ground’ in prominent wording will be in place.

Photographs will be in the next report with, hopefully, some news of sporting activity.

Richard Leonard

Secretary February 2021 Old Bristolians RFC The Sports Club are looking for a new treasurer and the Mini and Juniors Rugby will need someone soon.

Both of these operations are in top order and have well organised systems.

Any interested OB with accountancy on their cv please contact Richard Leonard on 07860390379

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Events 2021 Events 2021

Like all societies throughout the world, the Old Bristolians has been significantly affected by the Global Pandemic.

In particular our thoughts and support go out to any Old Bristolians, or family and friends of Old Bristolians who have suffered throughout these most difficult of times.

It is with mindfulness and respect that we acknowledge those who have suffered, and that I write this article outlining our plans for upcoming social events that we hope will give us all an opportunity to reflect on difficult times, and to look forward to better times ahead.

Whilst writing we are unaware of Government restrictions, so we have made some assumptions that will hopefully be correct and the events deliverable. * Please check our website for confirmed details of all events (covid permitting)

The Annual Dinner 20th March - 7pm Sadly, the Dinner will not be able to take its usual form, but as Old Bristolians we want to acknowledge Charter Day and the Annual Dinner.

We will not be beaten by the fact that we cannot meet face to face, so we have decided to plan a Virtual Dinner.

The concept is simple – A Zoom Drinks/Dinner Party for your peer group, with the ability to follow a simplified format. We suggest the following: A member of each Peer group Group takes the lead and sets up the Zoom Dinner/Drinks Party – A great way to see your friends!

7.15pm Meet Online 7.30pm Log Into A Short Welcome 8.00pm Log Into Headmaster’s Speech leading onto Presidents Speech 8.30pm Log Into the School Song After much consideration, we have concluded that “Less is more” and that as party groups you will use your imagination as to how you run your evenings, the speeches are to

be released online at those times, and will be available from then on.

This may be an opportunity for your Zoom table to go Global, and give the opportunity for members of your friendship group to attend virtually who would not be able to in person.

We believe that this is a fun way to celebrate Charter Day and The Dinner, and we would love to receive photos of your Zoom Calls and perhaps Videos of the School Song being sung.

If there is demand for it, we will be hosting virtual guest tables where you can join as individuals if you do not have a peer group participating.

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Events 2021 Events 2021

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” TBC - School Site

It is hoped that we are able to meet outside in larger numbers by 26th June, and we are going to host a simple drinks party with canapés and hopefully some musical entertainment form puplis.

London Christmas Drinks December TBC

This is always a great event, and it will be taking place at a venue and time to be announced – watch this space!

The Annual Dinner A September Soiree

25th September – 7.30 Failand Old Bristolian Memorial Grounds It is planned that this is a large event with a Pig Roast or Barbeque and will be opened out to the Society as well as the sports clubs, the intention is to bring all those who have involvement within the Old Bristolians family together.

Hopefully outside, but if the weather isn’t kind it will take place inside at the Memorial Ground Clubhouse at Failand.

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19th March 2022 Business as usual….?

I hope that you will be able to find time to attend one, or even all of these events. In particular it is not long until the Zoom Dinner, so it’s time to start thinking about organising your group.

Come on Old Bristolians, what else is there to do?

Time to Get Involved!

Marcus Cryer (1981-1993)

2 0 2 1

E V E N T S

* Please check our website for confirmed details of all events (covid permitting)

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Charter Day 2021 Charter Day 2021

The service at the Cathedral for Charter Day this year had to be cancelled due to covid restrictions so instead we decided to create a Film and Quiz for the School to mark the occasion.

The film was shown to all students and staff on the afternoon of 17 March 2021 followed by a short quiz and cake to celebrate our Charter Day. The film will be available on our website and the quiz is reproduced opposite for you to have a go yourself - the answers are at the bottom of the page no peeking!

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Charter Day Quiz Charter Day Quiz

1. In which year was the School granted it's Royal Charter? a) 1235

b) 1325

c) 1532

d) 1523

2. True or false - The Great Hall was built in the 19th Century?

3. This is a trophy awarded for Senior House Rugby, what is it called?

a) Lubbock Shield b) Loveitt Sheild c) Scott Shield d) Gert Big Shield

10. Put these Headmasters in the correct order a) Cyril Norwood b) Thomas Moffat c) Roderick MacKinnon d) John Caldicott

11. True or false - There used to be a sports field on the Tyndalls Park site.

12. How many classes were taught in the Great Hall when it first opened? a) 10

b) 20

c) 16

d) 8

13. Which Headmaster wrote the words to the School Song?

14. The School Crest is based on the crest of which family?

15. True or False - There are already students 4. St Bartholomew's Hospital housed the School in which century? a) 15th b) 16th c) 18th d) 19th

5. For how many years has BGS been

Co-Educational? a) 25 b) 50 c) 100 d) 40

6. True or false - In 1900 there were less than 200 students at BGS.

at the School that will still be here on our 500th Birthday.

16. Place these events in the correct order a) The Great War ended b) The Great Hall was built c) The House system started d) The 400th Charter Day

7. True or false - In 1767 BGS swapped buildings

17. True or false - The houses on Elton Road are

with QEH.

named after former BGS Housemasters.

8. This is the old pavilion at Failand, in which year

18. The School Song finishes with the words,

was it replaced by the Pople Pavilion?

"Sumus Bristolienses", what does this mean?

19. The following words appear in the School song, arrange them in order of appearance a) quotquot c) universo

b) amplius d) merendo

20. In 1532 what was the population of Bristol? a) 1200 b) 12000 c) 120000 d) 1200000

1994.

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1. c 2. True 3. a 4. b & c 5. d 6. True 7. True 8. 2008 9. True 10. b, d, a, c 11. True 12. c 13. Cyril Norwood 14. Thorne 15. True 16. b, c, a, d 17. False (Headmasters) 18. We are Bristolians or We are Old Bristolians 19. c, b, d, a 20. b

9. True or false - The DT Building was opened in

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The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith The Ten Riddles Interview with début author Loris Owen (OB) • The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith

(Zimbabwe) and that really was momentous for a nine-year-old who loved to invent worlds. My pen’s never really run out of ink since then – poetry, screenplays, short stories, and now novels!

In 2015 my mum offered me the idea of a secret school for inventors. Stories evolve, and Ten Riddles is very different now from that original spark, but there are still oodles of secrets and madcap inventions.

being given a lot more to learn from, and this helps them figure out who they are. And I wanted to avoid stereotypes, so while Kip, the protagonist, and his friends are puzzle geeks, they’re also outdoorsy and funny and brave, not just the classic action hero or the closeted genius who hides behind a laptop.

Family is very important in Ten Riddles. Has this migrated across from your own life?

Olivia Clements (OB 09–16) was part of the BGS Literary Events Committee between 2013–16. Now a bookseller for Max Minerva’s Bookshop, and Waterstones, she here interviews author Loris Owen (OB 89–92) about her children’s fantasy series début, The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith (Firefly Press).

Absolutely! My partner has two boys, so I wanted to write something for kids. All writers are influenced by the people around them, and writing for children really helped me see through my stepsons’ eyes a bit better.

And did they enjoy it?

They did! Albert, one of the main characters, is based on them. They were both like dynamos at the time and have a great sense of humour, so he was the easiest to write.

