21 minute read
OC NEWS IN BRIEF
from The OC Mitre 2022
Engagements
Sage Kugathasan (2002-2013) and Annie Gardner got engaged in November 2021. They are due to get married in summer 2023. Noor Shah (2009-2014) and Richard Hartley are pleased to announce their engagement and look forward to celebrating their Civil Wedding in May 2023.
16 Weddings
Evette Allman (2004–2006) and Alex Tamosius (19992006) were married, after a long postponement due to Covid-19, on 21st April 2022 at Old Marylebone Town Hall. Richard Hume (Chigwell maths teacher) and his lovely bride Alfa Nilo (ICU nurse) exchanged their wedding vows on Saturday 6th August 2022 at Chigwell’s historic church, St. Mary’s, followed by a truly personal reception in the School’s dining hall.
Chelsey Jay (1998-2009) and Wayne Brown were married at The Crazy Bear, Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, on Sunday 28th August 2022. They had the most incredible day at this totally unique venue surrounded by all their family and friends, including quite a few OCs, before jetting off on honeymoon as Mr & Mrs Jay-Brown. Amy Moore (1998-2008) and Will Kunhardt were married at Holy Trinity Church, Markbeech, Kent, followed by a reception at Falconhurst on 23rd July 2022 after 2 years of postponed dates due to Covid-19. OC’s included Beatrice Moore, Natalie Robinson and Meera Ragha who were bridesmaids, as well as Georgia Clegg, Anil Chopra, Alice Stobart, Becky Briggs, Robbie Clemens and Myles Webb.
Births
Charlotte Liddle (neè Hayman: OC 1999-2006) and Chris Liddle would like to announce the birth of Sebastian George Liddle on 27th May 2022 at Northampton General Hospital. Pictured here with very proud big brother Max, 6. Tiggy Bloom Pewsey born to Frankie Thompson-Henry and Alex Pewsey, (OC 2000 -2005, Penns) on 24th May 2022. Kathryn Weatherburn (20022009) and her fiancée James Castledine are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Theodore Castledine on 13th November 2021.
University News
YEAR GROUP 2016
Kayden Chahal (2009-2016) graduated from medical school with an MBBS degree and a First Class BSc (Hons) in Imaging Sciences from King’s College London. He is due to start work as a junior doctor in Basildon University Hospital in August 2022.
YEAR GROUP 2017
Henry Bird (2010-2017) graduated with an Upper Second Class BA (Hons) in English from the University of Durham (2021). He went on to achieve a goldstandard postgraduate diploma in journalism, and now works at The Times as the editor of their flagship Best of Times newsletter and writer for the Environment section.
YEAR GROUP 2018
Kavindu de Silva (2011-2018) received a First in his Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Imperial. He interned at Leonardo in Edinburgh which confirmed his wishes to pursue a career in engineering.
Moyosore Awolesi (2011-2018) graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Intercultural Communications and Business Management from the University of East Anglia. She currently is an intern with the Wilful Group PR firm in Marylebone and hopes to continue in the public relations field. Aaran Vijayakumaran (2011-2017) graduated with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Medical Physiology and Therapeutics from the University of Nottingham in 2020, and then Distinction Masters of Research (MRes) in Translational Cancer Medicine from Kings College London in 2021. He is currently studying a 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Toxicology, Cellular Physiology and Biophysics at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, funded by the Medical Research Council.
Photo of Leah sharing her thesis prior to her graduation ceremony in October 2022 Leah Redmond (2016-2018) graduated on the Dean’s List (top 10%) with a First Class Honors in an integrated masters in Molecular Bioengineering (MEng) from Imperial College. She plans to pursue an EPSRC funded PhD at Imperial College in the Higgins Lab, Department of Bioengineering, focusing on regenerative medicine.
School visits
Change of details?
It has been fantastic to see so many OCs visiting our School over the last year. If you would like to visit the School, we would be delighted to give you a tour – please email philanthropy@chigwell-school.org to book your visit.
