Old Churcherians
From the Headmaster
One of the delights of being associated with Churcher’s for some time now is that I have great pleasure in re-connecting with many Old Churcherians who I have seen grow and develop through their formative, schoolchild years here, and who have gone on to great and interesting things.
Those re-connections are always a pleasure and, more often than not, there are additional bonuses; mutually fruitful in ways in which the school and OCs can gain and which I and the OC may not have previously considered. For example, Abi (19), soon to be Fourth Year Geographer at Durham, was chatting about her year in industry, working with BAE Systems at their nuclear submarine plant at Barrow-in-Furness. Over this last year, her role was to develop a net-zero strategy for the submarine base. We needed a net-zero strategy for our site, and now Abi has her final-year dissertation and we have our strategy.
Everyone knows the power of networking and the something-coming-out-of-nothing, happy happenstances, that can arise. It is the role of the Richard Churcher Foundation and the Development Office to bring people together for those opportunities of mutual
benefit. As ever, if there is ever an invite from Nick, Sarah, Catherine, Carly or Angela in the Development Office or a classmate of old, to come along and join in, don’t hesitate; I can’t promise you a final year dissertation, but I can promise that the re-connection will be fun and fruitful.
As much as my long tenure has given me the joy of following the achievements and endeavours of those I have known here and who are now OCs, it also, alas, means that I am saying goodbye to special people and, it seems, sadly, on an all too frequent basis. Two such huge influencers on Churcher’s and its people are Geoffrey Buttle, who was Headmaster here from 1988 until I took over in 2004, and David Groves, who straddled Geoffrey’s and my term here as Director of Music for 24 years from 1983.
Huge is the impact both have had on the school, but they are modest in nature. Both David’s and Geoffrey’s family wished their passing to be one of quiet reflection rather than public commemoration. I am, however, very grateful to all who have sent in memories and we have reproduced some of them in this edition of the OC magazine.
Geoffrey and David were instrumental in guiding the school on through further extraordinary change that was begun by their predecessors. From an all-boys’ boarding school to a fully co-ed, day school can often be a turbulent journey with parents unsure of identity and direction. Evidence of their achievements are many but it says a lot that, in 1988 Churcher’s was a school of 459 pupils, of whom 17 were girls in Churcher’s first co-educational intake of 49 pupils into the First Year, and today there are 1,312 pupils at Churcher’s, of which 264 in the Junior School.
The world has seen many ups and downs over the years since Geoffrey and David joined the Churcher’s family, and I imagine there are plenty more on the horizon. We have faced and faced-down existential threats; thanks to the wise counsel, the loyalty and commitment of many, staff, parents, pupils and OCs, we have weathered those storms. I have every confidence that, with the fellowship we enjoy here, the Churcher’s ship will continue to sail serenely on.
I leave you to enjoy stories of and from classmates of old. Not everyone, all of the time will necessarily have had the easiest of times at school or beyond. At the recent Petersfield OC Drinks, two Old Churcherians, who had not signed up but were just passing the Annie Jones Restaurant at the time, joined us and regaled us with their experiences of the early 1980s at Churcher’s. Whether this was a cathartic experience for them or not, we very much enjoyed their company as they suggested they enjoyed ours. That is the joy of meeting up with those who have commonality and, in the same way, I look forward to meeting up with you in the not-too-distant future.
With my very best wishes,
Simon WIlliams Headmaster
From the Development Office
A key remit for the Development Office is to keep the Old Churcherians connected to the school and to one another. In addition to the annual OC Reunion Lunch we have been encouraging alumni to let us know if they would like our help to arrange other reunion events at Churcher’s, in Petersfield or elsewhere.
Our call was certainly heard and we were delighted to play our part in helping so many generations of OCs get back together this past year. We also learned more about longstanding year group traditions that are still going strong after many years – whether this be a football match, a quiz with purple ties, or drinks at The Harrow Inn! There will be plenty more we do not know – please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to share your news or our help to organise a reunion.
The Development Office also introduced other new events to the calendar, including OC Petersfield Drinks and the Benefactors Reception which were both well received. The Old Churcherians also enthusiastically showed their support to new OC sport events: all-alumni touch rugby and a fiercely competitive water polo match against the current students on Open Day.
There are plans afoot for new events this coming year. We are always keen to hear
your ideas and to work with you to make them a reality. You can keep up to speed with events, news and other activities at Churcher’s Community (https://community. churcherscollege.com), where you can also sign up to receive the Connect newsletter.
Thank you to all of you who have supported the Development Office this past year, whether this be joining an event, donating items to the archive, sharing your stories, volunteering your time or making a gift to the Richard Churcher Foundation.
The Foundation currently enables over 60 pupils, including 10 from Ukraine, to benefit from a Churcher’s education through bursary awards. The school’s foundations were built upon the philanthropic contribution from our benefactor, Richard Churcher, over 300 years ago now and your support enables us to continue in his footsteps.
With very best wishes,
Nick Smith Head of Development
The Development Office team: Sarah, Catherine, Nick, Angela, Carly
OC news
OC reunions
Although the OC Reunion Lunch continues to be the flagship annual get-together at Churcher’s, this past year has seen a flurry of gatherings.
It all kicked off in September when a record attendance of over 120 leavers from the Class of 2023, the newest cohort of Old Churcherians, were hosted by the Headmaster at the Heath Harrison House Drinks . A week later, we hosted a group of Senior Old Churcherians, some of whom attended school in the 1940s. Many stories from yesteryear were exchanged, with Ian Hodgkinson (47) recounting memories of watching doodlebugs fall from the sky during the Second World War.