I was struck by your vivid characters. As a bookseller, I’ve noticed that children’s fiction is diversifying massively. It’s lovely to see a range of children in Ten Riddles who are different from the crowd and are heroes in a nontraditional sense.

How did Ten Riddles come about?

Have you always written?

My earliest writing memory is hearing my stories read out in primary school in Harare

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Someone once told me that writing, especially for children, is ‘trying on different lives’. And I think it’s so important that children are offered a wide range of stories to try on, so they can think ‘Am I like this person, or do I recognise myself in this character?’ Now they’re

Puzzles are such a key feature of Ten Riddles: have you always been interested in them?

Mysteries, codes and puzzles are my brain candy. My dad taught me to do cryptic crosswords and to ‘think sideways’, which is a phrase I’ve worked into the book. Having so many riddles made editing hard – moving any scene was a major headache, as each riddle put out roots that needed to be carefully removed, replanted and rethreaded into the plot. My flat was covered in post-it notes, like the lair of someone hunting a serial killer!

I was in awe of the amazing world-building of Ten Riddles; how did you create such a wonderful setting for Quicksmiths College without straying into Hogwarts territory?

Thank you! It didn’t really occur to

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The Ten Riddles

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith me while I was writing, because there were so many ideas in my head. But I think it’s OK to stand on the shoulders of giants (or should that be ‘on the roofs of secret schools’?)!

People like finding just enough familiarity within stories to make the new things interesting; as human beings, we’re curious … but we also want to feel safe. The school and the people there are just familiar enough to allow the novelty to shine through.

Did BGS influence your worldbuilding?

Quicksmiths is probably an amalgam of BGS and Clare College

Cambridge, where I read English.

I’m fascinated by time-honoured school campuses, with high-tech science buildings jammed in next to ancient libraries full of historic ritual. With BGS, you could sense the age of the place and it was full of intriguing little corners that were so inspiring to the imagination. It’s easy to imagine Eartha Quicksmith hunched over some apparatus in a BGS classroom 400 years ago.

And – while they don’t appear in Ten Riddles – my BGS English teachers, David Selwyn and Roland Clare, really nurtured my love of books. Roland also helped me with early edits of Ten Riddles.

After creating such fresh and inspiring young characters, what do you hope your readers will take from Ten Riddles?

I think the main mantra would be ‘Change Your World’. It’s intimidating to

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expect anyone, especially a child, to change the world: but you can try to change yours. Even if it’s just a tiny thing, it can really influence the people around you, and maybe make their worlds better too.

Finally, Ten Riddles was recently highlighted in The Guardian as one of the best children’s books of 2020, chosen by someone in my own trade! How does it feel, knowing so many people are loving your work?

It’s really not sunk in yet that my novel’s been chosen out of the avalanche of great books that came out in 2020. I think Today Me is going to telephone Three-Years-Ago Me and say ‘don’t give up!’

Interview © Olivia Clements, December 2020, Bristol The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith by Loris Owen is now available (£6.99) through most bookshops, although Olivia would recommend getting it from Max Minerva’s Bookshop, Henleaze, BS6 7PY! Ordering online is available through www.maxminervas.co.uk

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“I absolutely love BGS. I’m

hugely impressed with the atmosphere and the ethos of the School.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a fantastic School and community”

“It’s a great gift, to have a really good education”

“I gained so much from BGS great friends, confidence and a love of learning”

“Dear BGS, thank you so much for giving me a Bursary Award. It means so much to me and my Mum”

CAN YOU HELP BUILD FUTURES BY SUPPORTING BRIGHT, YOUNG PEOPLE IN EVERY COMMUNITY ACROSS BRISTOL? To find out how to give a one-off donation, a regular gift or to leave a gift in your will please contact the Old Bristolians’ Office obs@bgs.bristol.sch.uk 0117 923 7037 Old Bristolians’ Office, Bristol Grammar School, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SR

Reminiscences Reminiscences

managed to get a place in Booker’s house rugby team as I progressed through the School but never achieved selection into the house cricket team. Which was a shame as I rapidly developed an affection for the game which endures to this day.

I was at the school from 1937 to 1942, I was going to take the entrance exam but unfortunately the day of

the exam I fell ill with scarlet fever. But I was allowed to take the exam on my own when I recovered.

I was interviewd by Mr J.E. (Joey) Barton, the then headmaster, I think I must have been the last pupil he enlisted as he left just after. I started at the school under the new headmaster Mr R.W.Moore. Strangely enough the year I left !942 he also left to become Headmaster of Harrow.

In my last year I was on the fire watching rota on a Sunday morning there was two of us and we were there in case of an air raid and incendiary fell on the school. There were Stirrup

It so happened that the congregation of St Michaels on the Mount Without who had been bombed out of their Church building and were holding morning services in our Great Hall.

This particular Sunday being nice and sunny they were having an Alfresco Breakfast in the School yard and unfortunately(!!!) some spray drifted over to the yard. I wonder if they thought it funny that there was a sudden short shower of rain from a sunny sky.

Oh well. Best wishes to all.

Robert Simmonds (1937-1942)

Michael Booker Pumps with buckets of water and sand placed at various points around the school.

We used to go round checking all were in good order, and on one occasion we thought we would practise using them and tried using a pump on the flat roof of the science wing.

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Early in my summer term in the Removes Michael Booker approached me as I was reading the House notice board for confirmation that, again, I would not be representing the House at cricket. “Austin”, he said, “have you looked at the First XI notice board?”

I said I had not. A strange question, as there had never been any danger that I would feature there. “You should”, he said, “there is a notice that will interest you”.

Growing up, and attending the local primary school in Knowle, I had never been a sporty

child - my interest lay in books and I read voraciously. Attending a school where team sports formed an important part of school life came as something of a shock.

I never achieved distinction. I

I proceeded to the First XI notice board and scoured it for items of relevance and interest. I couldn’t see anything that could possibly concern me. I scoured it again.

Towards the bottom I saw a small typed notice saying that the First XI was in need of a scorer and applications were invited from interested parties. “That must be it”, I thought and tentatively approached Michael Booker for confirmation. “Yes”, he said, “it’s a job that would really suit you.” I applied and, to my astonishment, my form master passed me a note saying that I had been appointed.

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Reminiscences Reminiscences

Thus began my long, though somewhat intermittent, career as a cricket scorer. The idea would not have occurred to me had Michael Booker not suggested it.

It was not until my forties that I realised how influential this man had been in my life. He kept track of old members of his house for years, and I would occasionally get a personal, handwritten letter asking me to contribute to some School appeal of one sort or another and to enquire after my health and prosperity. But what I had not understood was his deep commitment to making the School’s quality education available to children whose economic circumstances, like mine, did not make them obvious candidates.

Anyhow, Michael Booker played an influential role in my life and I would not be the person I am today, at work or at play, if it had not been for his intervention.

Noel Austin (1955-1962)

Fred Wedlock I was at School from 1955 to 1962 and was placed in Booker’s House (the black house).

Bristolienses - Issue 60

The majority of boys had school lunches. We ate in the Great Hall in two shifts - the first and second years in the first sitting and everyone else in the second sitting.

We sat in houses - each house had seven or eight tables of eight people each and each table was presided over by a table prefect.

Fred Wedlock, being a year or two older than me, was one of these, and I was usually successful in the competition to sit on his table.

