ISSUE 06 | 2020
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FROM THE HEADMASTER I surprised everyone, myself included, when I started quoting Lady Gaga and suggested that: “When all the world is a hopeless jumble, a star is born”. This has to be the biggest global jumble of my lifetime but I am the eternal optimist; I believe that when we have come through the present turmoil we will have many new stars to celebrate. For our U6th Covid-19 has brought their school life to a premature end and is making them into the Old Churcherians Class of 2020 without the normal rites of passage. For them, there are mixed emotions: they are, not surprisingly, somewhat relieved that they no longer have the trials and tribulations of A Level exams to wade through, but, like all of us, they are anxious about what the future holds for them, more anxious than normal for school leavers. One thing I have promised them is a grand party when we are through this all!
It is moments such as this, when the world is a ‘hopeless jumble’, that friendships and associations that have lain quietly in the background really come into their own. I recognise that many of the Old Churcherian year groups have their own central contact mechanisms, WhatsApp or Facebook for example and, of late, they may have been rather active. For others there may have been little, if any, contact with old classmates or school. If this is the case, we would like to bring everyone together, to connect demand and supply, as Economists put it, to bridge the gap between those who need and those who can help. You may be part of a community group or a charity seeking support and there may be Old Churcherians only too willing to give it if they were asked. Nick and Vanessa are our communication ‘engineers’ and will be only too keen to provide a conduit for communication so if you have
any inspirations, thoughts, ideas, suggestions please do not hesitate to pass them through and we will disseminate as appropriate. When Covid-19 is under control my fervent hope is the world will be a better place and we will see new stars aplenty. The Old Churcherians, including the Class of the infamous year of 2020, may be some of those stars! Stay well. With my very best wishes,
Simon WIlliams Headmaster
CONTENTS 02
FROM THE HEADMASTER
04
FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
06
SCHOOL NEWS
12
CHURCHERIAN EVENTS
18
OC NEWS
22
FROM JAZZ CLUB TO HYDE PARK: LINUS FENTON
23
GLOBAL CHALLENGES: KATE PEARSE
24
OC WEDDINGS
26
RACING GREEN: CHRIS SHAWE
27
IN HIGH SPIRITS: MIKE SALMON
28
CHURCHER’S 300TH ANNIVERSARY
29
STAY IN TOUCH AND GET INVOLVED
30
IN MEMORIAM
34
MY TIME AT CHURCHER’S: GILL CLARKE
35
IS THIS YOU?
36
EVENTS IN 2020
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FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
A year into the job and I was just starting to get to grips with it. Then, the events of recent months were thrown into the mix. Whilst it has provided us all with a certain amount of uncertainty and anxiety, it has also given me absolute clarity about the importance of the Churcher’s community and the force it can be. I already feel very much part of the family. In great part, that is down to you. It has been incredibly helpful to meet and talk to so many Old Churcherians and other friends over the past year, to understand what Churcher’s means to you and what makes the place so special. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Gill Clarke for her incredible service to Churcher’s College and to the Development Office. Gill has been a constant driving force through the myriad of roles, most recently managing the school archives, that she has taken on since she arrived in 1986. We have much to thank her for. I, for one, sincerely hope that Gill continues to pop back in to keep us in check and allow us to borrow her invaluable, encyclopaedic knowledge about Churcher’s. Here in the Development Office, there is a lot we want to do… One current priority is to create a new web-based platform, through which OCs can connect with one another and engage with our Professional Connections initiative. Working closely with the Careers Office, this will enable us to leverage and share the great deal of experience that our wider
community has to offer, facilitating support to current students and OCs alike with their career progression. A major event on the horizon is our 300th anniversary in 2022. Not only is this all very exciting, but it presents a fantastic opportunity for the school. We are busy planning a year of celebration and activity that will hopefully engage our whole community, including current pupils and staff, Old Churcherians, parents and also the people and local businesses in Petersfield and the surrounding area. Churcher’s is your school. We would like to encourage as many of you as possible to stay engaged, to get your feedback and ideas, to tell us what you want from us and how we can help you. We also want you to let us know how you might want to help the Churcher’s family, be that current students or fellow OCs, or if you want to get more involved with school initiatives, in whatever way that might be. Please do not hesitate to get in touch at any time and even better, come and see us. With very best wishes,
Nick Smith Head of Development
Who We Are
Who We Serve OLD CHURCHERIANS
CURRENT PUPILS
CURRENT AND FORMER PARENTS
CURRENT AND FORMER STAFF
LOCAL COMMUNITY
What We Do ALUMNI RELATIONS We keep you up to date with the school and other OCs with news and through events.
FUNDRAISING We raise money for the provision of bursaries through the Richard Churcher Foundation.
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS We work with the Careers Office to connect our community and help them progress in the world of work.
Why We Do It
ARCHIVES We manage the school archives relating to the history of the school.
SPECIAL EVENTS We help to deliver certain school events and initiatives, such as the 300th anniversary.
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SCHOOL NEWS
EXAM RESULTS Yet again our students proved that Churcherians can reach dizzy heights inside and outside the classroom! The A Level results were, according to the Headmaster, the “best ever” with 25.8% A* and 61.4% A* or A. In his press statement, Simon Williams said, “This glorious success story is part natural talent, part brilliant teaching, but probably mostly the influence students have on each other. When everyone has a common aspiration to be the best they can be, the inspiration and influence infects all. Add to that the delightful camaraderie of a shared adventure and you have a heady mix that brings outstanding rewards.’