A mini-reunion of the Class of 1980 ended our September celebrations when they came back to Churcher’s for their Covid-delayed 40-year reunion and the first get-together in 13 years. One of the group remarked: “It was great to see Churcher’s looking so good, and also heartening to see how far it has moved forwards since 1980.”
At the start of the year, Mike Swan (04) and Fred Cooke (04) returned with several peers to play their annual reunion football match, the first time on the school grounds – 20 years after leaving Churcher’s. The group played a full 90-minute match with teams split into rivals ‘Petersfield’ and ‘Mere’.
Later in January, Toby Mason (11) arranged for a group from the Class of 2011 to celebrate the 10 th anniversary of their annual quiz at Churcher’s in the school lecture theatre, before heading off into town. The Development Office also helped Ross Moyler (94) and Ben Harper (93) connect with and combine their year groups for a night out in Petersfield.
In June, we were delighted to welcome over 30 Old Churcherians across all the generations for the inaugural OC Petersfield Drinks at popular haunt, Annie Jones. Many of the attendees remarked that they had not attended a Churcher’s reunion event for many years and requested that it become a regular fixture on the reunion calendar. We will see what we can do…
It
was perfect and all the guys loved being back in school! We’re already talking about booking in next year’s quiz. Thank you for all your help in getting this set up and for giving us a tour…
it’s amazing how much the school has grown!
Toby Mason (11)
OC news
OC Reunion Lunch
In March, we were delighted to welcome over 60 Old Churcherians for the annual OC Reunion Lunch, from year groups in the 1950s through to the Class of 2014, with over 25 returning to celebrate their 10 th anniversary since leaving Churcher’s.
Drinks were served in the Donald Brooks Auditorium, where OCs mingled and perused a display from the school’s archive. After a warm welcome from the Headmaster, OCs made the short walk to Old College via Tercentenary Path to enjoy a dinner plated up from the servery in the dining hall.
After lunch, tours around the school’s premises were led by current Sixth Form students, aside from the 2014 cohort, who were accompanied by longstanding staff members, Ian Crossman and Richard Hoe.
The day did not end there for many with several of Petersfield’s old haunts playing host to after-event drinks!
It was so wonderful to be welcomed back to Churcher’s and reconnect with my year group, some of whom I haven’t seen since I left school. It was also really special having a tour of the school led by our former teachers.
Lucy Shires (14)
At the end of April, the 1st XI Cricket team played a visiting MCC team. This has become an annual fixture since it first took place as part of the 300 th anniversary celebrations. As you would expect, the ‘spirit of cricket’ was very much on show, with the visitors coming out on top by 45 runs.
OC sport
It has been fantastic to see OC Sport growing once again this year, with additional events being added to the calendar, and record numbers of Old Churcherians returning to school to take part. The matches have been as competitive as ever, with all being incredibly close contests, but also played in such great spirits. It was especially pleasing to see so many family members and friends on the sidelines to support both the OCs and the pupils at all the events.
A huge thank you to all those Old Churcherians who have come back, it has been brilliant to see you, and see your sporting journey continue beyond the school gates.
Please do get in touch with the Development Office if you would like to be involved in any of the OC Sport teams next year or are keen to start a new OC Sport team.
OC Water Polo
We were delighted to host the first ever OC Water Polo match at Open Day, and what a match it was! With a full squad of OCs, many of whom play water polo at university, and a loud crowd cheering on, the match was destined to be competitive. Both teams displayed incredible skills with the school narrowly coming out on top. We are looking forward to the rematch next year already!
OC Rugby
Ahead of our celebrations for 100 years of rugby at Churcher’s this Autumn, it was fantastic to welcome the sport back to the OC Sport programme.
Despite the weather forecast looking miserable, Old Churcherians from the Class of 16 through to the Class of 23 (plus a few current staff!) braved the rain, wind and mud to put on a fantastic display of touch rugby, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. Although fitness levels started to show in the second half, it was clear the group were a talented bunch who still had many of the skills they had honed during their time at Churcher’s. The match was ably refereed by Chris Goss (79), who certainly got in the spirit of the game and made it enjoyable for all. The match was followed by pie, chips and gravy in the Dining Hall to warm everyone up!
The standard of play in Saturday’s OC Rugby match was surprisingly high. We took to a very wet Memorial 1st XV pitch in conditions that were ‘iffy’ to say the least. The weather and pitch didn’t dampen our spirits though and there were lots of smiles on faces, along with some lovely ‘expressive’ play. Goose steps, quick hands and grubber kicks a-plenty were highlights of the day. The match concluded with a classic drop goal competition, and it was the front rowers that took the bragging rights for the day! Hard to believe as the teams had multiple 9s and 10s in them. All in all, a very enjoyable morning of rugby.
Mr Skirving match report
OC Hockey and OC Netball
We had a fantastic morning of sport on Saturday 16 March, welcoming back over 30 Old Churcherians to take part in hockey and netball matches against current pupils, competing for the highly coveted Eaton Trophies.
With the sun shining, family and friends were treated to three very competitive matches, where each of the results could have gone either way. There was a great atmosphere on and off the pitch/court, and the hot dogs and beers seemed to be much appreciated by all at the conclusion of the morning!