Fred, later to achieve fame and fortune with “The Oldest Swinger in Town” and several other singles and LPs was, up to that point, the funniest person I had ever met. Indeed, he remains one of the funniest people I have ever met. I can’t remember any of the conversations we had, but I do recall often returning to my form room for the afternoon’s classes

weak with laughter, in a way that only teenagers can manage.

However, one anecdote springs to mind. Michael Booker often sat on one of the tables for lunch and, on this occasion, we were joined by the then Headmaster, John Mackay.

I don’t know if John Mackay had a sense of humour - I never had the opportunity to discover - but he showed no evidence of it on this

occasion. The main course passed off uneventfully - then came the sweet. The School was then in the habit of serving a kind of hard shortbread, affectionally known as “concrete”, as a sweet.

The only way of attacking this (we weren’t allowed to pick it up) was to grab one’s spoon firmly and jab the concrete with the point.

After several jabs a fault line would appear and, using this technique, one could break the slab of concrete into pieces small enough to eat. In order to stop it shooting off the plate it was muffled with a sort of pink custard.

This lunchtime, Michael Booker was sitting next to me, Fred opposite me and the Headmaster next to Fred. Using the approved technique, Michael grabbed his spoon and jabbed the concrete.

The first time, nothing happened.

The second time, the concrete shattered. However, the pink custard wasn’t up to the task and one half of the concrete, with its coating of pink custard, struck the Headmaster in the middle of his waistcoat and the other half hit Michael Booker in the identical spot.

I looked at Fred. Not a wrinkle!

I held my breath, or bit my tongue, or did something else to retain my composure. Michael and the Headmaster left the table to repair the damage. To my regret I can’t remember what Fred then said but

I laughed for a week!

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Reminiscences Reminiscences

I occasionally came across him around Bristol or at social events and it was always a joy. He appeared to have enjoyed those lunchtime encounters as much as I did.

Noel Austin (1955-1962)

I’m prompted to write having read the

correspondence in recent OB chronicles and having similar memories.

The bun run: yes.

in Wimborne Minster but keep in touch with, and see when we can, the few who comprised Upper 6th Classical 3 in 1962/63 and are now scattered around the country.

John Riley (1955-1962)

Thank you for sending me a copy of Bristolienses. It is

very interesting to read the current news of the School which I attended from 19401946.

Coffee with girls from Badminton and Duncan House was in the depths of The Tavern in Queens Road for us, though after school hours the Mianco was preferred to the Bali in Park Street.

During this period I spent a short time in the prep department before it was burnt down during the nightly raids. The masters and pupils on fire watching duties rescued our books etc before the building collapsed.

A ‘swift half’ - and a cigarette and a game of darts - in the pub at Kingsdown before the 1.30 lunch sitting, and wondering, if on High Table, whether Dr Mackay would smell something suspicious: he never said anything.

For most of my years at the school the Second World War took place.

Obviously we suffered day-light raids. The shelters around the playing fields were the popular ones – you really could not do any serious studies therein!

The photo highlighting Mr Bone brought back different memories.

A B Carter took over as temporary head of the junior school after Mr Bone. ABC had the privilege of being the first master to punish me.

I had just learned about life in the front row of the scrum and thought that the best way to leave morning assembly was to bind on friends on either side and push. He thought differently.

I used to cycle from school to Norton Road in Knowle or from the playing fields at Golden Hill after sports. I was from time to time chased by wardens if the sirens had sounded. But a young boy on a bicycle can outrun well built (perhaps fat) wardens.

I had my revenge later when in my last year at BGS I met, and after tertiary education married, his youngest daughter. We now live

Bristolienses - Issue 60

elder child was handicapped mainly due to the guards threatening to hurt any child who cried. He was a great character. Fortunately he was also a good teacher in practice accountancy.

Once I qualified I moved to London to join a premier correspondence course provider and spent several years lecturing in the UK with visits to the USA, South Africa and New Zealand.

Finally I settled down in the UK. My wife was the daughter of an Accountant so our only child did not become an accountant!

Unfortunately my wife died last year after 63 years of marriage.

I have managed to attend some London dinners and can only hope soon these can be resumed.

Keith Carmichael (1940-1946)

Following my years at the School, I was articled for five years to a firm of Chartered Accountants in Denmark Street. I was the first articled clerk of John Corpe, the junior partner. He and his family had spent much of the war in a prison camp in the Philippines. His

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Where are they now?they now?

Where are Paul Rumley

OB (1981-1992) Paul has recently been appointed as the next national Chairman of the Society of Clinical Injury Lawyers (SCIL) which represents the top, specialist clinical negligence lawyers in England and Wales. Paul will take up his appointment, alongside his ongoing ‘day job’ as lead clinical negligence partner for business development at Royds Withy King based in Bath.

Lord Justice of Appeal

Congratulations to OB Sir Mark Warby who has been appointed as a Lord Justice of Appeal. He is in good company with two other Old Bristolians - Sir Rabinder Singh and Sir Timothy Holroyde also currently acting as Lord Justices of Appeal.

OB (1953-1962)

Picture below is 1962 BGS 7’s Rugby Team who reached semi final. Four players went on to play for Bristol and McFadyean went on to captain England and play for the British Lions. David Trott was our Rugby Master at the time.

There may be a bit of the event in your archive.

Top row left to right Woodward, Billing, Griffin, bottom row, Colin McFadyean, Dave Perkins, Mclelland, Coveney Reserve who travelled, Brian Furber.

Bristolienses - Issue 60

.....................................................

Chris Yates OB (1958-1965) Each Thursday since COVID changed our lives Richard Smith, David Yates and Chris Yates have joined a Zoom meeting with some cricket mates from Hampshire.

.....................................................

David Woodward

Sir Mark has most recently been in the news for granting a delay in the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle’s High Court legal battle against the publishers of the Mail on Sunday.

Sir Mark attended BGS from 1966 -1976 before going to St John’s College, Oxford. He was called to the bar at Gray’s Inn in 1981, and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2002.

Just to be different, they decided to wear their school cricket caps to the latest meeting.

He was a Recorder of the Crown Court from 2009 to 2014 and was selected to present a seminar on media law to the Leveson Inquiry Panel in 2011.

In 2013, Sir Mark was appointed a Deputy High Court Judge and he has been a judge of the High Court of Justice (Queen’s Bench Division) since 11 June 2014.

Following His appointment to the High Court he was awarded the customary knighthood. He is one of eight new appointments to the Court of Appeal, all of whom will fill forthcoming vacancies arising from Autumn 2020.

Chris Yates

Richard Smith

David Yates

It is 55 years since they wore them at school. A little threadbare - the caps are too!

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New Years Honours List Congratulations to Zoe Taylor (Cooper) and Austin Mitchell who were both included in the New Years’ Honours List.

Engineering apprentice wins national award An apprentice has scooped top honours at a national awards ceremony. Jessica Stone, aged 24, of Portishead, picked up the winner’s accolade in the Engineering Apprentice: Final Year category in the Make UK Manufacturing Awards.

OB News OB News flights of the future.

Head of Airbus’ Filton site, Trevor Higgs, said Jess has been an outstanding team player throughout her four-year apprenticeship and she has a bright future with the company now she has become part of the Filton engineering workforce. .....................................................