Moved house, new job, changed your email address? Please let us know so that we can keep in touch.
Email: philanthropy@chigwell-school.org Call: 020 8501 5748 For ease, by scanning the QR code below using the camera on your phone, you can access an online form to complete your details.
BY JEREMY TYNDALL (1966-1973)
Head Pupil to Head Pupil
Looking back, I suspect being Head Boy 50 years ago was very different from what Praefects experience today.
I was a pro-praefect for a couple of terms, then senior pro-praefect part of summer term, when I saw how school ran. My predecessor, Rob Gunn, gave me good advice and, crucially, the ‘magic document box’ handed down from Head Pupil to Head Pupil! In it was a guide started by a predecessor in an exercise book, which left space on facing pages for updates from subsequent incumbents for most of the sixties.
Recent generations would be surprised at our range of responsibilities. Essentially, almost everything outside of curricula and staff-led activities was under purview of praefects in some way – and each had their own approach. I encouraged a pastoral one – looking out for problems like bullying and homesickness. We prided ourselves on knowing every pupil by name.
Each day began with Callover convened by the Praefect and attended by the Headmaster, a time for notices, and then registration. For prayers, most filed to Chapel; Praefects read daily lessons which Chaplain Parry Davenport asked me to select.
After Chapel, Second Master might visit with a list of classes needing praefect supervision due to teacher absence, and work details to take along. I had the larger chunk of this as I took three A levels the previous summer. I remember in Lent Term, when the flu was rife, taking thirteen periods one week! Praefects enforced all the school rules outside of lessons: we would patrol the school itself, and visit the local cafe to catch absconders! We also organised seating for school photos, and supervised pupils at football matches, concerts, and lectures. In our day, we also had a wide variety of sanctions to give at our discretion. We kept the school neat and tidy by assigning minor chores – and task lists grew when Speech Day approached! Often, the hardest work was done by the younger lads – though these chores were sometimes popular, as they gave insight into senior life. In terms of reward for us, Saturday evening Praefect supper – cooked by the kitchen staff and delivered to the praefect – was an especial treat.
Head Boy attended the OC dinner in London with the Headmaster and gave the Shrove Tuesday supper speech. Sometimes we showed visitors around. I was very grateful for Headmaster Brian Wilson’s open-door policy allowed a close working relationship. My year full of challenges and opportunities prepared me for my adult working life – and the box? I passed it onto Howard Berndes!
After Chigwell, I first entered the accountancy profession, but later answered a call to serve as clergyman for most of my life in England and the USA. I retired in 2017 for health reasons and moved to Northumberland with my wife Sue.
To reconnect with Jeremy scan this QR code or email philanthropy@chigwell-school.org
BY MOLLY MOLONEY (2016-2022)
My time at Chigwell has been characterised by incredible people I’ve met, places I’ve been, and range of opportunities afforded to me.
When I joined Chigwell at 11, I could not predict how things would turn out, but as I approach my seventh and final year at school, I am led to reflect on all the good that has happened so far, and all still to come.
Sport has played a huge part of my school experience. I was lucky enough to represent Chigwell in hockey, netball, rounders, tennis and football – the first three sports I had never tried before. Football, though, has always been a big part of my life and I have been delighted in recent years to see the progression on the girls’ side. Before that, I enjoyed playing for some of the boys’ XIs and am thankful for the freedom of opportunity granted to me.
Before Chigwell, I always thought of myself as a ‘humanities’ person and limited myself to those pursuits. However, during my time here, not only has my love of arts developed in the quality and breadth of my reading, writing, and speaking, but I have acquired a love and knowledge of science and confidence in maths beyond anything I imagined possible. My GCSE grades in these subjects reflects the excellent standard of teaching at Chigwell, as well as a learning environment which made the past seven years the most incredible and developmental of my life.