The GCSE results were not dissimilar with 71% of all the exams taken achieving grades 9-7 (an equivalent of the A* to A grades of past exams), a best for the last 8 years and over 98% of the grades being between 9 and 5 (an equivalent of A* to B grades), the highest achievement ever. Two students (pictured) gained a remarkable full house of 9s, a testament to all the hard work they put in over the years. NEW BUILDING PROJECT Affectionately known as the Goodfield Centre, after Churcher’s previous Headmaster, construction on the school’s most ambitious building project in its history began in July 2019. The new
space will be a hugely exciting new addition to the school with 2,500m2 across two storeys including: • • • • • •
a 250 seater auditorium orchestral rehearsal rooms 11 classrooms 15 music instrumental lesson/practice rooms Design and Technology workshops design studios
Not only will this provide additional classrooms and accommodation space, it will have positive knock-on effects for other areas of the school and landscaping. As of March 2020, work has been progressing steadily on Phase 1, which will include
a new home for Design and Technology and is scheduled for an Autumn 2020 handover. Phase 2, which will create the new Music School, will commence in the Summer and be completed for final project handover 12 months later in July 2021. LES MISÉRABLES After the huge success of Miss Saigon in 2017, 2019 saw the senior production team take on the equally daunting challenge of Boublil and Schönberg’s best known musical, Les Misérables.
With all the performers, musicians and technical team, the latter headed up by Chris Pellett (11), going above and beyond the usual school production, it was clear that the College had another hit on its hands. One member of the public that managed to get a ticket commented: “Why did I pay to see the show in London? This was better and on my doorstep!” Several members of the cast, including Halcyon Sheen, Rosie Botham, Harry Fagge and Immi Evans, left
Churcher’s in 2019 to pursue careers in the performing arts. We all wish them the very best of luck and look forward to seeing them on the West End stage. To quote member of staff, John Lofthouse: “If there were a spare ticket, I would gladly go again….and again. I suspect that ‘Do you hear the people sing?’ will echo around the corridors of Churcher’s College for some considerable time to come.”
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NATIONAL HOCKEY WINNERS In March 2019 the U15 Boys Hockey team became national hockey champions after beating Whitgift School at the Independent Schools Hockey Cup National Finals in Birmingham. The whole match was livestreamed through the Churcher’s College Facebook page, enabling pupil (some who were supposed to be in lessons!) and parent-wide support throughout. Churcher’s had to beat some tough opposition, including some familiar local rivals, to get to this point, including King Edward VI School, Seaford College, Kingston Grammar School, Uppingham School and St George’s College in the semi-final. Head of Hockey Peter Beard said: “I’m so proud of the team becoming national hockey champions, it is an incredible
achievement. I know the team coaches, Jeremy Harris and Andy Cairns, were impressed with the players’ skill, hard work and resilience throughout the competition. I have no doubt that this is an experience the boys will cherish for years to come – huge congratulations from all at Churcher’s!”
“I’m so proud of the team becoming national hockey champions, it is an incredible achievement.”
TEAM CHURCHER’S PREVAILS Over the 2019 Easter weekend, Churcher’s College students successfully completed the Devizes to Westminster (DW) International Canoe Race beating off stiff competition from schools across the UK to win the top school prize. This is the second time Churcher’s has won the Junior Team School trophy (as well as twice for the Junior Ladies Team trophy) for this extraordinary challenge and follows months of arduous training and preparation. The DW Race is held every Easter over 125 miles (201 km) from Devizes in Wiltshire to Westminster in central London, including 77 portages along the way. This year there were 12 double kayaks from Churcher’s with 24 boys and girls competing in the Junior Doubles race class.
This year the tragic death of one of the adult competitors at Westminster underlined just how challenging this famously gruelling canoe event is, renowned worldwide for being a severe test of skill, physical and mental stamina and planning.
Headmaster, Simon Williams, commented: “With 125 miles of endurance and compulsory overnight stops, DW pushes students to the limits of endurance and commitment. Participation and success in the race is in no small part thanks to the fantastic support team of teachers and parents who provide essential food, water and morale boosting as the crews run past at the portages! This is a huge success for all involved, but this year our thoughts are very much with the family of the competitor who tragically died.”
“With 125 miles of endurance and compulsory overnight stops, DW pushes students to the limits of endurance and commitment.”
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GRILL LECTURE In May 2019, we welcomed 1982 Falklands War veteran Simon Weston CBE to the College to deliver the Grill Lecture.
and succeeding. Before the lecture, Simon spent time with Churcher’s Sixth Form students discussing challenges, motivation and his unique life.
Simon delivered an inspirational, funny and incredibly moving talk about his struggle to overcome his injuries and redefine his role in life to an audience of over 720 in the Sports Hall. His message was one of achievement, of triumph in the face of adversity, and of seizing the moment
The annual Grill Lecture in May is one event in the Churcher’s College Academic Lecture Series, part of the Aspire Programme. Named after the school’s former Head of Religion and Philosophy, Judy Grill, the Grill Lecture sets out to expand thinking on differing values, belief, attitudes and points of view.
“It’s hard to bear, even after all these years. All those bodies,” said Mala, eyes full of memories she can never erase. “I can actually see it. Like something out of hell.”