Sarah Jane Crew OB (1982-1989)

Zoe joined our 6th Form in 1986 and is now CEO of whiteboard software animation company Sparkol and was awarded the MBE for Services to Export. Videoscribe is a software tool which creates animation tools for businesses, schools and agencies so that they can make their own videos; it is now used in more than 160 different countries across the world.

Sarah joined Avon and Somerset Police in September 1994 and was appointed Deputy Chief Constable in June 2017.

“My drive for fairness and equality lies at the heart of my passion for policing. I have always been determined to stand up for the underdog and against the bully, and Jessica said: “I’m surprised and honoured to have gone on to win at the Make UK National Awards final, as I know all the finalists were very worthy winners.

“Completing an apprenticeship with Airbus has been an amazing experience and I’ve had some incredible opportunities over the past four years. I’m really thankful to everyone who has supported me and contributed to my development during my time with Airbus.

Austin left BGS in 1995 and has been awarded the OBE for Services to British Nationals overseas.

He works in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and told us that, “The OBE was genuinely an amazing surprise after almost a year in crisis dealing with COVID-19 overseas”.

Bristolienses - Issue 60

I would encourage anyone who is thinking of a career in engineering or manufacturing to consider an apprenticeship as it’s a fantastic way to start your career while gaining academic qualifications.”

The judges were impressed

by Jessica’s strong interest in sustainable aviation and her desire to play a part in zero-emission

policing seemed to me to offer the greatest opportunity to help people directly on a personal, practical and human level. It’s also important to me to be part of a team with the same clear mission and values.

I believe policing is about helping to create the conditions that help people and their communities to thrive and make life choices and opportunities better for everyone.”

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Where are they now?

We always love to hear about what our OBs are up to - drop us a line on the OBs’ email obs@bgs.bristol.sch.uk

And send us your pictures too!

The ARCHIVIST needs YOUR.........

HELP

Does anyone have a copy of the video of the 1990 production of Oliver?

We have had a request for it, but the only one in the Archives (Oliver 2009) is much more recent so we couldn’t help, and it would be great to have both.

If you can help, please contact Anne Bradley abradley@bgs.bristol.sch.uk Bristolienses - Issue 60

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Weddings Weddings

Sarah Watts nee Kelley was a student at BGS from 1997-2002 and her partner, Doug Watts, also happens to be one of the current house singing vocal coaches. They had a very small wedding ceremony in line with current restrictions.

Sarah Kelley (1997-2002) married Doug Watts - August 2020

Tristan Fowler (1993-2000) married Abigail Fowler - September 2020

SEND US PHOTOS OF YOUR WEDDING/BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS WE’D LOVE TO INCLUDE THEM Bristolienses - Issue 60

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Around the World Old Bristolians around the World

If you’re ever in their neck of the woods, the following OBs would love to talk, help arrange a social event, give your some tips or generally reminisce: USA

Canada

Australia

Dr Richard Mason (1951-1957)

Martin Dash (1963-1970)

Phil Ohman (1972-1979)

Tel: 617-803-8425. thepaulmason@hotmail.com

Peter Williams (1951-1958)

112 Birchside Circle, Locus Grove VA 22508-5150 Tel: 1-540-872-7117 Mobile: 1-540-237-2627 anglodane@adelphia.net

12146 Osprey Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7E 3S6, Canada Tel: 001-604-275-4670 fax:001-604-275-5684. martincharlesdash@hotmail.com

44 John James Loop, Macgregor, ACT 2615 Mobile: +61 422 309 455 phil@missionsupport.org.au

South Africa

Chris Taylor (1952-1961) Tel: +27 31 5394960 Mobile: +27 84 657 6188 chrismal375@gmail.com

Mr. Griffiths’s Lower School Class, 2GR 1954-55 His eldest son Roderick is second from the left on the second row from the bottom.

The bottom (seated) row left to right: Allan Priestly, Philip Savage, Philip Lerway, Gordon Wood.

2nd Row, 2nd from right is Bernard Moulden.

3rd Row, 2nd from left is Ian Walker, Back Row, 2nd from Left is Jonathan Michael (Head Boy, summer term 1963), 3rd from left is Adrian Johnson.

2nd from the right is Derek Robbins Thanks to Philip R. Lerway (Boulton’s House, 1953-1962) and Mike Burmester (1953-1964)

Are you in this photograph? We’d love to know more names Bristolienses - Issue 60

36

Wear your Old Bristolians’ Merchandise

The OBs’ Office has a good supply of OB ties and enamel crested cufflinks and badges.

Enamelled crested cufflinks Maroon/Navy crested (polysilk) ties Polyester striped ties

Silk ties

Silk pre-tied bow ties

Enamelled crested badges

Bobble Hat BGS Crest Mug

BGS Face Mask

£23.00 £12.00 £8.00 £21.00 £21.00 £5.00 £15.00 £6.50 £5.00

All prices quoted include VAT & UK postage only

Please visit the merchandise pages of our OB Community Website at www.alumni.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk or contact the OBs’ Office on 0117 923 7037

uld o w e andis r? h c r e her m ee on offe t o t a Wh e to s k i l now u k yo e c i s’ Off B O e Let th

In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM We regret to announce the deaths of the following members of the BGS family and extend our condolences to everyone that knew and cared for them.

John Alfred Eaton Evans 1941-1952 Robin Charles Griffiths 1982-1991 Revd Dr Michael George Hinton 1935-1945 Keith Grant Howard Staff 1964-1976

John Alfred Eaton Evans 1933-2020 BGS dates: 1941-1952 John lived life to the full as a husband, family man, committed Christian and distinguished, “old school”, vocational schoolmaster.

He was a talented sportsman, an academic and an accomplished musician with an infectious enthusiasm as well as natural ability for these passions.

his two years of national service as an officer in the Logistics Corps and reading classics at Worcester College Oxford. He played rugby for Bristol RFC and Oxford University, being unlucky to sustain a careerending knee injury before the blues match. He won a half blue for fives.

In August 1958 he married his beloved wife Vyvyan and they went on to have three children, Stephen, Hugh and Susie.

He was born in Bristol in July 1933 to Jack and Molly Evans and was younger brother to his sister Joy.

After briefly toying with the idea of becoming a concert pianist, he started his long career in education,

His early childhood was rudely inconvenienced by German air raids with the family living in Bristol throughout the war. He then enjoyed his time at Bristol Grammar School where he was head boy (and later president of the alumni society) before serving

teaching classics at Blundells School in Devon (1958-63) followed by 18 years at Rugby School (1963-81) where he became housemaster of Kilbracken (1973-81). He then served 12 years as headmaster of Brentwood School in Essex (198193). Brentwood flourished under

Harry Raymond Joliffe 1941-1946 Tudor Picton Miles 1936-1946 Brian Nolan 1944-1951 David Charles Prowse 1947-1952 Kenneth David ‘Jack’ Prowting 1950-1957 Christopher Andrew Rice 1950-1957 David Foyle Snook 1944-1950 Dr Trevor Anthony Thomas 1947-1958 Martin John Welch 1951-1958

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In Memoriam Revd Dr Michael George Hinton 1927-2020 BGS dates: 1935-1945

his leadership despite playing football as its major sport ahead of Rugby. One of his proudest achievements was to successfully integrate girls to become a leading co-educational school.

Following retirement from Brentwood John and Vyvyan moved to Easton near Wells in Somerset.