Nor have my experiences been limited to the school grounds: trips to battlefields in Belgium and France, a visit to India, time in the Lake District, and a DofE Gold expedition in the highlands of Scotland are just a few highlights. I also relished the chance to watch productions in the West End and at Shakespeare’s Globe with the English department.
Alongside academia, I have acquired skills and practices that have made me a more well-rounded individual, equipped for the world of work and beyond. Twice winning the Middle School public speaking competition was a particular highlight of mine, as was taking part in the Cambridge Schools debate. I also competed in the Festival of the Foreign Word and Festival of the Spoken Word, the former involving performing in a foreign language and the latter performing original work. All of these experiences improved my confidence, discussion skills and writing practices and speak to the level of education and opportunity afforded to me.
To be made Head of School was an unbelievable honour for which I am ever grateful, and I am very excited in the remainder of my time at Chigwell to continue to exploit every opportunity and well serve the incredible privilege granted to me.
As I said at the start, when I look back on my time here it will be with full fondness for people I’ve met, teachers I’ve worked with, and opportunities presented. My friends, who I could do nothing without, are a reflection of the kind of person Chigwell produces and the embodiment of my joyful and enriching school experience.
I do not know what the future holds, but I know that the foundations of all I achieve will be rooted in this place, and all the experiences, values and lessons I have learned from it.
BY SCOTT GIBSON (1966-1971)
Mark Twain
My earliest Chigwell School memory was as a nervous 11-year-old in the school hall sitting my entrance exam. I recall that in addition to the usual mathematical problems and English comprehension there was a trick question which went something like this…
British and French governments disagreed as to who should drive on which side of the road when crossing a bridge over the Channel. It was suggested that people drive on the right when crossing to France and on the left in preparation for England. What do you think?
I wonder whether similar questions are still used today for entrance exams!
Thinking back now after 55 years it is fascinating which memories remain most vivid. The concerts, the gymnastic displays, the SS Nevasa cruise that took us to Venice, Dubrovnik, Crete, and Naples – with the energetic Mr Dutchman keeping a watchful eye ensuring that we didn’t lose students along the way.
I particularly loved Chigwell School music performances. I remember performing Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Lambert’s Rio Grande, both exhilarating choral works which still send shivers down my spine when I hear them. I owe a lot to John Auton, Head of Music. He was a wiry Yorkshireman with a fiery temper but passionate about his subject. He taught me pipe organ, clarinet, and introduced me to the intricacies of keyboard improvisation (which became very valuable when I later became a music teacher myself).
John offered many opportunities to capable students, so most weekends I played organ at Newbury Park Synagogue, and for services at St Winifred’s, Chigwell and St John’s, Loughton, as well as the occasional wedding or funeral at St Mary’s. All invaluable introduction to the professional world of music. On Mondays we trained for the CCF (Combined Cadet Force). This necessitated spending morning break greasing and cleaning our rifles ready for whatever activities were in store in the afternoon. Invariably, this included a lot of marching, but interspersed with tuition on how to stop an advancing enemy. I had certain moral qualms about such activities and tried to persuade my father to write a letter explaining I was a conscientious objector. My request didn’t cut much ice, so I opted for the CCF band instead. Although marching remained, I at least learned to play the bugle which proved more useful than learning to disembowel someone with a bayonet.
One Chigwell highlight was the 50-mile sponsored walk. This was no mean feat and many retired before reaching the finishing line. The route went miles along canal towpaths with slippery banks and icy water before joining a disused railway line. One would have thought this stretch would have been easier to negotiate, but the wooden sleepers were covered with a layer of slippery frost resulting in frequent stumbles adding to the pain of rapidly-growing blisters. I’m proud to say I made it to the finishing line after 18 hours of walking. In a rash moment of generosity, I promised to play organ at St. Winifred’s on the Sunday after. I arrived in time but couldn’t remove my boots, so I accompanied the service on piano rather than climb into the organ loft!