OC Tennis
Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural OC Tennis event, we were pleased to welcome a full contingent of alumni back this year to take on the school teams. Matches were played in a mixed doubles format and despite some very competitive games, the school narrowly took the victory, winning 17-14.
OC Cricket
The stalwarts of the OC cricket team returned to Churcher’s once again, looking to extend their unbeaten run over the school since 2018. Suffering from a few late drop-outs, the Old Churcherians team gratefully welcomed some Fourth Year pupils who stepped forward. Despite a sterling comeback from the OCs in bat, including three consecutive sixes from Seb Herold (15) that nearly won them the game, the school managed to hold their nerve, winning by 14 runs.
1st XI - 186/7 | OCs - 172/4
Adventure activities continue to thrive...
Several crews represented Churcher’s in this year’s Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over the Easter weekend, for which they had spent six months training very hard, often in freezing and very wet conditions. The race itself was cut short, finishing in Reading, a repeat of 2023, due to incredibly high river levels which also made conditions extremely tricky but not beyond the paddlers’ ability and determination.
Partnerships
Churcher’s supports a number of organisations and initiatives in the local community which provide charitable or public benefit; the school shares its resources, it delivers a range of academic initiatives with local primary and secondary schools; pupils raise significant funds through an annual calendar of fundraising activities; we support the delivery of several community events and projects as well as leading our own.
During the summer term, Lower Sixth and Third Year pupils delivered the first phase of groundwork for a new Permissive Path through Tercentenary Wood in Penns Place, in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority.
Maddy’s Mark
Former England cricket test captain and Sky Sports commentator, Nasser Hussain OBE, led a coaching session for the under-12s and joined an audience of over 400 at Churcher’s College to share his experiences, wisdom and anecdotes, raising funds for local charity, Maddy’s Mark.
The event concluded with a lively auction, hosted by Managing Director of Dawsons Auctioneers, Jonathan Pratt. Guests could bid for unique sporting memorabilia, including the top prize of being guests of Nasser at Lord’s to watch the England men’s cricket team take on Sri Lanka.
The event raised £10,000 for Maddy’s Mark, a charity established in memory of Old Churcherian, Maddy Lawrence (20), by her family to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in young women, through the sport of rugby. Through its partnerships with various clubs and schools, it has introduced over 2000 girls and young women to rugby and its community since it launched a couple of years ago.
Butser Hill Challenge
For 2023’s edition, Churcher’s College took on the sole organisation of the Butser Hill Challenge, a local running race that the school has supported for many years as a sponsor.
It is a unique event, being the UK’s most southerly fell race, with the adult race taking on a 5-mile ascent of Butser Hill, one of the highest points on the South Downs. The event involves children’s races from Year 3 to Sixth Form, as well as a Senior race, attracting over 100 brave runners each year.
Over the years the race has raised over £20,000 for local charities with the New Blendworth Centre our current charity partner. The Centre offers work orientated placements for people aged 19 or older with varying degrees of learning difficulties/ disabilities, aiming to develop and support individual goals, encourage friendships, raise self-esteem and promote confidence and independence.
The weather for this year’s race was unpredictable and miserable to say the least! With a storm rolling across the South Downs, it was not even certain that the senior race would take place. Despite the grey clouds and heavy rain, the race got underway, with the brave runners tackling the challenging course.
It was fantastic to see a number of Old Churcherians participate in the event. Special mention to Kit Matthewson (23) and Tom Parmenter (20) who came first and second respectively in the Men’s Senior U23 category and to Isabelle Whittle (22) who won the Women’s Senior U23 category.
We would love to see more OCs participating in this event, whether running for medals or simply taking on the challenge.
Summer Solstice Dusk-till-Dawn Walk
Churcher’s continues to develop its partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Country Park and The Sustainability Centre with the organisation of the Summer Solstice Dusk-till-Dawn Walk – an 18km overnight walk from Beacon Hill on the South Downs Way to arrive at the peak of Butser Hill at sunrise on the Solstice.
Churcher’s provides support on the infrastructure and logistical management of the walk with a large number of pupils, parents and staff taking part to support the marshalling of the event. The expertise of our Adventure Department and staff safely managed 200 participants along the route, most of which was in complete darkness.
Walkers were met by a Druid society who performed an impressive Solstice ceremony to welcome in the sunrise at the top of Butser Hill. The unique event also raised money for one of our charity partners, Home-Start Butser, which supports families with young children in times of need and stress.
Next year’s event runs into the weekend so we hope it will continue to grow in popularity and more people from the Churcher’s community will get involved.
From the staff room
I started Churcher’s in 2021 as a Sixth Former. I found myself immersed in a vibrant community where making friendships came effortlessly. I enjoyed being a part of Churcher’s amazing drama productions and competitive sport, all thrown in with a spot of A Level study. I have always been interested in teaching and with advice from my personal tutor I decided to apply for a job at Churcher’s Junior School to help give me a clearer idea if this was the career for me. I was accepted for a job as a Classroom Assistant for the Autumn and Spring terms.
My job entailed a range of different responsibilities including coaching sports teams, 1-to-1 reading, classroom support and playing with the younger children at break times. One thing I learnt was how to adapt my style of teaching when working with different year groups. Some days I would go from being in Nursery in the morning to helping with Year 6 in the afternoon and so I had to change my methods, to make them effective – singing the “tidy up song” to Year 6 wasn’t likely to have a good outcome! A highlight for me was coaching the Lower School netball and hockey teams. From drill practice to playing mini games, it was really encouraging to see the children put their skills into a competitive situation and be successful.
One of the real benefits for me of being at Churcher’s was the sport. My passion is playing netball, and I really enjoyed the team element of weekly Saturday matches. Another thing I thoroughly enjoyed was the
continuous encouragement to just ‘have a go’ and take part in all sports, not just those that you are good at. As a result of this I played in several hockey games in both the Lower and Upper Sixth.
For the remainder of my gap year, I am heading off to Boston, USA in the summer to be a Camp Counsellor for two months, working as a riding instructor. My time at the Junior School reinforced my passion for teaching and I’m off to Bristol UWE in September to study for a degree in Education.
Cara Laffoley-Lane (23)
I thoroughly enjoyed the continuous encouragement to just ‘have a go’.
The prestigious Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square, London, hosted this year’s Grand Summer Concert with 200 pupils taking part in the orchestras, choirs, bands and the infamous Barbershop. The music ranged from Rachmaninoff to an arrangement of the 1987 Guns N’ Roses classic, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’. The evening came to a fitting climax with an operatic feast from Aida, La Traviata and Carmen with the Senior Choir joining soloists for an epic ‘Toreador’!
Richard Churcher Foundation
The Richard Churcher Foundation was set up to provide bursary awards to families whose children would otherwise be unable to benefit from a Churcher’s education.
At present, the Foundation provides financial support to over 60 pupils and their families, including ten Ukrainian children. Over two-thirds of awards contribute between 50% and 100% of the annual fees.
Funding is provided both by the school, including from commercial activity, investments and registration fees, and also through fundraising events and philanthropic support from our community.
Incoming Captains of College, Maddie Gay and Max Cropley, continue the tradition of visiting the grave of Richard Churcher in Funtington to lay a wreath and say thank you to our benefactor
Sasha
About 10 years ago, a Petersfield resident was visiting Ukraine to develop his language skills and saw an advert for a volleyball club. He played the sport in the UK and thought he would pay it a visit. Sasha is now living with that man and his family in Petersfield…
“Pursuing higher education has been a dream of mine since I began high school. When I first came to England, I wanted to continue my studies – due to the war in my country, studies stopped completely. My host family asked Churcher’s if they could help. Churcher’s said ‘yes’!
Churcher’s has helped me adjust to living and studying in England and a chance of pursuing my dream. The education system in England is quite different from the Ukrainian one. It was quite difficult to get used to it at first. In addition, incomplete knowledge of the English language complicated the learning process.
I really like the process of learning at Churcher’s. The teachers are friendly and always help in difficult situations, which makes learning easy and understandable. I also like toast at morning break.
Churcher’s has given me a second chance for my future and I have many new friends here. Thank you very much to Churcher’s.”
Churcher’s
has given me a second chance for my future and I have many new friends here. Thank you very much to Churcher’s.
Sasha Skrypnik (24)
Sasha Skrypnik (24)
Churcher’s Golf Day
Last year’s wind was replaced by glorious sunshine for this year’s Churcher’s Golf Day at Petersfield Golf Club. For the second year running, we had a full complement of teams and players from the wider Churcher’s community – those who come back year after year and some new faces too. Everyone really got into the spirit of the event which raised over £5,000 for the Richard Churcher Foundation, aided by the impromptu gift and auction of a few rounds at The Royal St George’s Golf Club!
The course was in excellent condition and alongside the main four ball competition, our golfers also competed for the ‘Straightest Drive’, ‘Nearest the Pin’ and the ‘Putting Competition’, which was particularly competitive this year, with the eventual winner victorious after two tense play-off rounds!
Congratulations to all our competition winners, especially the team event where Grip it and Sip it lifted the cup, took home the Churcher’s 1722 fizz and, most importantly, became the new custodians of the coveted Greenish Jacket.
Huge thanks to all of our volunteers and sponsors for their valued contribution including Alitex, Robison and Independents by Sodexo, and also Agilico for the kind donation of raffle items.
And thank you to everyone for taking part and making it such a success. Judging by the smiles on faces at the Queens Head afterparty, everyone seemed to have a good time!
Foundation Summer Party
The Churcher’s community came together on a balmy summer’s evening for the Foundation Summer Party. Not only was the party blessed with glorious sunshine in a spectacular setting, but also an extremely generous group of attendees who raised over £30,000 for the Richard Churcher Foundation.
Generously hosted in Newton Valence by current Churcher’s parents, the party started with welcome drinks on the lawn with far-reaching views to the South Downs. Guests were serenaded by singing from current teacher John Lofthouse and Rosie Botham (19) with a delightful mix of songs from opera, musical theatre and jazz.
Indeed, it was a true Churcher’s team effort; auction items, raffle prizes and sign-up parties were all donated for free by the Churcher’s community; the giant marquee was decorated by parent volunteers; Chris Pellet (11), Joe Chads (19) and current staff member, Matt Currie handled the technical side of
things; Churcher’s Governor, Robert Ingram, ran the bar; current parent, Susan Currie, provided the delicious food; former parent, Susan Orringe, led the live auction; DJ Simon Crates (05) got people on the dancefloor; and Academic Registrar, Ian Crossman, resumed his MC role to keep everyone in order!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this event happen and the huge success it was!
A Sporting Legacy
This year we have been delighted to work with the family of Roy F Dorey (46), to support the purchase of a new rugby scoreboard, jointly with the Parents’ Association, through a generous legacy gift left by his wife (to whom he was married for 64 years) to commemorate his love of rugby.
The gift has been recognised with a plaque which can be found under the rugby scoreboard on Memorial Field – a parcel of land which was also gifted to the school from Old Churcherians at the end of the First World War to commemorate those who lost their lives.
Roy’s family also kindly gifted a collection of scrapbooks, photos and memorabilia for the school’s archive. Through this, we have been able to learn a little more about Roy’s time at Churcher’s and his life thereafter…
Indeed, he had an extensive list of sporting achievements! Roy was an all-round athlete, playing rugby, cricket, high jump and even table tennis at Churcher’s. A newspaper article in 1945 described Dorey as ‘outstanding’ in leading the Churcher’s rugby pack to victory. Another details Roy’s cricketing finesse – scoring 424 runs in one season at an average of 42.4 per game: he was quite regularly unbeaten and led his Churcher’s team to victory seven times in one season! In July 1946, he was selected to play for the Hampshire Schools Cricket 1st X1 against Sussex.
Roy’s leadership skills didn’t escape unnoticed... he went on to become ‘Captain of College’ under A.H.G Hoggarth, the Headmaster at the time. His academic prowess became evident when he went on to complete his HSC exams in 1945 which led to an open ‘Crabtree Exhibition in History at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge’ in 1946. Unfortunately, he was not able to take his place at Cambridge as his father would not pay for him.
After completing National Service, Roy stayed in the Army and joined the Royal Hampshire
Regiment. In 1953 he joined the Parachute Regiment and served in Suez and Cyprus. After the Paras he served in Germany, Warsaw and Sweden and throughout his career he played rugby, squash, basketball and competed in athletics – he even became a single digit handicap golfer as well!
Dorey’s sons are all sporty and his granddaughter played touch rugby for the England mixed team in the World Cup prior to the Covid pandemic. A grandson now plays at Carleton University in Ottawa on a basketball scholarship.
In a letter written in 1974, Major DWL Palmer of Palace Barracks, Holywood Co. Down sums it all up when he encloses a photograph after an army boxing match and says: “You’ve left a grand record here!”
Roy F Dorey’s sportsman and leadership skills will be remembered at Churcher’s College through the generations as this generous legacy gift commemorates his love of rugby and a life well lived.
If you would like to contribute to the school archive or find out more information about leaving a legacy to Churcher’s, please get in touch.
Churcher’s rugby team 1945 - Dorey middle row, third from left
The Benefactors’ Reception
At the end of November, it was our great pleasure to come together in the Donald Brooks Auditorium for the inaugural Benefactors’ Reception. At the event, we thanked over 70 members of the Churcher’s community who have shown their support to the Richard Churcher Foundation and Development Office activities this year.
With a glass of Churcher’s 1722 fizz in hand, guests were treated to superb musical performances from current pupils, including one on the marimba! The Headmaster spoke about how our supporters’ contributions can be absolutely life-changing for a bursary recipient, yet the impact goes far wider than that, to benefit the whole school community.
Thank you for your support
Thank you to everyone who has made a gift to the Richard Churcher Foundation this year or has supported us in our fundraising efforts.
Churcher’s gave me a sense of home as well as a rounded education. I feel fortunate to have made long-lasting friendships, to have had unwavering support from staff and even beyond my school years to have benefitted from the Churcher’s network in growing my career.
Foundationer
Make a gift
Please scan the QR code, visit Churcher’s Community or contact the Development Office if you would like further information about the Richard Churcher Foundation including how to make a gift.
We are very grateful for any support you are able to give.
Every penny we receive will contribute directly towards the provision of bursaries.
Recognition
For those of you who pledge a cash gift of £150 or more to the Richard Churcher Foundation, we have a range of recognition opportunities available.
Gift amount
£150 +
£300 +
£1,000 +
Recognition
Named seat Donald Brooks Auditorium
£3,000 + Engraved stone Tercentenary Path (3 sizes)
£10,000 + Named practice room Music School
The Development Office will contact you to coordinate any recognition opportunities.
Seven teams of Lower Sixth Form students took part in the The Royal Society of Chemistry Schools’ Analyst Competition. They were asked to analyse the vitamin C content in different tablet brands, the colourings in imported sweets using chromatography and a sample of baking soda to see if it contained the correct proportion of the active ingredient.
In memoriam
Since the last issue of ‘OC’, we have been advised of the deaths of the following Old Churcherians and staff. We have included a few words and reflections which have been sent to us by family and friends.
Obituaries are also published on Churcher’s Community – In Memoriam.
Old Churcherians
Pat Dodd (42) Rodney
Anthony Greenburgh (48) Grenville
Mike Riches (49) Drake
John Wilson (50) Drake
Peter Shinn (52) Nelson
Rodney Davis (57) Grenville
Malcolm Hobbs (59) Rodney
Francis Finlay (61) Grenville
Graham Evans (63) Drake
Peter Windibank (64) Rodney
Alan Perry (65) Grenville
Paul Stallard (65) Rodney
W.J. Nixon (66) Nelson
Richard Crooks (72) Drake
Tim Harland (77) Grenville
Ian Birtwistle (02) Drake
Former staff
Geoffrey Buttle (88-04) Headmaster
David Groves (83-08) Director of Music
Mary Landry (93-99) Accounting Assistant
of the school’s curriculum in its fullest sense – from academia to the extra curricula – and a navigation of Churcher’s College as an independent school through numerous changes in national education policy.
When Geoffrey came to Churcher’s in 1988, he was ably joined by his wife Jeanette, who made her own impact in the History and English departments. Together they made a home of the College, and brought up their son Tom, who himself went through the school. They would spend 16 years at Churcher’s, finally retiring in 2004 before moving up to Froxfield - and enjoying extensive world travels and time with family.
Those who attended the school, or whose children were present, in the era 1988 - 2004 will surely regard it as a period of great
progress from the Churcher’s that preceded it. Geoffrey’s vision for the school was bold, but as always with his approach, practicable. The transition to co-educational status and from boarding to a day school being landmarks. We could also fill the rest of this edition with an architectural history of the College. But we can perhaps neatly summarise the key achievements to include: the development of New College; the building of the Sports Hall; the acquisition of Moreton House as Churcher’s College Junior School; the new Library; the new Science facility & Lecture Theatre; and the establishment of the new Junior School site in Liphook.
Much change is portrayed in such a short paragraph, but this belies the constant effort required to achieve so much. In planning, financing, minimising disruption, maximising opportunities. In envisioning the future of the school that would benefit all who attended. Indeed, it can be easy in times of turbulence for standards to slip. But under Geoffrey’s leadership, the positivity of the school culture was extended. The promotion of respect for all. A desire to strive for excellence. A belief in strong character. A place for everyone to thrive.
As Headmaster, he was recognised as a man of relentless drive and enthusiasm, putting the success and reputation of the school second only to the service of the children who attended it. As a result, pupil numbers flourished, which in turn opened new opportunities for development and expansion. Chloe Jay (née Osborn) (01) remembers his ethos to this day:
“I had the pleasure of weekly chats to Mr Buttle as Head girl and I have warm memories of chocolate cake and words of encouragement at an important point in my life. I can also attest to the fact girls were not spared from ‘the handshake’!”
The thing I will remember most, however, was the Edison quote with which he led many an assembly - ‘Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.’ It has stayed with me all my life and was symptomatic of the ‘growth mindset’ that infused the school and what he stood for.”
Those who spent time with Geoffrey recognised him as a man of principles with a fierce integrity, and fearless in his conviction. Someone who, when he set his mind to something, saw it through. He always held
himself to account, and held others to the same high standards. But such qualities only have value in a school environment if they manifest in the wellbeing of the pupils. His fundamental belief was in creating opportunity for others, a trait reflected upon by Jim Bonney (96) :
“Geoffrey Buttle is synonymous with my journey through Churcher’s. His presence and persona shaped my experiences in so many ways, his example endures in my memory and no doubt my particular life experiences have been well supported by the foundations he and his staff laid all those years ago.”
Geoffrey’s ‘presence’ in a room was also something that left a lasting impression. A physically imposing individual, he nonetheless exuded a fundamental interest in people, and a care that might not be expected of a former rugby prop forward, as Ben Martin (01) remembers:
“To be simultaneously commanding and warm is an uncommon balance, but Mr Buttle unquestionably had it. His presence extended to silencing a sports hall full of teenagers with a smile and a hand gesture, without ever needing to raise his voice.”
Despite his imposing frame and unquestionable gravitas, his kindness was immediately apparent, even as a somewhat terrified 11-year-old being asked to spell “yacht” in an entrance interview. And it was never superficial – he genuinely cared. More than 20 years later, he could still name the parents and siblings of every child who attended Churcher’s during his tenure.”
A love of sport and life’s wider interests was a quality that Geoffrey brought in spades, from his deeply felt passion for rugby, through to the incredible inspiration he saw pupils enjoy in World Challenge expeditions and beautifully produced drama performances alike. Churcher’s certainly excelled as a school providing a rounded education, and this remains deeply embedded in our
culture today. It’s an experience that played an important part in James Martin’s (01) time at the College:
“It’s impossible to talk about Mr. Buttle without mentioning rugby. He was a gentle giant of a man. But the firmness of his handshake and the knowledge that his own rugby career took him around some of the notoriously toughest pitches of the North East always gave the impression that, if you ended up at the bottom of a ruck with him during his playing days at Durham or Hartlepool Rovers, you’d definitely have wanted to be on his team rather than the opposition.”
Despite always maintaining a statesmanlike presence on the sidelines, his passion for supporting the school’s teams was very obvious, and there were at least a couple of games where it would have been handy to bring him on to help us with a rolling maul down the sloping corner of Headmaster’s Field before they levelled it out. In rugby and beyond, one of Mr. Buttle’s greatest gifts was to inspire people to be the best they could be, whether it was academically, artistically, or hammering out a narrow victory on a muddy pitch.”
Geoffrey was not a man who looked for praise. The fulfilment of the pupils who attended the school was his motivation and reward. The messages shared with the College since his passing have reflected the profound impact he had on the lives of many. And we know there are very many more who share those experiences. For Geoffrey, that would have been the greatest testament to his legacy.
David Groves (83-08)
Most professional musicians will tell you that they have had at least one inspirational teacher in their lives. I have been lucky and have had three; David Groves was the first of these. I am not sure he ever knew quite how much influence he was to have on my career, and I suspect this modesty and humility is a quality many others will remember. He was a fine musician and an exceptional teacher, but also a kind, sensitive and dedicated man.
David taught me the piano throughout my time at Churcher’s, but I don’t think either of us ever suspected I would end up performing internationally as a concert pianist. The other two inspirational teachers in my life played more significant roles in this regard, but David laid the strongest of musical foundations, for which I remain grateful to this day. His piano teaching was rooted in the most sensible of technical principles, and he always encouraged his students to make strong musical decisions, and then to find a way of making their technique work in order to serve the music. He was unafraid to tackle the great works, but also enjoyed exploring the highways and byways of more unusual repertoire, and was ahead of his time in this regard. As a teenager I studied some of the great works of the piano repertory with him, alongside works by female composers and contemporary composers that, even now, I recognise as being somewhat unusual choices! The breadth of this repertoire encouraged musical curiosity and exploration, and he actively encouraged collaboration between his students, so it is perhaps no coincidence that piano accompaniment has been central to my musical interests ever since.
David’s teaching was always couched in kindness and illuminated by his capricious sense of humour. I remember him being particularly proud of the fact that his new car had a number plate beginning K466 (Mozart aficionados will understand the significance of this!), and he brought a palpable sense of fun to our lessons that ensured they were a highlight of my week. He demanded high standards from those pupils he knew could meet them, and was able to provide performance platforms that stretched and encouraged in equal measure. In the classroom, and as Director of Music, he
worked tirelessly to improve the department, ran multiple ensembles with genuine enthusiasm, and encouraged a steady stream of pupils to read Music at university. The list of those who graduated to university and conservatoire courses under his guidance, and ultimately on to successful musical careers, is long and illustrious.
David and I remained friends for thirty years, and I would occasionally visit him to play his lovely little grand piano, of which he was justifiably proud. The last time I saw him was on the same day that I performed at the opening of the new Donald Brooks Auditorium. I knew he wouldn’t be able to attend the concert due to his illness, but I wanted to play for him anyway. As I began the Aria from Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations’ he sat very close, became much more animated, and took out his notebook and pencil. It was as it always had been.
A personal tribute from Richard Saxel (92)
Ian Birtwistle (02)
Ian was an active participant of life at Churcher’s College. He joined as one of the last individuals to board at Mount House and subsequently spent four very happy years at the school. He remembered particularly fondly his days on the rugby pitch and the 1st XV Rugby tour to South Africa. He was also a proud member of Drake House, enjoyed the times he spent training in the CCF and took a keen role as Assistant Stage Manager for the School Production of West Side Story.
Ian, also known to his friends as Bubbs, Bubbsie or Birty, was known for being friends with everyone, for his positive and caring nature, and for also being a bit of a joker.
Following school, Ian went to Northumbria University to read Business Studies. He stayed living in Newcastle, where his family was originally from. There, he worked in a variety of Marketing and Sales roles, spending nearly 11 years working for the award-winning local Digital Agency, Enigma Interactive. He carried on playing rugby for many years at Northern FC, and was a Trustee for over a decade for the charity, Children’s Cancer North, following his own experience of childhood cancer. In 2016, Ian married Hayley, with whom he has two children –Austin and Etta.
Sadly, Ian was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer at the beginning of 2019. He was determined to live life to its fullest during his treatment. Sadly, Ian passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday 12 th February, aged 40 years old.
Graham Evans (63)
Former Great Britain international, Graham Evans, started his hockey career at Churcher’s College. He was also an extremely talented cricketer who was signed on the books of Hampshire Cricket Club whilst still at school. Parental advice, however, pointed him to Southampton University to study law and play hockey as his sport. It turned out to be sound advice as he spent his career as a solicitor with the London firm of Munro Pennefather where he eventually became a partner.
Graham’s early hockey career was with Surbiton Hockey Club. He was selected to play county hockey for Hampshire and later Surrey and to play divisional hockey for the South. His wonderful ball skills and close control brought him to the attention of the England selectors and he made his international debut on 1 April 1967 against Scotland at Hurlingham Park.
Graham made his debut for Great Britain later that year at Lord’s playing against West Germany, marking this GB debut with a goal. He played a total of 14 times for Great Britain including the 1972 Olympics in Munich. His England career continued, playing in the 1973 World Cup in Amstelveen and the 1974 European Nations Cup in Madrid – his 44 th and final England cap being the bronze medal game against the Netherlands.
He joined Hounslow in 1979/80 where he later became 1st XI captain and held the office of Club Captain. Graham was also a member of the Ladykillers Hockey club, enjoying several festivals and European trips. Away from the hockey pitch Graham was a keen golfer and member of Cowdray Park GC.
He is survived by his wife Sandra, son David, daughter Jessica, granddaughter Lila and son-inlaw Tim.
Malcolm Hobbs (59)
Malcolm Ronald Hobbs attended Churcher’s College in the 1950’s. His main interests were classic cars, motorbikes and steam engines. During his working life he had employment at a garage fixing cars, at Burroughs Machines mending mechanical calculators and at Hurn Airport (now known as Bournemouth Airport) constructing aeroplanes. These jobs satisfied his interest of working machinery, which later enabled him to restore old bicycles for all his children.
Malcolm was well known in his local area and would always have time to have a chat and a catch up with family or friends. He was a caring, loving family man to his four children, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Mike (Michael) Riches (49)
Major (Retired) James Michael Riches, known as Mike, who served with the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) and the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT), died aged 92, on Monday 18 December 2023 in Frimley Park Hospital after a short illness.
