FOCUS Magazine - Edition 17: 2019

ISSUE 17: 2019

INSIDE

FRIENDS OF CULFORD SCHOOL

Across the Generations

Art Centre Opening

OC News & Events

Welcome

Culford education but for whom it is not entirely affordable. You can read more about what we hope to achieve on pages 26-27.

For all the positive news last year, the summer also brought great sadness as we bade farewell to former Headmaster, Derek Robson (1935-2019); former Chair of Governors and Old Culfordian, Sir David Plastow (1932-2019); and his Old Culfordian friend and former Governor, Michael Keall (1931-2019). Each made a significant contribution in helping to shape Culford to become the School it is today and will be much missed.

Samantha Salisbury, Jo Johnson-Munday and Annie Harrison.

WELCOME

FROM THE TEAM We can now vouch for the oft cited premise that, as you get older, each year passes by even more quickly.

It doesn’t help that, in a school, the children stay the same age and we simply look and get older. OCs that left during the current Headmaster’s tenure are now working in industries that did not even exist when he arrived in 2004 (see Tech feature on p46). While the past year has flown by, we have much to report on and to be grateful for.

Through the support of OCs, parents, charitable Trusts and other friends, we celebrated the completion of our stunning new Art Centre in the summer, just ten months after work began. With the landscaping completed over the holidays, the official opening in September 2019 was a joyous occasion shared with our donors, parents and pupils and other supporters of the School. We are very proud of it. You can judge the building for yourself from the photographs on pages 4-9.

Given all the economic uncertainties, Brexit still in the balance at the time of writing, we were especially pleased to start the new academic year with 746 pupils, making it our biggest year yet and up from 576 when the Headmaster took up his post. Some 60% are boarders in the

Senior School and we have a full and vibrant boarding community in the Prep School. The majority of pupils come from across the UK with c.20% from overseas and 31 nationalities represented. We have 150 pupils on the tennis programme, of whom 100 are performance players, a further 50 on the football and swim programmes and 40 on the golf programme. Next year will see us launch a dance academy.

There is no doubt that what we offer is in strong demand. The challenge we face, along with all other independent schools, is that the cost of a boarding or a day place is beyond many families. For this reason, we are now focusing our fundraising efforts on creating a bursaries fund to help support those children who would benefit from a

The late Margaret Bracewell (1929-2019), wife of former Bursar, Robbie, wrote to us on Sir David’s death, saying that she still had a note from him, from decades ago, based on John Adair’s philosophy for Action-Centred Leadership. Three overlapping circles, each bearing an aim: Developing individuals; Building the team; and Achieving the task.

Sir David certainly did that and we aim to deliver it too.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s magazine.

We love to hear your news and hope you enjoy catching up with other people’s in this magazine.

Keep in touch!

John Humphries (OC Liaison Officer and former staff 1968-2003).

Published since 2000, FOCUS is Culford’s magazine for alumni, parents, friends and staff of Culford and the East Anglian Schools.

FOCUS ISSUE 17: 2019 published by Culford School Foundation, Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX Email: foundation@culford.co.uk Web: www.culford.co.uk/foundation Tel: +44 (0)1284 385310 The Culford Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Charity Number: 1186081 Culford School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST).

Registered Office: 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR

The Culford Foundation makes reasonable efforts to include current and correct information in FOCUS but makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of the published content. News of former pupils and colleagues is always welcome; please do keep in touch.

Photo credits: Warren Page; Tom Soper: Wendy Turner/ Red Shed Photography; Jackie Cooper Photography; Joe Taylor and Molly Mason.

We were very happy to welcome some 80 alumni and friends of Culford to our 2019 London Drinks Reception at The Lansdowne Club in March 2019. The Class of 1982 saw the biggest turn out, winning our mini competition and a little gift each to remind them of Culford.

We were especially excited to see plenty of new faces.

L-R: Tony Crane (1969-1978), Dr Helen Fail (1970-1977), Jane Franses (1968-1977 and Governor), Louise Crane (1971-1979), Nick de Bois (1967-1977) and Christopher Aldous (1970-1977).

L-R: Robert Green (1960-1965), Peter Livock (1959-1964) and Alan Atkinson (1960-1967 and Governor).

L-R: Peter Delf (1959-1966), Jess Walters (Head Boy) and John Delf (1957-1962).

L-R: Alex Spark (2003-2014), Emma Beardmore (2007-2015), Head of DT Ian Devlin, Jamie Gregory (2009-2014), Foundation Director Samantha Salisbury, Jack Ferrari (2003-2014), Issy Davies (2001-2014) and Oliver Ferrari (2001-2009).

L-R: Sarah Turner née Sewell (1975-1980), Andy Williams (1977-1982), Sandy Culling née Dye (1978-1982), Amanda Black née Russell (1971-1982), Walter Hawes (1972-1982) and Peter Hogg (1978-1988).

L-R: Emma Beardmore (2007-2015), Emma Howard (Head Girl), Lizzy Burge (2013-2015) and Ross McKenzie (2005-2015).

L-R: Zamir Borg-Mirza (1979-1984), Peter Hazell (1972-1982), Nicola Busbridge née Corden (1974-1982) and Mark Robson (1974-1984).

If you are interested in attending the 2020 London Drinks or have a venue suggestion, please get in touch, email: foundation@culford.co.uk We would love to hear from you!

To see more images of this event go to: culfordschool.shootproof.com/gallery/CulfordSchoolFoundation

FOCUS 2019 | 03

London Drinks

LONDON DRINKS 2019

Art Centre Opening

CREATIVITY FOR LIFE

L-R: Duncan Haydon (1977-1986) Seamans Building, Clare Taylor (parent), Aoife O’Gorman (BCR Infinity Architects), Jo Johnson-Munday, Steven Abbott (Chair of Governors), Charles Darwent (Guest of Honour), James Hollington (Stonemason), Tessa Richardson (Head of Art), David Slater (1954-1961) and Mark Farthing (MT Groundworks).

Celebrating the opening of Culford’s new Art Centre Thursday, 12 September 2019 saw 100 guests celebrate the official opening of Culford’s new Art Centre.

The evening began with a drinks reception, followed by a stirring speech from Head of Art, Tessa Richardson, and a warm welcome from Chair of Governors, Steven Abbott, who thanked the many alumni, parents, colleagues, pupils and other friends of the School who gave their generous support to the project.

The audience at the official welcome and opening speeches in the new Art Studio.

Thanks were also given to Duncan Haydon (1977-1986) from Seamans Building and Aoife O’Gorman from BCR Infinity Architects who together brought this wonderful building to life “on time and on budget!”

Melanie Lesser née Veale (1975-1977) and Richard Bryson (1970-1976).

04 | FOCUS 2019

Ken Green (1938-1945) with his son, Howard.

We were also joined by art critic, journalist and author, Charles Darwent, who cut the ribbon and declared this stunning new creative space truly “open”. Charles highlighted the importance of the arts, telling us:

Michael Taylor (1944-1950), John Eason (1958-1962) and Jo Johnson-Munday.

“

At a time when funding for the arts in schools is increasingly under attack, it is particularly pleasing to see the opening of Culford’s new Art Centre. Last year, the creative industries contributed £11 billion to UK GDP – more than agriculture and fisheries combined. What students will learn in the new art centre is not just engraving or ceramics or fabric design, but, more broadly, to look and to see. Those are skills that will follow them all their lives, whether they become artists or doctors or engineers.

”

Charles Darwent (Guest of Honour)

There was an exhibition of pupils’ work to enjoy, as well as a display about former Heads of Art, including the renowned artist, Alfred Blundell (Art Master 1933-1945). The warm late summer evening enabled guests to enjoy their drinks on the new terrace and to see the

Earlier in the day there were lino printing workshops led by Neil Evans (Acting Head of Art) and Brenda Hunt (Former Head of Art 1985-2017), while the evening gave the chance to try some creative technology with Google Tiltbrush, enabling you to paint in 3D space with virtual reality.

It was a wonderful celebration and we hope this superb new facility will enable and encourage a wide variety of creative exploration for generations of pupils to come.

L-R: Katie (Prep pupil), Fiona Bills (parent), Clare Taylor (parent) and Duncan Haydon (1977-1986).

Louis Clark (2004-2010) with Kate and John Clark.

Ophelia Yannaghas (2009-2019) with her mother, Dominique.

FOCUS 2019 | 05

Art Centre Opening

flagstones sponsored by donors to the project. Two beautiful stone benches on the terrace were sponsored by the Clark family in memory of their son Oscar (2007-2012). The fitting out of the main Art Studio, to a bespoke design, was a gift from current parents, Clare and James Taylor.

Art Centre Opening Pavers in the new terrace.

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Art Centre Opening

Tanya McHale née Race (1983-1993 and parent) with her husband, Sean.

Jo Cook (DT teacher) with Katie Shea and Jess Lovatt (2019 leavers).

Celia Gordon (HM PA 2005-2013) with Jo Anderton née Broadbridge (1981-1988 and former Governor).

John Eason (1958-1962) with Ann and David Bannister (1951-1954).

FOCUS 2019 | 07

Art Centre Opening

Official Opening Flagstone.

Textiles Studio.

Mr Blundell was Art Master at the East Anglian School in 1933 until the school relocated from Bury St Edmunds to Culford in 1935, where he remained until 1945. In 1936, the building that had housed Culford Hall’s dynamos and batteries was transformed into a Centre for Art and Geography and it is this building, where Mr Blundell taught, that has been transformed into the dynamic space that is now the Art Centre.

Alfred Blundell entered the Slade School of Fine Art in 1913 and then returned home to Suffolk where he became renowned as a landscape painter, etcher, printmaker and sculptor. Culford is fortunate to have many of his finest etchings and some of his most interesting oil paintings on display in the Blundell Gallery, along the corridor outside the Studio Theatre in Culford Hall.

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Why I supported the Art Centre “When I visited Culford a few years ago and I saw the main art studio with its roof problems, water leaks and the large cracks that had appeared on the front wall, it helped me to decide where the money I wanted to give the School should go.

Although I have absolutely no aptitude at drawing, or art in general, at least seven of my ancestors were either commercial and/or amateur artists, including one of my great grandfathers plus my mother, my cousin, and his daughter who used to be chief ladies shoe designer with Clarks Shoes. So there is an artistic family streak somewhere! However, I did find that I was good at engineering drawing during my electronics apprenticeship. I got high marks in the exam but am still useless at freehand drawing.

I am very pleased to support Culford with a gift and I am impressed with what has been achieved in the Art Centre. I am sure the pupils will benefit – I hope they realise how lucky they are!”

Anonymous OC Donor

“

Over the years I have seen many changes and improvements that have made Culford the exemplary school it is today. During my visits I often wondered, when will they get round to the art rooms? At last it has happened and in a magnificent way. I was so pleased to support it and to be at the opening ceremony. A great occasion! How pleased I was to see the painting by ‘wee David’ and his story in a quiet upstairs room.

David Mathers did so much to shape my appreciation of art – and improve my skills, introducing me, among other things, to the versatile medium poster paint!

He would love the art block.

”

Michael Taylor (1944-1950)

Art Centre Opening

Professor Harry Watson (1949-1959), his wife, Adrienne, second son, Marcus and family visited Culford from ‘down under’ to be part of the official opening of the new Art Centre. Professor Watson and Adrienne previously made a significant donation to the Campaign for Culford, in particular, towards the building of Culford’s Library which they returned to officially open in 2016.

During his recent visit, Harry told us how important art, proportion, 3D graphics and lettering that he learnt in the, previously rather gloomy, art room had been in his career as an engineer. It still guides him today, following 20 years in his roles as Deputy Head and Head of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, Australia’s top research University.

“Art, intuition and scientific analysis,” he said, “were all part of the skill set that enabled me to visualise and design very complex systems.” Amongst which have been an aerodynamic Cooper Formula One car at the age of 23, using his own computer aided design package, a world first. Recently, he assisted in rule making for connectivity

Dr John Guntrip, Deputy Head with Professor Harry Watson (1949-1959).

amongst advanced transport, when traffic lights, autonomous or semi-autonomous cars, lorries, buses and pedestrians all need to communicate to improve safety, and to reduce urban emissions in conditions that might include rickshaws, tuc-tucs and stray animals around the world – with all its varying languages, customs and road-rule compliance!

To see more images of this event and our new Art Centre go to: culfordschool.shootproof.com/gallery/CulfordSchoolFoundation

Hadley Butler (2011-2019) complemented his A levels, where he achieved an A* in Art and an A* in Digital Media, with a BTEC diploma in Business. Hadley says,

Hadley Butler videographer (2011-2019).

Harry commented that “The multiple and exciting new spaces and facilities in the new Art Centre, supported by high quality teachers, will ensure for Culfordians that art grows as an embedded part of human wellbeing, through long standing traditional methods and rapidly evolving digital technology, now working side by side.”

“

After the incredible support and opportunities that Culford opened up for me, I have been able to pursue my passion and achieve a position at National Youth Film Academy and secure a job in a leading marketing company as part of their video team. I truly believe this would not have been possible without Culford’s support, they went above and beyond to open doors for me.

”

To view Hadley’s work, including the Culford Malawi video he produced, visit his website: hadleyjaybutler.com

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Honours for OCs

QUEEN’S HONOURS FOR OLD CULFORDIANS British Honours are awarded twice a year, on merit, for exceptional achievement or service; we were delighted to see four OCs receive awards from HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

In the New Year’s Honours list, Jayne-Anne Gadhia CBE (1975-1979) was made a Dame for services to Financial Services and Women in the Financial Industry; Gary Newbon (1954-1964) was made an MBE for services to Media, Sport and Charity; and Alicia Weston (1981-1988) was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in London (see page 11). In June, Paul Dean (1980-1985) was awarded a CBE for public service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia

trained as a Chartered Accountant and developed her career in finance to become the CEO of Virgin Money in 2007, a position she held until 2018.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia (1975-1979).

In 2015, Her Majesty’s Treasury asked her to lead a review into the representation of women in UK financial services. This was published in 2016 and led to the creation of the Women in Finance Charter.

Jayne-Anne has recently taken up a new post as the UK boss of Salesforce, the New York-listed cloud software specialist. She is also founder of data start-up Snoop. She is a committed supporter of the Prince’s Charities, a Trustee of the Tate and Chairs the Prince’s Foundation.

Paul Dean CBE

was honoured for services to Security and Counter Terrorism as the Head of Operational Support at the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism in the Home Office.

Paul Dean (1980-1985).

10 | FOCUS 2019

Gary Newbon (1954-1964) at Buckingham Palace with his wife Katie in May 2019.

Gary Newbon MBE is a familiar face on TV as a sports broadcaster.

He spent 36 years with ITV, 15 years with Sky Sports and is now working as a freelance Presenter. Gary has covered seven World Cup football finals and three Olympic Games, as well as European Champions Football – both national and club – many world boxing championships and a host of other sports, ranging from speedway to greyhound racing.

He has presented over 10,000 television programmes.

Gary is also a champion of women working in sport, nurturing a number of women, and men, who have gone on to have careers in sports broadcasting. He set up his own TV production company and offers CEOs coaching in public speaking.

Away from the microphone, Gary is President of the Lord’s Taverners in the West Midlands, a former patron of Deafblind UK, Honorary Barker of the Variety Club of Great Britain and a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats.

He was honoured by the City of Birmingham with his name added to the Walk of Stars and named one of the 100 great Brummies.

1930s-1940s

We have had plenty of news from our alumni over the past year. We have sectioned the newsbites off into broad generations but, inevitably, there is some crossover.

Hopefully you will find news of someone that YOU remember! Thank you to everyone for their contributions. To appear next time, please email: foundation@culford.co.uk

Nick Parson (1929-1935), Head Boy, Jess Walters and Janet Parson.

Howard Nicholas Parson aka Nick (1929-1935) visited Culford in February 2019. Nick, who is 100 years old, was at the East Anglian School when it moved from Northgate Avenue to Culford in 1935. On leaving Culford, Nick completed his National Service as a Morse Code Operator before

Alicia Weston (1981-1988).