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY In February, Churcher’s welcomed Mala Tribich MBE, to share the testimony of a holocaust survivor, a child at the time, almost 75 years after Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated. Mala is now among the last people able to give a first-person account of what she and others suffered, and what was done to them. “It’s hard to bear, even after all these years. All those bodies,” said Mala, eyes full of memories she can never erase. “I can actually see it. Like something out of hell.” The 500 people in the audience listened in silence to the blisteringly powerful talk which painted a haunting and
vivid picture of life inside the camp. “Without hope, there is no survival.” Mala described the destruction wrought at the infamous concentration camp in northern Germany
A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR’S STORY
BY Mala TribIch MBE
MONDAY 3
FEBRUARY 2020 7.00PM CHURCHER’S COLLEGE | SPORTS HALL
In support of the Holocaust Educational Trust
where an estimated 52,000 people – most of them Jews – died during the last phase of the Second World War. Born in Poland and forced into a ghetto before being sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp, Mala was 14 when sent to Bergen-Belsen. Before the camp, some of her family members were rounded up by the Nazis, marched into a nearby forest and executed. She recalled finding her way to the children’s barracks and how Luba Tryszynska, ‘the angel of Belsen’, took care of them. She recalled that on the day British troops liberated the camp she saw people running. “All I could think was: how have they got the strength to run?”
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CHURCHERIAN EVENTS
CHURCHERIANS’ LONDON DINNER The 2019 Churcherians’ London Dinner was held at the prestigious RAF Club courtesy of our sponsor RAF Club member Gerald Hackemer (56). OCs from years spanning 60 years of leavers met the 21 Captains of College for a hugely enjoyable evening. Chris Parker (86) said of the evening “The ‘86-ers thoroughly enjoyed our reunion at the Churcher’s College London Dinner. It is a great night in a top
London Club and we strongly recommend it to other year groups”. HEATH HARRISON HOUSE DRINKS The first Wednesday of the autumn term has become the traditional date for the Heath Harrison House Drinks for OCs who have left in the past 5 years. A chance to catch up with fellow OCs and current staff after the summer and have a drink on the Headmaster!
40S AND 50S TEA In September we welcomed over 20 OCs and their guests who attended the College in the 1940s and 1950s for tea in the Gallery. Attended by the Headmaster and pupils from our current Sixth Form, it was a lovely day for everyone involved, catching up with old friends, making new acquaintances and sharing stories. The OCs also had some fun finding themselves, friends and relations in the school photos from their era. CHURCHER’S GOLF DAY Petersfield Golf Club played host again to the Churcher’s Golf Day in aid of the Richard Churcher Foundation. The competitive spirit was in full evidence in the putting competition after the completion of their rounds, before players joined the Headmaster for a drink in the Clubhouse, followed by dinner. A big thank you to all the individuals and companies who supported the event, including headline sponsor, Sodexo, who also provided all the refreshments at the Halfway House.
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FORMER STAFF TEA On a sunny Friday in September a tea party was held for former staff in and outside the Pavillion. It was a lovely afternoon and well attended, with many familiar faces returning to catch up with old colleagues. 1722 SOCIETY LUNCH The annual lunch of the 1722 Society, whose members have all pledged a gift in their will towards the Richard Churcher
Foundation, brought together over 30 legators, guests, current students and staff for an early Christmas lunch in the Assembly Hall, entertained by current sixth form music student, Gus Tranter on the piano. If you are interested in leaving a legacy gift to the Richard Churcher Foundation, please contact the Development Office at foundation@ churcherscollege.com or call 01730 236 833. THE ‘9’S REUNIONS A gathering of OCs from 2009, 1999, 1989, 1979 and 1969 came together in the Assembly Hall at Churcher’s on 30 March 2019 for coffee and pastries prior to a warm welcome from the Headmaster. It was several people’s first time back in years... Current and former staff, Gill Clarke, Tim Dilks, Kathryn Shaw, Jean Millard and Ian Crossman
acted as tour guides before a school lunch like no one had experienced before, i.e. alcohol was served! OC HOCKEY AND NETBALL On Sunday 31 March 2019, our OC hockey and netball teams battled it out against the College 1st teams for this now traditional fixture. The colder weather didn’t put anyone off and we had a great morning of sport with the OC Ladies victorious in both hockey and netball, but the OC Gentlemen narrowly losing to the 1st XI. It was great to see so many OCs come back to play and watch. Following the cancellation of the 2020 fixtures we are looking forward to sharing our plans for the future fixtures.
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DROPPING BACK IN TO SCHOOL
Everyone was very excited when Major Alex Rivett AAC (00) and two crew members landed a brand new Army Air Corps Wildcat helicopter on the school field in the Summer Term...
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OC NEWS and by doing so secured victory, £1,000 prize money and a large trophy. Cameron said of the experience: “Although I haven’t decided on my final career, I am choosing modules in my course that focus on AI and Cyber Security.” After his team’s victory, I am sure some of the companies that were at the competition like IBM, BT and BlackPhone will be only too interested…
Barbara Parsons, widow of Kenneth Parsons (40), was seen on BBC1’s Antiques Roadshow in October. She was showing his war diary and parachute jacket and telling the story of his time in Normandy from the early hours of D-Day. The photo is taken from Edward, Kenneth and Barbara’s son’s book “Band of Scholars” about his father and his peers at Oxford. Cameron Jones (18) was part of the winning team at the 2019 BCS Cyber Crime Cup, a cyber-security competition held live at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester and as a spectator sport (a world first!). In all, 200 students from 65 teams at 35 universities entered the competition. Through qualifying rounds in November, these were whittled down to ten teams of five, who qualified to battle and hack their way through live elimination phases at the Etihad.