Suffice to say, I look back on my time at Chigwell School with a kaleidoscopic range of feelings and recollections. My time there helped make me the person I am today and I have vivid memories of the many staff and students who influenced me.
I taught music in the UK and Hong Kong for over 35 years, and I’m now enjoying retirement in Vancouver – which is considerably cooler than Hong Kong, but has a great selection of Asian cuisine as well as some fine craft beers!
BY SAM JONES (2011-2016)
Passion for padel
My whole life, I’ve been playing racquet sports. It started with tennis when I was in primary school. I used to go out to Spain to train, and it was out there that I first started playing padel. I’d never heard of it before, but in Spain it was equally as big as tennis. So, when David Lloyds Chigwell built three padel courts back in 2013, I couldn’t believe it. I started moving from playing tennis to playing padel, and 3 years later I left Chigwell School and moved to Marbella to train full time. I was 16 at the time, and so had to try and balance training with studying for my A-Levels. Not an easy task! After being sponsored by HEAD, I moved to Barcelona to train with the number one female in the world, Paula. At the beginning of this year, I relocated again and am now based in Dubai.
Throughout this whole time, padel has been growing in England. We finished third in the junior world championships in Mexico, something no one expected us to do. Courts started opening all across the country. 2 years ago, the LTA became the governing body of padel, increasing the funding and giving us another push in the right direction.
In the last couple of years, I’ve started moving up and up in the world rankings. In May, I became the first British person to qualify for a major event, held in Italy (the equivalent of a Grand-slam in the padel world). This pushed my ranking up to 178th in the world. I hope to continue to move up in rankings as I continue play.
You can follow my progress at: @samjones_padel on Instagram
BY JESSICA MAO (2019-2021)
The car for the planet
Of the many experiences and opportunities I’ve had in my first year at the University of Cambridge, becoming a part of the Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) team has been a standout. I wouldn’t have imagined that – in my first few months at the university – I’d have the opportunity to work on a solar-powered vehicle built by students.
The car is named Helia, and it is the UK’s most efficient solar car to date. It cruises at 80kmph using only 2.5kW of power, less than that of a kettle. It reaches a max speed of around 120kmph and travels up to 900km after one charge. The incredible performance comes from smart design and careful manufacturing. No matter how small the part is, we model it using computer software, put it through computer testing and then proceed with manufacturing.
In Helia’s future is the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2023, a 3,000km race from Darwin to Adelaide in the Australian sun. Additionally, we will be travelling to Belgium to compete in a 24-hour track race this September. These trips are not only a showcase of Helia’s talents but also an opportunity to tell the world that sustainable transportation will be feasible in the near future. Next year, Helia will make way for a new car, where we can take the lessons learnt from Helia onto the next design. Every 2 years we start work on a new car, prompting us to move beyond old designs and create space for the constant stream of new developments in solar technology.
CUER is only possible because of the support of our Sponsors: without them we could never utilise the technology that goes into creating Helia nor showcase it at competitions. If you’d be interested in sponsoring our ongoing development, we’d love to hear from you at captain@cuer.co.uk. Visit www.cuer.co.uk where you can find more information on our events and stay up to date with the car.
BY DAVID MARCH (1978-1983)
The show must go on…
There is nothing quite like the feeling when you are about to watch a live entertainment show, when the house lights dim, and when – as a member of the audience, the cast or the technicians – you know you are about to be transported into a story for a few hours, escaping the realities of modern-day life…
As a student at Chigwell circa early ‘80’s it was perhaps escaping sport that drew me into New Hall to help with setting up the stage lights, under the guidance of Mr Arthur (who I recall taught French). Outside of school, I started to light amateur dramatic shows and pantos, so as I approached 16, and leaving Chigwell in 1983 for the big wide world, I wondered: could I do this all the time, as a job – wouldn’t that be really great?
Whilst my late parents didn’t believe it could be a ‘real job’ (thankfully they did some years later…), I found one of very few further education courses for technical theatre at Paddington College and was offered a place. To pay the bills, I also worked in a supermarket, ending up at Waitrose Buckhurst Hill, where I met my Wife of now 33 years.