Alicia Weston BEM FRSA

is the founder of Bags of Taste, a not-for-profit that works with people in food poverty to change their diets, using behavioural change techniques and addressing structural issues that form barriers to change. To date, Bags of Taste

becoming a successful architect in the UK and Spain. It was wonderful to meet an OC who recalled Culford from its earliest beginnings and we enjoyed chatting with Nick, his wife Janet and daughter Heather, and showing them school photographs from the 1930s. has taught over 3,500 students in 11 locations and provided over 40,000 meals. Alicia originally trained as a pharmacologist but subsequently spent 18 years in venture capital and investment banking. She founded Parkholme Supper Club in 2010, raising over £80,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières, and was heavily involved with Crisis, the homeless charity. In 2019, Bags of Taste won the Food and Drink Federation community partner of the year award, were runners up in The Observer Food Magazines’ Best Ethical Food Project and Alicia won the .ORG Innovator of the Year award.

In 2019, William R Miller CBE (1940-1946) was honoured by the Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden with the Winston S Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy and Business. William Miller is one of Culford’s greatest supporters, having made significant donations to the School, including a gift to build the William R Miller Science building which he returned to officially open in 2002. After graduating in PPE from St Edmund Hall, Oxford in 1952, Bill spent his long and distinguished career in the pharmaceutical industry, commencing at Pfizer in the UK and eventually retiring from Bristol-Myers Squibb as Vice Chairman in 1991. His many volunteering and philanthropic activities throughout his life reflect his longstanding interests in music and education, as well as Oxford and London. He has received numerous awards and honours for his services in these and many other spheres of life. Bill was married to Irene for almost 40 years until her death in 2015.

He lives in New York City.

William R Miller (1940-1946).

FOCUS 2019 | 11

Newsbites

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE GENERATIONS

1950s

Newsbites

Michael Stebbings (1946-1954) describes his post-Culford career as “a journey of a somewhat unusual variety that my class colleagues may appreciate”. He studied Engineering at Imperial and went on to work with Ove Arup designing spectacular buildings in the UK. Michael moved on to multi-disciplinary consulting and project management in Canada including theatre design, stage management, production of live theatre and lighting design.

Malcolm Reid (1946-1955).

circuit, in a series of workshops making components for, and assembly of, Valiant bombers and Viscount airliners. He recalls there were 15,000 employees with a very wide range of skills and seven new aircraft flew out every month. After a time in the Drawing Office, Malcolm undertook VC10 route and costing studies for several airlines while in the Technical Sales Department.

A series of other sales appointments for a wide range of engineering

Malcolm Reid (1946-1955) tells us that following advice from a careers advisor visiting Culford that since he enjoyed making model aeroplanes, he should enter the aircraft industry.

He applied to Avro, De Havilland and Vickers Armstrong (Aircraft).

The first two would have required Malcolm’s father to pay them for the privilege of him being an indentured apprentice, whereas the last one offered £3 per week: “so, it was no contest!”

Starting in the autumn of 1955, his apprenticeship began at Weybridge, on the site of the Brooklands racing

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Simon Mudditt aka S.A.M. Mudditt (1952-1959) has lived in Australia for the past 50 years. He is now retired and living in Melbourne where he keeps active playing tennis and enjoying his six grandchildren, aged from six months to just into their teens.

They set up home in Belchamp Walter near Sudbury, where Richard still lives. After the birth of their son, Margaret suffered from ill health and sadly died when James was eight years old. Richard’s main hobby was flying and he shared a vintage Tiger Moth biplane for some 40 years with three other friends and would always claim that, “You could never value a farm properly unless you had flown over it!”

Michael Stebbings (1946-1954).

He has been active in non-profit societies and performing arts in the Nanaimo region of British Columbia where he now lives, including with the Conservatory of Music, the Canadian Federation of Artists and Nanaimo Opera Society. An avid gardener and amateur birder, he is now also involved with the Society of Naturalists.

products followed before he completed his career at Westland Helicopters. Here he worked for 25 years and enjoyed the opportunity to fly in numerous helicopter types in several countries. “A very special flight was to fly with my three children in the demonstrator Westland 30 helicopter from Yeovil to a Farnborough Air Show. Upon arrival at the heliport we were given a police motor cycle escort which was provided for VIPs – Simon, Matthew and Jacqueline were very impressed!”

Richard Marshall (1951-1958).

Richard Marshall (1951-1958) wrote to share news of his son James (1982-1989) and brothers Edward (1959-1966) and David (1963-1970).

Richard arrived at Culford in the autumn of 1951, which was also Dr Storey’s first term. On leaving school he did a year’s practical farming and was articled to an agricultural valuer and auctioneer, eventually qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor and Agricultural Valuer. He practised in East Anglia and ended his career with Fenn Wright in Colchester.

In 1970 he married Margaret Barron, whose brother Alistair (1957-1963) also went to Culford.

Son James is an experienced runner who undertook a 75-mile run from Tarrant Rushton Airfield in Dorset to the Pegasus Bridge in Normandy to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day in June, raising several thousand pounds for charity.

Edward Marshall is a retired banker who lives on the Isle of Man. He married Celia in 1980 and was posted from the Cambridge branch of Barclays to Solihull, followed by a rather more glamorous posting with his family to Nassau in the Bahamas.

On returning to England, via South America and America, they moved to the Isle of Man. Edward was a renowned walker, completing the Isle of Man Parish Walk – walking to every church in the Isle of Man, some 86 miles in

1960s

Newsbites

John Bolden (1957-1962) remains a keen classic car enthusiast, leading the Woolpit Area Classics group and has four classic cars of his own. In September he was delighted to see his 1962 Sunbeam Rapier Convertible awarded the President’s Cup from 712 entries at a large local gathering. The Old Culfordians’ Motor Club badge sits proudly on the badge bar!

Tristan da Cunha is an active volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean and is renowned for its wildlife. It is home to some 250 British citizens who live in the world’s most isolated settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. It is about 1,750 miles from Cape Town. There is no airport.

John Bolden’s (1957-1962) 1962 Sunbeam Rapier Convertible.

David Albon (left) with Alasdair Wyllie (right) pictured with a map of Tristan da Cunha.

Edward Marshall (1959-1966).

24 hours. He also played the Chinese game of ‘Go’ known by its players as the most challenging board game in the world, competing in championships around the world, as well as attending numerous ‘Go’ congresses across Britain.

Sadly, Edward now suffers from vascular dementia but is well cared for in a residential home.

David Marshall is a retired solicitor and former Senior Partner at a firm in Sussex. He graduated from Sussex University with a degree in Chemistry but chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a lawyer. David married Janet in 1978 and they have two daughters and a son.

For there to be an Old Culfordian working on the most remote inhabited island in the world might be remarkable. For two OCs to meet there, by chance, over 50 years after leaving Culford – well that is quite extraordinary!

Alasdair Wyllie (1954-1964) has recently returned from working on Tristan da Cunha where he was for the previous two years.

His contract was as Agriculture Advisor to the Government on this British Overseas Territory island which has a total population of just 250 people. David Albon (1953-1960) travelled out to Tristan to be quite a rare species on the island – a tourist! He was lured there by his wish to go somewhere really unusual and special, as well as to follow-up his life-long interest in wild plants.

The two OCs spent many hours comparing their lifelong experiences and very different career paths.

David went to Cambridge University from Culford and spent all his working life in Bury St Edmunds, working for the WSCC (later SEBC), apart from when he studied for his Master’s in Town Planning in Nottingham.

He retired from St Edmundsbury Borough Council as Director of Technical Services in 1995.

Alasdair studied at the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester and spent seven years managing farming estates in Scotland before undertaking development work in Oman, Ras al Khaimah, Yemen, Jamaica, Georgia and Saudi Arabia. He then spent 15 years with his own company in rural engineering before he and his wife, Barbara, ran their own hotel barge in France.

Alasdair and Barbara are currently back in Scotland. For details about the island and to read their blog about island life see: www.penguins-and-potatoes.co.uk

FOCUS 2019 | 13

1970s

Newsbites

Jane Page née Mares (1957-1966).

L-R: Helen Lynskey née Judkins (1970-1973), Carolin Boyle née Hales (1960-1971), Barbara Mavridoglou née Gale (1966-1973), Helen Larsen née Southall (1965-1973) and Sarah Fulcher née Lee (1959-1971).

Jane Page née Mares (1957-1966) represented the East Anglian Girls at Culford’s inaugural Festival of Sport and played a full afternoon of tennis. On leaving EAS Jane gained a degree in Zoology. After she was married she went on to foster teenage children and worked as a Counsellor in the NHS until retirement.

Several of the Years of 1971/73 got together at the home of former Head Girl, Barbara Mavridoglou née Gale in Shropshire one weekend in July and shared this lovely photograph of them taking tea in Montgomery. These EAS ladies are scattered across the UK but try to meet up once a year.

Barry Thomas (1956-1966 and former staff ).

John Courtney (1972-1975) pictured right.

John Courtney (1972-1975) was proud to have represented England Seniors at cricket this year, winning the Ashes 2-1 and seen here picking up the Man of the Match award from the Australian captain for taking 4/25 in the last ODI at Hove. John will be on tour down under in November/December 2019 for five weeks including three more matches against Oz and one against New Zealand.

Peter Last (1970-1977).

Barry Thomas (1956-1966 and former staff ) was invited to take part in a graduation ceremony for the Open University as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations in Birmingham this year. Barry was one amongst the first group of people to be awarded a degree from the Open University, founded in 1969.

For news of Edward (1960-1967) and David (1963-1970) Marshall see Richard Marshall (1951-1958) above.

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Following two visits to the West Bank in Palestine in 2017 to volunteer with The Freedom Theatre in Jenin Refugee Camp, Peter Last (1970-1977) trekked in the West Bank to raise funds for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians in October this year.

Any sponsorship would be very gratefully received and goes straight to the charity: www.justgiving.com/peter-last

Stephen Cook (1972-1979).

Stephen Cook (1972-1979) completed his term of office as President of the Rotary Club of Bury St Edmunds in June 2019. Ten of the 21 Club members have links with Culford, being former pupils, parents or staff. The club organises an annual Swimarathon to raise money for

L-R: Ralph Eid (1977-1979) with brother Roger (1976-1977) at the 40 Year Reunion, May 2019.

When Ralph Eid (1977-1979) arrived at Culford in March 1977, he recalls that he could barely speak a few words of English because until then he had been educated in the French system.

On leaving Culford he enrolled at Tufts University, Boston for a BA in International Affairs and subsequently spent two years at Georgetown University, Washington DC emerging with an MBA in Finance and Management.

Ralph declined an offer to be a banker in New York, choosing instead to return home to Beirut, Lebanon where he founded his own company with an objective to produce and import fashion, and an ultimate aim of setting up retail stores. Since then he has run and expanded this business and his company, which now includes other partners, owns and operates ten franchising stores in Beirut, mostly representing French and Italian brands.

Ralph is married to Nicole, a prominent cognitive psychologist and a co-founder and Vice-President of the Lebanese Psychology Association (LPA). They have two daughters and a son all living and working or studying abroad.

1980s-1990s

Harvey Monk (1981-1983) initially tried a variety of jobs, from working in a wine merchants and on a building site, through to being a Catering Manager. Eventually he decided to join the RAF but a perforated ear drum meant he was discharged within six months and so returned to College to study for a BTEC in Business Studies. He then began his career with Royal Insurance and spent some 20 years working in the sector, mainly for large multinational brokers and, latterly, a large insurance outsource firm.

At 40 he chose to sell up in the UK and has spent the last 14 years in the Middle East, working across projects in the whole of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and the wider Middle East, in addition to former CIS countries such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Harvey now works for GMRC, a boutique advisory firm which provides insight to investors, developers and those looking to enter these markets.

They have advised on projects such as economic impact for the Bahrain Grand Prix, as well as real estate developments, including many of the iconic malls. They also offer education advisory services and consultancy for the healthcare and industrial sectors. Harvey says that

Harvey Monk (1981-1983).

“Whilst I would admit to not being the greatest academic at school, I firmly believe that this should not define you if you have the will and a desire to achieve. Being based here has allowed me to spend time and see more of the globe than I ever thought possible.”

Simon Dye (1977-1984) with his wife Tamsin.

Simon Dye (1977-1984) received ‘The Official of the Year’ award from goalkeeping legend Simon Mason at the England Hockey Awards Dinner in May. He has studied at the Hockey Performance Academy and participates in umpiring Q&A sessions, as well as running weekly satellite hockey sessions and Back to Hockey sessions. His contributions include umpiring the development leagues each week, as well as junior tournaments and umpiring in the East Leagues and the Norfolk Ladies League. He is a Level 1 accredited umpire and a Level 2 coach, coaching at the local state boarding school and development sides at Dereham Hockey Club. Simon also acts as a Manager for the Norfolk U16/17 Girls A and B squads.

Sarah Voysey née Lee (1981-1985) and Simon Voysey (1981-1985) visited Culford this autumn from Sydney, Australia. They have three children: Tasha who is 23, Max is nearly 21 and Jake aged 18.

Sarah is a primary school teacher and Simon both runs his own IT recruitment firm and dabbles in business advisory and mergers and acquisitions. /contd…

FOCUS 2019 | 15

Newsbites

local charities and Stephen presided over the sixth Swimarathon which took the total funds raised to over £50,000. Teams swim for a local charity of their choice; the ‘Rotary Splashers’ raised funds for Bury St Edmunds branch of Guide Dogs for Blind. Details of the next Swimarathon on March 15, 2020 are available from Robert Davie (staff 1979-2015).

2000s

Newsbites

Katharine Day (2000-2007) says that while she knew that she wanted to do something medical with her career and to work with children, she was inspired by a careers fair at Culford to study Speech and Language Therapy at the University of Manchester. Now qualified, Katharine works in Ipswich as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with children who have special educational needs, particularly helping non-verbal children. Katharine’s brother, Michael (2002-2009) is a management consultant with McKinsey, while youngest brother, Robbie (2008-2015), studied Music Technology at university and has recently started a career in agriculture.

Simon Voysey (1981-1985) and Sarah Voysey née Lee (1981-1985).

Sarah said of their visit, “It was lovely that while there are some very impressive new additions to the School, we still felt an overwhelming familiarity and nostalgia on walking around the buildings and grounds.

Every part of the school conjured up some story or memory. It truly is a magnificent School and we certainly didn’t appreciate it enough as teenagers! It’s very apparent that Culford is going strong both in terms of its academic prowess and in the facilities it offers its students.

We feel very privileged and proud to have been past students.”

Katie Mitcham-Henry (1985-1993) completed cordon bleu cookery training and became a private chef, working for the royal family and MotoGP, amongst others. She returned to Suffolk to be with her family when her father had a serious car accident in 2012. Katie took on her father’s arable farm in Hessett and since then has worked with Mike Phillips to make Heath Farm a centre for traditional heritage breeds, using traditional husbandry techniques to produce the best tasting meat.

Heath Farm now grazes herds of Oxford Sandy and Black pigs and English longhorns over 100 acres.

The animals are free to roam, pasture fed and reared slowly with no routine antibiotics or vaccinations. Katie, who has achieved all this whilst also managing Crohn’s disease and the challenges which this complex disease brings, told us, “It’s important to realise you don’t have to be a “someone” to achieve and reach your goals.” For more information about the farm, its café and shop or to order meat direct, visit: www.heathfarmsuffolk.co.uk

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Amy Clark née Matthews (2005-2008) completed a law degree and the Legal Practice Course, qualifying as a solicitor in 2018. She now practices as a private client solicitor for Ward Gethin Archer based in Norfolk.

This year Amy completed, with distinction, a Master’s in Legal Practice and Business having studied at BPP University in Cambridge. In her spare time she was heavily involved with the Air Cadets and Volunteer Gliding Squadron before relocating to Norfolk. Amy married Adam Clark, who is in the RAF, at St Mary’s Church, Culford in June 2017 and they have since welcomed a baby daughter, Willow, in May 2019 (see page 24).

Dr Ben Strudwick (2003-2010) was recently awarded a PhD in molecular photo-physics from the University of Amsterdam. He is now working as a researcher with the free electron laser (FEL) at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland.

The SwissFEL is a linear accelerator that creates packets of electrons travelling close to the speed of

Dr Ben Strudwick (2003-2010).

light to produce a highly tuneable X-ray source. The facility is 740 metres long, is located 30 minutes from Zürich and cost around 275 million Swiss francs to build.

Benjamin will be using the SwissFEL to investigate the electronic and conductive properties of crystals.

The fundamental research aims to further develop our understanding of conductivity in order to produce more efficient conductive materials.

Florence Ward (2004-2011) pictured far right, with her team.

Florence Ward (2004-2011) has signed up to row across the Atlantic in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 2020. She is hoping to break world records with two friends to become both the youngest and fastest female trio to row across the Atlantic. Known as ‘the world’s toughest row’, it is a 3,000 mile race from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua and they set off in December 2020, rowing 2 hours on, 2 hours off, 24/7 for up to 60 days. The team have just started their campaign and are looking for sponsors so please get in touch with Flo if you are interested! Visit: www.atlanticantics2020.com

Max says, “Their War is a story about war, family and loss. It is about the sacrifices and the tragedies incurred on both sides. I have had a fascination with both the First and Second World Wars since school and the human and personal side of war is something I have always wanted to explore.”

Originally slated to begin filming in March 2018, the cast and crew awoke on the first morning to find two feet

of snow blocking their path – the ill effects of the storm nicknamed the Beast from the East. They battled hard to get to the location but after a jack-knifed generator, flat tyres and an equipment van stuck in a snow drift, reluctantly, the shoot had to be cancelled.

Max explains, “Fortunately, little more than a month later we were given an opportunity to go again, made possible by the generosity of a number of people, including Culford, and everyone headed straight back up for the shoot.

It’s no small feat to pull together a short film of any kind, certainly one of this scale and magnitude.

The goodwill, flexibility and professionalism of the 40 strong cast and crew are the reasons it was made possible.”

The film has now completed its run on the festival circuit with 15 official selections worldwide, 30 nominations and 15 awards,

Newsbites

Max Mason (2007-2012) is the writer, producer and director of Their War, a short film which follows a British and German soldier in the First World War and explores their differences and similarities, as they leave their families and set off for the front. It was shot in north Norfolk and at Culford; the battle scenes were filmed at Trench Farm in Akenham, near Ipswich, which has also featured in Downton Abbey and 2017 film Journey’s End.

Max Mason (2007-2012).

including Best Narrative Short at the Independent Short Awards and Best Director at the LA Film Awards. The film was released online on 10 November 2019 on streaming platforms Vimeo and Youtube. For the latest news about Their War go to: www.theirwarfilm.com and @TheirWarShort on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Max Mason on the set of Their War.

Photo credits: Molly Mason (2010-2015).

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Newsbites

Hannah Youngs (2007-2012).

Hannah Youngs (2007-2012) graduated from Worcester University with a degree in Primary Initial Teacher Education BA (Hons) with QTS. She moved to London in January 2019 and began teaching at an independent school in Chiswick where she was recently appointed Head of Science.

Dillon Hooker (2005-2013) graduated from The Hague University in July and has moved to Austin, Texas where she is working in compliance for a business management consultant called GLG.

Dean Hooker (2004-2010), Dillon Hooker (2005-2013) and Madie Hooker (2005-2012).

Ross Houghton (2012-2014).

Victoria White (2009-2013) and Charlotte Haynes-Lovatt nĂŠe White (2007-2013).

Charlotte Haynes-Lovatt nĂŠe White (2007-2013) is pictured above with her sister Victoria White (2009-2013).

Charlotte graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Portsmouth in July 2019. She has been accepted to continue her studies with an MRes in Science and Health (2019-2020) within the field of Molecular Embryology and Genetics.

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Holly Jaycock (2007-2015) gained an Aerospace Battle Management bursary in her second year at university and was a member of Southampton University Air Squadron. She has now graduated from Royal Air Force College Cranwell as a Pilot Officer in the Air Operations Control branch.

She is on hold at Joint Forces Command in Joint Warfare Development waiting to start a Weapons Control Course in the new year. During her spare time Holly plays hockey for the RAF and has also taken up rowing.

Ross Houghton (2012-2014) was named as one of the 30 under 30 Rising Stars of Sustainability by edie.net in 2019. Ross is the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Atalian Servest, a leading global facilities management company whose UK Head Office is based in Fornham All Saints. The professionals named in the inaugural 30 under 30 list have been recognised for their impact on the sustainability and energy sector across the UK. Holly Jaycock (2007-2015).

Newsbites

Lottie Ingleton (2008-2015).

Lottie Ingleton (2008-2015) joined Whiskey & Wealth Club as one of their Wealth Advisors after the completion of a business course at Quest Professional and taking exams with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments.

Lottie explained, “Whiskey & Wealth Club are opening up the world of cask whiskey investments, sourcing premium whiskey from top distilleries. Having previously sold Irish whiskey, we have just launched into the Scotch market starting with Scotland’s oldest distillery, recently reopened by their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.” To learn more email Lottie at: c.ingleton@whiskeywealthclub.com Mariella Reason (2013-2015) was selected for the 2019 University Challenge team in her final year at Sussex University.

After a gruelling test, Mariella learnt to her surprise that she was one of the top four scorers in the university, telling us “Honestly I was very shocked as I’d really only taken the test to write about it for a journalism class I was taking!”

The team met for weekly training and after the third round of testing by the show, they were invited to the TV studios in London for what Mariella describes as “The hardest test I have ever taken.”

Sussex was marginally beaten by Jesus College, Cambridge before the televised shows, of which Mariella says, “It was a shame although I think I would have frozen in front of Jeremy Paxman anyway!” After graduating, Mariella began her career in the Tech industry, see Tech feature on page 48 for more.

Edward Harris (2013-2016) has begun his course’s gap year during the Fine Art degree he is studying for at Central Saint Martins. Ed will be interning as a Press Assistant for Alice Temperley and JW Anderson; in May 2020 he will be putting on his first solo art exhibition.

Raul Rutnam (2006-2016).

Raul Rutnam (2006-2016) graduated in summer 2019 with a first class Honours degree in Architecture from De Montfort University.

Raul and his family joined us at the official opening of the new Art Studio in September when he explained that in the future “I would like to utilise my architectural skills as a social tool to help those who are disadvantaged”. He hopes to complete his Part II degree in Architecture at the Architectural Association and has recently secured a role as an Architectural Assistant with BCR Infinity Architects – who designed Culford’s new Art Centre.

Scarlet Simmons (2011-2016) Scarlet Simmons (2011-2016). graduated from the University of York with a BSc in Psychology, although she admits spending much of her time in the music and theatre departments. In 2018, she co-created and performed in an original social drama about sexual harassment.

It received sponsorship from the international organisation working to end harassment, ‘ihollaback’ , and was taken to the Edinburgh Festival for four weeks. Scarlet was also awarded the York Award at the end of her first year and the prestigious York Leaders award in 2018.

She has been involved in many theatre productions and says her most challenging role was as Blonde in Mozart’s opera The Abduction from the Seraglio where “the vocal range was madness and the quartets – singing alongside proper music students! – were so difficult”. Scarlet has now secured a place at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London to take a Master’s degree.

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Culford’s Authors

CULFORD’S AUTHORS We have always taken pride in Culfordians and East Anglians being an eclectic bunch. Our authors feature shows just that diversity amongst those who have chosen to put pen to paper. We move from books on the sea to page-turning thrillers and historical fiction; from family history, to a history of women in uniform and on to a history of the Soviet Union. Fittingly perhaps, we end where it probably all began at Culford, with children’s fiction and the sheer delight of telling stories to the young.

Bob Fisher (1945-1952) is best known as yachting correspondent for The Guardian and The Observer and a sailing writer and broadcaster who has covered just about every major event in the sport’s history. Shortly to be published is Volume III of An Absorbing Interest, a history of the America’s Cup which will be his 37th publication. Bob is considered the world’s leading authority on the race, having covered the event since 1967.

Bob Fisher (1945-1952).

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He grew up in Brightlingsea and won his first sailboat race aged just two and a half years when taken out on the Colne River by his father in a Brightlingsea One-Design. Bob held

Celebrating the creativity we experience at Culford is always important to us; celebrating the creativity our alumni go on to show in their lives is an equal joy.

Hopefully you may even find something here for a Christmas stocking beside a winter’s fire…

the World Championship of the Hornet class three times and the International Fireball class once.

He owned many large racing boats, such as a Mumm 36 and he once captured the Little America’s Cup in a C-Class catamaran. Now living near Lymington, Bob says, “The America’s Cup has become a major part of my life. I was first introduced to it by fishermen from my village that had sailed on such great British challengers as Shamrock and Endeavour. I was enthralled by their stories and thus began a lifelong love affair with the Cup.” Also on a nautical theme…

John Johnson-Allen (formerly John Allen 1953-1960) has had four books on maritime history published. His latest They Were Just Skulls: the Naval Career of Fred Henley, Last Survivor of HM Submarine Truculent was published in December 2018. John had a first career in the Merchant Navy before working back on land in the property profession, as estate agent, auctioneer and, latterly, as a residential chartered surveyor with Cheltenham & Gloucester. Since retiring in 2004, John gained an MA in Maritime History, was elected a Fellow of both the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Institute of Navigation and is a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.

He is now writing his next book, a biography of Sir Rosslyn Wemyss, Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Wester Wemyss.

Culford’s Authors

John Johnson-Allen (formerly John Allen 1953-1960).

Nicholas Greenwood’s novel (1958-1965) Found Lost

by NN Wood is available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book. Nick says, “It’s a straightforward tale of a kidnapping without motive, protracted searches, a back story and a touch of romance. An easy read for the beach or a long flight.”

Nicholas Greenwood (1958-1965).

On leaving Culford, Nick spent three years at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge reading Mathematics. He qualified as an actuary and consequently much of his early City career was almost entirely numbers focused but, gradually, the use of numbers gave way to words for letters, reports and board papers. When Nick stopped work, he studied for an MSc in Mathematics at the Open University and set about bridge, book club and golf, before deciding “to write a book, like you do, just for fun. I hope it’s the start of a trilogy but we’ll have to see!”

Mike Williamson (1959-1965).

Mike Williamson’s (1959-1965) first published book, The Switch under pen name ‘Tom Wyatt’, is available on Amazon as a paperback and Kindle e-book and his next novel about a small boy growing up in the 50s will follow soon.

The Switch is a page-turner about a young hood involved in the illegal diamond trade who gets deep into hot water.

John Johnson-Allen (formerly John Allen 1953-1960) with Princess Anne.

Mike spent 36 years in Engineering Cost Management, travelling the globe and then retired to Norfolk in 2004 where he says, “I began what to me is an idyllic life, sailing, doing up old boats – I have four at the moment – and rebuilding our dilapidated old farm. The long, dark winter nights were ideal for my one remaining passion… I wanted to write a book.” Mike’s writing has now turned to children’s books focusing on the under eights and is based on the many bedtime stories he used to invent for his own children and grandchildren. He says, “I would certainly encourage others to pick up the pen, as writing can prove extremely therapeutic, particularly when one is transported into another self-made world.”

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Culford’s Authors

Dr Pete Langman (1984).

Dr Pete Langman (1984) has had an interesting and varied life since spending a year at Culford in 1984. He eventually travelled to Los Angeles to study music

Anne Bloomfield née Culey (1945-1953).

Anne Bloomfield née Culey (1945-1953) has recently published her second book, a family biography, Do Diffr’unt, published. On leaving EAS, Anne studied for a Froebel

and on his return worked as a rock guitarist, becoming Head of Rock at the Musician’s Institute, London and penning a popular tuition column for Guitar and Bass Magazine. He returned to academia in 1999, was awarded a PhD on Francis Bacon in 2006, and lectured at several universities.

Pete was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2008, which he describes as “putting a spanner in several works”. He is now a writer and editor, and has published two critically acclaimed books, Slender Threads: a young person’s guide to Parkinson’s Disease and The Country House Cricketer, as well as an edited collection of academic teaching certificate from Rachel McMillan College (Goldsmiths, London University). She married a Methodist Minister and taught in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, London, Kent and Oxfordshire. She achieved a First Class Honour’s BA from the Open University and then an MA at London University, whilst caring for three daughters. She was appointed Head of Languages at a London comprehensive school until the family moved to Suffolk.

Anne and Lesley Robinson, former Archivist at Culford, both had articles published in an anthology about Bury St Edmunds and Lesley encouraged Anne to elaborate on her schooldays at EAS and write her first book, Day Bugs and Boarders which was published in 2012.

essays and several articles and features in the commercial press.

In 2014 Pete also appeared on BBC Radio’s Test Match Special.

Pete’s first novel, Killing Beauties, will be published in January 2020.

It is a work of historical fiction set in the interregnum and follows the exploits of two women spies.

Andrea Zuvich, historian and author described it as follows, “Killing Beauties is a pacy, sometimes coarse, visceral, and thrillingly dark tale. You can smell the stench of mid 17th century London, feel the palpable tension of political intrigue, and the bitter taste of betrayal. I heartily recommend it.”

A local writing group inspired Anne to keep on writing; hence Do Diffr’unt, encompassing the story of Anne’s Norfolk family through the 1900s. The title originates from the old Norfolk saying “People in Norfolk do things different” and as well as describing the family’s colourful lives, it is also a social history of life in Norfolk during the years of war, peace and change. Anne says that “It is full of vivid incident!” It will be published

by Arima publishing, owned by Richard Franklin, a Culford parent.

When she is not writing, Anne also volunteers as a tour organiser for NADFAS (now the Arts Society), sings with a local ladies choir, Aquarius, and takes extended Communion, on behalf of the Methodist Church, to the infirm and housebound.

Carolyn Ruffles née Flinton (1972-1979) published The Girl in the Scrapbook, a mystery romance available to buy on Amazon, in November 2018 and has just finished her second book.

Carolyn studied English and American Literature at Kent University and then worked for IPC Magazines as a Circulation Rep, inspired by what she says was “my experience on The Culfordian editorial team!” She married Mark in 1975 and they have two grown up children, Rob, an architect, and Alex, a teacher. They now live on a farm in rural Norfolk with their two rescue dogs.

Carolyn tells us, “When my children started school, I helped in the classroom and became a school governor. This prompted studying for a PGCE through the Open University and I spent the next 20 years working as a primary school teacher and then Deputy Headteacher, which I loved.” Early retirement in 2016 meant, “It was time for new challenges and the first of these was to write a novel.”

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Carolyn Ruffles née Flinton (1972-1979).

Former Head of Science, Dr Vicky Davis (1992-1995) has recently published Myth Making in the Soviet Union and Modern Russia: Remembering World War II in Brezhnev’s Hero City.

London: IB Tauris, 2018.

On leaving Culford, Vicky’s career took a more global than scientific direction. She became Principal of two international sixth form colleges, forging links with counterparts across the world. Responding to invitations from fellow head teachers, she visited Russia on several occasions, finally deciding to become a mature university student of Russian, while working professionally as an educational consultant.

A consuming interest in Russian history and poetry propelled Vicky to a Master’s degree which led to a doctorate at UCL. Vicky’s research led to an encounter with President Putin and she currently works alongside an NGO in Kyrgyzstan, promoting professional development for teachers. Having reinvented herself as a linguist and social historian, Vicky says, “I am equally at home in a high-rise Moscow flat or in a nomad’s yurt in Central Asia”.

Vicky is currently working on Central Asia in World War II: The impact and legacy of fighting for the Soviet Union, commissioned by Bloomsbury.

Katie Benatovich née Butterfield (1982-1989) is a published author of six tri-lingual (English, French and Arabic) children’s books and a book called C is for Courage.

Katie has lived and worked in North Borneo, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates and has travelled widely. She also recalls an unforgettable three week trip to China with Culford in 1985, remarking that, “These adventures became a source of the many stories I told my children at bed time and the inspiration for my books!”

life-enhancing mentors. However, she especially remembers “the gentle, steady approach of Mr Alan Young who engaged us with movies along with peer group discussions; and the larger than life energy and compassion of Mr Bernie Millard who wowed us with theatre trips and brought Shakespeare alive with his inimitable teaching style; and finally Mr John Humphries who mused one day in passing, ‘You know, Butterfield sounds like a writer’s name.’”

Noura’s Garden, the first of the series, was published in 2009. Katie designs and implements interactive workshops that pairs with these unique colourful books in schools, libraries and youth groups; children can learn about diversity and inclusivity in a safe and informative way. After being widowed in 2012, she wrote C is for Courage, a book about Camp Good Days and Special Times, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for families whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Katie recalls that she was just 12 years old when Culford became her home as a boarder in 1982.

She was very homesick at first and Miss Gwyneth Thomas (former staff 1981-1986) asked Katie to help her produce the Prep School magazine Spin-Off ; and as a result Katie simply states, “I fell in love with the positive, transformative effect of writing!” All her English teachers were

Katie Benatovich née Butterfield (1982-1989) with her children, June 2019.

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Culford’s Authors

Former Head of Science Dr Vicky Davis (1992-1995).

Tanya-Jane Park (1987-1989) has compiled and edited her book 100 Wonderful Women which was published in October 2019 by the WRAC Association to mark its centenary. It contains 100 stories of women who have served in the British Army since 1917: from the first women’s corps of WAAC and QMAAC in World War One, the ATS during World War Two and through the post-war WRAC and into the present day. It includes “a broad spectrum of stories, not just the famous and well known stories of individuals but also more prosaic stories of women’s service, in a multitude of roles, through to the present day where all roles across the British Army are now open to all”.

Visit: www.wonderful-women.org/the-book

We Celebrate

WE CELEBRATE We are pleased to announce the following new babies, anniversaries and weddings. Please do get in touch to include your announcement in the next issue by emailing: foundation@culford.co.uk

Births Theodore Frederick James was born weighing 8Ibs 10oz on 9 January 2019 to proud parents Oliver Daniels (1989-1997) and his partner Andrea.

Jessica Ferrari-Wells (2000-2006) with baby Oscar.

Oliver Daniels (1989-1997).

Nick Sawyer (1986-1996) and his partner Liz welcomed their second child, William (Billy) Charles Mullenger Sawyer, to their family on 28 December 2018. Billy, a little brother to Ellie, weighed in at 7lbs.

Nick Sawyer’s (1986-1996) son William.

Jessica Ferrari-Wells (2000-2006) and her husband Matthew welcomed their first child, Oscar Freddie Ferrari-Wells, into the world on 22 January 2019.

Amy Clark née Matthews (2005-2008) and baby Willow.

Amy Clark née Matthews (2005-2008) and her husband, Adam, welcomed their daughter Willow in May 2019.

Anniversaries Audrey Wardman née Towler (1936-1940) celebrated her 94th birthday in August. Audrey started EAS in 1936 when it opened to girls and later married OC John Wardman (1935-1943). Their children Richard (1965-1972) and Sarah (1967-1974) both attended Culford. Sarah later returned to work in the Prep School and married fellow staff member Tony Lawn (1974-2007). Their children Rachel (1987-1997), Rebecca (1990-1999), Simon (1992-2001) and Emily Lawn (1995-2003) also attended Culford.

Audrey celebrated her birthday with her two children, four out of five grandchildren and 15 out of 16 great grandchildren.

In 2017 John Edwards (1957-1963) and his wife Jem celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. They were married at the Church of the Holy Family, in Brantham, Suffolk on 1 April 1967 and have enjoyed over 50 happy years together.

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John Edwards (1957-1963).

We Celebrate

Weddings

Charlotte Moger née Bell (1996-2005).

Charlotte Moger née Bell (1996-2005) married Tom Moger at Culford Church on 13 April 2019. Charlotte said, “we had the most fabulous day and the sun came out for us! Culford Church was absolutely stunning and it was so special to be married with lots of my Culford School friends there to celebrate with us”. Charlotte and Tom were joined by OCs Michaela Austin née Ridgard (1993-2003), Sean Jun (2001-2005), Tom Chambers (2001-2005), Natalie Bone (2000-2005), Olivia O’Reilly née Morton (2003-2005), Tim Bollans (2000-2005), Will Williamson (2000-2005), Josephine Rains (1988-2003), Charles O’Reilly (1999-2002) and Robert Petherick (1997-2006).

Sam Stevens (1991-2001) and Fawn Tallontire married in Hartest, Suffolk on 29 June 2019. They met through a mutual friend in London five years ago and live in Battersea along with their dachshund, Poppy. Sam works for Kingly Partners LLP and Fawn works for the Department of Work and Pensions in Healthcare Policy. On the day they were joined by OCs Tim Hide (1996-2001), James Reilly (1996-2001), Rob Wester (1999-2001), Katherine Lee née Stevens (1992-1997), Ralf Thielert (1997-2001), Ryan O’Connell (1997-2002), Louisa O’Connell née Dixon (1994-2000), Sam Jordan (1994-2001), Andrew Milnes (1992-2001), James Turner (1996-2001), Annalise Smith née Pask (1999-2004), Lucy Pask (1988-2003), Caroline Pask-Finch née Pask (2001-2008) and Culford’s Head of Football, Alan Lee.

Nathan Offord (2000-2010).

Nathan Offord (2000-2010) married Laura Emberson on 30 August 2019 at St Andrew’s Church in Barningham. Their reception was held at Culford, where sunshine, lawn games and drinks on the South Front welcomed their guests.

A beautiful sunset created a dreamy evening with lanterns, festoons and fairy lights.

Nathan and Laura were joined

by OCs Alex Lee (2000-2010), Ben Hopkins (2004-2010) and Will Riddleston (2005-2010).

If you would like to find out more about holding your wedding or other celebratory event at Culford, please contact: weddings@culford.co.uk

Sam Stevens (1991-2001).

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Bursaries

Photo credit: Joe Taylor.

TRANSFORMING LIVES Funding Bursaries for the Future Culford is proud of its long held commitment to providing bursaries to assist children who might not otherwise be able to afford to come here, as well as to help current pupils remain at Culford if their family circumstances change.

In 2018/2019, one in seven Culford pupils received a bursary award.

All bursaries are means tested and reviewed annually.

Our aim is to establish a dedicated, protected capital Bursaries Fund of £2.5 million by 2025, that will produce income in perpetuity. All donations, of any size, strengthen Culford’s long term ability to provide financial help to deserving children.

We received a legacy for £250,000 in memory of a former pupil and this has formed the foundation of our first ever dedicated Bursary Fund.

Why is there a need for a Bursary Fund?

Unlike some independent schools, Culford does not have any major endowed funds to draw upon. The places we fund are a significant financial draw on the School’s resources and are currently met in part from gifts towards individual bursary places, legacies, acceptance fees and return on investments.

The balance is supported from the

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School’s income. Each year we receive more requests than we can meet to help deserving children who would thrive here.

Some alumni will recall the Assisted Places Scheme set up by the Government in 1981 but which

was subsequently withdrawn in 1997, under which many pupils had benefited. Others have told us of County awards and Church bursary schemes which helped support them to come here. Today, however, it falls to the School and its benefactors to fund the bursaries we provide.

Professor Harry Watson (1949-1959) was able take up a place at Culford because he was awarded a County Scholarship based on academic merit. He is a member of FISITA Council, was President of SAE Australasia (2002-2006) and Head of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne (1996-2000). He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy for Science and Engineering.

“

Culford opened up so many opportunities for me. I felt that it was important to give something back, which is why I made a gift to the Library project and a Scholarship for Science.

”

Professor Harry Watson (1949-1959)

“

I will always be grateful to Culford. I had some inspirational teachers who provided me with wonderful support and encouragement. I now realise how much I have to be thankful for and was very fortunate to have received an excellent education. I became the Chair of the Foundation, as I want to give something back.

”

Kris Houlihan (1990-1997), Chair, Foundation Board

“

Culford went from being a dream to a reality because of the help the School was able to provide. I wanted to go somewhere which would give me the opportunity to pursue my furthest dreams.

Culford has definitely been that place for me.

Thank you!

Kris Houlihan (1990-1997).

How You Can Help

”

Ellie-Jean Royden (2017-2019)

By making a regular monthly donation to our Bursary Fund: 100 people giving £25 each month covers the cost of a full boarding place at the Senior School.

A single gift of any amount.

Gifts of stocks and shares or other assets.

By making a gift in your will.

TARGET:

To raise £2.5 million by 2025 We were very proud to support 114 pupils with a bursary award in 2018/2019, fulfilling the Methodist Schools’ ethos of helping children thrive, achieve and fulfil their potential.

Culford remains committed to reaching out to those in greatest need and to providing opportunities that will transform the lives of talented young people, whose potential is far greater than their financial means.

We need the support of our alumni to ensure that Culford can continue to help deserving children, irrespective of their financial circumstances.

Samantha Salisbury, Foundation Director.

Please join us by supporting the Changing Lives bursary campaign so that, through the gift of education, we can transform more young people’s lives. For more information or to discuss the bursary campaign, please contact Samantha Salisbury, Foundation Director on 01284 385310 or email: foundation@culford.co.uk

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Bursaries

CHANGING LIVES BURSARY FUND

Campaign for Culford

Acknowledgements and Thanks We are enormously grateful to all our donors whose generosity enables the School to thrive and provide an education of the highest quality to our pupils.

With the generous support of our alumni, Culford families, Funds, Trusts and other friends, we have achieved a great deal since we launched the Campaign for Culford in 2012, including:

Restoration of the Workman Library.

Creation of the Foundation Art Gallery.

A new Library, including the Watson Lecture Theatre and a mezzanine space dedicated to the Sixth Form.

A new Art Centre and media suite.

Financial support for bursary places.

With the majority of capital projects within the Campaign for Culford now complete, we wish to thank all those who have contributed their time, money and expertise to the School since the campaign launched.

You have made an immeasurable difference not only to the lives of current Culfordians but also for generations to come.

Thank you.

Recent OC and OEA Donors (September 2018-September 2019) Thank you to all those who have contributed Culford and East Anglian School memorabilia to our Archives; this helps us preserve our history for future generations.

Names in italics indicate a gift from a donor who has since passed away.

1940s

Mr David Black (1941-1949) Mr Ted Flaxman (1937-1946) Mr Michael Platten (1941-1947)

1950s

Mr David Bannister (1951-1954) Mrs Mary Black née Hamilton (EAS 1947-1953) Mr Michael Denham (1951-1957) Mr Roy Hill (1946-1952) Mr Robert Jacklin (1943-1953) Mrs Susanne Kohl née Beckett (EAS 1949-1957) Mr John Mapus-Smith (1949-1955) Mr Raymond Maskell (1950-1957) Sir David Plastow (1946-1950) Mr Peter Scates (1945-1951) Mr Michael Taylor (1944-1950) Mrs Daphne Ten Hove née Nokes (EAS 1954-1959)

1960s

Mr Alan Atkinson (1960-1967) Dr John Barrett (1951-1961) Dr David Bartlett (1961-1969) Mr David Beaumont (1960-1967) Mr Jonathan Bond (1957-1966) Professor Stephen Challacombe (1958-1964) Mr Michael Corin (1958-1968) Mr Peter Flood (1960-1967)

28 | FOCUS 2019

Mr Christopher Finch (1958-1964) Mr John Hogsbjerg (1959-1966) Mr John Hubbard (1961-1968) Mr William Hudson (1955-1963) Mr David Keall (1949-1960) Dr Edward Libbey (1958-1965) Mrs Carol Maskell née Kay (1955-1962) Mr Brian Scott (1958-1966) Mr David Slater (1954-1961) Mrs Sally Barrett née Hatley (EAS 1954-1962) Mr George Zeleny (1958-1964) EAS Leavers (1966-1968) Year of 1968 Year of 1969

1970s Mr Christopher Aldous (1970-1977) Mrs Caroline Ashwell née Brown (1972-1977) Miss Jane Baker (1972-1979) Mr Mark Balfour (1972-1979) Mr Richard Beaumont (1972-1979) Mr Michael Bennett (1969-1976) Mr Nigel Birrell (1969-1978) Ms Sylvia Bluck (1971-1979) Mr Stephen Brighton (1967-1972) Mr Roland Boorman (1967-1976) Mr Tim Bonnett (1966-1973) Mrs Amanda Bott née Morton (1972-1979) Mr Robert Brudenell (1969-1973)

1980s

Mr David Black (1970-1980) Mr William Black (1971-1980) Mrs Amanda Black née Russell (1971-1982) Mr William Farrant (1974-1981) Mrs Elizabeth Green née Hales (1974-1981) Miss Rosemary Hathaway (1972-1982) Mr Duncan Haydon (1977-1986) Ms Gigi Mak (1985-1989) Mrs Judith McCourt née Bull (1979-1981) Mrs Philippa Wilding née Morton (1971-1981)

1990s onwards

Mr James Blackburn (1983-1990) Mr Dickon Fincham-Jacques (1993-1995) Mr Daniel Fisher (1990-1995) Mr Paul Hamshere (1992-1997) Ms Allegra Hindes (1990-1997) Mr Kristoffer Houlihan (1990-1997) Miss Danielle Kingsley (2010-2015) Mr Justin Mason (1982-1991) Mrs Tanya McHale née Race (1983-1993) Dr Daniel Patterson (1981-1991) Miss Nicola Stapleton (1985-1994) Year of 2018 Year of 2019

Staff, Governors, Parents, and Friends The Anderson Family Mr S K Asiama and Mrs Okuneye-Asiama BCR Infinity Architects Mrs Janet Bendy Ms Fiona Bills Mrs Joanna Bottomley Mr Edward Burrows The Butler Family Mr David Carr The Clark Family The Clarke Family Mrs Alexandra Crosskey The Diaper Family The Farrow Family The Flynn Family The Gibbs Family Mrs Andrea Gibson Lt Col Peter Godwin The Hilsum Family Mrs Bernadette Hudson Ms Maria Jackson Mrs Jo Johnson-Munday Mr Julian Johnson-Munday The Krairit Family Mr Clive Licence The McHale Family Mr and Mrs Ian Mosedale MT Groundworks Miss Katie Noorlander Mrs Cynthia Nutsugah Mensah The Parish Family Mr Steve Pearce Mr Marcus Rackowe Mr Jeff Renton Mr Vernon Reuter The Rind Family Mrs Lesley Robinson née Swinburne The Rynsard Family Andrew and Samantha Salisbury Seamans Building Mrs Rose Storry Paul and Julia Sussex Mark and Jane Sweetman James and Clare Taylor Mrs Annemarie Vis Mr Ian Walters Mr Mark Webb Mrs Dominica Yannaghas

Special Thanks to:

Anonymous Family Trust All anonymous donors

The OCA

Volunteers

We thank all former pupils who continue to donate to the School’s Old Culfordian Association which supports projects where the School needs it most.

Particular thanks also go to: Tom Baker our Database Volunteer, Lesley Robinson for continuing to share her knowledge of Culford’s history with us; Susanne Kohl, Bron Recknell and Jo Johnson-Munday for their voluntary work in the Archives; and Tony Pringle for his research on the Culford war dead and his continued work on the WWI/II Project.

FOCUS 2019 | 29

Campaign for Culford

Mr Martin Chilvers (1965-1973) Mrs Louise Crane née Partridge (1971-1979) Dr Jane Ewing née Bennett (1971-1979) Mrs Amanda Fitzgerald-Barron née Plastow (1975-1979) Mrs Carol Fleming née Oakley (1972-1979) Mrs Jane Franses née Hewetson (1968-1977) Mr Martin Freeman (1969-1979) Mr John Gradwell (1971-1979) Mrs Louise Hawkins née Boughton (1970-1978) Mr Philip Hemnell (1969-1979) Mr Robin Howlett (1972-1979) Mr Chris Milburn (1976-1979) Mr Stephen Musgrave (1964-1972) Mr Philip Nunn (1971-1979) Dr Siân Richardson née Williams (1974-1979) Mrs Carolyn Ruffles née Flinton (1972-1979) Mr Michael Shannahan (1972-1979) Mr Simon Small (1968-1979) Mrs Allison Small née Robertson (1971-1978) Mr Adrian Taylor (1972-1979) Ms Camilla Veale (1975-1979) Mr Charles Warren (1968-1979)

Our Achievements

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS 2018-2019 Where do your funds go?

Bursaries

Capital projects

We raised a total of

Archives

ÂŁ596,000 Who have we reached?

Art Centre fundraising since project launch

5,600

Major gifts

contactable alumni

Flagstones and benches Events

45

12 events

and reunions organised for the Culford Community

Saatchi Gallery Art Prize Pop art canvases

Your impact in numbers Currently funding

700 alumni

6 volunteers gave their time to the Foundation

5 School projects

205 overall donors

More than

joined us at Culford events

19 known legacies Social Media

1,050

16

OCs offered careers advice

ÂŁ410k raised

One-off donations and gift aid

Alumni visits to the School

30 | FOCUS 2019

Where the School needs it most

Facebook likes

482

Instagram followers

460

LinkedIn members

58

regular donors

Thank you for your support!

We Remember

WE REMEMBER It is with great sadness that we bring you the following obituaries of former pupils and members of staff. More tributes may be found here: www.culfordonline.co.uk

Alumni

Sir David Plastow (1932-2019).

Sir David Arnold Stuart Plastow (1946-1950) is a distinguished Old Culfordian who went on to become an enormously successful businessman and remained a loyal friend and supporter of Culford throughout his life.

He was born in Grimsby, the only child of Stuart and Marie. His father owned a car dealership and raced motorbikes while his grandfather was a champion cyclist. David attended Clee Grammar School, but his parents realised that his temperament would be suited to boarding education and he came to Culford in 1946.

At school, David showed a capacity for getting on exceptionally well with others, enjoying the stimulus and escapades of school life as well as displaying great leadership skills.

Not only was he Head Boy, but 1st XI Cricket Captain, Vice-Captain of 1st XI Hockey and awarded 1st XV rugby colours. His father secured him an apprenticeship with Vauxhall where he began as a fitter, quickly progressing into sales.

His National Service days proved useful as they included working at the Army’s vehicle repair shops in Warminster. Consequently, in civilian life, he knew how cars worked and had a family background which embraced motor transport.

Promotion at Vauxhall followed, but a chance encounter when delivering a car to the Glasgow Motor Show led to his being taken on as a salesman for Rolls Royce.

It was a seminal moment in his career, for at the age of 39 he became the Managing Director of the car division of Rolls Royce. David’s immaculate presentation, his courteous and charming manner and the ever present twinkle in his eye were

hallmarks that left a fine impression; his relatively modest origins enabled him to talk with the workforce on production lines; boardroom skills became evident; and his discipline, determination and drive were attributes throughout his career as an eminent British businessman.

supporter of Harlequins rugby, and Hampshire and England cricket.

Despite the models being household names, this was not an easy time for either the Rolls or Bentley brands, but David built up the company and in 1980 it merged with Vickers and he became Managing Director of this much larger engineering company. In 1986 he was knighted for his services to British industry and continued at Vickers until 1991 when he became Chairman of Inchcape until retirement in 1995.

Sir David held Culford in great affection, becoming Chairman of the governing body in 1979, a position he held for 23 years until 2002.

Thereafter, he remained a dear friend and supporter of the School and continued to visit us each Speech Day up until only very recently. He was an avid cricket supporter and he inaugurated the event in which his team, the President’s XI, comprising OCs and talented local cricketers, play the School 1st XI each summer.

The beautiful silver cup that he endowed to Culford is awarded annually to the winning team.

He not only understood cars, that industry and the people within it, but he also understood human nature in general. The ways in which he motivated others, whether business leaders, headmasters, employees, students or fellow-pupils, were inspirational. As one such person commented, ‘Like any great leader he was, at heart, a servant of others.’

The breadth of his interests was evident in the non-executive directorships he held, of Lloyds TSB, Legal & General, Cable & Wireless, GKN and Guinness; Chairmanship of the Industrial Society, Medical Research Council and Royal Opera House Trust; University of Luton Chancellorship. He was a passionate golfer, a past chairman of Crewe Alexandra Football Club, and a keen

He married Barbara (Barbie), a sculptor and artist, in 1954 and they had two children, James, an Army brigadier and Mandy (1975-1979) a nursing sister in cardiac rehabilitation.

Culford owes a great debt to an individual, who at first thrived as a pupil and eventually as its Chairman of Governors, remaining a friend to the School throughout.

His life and times indicated how a spirited personality with integrity, resourcefulness and compassion can lead companies and institutions, enhancing the lives of many and developing the world beyond.

Sir David died of complications arising from Alzheimer’s disease on June 5, 2019, aged 87. A private family funeral was followed by a service to celebrate his life on Friday 20 September at Romsey Abbey.

FOCUS 2019 | 31

We Remember

Thomas Gerald Michael Keall (1946-1950) is an illustrious Old Culfordian who became, in multiple ways, one of ‘the great and the good’ in British society. His remarkably positive and thorough attitudes to life led him to distinguished careers as a Schoolmaster, Headmaster and Cambridge Fellow. He was a Culford Governor from 1988-2004, a post to which he was devoted.

Following National Service, he went to King’s College, Cambridge, to study History. In 1954, he carried the processional cross at the first television recording of the College’s famed festival. A two year spell at his former school in the city was followed by an appointment at Bedford School, where his love of music, sport, particularly cricket, and history inspired pupils. He had that knack of focused concentration, preparing himself and others for tasks that he considered worthwhile.

Michael Keall (1931-2019).

Michael was born in Putney, London, and attended King’s College School, Cambridge, as a chorister from 1940-1945.

On Christmas Eve 1945 he did a reading in the broadcast service of the Festival of Lessons and Carols to a worldwide audience.

At Culford, ‘Tom’, as he was then called, flourished as a scholar; in societies, including drama; in sport, being Cricket Captain and the recipient of colours for hockey and half-colours for rugby; as editor of The Culfordian; and as an organist, choral member; prefect and Head Boy. He, even, in his final year stood in and taught Latin for an indisposed member of staff. He was clearly already drawn to the idea of teaching.

Such qualities led to his successful application to the Junior School of Portsmouth Grammar where he became Headmaster at the age of 31. His next stint was as Head of the Junior School at Eastbourne College for eight years. A long held ambition was realised when he took up the headship of Westminster Abbey Choir School. A golden period commenced and for his 31 terms there, he presided over an era of excellence at all levels of education and music.

Michael or ‘Tom’ was a man who carried a number of names, being known as ‘Archie’ to his Cambridge contemporaries. He could readily recall both the names and attributes of others. These schoolmasterly traits fitted well with the demands of being Junior Bursar, Fellow Commoner and Alumni Secretary at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where the next phase of his work took him, until retirement in 2012.

Some of his ‘tasks’ there seem idyllic, such as the organising of special College dinners, but they

demanded rigorous attention.

With the correspondence and links he maintained with countless individuals and groups, he always showed his readiness to support and encourage, particularly the young and talented. This ability to keep in touch with people was evident in both hemispheres.

He owned a flat near the Newlands cricket ground in Cape Town. It was a base for entertaining during the British winters. His interests in the people of Tristan da Cunha, the South Atlantic island with the most remote indigenous population on Earth, gave him insights into ways of life far different from his own world. What his engagement diary was like is hard to imagine.

Culford was fortunate to have had the presence of a pupil and the services of a governor with the flair and conviviality of Michael Keall. He was a fine raconteur, as well as a friendly and engaging conversationalist whose name-dropping was inevitable owing to his knowledge of so much about so many; he was, after all, a man who maintained a Christmas card list of around 800! He remained a regular visitor to the School up until only very recently.

His funeral was at Magdalene College Chapel on 25 July and a Memorial Evensong took place at Westminster Abbey on 28 September where his ashes were interred. If ever there was ‘a master of his time’ who had time for others, it was Michael Keall.

Edward (Ted) Cousins (1934-1938) came from Ixworth and joined Culford as a day pupil. He left school to join the family run antiques business in Ixworth, EW Cousins & Son, for a short time before joining the Royal Artillery where he served in India. His passion for antiques led him back to the family business which became one of the most respected members of the antique association, where he remained for the rest of his working life. His greatest love was his family. He leaves wife, Una, with whom he had 67 wonderful years, as well as four children, and seven grandchildren, including Hannah Head née Cousins (1990-1999), Gemma (1990-1991) and Luke (1994-2003) and five great grandchildren.

32 | FOCUS 2019

Neville Hibberd (1941-1947) won a scholarship to Culford and joined alongside his older brother John (1938-1943).

He completed his National Service before joining Suffolk Police. Neville later moved into a job at the electricity board in Bury St Edmunds then became a Rep for Thorne Lighting. In the 1960s the family moved to Norwich and settled in Costessey from where he commuted to work in Blackfriars. He eventually returned to Norfolk as the Thetford Branch Manager for Electric Wholesalers and continued to work in electrical sales until his retirement. Neville’s connection with Culford alumni and the School was very important to him; he especially enjoyed visiting the School and attending events. Neville is survived by three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Irwin Warrell (1930-2019).

Alan Tenneson (1942-1946) was born in Palmers Green, London, the youngest of seven children. He came to Culford as a boarder in 1942 and at the age of 18 he joined the Royal Artillery, serving in Germany for three years during his National Service.

Alan Tenneson (1929-2019).

He met his wife to be, Eileen, at the Royalty Dance Hall in Southgate when on leave. They married in 1951, remained together for 68 years and had two children.

On completion of his Army service, Alan joined the security printing company Copeland Chatterson, working in Glasgow and London until his retirement in 1989. In his retirement Alan enjoyed his garden, golf, church architecture, art, the National Trust and spending time with his family.

Lindsey Walton (1945-1953) was born to a farming family in Sutton Bridge. After leaving school Lindsey completed his national service Lindsey Walton with the RAF and (1935-2019). worked as an airframe mechanic on Meteors, Hunters and Canberras. He went on to study agriculture in St Alban’s before returning to his family potato farm to help innovate their practices and save it from bankruptcy. Alongside his farming career, Lindsey indulged his love for flying and aeroplanes. He had an illustrious career as a display pilot and was well respected and liked by his peers for his calm flying and friendly nature. Lindsey leaves behind his widow Thea and children Clare, John, Stuart and Simon.

Paul Morley Cheeseright (1946-1956) died on 27 January 2019, aged 80. Born in south east London, he came to Culford aged eight, leaving in 1955 as Head Boy, having gained the nickname Personality Paul. His ability to engage with people lasted his whole life and many paid tribute to him as a true gentleman. After National Service in Malaya, Paul studied History at Merton College, Oxford, before marrying Nicole and emigrating to New Zealand. He was a reporter for the national broadcaster NZBC until the couple returned to London in 1971 with their two children.

Paul became a respected writer at the Financial Times until retiring in 1995. He was a devoted carer to his second wife Hazel in his last years after she developed Alzheimer’s and was a lover of ballet, music and books.

Paul Morley Cheeseright (1938-2019).

FOCUS 2019 | 33

We Remember

Neville Hibberd (1930-2019).

Irwin Warrell (1942-1947) was a flamboyant character and a regular at Culford functions, often meeting up with good friend John Wickens (1939-1947).

Born in Colchester, Irwin became a boarder in 1942 and excelled in cricket and rugby. He left school to join the Army and then pursued a career in local estate agency.

He later joined the family fruit, vegetable and floristry business ‘Warrells’, until he went on to set up a chain of ice cream vans.

He loved jazz, watching cricket and traveling. He particularly enjoyed visiting America to meet up with Warwick Housden (1942-1949). His greatest love was his wife, Eileen, for whom he dedicated a seat in the School’s Studio Theatre. Irwin was very proud of his family and is survived by his wife, three children, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

We Remember

Michael Arbon (1947-1955) was born in Beck Row and joined Culford following a successful scholarship examination. Mike gained both O and A levels which, following National Service, led to his enrolment at college to become a teacher and, ultimately, a Headteacher. Mike met Janet at college; they married in 1960 and were blessed with five children and ten grandchildren. Mike worked tirelessly for charitable causes and helped raise over £1.5 million during his lifetime, which was recognised by Mid Suffolk District Council with a ‘Community Hero’ award in 2016. His organ lessons at Culford brought joy to many, and he was still playing for church services just weeks before he died. This year’s Christmas Tree Festival in Stowmarket will be dedicated to his memory and for his services to the church.

Michael Arbon (1936-2019).

Christopher Rowland (1953-1960) was brought up in Mildenhall and gained a full scholarship to Culford as a day pupil. He was a member of 1st Mildenhall Scout troop and on becoming a Queen’s Scout in 1959, he was the Suffolk representative at the 10th World Chris Rowland (1942-2019).

Scout Jamboree in the Philippines, a month-long trip with stopovers in Delhi and Hong Kong, which he described as a truly remarkable experience for a country lad.

He continued his Sixth Form studies at Culford and joined the RAF as an Engineering Officer University Cadet. After training at RAF Henlow, he read Aeronautical Engineering at Bristol University, graduating in 1964. His first task was to establish the mechanical engineering base at the World Gliding Championships at RAF South Cerney in 1965. He served 33 years in the RAF, mostly in the south of England with two spells in the Middle East. Chris covered all aspects of aircraft maintenance and engineering training and was for a while in Technical Intelligence, becoming the UK expert on Russian and Chinese aircraft.

After retiring from the RAF as a Wing Commander, he worked as a consultant to several organisations with military or railway interests. He was an avid skier and windsurfer and finally moved to Christchurch, Dorset in 2006 to be near good sailing waters. Just a month after enjoying a windsurfing holiday in the French Alps in September 2018 he was taken ill and died four months later. He leaves his wife, Lesley, daughters Jacquie (1973-1980), Nicola (1976-1983) and Sara (1980-1985) and two grandsons.

Christopher Finch (1958-1964) was Captain of the School in his final year and greatly enjoyed his time at Culford, regularly visiting with his family when they were in the area. He started his career with accounting firm Arthur Anderson before handing his notice in to become a London bus driver. Chris later returned to the world of finance and had successful positions at BNOC, Cater Allen and Lloyd’s amongst others. He loved his family greatly and is missed by them all.

Christopher Finch (1946-2019).

34 | FOCUS 2019

Simon Cannell (1960-1965) was born in Norwich, where he spent his childhood with his parents and three sisters. He followed in his father, Robert Cannell’s footsteps in joining Culford for Senior School. Simon hugely enjoyed these years and often regaled his family with stories of his sporting successes and adventures as a boarder.

He later qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and moved from London to Bristol with his wife, Vicky, in 1974, settling down to live by the sea in Clevedon. Simon worked for KPMG for 30 years, becoming a partner in 1981 and spending his last five Simon Cannell (1946-2019). years of work as Senior Partner for the South West. After retiring in 2003, he pursued his interests in travel and all things sport, food and wine related. He was a keen supporter of Bristol Bears Rugby Club, both from the stands and professionally, spending time offering financial advice to the Club.

Simon was very proud to have three daughters, Helen, Jenny and Lucy, and got huge enjoyment from his four young grandchildren. He passed away in May after a short illness, aged 72.

Dr Gillian Bluck (1977-1983) was a doctor, musician, artist and, according to her sister Sylvia (1971-1979), ‘a true party animal’. Gillian had an unusual medical career, accredited in both psychiatry and psychotherapy which meant she talked with her patients as well as prescribing medicine. Gillian worked in Birmingham for 15 years and then in Cheltenham where her last post was as Consultant Psychiatrist and Consultant Medical Psychotherapist. She also held various voluntary posts at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and published in the British Journal of Psychotherapy.

Outside of work, Gill sang and played music in a band and exhibited at Art in the Park – she knew how to have fun. Gill leaves a partner Jules, mother Emma Dr Gillian Bluck (1964-2019). and many close friends.

Derek Robson (Headmaster 1971-1992) was born in Birmingham, the older son of Denis, a Methodist minister and former coalminer in County Durham, and Emma, a seamstress. Remarkably when the family moved to Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the primary school he attended was where his predecessor at Culford, Christopher Storey (Headmaster 1951-1971), had been a pupil.

Derek went to Prior’s Court, Newbury, and on to Kingswood School, Bath (1949-1954) where he thrived. He held the school record for the 100 yards, was a 1st XV member, played the part of Macbeth in an acclaimed school production and showed academic excellence.

What turned out to be his long term involvement in education was nurtured. Kingswood’s Headmaster, AB Sackett, was responsible during his 30 years in office for encouraging pupils to consider teaching as a career. Some dozen or so of Derek’s contemporaries became headmasters of independent and state schools.

In fact, his younger brother, Joseph, went on to become Deputy Head of Kent College, Canterbury.

traditional independent boarding schools had to modernise in order to survive. He was a young Head commissioned to implement many changes. One such change focused on full amalgamation with the East Anglian School for Girls, the sister school which had developed over 35 years on Culford’s original site in Northgate Avenue. Within a short time, the first co-educational direct-grant school in the UK was established.

His 21 years at the helm saw a somewhat static environment became a more dynamic one, with the creation of many new features including boarding Houses, teaching blocks, playing fields, kitchens and dining facilities and Centenary Hall.

He also modernised management structures and by the time he retired school life had been transformed.

After graduating in History from Queen’s College, Cambridge, he took up a teaching post at the City of Norwich School. That’s when he met Barbara Moss, Assistant and later Head of PE at Norwich High School for Girls. They married in 1962 and soon moved, on his appointment to Wymondham College, the co-educational state boarding school.

In 1992, he became Education Secretary for the Methodist Church and Secretary to the Board of Management for Methodist Residential Schools, taking him to many parts of the country with its 57 voluntary aided primary schools, and twelve independent schools. Full retirement came in 1997, although he continued as a Governor at The Leys.

They moved away from East Anglia to Carnegie College and School of Physical Education in Leeds, where he was a senior lecturer. In 1971, he was appointed Headmaster at Culford in an era when many

He and Barbara returned to their home at Weybourne to enjoy retirement on the North Norfolk coast. His interests included sailing, watercolour painting, volunteering with the National Trust at Felbrigg

Derek Robson (1935-2019).

Hall, singing with The Kelling Consort and enjoying the arrival and company of their grandchildren.

His work as a Methodist local preacher, for which he was awarded a certificate for 50 years’ service, continued in local circuits and the East Anglian district. However, the onset of Alzheimer’s in his final years brought to an end full participation in family and social life.

He leaves Barbara; children, Helen (1972-1982), Mark (1974-1984) and Simon (1976-1986), together with their married partners; and nine grandchildren.

Many were influenced by his commitment to the causes he cherished, tenacity for getting things done, readiness to face new challenges, individual acts of kindness and sound advice, quite brilliant speeches at retirement/ leaving events and memorial services, as well as devotion to the religious movement into which he was born.

Culford benefited from these talents greatly and a substantial number of Derek Robson’s legacies continue to thrive.

We also remember the following alumni and friends who died since the last FOCUS magazine was published.

Obituaries are available to view through Culford Online, which can be found here: www.culfordonline.co.uk Diana Veale née Sayce (EAS 1935-1945)

John Pavitt (1939-1949)

Betty Fry née Jones (EAS 1947-1952)

Graham Garfoot (1941-1947)

Robert Faulds (1952-1960)

Gordon Sharpe (1937-1940)

Catherine Clark (EAS 1945-1952)

John Dixon (1956-1966)

Brian Broughton (1938-1946)

Graham Young (1945-1954)

Miles Belfield (1989-1992)

FOCUS 2019 | 35

We Remember

Former Governors and Common Room Members

We Remember

Elisabeth Benians née Matthews joined the teaching staff at the East Anglian School for Girls fresh from Avery Hill training college. She was fully involved in all aspects of school life whilst also finding the time to study successfully for a history degree from London University. In 1947 Martin Benians was appointed Chaplain to both the boys’ and the girls’ schools; a romance blossomed and Elisabeth and Martin were married in 1949. They left Suffolk to work in Staffordshire and Norfolk before returning to Culford in 1954 until 1958.

Elisabeth also taught at the Orme Girls School in Staffordshire, Norwich City College and Hengrave Hall as well as forming the children’s choir at Martin’s Church. It is a testament to Elisabeth that so many of her former pupils and choir members EASG Staff 1947: Elisabeth Benians née Matthews (1920-2019) is the last person pictured L-R on the back row. kept in touch with her throughout her life.

Margaret Bracewell (1929-2019).

Margaret Bracewell (staff 1970-1992) was born in Southsea, the youngest of three children. She had always wanted to be a teacher and completed her training at the Froebel Institute. After teaching in Wiltshire and Sussex, aged 23, she went to work at the École Internationale in Paris. Margaret married Army paymaster Robbie (School Bursar 1969-1985) in 1956. They lived in Germany, England and Africa, during which time Fiona (1974-1976) and Murray (1973-1979) arrived. The family moved to Culford in 1970, where she joined the East Anglian School for Girls, initially as temporary cover for a teacher.

Eventually, Margaret went on to establish the Special Needs Department in the Junior School and retired from Culford in 1992. She remained a regular guest at Culford events and kept in touch with many contemporaries from her time at the School.

Former Head of Science, Peter Gradwell (staff 1970-1992), was educated at Carre’s Grammar School in Lincolnshire and Simon Langton Grammar School in Canterbury. Peter read Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Southampton University where he met Jill. They Peter Gradwell (1931-2019). were married in 1957.

It was in 1970 that he and Jill moved here, having started his teaching career at the Bluecoat Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School, Bristol. As a dedicated and passionate science teacher and Head of Department, Peter took great delight in making sure there was a constant supply of pupils reading Science or Engineering at Oxbridge and other universities. He cared not only about academic achievements, but also the chapel choir, senior orchestra, the sailing club, organised swims for the British Heart Foundation and flying experiences for the Air Training Corps. For 15 years he guided the School’s General Purposes Committee and was a considerable influence on the life and times of Culford.

Peter died peacefully in his sleep on 12 September 2019 and is much missed by his loving wife, Jill, his children Catherine and John (1972-1979) and seven grandchildren. He leaves a lasting legacy and an approach to life that included such advice as ‘time spent on reconnaissance is never wasted’. Many have benefited from such wisdom.

36 | FOCUS 2019

Stephen Taylor (Governor 1985-2009) did not attend Culford, unlike the majority of the rest of his family but he did attend the East Anglian School in Bury St Edmunds from the age of five until seven and therefore considered himself an alumnus.

Stephen Taylor (1945-2019).

Stephen’s love of music was fostered at Taverham Hall Prep and Oundle School and this led to a Choral Exhibition at Christ Church College, Oxford where he met his future wife Ann, née Keall, who attended the East Anglian School for Girls (1956-1964). He joined a London firm of chartered accountants and studied for his accountancy exams, eventually joining the East Anglian firm now known as Whiting & Partners, in Bury St Edmunds, later becoming Senior Partner.

When they moved back from London, Ann worked as secretary to the Headmaster, Derek Robson. Son James (1982-1992) and daughter Lizzy (1984-1994) attended Culford and Lizzy was married in Culford Church with the reception in the Old Hall. Stephen served as a Culford School Governor from 1985 until 2009 and, on Derek Robson’s suggestion, he also became involved in the Methodist Board of Education in London. Stephen was active with various local organisations and charities but sadly suffered from ill health in recent years and died at the beginning of March 2019.

Social Calendar

THE YEAR OF 1979 REUNION

The Year of 1979.

Charles Warren (1968-1979) penned this article about the 40 year reunion at Culford in May 2019.

For all of us it was 40 years since we left, and for some of us 50 years since we started, so returning to Culford after such a long time was surely going to stir quite a mixed bag of emotions as the Year of ‘79 reassembled. But, as fast as the clouds and rain rolled away to reveal Culford Park in all its glory, so too did any doubts that this was going to be a fabulous day of rekindling friendships, exploring our old stomping ground and indulging in a little unabashed nostalgia.

Humphries (OC Liaison Officer and former staff 1968-2003) as our guide. First to the Centenary Hall, a new assembly hall built shortly

after we left. It replaced a nest of rooms and corridors that I remember as including some staff quarters on one floor and the old tuck shop and a short-lived Fifth Form youth club in the basement, where there was also a cellar where we would stow our trunks at the beginning of term.

How thrilling it was as, one by one, familiar faces appeared round the old library’s wooden door to begin several decades’ worth of catching up. Fortunately Robin Howlett (1972-1979) made this process a great deal easier with a very professionally produced alumni booklet but, certainly for me, there were still a few faces where recognition needed a little bit of prompting.

Initial exchanges over, it was time for a tour of the school, with John

L-R: Carol Fleming née Oakley (1972-1979), Janet MacKenzie (1971-1979), Mike Thorne (1969-1979) and Mike Jammal (1975-1977).

FOCUS 2019 | 37

Social Calendar

John Humphries as Quizmaster at lunch.

Robin Howlett (1972-1979) and Camilla Veale (1975-1979) with the Year of 1979 flagstone.

John’s tour took us through the new Studio Theatre and on into a wing of Culford Hall that used to be dormitories and offices and is now music rooms.

We were also taken through the impressive new library and the refaced Skinner building – which Peter Richards (1969-1979) reminded me was the venue for our Form One entrance examination more than 50 years ago.

Finally, we were taken through the Art Centre where Tessa Richardson, Head of Art, explained its redevelopment.

It was heartening and impressive to see how much the School’s facilities had improved since the 1970s but perhaps the most evocative part of the tour – especially for the boys – was trailing through that refurbished music wing but with its creaking floors and narrow stairs remaining.

With us on the tour was Anthony Fullwood (former staff 1977-1984). His presence and that of John Humphries and Alan Dures (former staff 1977-2002) were reminders that our years at Culford were about a great deal more than the

Camilla Veale (1975-1979)

Since leaving Culford I have gained a couple of degrees and worked in a variety of sectors focusing on Human Resources in recent years. I now run my own HR company specialising in training, life coaching and public speaking. On a personal level, I came out as gay at 21 and married my partner Addie in 2007. I have been pretty active in the LGBT+ community; I sing in a choir called Gay Abandon and have performed in Paris, Dublin and all over the UK. I was diagnosed with Progressive MS in 1998 which has made quite an impact on my life. After having to give up racket sports and walking in the Yorkshire Dales, I took up sailing again which I really love. I am now qualified to coastal

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skipper level and have sailed from Australia to Papua New Guinea, as well as Panama City to the Galapagos Islands. I have always enjoyed travelling and inter-railed around Europe in my twenties – including a great month in Spain with Sylvia Bluck (1971-1979).

I also took a six month career break with Addie to go blue water sailing and travel in the Southern Hemisphere in 2002.

I recently ‘Championed’ with Martin Hayman (1977-1979), the ‘Year of ‘79 – 40 years on’ Culford Reunion. I can thoroughly recommend it: the Foundation did all the hard work and Martin and I basked in all the glory! If you would like to get in touch with me go to: www.camillaveale.co.uk

Social Calendar

friends we made. Inevitably, it was only after we left that we fully appreciated the commitment of the School’s staff and we can all name teachers who had a big impact on us, not only in the classroom, but as Housemasters and tutors and on the sports fields or the stage.

Mike Jammal (1975-1977), Steve Barker (1972-1979) and Greg Lowe (1974-1979).

Back in the sunshine, we regrouped on the South Front for a glass of Prosecco before gathering in ‘The Well’ outside the Headmaster’s office – a well-remembered spot for some! Here we had our group photograph taken before drinks and canapés in the Old Hall.

Robin Howlett (1972-1979)

I am now living in Ely down by the river as a freelance graphic designer, copywriter and illustrator. I have two girls; one is a filmmaker and one works for an entertainment management agency. After school I went into the navy for a very short period, then off to art college in Ipswich before completing my degree at Kingston Polytechnic in Graphic Design and Animation. I won an international film award but the industry was dead back then, so eventually found work as a visualiser and typographer in an advertising agency. For a time I ran my own agency in Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk.

Following serious injuries in a road accident, I emigrated with my family to Cyprus and tried my hand at running businesses in that environment, returning just before the economy crashed.

For a while I coached football for the Suffolk FA, which I loved.

These days I like to sail Lasers in the Med whenever I get the chance. I sing in a community choir and head up a band performing folk/Americana close harmony stuff at local festivals.

One of the many rooms that I never ventured into in the 1970s was at the end of the corridor off the main hall. Once the staff room, the ‘Red Room’ was now the stately setting

for our lunch and the chance for some lengthier conversations.

With thanks to Camilla Veale (1975-1979), Martin Hayman (1977-1979), and Tim Mares (1969-1977) for bringing old friends together from all over the world.

And to the Foundation team for arranging such a brilliant day and making us feel so welcome. With nearly 70 of us showing up, it was the biggest year reunion the School has held so far.

HONG KONG OCs REUNITED L-R: Jeffrey Lo (2010-2012), David Lau (1980-1981), Robert Knight (1963-1971), Dave Watkin, Albert Yeung (2000-2004) and Jon Herd.

Assistant Head, Dave Watkin, was delighted to meet up with OCs on a trip to Hong Kong in October, along with Prep School Assistant Head, and former Cadogan Housemaster, Jon Herd. The group enjoyed a drinks reception with current Culford parents at the Chin Chin Bar in the Hyatt Regency.

To see more images of the reunion go to: culfordschool.shootproof.com/gallery/CulfordSchoolFoundation

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News from the School

COMINGS AND GOINGS Common Room Fond Farewells Neil Tully was Head of Mathematics from 2001 and ran one of the top-performing departments in the School. Neil led by example as an outstanding teacher with a good sense of humour and an approachability that pupils valued highly.

Fortunately, although retiring, Neil returned to work part-time in September and we thank him for the last 18 years of excellence at Culford.

Darren Nichols was Head of Business and Economics since 2016 and became a popular tutor in Edwards. The offer of promotion to run a House of his own at Epsom College, Malaysia, is a fabulous opportunity and a wonderful adventure for his family. We wish them well as they go forward on that adventure together.

Alexia Glassbrook joined us in 2011 as Assistant Head of English before taking over the department in 2014. Colleagues valued her support and her deep passion for literature.

She was also a much liked tutor in Jocelyn House, who will miss her pastoral care. With a young family, Alexia decided to step down from being a Head of Department and now teaches at Thetford Grammar School, where her husband also works. We wish them all well.

Christina Escriva joined us in 2017 to teach A level French and Spanish and her deep knowledge of the Hispanic world and her quiet professionalism were real assets to the department.

We wish her well as she returns to Spain for a career break.

Charlotte Olley arrived in 2013 and quickly established herself as a conscientious and passionate PE and games teacher. She became Head of Netball and Deputy Housemistress of Jocelyn and all pupils benefited from her commitment, organisation and caring approach. Charlotte moved to become Head of Junior PE at Dulwich College in Suzhou, China. We wish her well as she experiences the Far East and takes on the next phase of her career.

Warm Welcome Dominic Ford joins us as the new Housemaster of Cornwallis and a teacher of PE along with his wife Vic Ford who is our new Head of Dance. Previously they both worked at Wycombe Abbey School, China, where Dom was Deputy Head (Pastoral). This is a second run at Culford for Dom who was Assistant Housemaster in Cornwallis from 2006-2008.

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A New Focus Gavin Reynolds has stepped down after 13 years as Housemaster of Cornwallis to focus on his role as Assistant Head and further develop his role in charge of pastoral care. The House will miss him, but we thank him for his time in Cornwallis and look forward to his next chapter at Culford.

Take That Come to Culford!

In the summer term, Upper Sixth student Hadley Butler (2011-2019), got the chance to work with the TV commercial production crew at Culford on a Suzuki advert featuring pop group, Take That.

a one-man filmmaker on lots of projects from music videos to short films – so when I arrived and found out that there were more than 100 people working for a 30 second

commercial I was amazed!”

The ads first appeared on television the end of August and were showcased with the new TV series of The X Factor.

Hadley, who has a passion for photography and film-making, was given this amazing opportunity during the May half-term when Culford’s South Front was turned into a spectacular fun fair for the shoot. Take That surprised some of their most devoted fans by driving them around the grounds in Suzuki cars, before playing fairground games together.

Hadley gained fantastic commercial film experience with the team and told us, “It was very overwhelming to begin with. I have always worked as

Hadley Butler (2011-2019) with Take That at Culford.

Photo credit: David Parry.

Year of 2019 – Latest Crop of OCs

The Leavers’ Ball in June saw the Year of 2019 celebrate the end of an era on a beautiful, sunny summer’s evening.

We look forward to hearing their news in the coming years. Please keep in touch and good luck everyone!

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News from the School

TAKE THAT AT CULFORD

News from the School

Oxbridge Success Ophelia Yannaghas (2009-2019) started her course at Oxford University in October. She is reading French and Modern Greek after achieving a superb set of A level results.

Ophelia, who was a Culford pupil for ten years, achieved A* in Art, an A* in Business and an A in French.

Connor Horne (2017-2019) began at Cambridge University in October reading Psychological and Behavioural Sciences after achieving fantastic A levels. Connor joined Culford in the Lower Sixth and achieved A* in English Literature, Connor Horne (2017-2019), Julian Johnson-Munday (Headmaster) A* in History and A in Psychology. and Ophelia Yannaghas (2009-2019).

Life After Culford Last year’s Head Boy, Jess Walters (2008-2019) moved to London in September to begin his career as a Chartered Accountant following a superb set of A level results.

In August Jess told us “I am very excited to be moving to London to begin working at Grant Thornton’s where I am studying to become a Chartered Accountant. I was inspired to take this route, as an alternative to university, when a partner of Grant Thornton, and also an Old Culfordian, came to speak to our year group at our “Life After Culford” week. His talk inspired me to investigate this career path further and with support from the School, such as interview practise, I managed to secure my spot for this September. This is just a small example of how Culford has been able to support, prepare and inspire me for my years after Culford.”

Jess Walters (2008-2019).

Ready Culford Life You may have noticed our new Ready for Life campaign on our social media channels or new marketing materials. Culford’s aim is to develop our pupils to be flexible, innovative, dynamic and resilient and to prepare them to meet the challenges beyond school.

We have summed this up within our Ready for Life campaign which you will see more of in the coming months, with the imminent launch of new school prospectuses and a new website due next year.

We look forward to sharing these with you!

International Cricketer Nick Knight at Culford World-renowned former England cricketer, Nick Knight, joined Culford as our Cricket Ambassador in the summer of 2019. Nick enjoyed great success playing 17 Test Matches and 100 One Day Internationals before announcing his retirement from international cricket after the 2003 World Cup. He is a commentator for Sky Sports. Nick will be working closely with selected Prep and Senior School pupils on the Culford Cricket Programme, providing individual and small group coaching sessions.

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Nick Knight.

News from the School

SPEECH DAY 2019 Summer sunshine greeted Culford’s annual Speech Day on Saturday 25 May. The Guest of Honour was Professor Jenny Gallagher, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy at King’s College London, who presented the prizes and made a speech to over 600 assembled guests.

The Headmaster’s address focused upon the achievements of the past year, which saw excellent examination results as well as pupils achieving international recognition in sports as diverse as tennis and skiing. He also stressed the need for mental health to be a key

L-R: Jo Johnson-Munday, Penny Jacklin, Robert Jacklin (1943-1953), Foundation Director Samantha Salisbury, Miriam and Robert Black (1941-1951).

focus for schools, noting that by learning to cope with stress within a safe environment, young adults could develop the key attributes of dynamism and resilience that society and employers need.

Professor Gallagher’s address chimed with his, as she went on to encourage young people to be bold, dream big and be prepared to fail on the way to success.

Mel Okuneye (2005-2012), Cynthia Okuneye-Asiama and Julian Johnson-Munday.

After the prize-giving, guests were able to enjoy lunch on the South Front followed by an afternoon of concerts, drama, debates, a CCF demonstration and a cricket match, amongst many other activities including netball, golf and a medieval living history display.

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Life After Culford

LIFE AFTER CULFORD

Head of Sixth Form, Stephen Arbuthnot, with 2018/19 prefects

OCs Share Knowledge and Life Experiences Sixth Formers at Culford today benefit from a year round programme that seeks to enhance and develop their skills, ensuring that when they leave they are fully prepared and Ready for Life. It includes access to all kinds of skills training, activities and challenges, including: Freshers’ Week which takes the new Lower Sixth off to the Peak District for two days of outward bound activities and challenges and a chance to get to know everyone; Interactive courses offered by top, global universities related to students’ proposed degrees; Presentation, CV and interview skills training; opportunities to present to an external audience, as well as preparing and delivering TED style talks; Independent Research Projects; Regular careers lunches and help to gain work experience, often with alumni support;

themed parties in Paddy & Scotts café, through to Sixth Form dinners in Culford Hall and the annual Highland Ball. So, plenty of fun to

Careers Lunches In October, Charlotte (Lottie) Holder (2009-2013) led an informal careers lunch where she talked about her route from Culford into midwifery training and her experiences as a student.

Lottie graduated as a Midwife in July 2018 and is now taking the opportunity to travel.

be enjoyed, as well as hard work and myriad opportunities to develop important life skills.

The scholars’ and careers lunches featured are just two examples of where OCs returned to the School to enhance what we offer. And you don’t have to be a scholar to attend the Scholars’ sessions – everyone is welcome!

Peter Hogg (1978-1988).

Wellbeing conference including mindfulness, pilates and yoga; A two day enterprise challenge where student teams are tasked to develop a product and present their business plan to an external panel – the top team wins a prize.

In addition there is a social programme that includes everything from quiz nights, karaoke evenings and

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Charlotte Holder (2009-2013).

Peter Hogg (1978-1988) hosted a lunch discussing his career and two decades of experience in the Property and Construction sector.

Peter is currently the London City Executive, UK Cities Director and a Partner at Arcadis.

If you have an interesting career or life journey which you think could benefit current Culford pupils and which you would like to share, please do let us know by emailing: foundation@culford.co.uk or call 01284 385310.

Life After Culford

Scholars’ Programme 2018/19 Dr Ben Kennedy OC (1981-1983), returned to Culford in February for a scholars’ seminar entitled ‘What pathologists really do’. Dr Kennedy is a Consultant Haematologist and Associate Professor in Cancer Studies at the University Hospitals of Leicester. He explained the role played by haematologists to identify, diagnose and treat disease and talked about types of blood cells, the significance of the types of changes that may occur and the diseases which abnormalities may represent. As well as offering an insight into some of the careers in this sphere, it was a highly topical talk, not least since the Sixth Form study sickle cell disease as part of their A level course.

Dr Ben Kennedy (1981-1983).

Professor Stephen Challacombe (1958-1964 and Vice-Chair of Governors) with Upper Sixth pupils.

Life After Culford Another important part of the Sixth Form experience is our Life After Culford conference.

This exciting week at the end of Lower Sixth includes expert speakers from universities, businesses and student organisations, trips to universities and an Enterprise Challenge.

There are also workshops on interview skills, writing a personal statement and gaining work experience, as well as a Q&A session with recent leavers.

This year five OCs returned to share their experiences of life after leaving Culford. We welcomed back Fg Off. Kieran D’Lima (2008-2016) who joined the RAF; Luigi Murton (2013-2017) who studied Politics at Newcastle University and hopes to have a career in that field; Jack Veitch (2011-2016) who is working

towards becoming a teacher; Sebastian Woods (2010-2016), a professional jockey; Emily Young née Hounsome (2006-2014), who worked as a baker on her gap year

In March, OC and current Governor, Professor Stephen Challacombe (1958-1964), presented a talk exploring “Why Aren’t We All Allergic to Food?” Stephen was a Consultant in Diagnostic Microbiology and Immunology for Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. The majority of his research has been focused on mucosal immunology, oral medicine, oral HIV infection, and food allergies.

before attending Queen Mary University of London to read English Literature, and now works at HS2 Ltd as a Parliamentary Select Committee Advisor.

L-R: Jack Veitch (2011-2016), Kieran D’Lima (2008-2016), Emily Young née Hounsome (2006-2014), Seb Woods (2010-2016) and Luigi Murton (2013-2017).

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Focus on Tech

CULFORD’S TECH TALENT All of us benefit from new technologies, be they online shopping and bill payment facilities, fitness and mindfulness apps on our mobile phones and tablets, or our use of Skype, Netflix and other myriad tech products and services.

It is hard to imagine modern life without them.

Reflecting the enormous growth in the technology sector and the increasing employment opportunities, many OCs are forging their careers in jobs that probably did not even exist when they were at School. From digital marketing and imaging, to cyber and AI (Artificial Intelligence), from data management and analysis to FinTech and MedTech, OCs are represented in these and many other related fields today. Read some of their stories here…

John Courtney (1972-1975) started his career in the Tech sector about 15 years ago, when he founded Strategy Digital, which grew to a 50 person digital marketing agency before he sold the business in 2015. Since then he has provided pro-bono business mentoring with Microsoft Accelerator, Prince Andrew’s Pitch@Palace and joined the Advisory Board of Oracle’s Startup, Cloud Accelerator, NatWest

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Accelerator and SETsquared University spinouts. John was shortlisted for Best Mentor/Advisor in 2017 and 2018 and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 by techSPARK. He is now a Chair and Non Executive Director for five tech businesses in Bristol and London and is CEO of BoardroomAdvisors.co.uk, which supplies NEDs and Advisors to scale-ups and tech businesses.

John Courtney (1972-1975).

Nick Sawyer (1986-1996) is a Director at Deloitte focusing on Data and Analytics within the retail sector. This effectively means that he helps companies to do three key things: capture and store data effectively and safely; provide appropriate access to the data for colleagues, clients, suppliers and customers; and gain insight and value from the data they hold, to drive both more effective commercial decisions and provide better customer experiences.

Prior to Deloitte, Nick spent six years at Sainsbury’s where he was Group Head of Data. There he was responsible for creating a cloud based ecosystem to enable Sainsbury’s to get value from the vast amount of data it holds, creates and captures every second, across all their brands, including Argos, Habitat, Nectar, Bank and Sainsbury’s. This followed roles leading Analytics, Data Science and Business Intelligence teams supporting Sainsbury’s to meet the growing demands of its customers, from greater transparency on supplier provenance, through the Argos and Nectar acquisitions to refreshed ranges and new store layouts.

Prior to Sainsbury’s, Nick worked within EY’s consulting practice working across sectors, with clients such as Unilever, Xerox, MoD, Lloyds TSB and Shell.

Fliss (Felicity/Flick) Bennée née Roberson (1990-1997).

with personal highlights including shepherding the Charities Bill 2006/7 through Parliament; serving in private office; helping government to save over £0.5 billion through better IT contract management; and developing the first technology code of practice and open standards for technology and data in the public sector.

With two children and a “long-suffering” husband in tow, Fliss recently moved to Abergavenny in Wales, and in September 2019 took up a new role as Deputy Director for Digital, Technology and Innovation in Health and Social Services for the Welsh Government.

Chris Rimmer (1996-2001) spent several years providing IT and communications to support operations both at home and abroad with the British Army, before specialising in secure and bespoke communications platforms and delivering training and advice to specialist teams in cyber focused environments.

Having completed seven years and multiple operational deployments, Chris joined VMware as an Analyst in the Security Operations Centre (SOC) to provide technical monitoring and incident response to internal and external threats.

Jason Evans (1997-2004) headed in to the world of Sales and Marketing on completing his MSc, initially taking an entry level position with a consumer electronics company.

After a relatively short stint he moved into the world of MedTech where he gained experience in a number of new roles and markets, both domestically and internationally. He progressed to a larger multinational technology company, Teledyne, where he participated in their internal fast track development scheme and went on to secure his current position as Sales and Marketing Director with a growing digital imaging company.

Jason says, “I would certainly recommend always looking for opportunities to develop and progress; if you feel like you’re marking time, it’s time to move on!”

Chris Rimmer (1996-2001).

Jason Evans (1997-2004).

Fliss (Felicity/Flick) Bennée née Roberson (1990-1997) read Astrophysics and Classics at the University of Edinburgh. After a few years in the financial sector, she felt a pull towards public service, sat for the fast stream and joined the UK Civil Service in 2004, starting in the Charity Commission.

Fliss has worked in several departments over the last 15 years

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Focus on Tech

Nick Sawyer (1986-1996).

Since progressing from VMware, he has consulted for several large UK firms across different industry sectors, providing technical IT Security Engineering and Architectural Consultancy to secure traditional IT infrastructure as well as Cloud environments. In 2016, after studying with FrontierRisks on their Security and Risk Management Course (SRMC), he co-founded evolveRISK, with two fellow students and former Royal Marines.

The research and development phase complete, he hopes to bridge the divide between physical security and cyber security in the UK, overseas and with a focus on areas of unrest. The company is now in the start-up phase of providing Secure Networking, WiFi, CCTV, Over the Air Networks and Physical Threat Intelligence. For more information visit: www.evolverisk.com

Focus on Tech

Ally Clark (1998-2006).

Ally Clark (1998-2006) is a cyber security analyst for an international veterinary co-operation called CVS UK. He says, “I gained a love of technology from IT lessons at Culford and started off working for the NHS on an IT service desk gaining experience.”

He used this to pass CompTIA+ and Microsoft exams in various areas of IT and explains, “After the cryptolocker Virus struck the NHS, I decided to specialise in cyber security and ethical hacking, as I saw first-hand the damage that could be done by cyber criminals.”

Ally left the public sector to proactively engage in dealing with the threats from hackers. His job now is to analyse vulnerable areas of IT network infrastructure and combat any cyber-attacks. As the photograph shows, he also loves animals; an added perk of working in the veterinary sector!

James Northeast-Roffey (2006-2013).

James Northeast-Roffey (2006-2013) studied International Business with French at Greenwich University and completed a second degree at Kingston University in Marketing Management. He went on to become a Business Consultant at Wowcher and then moved to Mention Me, a SaaS tech start-up running global referral marketing for 450+ brands including Zipcar, Harvey Nichols, Nutmeg, PrettyLittleThing, Farfetch and OVO Energy. James told us, “We recently hit a milestone of £545 million in revenue for our

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clients and received $7 million in series A Investment. We will have a Paris office in September and a US office by the end of the year.” His advice to new starters is “to always challenge yourself and constantly be looking for a new opportunity.

Tech start-ups are a great road to take where you can really create an edge and fast-track your career.”

Jack Ferrari (2003-2014).

Jack Ferrari (2003-2014) did a ski season in Courchevel for his gap year and went on to study Business and Politics at Oxford Brookes University.

After graduating, Jack’s interest in technological innovation and his passion for presenting, pitching and networking led him to his role in technology sales at Veridium.

He works within the cyber security industry supporting highly regulated industries with security transformation to stop data breaches by replacing traditional password logins with biometric authentication.

Jack told us that “I look forward to building my career and I am excited to see how this fast moving industry evolves. I would recommend Culford leavers explore working in this sector as it offers fast progression, extensive training and attractive remuneration for people with the right skills.”

Sam Huxtable (2009-2014) spent a year in Canada playing American football after his A levels, a hobby he began aged 15. He studied for a Computer Science degree at Swansea University where he was also Captain of their American football team for three years.

Sam became very interested in stocks and shares while at university, taught himself how to trade and used that information to combine with his degree for his final year

Sam Huxtable (2009-2014).

dissertation. He graduated in 2019 and began working as a Software Engineer for a FinTech company in London. Sam says he really enjoys the work “because it combines both my interests of finance and computer science. The financial world is very fast paced and exciting, so for anyone that enjoys maths it’s definitely something to look into. Working for a startup FinTech just amplifies this.

What I do has a direct impact on how fast the company grows.”

Mariella Reason (2013-2015).

Mariella Reason (2013-2015) graduated from Sussex University and gained an internship in the London branch of InfoPro Digital over the summer. She went on to use her new found knowledge and write her Master’s thesis on the FinTech revolution and the subconscious biases entrenched in artificial intelligence (AI).

On completing her thesis and internship, Mariella was hired by InfoPro as a Delegate Co-ordinator.

She now works primarily in the financial risk and FinTech sectors but also has exposure to AI and ML (Machine Learning) processes in relation to the future of risk and FinTech. She has worked on Risk USA in New York, the Société Générale and Risk.net derivatives conference in London. In December, Mariella is due to start as a financial technology journalist at WatersTechnology, within InfoPro. Mariella says, “I truly believe FinTech is the future and will eclipse traditional banking as we know it.”

Acts of Remembrance

2018

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

L-R: Prep Head Girl, Senior Head Girl, the Revd Canon Matthew Vernon, Peter Scates (1945-1951), Dr John Guntrip (Deputy Head), Senior Head Boy, Prep Head Boy and Tom Atkinson, representing the Grounds and Gardens and the Culford estate staff.

Acts of Remembrance 2018 and 2019 In November the Senior and Prep Schools assembled on the North Front, along with Culford’s Combined Cadet Force, staff, parents and friends for the annual Act of Remembrance to commemorate the loss of life in conflict, among former School pupils, staff and estate workers.

Garden of Remembrance in 2018.

In 2018, the Revd Canon Matthew Vernon, from St Edmundsbury Cathedral, led the occasion at which Dr John Guntrip, Deputy Head, read the 145 names of those who died.

A two-minute silence was observed after pupils played a trumpet salute.

Wreaths were laid by the Deputy Head, the Head Boys and Girls from the Prep and Senior Schools and Old Culfordian, Peter Scates (1945-1951), while the Head Groundsman laid a wreath in memory of the estate workers.

In 2019, wet and windy weather meant that the event had to move into Centenary Hall. Prayers were offered by School Chaplain Hannah Stammers and a wreath was laid

by Holly Jaycock (2007-2015) on behalf of all Old Culfordians and East Anglians.

L-R: Rebecca Selway (2006-2011), Basil Ambrose (1934-1942) and Melanie Selway.

Afterwards, guests progressed to the Garden of Remembrance to pay their respects and place crosses in memory of loved ones.

The morning concluded with a buffet lunch and a performance by the Prep School choir.

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Acts of Remembrance

2019

L-R: Holly Jaycock (2007-2015), Tom Atkinson, Prep Head Boy, Prep Head Girl, Senior Head Girl, Senior Head Boy, the Headmaster and Hannah Stammers (Chaplain).

Tony Allen (1953-1960) with his diorama of troops in France at 11am on 11 November 1918.

L-R: Kieran D’Lima (2008-2016), Mack Bell (2014-2019), Jack Godden (2004-2013), Holly Jaycock (2007-2015) in 2019.

Anne Hutchinson (EAS 1942-1954) and Keith Flack (1943-1951) in 2018.

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Charles Honess’ grave.

Battlefields Trip 2019: OCs Remembered The Fourth Form spent three days on a history trip to Ypres in the summer term, visiting the Menin Gate, Vimy Ridge, the Passchendaele Museum and Thiepval, Tyne Cot and Langemark cemeteries, amongst others.

A visit to the cemetery at Mory enabled pupils and Head of Mathematics, Dr Brian O’Riordan, to pay their respects to chemistry

teacher Charles Honess (staff c.1900-1915), who lost his life at the Battle of the Somme. Mr Honess was much revered by the boys; a brass tablet to his memory was placed in the main hall at the East Anglian School and now sits in Culford Hall. It was formally unveiled by the Headmaster, Mr Samuel Leigh (1882-1915), who drew aside the Union Jack which covered the tablet and read the inscription thus:

In memory of Charles Honess, B.WSc., Lond., Sergeant, Royal Engineers, 15 years science master of this school. His earnest efforts to serve its highest interests won the esteem of the Governors and the affections of boys and colleagues. He enlisted in August, 1915, and gave his life for his country in April, 1917.

‘You made us men, you taught us how to live; and in your wisdom taught us how to die’.

Pupils also visited the memorial at Thiepval where one Fourth Form pupil found his Great Great Uncle’s name carved into the memorial, along with that of Old Culfordian, Joseph Eccles (EAS dates c.1908-1913) who was killed in action, aged 20, on Wednesday 23 August 1916.

It was a very moving experience for pupils made all the more memorable by paying respects to those with direct connections to our community. More than 100 Old Culfordians were killed in the First and Second World Wars.

We do not forget.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

The Menin Gate.

From the poem For the Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

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Acts of Remembrance

Dr Brian O’Riordan, Head of Maths, at the grave of Charles Honess.

OC Sport

FIRST EVER ALUMNI FESTIVAL OF SPORT L-R: James Swanson (2001-2008), Jaya Mace (2017-2019), Katharine Day (2000-2007), Jane Page née Mares (1957-1966), Paul Swanson (1996-2003) and James Elden (2004-2011).

September 2019 saw the Foundation host our first ever Alumni Festival of Sport, bringing together OC matches for hockey, netball and tennis with an indoor golf competition for one exciting day.

Jack Ferrari (2000-2014) and Jess Walters (2008-2019).

Tennis Report

Golf Report

James Swanson (2001-2008).

Culford OCs fielded a competitive team against the School’s tennis programme players. The mini OC vs Pupils tennis tournament was played in great spirits with a good number of extremely close matches leading to an eventual 5-5 draw. With a mixed format of some mens, mixed, and ladies doubles, as well as some singles matches, there was plenty of tennis to be seen at all levels and some very competitive games. James Swanson (2001-2008) the OC captain did a fantastic job of organising the fixture and ensuring that everyone had good quality games. We look forward to seeing James and the OC team at next year’s Alumni Festival of Sport.

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OCs channelled all their sporting prowess when they visited the Culford golf studio for a crack at the “nearest the pin” challenge. Players had three goes at a simulated 150 yard par 3 over water. There was a wide array of shots over the course of the afternoon before Harry Stenton (2007-2014) had the best of the bunch with an 8in to 9ft.

Results: 1st Harry Stenton (2007-2014), 9ft; 2nd Jack Ferrari (2000-2014), 13ft; 3rd William Kibbler, 17ft.

The Culford mixed 1st XI took on a very talented OC mixed XI in what was a fiery, competitive game. The standard was high and the OCs started strongly with James Gibbs (2005-2019), Jess Walters (2008-2019) and Lucy Holder (2011-2016) trying to get a firm grip of the game. School goalkeeper Oliver Melville-Ross saved Culford a couple of times as did Harriet Mann (2010-2015) for the OCs. Cameron Ford was dominant at the back for Culford and sniffed out any potential danger with Holly Reynolds working hard in defence and attack. The game was very even, great to watch and finished 0-0.

The OCs opted for flicks to decide

OC Sport

Hockey Report

OC mixed hockey team.

who would win the trophy and Culford looked set to win the game after Oliver Melville-Ross saved two flicks, however, Culford let their nerves get the better of them

as Jess Walters stepped up and fired the winning ball into the top of the net. A great spectacle for Culford and we look forward to next year.

The Headmaster’s VII continued to calmly convert their shots to extend their lead, with the score line 17-5 in their favour at half-time. However, the OCs did not give up without a fight and a more confident approach in the shooting circle enabled them to score a number of goals in quick succession.

OC captain Emma Beardmore (2007-2015) impressed with her excellent athleticism and skill while Holly Jaycock (2007-2015) worked tirelessly in defence.

L-R Top Row: Holly Jaycock (2007-2015), Emma Beardmore (2007-2015), Tash Day (2015-2017), Molly Childs (2006-2013), Katie Veitch (2011-2018), Olivia Nicolai (2003-2018) and Katie Farrant (2011-2018).

Netball Report The current 1st team included pupils from the Sixth Form and Lower Fifth.

The OCs fielded a strong line-up with a number of former 1st team players taking to the court. Many of the OCs had already taken part in the hockey and the Headmaster’s VII looked to exploit this as they started at break-neck speed and were able to carve out an early lead.

A much-needed quarter-time break and a reshuffle of the OCs line-up saw the introduction of Nella Walters (2007-2018) and they started to put together some fluid passages of play.

As the deficit started to reduce, the School’s defensive trio of Laura Quayle, Maisie Fitton and Frankie Sanderson combined well to ensure that they limited the OCs scoring opportunities.

To see more images of the Alumni Festival of Sport go to: culfordschool.shootproof.com/gallery/CulfordSchoolFoundation

A final reshuffle from both sides and a flurry of goals saw the Headmaster’s VII emerge victorious with the final score 30-16. The match was played in great spirits with both sides congratulating each other on their performance. We look forward to next year’s game!

Festival in 2020 Given the high levels of support on the day and great participation across the ages from 17 to 70 plus, the event will definitely run again next September! If you enjoyed the day or have any thoughts on future alumni sports events please let us know by emailing: foundation@culford.co.uk

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OC and School Golfers in the clubhouse at Flempton.

CULFORD GOLF DAY 2019

“

The Culford Golf Day was an amazing experience. It was interesting to hear about how different Culford was when the OCs attended and how much it has changed over the years. On the other hand, it was also surprising just how much is still the same! It was one of the most fun rounds of golf I have played in a very long time and it was great to see all the OCs in high spirits and competitive mind-sets. I look forward to next year’s golf day and even the prospect of playing one as an Old Culfordian in the future.

Nihal Shah Our second annual Culford Golf Day kicked off with a warm welcome from Tony Dartnell the captain of our host club at Flempton. Once again we returned to the stunning nine-hole course nestled in the Suffolk countryside that so many associated with Culford know and love.

Nine Old Culfordians were joined by ten talented pupils, seven parents

”

and seven Flempton members to play Texas Scramble with a shot gun start. Teams of three were formed with one pupil, one OC, and one parent or Flempton member, with our Director of Golf and PGA Pro, Lawrence Dodd, joining each team for one hole. Assistant Head, Dave Watkin, and Sports Coach, Charlie Sadler, also took part in the game with their respective teams.

Tim Bonnett (1966-1973) and Chris Rout (1975-1979).

Texas Scramble allowed for a fun and inclusive game for players of all abilities, and also encouraged different generations of Culfordians to get to know each other over the course of eighteen holes. Luckily the teams beat the rain which arrived just as the players retired to the clubhouse for a well-deserved lunch.

With the scoreboard complete and the desserts consumed, the results were ready to be announced by Culford’s Prep School Headmaster, Mike Schofield. In third place were Henry Meadows (pupil), Richard Bryson (1970-1976), and Stuart Green (1963-1973) who each won a Titliest hat and a sleeve of Pro V1 golf balls. In second place came Nihal Shah (pupil), Stephen Challacombe (1958-1964 and Governor), and Tim Wilcox (parent) who each won a Titliest essentials backpack. The winning team was William Kibbler (pupil), Chris Rout (1975-1979), and Kevin Mason (member) who each won a Titliest carry bag.

Nearest the Pin 5th and 14th Hole – Richard Bryson (OC).

Nearest the Pin 9th and 18th Hole – Luke Green (pupil).

Longest Drive 4th and 13th – Tied Louis Clark (2004-2010) and Matt Chambers (parent).

Each player won two sleeves of Pro V1 golf balls. A special thanks to Kate Clark (OC parent) for being a top supporter on the day and to Edward Hirst (1990-2001) for travelling all the way from Norway.

To see more images of these events go to: culfordschool.shootproof.com/gallery/CulfordSchoolFoundation

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In June, the President’s XI took on Culford’s Invitational team in the annual cricket match played for the President’s Cup. This year the match held a particular poignancy owing to the recent death of Sir David Plastow (1946-1950). Sir David founded the match and gifted a beautiful silver Cup to the School after he retired as Chairman of Governors in 2004. Before the match began, the Headmaster said a few words to mark Sir David’s significant contribution to the Culford community and led a minute’s silence to reflect on his life.

President’s XI Culford’s winning team 2019.

Andrew Morgan (staff 1985-2006), our current President and former Deputy Head reported, “This year’s game was keenly contested and resulted in a narrow victory for the President’s XI. It was only their second win since the fixture was inaugurated. The President’s XI, batting first, got off to a flying start but they were later pegged back by some accurate School bowling. Their final total of 161 off 20 overs looked a competitive total. The School quickly fell behind the run-rate but a forceful innings by Jack Prior (pupil) brought them within sight of victory before a flurry of wickets saw the President’s XI victorious.

The man of the match award went to Jack Prior.”

2020 EVENTS 1980-1985 Reunion: 2 May Calling all the years of 1980 to 1985 for your joint reunion in May 2020.

Come back to Culford on Saturday 2 May to meet up with old friends and relive School memories. Big hair and shoulder pads not essential.

London Drinks: 5 March Always a fun and relaxed event, we will be taking our annual drinks reception back to The Lansdowne Club in Central London on Thursday 5 March.

Alumni Festival of Sport: 12 September On Saturday 12 September we will be holding our second Alumni Festival of Sport after the resounding success of the 2019 event.

This is an opportunity for alumni to come back to Culford to play pupils in games of hockey, tennis and netball whilst other sporting events happen throughout the day.

85 Years in the Park Thursday 24 September will see us celebrate the 85th anniversary of the East Anglian School moving from Northgate Street in Bury St Edmunds to Culford Hall in 1935.

Join us to celebrate with afternoon tea, music recitals and archive displays.

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PRESIDENT’S CRICKET

Last year, a small archive volunteer team of Susanne Kohl (1949-1957), Bron Recknell (Teacher and former Housemistress) and Jo Johnson-Munday met in Big Hartley most Wednesday afternoons in term time.

It is dusty work full of surprises and distractions as we discover old photograph albums, from School trips to Europe shortly after the War ended, through to more recent collections capturing House activities, School productions and official events. We have unearthed

Jo Johnson-Munday and Susanne Kohl née Beckett (EAS 1949-1957).

Missing East Anglian School for Girls Magazines!

Ladies of the EAS, do you have any of your old School magazines lurking in a cupboard? We are missing a number of issues from the 1950s and 1960s and would love to complete our archive collection. If you have issues you are prepared to donate or allow us to copy please call 01284 385310 or email: foundation@culford.co.uk Thank you!

Victorian domes for taxidermy displays (empty), ancient projection equipment, Culford crested china and old test tubes. A copy of Rugby World from 1963 anyone?

We cannot keep it all but retain items that have a direct link to Culford, its people, the estate or the East Anglian Schools and do our best to organise them into some sensible order that is useful.

A house clearance company contacted us recently about an auction catalogue for Culford Hall and the surrounding estate from 1934, with a complete set of maps. It is a wonderful addition to the Archives as we only had partial records of this sale where everything sold, except for Culford Hall and the surrounding c.480 acres. This was the opportunity

that presented itself to Dr John Skinner (Headmaster 1924-1951) who persuaded the Revd Dr Herbert Brook Workman (1862-1951), a Governor and great Methodist ally, that the East Anglian School should buy the estate and move to Culford.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Digital Archives Update A significant gift from an anonymous donor, together with several other donations, has enabled us to commit more than £10,000 to our digital archives project during the past year.

We are gradually building an online library of the School magazines together with year group photographs and other memorabilia. The aim is to enable others within our community to have access in the future.

It uses optical character recognition (OCR) so is fully searchable, enabling easy research on, for example, family names.

Each text page costs £1 to scan, photographs cost considerably more; with recent editions of The Culfordian running to over 100 pages, it is easy to see how the costs quickly mount up. If you would like to know more, or to make an online donation, please visit: www.culford.co.uk/ archiveproject or contact the team on 01284 385310.

YOUR DATA AND CONTACT PREFERENCES The Foundation has the twin aims of friendraising and fundraising for Culford School. Our community is very important to us and we are committed to protecting your personal information, using it in accordance with data protection laws and not doing anything with it that you would not reasonably expect.

We use your data to offer you access to our events, reunions and publications and to provide information about fundraising for the benefit of the School, as well as services such as networking, careers help and archive resources. We process your data based on your pre-existing relationship with Culford or the East Anglian Schools, which establishes a legitimate interest in our sharing with you news of developments at Culford, our fundraising programme generally, and the social and networking opportunities that we offer our community. We may contact you by post, email, telephone and social media where you have chosen to do so. However, you retain the right not to receive any or all of these communications at any time. To update your contact preferences, please email: foundation@culford.co.uk or contact us at the address or telephone number on the inside front cover. Our full privacy notice may be read here: www.culford.co.uk/Foundation-Privacy-Notice-18

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Archive Curiosities

THE CULFORD & EAS ARCHIVES