Two teams emerged on top to secure places in the live final: Cameron and his teammates from Royal Holloway University of London and the University of Manchester. The final involved the teams hacking into a bank to gain access to the most funds, despite the bank having two factor authentication with mobile one-time passcode. Cameron and his team mates managed to ‘steal’ £27,000
David Wheeler (96) and his eldest daughter, Evelyn (just 11 at the time), climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in July 2019 for charity, reaching the peak
of Africa on Tuesday, 23 July. It is possible that she is the youngest British girl to get to the top! Former England and Harlequins rugby union player, Fiona Pocock (07), came back to visit the school in November 2019 along with Susannah Townsend, part of the winning Great Britain Hockey team at the Rio Olympics, to take training sessions with the Fourth Year rugby and hockey teams. Fiona gave a very useful insight into both the highs and the lows of elite level sport – she was seriously injured in the 2010 World Cup and fought back to play for England again. The pupils really appreciated a visit from a real-life OC rugby hero who is inspiring future generations of players. Fiona tweeted after her visit: “Great to visit my old school and coach the boys’ rugby. Thank you for having us and for your continued support.” She now plies her trade as a personal trainer and along with Susannah they offer services as keynote speakers, elite coaches in leadership
and sport, as well as delivering highly successful camps. On 1 September 2019, Pippa Williams (16) completed her fundraising swim along the The River Thames; 22 miles of freestyle swimming from Reading to Maidenhead; 13 hours of bone-chilling cold and innumerable bits of river flotsam and jetsam... but over £3,200 for Macmillan! Pippa said after the swim: “At 13 miles it was the cold rather than tiredness that was the most significant factor; with the River Thames at around 17 degrees Celcius, over the
last six hours I had been in the water, and despite all the effort of swimming, body-heat was ebbing away. A change of wetsuit and a hot chocolate at Hurley Lock seem to reverse the decline and I am very pleased to say that I’ve done it! “It did take 13 hours to swim the 22 miles from Reading to Maidenhead which was longer than expected; the Thames was not kind, there was very little flow to assist me, but, starting at 7:30am and finishing in the dark and guide by mobile phone lights from the river bank, I finished at 8:30pm. “I’m just chuffed I managed to make it to the end and I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated. Because of everyone’s kindness and generosity, I’ve tripled my initial goal and raised just over £3,200 for MacMillan Cancer Research. “ Pippa is currently studying for her PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge following her Psychology degree at Cardiff.
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Rhidian Brook (82) has a new book out Godbothering: Thoughts, 2000-2020 - As heard on ‘Thought for the Day’ on BBC Radio 4. Rhidian tells us: “It contains around 120 of my Thoughts from last 20 years”. John Humphrys’ front cover quote sums it up: “The problem with Rhidian’s ‘Thoughts’ is how often I find myself agreeing with him. Most annoying!” It is available from all good bookshops.
Halcyon Sheen (19) cello Charlie Morris (19) drums James Coni (20) guitar Gus Tranter (20) keys
OC Rosie Botham (19) released her EP ‘Blue Sunday’ worldwide in May whilst still at school. In September, her music was featured on BBC Radio Solent’s “BBC Introducing” slot. It is the Churcher’s College Record Label, Ramshill Records’ fourth release to date and has been a team effort, including musical help from the following talented OCs and students: Rosie Botham (19) singing, song writing, piano Barney Emmens (19) bass guitar and track mixing Elizabeth Turner (19) violin and string quartet arrangement Frances Flannagan (19) violin Ryan Wilkinson (19) viola
The EP is available on all recognised streaming and download platforms. Crispin (Spin) Glancy (19) has been awarded a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). A huge well done to Crispin and we wish him all the best for the future. In May 2019, Tom Payne (18), currently studying at Solent University won the Yacht Engineering Students’ model yacht race – an annual event that began more than 40 years ago as a bit of ‘end of term’ fun. The race forms part of the first-year unit assessment for students on Solent’s BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design and BEng (Hons)
Yacht Design and Production degree courses. The field of 42 first-year students competed for the coveted title on a predominantly light wind regatta held at Gosport Boating Lake, under the scrutiny of their lecturers. Students spent 100 hours designing and building the vessels to conform to the yacht design rules, with 85% of the unit mark awarded on
their computer aided design, and the build quality of their models. They then race them upwind and downwind to pass their design unit. The last 15% of their mark is awarded on how their yacht performs on race day. Previous winners of this annual race are now responsible for designs of Open 60 race yachts and Ben Ainslie’s Americas Cup campaign.
at the Cambridge Design Partnership, becoming part of the creation process of medical and consumer products.
Vanessa Pearson (16) decided to study at Arts University Bournemouth after leaving Churcher’s to pursue her passion for art and design. She graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Modelmaking and was also awarded the ‘Dean’s Prize for the School of Art, Design and Architecture’ at her graduation ceremony. Success did not stop there as Vanessa also won the ‘Best Use of New Technology’ award and was shortlisted for the ‘Best Finish on a Model’ award at the National Modelmaking Graduate Show ‘New Blades’ in London. She has now begun her creative career, employed as a Product Modelmaker
“I want to share how rewarding and accomplished a career in the Creative Industries can be.” explains Vanessa. “I initially got on to the Arts University Bournemouth course with an A Level in Fine Art, this was in no small part thanks to Churcher’s College Art Department and Al Saralis going above and beyond to help me prepare a great portfolio. I recommend to any students interested in pursuing a creative path to follow their passion, it is possible to make a career from it.” Sisters and artists Saffron (19) and Jasmine (16) were pretty busy last summer as they held a joint art exhibition, which was open for three weeks in September in the new Black
Barn Gallery on Durleighmarsh Farm. The land of the rising sun has heavily influenced Jasmine and Saffron Morita’s work as they have a Japanese mother and an English father. Their close links with their Japanese heritage is clear to see. Their identity is expressed through their artwork and its fusion of colours, with their paintings reflecting their experiences and perception of Japan. Both studied fine art at A Level with Jasmine currently studying Fine Art at Brighton University and Saffron studying Japanese at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) University of London. Local artist Jackie Dredge, who also happens to be a part time Art Technician at Churcher’s and the brains behind the Black Barn Gallery, wants it to showcase local talent and new emerging artists.
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FROM JAZZ CLUB TO HYDE PARK In 2015, Linus Fenton (13) played with Ward Thomas to 55,000 people in Hyde Park at a Radio 2 festival. He was about to embark upon a European and US tour with Jade Bird when the music industry was unexpectedly put on hold in March 2020. Linus’ first experience of jazz was Churcher’s Jazz Club. ‘Trousers’, aka George Trowsdale (12), was in the band and recommended some jazz and Linus found that he really enjoyed playing improvised music. Having met Luke Prosser (14), Seth Parsons (13) and Jed Saunders (13) in his first year, he took up playing bass just to be in a band with them and he considers them his first teachers. Fast forward seven years and Linus has graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with a degree in jazz electric bass and double bass. He has spent the last couple of years playing with Jade Bird and Luke Prosser. “It has always been a dream to pursue a music career but it has only slowly become more realistic. I considered doing a maths degree, but when I got accepted to music college, I decided to give it a go.” When asked for his advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the music industry Linus added: “There’s no correct path, just do what feels right at the time and follow your heart. Consider other options unless you really love music, then give it your full commitment… Listen to lots of music and be friendly, cool, considerate, organised and passionate. Don’t feel alienated by people who have ‘normal’ jobs.”
GLOBAL CHALLENGES at James Cook University, majoring in Hydrogeology. She spent six months on an exchange with the University of New Brunswick in Canada, undertaking fieldwork in temperatures of -20 to -30 degrees Celsius! She is effusive about her Clipper race experience so far: “A highlight, although there really have been many, would be every sunset and then the star gazing at night. Watching dolphins look like fluorescent torpedoes as they race around the boat at night in phosphorescent waters. Stunning moments.”
At the time of writing, Kate Pearse (09) was in the middle of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, although stranded temporarily on a boat off the small pontoon at Subic Bay due to Philippine quarantine restrictions. She says: “I’ve always enjoyed the prospect of a challenge; it lights me up! To sail across the Pacific on an ocean racing yacht, to experience the vastness of an ocean crossing and to push myself physically and mentally with the harsh conditions and relentless watch system, were the biggest draw for me.” Since leaving Churcher’s in 2007, Kate has travelled the world – first to a sheep and cattle station in Australia before completing her BSc in Geology in Melbourne. Then on to Indonesia to work for a budding NGO, ‘Ecosystem Impact’, where
her work was cut short due to contracting dengue fever. Despite an extended recovery period, she went on the row for the Sydney University women’s 8+, competing in Australia and New Zealand and to complete an MSc in Environmental Earth Sciences
She looks back fondly on her time at Churcher’s: “It offered my brothers and I an adventurous community to not only be inspired by, but be engaged with throughout our time at school. DofE, CCF participation and trips, not to mention the opportunity to participate in World Challenge adventures. The school’s commitment to offer these opportunities and enable students to experience adventure was probably a big component of my personal belief that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.” Looking ahead, Kate explains: “I will go back to work as an exploration geologist but hope to look at a PhD and work opportunities within the sphere of geopolitical conflicts impacting natural resources and their management, with a focus on water. On top of that, I hope to apply for the ‘Homeward Bound’ project for females working in STEM, a leadership programme focussing on climate change. Fingers crossed!”
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OC WEDDINGS
Becky Dale (07) married James Richards in June 2019, at Monkton Barn, Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Pictured with Becky are OCs from the class of 07 – Tom Filipinski, Natalie Young, Sally Barnden and James Conroy. Harriet Ballard (nee Reeves) was also bridesmaid.
On 17 August 2019, Josie Parrish (12) and Matthew Bryant were married. They are living and working in Bristol where Josie is an accounts manager in an engineering company and Matthew works in a Steiner school for teenagers with complex learning needs. Josie is pictured with her father, Mark Parrish (former member of staff).
Ellie Lawther’s (10) marriage Ellie Lawther’s (10)inmarriage to Luke took place Ropley in to Luke took2019, place in Ropley in September with OC brothers September 2019, with Cameron (08) and AlexOC (13)brothers in Cameron (08) and Alex (13)are in attendance. Ellie and Luke currently residing in Los Angeles. attendance. Ellie and Luke are currently residing in Los Angeles.
Sam Gibson (05) married Natalie Rose Babcock in Ukiah, California in June 2018. Hattie Gibson (10) was a bridesmaid; and Chris Burkitt (05) and his wife Eve flew out to join the celebrations. Sam graduated from Goldsmith’s in 2009 with a degree in History and History of Ideas. Having moved to Buenos Aires and then to Oaxaca, Mexico, in 2012, he was awarded a fellowship at Stanford University, where he studied in the Latin American department and taught Spanish. He completed his doctorate in June 2018 with a book about the Mexican Drug War. Sam is currently living in Los Angeles working as a screenwriter on an upcoming Apple TV show about the Cuban Revolution.
Jess Welborn (08) married her partner, Tom, on 30 November 2019 in St Peter’s Church, Petersfield. There was a strong OC contingent in attendance with Alex Jervis and Emily Robbins as bridesmaids and Fraser Isaac was Master of Ceremonies. Olivia Andersen, Rosie Cliff, Camilla Bramfitt, Phoebe Naughton, Verity Kennard, Emma Sprackling, Henry Churchill and Adam Cornwall were also there, as well as Dr Dilks! Emily Robbins made the trip back from Perth, Australia, where she is an A & E Registrar. Jess and Tom met at the law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills, where they both work. They live in Angel, London.
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RACING GREEN Chris Shawe (13) offered to come back to Churcher’s to talk to current pupils having seen our article on the reintroduction of Greenpower at the College in the Connect newsletter. Currently working as a stress engineer for the Renault Formula 1 Team, Chris was inspired in part by his involvement in Greenpower whilst at school. He says: “It was the Formula Student Team, like Greenpower but for universities, that really got me the engineering experience that I needed to make the jump into F1. It also taught me about the work ethic that is needed in the very fast-paced (excuse the pun) environment.” In his current role he is involved in designing parts of the car to make them as light as possible but also strong and stiff. Much of his work is in the six months before the cars hit the track but there are times when he has to find a solution to a problem that occurs on a race weekend. Chris says: “An issue can occur in the morning, I have to find a solution as quickly as possible, the parts are remade in the evening and then flown to the track for the next morning. We don’t have many of these situations but they are a fun and challenging when they do happen!”
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS Over the past year we have had several OCs come back to College to help with the Careers and Higher Education Programme for current students... • Katie Hickey (13) came back in April to talk about her life as a freelance illustrator, art courses at university, careers in art, and the business side of being a freelancer. • Tom Foster (18) came back to speak about his experience of apprenticeships at Ernst & Young. • James Clark (91) has been a great help with mock interviews and work experience for those on the medic programme. • Tom Higgins-Toon (15) and Archie Philips (19) shared their advice on the Oxbridge programme, including the application process, choice of College and life once you get there. • Anna Dunford (17) and Martin Kidd (73) both returned to Churcher’s to give the benefit of their experience to current students at the 2019 Careers Convention. We have also connected OCs looking for internships or work experience during and post university with OCs who have been able to give advice and, in some cases, offers of work. If you are willing to help either current students or your fellow OCs with their progression through education or with their careers, please get in touch at connections@churcherscollege.com.
IN HIGH SPIRITS Quintessential Brands. As CEO and Marketing Director, he exploited the new gin craze creating and launching craft brands such as Opihr, Bloom and Thomas Dakin (all available in Waitrose, Petersfield – naturally!). Mike stepped down in 2018 to concentrate on Just Chaps and to improve his golf, “with little evidence so far”. He is also an active volunteer at Churcher’s, as a business mentor to students competing in the Tycoon programme and supporting fundraising for the Richard Churcher Foundation as part of the organising team for the Churcher’s Golf Day. Having studied Modern Languages at Birmingham University, Mike Salmon (76) still had little idea about a specific career path. “It may seem odd today, but the best advice that I was given at the time was to keep as many options open as possible before choosing a specific profession or industry – and to chase down graduate schemes at a wide range of businesses.” In the event, Mike joined IDV (now Diageo) in 1981 as a Graduate Trainee and embarked on a 35-year career in Marketing and General Management in the International Drinks Industry. Having completed his training as an International Brand Manager, Mike joined the recently launched Malibu brand team. An early career highlight was accompanying American band, Kid Creole
and the Coconuts, on a European tour as Malibu was rolled out into new markets. “This was a dangerously enjoyable role with just one tiny snag. I loathed coconut!” The next major assignment was setting up Cutty Sark International and running the joint venture that launched this major export brand of Scotch whisky in European and Asian markets, where Mike was CEO until the sale of the business in 2008. At that point Mike fulfilled his ambition to run his own business, acquiring a specialist equestrian equipment business, Just Chaps, which he still helps to run with his wife, Helen, aka ‘The Boss’. He was drawn back into the drinks industry in 2011, when Mike helped to found
Although he insists that this was never a long-term plan, Mike’s daughters, Caitlin (15) and Rebecca (16) also both attended Churchers’ Junior and Senior schools and recently graduated from Leeds and Birmingham Universities respectively. “I spent five years as a boarder at Churcher’s from 1971 to 1976, which was at that stage still a single sex, ‘Direct Grant’ Grammar School, little thinking that 45 years later I would still be involved. Whilst the college has evolved dramatically since my time, the same basic principles of an inclusive and broadly based education seem to be in rude good health and the college continues to play a central role in the local community. Long may it last.”
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1722 - 2022
CHURCHER’S 300TH ANNIVERSARY
Plans are already underway to celebrate 300 years since the school’s benefactor, Richard Churcher, signed his will, on 7th February 1722, which included the provision for an education for ten or twelve local boys from Petersfield, in the arts of writing, arithmetic, and navigation. The tercentenary celebrations will have two main aims. First and foremost, we will celebrate the initiation of Churcher’s College, from where we have come from to where we are today. Secondly, we want to engage the whole Churcher’s community with the school, including current pupils, staff and parents, OCs and their families, other friends and the local community.
If you would like to hear more about our current plans, please call the Development Office on 01730 236 833. In order to develop a real understanding of what makes Churcher’s “Churcher’s” so to speak, we want to hear as many stories as possible from our Old Churcherians and former staff and share them amongst the community (the ones that can be repeated anyway…). Whether there was a standout event, an anecdote to bring about a smile or just a flavour of what it was like to be a pupil at Churcher’s, please get in touch with us if you have a story you want to tell and help us create our chronicle.
STAY IN TOUCH AND GET INVOLVED We will be contacting OCs in advance of the 300th anniversary to make sure we have all the right contact details for you and to get a better picture of how you would like to engage with Churcher’s during the tercentenary celebrations and beyond. Look out for it when it comes… We want to hear from you to understand what else we could be doing. Ideas currently being discussed include regional drinks events, creating an OC Sports Day and an adventure reunion in the South Downs.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS You will have friends who do not currently receive communications from Churcher’s College, including those who did not give their consent following the change in data protection legislation in May 2018. If you think they would like to stay engaged with Churcher’s, please help us and them by sending them the link above or telling them to contact the Development Office.
You can update your contact details and your communications preferences at any time at www.churcherscollege.com/stayintouch. If you want to get more involved by helping with events, supporting Professional Connections or with the Richard Churcher Foundation, please contact Nick Smith at nsmith@churcherscollege.com or Vanessa Johnson at vjohnson@churcherscollege.com.
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IN MEMORIAM Since the last edition of OC, we have been advised of the recent deaths of the following Old Churcherians and former members of staff. We have included a few words and reflections which have been sent to us by family and friends. Married to Monica for 51 years and working as a pharmacist for 40 years, Francis (Bob) Bayliss (61) always enjoyed visiting Churcher’s College on Open Days and reunions. They had three children, John, Stephen and Antonia and he also leaves four grandchildren. Edward (Ted) Kelsey (47) enjoyed a long career in entertainment, which began in 1958 and included roles in stage and screen productions. He was best known to present day audiences as the actor who played Joe Grundy on BBC Radio 4 soap The Archers for 34 years. He also voiced the characters Colonel K and Baron Silas Greenback on the 1980s children’s animated series Danger Mouse and made appearances in many other television favourites including Doctor Who, The Vicar of Dibley, Casualty and EastEnders. Leslie Harfield (47) remembers Ted fondly: “Ted and I lived opposite each other in Petersfield for several years. Both of us were fortunate enough to be granted scholarships to attend Churcher’s and we used to cycle to school together.” Born in 1930, Harry Wolfe (48) attended Churcher’s for eight years, including during the war years. Harry was very proud of his time at Churcher’s, as highlighted in an email he wrote to the widow of Graham Stratford, another Churcherian, who
passed away in 2019: “Our bonds go deep! Eight years with Graham at Churcher’s as we grew with war rationing to be men. Success playing schoolboy rugby – myself scrum-half, Graham fly half – winning against schools, in Brighton, Portsmouth, Wadebridge, Reading, London, and Military Establishments, and playing for Hampshire Schoolboys. I have very fond memories of our ride to Lands End. Mind you, conditions were different in those days! I remember we cycled from Redruth to Barnstable, without seeing a car, lorry or any other type of vehicle.” John Fishley became Headmaster of Churcher’s College in 1985 when Don Brooks retired, coming from Repton School where he had been the Deputy Headmaster. As well as taking on the challenges of leadership which included introducing girls into the school below the Sixth Form, John also taught Religious Studies to the First Form. Whilst John’s tenure at Churcher’s was relatively brief, leaving after only two years, the school was always pleased to welcome John back at Speech Day and he is remembered fondly for his kindness and work ethic in bringing the school through the challenging early years of independence.
OLD CHURCHERIANS E J Gordon Madgwick (40) Nelson Kenneth V Webb (43) Drake Colin D Chilvers (44) Rodney Edward H Kelsey (47) Grenville Terence John Walsh (47) Rodney Geoffrey W Holmes (48) Nelson David Hutchings (48) Drake Michael Jones (48) Grenville Graham D Stratford (48) Grenville Harry Wolfe (48) Grenville Keith Mackriell (49) Rodney Peter Huggett (50) Rodney Colin Plummer (50) Grenville Rodney J Welch (51) Nelson Hugh G Collis (54) Drake Robert Woolgar (56) Grenville
John Symonds was Head of History from 1972 to 1991 and enthused generations of OCs with a love of the subject. His energy and enthusiaism extended to cricket and he carried on umpiring until he was 80, having coached countless OCs in the game. John and his wife Margaret were also guests at the recent tea for former staff in September 2019.
Peter Stubbington (57) spent his life seeking challenge and adventure, trying to make every moment count. Following his time at Churcher’s he became Head Choirboy of Winchester Cathedral, went on to do his National Service in the Navy, before as a qualifying as forester and working in a research team in the Arctic Circle in Sweden.
OLD CHURCHERIANS
One OC wrote: “RIP Mr Symonds. Farewell to a great teacher, our family’s condolences to the muchloved Margaret and his family. I recall Jolly teaching us History in 1981 saying none of us may ever see the ancient Zigguarat of Ur as it was in modern Iraq. When I sat on it, days after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, I raised my mug of tea and said: “This one is for you, Mr Symonds…”
Having then qualified as a teacher, he taught for a few years in Hampshire before applying to join the Education Corps of the Parachute Regiment. This led to his becoming a member of the Special Air Service where he served with distinction. He then chose to take up the offer of a year’s contract to teach in Brisbane, Australia in 1975, where he stayed for the rest of his life.
David Holland (62) Nelson
Kenneth Webb (43) was interviewed by current member of staff, John Lofthouse, in 2018 as part of the College’s WW1 centenary commemorations and memorial unveiling. The interview about his wartime experiences as an OC fresh out of school was broadcast to the whole school and his words brought to life his wartime experiences for children not much younger than he and his fellow Churcherians were when they went to war. Kenneth movingly quoted the Kohima Epitaph - “When you go home tell them of us who gave our lives today for your tomorrow” - referring to his fellow OCs that had not returned from the war but are remembered on the College War Memorial.
As well as being an accomplished actor, he was also an avid sailor and in early retirement he went on to become Commodore of Queensland Cruising Yacht Club. He was responsible for organising the premier yacht race on the eastern seaboard of Australia, the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, a role-model to the students he taught and a great friend to the people in his community.
Peter G Stubbington (57) Rodney Anthony R Salter (58) Rodney Terry Hands (59) Drake Francis (Bob) Bayliss (61) Nelson
Geoffrey Richard Cross (63) Rodney Malcolm C Shirley (63) Drake Martin J Hughes (65) Drake Bernard R Griffiths (67) Grenville Emily Hartridge (02) Nelson Josh Shield (11) Grenville
FORMER STAFF Iris Robinson (64-82) Biology John Symonds (72-91) History Donald Brooks (68-85) Deputy Head (68-73) Headmaster (73-85) John Fishley (85-87) Headmaster David Burge (98-00) Maths
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Don Brooks Excerpts of Headmaster Simon Williams’ eulogy at Don Brooks’ funeral in August 2019. “Don was Deputy Head between 1968 and 1973, but when he was suddenly thrust into the limelight of Headship, Don had to step up and he a lot more to worry about. “We are very much what our ancestors make us and Don was instrumental in some dramatic genetic engineering to Churcher’s which has made the school the success story it is today. When Don started at Churcher’s in 1968 it was a state-maintained school. The money for everything came from the Government via the Local Educational Authority. When Don became Head, he was swiftly informed by the LEA that there was a choice: the school was to become a co-ed comprehensive school or a Sixth Form College or merge, and have a split status with TPS, the Petersfield School or there was a fourth, more radical and braver option, the jump-over-thatcliff-edge option, and go independent. “Fortunately for us Don didn’t buck the challenge, going it alone with absolutely no money. In September 1979 with the help of an independence appeal which Don initiated and a target to raise £150,000, which actually became a remarkable £250,000 within two weeks (and that’s equivalent to around £2 million today) Don purchased everything and Churcher’s became master of its own destiny. “Today we are flourishing with almost 1,200 who can call themselves Churcherians and that growth began with Don. He was the man who
introduced the girls, he moved Churcher’s up from a two form entry to three, initiated talks about the future of boarding, oversaw the purchase of land for playing fields and tennis courts, and opened the new art and music centre. “But as Don said in his final message as Head to everyone in the Churcherian magazine of 1985, “A school is not the buildings or the site (fortunate though we be in having such a superb setting). It is the pupils and staff who are in it and those who have passed through. “Don may have retired in 1985 but was the most magnificent supporter of the school ever since. Ever-present at concerts and plays and Speech Days, June and Don have continued to help and applaud the generations coming through Churcher’s. Don’s name graces our Speech Day Music Prize, an example of June and his continuing wish to award and applaud the children at Churcher’s.”
“We are very much what our ancestors make us and Don was instrumental in some dramatic genetic engineering to Churcher’s which has made the school the success story it is today.”
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MY TIME AT CHURCHER’S GILL CLARKE
My time at Churcher’s College began when I was appointed to be in charge of the girls in October 1986 - there were about ten in the Sixth Form at that time - and to teach English through the school. Starting work in January 1987, the school was soon closed for three days because of snow! I was in charge of what was 1G in the Goodfield Block at first, and taught the Sixth Form in the Common Room, now the Pavilion, with any number of old sofas and mis-matching chairs. Over the years, I also became Head of Nelson House, then Senior Mistress before that title was changed to Deputy Head – I retired from the role in 2005. My retirement present from the Governors was a trip on the Orient Express to Venice! Churcher’s, of course, did not end for me then… I was asked to become the first College Archivist in a parttime capacity in September 2005. One of my main early tasks was to help the former Headmaster, Don Brooks, to compile information for the ‘History of Churcher’s’, which I greatly enjoyed. I learned more about the College then
than I ever knew as a mere teacher. Working as an Archivist over the years has been very rewarding. I’ve met some very interesting Old Churcherians and families of even Older Churcherians. It was amazing to escort one family, whose three relatives were here in 1907, around the building and find corners where the three little boys who had come from Argentina might have worked and slept. I’ve given talks to pupils and groups outside the college including the Hampshire Archive Trust and enjoyed all of it, except for the dust
“It is, however very important to keep an archive in any establishment, so that everyone will know what has happened in the past, where the community has gone, and where it might be going in the future.”
and chaos of moving the archive to three different homes in the time I’ve been in charge. It is, however very important to keep an archive in any establishment, so that everyone will know what has happened in the past, where the community has gone, and where it might be going in the future. Never throw anything away, but look to see where it might be useful. I am also a member of the 1722 Society, which encourages people to leave money to Churcher’s in their will, to provide money for bursaries to help those who would like to come here but cannot afford it. I have been so privileged to be a part of the College for so long, the least I can do is to help out in this way. As a member, I also get to have a lunch each year and chat to other like-minded people, which is lovely. I can’t imagine life without Churcher’s, and I shall continue to invigilate for some time to come if Ian Crossman will let me and I’ll be sure to come in to harass the Development Office, whether they let me or not!”
IS THIS YOU? A picture of Form VB in 1956.
If you are in this picture, know anything about it, including who is offering a light or about to smoke the cigarette, then do get in touch!
Events in 2020 to be confirmed... In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the school is closely monitoring Government advice and will make a decision on the staging of future events on a case-by-case basis. The Churcher’s Golf Day has been rescheduled to Friday 23 October at Petersfield Golf Club. We hope it will go ahead. Other events to be confirmed include:
• Open Day • Heath Harrison House Drinks • Over 70s Tea • Former Staff Tea • 1722 Society Lunch
STAY IN TOUCH
Update your contact details and change your communication preferences at www.churcherscollege.com/stayintouch.
GO GREEN
If you receive OC by post and are happy to receive our online edition, please contact the Development Office at community@churcherscollege.com. OC can also be accessed via the website at www.churcherscollege.com/oc.
CONTACT US
Nick Smith Head of Development nsmith@churcherscollege.com 01730 236 846
@ChurchersAlumni
Vanessa Johnson Development Officer vjohnson@churcherscollege.com 01730 236 833