An additional key attraction was to live in striking distance of Bristol and the ‘Savages Society’. Like his father before him, he had a passionate interest in all things artistic and he slotted well into its broad-based distinguished membership. His personal contribution was as an exceptional amateur pianist with a particular emphasis on two piano duets with his great friend and fellow Blue Feather Michael Cansdale.

He was also proud in retirement to spearhead the fundraising and building project to bring Rugby fives back to Rugby School after fives courts had been removed to make way for the science block. The courts are known as the JAE Evans fives courts.

John touched so many lives and he was always receiving warm letters and emails from the many young (and not so young) students who had benefited from his tutelage over many years. His sense of humour was never far from the surface and those who knew him as a headmaster were often delighted and surprised by his boyish wit. ............

John’s Christian faith was always the cornerstone of his life. As a young schoolmaster, he frequently gave up his holidays to support Christian youth camps with the Scripture Union and the Mull Door Trust. He supported many charitable causes and actively encouraged spiritual exploration and worship at Rugby and Brentwood. After his retirement he played an important role as church warden and organist for St Paul’s Church in Easton and also worked for the local villages providing speakers for years of fascinating monthly lectures known as open minds.

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Robin Charles Griffiths 1974-2020 BGS dates: 1982-1991 Class of 1993 Robin joined the Lower School as a Peloquin Scholar in 1982. He subsequently joined the Upper School in 1986 and was a member of Cox’s House.

He enjoyed School and House sports and was a ‘useful’ Librarian.

He played cricket for Clevedon U13. He left after GCSE to attend Malvern College. ............

The son of a Schoolmaster, he showed early academic promise at School, and after gaining Distinctions at Higher Certificate in English and History left in 1945 to a Postmastership in History at Merton. There he read History which he went on to teach; he was Senior History Master at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and later Headmaster of Dover Grammar School. He decided to train for the priesthood in 1981.

He played Rugger at BGS, and was in the 2nd XV; he also played Marcellus and Fortinbras in Hamlet and was the Secretary of the Literary and Debating Society. He was involved in Firewatching during the War, and on this we have his own comments, ‘There was much to be said for firewatching in the latter days of the war. Indissolubly linked with my memories of reeking chips purchased in the wilds of Cotham and of chilly, spooky patrols in the small hours are my memories of JG (John Garrett, HM 1943-1960) strolling in to gossip with those on duty …’ [Chronicle March 1967, p 684] ............

Keith Grant Howard (Staff 1964-1976) After a career in industry in France and Holland, Keith Howard joined BGS Languages Department in

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In Memoriam 1964 to teach Russian and French; in 1972 he became Head of the Modern Languages Department. As well as teaching, he was noted for his contribution to Rugby coaching and at musical events his fine baritone voice and his ‘cello playing in the Orchestra. He left to become Deputy Head of St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School and later the Headmaster of Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall. ............

Harry Raymond Joliffe 1928-2020 BGS dates: 1941-1946 A School Prefect, he played 2nd XI cricket and received 2nd XV colours, he was also in the JTC. He did his National Service in the Army and then read Engineering at Bristol University. ............

Tudor Picton Miles 1928-2020 BGS dates: 1936-1946 Tudor was one of the first members of the newly formed Air Training Corps, and he rose to NCO and became a Sergeant in the JTC. He played Rugby and he secured 1st XI colours for Hockey, as well as the Silver Medal for Life Saving.

His son writes,’ He began his time at Bristol Grammar the week that World War 2 broke out, and had many interesting stories of his chequered wartime education.

Despite all the difficulties, the war clearly saw many interesting people brought in as emergency teachers, and ultimately he had a successful school, then university and business career.

Tudor Miles died in April 2020, aged 92. He had a long and varied public sector career, spanning

“This photo is one of very few that we have of my father’s (Tudor P Miles) schooldays, given that it was wartime. I’ve no idea who else was in the photo, but maybe some of your readers can help?”

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Dr Ian Murison, Harry Jolliffe [d. 2020], Joy Jolliffe, Gwynnerth Murison, Evelyn Russell and Tudor Miles

aviation, iron and steel and latterly the security services. In 1958, he farsightedly bought a dilapidated Georgian house in Greenwich for £2,000, where he lived for 60 years. He leaves three children, eight grandchildren and one great grandson; his wife Margaret predeceased him.

Son of Bedminster draper E N Miles, he followed his brothers, the Rev Frank Jones (d. 1979; at BGS c. 1925-1932), Francis John Jones (BGS 1928-1933), David (d. 1982; at BGS c. 1936-1943 – later joined the E N Miles family business) and David Griffith Miles (BGS 1933-1942) to BGS, starting the week World War 2 broke out.

With many BGS staff called up, his teachers were something of a “Dad’s Army.” They nurtured interests in economics and current affairs, and a passion for piano recitals which never left him. After BGS, he studied economics and statistics at Trinity College, Dublin, then national service before joining the Civil Service in London. He remained lifelong friends with several of his classmates. ............

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In Memoriam Brian Nolan 1932-2019 BGS dates: 1944-1951 Brian was born in Bristol in 1932 and died in May 2019. He was the younger brother of Terrence (Terry) William Earnest Nolan 1938-1943.

He entered Shell and left from 6 Economics. During his school days he excelled as a sportsman in Rugby, Cricket, Athletics and was noted for long distance and cross country running. He enjoyed the CCF and his House Master notes that he ‘serves School and CCF well’.

He left BGS in 1951 and attended the West of England College of Art where he was awarded the National Diploma of Design (Hons). After two years National Service in the Royal Artillery, where he was a Gold medal winner in the Regimental Athletics Sports, he saw active service in the Suez Emergency and the antiEOKA campaign, after which he was awarded the General Service Medal. Brian then returned to the University of Bristol to complete his certificate in Education and Art Teaching Diploma.

He was a loyal member of the Old Bristolians’ Society and enjoyed continued contact with the society and school and in particular the School Archivist with whom he exchanged information for many years. He will be missed.

He became a school master and devoted his working life to King’s School Rochester where his interest in art, rugby, athletics, CCF and tradition continued. He was appointed as their Head of Art in 1958 and in retirement

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worked closely with the Old Roffensian Society. He leaves two sons, Mark and Rupert, and we send them our condolences.

Written by Rupert Nolan ............

David Charles Prowse 1935-2020 BGS dates: 1947-1952 For certain Bristol Grammar School pupils, nothing is as exciting as learning that you attend the same school as Darth Vader. Sure, the school has produced many distinguished luminaries over the years from politicians, actors, musicians, sporting icons… but there’s only one Dark Lord of the Sith.

Did any other Old Bristolian battle Obi-Wan Kenobi on the Death Star?

Crush the rebels during the Battle of Hoth? Sacrifice themselves to save the galaxy and their son from the Dark Side of the Force? No. No, they didn’t and for that reason David Prowse looms large over many OBs. Born in Southmead and securing a scholarship to Bristol Grammar School, David Prowse is, of course, famously the 6’ 6” actor that was hired to play Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. While

James Earl Jones famously provided Vader’s booming voice, it was Prowse’s towering presence that filled the screen as he pursued the Rebel Alliance across the galaxy and cemented Darth Vader as one of cinema’s most iconic villains.

Before travelling to a galaxy far, far away, Prowse was a weightlifting champion, representing England at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. On the back of his success, Prowse opened up a series of gyms and fitness centres and even became the fitness consultant to Harrods.

It wasn’t long until the film industry came calling. His bodybuilding expertise even led to Prowse being hired to ‘bulk up’ Christopher Reeve for his lead role in Superman (1978)

after failing to secure the role for himself. One can only assume that his West Country brogue didn’t suit the superhero fighting for ‘truth, justice and the American way.’

He was also cast by Stanley Kubrick as Frank Alexander’s imposing bodyguard, Julian, in the film A Clockwork Orange (1971). It was appearing in Kubrick’s sci-fi dystopia, where he caught the eye of Star Wars creator George Lucas.

As Darth Vader, Prowse

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In Memoriam immediately became an icon to millions around the world as the black-clad Dark Lord pursued Princess Leia, battled Luke Skywalker and tortured and imprisoned Han Solo. While Prowse said all of Vader’s iconic lines on set, he would eventually be dubbed over by the legendary James Earl Jones. However, if you search YouTube, you can still find behind-the-scenes clips of Darth Vader speaking with a Bristolian accent.

The fact that his voice was dubbed allegedly angered Prowse and it was the start of a feud with George Lucas that steadily got worse over the years. Lucas alleged that Prowse spoiled the ending of the The Empire Strikes Back months before its release whilst at a convention, while Prowse felt even more slighted when Sebastian Shaw was hired to play the unmasked Vader at the end of Return of the Jedi. All of this and more, which Prowse describes as him ‘burning too many bridges’, led to him being barred from official Star Wars conventions in 2010.

However, while he may have been best known as the galaxy’s most imposing villain, he was a hero to many in Great Britain when he was cast as the Green Cross Code

Man – a superhero-type character who taught children the importance of road safety. For this and his work heading up the UK Child Pedestrian Road Safety Campaign and helping to significantly reduce child casualty figures, Prowse was awarded an MBE in 2000.

Over the years, I’d met David Prowse at various events and he was always proud of his Bristolian roots and the work he’d done over the years. He attributed weight-lifting to changing his life as he often said he’d been quite a small and weedy child. He always delighted in meeting fans, both young and old and was always happy to talk about his experiences.

His death has seen tributes flood in from all corners of the planet, from his Hollywood-based co-stars in the beloved sci-fi franchise to local Bristolians sharing memories of him growing up. While he may have been best known as a villain to most, to many Old Bristolians he’ll always be a hero.

Written by Timon Singh (OB 1995-2002) He was one of the first boys to enter BGS under the 1944 Education Act, and though he proved not to be very academic, he profited from the access to sports.

He was a ‘Pleasant and cheerful boy’, he played rugger but primarily he was a ‘Physical culture expert, weight putter (1st v QEH), throws cricket ball; useful rugger and swimming.’ ............

Kenneth David Jack Prowting 1939 – 2020 BGS dates: 1950-1957 “Kenneth David Jack Prowting”, “Big

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Jack” or just “Jack”, depending on who you are, was born on 7th May 1939, the eldest of three siblings with Christopher and Mary his younger brother and sister.

Jack was brought up in Horfield.

He attended Ashley Down School and he went on to Bristol Grammar School where he relished his secondary education which fostered a continuing love for the school for his entire life.

Jack became articled as a Trainee Chartered Accountant with C J Rylands in Bristol on leaving school and whilst training met Hilary his future wife who was clearly seduced by his stunning good looks, wit and repartee.

They actually met at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Bishopston as Sunday school teachers and they were married on 7th August 1965. They were married for nearly 55 years.

Hilary, who worked at what is now the NatWest Bank and Jack, as a Qualified accountant, bought a house in South Bristol where they had their first son Simon and shortly after moving to Frampton Cotterell in South Gloucestershire they had their second son Andrew. Hilary and “The Boys’’

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In Memoriam meant everything to Jack and he constantly worked hard to provide the best life and experiences that e could for the whole family.

Together the family built their own house in Frampton Cotterell. They had purchased a plot of land and moved into a partly completed building when the kitchen sink was resting on breeze blocks and the floorboards were bare.

There was no silver spoon and hard work was the way to provide the kitchen to house the sink and the carpets to cover the floor.

Having had an architect design it Jack worked very hard and helped the builders build the house in the mornings and evenings, both before and after work. Hilary looked after the boys.

The “House that Jack built” became a wonderful family home creating many happy memories all made possible by the teamwork that was “Jack and Hilary” and today the house and garden are an absolute picture helped not least by Jack’s gardening activity in retirement.

The three most important things in Jack’s life were 1) Hilary and the boys, 2) work and 3) his school.

Hilary and the boys He loved bringing up the boys and used to love taking them with Hilary on various day trips and to seaside resorts on holiday.

They often used to play pitch and put at the Victoria municipal course in Bath and whilst the boys were keen to chase after their shots as soon as they had hit the golf ball, Jack was often found being frustrated in the playing of his game as these two tearaways would run around in front of him, often causing him to fluff his shot through

Bristolienses - Issue 60

not being able to concentrate.

In the early days Jack was less patient……

Family holidays in the Isle of Wight at the Littledean Hotel are remembered fondly. Jack played cricket on the lawn with fellow hotel guests every year and always ended up as a finalist in the weekly table tennis competition. The family also remember that the other finalist in the weekly table tennis competition was always Hilary but nobody can remember who would usually win that particular contest.

Jack played Tennis, Badminton and Rugby and only stopped playing rugby when he broke his finger during a game for the Old Bristolians Rugby Club.

Jack used to ferry the boys to and from Bristol Grammar School which they attended like their father, taking them into school in the mornings and bringing them home in the evenings when he had finished work. He used to go to see them play rugby at home and

volunteered to get them there under pressure. The pressure was enhanced when the Old Bill pulled him over with flashing lights blazing and sirens blaring for speeding wondering what the hurry up was for….this lead to points on his licence, a driving ban and a headline in the paper the day after conviction entitled “ Ton of trouble on the M-way”. Jack had been caught doing 104 miles per hour but the boys however made the game in time and Jack kept the newspaper clipping of the speeding offence in his wallet as he was proud to have taken one for the team.

Foreign travel was not something that Jack enjoyed particularly until later in his life but with Andrew moving to live and work in Dallas in the United States Jack and Hilary were drawn there on numerous occasions to visit the family that had grown to include Lisa, Andrew’s wife, and Sophia his much loved only grandchild.

Holidays in the US extended to trips with the family to San Francisco, the vineyards of California, Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands.

Everyone even went on a Disney cruise when Sophia was younger.

Top L-R: Charles Martin, Martin Sisman, Tony Stirratt, Jack Prowting, He thought David Watts the absolute Bottom L-R: Anne Bradley, David Perkins, John Evans, Don Furze, world of Melanie Guy, Mike Burmester Sophia. away, there being one occasion where things were running late for He went to the rodeo in Houston an away game that a few of the and loved the culinary delights of boys needed ferrying at speed to restaurants both here in the UK the oppositions ground and Jack and in the US. Sophie remembers

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In Memoriam a particular evening at a restaurant called “Harvest” in McKinney Square where Jack definitely enjoyed himself... when asked if he enjoyed his meal he replied in the tone of an exuberant Craig RevelHorwood that it was “faabuulous” and everyone then had fun with this expression for the rest of that night.

Jack enjoyed his wine and his margaritas. He enjoyed some lovely wines both at home and when dining out and was never afraid to buy a nice bottle or twelve to give the credit card a pounding! He had procured a particularly lovely bottle of Chateau Margaux as well as a quite rare bottle of vintage port which he consumed one evening thinking his days were numbered…. but the heartburn soon passed and all was well with the “special occasion” bottles duly consumed prematurely but he had enjoyed them.

Jack’s recipe for the best margarita in town became the result of some experimenting. The use of more Grand Marnier than triple sec to accompany the Tequila and Funkin Margarita mix was his twist on the standard recipe. This provided a joy to the tastebuds, though he used neither salt nor sugar round a lime soaked rim of the glass which was contrary to the connoisseurs view….but he made the best margaritas ever which he would sip or guzzle down, depending on thirst levels, on the back patio of the house that Jack built. On more than one occasion people would call and Jack was well on his way to being a little inebriated. He had well and truly earned this pleasure in his retirement.

who always considered others and often put them before himself.

He cared for his family and his clients and often pulled out all the stops to ensure that everyone was looked after not only to the best of his ability but by going over and beyond the call of duty. His clients became his friends and vice versa to the extent that each day in the office was not regarded as work but time to do what he enjoyed.

He had come top in the South West in his accountancy exams and taught accountancy at the College of Commerce in Bristol to students who were striving to become a Chartered Accountant like him. He was addicted to the whole affair.

Jack could have become a partner in a large firm but decided he wanted to be a “larger cog in a smaller wheel”, to use his words, founding his own practice of Prowting and Partners. This grew organically moving from Baldwin Street in the City centre initially to Hayward Road in Redfield, then to Westfield Park in Redland and finally West Park in Clifton which became the home of the business for some 15 plus further years.

Jack was Treasurer of the Old Bristolians Society for over 15 years and became President of the Society in 1998, an honour he was so pleased to have had bestowed upon him.

He would not only be involved in the Committee giving the benefit of his professional opinion for the good of the Society but also he would be there helping in any way possible in organising the Old Bristolians Annual Dinner which takes place in March each year. This became a yearly ritual which he loved to be involved with.

At the Annual dinner he would sit with his year group from those

Jack was proud to have received a certificate of 50 years membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, recognising a mammoth achievement of such dedication to his profession and the career he had chosen on leaving school.

Work

School and the Old Boys Society

Jack was a consummate gentleman

Jack had played rugby at school

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and loved watching the game at all levels. He had also played rugby for the Old Bristolians Rugby Club and this lead him to become involved with the Old Bristolians Society, the organisation that overarched all the sports clubs linked to Bristol Grammar School alumni.

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In Memoriam early school days and reminisce about those times as well as where everyone was now and what they were up to. More latterly the pool of peer group attendees was becoming smaller and unfortunately there will be one less attendee at the March 2021 Annual dinner now.

It is with some mixed emotion that Jack has passed away having spent so many hours in the office.

In one sense many would say that he has not enjoyed his retirement to the extent that he should have but the fact is that whilst Jack probably would in retrospect have loved to have retired one or two years earlier than he actually did it cannot be denied that he loved his work and the sense of achievement this brought him. To have worked alongside Simon for so many years in the family business made him proud and his whole family were so very proud of what he had achieved.

To get Jack to smile wasn’t easy.

You knew often that internally he was laughing even if he did not show this emotion outwardly. If you really “tickled him” with something that he thought very funny you would experience that infectious staccato machine gun laugh that was a trial to elicit but which once heard you knew you could not have achieved anymore to make him laugh. Jack was a serious person who mellowed over time but he did have a great sense of humour if you knew how to bring it out.

The number of people who, in sending their condolences, have commented that Jack was a Gentleman, a true gentleman who acted with integrity and honour, with no agenda just a keen sense of wanting to help at every opportunity, often putting himself

Bristolienses - Issue 60

second for the good of others is amazing and a reflection of the true man.

Not only was Jack a gentleman however he was a lovely lovely man who will be sorely missed by so many and for whom it is a privilege to have known him and been a part of his life.

He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Jack Written by Hilary, Simon (OB 19781985) & Andrew Prowting ............

Christopher Andrew Rice 1939-2020 BGS dates: 1950-1957 Nearly every entry for Housemaster’s comments begins with the word ‘Rugger’, and his sporting achievements are notable.

The final entry reads ‘1st XV and House XV colours: Final England Trial (Schoolboys). House Hockey XI. House Fives VI (colours). School 2nd XI (occasionally 1st XI). Captain, House Cricket. Marksman, House Shooting VIII. Drum Major CCF Band. School Orchestra. Good swimmer. Finished 4th in Mile at School Sports (without any training because of cricket). Excellent in every way.’

Also mentioned are, School Orchestra, stagehand in School Play, Astronomical Society, Science Society ‘thoughtful, capable leader’, ‘wants to be an aero engineer’.

He duly studied engineering at Southampton University, and enjoyed playing rugby and Jazz.

After working in Human Resources for some years, he found his vocation as lecturer at Nottingham

Trent University, and published a textbook on Behavioural Aspects of Marketing. His love of music remained with him, and his success in the School Mile is mirrored by running the London Marathon. ............

David Foyle Snook 1933-2020 BGS dates: 1944-1950 David’s BGS career is characterised by ‘excellent’ and ‘promising’, and also ‘modest’. He was a ‘good footballer’ and ‘tries hard to be a cricketer’. He went on to play rugger for both School and House teams, he played hockey and fives, joined the CCF, took an interest in current affairs and became a full School Prefect.

At the same time his academic work brought him a classical scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge.

He did his National Service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (gazetted 2nd Lieutenant 1951) and after a successful academic career at Cambridge, including a first class in the first part of the Classical Tripos, David was a School Master for 35 years, teaching at Manchester Grammar School, followed by six years in Tabora, Tanzania, then Northwich, Cheshire (Sir John Deane’s Grammar School) and Rubery, Worcestershire (Waseley Hills High School).

He became a Lay Reader in the Church of England in 1960 and remained one as long as he was allowed to (until 2003). He was also a Governor at the local Church of England Primary School in Droitwich. ............

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In Memoriam Dr Trevor Anthony Thomas 1939-2020 BGS dates: 1947-1958

Martin John Welch 1940-2020 BGS dates: 1951-1958

His BGS career showed considerable dedication to his academic work, and he enjoyed playing rugger, hockey and cricket.

Martin was a keen sportsman and a member of several cricket and rugby teams.

He also enjoyed fencing, in which he made marked progress, and was a member of the School Choir, the Art Club and the Chess Club.

He graduated in Medicine at St Andrews University. He was to become an eminent anaesthetist specialising in obstetric anaesthesia in Bristol. He retired in 1999.

He was also an enthusiastic naturalist (he was in Dunnicliff’s House) and a member of the Ornithology Club. He went on to the University of Birmingham to study Chemistry. ............

Views on this edition and ideas for the next?

Please write in with your views on Bristolienses Issue 60 and any ideas, photos or articles you may have for our next issue Drop a line ‘to the Editor’ on the OBs’ email: obs@bgs.bristol.sch.uk

............

OB Management Committee 2020-2021 President Richard Berry rgb505@gmail.com President Elect Kate Redshaw redshaw70@btinternet.com Immediate Past President John Sisman john@sismanproperty.co.uk Chair & Editor Geoff Wright c/o OBs Office gwright@bgs.bristol.sch.uk Treasurer and Membership Secretary Nick Fitzpatrick +44(0)1225 723795 ndfitz@gmail.com Secretary Ian Southcott +44 (0)7774 095205 iandjsouthcott@aol.com Alumni Relations Manager & AROPS Rep. Peter Jakobek pjakobek@bgs.bristol.sch.uk

Bristolienses - Issue 60

Archivist Anne Bradley abradley@bgs.bristol.sch.uk Careers Co-ordinator Rob Hagen +44 (0) 7545 717104 robhagen@gmail.com Sports Club Officer Don Furze don.furze@btinternet.com Sports Club Representative Richard Leonard Richard.leonard@ukgateway.net Co-opted Members Michael Burmester c/o OBs Office Marcus Cryer 5@gmail.com Trustees Julian Portch Richard Smith

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Honorary Members of the Society J R Avery

N A Baldwin R Berry Mrs R A Booker Mrs A V Bradley M N J Burmester J A F Burns R J Chambers N Cousins R A D Cox J J Crichard G Davies Mrs J H Duncan J C Edwards D Furze K T Gerrish R Gillam D K Golledge J E K Goodbody G A Hodges L R Jacobs P Z Jakobek

Staff 1951-1959 Headmaster 1975-1986 1970-1980 OB Sports Club Archivist 19941953-1964 Staff 1972-2005 1957-1964 1964-1972 Staff 1973-2013 1944-1951 OB Society Auditor OB Society 2003-2018 1941-1950 1955-1962 1946-1957 OB Sports Club 1959-1967 Bursar 1979-1993 1953-1960 1930-1938 Staff 1982 –

P Key R D W Lacey C C Luker R I MacKinnon C E Martin D J Mascord D M Nott J R Parrott Dr A Primrose

P J Revill I Rolling M Sisman R W L Smith N Stibbs A F Stirratt P M Tottle E A Warren D L J Watts G J Willmott D Yeandle OBE

OB Sports Club 1951-1962 1962-1969 Headmaster 2008-2018 Headmaster 1986-1999 Headmaster 1999-2008 Staff 1968-2005 1975-1982 Headmistress Junior School 2001-2011 Staff 1969-1998 Staff 1970-2007 1953-1959 1954-1965 1964-1972 1942-1952 1960-1968 Staff 1954-1988 1945-1955 1974-1984 1964-1971

Past Presidents of the Society 1900 Herbert Ashman Bart 1901 Charles McArthur 1902 C E L Gardner 1903 Bourchier F Hawksley 1904 The Rev T W Openshaw MA 1905 Sir Hubert Llewellyn Smith GCB, MA, BSc 1906 Professor H Lloyd Tanner DSc, FRS 1907 The Rev V P Wyatt MA 1908 Sir Hartman W Just CB, KCMG 1909 Philip W Worsley JP 1910 W Nicol Reid 1911 The Rev A W Oxford MA, MD 1912 T B Silcock BSc 1913 The Rev Canon F E Brightman MA D Phil,

DD, FBA 1914 The Rev A B Beaven MA 1919 Sir Holman Gregory KC 1920 Sir Cyril Norwood MA, D Litt 1921 George Langford 1922 Col T H Openshaw CB, CMG, MS, MB,

FRCS, LRCP 1923 The Rev Canon G A Weekes MA 1924 The Rev Canon Peter Barker MA 1925 D S Davies MD, LLD, DPH 1926 Col T M Carter OBE 1927 R C Hobbs 1928 Oscar Berry 1929 Sir Duncan Grey LLD 1930 Cyril Rootham MA, MusD 1931 Wilfrid E F Peake 1932 Sir Cyril Norwood MA, D Litt 1933 J Sumner Dury JP 1934 T Reaveley Glover MA, LLD, DD, Litt D 1935 Rear-Admiral V H T Weekes CB, CMG 1936 Charles W Stear 1937 E W B Gill OBE, MA, BSc 1938 Brigadier A L W Newth CBE, DSO, MC,

TD, DL, JP, Legion of Merit (America) 1939–1945 Col G S Castle MC, TD, DL 1946 Brigadier M Angell James VC, DSO, MBE,

MC, DL

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1947 The Right Rev Henry McGowan MA 1948 The Right Hon Lord Gridley KBE,

MIEE, MP 1949 J E Barton MA, Hon RIBA 1950 Rev Canon J M D Stancomb MBE, MA 1951 Sir W Marston Logan KBE, CMG 1952 Professor T F Hewer MD, FRCP, FLS 1953 Leslie Morris MA, BSc 1954 Sir Oliver Franks PC, GCMG, KCB, CBE, MA 1955 R C W Cottle 1956 Sir W Ivor Jennings KBE, LittD, LLD, QC 1957 H P Lucas BSc 1958 The Right Rev Bishop D B Hall BA 1959 C R Setter JP, FIOB 1960 Sir Douglas Veale CBE, MA 1961 Dr John Garrett MA, DLitt 1962 C H Clements 1963 E H Totterdill FCll FIArb 1964 K W Jones ACIS 1965 Very Reverend D E W Harrison MA 1966 Alderman L K Stevenson 1967 H C H Punchard 1968 Col J B Cossins MBE 1969 J Angell James CBE, MD, FRCP, FRCS 1970 Philip E Maggs 1971 Edward V Colman 1972 Vivian H Ridler CBE, MA, FSIA 1973 Sir Paul Osmond CB, MA, CIMgt 1974 M E Dunscombe TD FBOA, FSMC 1975 Air Vice Marshal W J Maggs CB,OBE, MA 1976 R A Dolton 1977 D J Mann CBE, MA 1978 Dr J Mackay MA, DPhil 1979 Professor B H Harvey, CBE, MA, MSc 1980 J C Higson 1981 M L Booker MA 1982 The Very Rev S H Evans CBE, MA 1983 J B Ackland OBE, FRIBA 1984 G F Jarrett TD, MA

1985 D W Williams OBE, TD, DL 1986 E H Dehn BA 1987 J R Cottle MA 1988 P F Stirratt BSc (Econ) 1989 Major General IOJ Sprackling OBE, BSc 1990 K J Stidard AE, DMS, MIMgt 1991 T L Beagley CB, MA, FCIT, FIRTE(Hon) 1992 M B Nichols FCA 1993 J R Avery MA, FRSA 1994 A F Stirratt MA 1995 Professor Keith Robbins MA, DPhil,

DLitt, FRSE 1996 E A Warren MA 1997 K G H Binning CMG, MA 1998 K D J Prowting FCA 1999 His Honour Judge PNR Clark MA 2000 R Lacey MA 2001 M Sisman LLB 2002 C E Martin MA 2003 J A E Evans MA 2004 R F Kingscott Dip Arch (RWA), ARIBA 2005 R A R Cockitt BSc 2006 Professor Sir Nicholas (‘Nick’) Wright

MA, MD, PhD, DSc, FRCP, FRCS,

FRCPath, FMedSci 2007 D L J Watts JP, MA, FRICS 2008 D Pople MA 2009 P J Revill MA 2010 K T Gerrish BA 2011 N A Baldwin 2012 G E Ratcliffe BDS, DDPHRCS 2013 D Furze MBCS, CITP 2014 D Yeandle OBE, MA, MCIPD, FRSA 2015 M N J Burmester BA, ACIB 2016 J D Perkins MA 2017 Anne Bradley MA (Oxon) 2018 Melanie Guy 2019 John Sisman 2020 Rich Berry 2021 Rich Berry

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