Eastbourne College - OE Magazine 2023 by EastbourneCollegeCharity

Old Eastbournian 2023

The Journal of The E astbournian Societ y

www.eastbourniansociety.org

Unearth a new passion open events and toUrs available Unlock their extraordinary standrewsprep.co.uk

Dates for your diary New Eastbournian Society events are regularly added to our events list at www. eastbourniansociety.org/events. Below is a list of events that are planned at the time of publication, but please check the website for the latest details or call us on 01323 451911. Events are at the College unless otherwise indicated. Wed 21 Feb Talk: Is cryptocurrency worth its weight in gold? Tue 22 Feb Theatre trip: The Motive and the Cue Noel Coward Theatre, London Tue 27 Feb ES Sydney drinks reception Cranbrook School, Bellevue Hill, Sydney Fri 1 Mar Futures convention Fri 8 Mar ES Sydney dinner Bentley Restaurant, 27 O'Connell Street, Sydney

Sat 16 Mar Annual quiz and dinner

Sun 2 Jun Cricket: Lashings World XI v College XI see advert on page 97

Fri 6 Sep Eastbournian Society annual dinner The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne

Sat 8 Jun Tour and reception for grandparents

Sat 7 Sep Old Eastbournian reunion day

Sat 15 Jun Foundation Day for benefactors and Devonshire Society members Wed 19 Jun Dinner: Debating Society celebrates 100 years

Thu 28 Mar Theatre trip: Opening Night Gielgud Theatre, London

Thu 20 Jun Cricket: 1st XI v MCC and evening cricket drinks

Sat 27 Apr South African wine tasting Wed 1 May Talk: Is the planet worth saving? Sun 19 May Cricketer Cup: OECC v Charterhouse Friars Mon 20 May Over-60s Lunch St George’s Hill Club, Weybridge

Sat 29 Jun ES reception at Speech Day Wed 10 Jul Theatre trip: Hello, Dolly! London Palladium Thu 11 Jul The annual Foundation Golf Challenge Royal Eastbourne GC

Sat 21 Sep London guided walk Venue tbc Thu 17 Oct London pub social Venue tbc Sun 20 Oct Army Benevolent Fund curry lunch Thu 7 Nov Eastbourne pub social The Dolphin, South Street Sun 10 Nov Act of Remembrance reception Thu 12 Dec Carol service All Saints’ Church, Eastbourne Wed 25 Dec Christmas Day service College Chapel

the Over-60s

lunch Monday 20 May 2024 12.30pm

St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club, Warreners Lane, Weybridge KT13 0LL The guest speaker is still to be confirmed but will be announced in our events emails and on the ES website.

The lunch is an opportunity for all senior OEs (who are encouraged also to bring partners) to meet for a convivial meal which has become firmly established as a popular annual event.

• The club offers opportunities for swimming and tennis in the morning to help you build up an appetite for lunch! • The meal costs £60 per person and includes a drink on arrival, three-course lunch with wine, followed by coffee. You can book your place(s) online at https://eastbourniansociety.org/events Or call us on 01323 451911 or send an email to es@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Eastbournian Society merchandise We have a range of Eastbournian Society merchandise and clothing available to buy.

How to order Please contact us on 01323 452316 or at es@eastbourne-college.co.uk to place your order and to check the cost of postage and packing.

OE lapel pin Enamelled round (18mm) in OE colours £4

Panama hatband In OE colours with Velcro fastening £15 Bow tie Silk, in OE colours £23

Scarf Pure wool in OE colours £18

Cummerbund Pure silk in OE colours £15

Sweatshirts and hoodies Navy cotton with embroidered College crest Sweatshirt £35 Regular hoodie £35 Cross-neck hoodie £35

Eastbournian Society notebook Hard cover with College crest. 80 lined pages (160 sides). With Eastbournian Society branded pen in elastic pen holder, elastic closing band, ribbon bookmark and pocket inside back cover £10

Notelets Pack of eight notelets with envelopes in four designs showing the College in spring, summer, autumn and winter £8

Stag tie Navy blue with Stag’s head motif Silk £24 Polyester £15

OE striped tie In OEA colours with maroon, white and crimson stripes Silk £24 Polyester £15

Waistcoat Pure silk in OE colours £30

Key ring With College crest £5

Cufflinks Torpedo fitting, OE colours, in gift box £24

OE umbrella Maroon and cream with ‘Old Eastbournian Association’ lettering £15

Eastbourne College prints Showing Eastbourne College through the four seasons, these prints have been designed by Tabitha Mary (www.tabithamary.co.uk). Available in A3 or A4 size, framed or unframed. Individual print costs A3 unframed £12 A3 framed £35 A4 unframed £10 A4 framed £25

Blazer buttons Large and small sizes with College crest design £4 each

Leather journal/sketchbook Hand-bound with leather cover, embossed with College crest. 60 pages (120 sides) of highquality paper. A5 size, available as portrait or landscape in black, brown or navy blue £34

The Old Eastbournian 2023 Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine, the journal of the Eastbournian Society.

ou may have noticed the hot-air balloon on the cover, symbolic of the forthcoming launch of our Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal, which is introduced on page 9. Examples of how donations to bursary funds have transformed young lives are shown on pages 11 to 15, which consist of extracts from our recent impact report, The Difference You Make. You will hear a lot more about the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal over the coming months as we gear up for our first-ever Charity Giving Day. Please do get involved and see pages 16–17 for how you too can make a difference. Elsewhere in this issue we review events that have taken place over the past year, look back with our popular archives features, celebrate the College’s achievements in 2022–23, report on your news and pay tribute to those Old Eastbournians, staff and others from our community who are no longer with us. As you will see, it has been another jam-packed year and we have seen some changes to the Eastbournian Society team. In May we were joined by Kim Richardson as our new events organiser. She hit the ground running, taking on a whole series of summer events in her first few weeks and has had a similarly busy schedule since then. She is keeping the events page on our website (www. eastbourniansociety.org) regularly topped up with all the latest entries in our social calendar. Liz Silvester joined the team in early June in the newly created position of development officer. Liz has a fundraising background, having worked at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne for eight years. She has been developing the strategy for the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal and is looking after our legacy club, the Devonshire Society – if you would like to leave a gift to the Charity in your will, do get in touch with Liz: LMSilvester@eastbourne-college.co.uk. We were sad in October when Jayne Caines said that she would be leaving us but, luckily for the Charity, she has not gone far – just up the road to St Andrew’s where she has taken on reception duties. Jayne was with us for a short time but made a big impact, for which we are very grateful. With Jayne’s departure, we welcomed back a familiar face; Helen Medlycott re-joined the team in November to take on the administrator role. The other members of the team are still going strong: John Thornley organises our talks, walks and theatre trips, and David Blake keeps the database up to date and puts this magazine together with the help of Paul Jordan, the College archivist, who also deals with numerous historical queries. I am incredibly grateful to all of the team who help make the Eastbournian Society the wonderful supportive community that it is. If you would like to pop in to see us or have a look round the College, please do get in touch so that we can arrange a convenient time. Our contact details can be found on page 120. Thank you all for your continued interest in the Charity, we are very grateful for your generous support in so many ways and look forward to the exciting times ahead. Emma

We welcome contributions to the magazine, whether items of news, recollections, obituaries, reports of social gatherings and reunions, or longer articles which may be of interest to our readers. Photographs are welcome too. Please do get in touch with us at es@eastbourne-college.co.uk if you would like to submit something and we can advise on the length of the article.

The ES team: Kim, David, Liz, JT, Helen and Emma

The Old Eastbournian 2023 was compiled and edited by David Blake. Editorial contributions are credited in the magazine. Design: Martin Bannon (martinbannon.design@hotmail. co.uk). Printed and distributed by Lavenham Press (https://www.lavenhampress.com). Cover design from an original concept by Tabitha Mary (https://www.tabithamary.co.uk)

Contents Contents and Editorial

Social Events in 2023

Report by The Chairman of Governors

A Message from The Headmaster

Foundation and Development Focus

The Difference You Make Philanthropy at Eastbourne College The Peter Bibby Award The Richard Holliday Award The Bernard Drake Award The Difference at St Andrew’s Prep Nicholas Banton’s Legacy Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Back to the Future(s)

Making Connections

Tales of Two Coronations

The Annual Dinner was a Grand Affair

Oar’s Well That Ends Well

The Over-60s Lunch

A Life Well Lived and a Lesson Well Learnt

Notes from The Archives

Our Readers Write…

We Are the Devonshire Society

Foundation Day

Flying from Dance Halls to Yalta

The SAS and a Secret War

Old Eastbournian Lodge

The Arnold Embellishers

The 2023 Reunion

ES and OE Get-togethers

International Women's Day

Write Your Will For Free

75 Years of the CCF

2022–23 College Highlights

Scholarships and Awards

Prize Winners 2023

The Class of 2023

News from Our Members

MCC Match and The Cricket Dinner

OE Fives

OE Golf Society

The Foundation Golf Challenge

100

The All Blacks

101

Obituaries

102

Eastbournian Society Contacts

120

OE Representatives Worldwide

120

Eastbournian Society Committee and AGM

122

The Eastbournian Society Sports Club

122

Old Eastbournian

Social events in 2023 Meads, an educational heartland

A round-up of Eastbournian Society events The Eastbournian Society organises a programme of social and cultural trips, talks and walks. All ES members are welcome to come along to these events, which are advertised on the ES website and in our regular email newsletters.

On Thursday 23 February Chris Neighbour spoke about the history of schools in Meads from the late 1800s to just after the Second World War. There was a bumper turnout for the talk in the Jennifer Winn Auditorium.

Quiz night The ES annual quiz and curry dinner was held on Saturday 18 March and, in the words of quizmaster John Thornley; ‘didn't descend into its usual chaos…’ Over 200 questions were asked and the winning team were the Pickwicks on 169 points, closely followed by the Buddy Holleys on 166.

Oklahoma! Our first theatre trip of the year was to Wyndham’s Theatre on Wednesday 29 March to see Oklahoma! The contemporary reimagining of this classic musical was not to everybody’s taste, but it was certainly an experience! Some of our group are pictured here in the stalls.

Backstage at the National Theatre A slightly different theatre trip was a behind-thescenes tour of the National Theatre on Saturday 27 May. One of our group was James Harris, the son of architect Christopher Harris (Reeves 1948–51), who died in 2022. Christopher had helped design the complex, being particularly tasked with the design and detail of the internal fittings and finishes in the Lyttelton Theatre. James (pictured second from right) said: ‘It was a great honour to visit the National Theatre with the Eastbournian Society group in my dad’s memory; it reminded me of many happy times.’

My Journey and an Arctic Fox College teacher and OE Pete Fellows told a fascinating story about how his thirst for adventure was quenched by his trip to the Arctic, and how it became so much more. Some 40 people came along for the talk on Wednesday 3 May to hear Pete’s tale of his journey to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, a highlight of which was an encounter with an Arctic fox.

42nd Street Sadler’s Wells Theatre was the venue for the latest production of 42nd Street, which ES members went to see on Thursday 15 June. In the cast was Old Eastbournian Michael Praed (Gonville 1973–78) and our group had a chance to meet him backstage after the show. More about this and a photo are on page 52. 2

Grandparents visit the College On Saturday 17 June some 50 families were represented at the annual event where grandparents of current pupils are invited to have a tour of the school. They are pictured here in the Warren Atrium where they had a chance to meet Headmaster Tom Lawson and Development Director Emma Garrett.

Speech Day

Crazy For You

Despite the windy weather on Speech Day, Saturday 1 July, we managed to hold on to the books and merchandise we had on display on the ES stall in front of the pavilion, and even managed to serve a few glasses of fizz to passers-by.

The romantic comedy musical Crazy For You at the Gillian Lynne Theatre was the next theatre trip on Wednesday 13 September – who could ask for anything more?

London walk Some 30 ES members joined the annual London walk on Saturday 23 September, the 23rd such walk we have done in 21 years. Starting at Battersea Power Station, the group, led by expert guides from the London Walks Company, strolled alongside the Thames to Westminster, followed by a convivial lunch at an Italian restaurant on Victoria Street.

The ABF curry lunch

Remembrance Day The College's annual Remembrance Day commemorations took place on Sunday 12 November. Following the service in the College Chapel, cadets paraded on College Field as part of the Act of Remembrance. Guests were then invited to the Warren Atrium for a short reception with refreshments, hosted by the Eastbournian Society.

On Sunday 22 October we helped to host the second curry lunch with and in support of ABF - The Soldiers’ Charity. CCF cadets provided valuable help and an impressive military presence throughout the meal. With professional auctioneer Roger Dakin on hand, and raffle prizes galore, the event was able to make contributions to the ABF and also to the Eastbourne College Bursaries Fund. Our thanks go to Keith and Rosemary Ross who organised the event.

Sweeney Todd We hosted a reception on Friday 8 December for OEs, parents and others in the creative arts, who were there to enjoy the College production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd.

Carol service The College’s Christmas carol service was held at All Saints’ Church on Thursday 14 December, and we were delighted to provide mince pies and mulled wine afterwards in the Warren Atrium. 3

Old Eastbournian

Report by the Chairman of Governors

Philip, third from left at the front, with fellow governors at a strategy meeting in November 2023

am pleased to introduce the Charity’s Annual Report describing the activities of our two schools, Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep, over the year. Everything we do as a charity is for the benefit of those we educate. We proudly devote much of the Annual Report to setting out the achievements of over 1,000 pupils from nursery to A-Levels. I congratulate the pupils in Years 11 and 13 at the College who collectively achieved the best performances, outside of the pandemic years, in GCSEs since 2017 and in A-Levels since 2016. Our pupils’ significant outperformance at A-Level compared to national averages has improved further this year. At St Andrew’s Prep, our Year 8 leavers collected a very impressive 23 scholarships and awards at their senior schools, the great majority at the College. The strength and depth of the Charity’s co-curricular programme continues to develop and to provide opportunities for all pupils. More than 90 per cent of College pupils and School pupils in Years 3 and above were involved in at least one of over 200 sports teams. Pupils took part in national finals across ten different sports. More than one-third of pupils across the Charity learn a musical instrument. The College CCF remains one of the largest outside military schools and the College is the largest centre in Sussex for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The Charity plays an important role in the Coastal Schools Partnership (CSP), an organisation that brings together the maintained and independent schools in Eastbourne and the surrounding area. The Annual Report describes the CSP’s activities. I am particularly proud of the Maths homework club run by some of our Year 12 pupils for Willingdon Community School. Our pupils provided 1:1 support to 14 Year 11 pupils from Willingdon, 12 of whom saw an improvement over their predicted grades, with ten achieving Grade 7–9. The Charity’s fee income benefitted from the growth in pupil numbers and our external lettings programme returned to prepandemic levels. With good control of costs, the Charity made an overall operating surplus of £2,256k, an improvement of £832k over the previous year. Operating surplus is our result before interest and depreciation and, at 8.1 per cent, more than meets our target for surplus generation. This is an encouraging result after a number of years where our performance was adversely affected by the pandemic. The operating surplus is wholly invested in the Charity for the benefit of our pupils. In recent years, it has allowed us to build the Goodwin Sports Hall at St Andrew’s Prep and the Nugee and Winn Buildings at the College. We expect that future capital expenditure will be funded from surplus generation. Thanks to the very close attention our senior leadership team has paid to managing our costs, the Charity has maintained its finan4

Each year the governors approve the Charity’s annual report when they meet in December. The report sets out the charity’s financial performance and the many achievements of College and St Andrew’s Prep pupils. My introduction as chair follows and the full report is available on the College’s website at https://www.eastbourne-college. co.uk/about-us/structure-of-the-school/ Most importantly, our pupils are thriving in all areas of College life. Our financial performance has returned to pre-pandemic levels – the key to financing the future of the Charity. However, independent schools face political uncertainty, given Labour party policy, as I discuss in my report. Please get in touch with me via the Eastbournian Society office at es@eastbourne-college.co.uk if you would like to know more about what the College is doing or how you can support us.

cial resilience. Current levels of inflation bring pressures on our operating costs, and we are very much aware of the pressures that are also faced by our parents. Our education continues to be in demand: the 2023–24 academic year started with 995 pupils across all ages in the two schools. We appear to be benefitting from the appreciation, enhanced during the pandemic, of the quality of our provision. The Annual Report sets out our progress in achieving the objectives of our 2018–23 strategic plan in its final year as we aim to deliver the best for our pupils. Our strategic plan for 2023–28 has been approved: building on what has been achieved, it is designed to be flexible in the face of political uncertainty. Labour Party policy is to end business rate relief for schools that are charities and to remove the exemption from VAT on the school fees charged by independent schools. Were this policy to become law, the Charity would be required to apply VAT to its fees paid by parents. We anticipate the Charity would also be able to reclaim the VAT on its inputs that is currently irrecoverable. None-the-less, the cost to parents of educating their children at the Charity’s schools will increase significantly. Governors have devoted considerable time to considering the effects these proposals would have on our activities; although, in the absence of detail, this requires making assumptions about how the policy will be effected by a future government. The College was established in 1867 ‘to provide a general education of the highest class’. Both schools strive to live up to that founding principle. We want to increase our ability to provide support to those pupils whose parents cannot afford our full fees. Our long-term target is to increase our restricted and endowed funds from £10m currently to £30m. During the year 163 pupils, 17 per cent of the total, received some assistance with their fees through means-tested bursaries. The Governors greatly appreciate the support of a number of trusts and individuals who, in addition, contribute to the fees of ten current pupils. We also value the commitment of our Devonshire Society members who have promised to support the Charity in their wills. On behalf of the Governors, I thank Tom Lawson and Tom Gregory, our two Heads, Abbey Gough, our Chief Operating Officer, and the almost 450 staff who teach at and support the two schools. I also thank all those who continue to support our fundraising. Without them all we would not be able to provide the education we do. Finally, I thank our parents for supporting the Charity and entrusting the education of their children to us. Philip Broadley 11 December 2023

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A message from the headmaster

ractal geometr y, as I understand it, is where going deeper into the detail finds you discovering more detail, and yet more as you go deeper, and so on. Preparing to write to you about the College has something of that dizzying complexity. At the broadest level, the school is in excellent heart. As one strolls along Old Wish Road or along the side of College Field, you pass pupils laughing, jostling, hugging and smiling. It does remind me to ask you to arrange a visit when you have the opportunity to do so. Not only can you check in with the Eastbournian Society and be sure of a welcome there, but you can share the infectious joy of the young people here as you go around. Over the last year, we have won several awards and been shor tlisted for others. As a finalist for the Times Educational Supplement Boarding School of the Year we were praised for the quality of our pastoral care and we achieved the Wellbeing Award for the way we listen and respond to the needs of our young people. As one of the few schools in the country with the platinum Artsmark from the Arts Council, we can celebrate the quality of our music, drama, art, dance and more. And this is where the detail can get confusing: what should I pick out to tell you about given the myriad activity that goes on throughout very busy terms? Seeing one of our boys win the Royal Opera House design challenge for the dress he designed is an unusual highlight, I would suggest. The quality of our choir (and the decorum of our congregation) when we were chosen to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the CCF at the RAF church, St Clement Danes is another wonderful memory. Musical performances coordinated by houses include the unison singing competition, a cappella competition, house and charity revues. It also says something about the morale of staff room and the wonderful spirit among the teachers that we discovered our new head of maths, Robert Breslin, was a fantastic blues singer to front the staff band! Bringing to the arts scene some newer skills, this year we have founded EBCTV – our own television and radio programme-making group. Surviving School premiered in summer 2023 and our podcast version of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was released this November. We had recognition for our games programme too, in the form of a national award for sports innovation. The judges were

hugely impressed with our focus on the inner game and spor ts psychology with the Mind Gym and the way we encourage use of our seaside location with our Blue Health philosophy. But alongside these highfalutin concepts, we continue to excel in our traditional games with some excelle nt r ugby r esul t s , continued top-tier hockey achievement and our girls’ tennis teams being the best in Sussex and in the national top few (the boys are catching up with some great tennis being played too!) We are the first of the country’s top cricket schools to appoint a female director of cricket. Matilda Callaghan (with the perfect initials MCC) has made an immediate impact guiding the boys to a win in the County T20 competition and has been a role model to inspire the take up of girls cricket. Our golfers are in the top ten nationally, we are encouraging the fives pipeline from St Andrew’s Prep and netball, equestrian, fencing, badminton and basketball are all thriving. You can see how I get confused by the detail – there will be something important I have missed out – but that just goes to show how our boys and girls cleave to the Eastbournian tradition of enthusiastic participation and competitive spirit. With a substantial rise in the positive gap between our A-level results and the national average in 2023, the sixth formers have not forgotten the importance of their books and I remain immensely proud of their hard work. It is increasingly difficult to gain entry to Oxford and Cambridge – these universities are ever more determined not to take too many from private schools – but we still have notable successes, as we do with other very competitive universities and courses such as medicine. More subtly, we are thinking about the pupils’ futures in an age of AI and uncertainty, knowing that the ‘soft skills’ developed at school will be of increasing importance. So many OEs contribute to the Futures Fair, an opportunity for our pupils to meet people from an extraordinary range of careers, and we share this resource with the children from our local state schools. All in all, I am happy when we have a happy school. And we do: busy, successful, good-natured pupils surround me flourishing at this wonderful College. Tom Lawson, Headmaster

Foundation and Development Focus

ast year, in this magazine, I expressed my determination to expand our bursary fundraising efforts, giving every member of our community the oppor tunity to contribute to supporting education for young people from all backgrounds. As the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal begins to take shape, our goal of making education accessible to a broad cross-section of society remains unwavering. We aim to nurture and empower children in order to unlock their potential. We know, without any doubt, that a bursary, awarded based on financial need and individual merit, serves as a lifeline for passionate learners. Our ambitious target is to establish a £30m endowment for bursaries, the income from which could fully fund 40 100% day pupil places at any one time. Having completed the Project 150 development appeal five years ago, which focused on infrastructure, we now aim to increase access to our excellent facilities to children from all walks of life. Our fundraising ambitions are significant, but exciting; individual efforts collectively contributing to transforming young lives. We are delighted to share stories of how our supporters' generosity has brought joy and lifechanging opportunities to young people in the following pages. Pupils like Florence Assetto, a bursary recipient of the Richard Holliday Award, who exemplifies the impact a transformational bursary can have. Florence is now studying law at Cambridge after thriving in the sixth form at Eastbourne College. Bursaries are crucial for levelling the playing field, providing all students, regardless of financial background, the chance to succeed. We welcome your support in any number of ways including making one-off donations, joining our legacy club, regular giving, corporate sponsorship and pledging match-funding gifts. It is of course, also incredibly valuable to have your support in attending events, spreading awareness, volunteering your time, or encouraging corporations you are linked to to get involved. Through our Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal we are determined to increase access to education at Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep. Your continued support, along with that of the Eastbournian Society committee, governors, staff, our generous benefactors and the wider community strengthens our collective impact. Thank you Emma Garrett, Development Director

The Difference You Make In December we produced a report entitled The Difference You Make to show the impact that donations have made to the lives of young people who have received bursaries, and we have included extracts from it in the following pages. You can read the full report at http://bit.ly/ESimpact-report

A message from Philip Broadley, Chairman of Governors Philip introduced the report and part of what he wrote is included here.

hose of you who have visited St Andrew’s Prep or Eastbourne College in recent years will know that the charity is thriving and word of what we are doing spreads, whether measured in awards, independent reviews, or the numbers of prospective families attending open days. Importantly, both schools maintain pupil numbers, despite the pressures brought about by the return of high inflation and political uncertainty. Our founders set out to provide an all-round education of the highest standard for the local area. At the centenary celebrations of the College, the then headmaster, Michael Birley, talked about the importance of being open to all, and today’s governors are determined to remain true to these principles.

Philip Broadley with Leander and Justin

For the last ten years I have supported the fees of one or two sixth formers each year in memory of my parents, to whom I owe a great deal for the sacrifices they made to send me the College half a century ago. I have no doubt that my Eastbourne education enabled me to succeed in my chosen career. It gives me great pleasure to support the next generation, watching them grow and thrive while at the College and beyond. Indeed, latest leavers Justin and Leander are already starting to fulfil their plans. Many of you have supported us in the past. Many of you have told us that you will be able to support us in the future. The question I must ask is whether you able to do something extraordinary right now and support our bursary appeal today.

Old Eastbournian

Philanthropy at Eastbourne The spirit of philanthropy has played a vital role in the growth and development of Eastbourne College Incorporated

ifts from our founders and benefactors continue to benefit each new generation of pupils, improving the schools’ facilities and ensuring that pupils have access to state-of-the-art resources and a conducive learning environment. Philanthropy has also enabled us to offer places to children who may not otherwise be able to come to our schools. Through gifts from our benefactors, we can extend our provision to a wide range of young people, fostering curiosity, open-mindedness, and a thirst for knowledge. As a result, our pupils strive for academic excellence while being encouraged to find inspiration in every aspect of their education. They are the leaders of the future. We are so grateful for all that has been achieved over the years and are proud that the spirit of philanthropy continues to be a guiding force, ensuring that we will improve and grow for future generations.

These are just some of the generous benefactors who have given to the College Herbert Reeves (School 1879–81) After the First World War, Herbert became the College’s solicitor and was later Vice President of the College Council. His many gifts amounted to almost £40,000 and Reeves House, named in his honour, opened in 1947. Arthur Nugent (Wargrave 1891–98) A house prefect and a member of the cricket 1st XI in 1897, Arthur bequeathed his residuary estate of more than £20,000 ‘in memory of happy days at the school’. This enabled the purchase of Nugent House. Stanley Langhorne Powell Stanley lived and worked in London but bought 22 Grange Road, then known as Cravenhurst, as a holiday home. He later donated it to the College, and it was named Powell House in 1936.

Peter Homburger (School 1942–47) Peter and his brothers, Walter and Wolf, escaped Nazi Germany in 1939 through the Kindertransport and found refuge at the College. A loyal supporter of the College, he left a generous legacy to the bursaries fund after his death in 2021. John Klyberg (Gonville 1945–50) Following studies to become a chartered surveyor, John completed his national service before entering the church. He was a loyal supporter of the College and left his estate for bursary funding. Trevor Pescud (Powell 1945–50) Head of house with a love of tennis, which he enjoyed playing all his life, Trevor died in 2015. His wish was that his legacy should fund a talented girl pupil who is good at tennis, and so the Trevor Pescud Tennis Bursary was set up.

James Groves (Pennell 1949–54) James ‘Jim’ died on 11 May 2017. After national service in the Royal Artillery in Germany, Jim spent his working life in the hotel and catering industry. As a member of the Devonshire Society his bequest to the College is used to fund the Sevorg Scholarship – Sevorg being ‘Groves’ spelt backwards. Richard Holliday (Pennell 1952–58) Soon after arriving at the College, Richard broke his back and was always so grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to him by his housemaster and his wife, Kenneth and Peggy Hindley. His legacy funds the Richard Holliday Scholarship; see page 12. David Winn (School 1954–59) A governor and Chair of the OEA, David was instrumental in launching the fundraising after the Big School fire in November 1981. He was a major contributor to P150, with the Winn building named in his honour, and the Denso scholarship set up with his legacy.

‘No one has ever become poor by giving’ Anne Frank 10

The difference to ME How the Peter Bibby Award has transformed the life of Joe Pocklington (Craig 2014–19)

Golf Day winning team 2022. L to R: Joe Pocklington, Ben Twine (Craig 2013–17), Director of Sport Mike Harrison, Harry Finch (Craig 2011–13) and Mirren Mace. The OEs were all Peter Bibby Award holders.

The earliest I remember playing cricket was about the age of eight but I loved all sports really. I was at a state secondary school in Eastbourne, for Years 7 and 8, and was doing well there. Rob Ferley, the then Director of Cricket at the College, hosted a day of cricket at my school and from there I was invited down to the College to join in training sessions. It was Mr Ferley who put me forward as a potential Peter Bibby recipient. I knew the recipients before me – Harry Finch and Ben Twine – had done so well and I wanted to make the most of my time at the College.’ Joe’s mother, Sue said ‘We would have considered Eastbourne College sixth form for Joe, but he was getting on well at his state school; he was strong academically, so we weren’t sure. Obviously, we were delighted when Joe was offered his place and a partial bursary, and, once at the school, Joe’s competitive side came out. He was really pushed and encouraged, not just in the sports environment, but academically, too. We noticed that from the off, from Year 9.’ Joe said: ‘I have just graduated from Leeds University with a 2:1 in economics and politics in the summer and started my masters in ecological economics – also at Leeds. I have been to Australia and played some great cricket in Sydney and am hoping to go back after my masters. I would love to pursue a career in professional cricket, and I am sure it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t gone to Eastbourne. ‘If I could have met Peter Bibby, I would have thanked him for spreading his love of cricket; it would have been great to have chatted to him. I will do all I can to make the most of the fantastic opportunities I was given at the College.’

Mirren Mace, Peter Bibby’s daughter

Joe playing cricket at the College

‘When we set up the Peter Bibby Bursary after my father’s death in 2009, it was with the intention of finding a candidate who was not only a talented local cricketer but, more than that, a young person who would embody the values that my father held so dear. In Joe, and in our other bursary recipients, we found exceptional people who, along with their talent and passion for cricket, consistently demonstrated integrity, perseverance, and a dedication to being the best possible version of themselves. ‘For me and my family, it’s hard to articulate how much it means to see these exceptional young people flourish. To have so positive a legacy following the sadness of losing my father too soon, has helped us as a family immeasurably. My dad would be beyond proud of Harry, Ben, Joe and Tom and it’s my dearest wish that we will be able to continue to support other young people in the future.’

Could you help someone like Joe realise their full potential? 11

Old Eastbournian

The difference to ME How the Richard Holliday Award has transformed the life of Florence Assetto (Blackwater 2021-23)

‘The award contributed to my fees for the sixth form – it was amazing’

lorence and her family live in East Sussex and Florence attended a local secondary school before coming to Eastbourne College...

‘My school didn’t have a sixth form, so I needed to find somewhere suitable. I heard about Eastbourne College, and thought it sounded perfect, but I knew my parents couldn’t afford the fees. I also heard that sometimes through very generous donations, people like me do get into the school which made me determined to apply. I was lucky enough to be given the Richard Holliday Award funded by money left to the school by a former pupil. The award contributed to my fees for the sixth form – it was amazing, and I wanted to give back by working as hard as I could.’ Florence’s mother, Dorothy, said: ‘There is no doubt Florence was a hard worker anyway, but the days at the College were long and Florence had an hour-long bus journey either end of that. She settled in quickly, though, and I could see how she flourished at the College.’ Florence added: ‘I absolutely loved my time there; I was chosen for the award as I play violin and was interested in, and good at, maths. But there was so much more on offer at Eastbourne, and I did it all. The PE facilities are amazing. ‘If I could speak to Richard, I would ask him about his time at the College; it must have worked well for him here to want to leave money to help someone else. My time at Eastbourne was great: I ended up with two As and two A*s at A level and am going to read law at Cambridge. This wouldn’t have been possible without the award and I am so grateful for that.’

Andrew Holliday, Richard’s son ‘My father died in 2018 and left a lot of money to the school. He really appreciated the support he received at Eastbourne; he broke his back very early on and rather than the school sending my father home, his housemaster and his wife really looked after him and helped him through such Richard Holliday a difficult time. (Pennell 1952–58) ‘When he left the money to the College, I knew that he wanted it to benefit people who would not otherwise have the chance to attend a fee-paying school. He would have been very proud, and you get a warm glow, don’t you – knowing that you are doing good for someone else?’

Our Blue Sky Bursaries will provide transformational assistance to 40 pupils at any one time

Would you help to transform a life like Florence’s?

The difference to ME How the Bernard Drake Award has transformed the life of Matt Ginno (Reeves 2012–14)

Matt was a beneficiary of the Bernard Drake Award set up by Douglas Fergusson (Old Aschamian and Blackwater 1966–70). Matt is still so grateful for his time at Eastbourne

Douglas Fergusson

‘Seeing their progress has been a joy and a privilege’

I hope my story will reinforce what an incredible impact strangers can have on your life. Just over 10 years ago, I was a scrawny lad aspiring to musical greatness and it was through the generosity of a man I had never met that I was offered a bursary to Eastbourne College. The teaching staff recognised my potential, nurtured my talents and instilled in me the belief that I could achieve whatever I put my mind to. I embraced all that was on offer and was fortunate to be appointed Head of School. ‘Without a bursary my parents would not have been able to send me to Eastbourne. And so, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I say THANK YOU for everything people like you do to support people like me. It’s amazing to think that in the decade since I was at the school, gifts from generous supporters like yourselves have sponsored over 200 pupils. I know the schools have plans to increase access to these lifechanging bursaries so that they can give more young people, like me, such an amazing education. ‘I sign off by sharing with you that this year I performed at Glastonbury – my guiding ambition since I was very young. People like you made that happen. Thank you so very much.’

circumstances precluded that. Accordingly, I decided to establish a bursary scheme to fund deserving candidates from the local community for their sixth form years. Bernard Drake was an inspirational teacher for me at school and I wanted to honour him, by setting up this award in his name. ‘These pupils have not only excelled academically but made significant other contributions to the College and its community. Seeing the progress of these outstanding young people has been both a joy and a privilege... delightful people with whom I keep in touch. Nothing can compare with the pleasure I derive from this scheme.’

Can you help more young people like Matt excel at our schools?

Douglas Fergusson ‘Reflecting on my time at the College, I realised what a privilege I had been given to be involved in an institution providing excellence academically, in sport and in numerous other activities. I realised that there are many who would benefit from and contribute to the College but whose

Would you consider in-life giving like Douglas? 13

Old Eastbournian

The difference at St Andrew’s Prep Our thanks to all those benefactors who have made the major developments at the school possible over the last few years

ith a nursery, pre-prep and prep school, St Andrew’s Prep is committed to giving all children, from the age of nine months to 13, the happiest of starts in a warm and friendly environment. While the staff provide a firm academic grounding across the curriculum inside and outside the classroom, modern facilities are so important, too. There is no doubt that we would not have been able to make such improvements without the support of our key benefactors, who include: Keith Anderson, Neville Burston, Jack Durlacher, the Richardson family, the Vestey family, the Wainwright family, and Faith Banton who shared one of her husband’s school stories, opposite.

The facilities include: 2016 The opening of the Goodwin Sports Hall by paralympian and broadcaster, Tanni Grey-Thompson. 2018 The opening of the refurbished pavilion. Money was raised via FoSA, see below, and by the previous headmaster, Gareth Jones, taking on an epic daily swim.

was converted into the wellbeing hub, renamed the Snug. 2023 The library was moved to the old playroom and the new library was opened by Catherine Johnson. 2023 Tied in with the movement of the library was the creation of the learning hub in the former library space.

2021 Conversion of the school shop into the wellbeing hub. When school uniform purchase went online, the freed-up space

FoSA has helped pay for: • Library bookcases and furniture • Fives court improvements • Floodlights • Sports equipment • Play area • Sandpit for Pre-Prep

Friends of St Andrew’s St Andrew’s Prep is lucky to have a very active parent association, the Friends of St Andrew’s (FoSA) who organise fundraising events throughout the school year. The year group representatives on the Friends

Committee also arrange informal get-togethers from time to time with the parents in their year groups. You can contact FoSA on friends@standrewsprep.co.uk

Thank you so much to FoSA

Nicholas Banton’s legacy

Nicholas Banton in his final term (4th from the right)

icholas was a boarder at St Andrew’s Prep from 1933–38 and remembered his time at the school very fondly. He often recounted tales of his school life to his great nieces and great nephews, adding to each a little lesson learned. They were collected by his widow, Faith and made into a book after his death in 2021. Faith gave her permission for us to share one of those stories.

We are so grateful to Nicholas Banton and his widow, Faith, who have donated to St Andrew’s Prep

safe arrival of his tuck box. He and Nanny Rogers had filled that tuck box with all sorts of goodies and personal treasures. The tuck box even possessed its own special key. After a brief time in the chapel, Nicholas was led to the dorm which he would share with the other eight- and nine-year-old boys. As soon as he was guided to his bed, he grinned like a Cheshire cat, for lo and behold, at the foot of his cot was the tuck box. Throughout his life that tuck box travelled with him and, presently filled with toys, continues to spread its happiness.

A lesson learned

Faith Banton (Left) with emma Garrett, development director in Tim’s CAFÉ

The tuck box Nicholas arrived at St Andrew’s Prep in the spring of 1933. His brother, Dick, had been enrolled in the school several years earlier so, immediately upon arrival, Nicholas was dubbed Banton Two. Nicholas was neither scared nor homesick, a fact which the famous Headmaster ELB seriously would have doubted. However, Nicholas always insisted that his only concern was the

We learn to trust when people fulfil their promises. Nicholas was told his tuck box would be at the foot of his bed when he arrived, and it was. From that moment on, he knew St Andrew’s would be a very safe home. Over time, Nicholas learned that keeping his word was not only essential for building a strong character, but also in creating any authentic relationship. Nicholas left two Rolex watches to St Andrew’s, which were auctioned, and the money helped fund the refurbishment of the library. His legacy also supports talented pupils whose families would otherwise not be able to afford to send them to the school.

Can you help? If this story resonates with you, there are numerous ways you can support our bursaries appeal:

• Join our legacy club by leaving a gift in your will • Crowdfund a bursary with your prep school friends • Sponsor a pupil through the school

Old Eastbournian

PLEASE GIVE…

Coming soon... cross-charity Giving Days

hese whole-school community events will see everyone coming together to have fun and raise money over a 36-hour period, ensuring that our overseas supporters can participate, too. To prepare for the days, we are looking for some match-funding donations. Give money in advance of the days and, as different levels of fundraising

are achieved, so match-funding will be released, to double the donations. This money needs to be sourced in advance and is crucial to a successful Giving Day programme. If you, or your company or organisation, are interested in providing matchfunding, do contact Emma Garrett, see right.

How you can help A one-off gift

A single donation, whatever the size, can make a huge difference. You can donate via our website or scan the QR code opposite with your phone’s camera for an instant link.

Come for a cuppa Call Development Director, Emma Garrett on 01323 452308 or email ecbgarrett@ eastbourne-college.co.uk to find out more

There are many ways to give, and we would love to work with you to decide the right way for you: In-life giving

You can give a larger gift and sponsor a child through their prep school, or sixth form for instance. Experience the joy first-hand of seeing them grow and develop.

Crowdfund

Maybe the thought of donating with a group of friends appeals to you? Get together with your peers or members of the house you were in.

www.eastbourniansociety.org/fundraising/donation Registered Charity Number: 307071

AND UNLOCK THEIR EXTRAORDINARY

Our appeal

ur bursaries appeal has the ambitious aim of fully funding 40 places for day pupils at any one time. We are building an endowment of £30m, and the annual income generated from this will fund these places in perpetuity. It’s an amazing gift as you will have read from the stories featured on previous pages and it is something we invite you to be part of. With our targets set so high, we need your support to make it happen. We now have amazing facilities in place, can you help ensure that more young people benefit from them?

Regular giving Choose your amount and commit to giving on a regular basis, this could be monthly, termly, quarterly, or even annually – please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.

Corporate sponsorship

If your business is passionate about education and wants to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

Pledge a gift to our Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal Giving Day. This will double the gifts donated by others – see left for details.

All donors will be recognised on a special Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal donor wall

Match-funding

Please donate here

Thank you so much 17

Where Will Art Take You?

Jesse Darling Ghislaine Leung Rory Pilgrim Barbara Walker

28 September 2023 to 14 April 2024 Free Admission townereastbourne.org.uk

Back to the Future(s)

The Futures Convention returned to the sports hall in the Winn Building on Friday 3 March, and the careful preparation of Head of Futures Sarah Gordon, supported by the Eastbournian Society, ensured this annual event was a resounding success once again.

ith a bumper number of industries and professions represented, alongside gap year companies and universities, those seeking information and advice on a wide range of careers had it all in one place. With pupils from both the College and local schools in the Coastal Schools Partnership attending, it was clearly a very worthwhile evening; many were still chatting when the 9.00pm deadline came and the stands were being dismantled around them! Our thanks as ever go to the OEs, parents and others who acted as delegates, offering their expertise and guidance to the young people looking to the future.

Old Eastbournian

Making connections The Eastbournian Society’s networking events have become firmly established in the calendar, offering opportunities for OEs, current pupils and parents to meet, chat and make connections in a variety of industries and professions.

Sports Our first sports networking event was held on Thursday 19 January at the offices of CSM Sport & Entertainment in central London. A panel of expert professionals shared advice and insight into their backgrounds and routes to their current jobs, before attendees had the chance to ask questions and network. Rob Stevens (Pennell 1999–2004) reports: Alongside B eck y Dur r ant (née Stewar t) (Blackwater 2001– 06), a business director at CSM, were a trio of former Pennellians; Bob Rogers (1957–61), Andrew Rogers (1991–96) and Tim Eller ton (1991–96). The quartet discussed how sport offers a myriad of different roles to those who may not make it as a professional on the field of play. Bob Rogers, former President of the Rugby Football Union, explained how he came to be chairman of the amateur committee at the RFU, and the impact the professionalisation of the game in 1995 had on the sport and its support structures, as well as stressing the importance of being involved in grassroots sporting organisations. His son Andrew, meanwhile, talked about his journey to becoming the head of governance and salary cap director at Premiership Rugby and his role in the headline-making decision to relegate former domestic and European champions Saracens in 2020 for breaching the league’s rules. Becky pulled back the cur tain on the world of spor ts marketing, and how her agency works with global companies to deliver brand and business growth across a range of spor ts, and f inally Tim explained how he went from managing spor ts sponsor ships for Coca-Cola and Heineken to becoming the commercial director at Team GB. 20

Aside from hard work and the element of luck, the panel explained how self-belief, humility, enthusiasm, problem-solving and a can-do attitude were also key to gaining a foothold in the industry – attributes found in many a pupil and Old Eastbournian. Also on hand to offer a different perspective was BBC Spor t’s Rob Stevens (another former Pennell boy), who has worked for local radio, the BBC Spor t website and the BBC World Service as a repor ter, producer and writer for over a decade. He explained his roundabout path to becoming a journalist and repor ting on big events such as the respective World Cups in football and rugby. Meanwhile, Hugo Millns (once of – you guessed it – Pennell, 2011–16) talked about his job in the marketing department at Premier League leaders Arsenal, which involves planning and delivering campaigns on the club’s digital channels.

Andrew Rogers, Bob Rogers, Becky Durrant and Tim Ellerton

Banking, broking and asset management

The latest of our networking events to focus on financial services took place at the PwC building in London, overlooking Tower Bridge, on Tuesday 31 January. One of the attendees, Joe McIntyre (Reeves 2014-19), writes: It was great to see the event attended by all generations of the Eastbournian Society, with pupils, university graduates and young professionals eager to speak to other ES members about how to navigate the highly competitive finance industry. David Clark, parent of former pupils and a director-level professional in many facets of the industry, generously took the time to be our guest speaker for the evening. While sharing his path to becoming a top industry expert, David answered a plethora of questions from the audience and gave invaluable advice to younger generations. He stressed the impor tance of decisiveness, emphasised a real need for people skills in the industry and showed that the qualities held by Eastbournians are transferable into the working world. Many thanks to Darren Meek (Blackwater 1982–87) for hosting this event for the ninth consecutive year (!) and to Sam Wicks (Powell 2005–10) and Development Director Emma Garrett for organising another great occasion. This has grown from strength to strength each year – with hopefully more to follow in the future.

Our guest speakers provide useful insights into getting on the career ladder (and then moving up it) with inside knowledge and personal experience that has proved invaluable for those who attend.

Media and journalism

On Thursday 25 April, 34 attendees, including 11 pupils from the College's sixth form, met at the Curzon Victoria in London for the first ever networking event with OEs who work in the media and journalism industries. John Ryley

John Ryley (Blackwater 1975–80) was the guest speaker for the evening, in his last week as head of Sky News, where he had been in charge for the previous 16 years. John detailed the changes he has seen over the past 40 years in the industry, from when touchtyping was a highly regarded skill, to what the next 40 years might hold with the huge developments in social media and AI. He passionately believes that there has been and will always remain a need for real-time reporting from journalists in the field. The floor was then opened up for a Q&A session, which provided an opportunity for College pupils and younger OEs to get a better understanding of how to enter a career in journalism. We were fortunate not only to have John in attendance but also several other notable OEs with media backgrounds, including Torin Douglas (Gonville 1964–69), former BBC media correspondent for 24 years; Ted Young (Blackwater 1974–79), recent editor of Metro UK and current committee member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation; Jane Slade (Nugent 1975–77), who has over 20 years of property editor experience working for many of the main broadsheets; and Rob Stevens (Pennell 1999–2004), BBC Radio sports journalist. The enthusiasm for their industry was very compelling and advice invaluable. If attendees were not a daily listener of the Today programme already, they are now!

Insurance

In recent years, the insurance networking event has been one of the most popular ones we hold. The 2023 event took place at Howden Insurance, One Creechurch Place, on Tuesday 21 November, and we are grateful to Duncan Willcocks (Powell 1990–95), Stuart Willcocks (Powell 1993–98) and David Lyle (Wargrave 1995–97) for hosting it. The speakers were David Tur ton, senior casualty underwriter at Liberty Specialty Markets; Mike Roberts, managing director of the Construction & Engineering division; Charles Taylor, loss adjuster; and Alexander Bellotti, account handler, who shared the experiences of an apprentice in the insurance world. The 50-strong audience were regaled with tales of the unexpected from the insurance world and amazed by the stunning surroundings of the art-filled office space, and there was a tangible buzz of excitement as OEs reconnected and friendships were rekindled. For the dozen College sixth formers who attended it was a feast of information and networking opportunities. They all took advantage of being with people who were hugely experienced in the world of insurance, so much so that the College’s Director of Futures Sarah Gordon, who had accompanied the College group, delayed their departure so that they could continue to mingle.

Emma Garrett, right, with the guest speakers

Old Eastbournian

Tales of

two

1953 College archivist Paul Jordan looks back on how the College celebrated on 2 June 1953. The Eastbournian reported: ‘The school was granted an exeat from June 1st-3rd for the Coronation. Twent y-nine boarder s, however, stayed behind, and for them as well as for the day boys, masters and their families, the television projection set in Big School behaved very well, and excellent pictures were received. The 29 were enter tained to dinner in the evening at a banquet given by Mr and Mrs Howell.’ Rather than ever yone in Big School crowding round a small television set, it’s more likely that they watched the coronation on a large Sir Hugh Casson’s design for the Eros ‘bird cage’ screen. There was a similar set-up at the Lansdowne Hotel, where the 1944–48), F/O Peter Stonham (Gonville images were beamed onto a 4 ft by 3 ft 1945 –50) and P/O Nigel Wick man screen in the ballroom. The hotel warned (Gonville 1945–49). Ian Strange (Nugent viewers that there was ‘no guarantee of & Blackwater 1960–64) remembers the fly reception’. past as it flew over his prep school, Farnaby, In London, seven pupils representing the in Sevenoaks, Kent: CCF cheered the royal procession from the ‘My father led a squadron of RAF Meteor Victoria Memorial on its journey down the jets for the coronation flypast. Unbeknown Mall. Many of the street decorations had to me he contacted the school to say that, been designed by Sir Hugh on a day shor tly before the Casson (School 1924 –27), flypast, he would fly low over most notably, a gilded ‘bird the school. On that day, the cage’ that surrounded the whole school (couldn’t have statue of Eros in Piccadilly been more than 30) assembled Circus. in a circle on the front drive, Ad mir al S ir A lge r non with me standing in the middle Willis (School 1902–03) and with a rolled up newspaper Air Marshall Sir John Baker ready to wave. Then he flew (School 1911–15) attended over – quite low, probably the service, and Lt Michael lower than regulation allowed – Dr ummond- B r ady (Black- Quest magazine and wiggled his wings as I waved water 1942–47) carried the Coronation issue furiously. I felt quite proud after Regimental Colours of the Royal Sussex that.’ Regiment. Later in the month, the whole school The coronation culminated in a fly past attended a special matinee of British Pathé’s over Buckingham Palace. Flying three of colour film documentary Elizabeth is Queen the jets were Flt Lt David Letham (School at the Luxor cinema in Pevensey Road. 22

To commemorate the coronation, the Arnold Embellishers provided funds for building a pair of pillars at the Grange Road entrance to Old Wish Road. The translated inscription reads: In the year the Queen received the crown, these columns were erected AD MCMLIII. The in-house College magazine Quest was critical of some aspects of the coronation: ‘But it is a shameful thing that so great an event should be subject to commercialisation. Cheap and shoddy Union Jacks, paper crowns, photographs of the Queen and the Royal family, yards upon yards of ribbon and other vile monstrosities have been crowding the shops for months.’ The College’s prep school Ascham also joined in with the celebrations. Some of the pupils travelled up to London to ‘view the spectacle… those less for tunate found reasonable compensation in watching the historic sequence of events on our own television set.’ In fact, the new set had already, according to the Eastbournian, ‘fulfilled, and indeed exceeded, our expectations as a major source of entertainment’ and many a master ‘will add to his acclamation of Vivat Regina, Vivat also Muffin the Mule.’ At Ea s tbour ne’s Winter Garden, Ascham’s headmaster, Henry Collis, acted as pageant master at the Children’s Society production of Fanfare to Elizabeth. Several pupils and teachers took part, notably Miss Leach who appeared as Gloriana. A lasting legacy of the 1953 coronation can be seen in the Eastbournian Society’s office at Craven Cottage – a chair that was used by a guest at the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and which was presented to the College by attendee Colonel N K Hill (BlackThe coronation chair water 1916–19).

coronations 2023 not only saw HM King Charles III crowned but also marked the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation

2023 As with 1953, OEs were also involved in the coronation of HM King Charles III on Saturday 6 May. General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL (Wargrave 1965-70) was honoured to be asked by HM The King to carry the Sword of Spiritual Justice as part of the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey. In a tradition that dates back to at least the coronation of Richard The Lionheart in 1189, the sword is one of three that was carried in the procession, pointing upwards and unsheathed, representing the King’s various powers and duties. The Sword of Spiritual Justice signifies the monarch as Defender of the Faith; the other two swords are the Sword of Temporal Justice, which signifies the king’s role as head of the armed forces and the Sword of Mercy or Curtana, which has a blunted tip, and symbolises the king’s mercy. In an interview at the time Lord Richards said: ‘It's a great privilege because I recognise that many other much greater people

Michael Gietzen on site for the coronation

than I have historically had this honour. And I'm now doing it for our new king, who I know reasonably well and have a very high regard for, so there's a personal element to it too.’ He said that he had known the king since the-then Prince Charles had served as an officer in the Royal Navy in the 1970s. Lord Richards added: ‘When I met him first he was a very normal, approachable officer and that's how he wanted to be treated and viewed. Since then I have met him on many occasions and I’ve always found him remarkably normal and lacking in pomposity or self-regard.’

Lord Richards on the left of the picture holding the Sword of Spiritual Justice

Another OE who took par t in the coronation procession was Kieran Cheney (Powell 2013–18), in his third year in the army as a member of the Household Cavalry. The role of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment was to accompany the royal coaches in the King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and then on the return journey as part of the much larger Coronation procession, which featured over 4,000 armed forces personnel from the UK and the Commonwealth, the largest military procession in London for 70 years. Michael Gietzen (Reeves 2001– 03), CEO of the Eastbourne-based events management company Identity, played a key behind-the-scenes role to ensure the success of the coronation. The company organised rehearsals for thousands of militar y personnel par ticipating in the ceremonial procession. Inside Westminster Abbey, they supported 2,000 guests, including heads of state, political leaders and community and charity workers while also collaborating with national media outlets covering the event. In addition, they co-ordinated crowd management and infrastructure to ensure the welfare and safety of the many thousands of spectators,

with health and safety professionals and a security and stewarding team of 7,500 individuals. The company was also involved with the dressing of London landmarks including the National Gallery, Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, featuring Sir Jony Ive’s coronation emblem. Buildings were protected by temporary structures, façades, projections and scaffolding. Michael said: ’As the CEO of Identity I don’t think there’s a prouder moment than working on the coronation and to see so many people come to London and celebrate this magnificent occasion.’

Keiran Cheney prepares for the coronation procession

Old Eastbournian

The annual dinner was A

Grand affair

hat an evening it was! The event was completely sold out and the atmosphere was buzzing as Old Eastbournians, members of staff, parents of current pupils, friends and others in the College community came together to celebrate all that is great about the school and its people. And with a venue so close to the College, school prefects were on hand to welcome the guests to the drinks reception before the meal. We were very pleased to have Paul Mayhew-Archer (Reeves 1967–71) as our special guest speaker, and he brought the house down with his witty reminiscences of College life, together with the humour that he has found since his diagnosis with Parkinson's in 2011. He paid particular tribute to his English teacher Philip Le Brocq, who first encouraged him to put on at the College a comic play that he had written. Hearing the audience laughter at the time inspired Paul to go on to have a career as a comedy writer, producer and, more recently, as a stand-up touring his one-man show. You can hear Paul in a new podcast, Movers and Shakers, and learn more about how you can support fundraising at the Parkinson's UK website. We are also grateful to our other speakers: Headmaster Tom Lawson, Eastbournian Society Chairman Hugh Price 24

We were delighted to return to Eastbourne’s Grand Hotel, which first hosted the Old Eastbournian Association dinner in 1905 and Foundation Director Emma Garrett. But we are particularly grateful to all the guests who came along and ensured that it was such a successful evening, adding to the joyous atmosphere. Among the many comments we received: 'It truly was a brilliant and special evening...', 'Immense pleasure in attending last night's dinner; the meal was outstanding...', 'That was a terrific evening at the Grand Hotel. It is quite special to be able to gather back In Eastbourne...', 'It really was most enjoyable with excellent speeches, wine flowing and good food, plus of course a great setting. The Grand is always so impressive and it sets the tone for the evening.' Our thanks go also to Alex Vanotti (Watt 1994–96) who took on the role of photographer for the evening and did a fantastic job. We have printed only a selection here, but you can see more on the Eastbournian Society website; simply go to the News section and search for 'Grand Hotel'.

Old Eastbournian

Oar’s well that ends well The story of a rowing club oar, rediscovered after nearly 50 years

The 1975 1st IV – Standing: Alan Gardner; seated, left to right: Andrew Burdge, Salim Shubber, Jan Koops, Jack Stevenson; seated at front: Mark Izzard

Gill and Tim Caroe (parents of two current College pupils) were sitting round a dinner table with friends. When one of those friends mentioned in conversation that they knew Suzy Izzard, Tim mentioned that they had an oar in their house with the name Izzard on it. Little did they know what that comment would lead to. Gill told us the story…

e moved into our house 15 years ago and the previous owners were Mark and Nicola May, whose children were OAs, one of whom is now an OE and the other two are still at the College. On moving in, they explained that hanging in the conservatory was an oar that belonged to the previous owners, the Gardners, that Alan Gardner had received from his time at Eastbourne College as housemaster at Wargrave and coach in charge of rowing. The Gardners had left the oar when the Mays bought the house as they did not have space in their new home and, given the Mays links to the College, decided to leave it 26

with the house for safekeeping. When we moved in, the oar passed to us as the new homeowners. On closer inspection, we discovered there were five names on the oar, one of which was ‘M Izzard’. We later discovered that this referred to Mark Izzard (Pennell 1973–78), who is the brother of Eddie (Pennell 1975–80), now known as Suzy. We didn’t really think too much more about it until 15 years later when we were at a dinner party with Helen Medlycott and my husband Tim (OA 1981-87; Craig 1987–92) told her about the oar and the Izzard connection. To cut a long story short, Helen messaged Suzy, Suzy got in touch with us, and unbeknownst to us, Suzy was actually in Eastbourne that weekend so she came round to the house to see the oar! She had asked her brother Mark if he wanted it, but as she put it, ‘Mark is one for looking forward and not back’, but I think she felt kind of drawn to it. Anyway, we were having such a nice time,

Suzy Izzard with Gill and Tim Caroe

we ended up inviting Suzy and her manager Sarah to dinner – we had a wonderful evening with them. It was Suzy who contacted Jan Koops (Gonville 1971–76) whose name is also on the oar, and he said he would be delighted to take it and so a week or so later he came over and picked it up. We’re just very delighted it’s gone to a good home to somebody whose name is actually on the blade. Jan Koops takes up the story: I reconnected with Suzy at an OE reunion at the College in 2021. I asked her how Mark was getting on as I had very fond memories of him as our outstanding cox as part of a very strong crew back in 1975–76. Amongst many other things, Mark had just completed the script for her solo performance of Great Expectations. Some of us were very fortunate to enjoy a stunning preview performance in the Dell that weekend before Suzy opened in New York. What a treat and how lucky we all were. Suzy shared her memory of our successful crew walking into the central dining hall to a standing ovation, having won the National Schools Regatta [in 1976]. My recollection of this had dimmed through the passage of time, so it was a great pleasure to be reminded of that magical moment. On a warm summer Sunday afternoon I was relaxing in the garden when I received a video call from Suzy who in her playful way began a conversation about an oar, and did I know anything about it? I knew nothing of it! As Suzy mentioned the names that were on the oar – Alan Gardner, Salim Shubber (Pennell 1972–77), Andrew Burdge (Pennell 1971–76), Jan Koops, Mark Izzard and Jack Stevenson (Pennell 1974–75), winners of Richmond Regatta Senior ‘C’ IVs in 1975, everything came into focus. Alan Gardner was the housemaster of Wargrave and also our excellent rowing coach. Clearly the oar had been a generous and thoughtful gift to Alan from the rowing club. Once I had ascertained from Suzy that Mark had no desire to have the oar, I enthusiastically agreed to become its custodian. It now has pride of place in our kitchen/dining room at home near Herstmonceux. At a recent small lunch party Salim was introduced to the oar, which stirred a multitude of happy memories. I was very impressed by his proud memory of some of our rows, the details of which were almost forensic! Sadly Andrew Burdge and Alan Gardner are no longer with us.

for rowing. As it happened, there was a group of us in Pennell who were talking casually about the sport over a game of ping pong. Anyway, I volunteered to go speak to Mr Gardner. I am not sure how long Alan had been at Eastbourne, but he was thrilled at the prospect of having an experienced crew and we were excited to have an enthusiastic coach like him. Shortly thereafter, he drove us down to Pevensey in an old beat-up Land Rover to see what was in the makeshift boathouse and when we opened the steel doors, much to our dismay, we saw several very worn rowing shells in disrepair. I remember pointing up to the highest corner of this tin structure at something wrapped in cloth. We climbed up the racks and carefully eased the cloak off the mystery object and, lo and behold, it was a brand-new rowing shell that had been recently donated. Under the guidance of Alan Gardner, we won the Richmond Regatta and presented a very large bowl at school to the headmaster who was over the moon about the story. Our crew then finished second in the Nationals in Northampton. We had the fastest time in the preliminary heats but lost in the finals due to a horrific start. The wind blew our stern sideways as the starter began the race. One could only wonder about the possibilities at Henley. But the 1976 and 1977 crews redeemed the College and Mr Gardner should be remembered for his hard work in restoring the rowing programme to a level of success not seen since 1966. As our coach he had the vision, assembled the crew, and gave us a chance to compete. I will never forget the fun that I had in those days and the spirit that he engendered in our boat.

Jan Koops collecting the oar

A few years ago, Jack Stephenson had been in touch with us with his memories:

Jack Stevenson

I had rowed at South Kent School in the United States and a couple of months after arriving at Eastbourne, I had heard that Alan Gardner was looking for people to sign up

Jan and Salim Shubber

Old Eastbournian

The Over-60s lunch From Downing Street to Headmaster's House

A young Tom Lawson helps feed the ducks in St James’s Park on a pre-Budget family stroll on 19 March 1985

e were delighted to be welcomed back to St George's Hill Tennis Club, Weybridge, by Peter Jamieson (Blackwater 1960–63) for the Over-60s annual lunch. The weather was glorious, enabling all to enjoy drinks on the terrace followed by a delicious threecourse meal.

Our guest speaker for the day was The Hon Tom Lawson, headmaster of the College and son of former chancellor of the exchequer Nigel Lawson. Tom spoke about ‘Living above the shop from Downing Street to Headmaster's House’, which provided intriguing stories from the feeding of left-over Tory-blue bread rolls to the ducks

in St James's Park to receiving an instruction from No 10 (aka Margaret Thatcher) to desist trumpet practice or to do something to 'make it quieter'. This provided a good foundation to prepare Tom (and his family) for life now in the Headmaster's House which is part of the many offices of the College support team, and where Tom's son, more a drummer than a trumpeter, now practises. Looking back to the early 1980s, Tom said that there was ‘an extremely talented team led by Margaret Thatcher, of true freemarket revolutionaries. With the country left broken by the 70s they had an opportunity for radical reform and they took it, despite tremendous criticism.’ He concluded: ‘Making a difference means making difficult choices, believing in yourself and sometimes seeing through the orthodoxy to understand the true nature of things. Of that heritage, I am indebted, and proud, and I could not have been better prepared for the honour of leading Eastbourne College.'

Kim Richardson (ES events officer), Liz Silvester (ES development officer), Peter Jamieson, Tom Lawson, Hugh Price, Emma Garrett and Jane Jamieson

Old Eastbournian

EASTBOURNE COLLEGE

A life well lived and a lesson well learnt

’d like to share a story about a great man I affectionately called ‘Michael Angelo’, whom none of you will have heard of, but whose story is no less important. His name is Phil Mulray and I met him when he was 87. Phil was a highly celebrated architect who had served under Jørn Ulzon, the designer of the Sydney Opera House, and had designed many great buildings in his own right. When I met him he was a shadow of himself, having lost his way since retiring. He had been drifting aimlessly through his twilight years with little focus or drive and the fire that had once apparently been in his eyes, was being slowly extinguished. When I met him in his retirement home I learnt that he had a passion for painting. In fact, as a young man leaving school he had wanted to be an artist, but his father forbade him to follow that path and rather enter a more ‘respectable’ profession that would ‘pay the bills’. As I sat across from him, Phil was effectively lost and missing a purpose. It felt like he had given up on life. It was then that I had an idea – that he should enter Australia’s pre-eminent national art competition, The Archibald Prize. His response was that it was a preposterous idea as he could never win it. To which I replied, ‘I am asking just that you enter it, not win it’. From then on I met every objection he had – found him his own studio, gave him access to free art supplies, provided an art teacher mentor and even invited the three celebrities he picked to consider having his portrait done by him. In the end, he had no choice but to take the plunge and pick up the paintbrush. It wasn’t a journey of plain sailing though as he had nagging doubts about his ability

Richard Duncan (Wargrave 1978–83) contemplates society’s attitude to the older generation

of a doctor, medication or treatment. In his case, his depression was more a loss of purpose and he had found his purpose again. And after the competition was over, his adventures with art continued as, at my encouragement, he told his story to his friends and the community at large. For me, it was further evidence that the older members of our society are often ignored and counted out as having done their bit, past their prime with no more to offer society and yet in truth they still have Richard Duncan, centre, so much still to give. Phil had much to teach with Phil Mulray, right, others including students at school strugand Tony Abbott between them, with gling with their Art HSC (A-levels). I have Phil’s family since seen great programs where primary school children are matched with pensioners as part of an initiative of pairing the new and older generations together. The cherry on the cake for Phil came to finish the task and felt under enormous when he asked me if I could sell his paintpressure, given who he was painting a por- ing. I didn’t know how to tell him that trait of; the then Prime Minster of Australia, no-one would pay good money for a noncommissioned portrait of a deposed prime the Hon Tony Abbot. At one point I had to enlist the help of minister. He was most insistent that I could another celebrity, Derek Rebalo, the Bra- find a suitable buyer (showing great faith zilian Blind Surfer, to join me for tea and in me – how the tables had turned!) and cakes. His visit served to highlight to Phil, in the end I did and was surprised by what as I had hoped, that if this young man could they were willing to pay for ‘a portrait with surf Hawaii’s most gigantic waves, then Phil a story’. There is much I took from my time on could paint a portrait. the road of life with Phil – the importance of having a plan for retirement, hobbies, family, clubs, friends, pursuits, volunteering… so that I have a new purpose to replace work when that day comes and so I don’t slip into idleness and become lost when the hours and days blur and blend into one. He also taught me to look at the older generation differently. We were taught at the College to respect our elders and sadly this attitude towards the older generation seems to have faded in the broader world, but more than that it is also about recognising that they still have so much to still give and teach us, the community and society. They might be old, but with that age comes Tony Abbott with Phil and the portrait The look on his face when we submit- wisdom, life experience and hard earnt ted the finished artwork (entitled ‘Tony the knowledge. Man’) at Australia’s National Gallery was Sadly, Phil passed away peacefully 94 priceless and his smile was wider than the years young from cancer in the early hours Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland when of 29 November 2022. I visited him in his his subject (and Mrs Abbott also) compli- final days and he assured me that he was mented him on the finished work being the happy and ready to go, had lived a fulfilled best portrait ever done of him. life and left behind a great family. He had What was perhaps even more remark- no regrets and only fond memories. His able was that the old (or rather young) Phil par ting gift to me was a small, framed had returned and his eyes sparkled, he was etching he did of a windswept field entitled smiling and back to his cheeky confident ‘Windy Day’, a poignant reminder of the self. All this happened, without the need period of his life when I met him. 31

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archives Archivist Paul Jordan writes: We were saddened to hear of the death of former archivist Michael Partridge in November. Michael had continued to contribute to the archives throughout the year. An obituary appears on page 114 and we offer our own tribute below. Once again we’ve been very busy with enquiries this year with a number connected with former pupils’ prep schools – did you know that Bede’s (then St Bede’s) was the College’s first prep school? Peter Durrant (Reeves 1967–71), archive volunteer,

continues his dedicated work in the archives and is currently sorting through OE files and putting names to faces on house groups and sporting photos. He is also scanning photos from the early Eastbournian magazines (1890s/1900s) which have the names of the boys attached. Very few named photos survive from this period. If you have an enquiry for us or have an item of College memorabilia that you would like to donate, please get in touch on archives@eastbourne-college.co.uk or 01323 451901.

Michael Partridge Michael was ‘old school’. He seemed more at home using pen and paper than creating records on the computer. I came to respect this approach and now have a dual system of record keeping. While maintaining a large collection of digitised images, I also keep paper-based records which have proved invaluable on the rare occasions I haven’t been able to access my computer. As the current archivist I can really appreciate the work Michael put in to make the archives what it is today, with photographs carefully stored in archival boxes and thousands of former pupil records stored alphabetically in the main office. He was tremendously proud of the College and kept in touch with many of his contemporaries. His energy and enthusiasm were incredible and he was always keen to take on new research projects, the last of which was his revised College Second World War Roll of Honour which was published shortly before his death. Michael (in the true spirit of an archivist) had written his own obituary and placed it in his former pupil file. The College quite rightly flew the OE flag at half-mast in the days following his death. This would have meant everything to him.

The archives team in 2018: David Atkins (Gonville 1949–54), Pat Larkin, Michael, Paul Jordan, Peter Durrant (Reeves 1967–71)

D O NATIO NS

We are grateful to the following for their donations to the archives this year

David Fisher Two blank Eastbourne College sporting medals in original boxes (Pearsons, Eastbourne) which belonged to his great uncle, Arthur Ernest Mortimer Scott (Home Boarder 1909–13)

Mark Skinner (Blackwater 1959–60) Five silver plated cups and one silver cup belonging to Mark’s father, Denzil Robert Skinner (School 1922–26) and two stags heads, made by DRS’s company (see article on page 38)

Philip Hepburn (Ascham 1958–61; Blackwater 1961–66) Additional school photos

Ian Strange (Ascham 1956–60; Nugent & Blackwater 1960–64). Ascham photos 1956–60 Nugent House photos: Michaelmas term 1960 and Christmas dinner 1960

Laurie Ormerod Engraved pewter cup belonging to Edward Booth Ormerod (School House 1876–80) and biographical material Richard Vickery Various photos from his father Michael Vickery (Crosby & Blackwater 1939–43), including one of 1st XV rugby 1942 (see article on page 34)

Old Eastbournian

Seeing stars

Shall we dance?

Does anyone remember a telescope at Memorial Ground? In 1964 the College’s Astronomical Society reported that the installation of a new 12-inch reflecting telescope in an observatory at Memorial was shortly to take place. Councillor Gilbert Foyle (who also part-funded the building of the original Wish Tower Café) had donated it to the Eastbourne Astronomical Society. By 1966 the telescope was The telescope points skywards in place and the Eastbournian reported: ‘The astronomical year has been particularly notable… the 12 in. reflecting telescope of the town A.S. has been installed in the observatory on the Memorial Ground. This building, with its sliding roof and office space, is chiefly the work of Mr J Stork and his son, assisted by S J Hawkins, P J Gates [Reeves 1962–67] and other members of the society. The telescope is a magnificent instrument and when the winter evenings draw in we hope to use The observatory with the sliding roof extended it regularly.’ Eastbourne Astronomical Society have been in touch and confirmed that the telescope was on the Memorial Field (in a structure adjacent to the present pavilion) and have kindly allowed us to use some of their photos of the site.

A fascinating find in the archives was a dance programme for the ‘new’ OE ball which was held on 11 January 1899 at the Hotel Cecil, London. This was six days after the annual OEA dinner (also in the Hotel Cecil), which had been held in the capital since 1895. Guests had the choice of waltzing to the Blue Danube, dancing the Lancers to the Belle of New York, or even taking part in a barn dance to the music of Little Dolly Day Dream. The Eastbournian reported that tickets cost ten shillings and sixpence and that ‘the ballroom arrangements were admirable, with the exception of the floor which was of solid oak.’ The generosity of one guest was also noted: ‘‘Any account would be inadequate which did not allude to a father of three OEs, who brought fifty-nine people to the dance and put them up at the hotel.’

The 1st XV play ‘away’ on College Field

Paul Jordan writes: What seemed a straightforward donation of photographs led to a fascinating discovery. The photos were sent by Richard Vickery whose father, Michael Hadden Vickery (Crosby & Blackwater 1939–43) and uncle, George Malyn Vickery (Crosby 1935–39), attended the College. 34

One of the images was of the 1st XV rugby team (including Michael Vickery) on College Field and was tentatively dated 1942. In the background at top left, a man in a naval uniform can be seen. The uniform suggested the photo was connected with HMS Marlborough, a Royal Naval torpedo training school

which occupied the school campus in 1942, after the College had been evacuated to Radley College. As far as I was aware, the College did not return to the site until after the war and yet the 1st XV appeared to have played a match there. I checked the local newspapers and the Eastbournian magazines and found the 1st XV did come back to the town to play rugby on a couple of occasions in 1942 and 1943. Michael had left by the time of the 1943 match so the photo did indeed date to 1942. The Eastbourne press reported that on 18 December that year, ‘Eastbourne College are playing a naval fift een on Eastbourne College grounds’. The naval fifteen must have been HMS Marlborough but due to wartime censorship, the name of the naval team couldn’t be identified. The

report added that, following the match, both teams adjourned for tea at the ‘College headquarters in Carlisle Road’. This refers to the Eastbourne Branch of the College which had been set up earlier that year to maintain a presence in Eastbourne. The other interesting fact which arose from this donation was that Michael Vickery was one of the few College boys who, as a member of Crosby House, was briefly at the former Ascham St Vincent’s site (later the College’s prep school, Ascham). The school had bought the site in 1939 and had moved Crosby House there barely a year before evacuating to Radley College in June 1940. Crosby closed while the school was at Radley (which is why Michael moved to Blackwater) and did not reopen when the College returned to Eastbourne in 1945.

Snapshots from the 1930s The daughter of David Colyer (Gonville 1933–37) kindly sent us copies of some of the snapshots her father took at the College in the 1930s. David’s good friend was Peter Clifford Stephens (Gonville 1934–38), who died in Burma in 1942.

Gonville library Sports Day with David Colyer on right

David Watson (Gonville 1933–38) and Peter Forster (Gonville 1934–37)

Gonville from Carlisle Road

A corridor in Gonville

Snapshots from the late 1950s John Wilmot’s (School 1954–59) daughter Caroline has very kindly agreed to let us publish some of her late father’s College snap shots in this year’s magazine. Are you able to identify the boys in the photos?

Old Eastbournian

The Magic of the Movies Andrew Finn-Kelcey (Blackwater 1956–60) was a member of the College Film Society and among several objects kindly donated by him to the archives was a booklet in which he listed the films he had seen in Big School throughout 1957. It was an eclectic mix, from comedies such as An Alligator Called Daisy starring Diana Dors – ‘not very good’ and Keep it Clean with Ronald Shiner (father of Bryan Shiner, School 1949–54); musicals such as Oklahoma! – ‘a really 1st class film’ to dramas such as The Man Who Never Was – ‘a very good film’. The society had been formed in 1936 although, according to the Eastbournian of that year, ‘the society owes its origins to the old Lecture Theatre Cinema which for some terms gave performances of silent films on Wednesday afternoons.’ The magazine continued: ‘An arrangement has been made with Messrs. Gamleys Ltd [a former London department store] who lent us a Gaumont-British machine and an operator and who act as agents for supplying the film. Performances take place in the Gym on five Saturdays during the term. The subscription is 3/- per term and there are at present 120 members.’ By 1939 the society had become so popular that an extra performance had to be shown in Big School as the gym was filled to capacity (until 1958, the gym was in the Memorial Block). If you had been a member in the 1930s, you would have seen a main ‘feature’ which

would have shown together with several short films and cartoons. They even had their own in-house artist, Charles Cole (Gonville 1936–39), a founding member, who produced posters for the society. In 1991 the Film Society was restarted and the Eastbournian reported that: ‘Jon Tomes (School 1987–92) is “Honorary Popcorn Maker” – Craig House is very grateful to Jon for smelling out the house whenever he does his “popcorn microwaving”… Harriet Marcell (Nugent 1990–92) is “Official Tension Breaker” – whenever the atmosphere becomes too tense, Harriet’s awesome laugh would ensure that everybody forgot about the film. This was particularly useful in The Exorcist as it made the film about as gripping as an episode of Rainbow’ [a children’s TV programme]. Films are now made at the College by pupils themselves. In 2023, Year 9 pupils completed their academic year in drama by producing, directing and starring in their own short films. Ironically, these were shown in the Le Brocq Studio 22 which in the 1930s was the venue for the Film Society.

Prep schools We’ve had a number of enquiries recently asking for details of College pupils who had attended a variety of prep schools which were not in the Eastbourne area. These include Hydneye House, Hastings; The Lees, Hoylake; and Farnaby House, Sevenoaks, to name a few. There were of course a number of prep schools in Eastbourne. The earliest one with a College connection was St Bede’s (now Bede’s) which was established in the 1890s. Mrs Browne (her son, Maurice, School 1897–1900, became a well-known theatrical manager) opened the first College prep school, St Bede’s, at 55 Blackwater Road in Michaelmas term 1894. It was such a success, that in 1899, while retaining no. 55, she bought Clovelly, a large, detached house in Blackwater Road (the building is now made up of flats and is opposite the chapel car park). Clovelly also provided a kindergarten department for boys and girls aged three to seven and a preparatory school for girls aged seven to ten. Relations with the College had never been particularly cordial and by the end of 1902, she had ceased to have dealings 36

Clovelly

with the school. To that end, she sold 55 Blackwater Road to Mr G H Gowring (a former teacher at Eastbourne College) who reopened St Bede’s in new premises at Dukes Drive while she retained, briefly, the kindergarten at Clovelly. By 1905, Mrs Browne had moved to Meads and was running a girls’ school and Clovelly had become the Convent of the Nativity. In 1939, the College acquired the site of Ascham St Vincent’s prep school in Meads and Crosby House moved up there shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. In June 1940, the whole school was evacuated to Radley College in Oxfordshire and it wasn’t until 1946 that the College returned to the Ascham site

but this time it was as the new Eastbourne College Preparatory School. Plans for such a school had been laid in 1942, when headmaster John Nugee opened the ‘Eastbourne Branch’ of the College in Gonville House. He was concerned that if the College did not have a presence in the town, it might never return. The ‘new’ Eastbourne College preparatory school opened in 1945 following the College’s return to Eastbourne from Radley College and was initially based in Powell House and 57 Carlisle Road before moving to Ascham a year later. Ascham closed in 1977, the site in Meads was sold (although St Andrew’s briefly occupied the buildings) and the land developed for housing. The archives are compiling a list of all the prep schools which former pupils attended and would be very grateful if OEs could let us know which ones they went to. Did you attend Chelmsford Hall (corner of Carlisle Road and Granville Road), Nevill House (St Anne’s Road), Holywell Priory (now the site of Holywell Close, Meads) or St Andrew's?

Thomas Guy Pettifer In December Richard Morgan visited the ES office to find out about his cousin, Tom Pettifer (Nugent & Blackwater 1961-65), who had died in a tragic accident shortly after leaving the Tom in 1962, taken College, when he was from a Blackwater House rugby photo working as part of a Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) scheme in India. We found a tribute to Tom, who had died on 17 December 1965, aged just 18, in the March 1966 issue of the Eastbournian magazine, which said that Tom ‘was a boy of tremendous energy, and he was never at a loss for activities in which he could employ it.’ He had been working as a volunteer at Baldwin Boys High School in Bangalore and we also found a letter from the school’s headmaster, which said that he was teaching English, health science, scripture and moral science, and his extra-curricular activities included being the cub-master and acting. He concluded: ‘The staff and boys liked him very much… it was a great tragedy and a shock to the school… to lose Tom in an accident.’

Speech Day at the Congress 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the opening of Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre, a state-of-the-art venue which had cost £500,000 and could accommodate 1,678 people, 300 performers on the stage and 40 musicians in the orchestra pit. The newly-opened Congress Theatre This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the first College Speech Day to be held there, on 12 June 1963. Many might assume the theatre’s first event would have been the Fol-de-Rols variety show or a concert with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, but in fact Speech Day takes that honour. The theatre hadn’t officially opened but, as Vin Allom remarked in his book Ex Oriente Salus (a history of Eastbourne College): ‘the College [were] in fact acting as “guinea pigs” in trying out the acoustical and air-conditioning arrangements.’ The Speech Day party, consisting of Headmaster Michael Birley, guest of honour Judge Aavold and the College Council, were seated on the stage above the orchestra pit. The Eastbournian reported that the headmaster ‘expressed his forebodings at the realisation that, at a touch of a button, he, Judge Aavold and the Council might sink from view. He felt it something of a dreamlike sensation to be in this wonderful building, but there was nothing ephemeral about Judge Aavold, a onetime rugby three-quarter for England…’ Reflecting on the anniversary at the 2023 Speech Day, Chairman of Governors Philip Broadley said: ‘I doubt many schools have a theatre of this size on their doorstep. The Charity is very lucky to be able to use the Congress Theatre for occasions like this.’

AGK Hayter – School teacher and archaeologist We were contacted by a researcher who wanted to know more about the details of a former Eastbourne College teacher and archaeologist, Angelo George Kirby Hayter. Hayter was an assistant master in modern languages from 1890 to 1895 and a house tutor in School House from 1893 to 1895. In his post-College career Hayter was a noted archaeologist working in Egypt in 1910 with Sir Flinders Petrie on digs in Hawârah and Memphis and in 1921 in the excavation at the Egyptian city of Amarna where he played a crucial role in the discovery of a nearby workshop site. His excavation notebook (which has been praised by a number of scholars) is kept in the archive of the Egypt Exploration Society in London. His expertise in archaeology was not confined to Egypt. He was an enthusiastic student of Roman Britain and carried

out many digs on various sites including Richborough, Kent, and Wroxeter and Carnarvon. It would seem that Hayter enjoyed taking part in amateur dramatics while in Eastbourne. In 1894, the Eastbournian reported on the production of the trial scene in The Pickwick Papers and wrote ‘The thanks of the Society are due to Mr Hayter for the great trouble and time he spent rehearsing and arranging the piece’. In the same year, Hayter appeared in a production of Up for the Cattle Show at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. The Eastbourne Chronicle stated that he gave an ‘excellent representation of the cunning worldly lawyer’. He was also involved in sport in the town and was listed as a player in the Eastbourne (town) rugby team. The club had been established by the Revd Roberts, assistant master at the College, in 1892.

Rannies

College boys say: We can’t see girls ran the headline on the front page of the Daily Express in July 1949. An OE kindly sent us this press cutting which broke the sensational story that College boys had been, against College rules, ‘fraternising’ with girls outside the school. The girls in question were from the Eastbourne School of Domestic Economy in Silverdale Road, run by a Miss Elise Orange Randall, hence the name ‘Rannies’. The article continued: ‘Then followed a lecture by the Head Prefect who is said to have given ten prefects the job of enforcing the non-frat ban.’ Perhaps to add an air of respectability to Miss Randall’s establishment, the Express reported that ‘the Prime Minister’s daughter, Miss Felicity Attlee, was once a pupil there.’ Headmaster John Nugee was quoted: ‘Of course, the boys will tell you a good story. They are accomplished at telling tales and enjoy nothing better.’ He was also quick to refute the fact that, according to the London Daily News, boys from the College and girls from the school had taken part in ‘early morning bathing parties’. An article in the Eastbourne Gazette attempted to calm the waters: ‘In the present case the principals and pupils alike can be relied upon to be sensible about a situation which apparently got far more publicity than the circumstances warranted.’ If any OEs have memories of Rannies, the Archives would be delighted to receive them. 37

Old Eastbournian

Tanks and stags We had a fascinating donation from Mark Skinner (Nugent & Blackwater 1959–60) of a number of athletics cups which had been won at the College by his father, Denzil Robert Skinner (School 1922–26). An all-round sportsman, he was also a member of the 1st XV and 1st XI teams. Intriguingly, Mark sent a couple of models of stag heads mounted on shields made by his father and wondered if these could have anything to do with the College crest. We have been unable to verify that, although we would like to think that maybe he was inspired by the stag emblem he would have seen while a schoolboy.

The stags heads

When we checked the files for Denzil Skinner, we found a catalogue produced by his firm, Denzil Skinner & Company Ltd, advertising model tanks for sale. The text read ‘True models for the collector. Scale 8ft. inch. Can be used for recognition purposes and sand table demonstrations. Start collecting your models now and lay out mock battles.’ The company was founded by Denzil in 1951 and specialised in making industrial scale models such as one of a

Mark IV tank, three of which were used in a film called The First Day, re-enacting the 1917 Battle of Cambrai, the offensive that marked the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. His company also made the aforementioned stags heads. In the 1950s Denzil employed a young artist called David Shepard, who later became the worldfamous wildlife artist and conservationist, to paint a war games backdrop for a mock battle layout to be used for training by the MOD. Denzil’s interest in tanks had begun during his career in the army. After leaving the College, he attended RMC Sandhurst and was commissioned in 1928 into the Royal Tank Corps. In 1932 he was posted to 8th Armoured Car Company, RTC, Red Fort, Delhi and thereafter followed various roles within the tank/weapon development directorate until promotion in 1942, to acting, followed by temporary Lt Col and appointed Chief Instructor, The School of Tank Technology at Chobham, Surrey. From 1944 to 1945 he served with the 8th Army in the role of tank ground/going adviser in Italy. It was here that Lt Col Skinner’s own design of tank track extension, called platypus, was developed. Fitted to the tracks of many different Allied tanks the track assembly was officially referred to as ‘Skinner Platypus

The Cavendish Debating Society We were going through material in one of the archive stores and found several bound volumes that had been produced by the Cavendish Debating Society in the 1930s. They covered a wide range of topics but the most interesting aspect of them were the cartoons produced by its members. In the February 1936 meeting, Basil Proddow (Blackwater 1935–40) proposed that ‘This house would welcome a victory for the insurgents in Spain’. The insurgents to which he referred were the Republicans fighting against Fascism in the Spanish civil war. At the end of his first speech, he said ‘that those who wanted to be true 38

Tracks’. While on a visit to Italy Winston Churchill revealed to Denzil that although the Allies named their tanks after their great leaders such as the Sherman tank, the British did not. As a result the Churchill tank was so named. During his war service, he was assigned to the War Office in London where he met all the top brass including General Eisenhower who, in February 1918, had

Denzil Skinner with a model tank

commanded the United States 301st Heavy Tank Battalion, so they had something in common. At the request of the general, Denzil accompanied the general’s wife, Mamie, in a flying boat back to the United States. After the war Denzil continued tank development in Egypt. By chance he discovered a route through the Quattara Depression previously thought impassable to tanks by General Rommel – strategically this was a vital element enabling

Communists should go and pull down the chapel’. This was neatly illustrated at the end of the minutes. [Note: Basil’s wartime exploits were recounted in last year’s magazine.]

Hitler as portrayed by Derek Joss

Mussolini by Derek Joss

the Allies to conclusively win the key second battle of El Alamein. Denzil’s father, Col Robert Bruce Skinner, also attended the College (Home Boarder 1890–94). He had a notable career in the Royal Engineers and was awarded an OBE in 1920. Eight years later, he was appointed to the Hong Kong Legislative Council with the title The Hon The Officer Commanding The Troops. When the Governor of Hong Kong was on leave, a senior member of the British armed forces usually took on the role of Acting Deputy Governor. Robert was appointed to this deputy position and his traditional navy blue bicorn hat with swan feathers plumage is retained by the family to this day. We are very grateful to Mark for the biographical details he has provided. Mark’s brother Geoffrey Denzil Skinner was at the College in Blackwater 1955 to 1958. Paul Jordan adds: On a personal note, I remembered by sheer chance, the name Skinner appearing in a 1928 holiday diary which I found in a junk shop years ago. It had been written by Owen Herbert Mitchell, an officer in the Indian Army. I mentioned the name, date and place that ‘Skinner’ and Owen met and Mark confirmed it was his grandfather. What an incredible coincidence!

Political figures such as Hitler and Mussolini were also depicted. The artist who portrayed the two dictators was Derek King Joss (School 1933–37). Sadly, he didn’t pursue a career in art but instead became the manager of an oil company in Tanganyika. Another artist from the society, Basil Ian Spencer Gourlay (School 1934–39), later General Sir Basil Gourlay, KCB, CVO, OBE, MC) went on to have a notable career in the Royal Marines.

The chapel cartoon

Our readers write…

We have had a number of correspondents comment on articles that we carried in last year’s magazine.

Turkey and Greece expedition

Maxwell’s son, Jack, in the cockpit of his plane, Miss Kenya

Maxwell Le Poer Trench Following our article about the Le Poer Trench brothers, we were contacted by Colin Trench (a descendant of Maxwell Le Poer Trench) who pointed out a number of inaccuracies in the information we had taken from Vin Allom’s register (mini biographies of former pupils). Colin told us: ‘Maxwell wasn’t a coffee grinder nor had he any involvement in Portuguese East Africa other than visiting Lorenzo Marques [now known as Maputo in Mozambique] while on a passenger steamer for a holiday in South Africa!’ According to the website www. europeansineastafrica.co.uk, Maxwell arrived in British East Africa [now Kenya] from Jamaica in 1914 and took a job with the government as a coffee expert and advisor. He later went into partnership with John Carberry (Carberry financed aviatrix Beryl Markham's east-to-west

flight across the Atlantic) and ran a coffee estate at Seremai, Kenya. Maxwell’s brother, Arthur, took over his position as coffee advisor. Maxwell died in 1969 and was buried at sea. But the coffin floated so his son, Dan, kept taking shots at it until two hit the target and the coffin sank. Colin also sent us this photo of Maxwell’s son, Jack, in the cockpit of his plane, Miss Kenya. The plane had originally been imported by John Carberry in 1925 (the first privately owned aeroplane in Kenya). The de Havilland DH51, VP-KAA, was despatched from the de Havilland Stag Lane Works, north London, to Mombasa and, after a long passage by sea followed by the haul up-country on the Uganda Railway, it was finally carried on a cart drawn by an ox-team, on the last leg of its journey from Nairobi to Seremai, where it was reassembled for flight.

Tom Serpell (School 1961–66) wrote: I was delighted to find the article by Paul Tremlett. One aspect of the trip of 1962 was the inclusion of two very junior boys: myself and Felix ‘Freddie’ Friedlander, both of the 1961 School House intake. A would-be classicist, I was able to persuade my parents and the College powers-that-be that I could be included on condition that another of my age was too. I prevailed upon the extraordinary Freddie and his parents to apply and so it came about. Why extraordinary? Freddie was a one-off; an eccentric at 13 whose preferred reading matter included Principia Mathematica and Les Fleurs du Mal. Such was his intellectual curiosity that he was open to visiting the sources of so much knowledge. The trip was really arranged around the sixth-formers’ agenda, so Freddie and I were rather ‘extra baggage’ for whom provision had not really been made. Suffice it to say, we spent a great deal of the time in both Istanbul and Izmir left to our own devices, though sharing in all the same discomforts of travel and wonders of architecture with our seniors. Unfortunately, I contracted dysentery in Turkey such that by the time we arrived in Athens I had to take to my bed, where Roger Mills’s sister, who was his main helper, took care of me. With my symptoms and the heat, she deserved a medal. My bed on the top floor of the rather basic hotel looked out at the Parthenon and that was as close as I would get to the main objective of my journey, except in delirium. Nonetheless, that trip was one of the most influential elements of my time at Eastbourne. It left me with a lifelong affection for Greece and I went on the read classics at Oxford. I am hugely grateful to Roger Mills, not as a classics master but as the organiser who let me into the group; to the late Freddie Friedlander, for being my companion, without whom none of it could have happened; and to my parents who stumped up the money to pay for it all. [Roger Mills' obituary is on page 113.]

The 1957 fly-past Richard Selley (Wargrave 1953–58) contacted us regarding the 1957 fly-past, a photo of which we carried last year, saying: ‘I remember it well. As the four planes zoomed down over the playing field Air Marshall Sir Douglas McFadyen ducked, the RAF band stopped playing and Eastbourne Police Station received worried phone calls from elderly residents enquiring if the Luftwaffe had returned.’ 39

Old Eastbournian

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Bruce Bobby: A correction In last year’s magazine we inadvertently published the wrong photo for Bruce Bobby (Reeves and Pennell 1949–53) Bruce Bobby in the article Are You Being Served?, which was about OEs with connections to department stores. Bruce was the greatgrandson of the founder of Bobby’s, the famous store in Eastbourne’s Terminus Road. Our thanks to Pat Larkin, former volunteer in the College archives, who pointed out that the photo we published was actually of David Stone (Pennell 1950–55). We had cropped the wrong Bobby is seventh from the left in the head and shoulders from this photo fourth row from the top; David Stone of Pennell House taken in 1952. Bruce is seventh from the left in the third row

Remembering Robin Brown John Peck (School 1946–51) wrote to us after reading the obituary for Robin Brown

(Pennell 1945–49): ‘RTV Brown was considered a giant on the rugger field. I was

The 1948–49 1st XV, standing: Ronald ‘Beefy’ Howell (coach), Noel Geach, David Matson, David Patterson, Peter Davies, David Kidd-May, David Cracknell, Robin Grey; seated: Dermot Hoare, Eric Fleuret, Robin Brown (capt), John Wills, Colin Pickford; seated at front: Alan Ravenscroft, Duncan Symington, Gerald Lomax

Ian Strange’s memories Ian Strange (Ascham 1956–60/Nugent and Blackwater 1960–64) emailed us about his prep school, Farnaby, Sevenoaks, after seeing the article about the Le Poer Trench family. He believed the school was run by a Susan Le Peur Trench and wondered if she was related to the family. We discovered that a Mrs Susanne Le Poer Trench was indeed headmistress of Farnaby but could not directly connect her to the Le Poer Trench brothers mentioned in the magazine. Following the closure of Farnaby in

from the top. The housemaster is Robert Storrs with his wife Millicent and their daughters Fiona and Alison.

delighted to learn he continued in his prowess in later life. Yes, it seemed curious that he never made school prefect but he was highly regarded by the rest of us. My most abiding memory was sitting in School House, I think Middle Room after games. For some reason TR Paris (red-haired Scot) had been off games that afternoon and had gone to watch Pennell in a house match, probably on Larkins as nearest field. His description was graphic: “The ball, scrum, Fleuret (scrum half ), Geach (hooker), Fleuret, Brown (fly half ), Try! It’s like a machine!” Fearsome.’

the late 1950s, Susanne took a teaching post in Switzerland where she taught, among others, the children of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Ian went on to say: ‘Whilst I was at Blackwater my father was stationed in Germany at RAF Wildenrath as a Wing Commander in charge of a Canberra squadron. He announced one Christmas term that he would arrange to fly me home in his Canberra at the end of term in time for Christmas. So, on the last day of term, when everyone else went home in ‘normal’ clothes, I had to dress in my CCF uniform (RAF section of course) and make my way to RAF Benson in

Bashers John Peck continued: ‘Another memory, bashers. I got mine in summer '46. Rationed, but it is one of the early design with broader weave; later ones had a much smaller, tighter pattern. Anyway, the custom was that a new one had to be christened by its owner. Choice: drop-kicked over the 1st XV goal posts (and of course ruptured) or thrown from the top of the tower. I chose the latter, It floated down, intact – to this day. I can't remember if that was the occasion I was beaten for being on the tower or another occasion. Happy Days.’

Oxfordshire. He and his navigator then flew me over to Germany – at night, and in thick fog. The only place for me was either in the jump seat below the pilot, or lying down in the glass nose of the aircraft where the navigator was usually placed. All this made me extremely airsick, and so the first glimpse that my father’s squadron had of their commanding officer’s 16-year-old son as I staggered out of the plane was of a very white, very ill lad clutching a number of sick bags.’ Ian has also contributed a memory about his father to our coronation article on page 22. 41

Old Eastbournian

We are the Devonshire Society Find out more about the schools’ legacy club ‘I am grateful for the vision and generosity of Eastbournians before me, leaving me with a legacy and a school that has prepared me for the challenges in the wider world. Joining the Devonshire Society is my way of paying it forward to future generations of Eastbournians to share the same experience.’

James Fok (Pennell 1997–2002)

ounded in 2002, the Devonshire Society is currently over 80 strong. Our members are men and women who intend to leave a financial gift to Eastbourne College Incorporated in their will. All legacy giving helps to fund bursaries or development projects, with bursaries giving life-changing opportunities to young people.

Make a pledge to leave a legacy and join the club – just let us know your plans. We offer you an invitation to our annual Foundation Day lunch, regular updates of how your money helps, stories from other members and your own tie or scarf to show that you’re a proud member of the Devonshire Society.

Awards and prizes

In-life giving

Already have a will?

We would be delighted to name a bursary in your honour, available for legacy gifts of £300,000 or more. If you are considering such a gift, please do get in touch, so we can discuss your plans.

Some people like to see their money in action, using their income now to transform lives for the future. Do please let us know if you are interested in this form of ‘living legacy’. Read Matt’s story on page 13 to see how Douglas Fergusson’s gift transformed his life.

A letter of wishes or a codicil is sufficient to make a change and leave a legacy to the Charity – please contact your solicitor.

Inheritance tax relief This relief applies to those who wish to leave a legacy of 10 per cent or more of their net estate to charity. It means the remaining assets will be taxed at 36 per cent instead of the usual 40.

In memory

Write your will for free You can write your will for free through Farewill, the UK’s largest online willwriting platform. More details of how to do this are on page 56.

Find out more If you have any questions, or wish to let us know about your legacy pledge, please contact Liz Silvester on the Development team at lmsilvester@eastbourne-college.co.uk or on 01323 452261.

We remember the following Devonshire Society members who died during 2023

Derek Connolly (Powell 1955–59)

Peter Milton-Thompson (Blackwater 1940–46)

John Crawshaw (former College governor, father of OEs)

Margaret Prentis (wife of Brian Prentis, former member of College teaching staff)

Jennie Harari (Eastbourne resident and loyal supporter of the College)

Paddy Sandford-Johnson (Blackwater 1944–49)

Christopher Thomas (Wargrave 1960–65)

Foundation Day

oundation Day was held on Saturday 10 June and we welcomed back members of the Devonshire Society and other major donors to the College. Following a ser vice in the College Chapel, guests enjoyed a champagne reception in the Christopher Kirk-Greene Function Rooms where they were treated to a musical interlude from College pupils. A luncheon followed where guests were welcomed by Development Director Emma Garrett (Nugent 1984–86) and Chairman of the Eastbournian Society Hugh Price (School House 1961–66). Later, Chairman of Governors Philip Broadley (Wargrave 1974–79) spoke about the importance of the bursary fund and the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal which aspires to fully fund 40 places for day pupils at any

one time in perpetuity. He paid tribute to Douglas Fergusson (Blackwater 1966–70) who sponsors a pupil through the sixth form, honouring a former teacher of his, Bernard Drake. Bernard also attended the lunch and taught at Eastbourne College full time from 1967–96, finally retiring in 2008. Douglas will sponsor his four th pupil through the sixth form in September and takes enormous pleasure from seeing young people thrive while they are at the College. Philip is also continuing to suppor t two pupils through the sixth form, and encouraged others to consider doing the same. 'Together Douglas and I want to think of our commitments as seed capital, that others will want to join us and share the joy of supporting young people with a gift that is priceless. Donation income of £23,000

per year suppor ts a day pupil at the College, assuming we can claim Gift Aid. Could you provide support individually or, perhaps, with a group of contemporaries? Could you make a regular monthly commitment? Contributions of any amount to our Bursary Funds go to supporting pupils.' Two recent recipients of the Jack Broadley Award, named after Philip's father; Justin Bonneau Diesce (Wargrave, Y13) and Leander Walters (Wargrave, Y13) spoke to the guests about their gratitude at having received bursary funding while at the College, and reflected on the opportunities a College education had given them. The af ternoon concluded with an oppor tunity to watch cricket on College Field and tennis on Powell Cour ts on a beautiful summer's day.

This page has been sponsored by Robin Bishop (Powell 1965–71)

Old Eastbournian

Flying from dance halls to Yalta The fascinating career of OE Walter Pickard

Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin at Yalta

ecently we discovered the career of Walter John Pickard (Gonville 1919-23). His life included links with the West End stage, directorship of one of the UK’s largest entertainment organisations and the playing of a key part in the organisation of the Yalta Conference in 1945, for which he was awarded an OBE. On leaving the College, Walter joined Ye Mecca Ltd, a well-known catering company, which had been founded in 1887 as Beare and Gosnell. In the 1960s it would greatly expand its dance and bingo halls division under the more familiar Mecca Leisure name. 44

Walter’s father, Percy, who owned a string of cafés and hotels, sold the business to Ye Mecca in 1918 and had a seat on the board of directors. Walter was appointed joint general manager in 1931 and, a year later, the Croydon Times repor ted that a ‘Sunday Club’ had been established by Walter at his newly renovated Lido dance hall (formerly the Princes Cinema) in North End, Croydon. Here you could dance for a half-yearly membership of one shilling or for a shilling ‘floor fee’ per session. The advert noted that the Lido (presumably for those unfamiliar with Croydon) was opposite Marks & Spencers.

In 1936 he married actress Norah Chapman, convent educated and a former member of theatrical empresario C B Cochran’s ‘troop of young ladies’. Walter’s sister, Helena, also an actress, was married to the actor, Sir Cedric Hardwicke. Norah had recently been involved in a lawsuit concerning her appearance at the Windmill Theatre where she had refused to wear real flowers on stage, believing it to be bad luck. Despite this refusal, the hotel at which she was staying prior to her wedding was severely damaged by fire, though luckily she was able to rescue some of her wedding presents while ‘servants

This page has been sponsored by an Old Eastbournian who wishes to remain anonymous

The title page of Walter’s Yalta album

were lowered to the ground in sheets’. Flying was a passion for Walter; he joined the RAF in 1931 as a Flight Officer and was almost immediately promoted to Flight Lieutenant. On the outbreak of the Second World War, he became a flying instructor at the first RAF school in Canada. He later returned to head the R AF Transport Command Station at Lyneham, Wiltshire, where he ser ved until being given the very important task of organising air transport to and from the Yalta Conference, which was held from 4-11 February 1945. The conference was the meeting of the heads of government of the USA. the UK and Russia to discuss how post-war Europe would be organised following the inevitable defeat of Nazi Germany. The ‘Big Three’ attendees were President Franklin D Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and General Secretary Josef Stalin. Walter’s job as Group Captain was to

Walter and Norah on their wedding day

command ‘150 Staging Post’, a base at Saki on the Crimean peninsula, for conveying Churchill, as well as other British and American delegates, to the conference. Known as Operation Argonaut, it involved 252 aircraft of at least nine different types – 120 of the aircraft British and 132 American. Amongst the obstacles that Walter faced were limited facilities, severe weather including heavy snowfall, communications issues and mechanical challenges that involved engine repairs to both Churchill’s and Roosevelt’s aircraft. There was also the threat of friendly fire from Russian fighters should the British or American aircraft fly off course or stray out of agreed flight corridors. For his ser vice, Walter received numerous accolades from his commanders and was subsequently awarded an OBE. A meticulous account of the Yalta operation was kept by Walter which he later compiled into a 100-page album, including documents, photographs, hand-annotated maps, newspaper clippings and letters of appreciation from senior military commanders. The album is inscribed by Winston Churchill and includes a letter of acknowledgement, dated 9 September 1947, from Churchill’s private secretary which says that Churchill ‘remembers how much all concerned admired the efficient and agreeable manner in which you and those under your command carried out your arrangements in such difficult circumstances.’ Flying was also a passion for Walter’s younger brother, the celebrated bomber pilot Percy Charles ‘Pick ’ Pickard. He was the first RAF officer to be awarded the DSO three times during the war and became a public figure for his role in the 1941 R AF documentar y f ilm Target for To-night, as the pilot of the bomber ‘F for Freddie’. He was the commander of Operation Jericho on 18 January 1944, a daring low-level raid by Mosquito bombers to destroy the walls of Amiens prison and liberate French resistance fighters who were held there. However, Percy’s plane was intercepted by a German Focke-Wolf 190 fighter which shot off his aircraft’s tail. The plane crashed, killing both Percy and his long-time navigator Alan Boadley. After the war, in 1947 Walter was awarded a service pilot certificate from the Royal Aero Club and four years later the Eastbournian repor ted that: ‘W J Pickard has very kindly agreed to become our Royal Air Force Correspondent. Would all members of the RAF please send to him details of their rank, etc., and promotions, decorations and awards as they occur? It is very much hoped that members of the RAF will co-operate with Pickard. The Editor has always in the past found them so much more reticent than members of the other services!’

Meanwhile Walter’s career with Mecca continued to f lourish. He was in par t responsible for the opening of the Stork Club (in Streatham, not New York) in 1948 and, in 1959, the Manchester Evening News was repor ting that Walter (the senior of the two managing directors at Mecca) ‘concentrates mainly on the dance hall side of the business and branches other than those in the City of London’. The dance halls were under the control of Eric Morley (creator of the original Come Dancing and the Miss World contest).

The Empire Leicester Square, one of the Mecca ballrooms

In 1964, Walter retired due to ill health and died three years later in Kenya on 16 January 1968. His obituary in the Eastbournian concluded: ‘He was a very loyal and keen OE whose cheerfulness and charm won him many friends who will miss him sadly.’ His son Christopher was in Gonville from 1950 to 1955. Christopher also worked for the Mecca organisation. Paul Jordan

Young Walter at school

Old Eastbournian

The SAS and a secret war

lantry in the Battle of Mirbat which has gone down in the annals of regimental history as one of the most bloody and courageous involving the SAS. At the time the war was highly classified and so remained largely unknown for a number of years. Mike’s DSO was the second in his family – his father had also been thus decorated. After our first tour with the SAS Mike returned to the Queen's while I left the army to join the Foreign Office. It was when he The involvement of three OEs in the Dhofar Rebellion returned [to the SAS] to command a squadron that he died accihristopher James (Wargrave 1959–63) contacted us earlier dently [while training] in the Brecon Beacons, leaving a wife and in the year with some information about what had been, three very young children. We had remained close friends until he at the time, a secret war in Oman involving soldiers of the died in 1979. If there is to be a happy ending it is that Maggie, his Special Air Service (SAS). He and a fellow OE, Michael Kealy (War- widow, married a fellow SAS officer: we all live close to each other grave 1959–63) were both in the SAS and one of the operations here in Herefordshire.' The Battle of Mirbat took place on 19 July 1972, when the with which they were both involved was the British-backed campaign against guerrillas in the Omani province of Dhofar. Another British Army Training Team (BATT) house based just outside the OE, Tim Landon (School 1956–60), was also playing a pivotal role Port of Mirbat came under attack from members of the PFLOAG. in the history of the country at around the same time. This led us Some more details about how Mike won his DSO are taken from his obituary, which was published in the to look at the events of that period in a Old Eastbournian in 1979: little more detail. ‘As a young captain in July 1972 Kealy In the early 1960s Oman was a British won his DSO for sustained bravery in an protectorate, and a communist gueraction in Oman. With nine members of rilla group, the Dhofar Liberation Front, his troop and some local auxiliaries he which later became the Popular Front for held off an attack for five hours by 250 the Liberation of the Occupied Arabian enemy armed with automatic weapons, Gulf (PFLOAG), aimed to liberate the rocket launchers and mortars. During Gulf from what they regarded as British the battle he ran forward 700 yards with imperialism. They believed that the Sultan another soldier to assist those manning of Oman was effectively a puppet leader a 25-pounder gun in an exposed posiunder British control and that he was Tim Landon sitting alongside Sultan Qaboos bin Said doing little to improve the living conditions of his subjects. From tion. At the gun he found both soldiers wounded, and soon the one 1963 they carried out a number of attacks on the Omani forces, who had accompanied him was fatally wounded, too, and one of oil company installations and government facilities, in what became the others killed. With the remaining wounded man Kealy held off attacks from grenade-throwing range until relieved by reinforceknown as the Dhofar Rebellion. On 23 July 1970, Sultan Said bin Taimur was deposed by his son ments. The commander of the relieving force sincerely believed Qaboos bin Said in a coup d'état backed by Britain, with Brigadier that his inspired leadership and bravery had saved the lives of his Timothy Landon playing an important part. Landon had known men, and the town from being captured. A colleague writes, “He Qaboos at Sandhurst and had worked as an intelligence officer in stands as a memorial to all that is courageous and honest. We do David Blake Dhofar from the mid-1960s. During this time he had got to know not often see his like. He will be sadly missed”.’ the locals and learnt their language and Sultan Taimur had been persuaded that he would be a sound companion for his son. In fact, Landon acted as an intermediary when the plotting to overthrow Taimur started and he was able to ensure that Qaboos would be in a position to take over once his father had been deposed. With Qaboos in control, one of Landon’s tasks was to deal with the long-running guerrilla campaign in Dhofar. He agreed with Qaboos that military success on its own would not be enough and that they would have to win over those who supported the rebels in other ways. A lot of support for the guerrillas had been bred by a hatred of the tyrannical rule of Sultan Taimur so, as well as expanding and equipping Oman’s armed forces, they used revenue from oil production (which had previously gone straight to the old sultan) to pay for an ambitious civic development programme over the next few years. By 1976 the rebellion was over and the country was well on its way to being transformed to a modern Middle Eastern state. But before that, while the guerrilla campaign was still taking place, the SAS had a role to play, although this was kept secret at the time. Christopher James takes up the story: 'Mike Kealy and I were in Wargrave together, became close friends and both went on to Sandhurst, Mike six months before me. After commissioning, Mike went into the Queen's Regiment while I joined the Welsh Guards. We next met on selection for the SAS in 1971 and were successful. We spent four years with the regiment during which time we were involved among other operations, extensively in a then secret war in Dhofar, Southern Oman, though we were in different squadrons. It was here that Mike was awarded the DSO as a captain for conspicuous gal- Mike and Chris on another operation, in the Malaysian jungle

Old Eastbournian Lodge Nick Clive-Matthews writes:

hristmas is once again approaching only too rapidly as I write this and another year is almost over for the Old Eastbournian Lodge. Our masonic year began in January with an unexpected turn of events. John Howlett (Blackwater 1971–74), who had been in office as our master for the past three years due to the long-term disruption caused by Covid, was due to install John Meech as the new master, but John had to drop out at the last minute due to the loss of his only son in tragic circumstances. This led to a last-minute scramble to f ind a replacement and Dr Rob Wicks (Powell 1974–79) kindly stepped into the breach. Rob had fortunately finished his year in the chair of the Lodge of Emulation, No 21 the week before, but was still actively involved in London as one of the Duke of Kent’s grand stewards for the year. Rob’s installation was attended by over 40 members and guests with representatives of the Old Radleian, Old Brightonian and Hurst Johnian lodges taking part in the ceremony.

John Howlett and Rob Wicks

The OE Lodge meets at the Eastbourne Masonic Centre on a Friday evening four times a year and we then go for a very convivial dinner after the meeting. As we are now an open lodge, we are no longer restricted to OEs and staff, but also have parents, grandparents

and friends as members, with ages ranging from the twenties to the eighties. If you might be interested in joining this philanthropic group, which is known for its strong social side as well as its charitable giving, or would like fur ther information about freemasonry in general, then contact Nick Clive-Matthews (Pennell 1962–66) at nickc_m@ yahoo.co.uk.

Nick Clive-Matthews

a look at the United Grand Lodge of England website at www.ugle.org.uk, or the Sussex Provincial YouTube link which can be found at http://youtu. be/czXLHUdYG6Y. If you think you might like to learn a little more or are already a mason but would like to join a local lodge, then Nick will be more than happy to have a chat or put you in touch with a lodge meeting in your area. The lodge has kept itself busy again this year, with John Olliff, a local investment manager, being initiated in June and John Bones, a retired export director, joining us in October. It was good to see a number of old faces at the June meeting, with Hafiz Khandwala (School 1968– 73) and Dermot Bambridge (Reeves 1962–66) both driving down from Northamptonshire and Philip Kavanagh (Reeves 1952–55) travelling down from Berkshire. Philip’s grandson Joey Williamson-Persh, brother of Jasmine (Blackwater 2010–12), is now the lodge junior warden and only two years away from the master’s chair. It would be good to have a few more OEs taking an active par t in the lodge. Fortunately we still have Peter Gates (Reeves 1962–67) as our treasurer, Nick CliveMatthews as almoner and John Thornley (College staff from 1978) as our much esteemed organist.

Many non-masons reading this might think, why would I be interested in joining this bunch of weirdos? Such is the bad press we receive in the media and yet there are 12 other lodges meeting in Eastbourne alone, with over 20 0,0 0 0 members across England and Wales, who between them give some £45–50m a year to a multitude of different charities. In fact we are second only to the National Lottery in terms of charitable giving, and all of it out of our own pockets. What many people also don’t realise is that it is an international organisation with organised freemasonry occurring in most countries in the free world, so that wherever you go, whether in this country or abroad, you will be welcomed as a friend and a brother. There are also university The Master and his two Wardens, s c h e m e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e Ed Board, Rob Wicks and Joey country, with lodges in each Williamson-Persh Most lodges have their own area allocated to bringing young men into freemasonry, which lodge banner, which is usually may be of interest to younger displayed adjacent to the OEs. Although this is tradition- master’s chair. Banners have ally a male organisation, there historically played an important are also two grand lodges for part in many associations and in lady freemasons who have the earlier days would have been same aims and traditions. Have paraded through the streets

The OE Lodge Banner

on impor tant masonic occasions. This happens very rarely now, as masonry became more cautious during the Second World War, when Hitler proscribed freemasonry, alongside Judaism, gypsies and homosexuals, but the tradition of having individual lodge banners has continued. For a long time the OE lodge did not have one until this was remedied a few years ago and we now have our own banner proudly displayed at all our meetings. I am including a picture of it this year, as it may be of interest, in par ticular to masonic OEs who are not able to join us, perhaps due to reasons of distance. You will see that the lodge was consecrated in 1927, coincidentally the same year that our near neighbour, the Hurst Johnian lodge, was formed. Both of us are now approaching our centenar y, which is always a very special occasion. Next year Ed Board, a solicitor and son of Andrew Board of Cornfield Law, who was master in 2019 immediately before John Howlett, is due to take over as master. We have plenty of work for the lodge in 2024 with another potential candidate coming in, so that will keep us all on our toes. More and more though, we are having to rely on non-OEs to keep the lodge going, which is a great shame. All the major public schools in the countr y have associated school lodges and it would be a great shame if the College lost touch with its own lodge. If you can spare just a few hours, three or four times a year, have an enquiring mind and want to keep an active link with a longstanding OE association, do please get in touch using the contact details above. 47

Old Eastbournian

The Arnold Embellishers The Arnold Embellishers welcomes all current and past pupils, parents, staff and friends of the College to meet together and discuss projects which enhance the College community. There is a small minimum subscription which enables members to gather for a sociable annual AGM and lunch, receive newsletters and fund suggested embellishments which improve the pupils’ experience at school.

Jonathan Winchester and Nigel Wheeler by the Guy Richards plaque on the scoreboard

The gates at the Carlisle Road end

early a century after the Arnold Embellisher s installed the Thomson gates which sit at the College Road entrance, the group has commissioned two sets of iron gates to enhance the new security systems being put in place by the College. Old Wish Road has been closed up to through traffic. A competition was launched to regional blacksmiths and designers together with national craft associations. The judging panel included Cllr David Tutt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council; Rebecca Maddell, the council’s heritage champion; Joe Hill, director of the Towner Art Gallery; Tom Lawson, headmaster; Abbey Gough, chief operating officer; Nick Chapman, head of facilities management; and Vicky Henley, AE chairman. Observations were gathered from Chris Connelly, conservation officer; Amy Gordon, par tner at Miller Bourne Architects; and Jenny Lush and Chris Nicholson for the AEs. The panel considered six very different designs and were unanimous in their choice. The winning designer, an OE, David Mortimer (Wargrave 1987–92) made the gates at his Firebird Forge in Har tfield and installed them in October half term to coincide with the fitting of the electrics. He has been 48

The gates at the Grange Road end

returning since to adjust and finish painting the Grange Road gates which feature the trees of the area with an Arts and Crafts feel. The gates at Grange Road have been installed alongside the coronation pillars at Grange Road, commissioned by the AEs to celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in June 1953, and will be known as the coronation gates in honour of HM King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023. The AEs are having the worn Latin inscription on the coronation pillars improved and

the stonemason will add below a second inscription which mirrors the original to say that the gates are installed in honour of King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 – ‘Quo anno diadema sumpsa CAROLAS III REX hae statutae sunt portae AD MMXXIII’. The gates at Carlisle Road looking down to the new Winn Building feature the iconic Memorial Building and our very own stained-glass window design by Jessica Lambinet. The headmaster commented that using the dance studio window was a celebration of the Arnold Embellishers commissioning pieces of art for the town. Joe Hill of the Towner agreed that it was good to mark the fact that new works were being commissioned in the hear t of the town’s cultural quarter. Elsewhere in the magazine is the obituary for Michael Partridge, our remarkable AE chairman for 12 years. We remember the many projects he oversaw – books, pictures, artefacts, regalia, improvements to the Bunbury Door to name just a few. Those of us lucky to be on ES visits to the war graves of France and Belgium saw his attention to detail and his care of the records as we searched for the names of individual OEs and also Old Aschamians and Old Androvians. We remember the

This page has been sponsored by Vicky Henley (Nugent 1975–77)

plaque he had put up in Ypres church, his care of the Memorial Field gates, recording the history on the entrance so all would remember, and of course the many new names he sourced to be added to the College war memorial. He was an historical author of some repute – two of his books are available on Amazon – and the AEs benefitted from this talent with a legacy of historical records for the College. The AEs feel so pleased that he saw his final project, a revised and updated roll of honour for the 163 OEs who lost their lives in the Second World War, in print and enthusiastically received at September’s AGM. Please email me if you would like to obtain a printed copy and the digital version is on the website. It was lovely to see so many AEs attending the unveiling of the new flagpoles on the scoreboard on College Field. It was through the enthusiasm of Nigel Wheeler (College staff 1976– 2006) who, with others, never gave up The flagpoles behind the scoreboard on his quest to get the flagpole and plaque to fly the EC/OE and the opposing team’s in memory of Guy Richards reinstated. Guy flags. Mike Harrison, director of spor t, (Craig 1980–85) was an outstanding sports- was very enthusiastic to get the tradition man who sadly had a fatal accident in his going again at cricket matches with away gap year. A long-term member of the AEs, teams and thanked the AEs. The plaque to Nigel generously match-funded the project Guy, originally on the flagpole by the old was moved to the with the AEs to Half get two installed 1pavilion, Humph Future Pageflagpoles Ad AW.qxp_Layout 23/05/2018 16:15 Page 1 scoreboard too

and unveiled by Nigel and Jonathan Winchester (Craig 1980–85) who was representing Guy’s family and friends. Thank you to Nigel and to all involved; it was a significant moment and very nicely orchestrated by Emma Garrett and the ES team. You can read more about this and see additional photos in our cricket report on page 96. We were pleased to sponsor the Music Depar tment’s Young Musician of the Year competition again, a very wor thwhile annual event involving a large number of pupils who show an impressive standard of commitment and talent. This is the chance for so many outstanding musicians to shine but also for many to get experience in performing. Overall winner this year was the incredible Alice, a Year 12 pupil who started learning the violin aged 7, passed Grade 8 distinction by the time she was 13, the London College of Music Diploma in Performance at just 15 and plays with the National Youth Orchestra. It has been a privilege to hear her perform at ES events and I hope those who haven’t will get a chance to hear her at the College. I suspect she’s coming to a concert hall near you in the future! Vicky Henley, Chairman vhenley@eastbourne-college.co.uk

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Old Eastbournian

The 2023 reunion OEs and former staff returned to the College on one of the hottest days of the year

he hot and humid conditions of the September heatwave did not put off the Old Eastbournians and former staff who returned to the College on Saturday 9 September. Some of them caught the tail end of the house rugby competition which had been taking place on College Field during the morning and early afternoon, while others arrived in time for a tour of the College conducted by John Thornley. Tea in Big School followed at 4.00pm; a chance to catch up with old schoolmates and reminisce while enjoying plentiful cups of tea. A scrolling presentation of old photos of the College from the 1950s to the present day was on show on a big screen, and we also had access to the digital archives for guests to look at house group photos and spot their younger selves. After tea, there was an opportunity for OEs to visit their old houses, before heading along to Evensong in the Chapel. The day culminated with the drinks reception and evening dinner in the function rooms of the Winn Building. Development Director Emma Garrett welcomed the guests and Headmaster Tom Lawson gave a short speech reflecting on the College's recent achievements. Our thanks as ever go to the many College staff behind the scenes who helped make the day such a success: the porters, the IT department, the catering staff and the ES team who worked hard on a very hot day to make it all run smoothly.

Eastbournian Society

Annual Dinner and Reunion Weekend We’re doing things a little bit differently this year…

Annual Dinner The Grand Hotel Friday 6 September Eastbourne BN21 4EQ

ollowing the great success of last year’s dinner at The Grand Hotel, we have decided to return, but with a difference. This year the annual dinner has moved from the spring to the autumn, kicking off the reunion weekend in style! And it’s not just for Old Eastbournians. All members of the Eastbournian Society: OEs, OAs, parents, College staff and other friends and supporters, together with spouses and partners, are cordially invited to attend.

Reunion Day Saturday 7 September

2024

• Formal evening wear (‘Black tie’) • Reception drinks from 6.30pm • Three-course dinner • Half bottle of wine per person • Tea or coffee and petits-fours • Tickets cost £100 per person

Heads and Tales Our gues t speaker s for this special evening will be current headmaster The Hon Tom Lawson and former headmas ter Chr is Saunders (1981–93) who will be sharing some amusing anecdotes and swapping tales about their times in charge.

Hotel discounts We have arranged discounts with a number of Eastbourne hotels to enable you to stay overnight and join in the reunion events on Saturday. Please check the website or call us for the latest list of participating hotels.

Please book online at https://eastbourniansociety.org/events or call us on 01323 451911 or send an email to es@eastbourne-college.co.uk

ollowing the annual dinner, the fun will continue at the College on Saturday, with house rugby matches to watch from 11.00am on College Field, OE tennis and fives, and all the different societies represented in Big School during the day. There will also be school and house tours on offer in the afternoon. Refreshments will be available in the Warren Atrium (Nugee Building, adjacent to the pavilion): • 10.30am Tea and coffee • 12.30pm Buffet lunch There is no charge for any part of the day but you will still need to book a place so that we have accurate numbers for catering. Booking details as shown on the left for the annual dinner.

Old Eastbournian

ES and OE get-togethers Oxford drinks Emma Garrett invited ES members to drinks at the King’s Arms in central Oxford on Friday 24 February.

Left to right, Roz Adams (Burrows), Lynn Savage (Hanscomb), John Hargreaves, Ingrid Carding (Roberts), Beverley Pugh (Storkey) and Claire Saxby (Lathbury).

Old girls reunion

Left to right, Mark Ackred (Pennell 1991–96), Emma Garrett (Le Brocq) (Nugent 1984–86), Tim Kourdi (Reeves 1974–79), Andy Gillett (Wargrave 1970–73) and wife Sarah, Ann Arscott (Nugent 1973–75), Jonathan Winchester (Craig 1980–85), Holly Symington (Blackwater 1996–2001) and Emma Holman (Moore) (Watt and School 1996–2000). Bill Baxter (Gonville 1974–79) also attended.

Ingrid Carding contacted us early in the year and we helped her get in touch with a number of old school friends, who were all in Nugent 1974–76. They met up in March, together with former member of staff John Hargreaves. Ingrid told us: ‘We all got together at Long Sutton for lunch. We hadn't seen each other for over 40 years and were thrilled to spend time with each other again. John was an English teacher at Eastbourne College at the time, who was and is much loved. We hope to see each other again soon, possibly with some more OEs, from 1974–76.’

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards

Michael Praed, centre, between Jane Slade and Emma Garrett

The College was well represented at the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards presentation on Friday 19 May at Buckingham Palace. Upper Sixth pupils Abi Perry (School) and Karam Al-Robaie (Reeves), along with OEs Lucy Ritson (Nugent 2016–18), Sapphyre Mills Kennelly (Nugent & Watt 2017–22) and Emily May (Arnold & Watt 2017–22) were all there, and we congratulate them on their achievements.

Abi Perry and Karam Al-Robaie

A musical reunion The ES trip to see 42nd Street on Thursday 15 June resulted in a mini OE reunion when some of the group were able to go backstage and meet actor Michael Praed (Gonville 1973– 78) who was appearing in the show. Jane Slade (Nugent 1975–77) told us: ‘It ended up a bit of an impromptu My Fair Lady reunion when a coterie of Old Eastbournians and others went to see 42nd Street at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre. We had no idea that Michael Praed was in the cast. But when we discovered he was, we thought it would be ‘loverly’ to see him and, more importantly, he would love to see us. And we were right. A quick text from Emma Garrett got us a VIP pass through the stage door. I hadn’t seen Mike since starring with him in the 1976 school musical My Fair Lady at the College. Mike (who called himself Michael Prince in those days) played Freddy Eynsford-Hill. There was instant recognition of course since neither of us had changed a jot.’ 52

Lucy Ritson

The Mole Club’s final gathering Birthday celebrations in Peter Woods sent us this photo of France members of the Mole Club, a group of

In June, Maurice Trapp (Gonville 1962–67) former School House pupils who have celebrated his 75th birthday in style with year since leaving the met almost every friends from College days, including College. HePhilip told us: ‘this was our final Hepburn (Blackwater lunch 1961–gathering 66), John at the Royal School of Ashcrof t (Reeves 1960 – 65) and Piptook place on Tuesday Medicine which Kirtley, the daughter of 10 Donald Perrens. October. The first gathering took The celebrations included a dinner cruise place in 1962 and apart from three down the Loire and an years informal supper missed during Covid we have in a gite with stunning views overlooking met every year, 59 out of 62. Numbers the river. Left to right arehave Pip Kirtley, Philipfrom a low of about fluctuated Maurice Trapp, John Ashcroft Left to right (with School House years in brackets) Mike Dunning (1956–60),Hepburn, Robert Gabriel four to a high of 18. The meetings were (1957–62), Richard Masefield (1956–61), Mike Hortiatis (1957–62), Peter Smith Dougal and(1956–61), Judi Ashcroft. first organised by Chris Dane (School Graham (1957–61), Nick Buckland (1959–63), Mike Valmas (1958–62), Chris Buckland (1956–61), PHOTO: 280-oe-get-togethers-france Peter Roach (1957–62), Peter Woods (1957–62) Keith Ross (1958–63), Michael Carpenter (1956–61); 1956–61) and following his untimely death I took over.’ seated: Hywel Thomas (1957–62).

Summer drinks in Meads Magnus Spencer (Ascham 1975–77; St Andrew’s 1977–80; Powell 1980–85) organised a pub gathering at The Ship in Meads on Saturday 17 June which involved involving Old Aschamians, Old Androvians and Old Eastbournians.

Chris Walter (St Andrew’s 1974–79; Powell 1979–84) and James Dean (St Andrew’s 1974–79)

Mark Skelton (St Andrew’s 1973–79), Toby Edwards (Reeves 1981–84) and Warren Terry (Craig 1980–85)

Jonathan Winchester (Craig 1980–85), Emma Garrett (Le Brocq) (Nugent 1984–86), Simon Croft (School 1980–85) and Christine Bertoli (Nugent 1983–85)

Magnus Spencer, James Dean, Marios Costambeys (Ascham 1975–77; St Andrew’s 1977–80) and Mark Skelton

Breakfast in Dubai

Birthday celebrations in France

Oscar Orellana-Hyder set up a breakfast meeting for OEs and others in Dubai on Tuesday 20 June. The venue was the Dubai Creek Golf Club.

In June, Maurice Trapp (Gonville 1962–67) celebrated his 75th birthday in style with friends from College days, including Philip Hepburn (Blackwater 1961–66), John Ashcroft (Reeves 1960–65) and Pip Kirtley, the daughter of Donald Perrens. The celebrations included a dinner cruise down the Loire and an informal supper in a gite with stunning views overlooking the river.

Left to right, Oscar Orellana-Hyder (Reeves 2002–07), Tariq El-Titi (Pennell & Reeves 1989–92), Philip Broadley (Wargrave 1974–79), Stephen Atkinson (parent of an OE), Niki Mapouras-Hyder (Blackwater 2002–07), Pierre Locher (Gonville 2014–18), Alex Woodford (Reeves 1994–99), Albert Kahlow and Michael Gietzen (Reeves 2001–03)

Left to right are Pip Kirtley, Philip Hepburn, Maurice Trapp, John Ashcroft and Judi Ashcroft.

Old Eastbournian

Evening drinks in Jersey

Oriental Club lunch

The Beach Club at St Brelade in Jersey was the perfect location for evening drinks on Wednesday 9 August, and it was good to see ES members from all generations, plus a few guests, come along.

A group of senior OEs, who all started at the College in the late 1950s, met at the Oriental Club in London on Thursday 19 October for their regular get-together.

Reception in Hong Kong The Eastbournian Society hosted an evening reception on Tuesday 10 October 2023 at the Hong Kong Club, an opportunity for OEs, parents and others to hear about recent developments at the College.

Left to right, Paddy Geoghegan (Pennell 1956–61), Alan Elwig (Gonville 1956–61), Michael Dix (Pennell 1957–62), Michael Hind (Blackwater 1955–60), Bob Rogers (Pennell 1957–61), Emma Garrett, David Chaundler (Blackwater 1956–61), Mike Price (Reeves 1955–58), Pat Crowley (Gonville 1956–60), Andrew Finn-Kelcey (Blackwater 1956–60), Nigel Strofton (Gonville 1955–59), Peter Corke (Powell 1955–60), Henry Underhill (Pennell 1953–58) and Hexell Lewis (School 1958–62)

Annual reunion for 1979 leavers The Class of '79 met up at the Boot & Flogger bar and restaurant in London on Thursday 26 October. A great time was had by all, at what has now become a firm fixture in the calendar for friends who left the College in 1979, to reminisce and catch up on plans, present and future. Organiser Chris Porter commented ‘it's such a special group and so good to still be in touch, meeting up like this on a regular annual basis so thanks to everyone who came along.’ Next year will be especially poignant as it marks the 45th anniversary since leaving the College and a date at the same venue has already been arranged: Thursday 10 October 2024. If you would like to attend or get in touch with friends from the year group please get in touch directly with Chris at chris.porter500@ntlworld.com.

London drinks evening An evening get-together for London-based OEs was held at The Fable near Holborn Viaduct on Thursday 19 October.

Left to right around the table are Lloyd Watson (Gonville 1975–79), Rosalind Hall (Girling) (Nugent 1977–79), Ian Cracknell (Gonville 1974– 79), Tim Brice (Blackwater 1974–79), Steven Crawshaw (Craig 1974–79), Lucy Stevens (Nugent 1977–79) Tim Kourdi (Reeves 1974–79), Sarah Simpson (Hichisson) (Nugent 1977–79), Robert Wicks (Powell 1974–79), Ted Young (Blackwater 1974–79), Jane Hole (Nugent 1977–79), Robert McNeilly (School 1974–79), Chris Porter (Gonville 1974–79), Richard Vidal (Gonville 1974–79), Simon Petrides (Powell 1974–79), Michael Naylor (Blackwater 1974–79), Paul Lovatt-Smith (Powell 1974–79) and Bill Baxter (Gonville 1974–79).

Edinburgh get-together

An evening in Berlin

ES members based in and around Edinburgh were invited to our first networking event in the city on Sunday 29 October and got together for a drink in a local hostelry.

The inaugural get-together in Germany was held in Berlin on Saturday 18 November, with OEs and parents from across the country enjoying dinner and a chance to reminisce about College days. We are grateful to Tom Breitzmann (Gonville 1973–75) who suggested and hosted the evening, and also to Vicky Burford (second in charge of modern foreign languages and international co-ordinator), who represented the College.

International

Women's

Day T

o celebrate International Women's Day on Wednesday 8 March, Head of School Tess Garrett (School 2021-23) invited a number of OE women to record on video their thoughts on what it means to be a woman in today's world. It's a project inspired by the gender BE YOU group at the College, a group of pupils who come together to promote gender equality within the school. Tess said: 'We would like this video to be female focused and the aim is to empower girls through the school, especially on International Women’s Day, proving to them that anything can be achieved if they put their mind to it and are a kind person.'

Those who took part were asked to consider: • What’s one moment in your life where you have felt proud to be a woman? • Has your career taught you something that you feel is worth sharing? • Which woman has inspired you throughout your life? • What are your hopes for the women of the future?

We are grateful to the OEs who took part: Sasha Bates (Nugent 1984–86), Patti Clark (Nugent 1983–85), Jax Comyn (Nugent 1979–81), Di Moss (Nugent 1970–-72), Georgie Daniels (School 2014–16), Emily Warburton-Adams (School 2007–10), Lulu Brown (Nugent 1980-82), Helen Binge (Nugent 1973–75) and Jenny Kirtley (Nugent 1989–91).

The video was shown in an assembly to the school, and is available to view on YouTube at w w w.youtube.com/ watch?v=Fa5pyZ6kzko. 55

Old Eastbournian

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This gives Eastbournian Society members registered on our website access to this fast and easy-to-use platform. Once checked by one of Farewill’s team of specialists, printed, witnessed and signed, you will have a legally-binding will ensuring that your wishes are carried out. During the process you will be asked if you would like to leave a legacy gift to Eastbourne College Incorporated (Registered Charity Number 307071). There’s no obligation to do so, but if you are able to contribute to our bursaries fund, we would be so grateful. Your generosity, regardless of its scale, will help unlock extraordinary futures by giving the life-altering gift of education to a child. Simply go to the Farewill website to get started: https://farewill. com/eastbourne-web. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Liz Silvester at lmsilvester@eastbourne-college.co.uk or on 01323 452261. 56

Matt Allchorn, who is the premises officer at the College, recently made his will using the Farewill service. ‘Having our son last year, brought into focus the fact that my wife Rachel and I didn’t have a will. I found out about Farewill which handheld me through the whole process. It was so simple – and free! In return, we were more than happy to leave a gift to the schools.’

75 years of the

CCF 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the CCF in 1948

adets at the College have existed since 1896 when the Eastbourne College Cadet Corps was founded, but it was over fifty years later that schools across the country joined the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which came into existence on 1 April 1948. The intervening years had seen a number of changes: the cadets were renamed the Officers Training Corps (OTC) in 1908 and, following the College’s evacuation to Radley College, Oxfordshire, in 1940, they became the Junior Training Corps (JTC). An Air Training Corps was established the following year and the Sea Cadets Corps added in 1943. In 1948 the three sections were merged into the CCF and the July edition of the Eastbournian reported that at Eastbourne this would be effective from the following September: ‘Combined Cadet Force – This force came into existence on 1 April 1948. We have been expecting details of it for some time but they only came in June and the Corps will be reorganised in accordance with the scheme next term. The Combined Corps will consist of… a Royal Naval Section… an Army Section… a Royal Air Force Section.’ 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (‘Monty’) was guest of honour on Speech Day on 12 June 1948. He inspected the Guard of Honour and went on to say: ‘I thought they were extremely good; they were quite first class. They were very smart and did all their movements well. But what really impressed me was that they stood steady on parade. That is good… if they do so then they will be steady in action… I commend the Junior Training Corps as far as I saw it.’ It is interesting to note that in the photo of Monty inspecting the guard of honour, the cadets still have ‘JTC’ on their shoulder flashes.

Later in that year, the Eastbournian reported: ‘To celebrate the inauguration of the Combined Cadet Force the Field Day [21 October 1948] took the form of a Combined Operation. The area chosen was the Cuckmere valley, just south of Litlington, and the exercise took the form of an attempted river crossing by bridge and assault boat.’

Field Marshal The Viscount Montgomery of El Alamein inspecting a guard of honour on College Field in June 1948 with Headmaster John Nugee in the background

The Corps of Drums on parade in 1951, led by Michael Partridge (Blackwater 1946–51) The early cadet corps in 1898

Old Eastbournian

The College’s ‘Eton’ glider in flight over Memorial Field, 1952. The pilot operated a wire to release an elastic rope which launched the glider; the usual flight length was about 100 yards

The CCF celebrated its diamond jubilee in 1956 and, as part of the festivities, a new headquarters was opened in Blackwater Road. In January 1992, for the first time, seven girls (from Nugent and Watt houses) were enrolled in the Army Section. Currently, the College CCF has just over 300 cadets and is one of the largest contingents in the south-east. Over 15 members of staff provide a varied and exciting training programme every Monday afternoon, as well as one field day per year and a four-day camp. There are also voluntary overnight tactics exercises and range days, and the oppor tunity to participate in MOD sponsored adventure training and military based courses around the country.

The 25-pounder field gun on Inspection Day 1954

CCF officers over the years: RSM Bill Strong, Major John Underhill, Major Tom Rodd, Lt Col Tony Henderson, Inspecting Officer Lt Gen Sir Richard Goodwin, Major Forbes Wastie, Wg Cdr Donald Perrens and RSM Tony Watson on Inspection Day 1977

RN section cadets returning from HMS Vanguard in July 1951

RN cadets being shown a model of a 48-gun frigate by Lt Keith Norman Smith at the College (Illustrated London News, January 1959)

General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL (Wargrave 1965–70) was Chief of the Defence Staff between 2010 and 2013 after a long army career; he is pictured here with cadets at summer camp in 2010

The Link trainer simulator arrived at the College in 1954 and is pictured here in use in the early 1980s

RAF cadets on a field day in 2010

Navy cadets on the Cuckmere in 2016

Choral Evensong at St Clement Dane’s

he College marked the 75th anniversary with Evensong at St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the RAF, on Wednesday 4 October. College musicians took part and the RAF section of the cadets paraded and presented the CCF standard to the chaplainin-chief of the RAF, the Venerable Dr (Air Vice-Marshal) Giles Legood MBE KHC, who also gave the sermon on the theme of non ministrari sed ministrare (not to be served but to serve). The Evensong was a joint event with the choir and the director of music of St Clement Danes. It began with a violin solo by music scholar Alice Younger (Watt House), and involved some 40 College singers, a quartet of visiting singers, and four College trumpeters under the guidance of director of music Dan Jordan, providing an uplifting and inspiring service. Further celebrations of the anniversary were due to take place with a formal dinner at the House of Lords on Friday 2 February 2024, a report of which will be carried in next year’s magazine.

Lord Lieutenant’s awards

n December 2023, the College CCF was honoured with two awards announced by the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman CStJ. Cadet Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) Alexander Davies (Powell Year 13) was chosen by the Lord Lieutenant for his outstanding contribution to his unit. One of the highest achievements in the cadet forces, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is the aide and representative to the British royal family and the Lord Lieutenant, with cadets chosen every year from the regional cadet forces, and occasionally from the CCF. Capt Phil Martin, Officer Commanding the Army Section and B Company for Year 10, was awarded a Lord Lieutenant’s Meritorious Service Award for his exem-

plary contribution to the CCF movement. Capt Martin, the College librarian, has served as an adult volunteer in the CCF for more than 20 years. He is responsible for delivering a high standard and inspirational programme, while providing counsel to more junior and less experienced adult volunteers. Anthony Lamb, deputy head of cocurricular at the College, said: ‘We are extremely proud of Cadet WO1 Alexander Davies and Capt Phil Martin, both of whom exemplify the resourcefulness and determination of Eastbourne College’s Cadet Force. This is the third time in the last 15 years that a pupil from Eastbourne College has had such a singular honour bestowed on one of our cadets. Rarely, if, ever, has a school ever had so many cadets honoured.’

Alexander Davies and Phil Martin

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT AND SUCCESS We’re proud of our heritage, but are always looking forward, empowering our pupils to question the answers and find their own path in life. Our year-on-year developments at the College stand as a commitment to our pupils’ future success. Celebrating diversity

THE NEW NATURAL HISTORY GCSE

The Be You group – a body of forums such as LGBTQ+, Gender, Race and Ethnicity – has expanded its range of diversity and inclusion initiatives, adding a Neurodiversity and Disability group to raise awareness of learning differences.

The Department of Education has announced a new GCSE in natural history from 2025 – part of their recently launched Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. We are the first school to announce our intention to add the new GCSE to our curriculum.

NEW CRICKET PROFESSIONALS

Continuity of study

Matilda Callaghan joins the College as Director of Cricket, while former Sussex County Cricket Club player Nick Wilton joins the team as a new cricket professional.

The Bridge Curriculum for Years 7 to 9, a uniquely seamless approach to the learning transition from St Andrew’s Prep to the College, has been further embedded and refined with our values and digital literacy programmes.

ISI Inspection result:

EXCELLENT The highest possible rating. The report praised the quality of pupils’ achievements and personal development.

Pupils can be themselves and achieve their best whilst demonstrating remarkably high levels of self-confidence, selfreliance and resilience.” ISI

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Year on year the College is ranked in the top 4% of schools in the country, on the basis of ‘value added’ by the level of teaching and commitment to helping every child unlock their full potential.

% 57 A–A*

A*–B in science, mathematics, computing and design

grade 9 in modern languages

GRADE 9 achieved by 90% of pupils passing their GCSEs early

A*–B in history

ONE IN FOUR pupils achieved an A* or A in all their A-level subjects

Girls achieved

A*–B across all three sciences

A*–A

A*–B in mathematics

ALL PUPILS in our medics programme got into their chosen university

GCSE A-level HIGHER EDUCATION 63

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad academic experience, both within and beyond the classroom, to help inform future educational choices. ENGLISH

ECONOMICS

Grace King was shortlisted in the Northeastern University London essay competition for English, attending their Competition Award Ceremony over the Easter holiday.

Two teams of Year 12 pupils entered into the Institute of Economic Affairs’ annual Budget Challenge, giving their own views on how they would manage the economy if put in the Chancellor’s shoes. Both teams progressed to the semi-final and the team of Alex Bailey, Struan Dunlop, Olivia Reeves and Nellie Yarrow-Davies reached the final – a huge achievement!

DEBATING A number of teams took part in the Oxford and Cambridge Regionals, with Hannah Sewell, May Fogerty Stevens, Xanthe Lawson, Akari Ikeda and Tilly Chapman all achieving first and second places.

SCIENCES In the UK Chemistry Olympiad, 11 pupils achieved bronze awards, five achieved silver awards, with Isaac Tam taking the gold. 85% of entrants won an award, far above the national average. In the Physics Olympiad, James Zhou and Cindia Zhou won silver and bronze awards respectively.

MATHEMATICS Pupils in years 9, 10, and 11 achieved some fantastic results in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. Year 9 achieved six silver awards, including Miyu Katsumata who was awarded the highest score in the year. In Year 10, there were four gold awards, with Dean Zhang achieving best score in the year and overall in school – qualifying for the Hamilton Olympiad. Year 11 secured five gold awards, with Cici Liu emerging as the top performer and qualifying for the Pink Kangaroo, along with the gold award winners from Year 10.

MODERN LANGUAGES Reuben Mace, May FogartyStevens, Aline Allenspach and Antonia Inderfurth took part in the UK Linguistics Olympiad.

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS The sporting programme gives pupils a broad experience of sport and still allows for specialisation and focus on elite pathways. The College achieves remarkable success at county, regional and national level, as well as enabling sport for all. ATHLETICS

CRICKET

Lisa Shi, Year 13, ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon, completing the course as the fourth fastest woman – finishing only 2.5 minutes behind the winner.

The 1st XI boys finished as champions of the Sussex Schools Langdale final and the 2nd XI were crowned County 2nd XI champions for the second consecutive year.

Lucas Gorrill, Year 10, represented the South East in the Inter Regional Duathlon competition, finishing second.

Georgie Pedley, Year 9, was selected for the Southern Vipers Emerging Players Programme. Emma Valks was selected for the U14 County Cricket.

OE Hamish Reilly achieved a bronze medal in the U23 World Triathlon Championship in Abu Dubai. 22 athletes qualified for the Sussex championships. There were 7 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze medals won in the Sussex schools diamond league (SISDL) along with personal bests and new College records. Congratulations to Year 9 for reaching the national finals in the shot.

CROSS COUNTRY The senior girls’ cross country team took the gold for a second year in the Sussex County Championships. Several other runners qualified through to the regional rounds and the nationals, finishing in the top 25 in the country – Lucas Gorrill, Year 10, placed 18th out of 327 in his age group and Matt Geddes, Year 13, placed 25th out of 317. Matt Geddes was also crowned Sussex U20 Cross Country Champion. 66

Eastbourne College was featured in the Cricketer Schools Guide, Top 100 Senior Schools in the UK, for the eighth year running. OE, Tawanda Muyeye won the 2023 Hundred cricket competition with the Oval Invincibles.

EQUESTRIAN The equestrian team took first place in the 80cm show jumping at Felbridge – qualifying for the National Finals in October 2023.

FIVES Our U18s and U16s competed in the National Schoolgirls Rugby Fives tournament at Marlborough College. The standard of fives at the competition was high, with a record number of entries from 11 schools.The tournament saw our girls coming away as national doubles plate champions at both U18 and U16.

GOLF

HOCKEY

NETBALL

Both George and Archie Shakespeare came joint 10th in the National U15 Championships. They also participated in the prestigious MacGregor Cup, U16 National Finals, which requires players from a handicap of 1.4 or better to qualify. At the time of writing George is the Sussex U15 champion and Archie holds the Martlets trophy for best performance in both U18 and U15 Sussex Championships.

An impressive 150 goals were scored by all the teams this year. The U14A boys hockey squad became County Champions, and the U15As were unbeaten this season.

1700 goals scored in 115 fixtures was a superb reward for the efforts in training. The 1st VII netball squad completed an impressive season, winning 12 matches and a fourth place finish at SISNA, the Sussex Cup. The U14C have won four from six and the 2nd team have won over 50% of their matches.

Six 1st XI players qualified for the national club T2 final at Nottingham, with their local Eastbourne club coached by our very own Olympian, Mr Hill.

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

Annual Interhouse Competitions Steeplechase Pupils from every house and year group ran a course on the nearby South Downs, ending at the Wish Tower on the seafront.

900+

FIXTURES

of pupils competed in fixtures

18 7 SPORTS

sports in national finals with 3 in latter rounds

100 TEAMS

RUGBY

SWIMMING

Ollie Wigman, Year 13, was selected for the Lambs National Rugby squad. Hector Summers, Year 13, represented the Swedish U18 rugby squad in a match against Gibraltar. Jack Greig and Will Daniels, Year 11, continue to represent Harlequins U17.

The swim team broke the school’s record at the National Independent Schools’ Relay Competition, the Bath Cup, at the Olympic Park – qualifying for the finals in both the freestyle and medley events. The girls recorded an impressive ninth in the freestyle and the boys finished seventh in the medley and eighth in the freestyle. The College finished tenth overall in over 150 independent schools. Zach Howard, Year 12, set a new school record for breaststroke.

FOOTBALL Kayla Ginger, Year 12, represented the Hungarian U19 International football team at a tournament in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.

TENNIS The tennis teams have had an outstanding season with ten county titles won – more than any other school by a distance and arguably the largest haul of trophies by one school in one season.

county team titles plus individual county medals

On top of being Sussex LTA School of the Year, the girls 1st team retained their Sussex County title, won their regional final, and finished a very impressive sixth at the national finals in Nottingham. The U18 boys won their county title and narrowly lost in the regional final as they sought to join the girls in the national finals in Nottingham. The U16 girls and boys retained their Sussex titles. The U15 girls and U14 boys and girls also won their county titles. Gaby Pacheco-Lagoda, Year 9, and Becky Fisher, Year 12, represented both Sussex and Kent U18 tennis squads respectively at the County Cup Competition. Emma Valks was selected for County Tennis (U16) squads.

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS HIGHLIGHTS We support young people in all areas of creative and performing arts, and offer an inspiring arts journey. We seek to empower pupils to gain confidence and creativity through expression, providing endless opportunities for growth. ART

PHOTOGRAPHY

Scholars and several other pupils entered work into the RA Young Artists Summer Show.

Brooke Haycock’s photography was commended in the RSPCA Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Sassy Garrad was offered an unconditional place at Camberwell UAL to study Fine Art Photography.

Oliver Edmead, Year 12, was awarded the Ward and Burke Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.

TEXTILES

DRAMA Around 30 pupils, including the band and stage management, were involved in our annual production. Every performance of Nell Gwynn was sold out. Pupils performed Macbeth to sell out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023.

MUSIC Alice Younger was selected to join the National Youth Orchestra as a violinist. Our inaugural Composers’ Concert was a great advertisement for the wealth of creativity in the College, featuring 14 original works from pupils across all year groups. 70

Liv Reade was selected as a finalist for the Young Fashion Designer UK competition, and awarded best fabric construction for her final piece. Isaac Lee, Year 10, was awarded Joint Winner in this year’s Royal Opera House Design Challenge and was selected as one of four finalists in his age category for the Young Fashion Designer UK.

Artsmark Platinum Award The Platinum Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England. The College is the only school in Sussex to hold this award, and one of only 74 schools nationally.

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS Modern young people want to make a positive difference in society. We encourage pupils to reflect on their good fortune and consider, as an integral part of their wider education, the needs of others.

Charities

COMMUNITY

Four Year 11 pupils raised over £4,000 for SUDC UK (Sudden Unexplained Death in Children), walking 110km over 6 days.

Local elderly residents have been enjoying their afternoon’s entertainment at Wednesday Club in the College dining room.

Quiz nights have raised almost £700 for our two School Chapel charities, Crisis and Bushbells.

The Green Team have been out and about clearing litter from the beach and the seafront.

Wargrave House had another incredible 24-hour Dakar Challenge Rowathon, raising more than £6,400 for the Sam West Foundation.

The Chaseley group members continue to visit severely disabled residents up at Chaseley Trust, with games of Chess and Monopoly, as well as helping at craft sessions and in their physiotherapy department.

Ben Young and Amelia Baldock helped raise over £1,000 for You Raise Me Up, which provides emotional and mental health support to families who have lost a young person. Nugent House collected clothes and other items for the humanitarian charity, Kidogo, helping those displaced in Ukraine.

A small group of pupils have been cleaning and maintaining wheelchairs for the Shopmobility Service in the Beacon Centre to help less mobile Eastbourne residents enjoy their shopping trips.

Lisa Shi ran the Brighton Half Marathon to fundraise for Sussex Beacons, supporting people with HIV. Watt House raised over £400 for Holding Space and Amaze, charities that support family mental health and disabled children and young people. Pennell House raised over £800 for the Brighton and Hove City Mission, a charity which assists in schools, care homes and also runs a café and food bank. The termly Charity Lunch raised over £350. The Charity Revue raised over £600 for our charities.

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

pupils are working towards Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

144 74

pupils are working towards Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

COMBINED CADET FORCE Within the Army Section, B Company sections have been undertaking a rotation of training. All Year 10 cadets are being trained to carry out CPR, build a shelter, cook in the field, use a radio, handle a rifle safely, and are introduced to basic navigation, infantry tactics, and teamwork skills. Year 11 cadets on the leadership development programme have prepared and taught individual practice lessons and worked at leading a squad drill.

300

Royal Air Force Year 11 and Year 12 cadets completed the RAF’s own cadre course, teaching them how to deliver lessons to junior cadets. The highlight of the year was the air experience, when eight lucky cadets enjoyed a 30-minute sortie with a pilot from RAF Benson, each having the opportunity to take control of the aircraft. The photo that Alfie Lulham took from the cockpit has even been uploaded onto the main RAF Instagram page.

pupils are in the Combined Cadet Force, one of the largest contingents outside of those at military schools.

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

Coastal Schools Partnership Eastbourne College is a founding member of the Coastal Schools Partnership (CSP) comprising Eastbourne College and 13 maintained secondary schools, free schools, academies and colleges, whose mission it is to collaborate on projects for the mutual benefit of pupils and staff.

The CSP has proven impact on the quality of learning across the Partnership and on the self-esteem and leadership skills of the young people involved. We focus on seven areas, decided on by the Partnership:

RAISE ASPIRATION We have links with universities, run interactive workshops and support Oxbridge applications.

INFLUENCE CHANGE Pupils are given access to key opinion makers – for example the House of Lords, the Eden Project and the Local Authority – and work to develop meaningful pro-active projects about where they live.

CHALLENGE AND SUPPORT GCSE support is provided through mentoring schemes, homework clubs and motivational talks. 76

PROVIDE Continuous Professional Development Our most recent Environmental Conference in November 2022 was attended by the Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee on Climate Change, Baroness Kate Parminter, the OCR exam board team delivering the new Natural History GCSE in 2025, and Sir Tim Smit of the Eden Project.

Working with Eastbourne College has had an important impact on our most vulnerable students. Paired with all the support they have had at Ratton, 57% managed to increase their results.” Ratton School

IMPROVE GOVERNANCE

ENRICHMENT AND CREATIVITY

SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY

Staff from CSP schools are invited to sit on governing bodies of other partnership schools; CSP HR managers meet regularly to share good practice.

We have collaborated with international dance companies and other creative organisations, as well as running a yearly dance residency. We are actively engaged with the Towner Art Gallery to provide access opportunities for all our young people including the 2023 Turner Prize coming to Eastbourne.

We undertake many charity opportunities to raise money for our communities.

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

WE ARE EASTBOURNIANS The College is proud of its reputation for preparing pupils for life. Old Eastbournians (OE) leave as confident young people equipped with the requisite values, skills and qualifications to embark on the next phase of their lives.

Eastbourne College is a hidden gem. Superlative facilities and an innovative mindset seems to be a winning formula for turning out engaging, confident and grounded young adults.”

95 % 80 %

of leavers go on to university

of leavers go on to their first choice of university

We saw recent leavers going to Cambridge to read medicine and law, and to Oxford to read maths. We also saw pupils moving on to Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Imperial College London, King’s College London, LSE, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Queen Mary, Southampton, UCL and Warwick. 79

Old Eastbournian – college highlights 2022–23

Parents are exceptionally happy with the wholesome, grounded approach at Eastbourne College.”

On top of awarding Eastbourne College the 2023 ‘Eco-Warrior’ Award, Tatler praised our breadth of activities beyond the classroom and continued commitment to our pupils’ happiness and wellbeing: “The stunning coastal location shapes life here. Beyond providing beautiful views, it’s the vital component of a new tradition – the Aquathlon – comprising a swim in the sea followed by a run. Eastbourne students have a reputation for being sporty. A £33million complex gives them a 300sqm gym, a six-lane swimming pool and two squash courts (and sports teachers are often exprofessionals themselves). The result? A thriving triathlon club; a number of hockey players competing at national

level; and several rugby players involved Misérables, outdoor concerts, and a performance by the jazz band at the in the Harlequins’ U17 programmes. Children’s Respite Trust Ball. But the sea breeze doesn’t just make pupils hardy; it also awakens their creativity. Recent art exhibitions have explored the climate crisis, and lately a leaver was a runner-up in a worldwide design competition for eco-friendly food packaging. Thirty per cent of students take music lessons; and highlights of the past few terms have included a production of Les

Pastoral care is underpinned by the Mindgym programme – using exercise to promote mental health and wellbeing – and a range of diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

Eastbourne has surpassed our expectations. We truly believe there isn’t a better school.” Eastbournian parent

Eastbourne College is thrilled to be awarded the ‘EcoWarrior’ Award. We constantly look at ways to educate our pupils about their impact on the environment and how they can make a difference.” Tom Lawson, Headmaster

Old Eastbournian

Scholarships and awards The following scholarships and awards were made to pupils who started at the College in Michaelmas term 2023

Year 9 Academic Poppy Clarke Izzie D’Abbraccio Miles Howlett Herbert Phillips Ava Williams Anjali Pal

Art Freya Martin Anjali Pal Kenna Patel Jason Tzavaras

Drama

Sport

Gachecheh Kenyua Oscar Leach Jessica Mattison Daisy Robinson

Eloise Garton Freddy Gibson Ella Helm Lottie Hinton Jack Jordan Scarlett McFarlane Will Mclean Serena Patel Iso Pennington Legh Hattie Stone Stanley Yeats

Forbes Wastie all-rounder award Isola Crawford

Music

Sixth Form Academic Daisy Garvin-Marr Ella Horne Caedmon Myeni

Professor Soddy award Melanya Freeston Florence Garvey

Sport Toby De La Mare Charlie Evans-Shephard Emma Grantham Thomas Lucas Sergio Vieira Joshua Yip

Miki Chae Jack Jordan Axelle Turnock

Prize winners 2023 Year 9

Year 10

Emily Hale Prize for the Outstanding Academic Performance in Year 9

Freddie Timlin

Prize for the Outstanding Academic Performance in Year 10

Humreen Ellens

Art Prize

Sophia Pennington

Art Prize

Isaac Lee

Taicia Kiuna

Biology Prize

Ian Tam

Chemistry Prize

Henry Lawrence

Chemistry Prize

Daniel Clark

Classical Civilisation Prize

Charles Hawkins

Classical Civilisation Prize

James Dunlop

Dance Prize

Sophia Pennington

Computing Prize

Natalie Tang

Design and Technology Prize

Renee Chan

Dance Prize

Kristiana Bailey

Drama Prize

Rosie Dale

Design and Technology Prize

Natalie Tang

English as an Additional Language Prize

Nikol Mari Saveleva

Drama Prize

Poppy Campion

Biology: Philip Matthew Prize

English Prize

Ebony Aloof

English as an Additional Language Prize

Gabriel Kwok

French Prize

Hector Lawson

English Language Prize

Lily Michaelides

Geography Prize

Aaden Wong

English Literature Prize

Kristiana Bailey

German Prize

Henry Lawrence

French Prize

Isabella Doyle

Greek Achievement Prize

Hector Lawson

French: C Kirk-Greene Junior Reading Prize

Humreen Ellens

History: JL McIntosh Prize

Polly Hecks

Geography Prize

Xinyue Zhao

Latin Achievement Prize

Harry Jordan

German Prize

Lily Michaelides

Mathematics Prize

Miyu Katsumata

History Prize

Daniel Clark

Music Prize

Harry Jordan

Latin Prize

Lily Michaelides

Physical Education Prize

Rosie Hill

Mathematics Prize

Dean Zhang

Physics Prize

Taicia Kiuna

Music Prize

Dmitry Bykov

Religious Studies Prize

Emma Valks

Physical Education Prize

Rowan Bell

Spanish Prize

Taicia Kiuna

Physics Prize

James Dunlop

Textiles Prize

Rosie Hoskinson

Religious Studies Prize

James Dunlop

Spanish Prize

Ian Tam

Textiles Prize

Isaac Lee

Year 11 Prize for the Outstanding Academic Performance Xanthe Lawson in Year 11 Art: RG Dyer Junior Prize Isabelle Steed Biology: Rex Colgate Junior Prize Akari Ikeda Akari Ikeda Chemistry: Tunstall Junior Prize Classical Civilisation: Junior Prize Emma Birch Computing: NJ Hill Junior Project Prize Chloe Tse Dance: Junior Prize Jemima Heath Design and Technology: NJ Hill Junior Prize Dexter Bell Drama: Junior Prize Noah Titterton-Manos English as an Additional Language: Junior Prize Chloe Tse English: AL Margetson Junior Prize Akari Ikeda for Literature English: Andrew Downes Junior Prize for Language Emma Birch French: Marshall Junior Prize Sergiu Croitoru Geography: Derek Mitchell Junior Prize Mathilda Chapman German: GG Mohring Junior Prize Harry Shouksmith Greek: RA Henderson Junior Prize Reuben Mace History: JL Hortenstein Junior Prize Akari Ikeda Latin: Junior Prize Noah Titterton-Manos Mathematics: Junior Prize Cici Liu Emma Birch Music: ED Merrit Piano Prize Music: Seymour Junior Singing Prize Alice Caroe Music: WN Williams Junior Prize Mary Keast-Butler Physical Education: Junior Prize Sophie Fellows Physics: RG Dyer Junior Prize Chloe Tse Pottery Prize Alexander Maclaurin Scripture: Rexie Adalian Junior Prize Mary Keast-Butler Lorena Lau Spanish: Junior Prize Mandy Luo Textiles: NJ Hill Junior Prize

Lower Sixth Prize for the Outstanding Academic Performance in Lower Sixth Henry Tang Art Prize Holly Mitchell Biology: EC Arnold Prize Zain Radwan Business Prize Greta Zahner Chemistry Prize Sam Huang Classical Civilisation: Baynes Prize Isaac Ellwood Computing Prize Hayes Ho Critical Reading: Newton Prize Ella Stevenson Dance Prize Lucia Ridley Design and Technology Prize Ewan Clark Drama Prize Leticia Nare Economics Prize Alexander Bailey English as an Additional Language Prize Polina Lipanova English Prize Hannah Sewell French Prize May Fogarty-Stevens Further Mathematics: Crowden Prize Sam Huang Geography Prize Christopher Johnson-Bird German Prize Struan Dunlop Gurney Travel Scholarship Struan Dunlop History: HJ Bannatyne Prize Hannah Sewell Latin Prize Alice Younger Mathematics: Green Prize Michael Abourous Alice Younger Music Prize Music: Blackburn Senior Singing Scholarship Alice Younger

Philosophy and Ethics Prize Photography Prize Physical Education Prize Physics: Alex Coates Prize Politics Prize Science: Percy Appleby Prize Spanish Prize Sport: PG and DG Gilbert Memorial Prize for Achievement in Boys Sport Sport: Langer Cup for Achievement in Water Sports Textiles Prize

Rebecca Fisher Isabella Pedley Kirsty Williams Tiger Ge Clara Delaney Tiger Ge Hannah Sewell Kayla Ginger Zachary Howard Olivia Reade

Upper Sixth J ubilee Prize for the Outstanding Academic

Performance in Upper Sixth Karam Al-Robaie Broadley Prize for the Heads of School Tess Garrett and Dylan Pearson Art: C Mackenzie Senior Prize Stephanie Vieira Emma Lewis Art: EE Morris Painting Prize Lia Krieger Biology: C Mackenzie Senior Prize Benjamin van Noort Business: Senior Prize Isaac Tam Chemistry: CS Smallman Senior Prize Classical Civilisation: Archbishop Gregg Senior Prize Mia Taylor Orla Boulter Classics: Duke of Devonshire Senior Prize Susan Shan Computing Prize Dance: Senior Prize Alice Wood Ptolemy Ridge Design and Technology: Ellis Firkins Senior Prize Tess Garrett Drama: Gubbins Senior Prize Drama: Martin Steele Prize for Play Production Georgia Hutcheon Benjamin Young Drama: Steer Award for Acting Economics: Tenby Senior Prize Mia Taylor English: Lord Hyndley Senior Prize Polly Symes French: LG Chater Senior Prize Benedict Hutt Further Mathematics: HMS Marlborough Senior Prize Cindia Zhou Geography: Duncan Ferguson Senior Prize Leander Walters German: C Mackenzie Senior Prize Oliver Shouksmith Godden Memorial Prize for Gonville House Edward Rowell History: RD Macklin Senior Prize Harry Marson Holman Prize for Services to Chapel Chloe Maidens Mia Taylor Mathematics: Elizabeth Hurst Senior Prize Music: HV Waterfield Senior Prize Matthew Wakefield Oliver Shouksmith Music: RW Nicholson Instrumental Prize Philosophy and Ethics: Rexie Adalian Senior Prize Benedict Hutt Saskia Garrad Photography: Senior Prize Mimi Gould Physical Education: Senior Prize Physics: BH Thomas Senior Prize Cindia Zhou Politics: Senior Prize Maisie Spencer Spanish: Peter Copp Senior Prize Theodore Bathard-Smith Sport: Buckland Award for 1st XV Rugby Wilf Batham-Read Sport: Harris Prize for Contribution to Girls Sport Caitlin Milborne Sport: Maurice ER Sims Prize for Contribution to Boys Sport Joshua Ansell Sport: PG and DG Gilbert Memorial Prize for Emmanuel Bawa Achievement in Boys Sport Textiles: Nelson Helmsley Senior Prize Imogen Symonds

Old Eastbournian

The Class of 2023 A reception for the summer 2023 leavers

he Eastbournian Society held a reception on Friday 19 May for the summer 2023 Upper Sixth leavers, who have become the newest members of the society. They were welcomed by Development Director Emma Garrett who told them of the support that the society can offer once they become Old Eastbournians, with a worldwide network of OEs and others who can help with such things as careers advice, work experience and gap year travel, to name but a few.