After schooling at St John’s College, Portsmouth and Churcher’s College, where he gained a Cambridge School Certificate and passed the Civil Service Commissoner’s Examination in 1949, he started a twoyear Commissioning Course at the Royal Military School Sandhurst (RMAS). In 1951 after gaining a commission from Sandhurst with the RASC, he served with the 16th Independent Parachute Brigade Group in 63 Coy (Para) RASC, responsible with the RAOC for logistics, primarily transport for the Brigade. He transferred to the RCT in 1965, when it was formed as a separate corps, responsible for transport and movements by land, sea and air.
He later served with the Army Air Corps (ACC), gaining his wings, flying both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, but remained in the RCT. His flying skills qualified him to be a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. Throughout his career he had a passion for Rifle Target Shooting and after retirement in 1980 he worked for Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal and became a Liveryman, as the Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, staying with Company until well into his 80s.
Mike was married to Anne, who pre-deceased him in 2021, and is survived by two sons, Peter and David Riches, and his daughter, Anne Marie Burrows.
Barry Sayer (75)
Barry studied at Churcher’s from 1968 to 1975 and then went on to read English at Swansea University. He passed his PGCE and taught at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Marlow. In the 1980s he moved to Portugal to teach before settling at the British School of Brussels where he worked until 2022. Following his death in June that year, a part of the school library is now dedicated to him.
Barry was a traveller, a literary authority and a remarkable humanist involved in NGO work for several causes, perhaps most notably, Amnesty International.
He was passionate about South America and there were few countries he hadn’t been to.
Barry’s passion for South America led him to travel virtually the whole continent and parts of Central America. He spoke French and Portuguese and was a keen reader of and an authority on Latin American writers. Brazil was a second home for him.
He contributed to the support of native tribes in sufferance and brought his experiences into the classroom and was able to invite several South American writers to the Book Week he organized at the British School of Brussels.
These facets of his life along, with his long-standing commitment to Amnesty International, underlined his seriousness and care as a humanist trying to come to terms with issues of great concern.
Alex Rivett (00), Commanding Officer 1 Regiment Army Air Corps, landed a Wildcat helicopter on Memorial Field, when excited pupils were allowed to see the aircraft close up and chat to the crew.
Then and now
Then...
Chris Condrup (1990-2006)
Led by the appointment and expertise of Chris Condrup, Design and Technology was introduced as a new subject at Churcher’s in 1990. Prior to this, a handful of pupils had lessons in Technical Drawing. The new design-based syllabus was much more academic, requiring critical thinking skills and taking elements from Physics, Business Studies, Mathematics, Art and Information Technology.
Chris developed the department from an empty shell in the old Goodfield Block with no equipment except desks and chairs. Lessons were initially taught to the First to Third Form around building works. Over the coming years, many new machines were installed, and heavy workbenches placed in what used to be the Sixth Form private study room. It was not unusual for the lights in the Design and Technology Department to be burning far into the night and during the ‘holidays’, as Chris developed much of it himself to stretch the budget.
The new department proved a great success and, by 1994, Design and Technology was the most popular GCSE option. Examination results were outstanding, and a number of students won top prizes in National Competitions for their innovative designs. In subsequent years, three A Level students
gained such high marks that they were in the top three across the whole of the UK in the Oxford and Cambridge syllabus. Chris continued to fight his corner and promote Design and Technology so that it became a major and well-respected part of the College curriculum.
Now...
Steve Edington (2017 to present)
One day during my 2017 Easter skiing holiday I received a phone call from a colleague at my school: “Have you seen, Churcher’s are advertising for a new Head of Design and Technology?” Knowing that I was looking for a new challenge, I jumped at the opportunity. Fast-forward to 4 th September 2017, I took over at the helm of Churcher’s Design and Technology alongside a team of five. Having come from the state sector, it took me a time to acclimatise to working in the independent sector – being thanked for the lessons students had received was a welcome addition to my teaching day!
There was much talk on my arrival of a plan to develop a new department building, for both Design and Technology and the Music department. The sceptics at the school would say, that’s been planned for years and it hasn’t happened. The new Goodfield block replaced its somewhat tired predecessor in March 2021, with a gleaming multi-million pound building that stands at the southern end of the site. It is safe to say much has changed within Design and Technology as a result of the college’s generous investment in the subject.
The building certainly helps to ‘sell’ our subject, but the work produced within and the endeavour of staff and students alike are what really stands out when you visit
the department. As a team, we blend the traditional with the new, using traditional hand tools from the First year to the Upper Sixth to carry out a broad range of practical tasks. Alongside this, the investment afforded us has enabled the purchase of a suite of 3D printers, a metal-cutting laser cutter, plotter/ cutters, CNC routing machines, to name but some of the new technologies we use. This means students leave Churcher’s with the skills to thrive at university and be ahead of their contemporaries on arrival.
Our student numbers are strong, with, on average, 45 taking the subject across three teaching sets at GCSE and an average of 25 taking Product Design at A level. These students are taught by a highly skilled team of six staff and two technicians.
Alongside the everyday activities within the department, there is a keen interest in Greenpower, with students racing an electric car at national events, CAD clubs for those who enjoy designing on computer, and the development of a Barracuda dune buggy being completed in 2024 / 2025.
Chris Condrup would, I hope, be proud of how we have taken the subject forward since its introduction to the college back in 1990.
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Churcher’s College, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 10813349 and registered charity number 1173833.