The appeal of stage lighting only increased for me, and at that time the English band Genesis invested money into a Texan concert sound & light company called Showco, who had developed what was to be the first widely available moving light system for concerts: VARI*LITE. I went to see Peter Gabriel in concert with my long-term Old Chig friend Jonathan Bordell, where Peter used these VARI*LITEs. I was mesmerised, and decided that was my destiny to work for VARI*LITE. As VARI*LITE grew their business, I took a chance and applied to work for their UK operation in Cricklewood, and they offered me a job as a production assistant. By this time, VARI*LITE was working with the likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd (to name but a few), plus major TV and theatre shows. I accepted their offer, which changed my life and has been my work life ever since. After 10 years at VARI*LITE, I progressed to General Manager of the European operation, where we had over 150 colleagues – many of whom are still great friends. One of the most enduring aspects of this business is the community of people. Whilst lighting equipment continues to advance (particularly now, as it converges with digital video, merging over into gaming, augmented reality and beyond), the industry is still all about people – and, ultimately, telling a story, where the lighting and visuals enhance and evoke emotions that transport us to a different place.
During the pandemic, my industry shut down, and the impact was devastating – as it was for so many. Thankfully, it has now risen to unparalleled levels and there are more live shows than ever before – it almost feels like a renaissance is unfolding, and I consider myself to be hugely fortunate to be able to continue working in this incredible special industry, where the ethos is, and always will be, ‘the show must go on…’ Enjoy your next show!
From L to R: David March, Jonathan Bordell, Gerard Rahman in front of New Hall November 2021
BY GERARD RAHMAN (1981-1983)
Becoming myself
Me? I am ordinary. But I love my extraordinary life. Before Chigwell, my school reports underlined that I needed more confidence. Literally, there was a line under the word confidence. Since Chigwell, I took on roles and made an impact beyond my seemingly unlimited imagination as a child. How?
Winter 1980. I barely passed the entrance exam. Mr Sydenham spoke with me when most adults spoke at me. He was interested in my opinion. Later, Mr Wilson, the Headmaster, wrote to my father that he was willing to give me a chance. I did poorly. I averaged last in almost all subjects in the first year. But here’s the thing. Dr Clayton sat with me, reviewing each of the teachers’ comments. He smiled, “At least you’re consistent.” I didn’t feel bad; it genuinely felt like he was on my side. He drew out critical pieces of advice, and we talked about them.
An exchange with Mr Ballance is telling. I drew an ambitious story outline in the back of my book, but I ran out of time and handed in something weak. He wrote, “I have just read this and it makes me have a better impression of your effort (I have looked at the back). Why not make this a holiday project of a really good story along those lines?” He was willing to consider what I had to say. An incredible gift for a child.
In time, I settled into the rhythm of Chigwell. One sunny afternoon, Mr Brandon asked me to show the parents of a potential pupil around. He didn’t say exactly where, so I took them for a walk, chatting about life here. Later, Mr Brandon said the parents were impressed with me. I was surprised. I was just being me. Then it dawned that Chigwell enabled me to become me.
PAUL MARKS (1969-1974)
Medical training opened many doors
Paul left Chigwell in 1974, and – having worked for a year for a veterinary pharmaceutical company – read medicine, and after qualifying trained in London and Cambridge in neurosurgery.
He was appointed as a consultant neurosurgeon in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990 and, after three years, returned to England and worked as a consultant neurosurgeon at Leeds General Infirmary until 2012. Whilst there, he read law at Cardiff and after leaving the NHS, “reinvented himself” and was appointed as Senior Coroner for Hull & East Yorkshire. In 2021, he became President of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and was appointed honorary Professor of Medical Jurisprudence at the Hull York Medical School.
Wishing to reconnect, Paul asks his contemporaries to contact philanthropy@chigwell-school.org or scan below:
