Valete - Our fond farewells

Phoebe Aitken

Phoebe joined College in 2014, having previously been teaching at Bristol Grammar School. She quickly established herself as a hugely popular, positive and incredibly dedicated member of the Biology Department and wider College community. She was a popular, caring and dedicated teacher of Biology, who worked incredibly hard to ensure pupils were at the centre of her agenda, giving generously of her time. In addition to her significant contributions to the Department she also become extensively involved in the co-curricular aspects of College and her contributions were generous, significant, wholly reliable and enthusiastic; she led the Senior girls Fourth and Fifth Form hockey teams, Senior girls netball and tennis, and also started rounders for girls in the Summer Term. She was a stalwart of the CCF naval section and latterly assumed the responsibility of Officer in Charge, cultivating an enthusiasm and energy amongst the cadets. She was a loyal and expert tutor for Leconfield Lower College boys and her tutees really benefitted from her gentle coaching and positive approach. A talented and accomplished singer, she also found the time to support the Choral Society and sang in the choir on occasions. College was truly fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher, an outstanding colleague and a true professional in every sense of the word and we thank her for all her many and varied contributions to College life. We wish her and her family all the very best for the future.

Ruth Kramer

Karl Cook

It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to Karl and Ruth Cook after 32 years of hugely successful association with College. A new academic year without a member of the Cook family will be very strange indeed. Karl’s contribution to College cannot be underestimated. His many hats have encompassed every area of College life: as a Housemaster of 15 years, Rackets Professional, English teacher, Director of Sport and Director of Sports’ Partnerships, Karl has helped to shape our ethos today. He is a true gentleman and one that embodies those characteristics we seek to nurture in our young Cheltonians. His warmth, diplomacy, integrity and social ease are immediately apparent, qualities that have imbued the corridors

of Leconfield and from which many past Porcherites and their parents have benefitted. Never one to raise his voice and always preferring a ‘quiet word’, he is the master of courtesy and discretion. Karl’s loyal stewardship of those who have been fortunate to have been taught, coached or mentored by him will stay long in their memory. Above all, he has been a loyal servant to College, and he will be sorely missed.

Karl arrived at College in September 1988 as a young Tennis and Rackets Professional. Over the next six years Karl was instrumental in the resurrection of the game of rackets at College: The Cotswold Rackets Club was created and The Cheltenham Gold Racquet became a national tournament for evening club players to encourage players from all over the country to experience the ‘new’ Cheltenham Court. The game had been re-established within both College and in and around Cheltenham and College achieved full recognition from other schools in fielding a commendable pair at all age groups. In 1992 College’s U16 pair reached the Colts’ doubles’ final at The Queen’s Club, London. In 1994, the role of Rackets Professional was taken on, firstly by Richard Ellis and then by Mark Briers. This began a period of outstanding success for College rackets, with Karl and Mark overseeing the development of a huge number of outstanding rackets players, including World Champion Jamie Stout (H, 2002) and our first Ladies World Doubles Champion in India Deakin (W, 2019). During this period College became the leading rackets playing school in the country, producing a regular stream of winners at the National Singles and Doubles competitions held annually at The Queen’s Club. Karl’s strong association with the game will no doubt continue from afar, but he leaves College rackets in fantastic health. Record numbers of pupils are playing the game and College is leading the way in the relatively new area of Ladies Rackets. OCs continue to fly the flag in the world game, and many are hugely indebted to Karl for the guidance and support that he has given them.

The next chapter of Karl’s career at College saw him appointed to the role of Housemaster of Leconfield to mould the lives of the numerous Porcherites that passed through his doors. As with all Houses, there were initial challenges to overcome but Karl and Ruth created a hugely supportive and inclusive environment for their charges during a highly successful 15 years at the helm.

Since leaving the House, Karl has taken on several diverse roles, including Prep School liaison, Director of Sport and more recently Director of Sports Partnerships. He has raised our profile as a host school for National IAPS competitions and has begun the process of College becoming an MCC Cricket Hub.

Of course, another key aspect of Karl’s place at the heart of College is as an inspiring and adept English teacher. Indeed, it is strange to think of an English Department at College without Karl.

Many a colleague has enjoyed popping up to H5 – one of the best-hidden classrooms in College but, critically, the closest to the Hadley – to talk through an idea and get his feedback based on the long-view of his time in the Department. But of course, it’s in the classroom where the magic happens. If you were to visit one of his lessons, you would be immediately struck by the atmosphere: year on year, his teaching has been characterised by high academic ambition and a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration. Karl is particularly adept at making each of his pupils feel part of the journey and out of the class of individuals, Karl creates a team. With his calming presence, reliability and friendship, we will all miss him a great deal. Karl – it’s been a joy for us to have been part of one of your many teams.

We wish Karl and Ruth our very best wishes and thank them for all they have achieved as they embark on their new challenge at Peponi School in Nairobi, Kenya, where they will be joining up with former colleague, beloved friend and former College Housemaster, Mark Durstan.

Matt Coley with contributions from Anna Cutts and Andrew Straiton

Ruth Cook

For the past 28 years, Ruth has been an integral part of the College community, fulfilling various roles with her characteristic can-do dynamism. In the academic year 1992-3, Ruth joined College as Assistant Marketing Manager at College and what was then Cheltenham College Junior School. She remained as Marketing Manager for College until 1999 and during this time enjoyed promoting the first vanguard of girls into Kingfishers and initiated the first ever ‘24 Hours’ event for prospective College pupils. Apart from a family exchange to Scots College, Wellington, New Zealand in 2005-6, many will remember Ruth, shoulder to shoulder with Karl in Leconfield from 1994 to 2009. In addition to supporting Karl and growing their family of four boys, Jack, Will, George and Sam, her roles in House were many and various: from house training Gappies, to employing and managing all House staff and stepping in to act as Matron herself for a term and a half. The truth is it is hard to put into words what Ruth’s contribution to Leconfield must have entailed, but those who have any insights into the inner workings of a boarding House will know and there is no doubt that Ruth will have caught and held many a fast ball in her time and that the Leconfield team were all the happier for her care, forethought and hard graft. In 2009, when the Cooks left Leconfield, Ruth was keen to use her Personal Training qualifications for College, and she

established Girls Gym/Fitness as a regular games option for an expanding girl population at College, championing the value of regular and targeted exercise and providing personal training plans for all involved. The Balcony Gym became her domain! She also established and oversaw College’s ‘Off-Games’ provision, including the complex and vital field of Head Injury management. It is because of Ruth that, as a school, College quickly became a leading exponent of the GRTP policy where pupils were safely returned to our busy sporting programmes following injury. Whether it be stepping into Leconfield with an armful of three-month twins or the big family Christmases, her happy days in Marketing or the last day in House, we hope Ruth has many a happy memory of her time in College. But to her, the College community owes a great debt of gratitude to her years of unstinting, energetic and committed service. Here’s to a few happy years returning to Marketing, this time, with a bit more sunshine! Safari njema Ruth!

Jane Brodigan and Rebecca Faulkner

Rebecca Creed

Rebecca joined an energetic and relatively new Development Office in 2007 joining Bridget Vick, College’s first Development Director. Her calm, intuitive and flexible approach to everything that was thrown at her at this time, enabled a newly formed Cheltonian Association to speedily establish itself with its myriad of new and successful initiatives designed to encourage its members to reconnect with each other and importantly, College.

The inception and tremendous success of Floreat and the events programme, is a testament to her hard work, tenacity and dedication to College.

She introduced new events nearly every year - OC events, a marquee day at Cheltenham Races, a marquee day at the Gloucestershire Cricket Festival, a Christmas Fair, which raised significant funds for various local charities, garden visits and in her last year a Burns Night. She also introduced the very popular Cheltonian merchandise brand, adding new items regularly to keep the interest going.

Rebecca, as Society Manager, was very much in charge of the office and was very much respected by her colleagues of whom she was very supportive. She willingly helped everyone in the office in so many different ways and was very much a team player.

Rebecca always enjoyed a good party, provided there was a good bottle of prosecco at hand. The Department’s Christmas lunches - party might have been a more appropriate name - were thoroughly enjoyed although her choices for the secret santa presents were not for the faint hearted!

She and her family have a strong connection with College. Her two brothers Greg Selby (H, 1990) and Giles Selby (H, 1994) are OCs and were followed to College by Rebecca’s son

Tom Creed (H, 2019) and daughter Immie Creed who attended The Prep, formerly known as the Junior (OJ, 2016). Greg’s two sons have joined College this year, one in Hazelwell and the other in The Prep.

We are really sorry to see her go but we wish her well in her new role as PA to the Headmaster of St Edward’s Cheltenham. St Edward’s gain is College’s loss.

Malcolm Sloan

Henry Davies

Henry Davies joined the Sports Science Department in 2012 as a post graduate assistant. He brought a huge amount of enthusiasm and knowledge to lessons and very quickly established himself as a competent and inspirational teacher. Alongside Sports Science lessons, a Resident Tutor role in Newick House (2013-2017) and completing the Graduate Teaching Programme with the University of Buckingham, Henry continued to develop his knowledge and experience within the world of Strength and Conditioning (S&C). With such a huge passion for S&C and athletic development, Henry reinvented College’s Talented Athletes Programme (TAP) and introduced a whole College S&C programme. From this point on there really was no stopping him! His appointment at the English Institute of Sport came as no surprise and we wish him every success as he embarks on a lifetime dream to work with elite athletes, preparing them for international and Olympic success. Henry will be sorely missed. He has given so much to College and enriched the lives of so many Cheltonians, I am sure they would all join me in thanking him for all he has achieved and wishing him luck for an exciting future.

Rebecca Faulkner

Beren-Dain Delbrooke‐Jones

To describe Beren as the librarian is like describing Clark Kent as a journalist. In addition to driving forward digital literacy and research skills, re-energising the Reading Diploma and setting the conditions for productive study in the Library, Beren has made learning and literature accessible through his visibility in so many other facets of College life. Beren has been a champion for accessible literary extension with the addition of Book Nooks to all Houses, extensive departmental reading lists, endless hours spent cataloguing departmental libraries and refreshing the themed reading offer in Common Room. Beren is one of those Colleagues who engages pupils in his passions; playing rugby for Cheltenham Tigers as well as coaching Senior and Junior rugby teams, leading a popular running

club as a Monday Activity and stretching pupils on mud and trail runs. All this while also taking part in the 200 mile Coast to College, and the 24 Hour Cotswold Challenge run to raise money for charity, and throwing himself into the CCF on camps, courses and expeditions to Austria and Norway. He has been an outstanding Resident Tutor, Assistant Housemaster, colleague and friend who cares deeply and diligently for his various responsibilities and pupils under his care. We wish him, Charlotte and Yavi all the very best for their move to Eton College.

Richard Penny

Jeremy Dodd

The Science Department are extremely sad to see Jeremy leave College. Having joined from Radley College in 2018, Jeremy has galvanised the spirit of the Physics Department and has made them one of the most progressive departments at College. Jeremy is a man of unwavering belief and conviction in pupils’ ability, the path the Department must take and what is right for the teaching and learning of our pupils at College – the Practical of the Week being particularly popular! His passion for science is clear for all to see; a true scientist, Jeremy is one to watch for the future. According to the Office for National Statistics (sic), Jeremy has attended more Science Society and Lecture Series meetings than most pupils at College! I will truly miss Jeremy in the Department. However, I am sure that his long body and short legs will find a perfect setting at Dulwich College, Singapore. We wish him, Rachael and ‘bump’ well as they commence the next exciting part of their lives together.

James Copeland-Jordan

Dion Douglas

Dion has been the College Videographer since the beginning of 2019. His outstanding work has been instrumental in demonstrating the very best of life at both College and The Prep to pupils, parents and the wider world. Never content to deliver only what is required, he has constantly pushed forward the technical and creative aspects of all of the videos that he has produced. His dedication to achieving video perfection has seen him work far too many hours. Our staff, parents and pupils are indebted to him for this as the outcome is that we all now have many wonderful memories preserved in video-form for years to come. Dion leaves us to build his own videography business and we wish him every success. We are sad to see him leave us but pleased that he is following his dreams and building a career that he is passionate about. His final video at College was the Upper Sixth Speech Day annual review and it will stand forever as a monument to both the unusual year

at College and Dion’s incredible talent. However, if you ask the man himself, he will surely direct you to ‘Beep Beep Day at The Prep’ as his preferred Oscar contender… Good luck Dion!

Rich Watts

Vicki Hawkins

Back in April 2016 Vicki wrote a speculative email asking about a career change to teaching. It soon became apparent that she was a trained lawyer, a GB athlete, and held a Maths PhD. Despite the extra cost of employing a translator (sic), so that the children could understand her accent, we employed her without hesitation. Vicki is extremely talented and learns very quickly; she almost instantly became a very effective teacher. She took the advice ‘don’t smile until Christmas’ to heart and quickly earned the respect of all. Vicki has an extraordinarily high capacity for work and has contributed in many valuable ways to the Department. She has also been an excellent source of wisdom and a good friend to many. Vicki has also run water polo, been a member of CCF (with a particular interest in camping) and has been an excellent tutor in Boyne. A superb colleague and teacher in every respect, Vicki will be missed by many.

Brendan Enright

Hattie Hook

For one year only, Hattie joined us from Malvern College to teach English and Drama as maternity cover for Venetia. ‘A very radiant beam of light’ with ‘a very certain kind of energy’ who is ‘fun,’ ‘fun,’ and did I mention ‘FUN’? These are just some of the words Hattie’s pupils have used, so rightly to describe her and her lessons. Warm, enthusiastic and always putting the pupils first, her meticulously planned and resourced lessons engage, inspire and enthuse. Hattie has supported a range of co-curricular drama productions: helping backstage at the Scholars’ play Love in Idleness and the whole school musical Margaret’s Mind. With stylish barefoot aplomb, she fronted the production of The Vagina Monologues and delivered a powerful original duologue with Emily Taylor. In this year’s Variety Show, she did an admirable job coaxing the first XV rugby into something resembling publicly acceptable ‘choreographed’ moves as well as directing comedy sketches. As a tutor for the Leconfield Third Form, through dogged determinedness, great empathy and a brilliant sense of humour, Hattie has built great bonds with her charges and won over their parents to boot. Committed and loyal to the House, her friendly, bright and positive presence will be greatly missed by everyone in Leconfield. And of course, this is true of her friends in Common

Room too who among many things will miss her booming laugh, stylish interpretations of the working wardrobe and GREAT CHATS. Inspiring joy, originality and excellence, those Headington girls are very lucky!

Jane Brodigan

Ruth Kramer

Ruth joined College in 2014 as a teacher of Biology. She has been a stalwart in the Biology Department, having an unbridled passion for the subject and being an outstanding teacher. Her commitment to the subject and pupils is unsurpassed and she consequently became Head of Department in 2016. Ruth led the transition to the introduction of the linear A Levels; this was a smooth and seamless one with the results being nothing short of outstanding. She has always been an extremely supportive and collegiate colleague, always willing to give freely of her time. Her particular fondness lay with the Upper College students for whom she was an excellent mentor and role model, providing many of them with excellent foundations for life beyond College. Her passion for teaching meant that she was a superb mentor for PGCE students and NQTs giving them excellent foundations on which to base their teaching careers. Ruth will be sorely missed in College Lawn where she was an invaluable tutor. We all wish Ruth a very happy retirement and much happiness as she plans her numerous holidays and spends time with her family and friends.

Isabella Mech

Graham Mallard

These last six years, Graham has made a hugely significant impact on College life. From his compassionate and academically inspirational leadership of the Business and Economics Department, as the Head of Academic Enrichment, and the Master in Charge of College’s most successful sports team ever, polo, he is first and foremost, a devoted friend who always puts others first. He has often been lauded for his unfailing positivity and sense of decency, fair play and teamwork. Not for nothing does he have the unofficial title of ‘the nicest man in College’. Graham has brought so much and indeed given so much of himself – his kindness, energy and expertise – to his colleagues and to the pupils of our school. We can but thank him wholeheartedly and sincerely for the gift of his fellowship and wish him every success on future trails.

Beren-Dain Delbrooke-Jones and Zoe La Valette-Cooper

Isabella Mech

Isabella joined College as Head of Science with a mission to take science at College to a nationally recognised standard. She certainly achieved that and more. Isabella has had an enormous impact on not only our teaching of Science, but also the lives of countless students of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine, Oxbridge scientists and our Upper College students generally, notwithstanding her excellent Biology teaching which instilled a love of the subject in so many pupils. Isabella has a tireless work ethic and will always put herself out to go above and beyond for the pupils in her care. She also elicits great loyalty from her pupils who know that they have a far greater chance of success if they are able to obtain the standards of excellence that Isabella sets for them. In her time as Head of Upper College her attention to detail meant she knew exactly how each of the students in her charge was performing, and, knowing that this would set them up for the future, she always wanted them to get the very best for themselves. We will miss Isabella’s wonderful Chapel talks where the whole school was able to witness her passion for Africa and nature. Isabella returns to teaching Biology at Cheltenham Ladies’ College where she will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time in the classroom.

Crispin Dawson

Alan McKnight

Alan joined us in September 2018 to help the Biology Department to cover a period of absence. He gave us four terms of his invaluable experience that he had primarily developed during his extensive career at Malborough College, initially as Head of Biology and latterly as a Head of a boarding house. Alan remained with us until Christmas of 2019, working as a stalwart of the Biology Department, a caring and dedicated Sixth Form tutor and a member of the Southwood team. His experience and measured approach was evident in everything Alan undertook and he became a real asset to the Department, readily sharing his ideas and his invaluable insight. He was a popular colleague and could always be relied upon to support the Department and the pupils. He was an incredibly safe pair of hands for his charges and they benefitted from his true passion for the subject, good humour and strong work ethic. He left us to take up another short-term teaching post at Malvern College, and is likely to retire soon. We wish him, and his wife a very happy, healthy and long retirement and extend a big thank you for all he gave to College.

Ruth Kramer

Jane McQuitty

Jane joined us in 2013 as the Psychology Department rapidly expanded, only having been introduced as a subject available in College the year before. She brought with her a wealth of experience both in teaching and in working in an independent school. She remained with us until Christmas of 2019 working as a superb Psychology teacher, impassioned and skilled hockey coach and dedicated Lower College tutor for Ashmead. Whether it was on the hockey pitch, in House or the classroom, Jane was measured, reliable, fair and totally committed. She approached everything she did with enthusiasm and a real ‘can do’ attitude. Her work ethic was impeccable and she took on new challenges with a genuine desire to ‘make it work’. I know that she will do a stellar job in her promotion to Head of Department at The King’s School, Gloucester. Many pupils have much to thank Jane for, in her excellent teaching, going above and beyond in supporting them in their preparation for A Level exams, and genuine desire to care for their development and wellbeing. We wish her and her family (three quarters of whom are still based at College) every health and happiness for the future.

Tricia Norman

Clare Underwood

Between shifts in the Art Department, Clare may be found under the bonnet of one of her vintage cars, weekend camping, spinning fire poi or running to the post office to pick up parcels including an array of car parts or 1950s clothing from ebay.

First employed as the Art Department Technician in 2005, Clare has worked as a much-valued part of the Department machine: she is the vital builder of bespoke canvasses and installation spaces; curator of exhibitions; and provider of art equipment extraordinaire. She has also been an essential fount of knowledge for a great many pupils over the years, providing valuable, technical experience which the pupils appreciate greatly. Working alongside the pupils across the Department has been a highlight of Clare’s job and so we hope that her ambitions to undergo more teaching practice will come to happy fruition in the future, (especially if there is any welding involved).

We wish Clare very well as she embarks on the new and adventurous part of her life journey.

Jo Millar

Tom Wilson

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Tom. He has firmly cemented his credentials as an excellent teacher of Chemistry and Biology over the past three years. It is fair to say that Tom has certainly cut his teeth and perfected his craft at College. Tom’s deadpan delivery and gentle giant approach have resounded with many a class and have allowed pupils to flourish under his wing. Tom is a leader of teaching and learning and has brought many new developments into the Chemistry Department. His use of pupil feedback is unparalleled and he inspires us to think about the way we teach. In addition, he is a passionate sports coach whose love of the game (be it hockey or cricket) overflows to the pupils’ advantage. Perhaps above all he is a kind and patient Resident Tutor in Christowe; qualities that are a pre-requisite of the role which he naturally holds in abundance. His tireless energy and willingness to go above and beyond is valued so highly by the House team. Tom introduced House breakfasts, commendation recitals, ran House trips and much more. Always there to be relied upon, day or night, Tom has been a blessing to Christowe. He is an all-round schoolmaster whose career is just starting. We wish him and Charlotte well in the Seychelles. He will be sorely missed.

James Copeland-Jordan and Todd Freedman