Head of Futures Sarah Gordon also spoke, congratulating the year group as they were about to embark on their A-level exams over the following few weeks, and reminding them that help would continue after results day as they consider their university choices and future careers. We were delighted to raise a glass and toast their future success, and to give all the leavers a gift from the society, a notebook and pen embossed with the College crest.

Blackwater Florence Assetto

Orla Boulter

Alex Brown

Lily Curtis

Lyra Ellwood

Scarlett Fraser

Naya Lambird

Emma Lewis

Chloe Maidens

Mia Taylor

Stephanie Vieira Connie Woodford

Mimi Gould

Craig Joshua Ansell

George Auer

Kieran Haffenden

Sebastian Isepp

Evan Little

Harry Marson

Oliver Shouksmith

Hector Summers

Henry Sutherland

David Udegbe

Oscar Wootton

Emmanuel Bawa Luke Burnham

Luke Clifford

Duc Dinh Tuan

Herbie Flint

Tom Hutton

Shin Kawagoe

Aidan Lo

Finn McKeown

Edward Rowell

Kristina Duckett Audrey Hang

Georgia Hutcheon

Alisa Ievskaia

Kate Lazarides

Willow McNulty Amelie Moffatt

Ella Parker

Megan Richardson

Jiya Shah

Susan Shan

Imogen Symonds

Gonville Matt Geddes

Nugent

Harmony Ramanathan

Phoebe Moffatt

Cindia Zhou

Old Eastbournian

Pennell Gabriel Barlow

Bertie Brushfield

Brandon Bullen

Louis Bullen

Marcus Chow

Will Elkington

Freddie Ferro

Ethan Harris

Rolland Lau

Theo Marsh

Matthew Phillips Gus Toomer

Jiayi Yuan

Wilf Batham-Read

Francesco Bongiovanni

Charlie Carpenter

Oliver Farrant

Dominic Forward

Max Giddins

Noah James

George Lowery Matthew Wakefield

Ollie Wigman

Elliot Wilson

Ben Young

Karam Al-Robaie

Theo Bathard-Smith

William Buchanan

Alexander Cardoza

Monty Dahms

Louis Fisher

William Goddard

Jacob Kremer

William Liggett

Dylan Pearson

Jack Pincus

Ptolemy Ridge

Cass Stallion

Benjamin Van Noort

Powell Daniel Guldemond

Reeves

School Rosa Beazleigh

Sassy Garrad

Tess Garrett

Lia Krieger

Kia Letcher

Maja Marten

Caitlin Milborne Megan Moffat

Abi Perry

Lisa Shi

Ellie Simpkin

Maisie Spencer

Fiona Swann

Tina Wang

Denise Yip

Raphael Ayirebi

Justin Bonneau Diesce

Toby Bright

Maksim Drozd

Connor Gorman

Ben Hutt

William James

Aditya Kumar

William Pollington

Tobi Salami

Isaac Tam

Leander Walters Adrian Wong

Amelia Baldock

Eliza Brown

Jess Coupland

Millie Cranston

Darcey Gibson

Lucy Mannion

Kiri Marshall

Lily O’Brien

Polly Symes

Verity Terry

Alice Wood

Jasmine Wright

Wargrave

James Zhou

Watt

Old Eastbournian

News

from our members

These news pages are compiled from updates submitted by OEs and other members of the Eastbournian Society, and from items that appear in newspapers, magazines and online If you have any news that you would like us to feature, please contact David Blake at drblake@eastbournecollege.co.uk or write to the Eastbournian Society office at the address in the Contacts section on page 120. In response to suggestions from readers we have

included a table listing Old Eastbournians mentioned in this section in chronological order of their year of leaving the College. The news section itself is in alphabetical order of surname.

OEs listed by leaving year 1949 Tom Holden (Wargrave 1946–49)

1991 Tim Parker (Wargrave 1986–91)

1955 Nicolas Hemes (Blackwater 1951–55) Anthony Vokins (Wargrave 1951–55)

1995 James Price (School 1990–95)

1957 Chris Lewis (Wargrave 1952–57) 1958 Philip Groves (Wargrave 1954–58) Richard Selley (Wargrave 1953–58) 1960 Chris Ennals (Powell 1956–60)

1998 Pete Fellows (Powell 1993–98) 1999 Paul Stewart (Wargrave 1994–99) 2003 Michael Gietzen (Reeves 2001–03)

1962 John Moyle (School 1959–62) Ken Raphael (School 1957–62)

2005 Luke Colyer (Wargrave 2000–05)

1963 Chris Abbey (Powell 1958–63)

2008 George Mitchell (Wargrave 2003–08) Aaron Saunders (Craig 2003–08)

1966 Jake Davies (Blackwater 1961–66) Jim Dickerson (Gonville 1965–66) 1967 Bert Boltjes (Gonville 1961–67) Maurice Trapp (Gonville 1962–67) 1969 Jeremy Newton (Gonville 1964–69) Robin Nye (School 1965–69) 1970 David Richards (Wargrave 1965–70) 1971 Paul Mayhew–Archer (Reeves 1967–71) 1974 David Sibree (Pennell 1969–74)

2007 Ben Colyer (Wargrave 2002–07)

2010 Brett Saunders (Craig and Wargrave 2005–10) 2011 Fiona Colyer (Taylor) (Watt 2007–11) Carina Graf (School 2010–11) Becki Shaw (Watt 2006–11) Kiran Singh (Watt 2006–11) 2012 Hugh Coates (Pennell 2007–12) Mike Hudson (Pennell 2008–12)

1976 Jan Koops (Gonville 1971–76)

2013 Toby Marriott (Pennell 2008–13) Radley Troy (Wargrave 2008–13)

1979 Philip Broadley (Wargrave 1974–79) Nick Walker (Gonville 1974–79) Ted Young (Blackwater 1974–79)

2018 Kieran Cheney (Powell 2013–18) Benjamin Meek (Wargrave 2013–18) George Skinner (Wargrave 2013–18)

1980 Suzy Eddie Izzard (Pennell 1975–80) John Ryley (Blackwater 1975–80)

2019 Leah Hallinon (Watt 2017–19) Louis Heywood (Powell 2014–19) Joe Pocklington (Craig 2014–19)

1981 Mark Freeland (School 1976–81) Jeremy Gardner (Craig 1976–81) 1984 James Leonard (Blackwater 1979–84) 1986 Sasha Bates (Nugent 1984–86) 1987 Mark Snell (Blackwater 1982–87) Chris Stevens (Wargrave 1983–87) 1988 Angus Wingfield (School 1984–88)

1997 Amy Johnson (Pickford) (Nugent 1995–97)

2020 Tawanda Muyeye (Gonville 2018–20) 2021 Will Brown (Craig and Reeves 2019–21) 2023 Tess Garrett (School 2021–23) Will James (Wargrave 2021–23) Dylan Pearson (Reeves 2018–23) Polly Symes (Watt 2018–23)

Metaverse game – with celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo as the face, but I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to delve into it.’ The award judges commented: ‘We were impressed by the journalistic instincts on display in this piece, with the writer not only interviewing their main subject but also corroborating claims by approaching an expert for comment. They broke down a tricky area of tech, and set this in the wider contex t of the climate crisis, all while keeping the reader entertained.’

A Chris Abbey

Chris Abbey (Powell 1958-63) visited the CERN Large Hadron Collider in October 2023 and sent us this photo of his visit. He told us: ‘The CERN laboratory, founded in 1954, is located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva Airport and is a joint venture with now more than 20 member states. I was only 10 years old when the project began and it was not until 15 years later that I was excited to be part of a team designing and building the electronic modules for the CERN Camac crates. As you might imagine, I was blown away by the scale and progress that had been made and stunned by the contribution to science that had been achieved.’

Bert Boltjes (Gonville 1961–67) – see the entry for Jim Dickerson.

Philip Broadley ( War gr ave

Sasha Bates (Nugent 1984–86) launched a new podcast in early 2023 with actor and comedian Ben Bailey Smith, in which they put their favour ite f ic tional characters such as Shiv from Succession, Omar from The Wire and Ross from Friends on the couch to analyse why their behaviour causes them so much drama. Sasha and Ben explore why these characters make cer tain decisions, what would happen if they made different ones and what we can learn from their mistakes. The podcast, called Shrink the Box, can be found wherever you get your podcasts. Sasha says that it is a light-hear ted and hopefully enter taining way to discuss and demystify therapy via in-depth explorations of the fictional TV characters we know and love. You can read more at Sasha’s website www.sashabates.co.uk.

1974 –79), chairman of governors at Eastbourne College, was appointed as a non-executive director at Lancashire Holdings Limited (LHL) with effect from 8 November 2023. He has also been appointed as the LHL chair designate, and his appointment as chair is expected to take effect immediately following LHL’s 2024 AGM on 1 May 2024, subject to shareholder approval. LHL is a provider of global speciality insurance and reinsurance products.

Will Brown (Craig and Reeves 2019–21) won an award for the Best Science or Tech Piece at the 2023 Student Publication Association awards. The ar ticle was published in Palatinate, the student newspaper at Durham University, where Will is currently reading geography. Writing on LinkedIn, Will said: ‘I’m honoured to have won... I joined Palatinate as a science and technology editor in early 2022, and it’s been a great opportunity. It was an odd press release that advertised the launch of Big Town Chef – a play-to-earn

Kieran Cheney (Powell 2013– 18), in his third year in the army as a member of the Household Cavalry, took part in the procession for the coronation of HM King Charles III on Saturday 6 May 2023, and is pictured in our coronation feature on page 23. Hugh Coates (Pennell 2007–12) – see the entry for Mike Hudson.

D Jim Dickerson (Gonville 1965– 66), who was an Amer ican Exchange Scholar, wrote to us in February: ‘Although I reside in the USA, I remain interested in all the progress and activities of Eastbourne College. My year at the College was wonderful. I thrived in my studies, adapted quickly to school traditions and lifestyle, and became a true Anglophile. I joined the chorus under Mr Walker’s leadership for the huge production of Carl Orff ’s Carmina Burana. Fantastic experience… I

still have my score! The crowning achievement was making Mr Binnian’s 1st IV in rowing, and winning the Nationals at Pangbourne that summer. I am still in touch with my rowing friends, Maurice Trapp (Gonville 1962–67), Bert Boltjes (Gonville 1961–67), and our coxswain Jeremy Newton (Gonville 1964–69). Jake Davies (Blackwater 1961–66), the other starboard oar, passed away about 10 years ago.’

E Chris Ennals (Powell 1956–60) was the OE rep in Norway for 55 years, having taken on the role in 1968. In 2023 he moved from Oslo to Hønefoss and felt that as he was no longer in the capital, the practical help he could offer as the country rep would be limited, so he has decided to stand down. We are grateful for Chris’s support over the years, not only in Norway but also in his attendance at OE events and occasional visits to Eastbourne. Chris wrote to us in November: ‘This has been a quite dramatic year for me with the move from Oslo in the last snowstorm of the winter at the end of March. Then nice weather for my 80th birthday celebration, and a quick visit to the College in early June when we stayed at the Burlington Hotel. Again, wonderful hot weather. Emma [Garrett] was luckily in and we had a nice conversation over coffee! And then the torrential rain at the beginning of August which caused the waterfall at Hønefoss to rage, bringing down masses of water and the banks overflowed. I was

Ben Colyer and fiona Taylor

Ben Colyer (Wargrave 2002–07) married Fiona Taylor (Watt 2007–11) on Saturday 16 July 2022 at Buckhurst Park, East Sussex. Fiona tells us: ‘We were living in Hong Kong since 2020 where Ben was the local OE rep and, after two-and-ahalf years, we relocated to Singapore and have settled into life here.’ There were four other OEs in the wedding party, pictured here. From left to right, fourth along, Kiran Singh (Watt 2006–11); fifth, Luke Colyer (Wargrave 2000–05); sixth and seventh, Fiona and Ben; ninth, George Mitchell (Wargrave 2003–08); and tenth, Becki Shaw (Watt 2006–11).

Old Eastbournian

evacuated from my riverside house for ten days, luckily no damage to my house but the bank below needed reinforcement. I composed my almost cer tainly last piano piece, but the flood, called Hans, caused so much national attention that I thought it might be wor th orchestrating my piano piece to portray better the raging waters, and even try to get it played by a local orchestra – unfortunately no such local orchestra exists! Anyway, it was duly orchestrated by my friend Kaj in Stockholm who has done all my previous orchestrations. Perhaps a fitting end to my efforts of the last decade and my lifelong hobby.’

F Pete Fellows (Powell 1993–98) is taking a group of eight sixth form pupils on an expedition to South Africa at the end of Lent term 2024. The 12-day adventure includes giraffe conservation, a canoe expedition, safari, community visits and cultural tours of Zulu battlefields. Pete told us that it will be ‘a trip of personal challenge , development and enrichment for the pupils. It’s an exciting new venture that I’m delighted to run in my capacity as head of the new Leadership, Awards and Personal Development (LAPD) programme for the sixth form. It’s even more exiting to be able to work with an OE with similar views on personal development.’ The expedition is being organised in collaboration with Angus Wingfield (School 1984–88), who is the founder and director of Africa Wild Trails, and you can read more about Angus in his entry in this section.

pupil-led, from the script-writing to the filming and editing. The series covers issues relevant to pupils at school, ranging from creating friendship groups, feeling academic pressure, coming out as LGBTQ+ and even dealing with embarrassing siblings! Polly Symes (Watt 2018–23), who was in Year 13 at the time, reported: ‘It was a really exciting event for everyone involved, as none of us had ever seen the episode in its entirety. The atmosphere was supportive and buzzing, and we got a big turnout from pupils and parents. After watching the episode, OE and BAFTA winner Mark Freeland appeared on stage to answer questions about the TV industry from Daniel Fathers, our resident film and TV expert. Everyone will agree that Mr Freeland had some great anecdotes and advice. He also generously let us hold his BAFTA – it was surprisingly heavy. To celebrate afterwards, we all dug in to a huge chocolate cake.’

Jeremy Gardner (Craig 1976–81). In last year’s magazine we inadver tently listed Jeremy’s years as 1966-81. They are of course 1976-81 and we apologise to Jeremy for implying that he was the longest-serving pupil in the history of the College.

Tess Garrett (School 2021–23) – see the entry for Paul Stewart.

Carina Graf

Philip Groves (Wargrave 1954– 58) is the OE rep in Sweden. He told us that he is keeping busy by writing Swedish news items and ar ticles for UK railway journals. He says: ‘If you pass by WH Smith or other bookshops in town you will find a copy of Today’s Railways Europe (NOT the UK version) in which I have articles in both the November and December issues. I also write about UK railways for the Swedish railway press.’

Leah Hallinon (Watt 2017–19)

College TV (EBC TV) mini-series, which took place in the Jennifer Winn Auditorium on Thursday 2 February. The project is entirely

Michael, left, with colleagues Paul Fitzpatrick (MD) and Janet Dodd (CSO)

Michael Gietzen (Reeves 2001–03), the CEO of events management company Identity, has had a busy year, the highlight of which has been playing a key role in organising the coronation of HM King Charles III, more details of which you can read about on page 23. The company also produced the spectacular London New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in both 2022 and 2023, as well as the AI Summit in Bletchley Park in November. Michael says that one event stood out ‘for sheer importance, complexity and scale’, the COP28 climate change conference in the UAE in December. He says: ‘With 85,000 participants, 197 countries plus the European Union, this record number of delegates made it the larg-

Mark Freeland (School 1976–81) attended the premiere of Surviving School , the Eastbourne

Michael Gietzen

played the f lute in a concer t given by the Royal College of Music Sy mphony Or ches tr a and Chorus, conducted by Sir Andrew Davies, at the RCM’s Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall in October 2023. Leah started her undergraduate studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and continued her BMus at the RCM from September 2020.

est in COP history by some distance. This project saw our team expand to 1,200 people in Dubai with over 10,000 people working in our supply chain. [The team] delivered the event with extraordinary professionalism, with strong collaboration with Identity UK offices and Dubai – it was a very proud moment for all of us at the agency.’ Another event brought Michael back to Eastbourne: Identity’s partnership with the Towner Gallery to support the Turner Prize, which was announced on 5 December. He said: ‘We were delighted to support this avant-garde art prize that garners an incredible international profile, with Identity relishing the creative production freedom that is synonymous with the Turner Prize.’

(School 2010–11) is working on a PhD in developing novel techniques for neuroimaging at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. In 2023 she competed (and won) in the Women’s Blue Boat in the varsity boat race against Oxford University and was part of the first-ever ‘clean sweep’ for Cambridge since all university boat clubs merged. She only took up rowing seriously in 2018. She told us that while at the College a trip to the Cavendish Laboratories in 2011 originally sparked her interest in medical physics, and she gained a BSc in 2016, with an MSc in 2019. She says that through her involvement with the university boat club she has had the opportunity to experience the invaluable benefits of high-performance sport while pursuing a rewarding degree.

Nicolas Hemes (Black water life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, 1951–55), one of the OE reps in the USA, tells us: ‘I am still active in government here and have just completed 35 years covering environmental issues in a community of 150,000 residences. I am enjoying an active retirement

including pickleball and golf. I do welcome any ES members who are considering retirement in Florida and will be happy to suppor t their effor ts in that regard.’

Mike Hudson

Louis Heywood (Powell 2014– 19) ran 12 marathons across 12 countries in 12 months during 2023, raising money for Mind (The National Association for Mental Health). On his fundraising web page he said: ‘Having graduated from Newcastle University in July 2022, I wanted to do and achieve something a bit different… something slightly crazy. I am doing this in order to travel to new countries whilst also raising money for a ver y impor tant charity, Mind. Life at the moment leaves many people, and particularly young people, facing mental health challenges. I would love to raise as much money as possible for Mind as they provide support and help to those that are facing mental health struggles.’ Louis ran the following marathons, one a month, starting in January: Marrakech, Kilimanjaro, Rome, Paris, London, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Uppsala, Sydney, Amsterdam, Porto and Malaga. His fundraising target was £2000 and he had well exceeded that by the end of the year. Louis is pictured here having completed the Copenhagen marathon.

Mike Hudson (Pennell 2008–12) had a great view of the College when he flew over Eastbourne on Saturday 17 June. He sent us this photo and tells us: ‘I was visited by my housemate and very good friend from our Eastbourne College days, Hugh Coates (Pennell 2007–12). I’ve recently gained my private pilot’s licence and so was able to fly Hugh over the College where we witnessed a cricket match in progress. Hopefully EBC was winning!’ The College were playing Bede’s that day and the good news is that we won. Bede’s were all out for 99 and the College won by nine wickets with a score of 101 for 1. Maybe Mike should fly over regularly and be a good luck charm for future matches! the U3A Sunshine Coast website, President Glyni Cumming said: ‘We are proud that one of our finest and long serving tutors at U3A Sunshine Coast has been honoured in this way. Tom also had a fascinating career with the Royal Australian Navy, where along with many other skills, he studied Russian, which he now teaches at Sunshine Coast, and he is a recipient of the United Nations Ser vice Medal. He has been involved with Legacy Sunshine Coast since 2019, is a parishioner and choir member at St Mark’s Buderim, and has been a tutor with U3A for many years.’

tember 2022) to New York, and later in the year to the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End. In October, the film Doctor Jeckyll, a British gothic horror under the Hammer Studios banner, was released, with Suzy playing the dual roles of Dr Nina Jekyll and Rachel Hyde. Suzy is also mentioned in our feature on the Jan Koops (Gonville 1971–76) rowing club oar on pages 26–27. has contributed to a new book,

Tom Holden (Wargrave 1946– 49) was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours List announced on 26 January 2023, for service to the community of the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland. Tom told us: ‘I was thrilled to receive such an unexpected honour, given that I am 89 years of age, and I think it is a reward for many years of voluntary service.’ Tom is a U3A tutor in the Russian language and, in a tribute on

Too Thin for a Shroud: The Last Untold Stor y of the Falklands War by Crispin Black. It tells the story from the point of view of the Guards of f i ce r s w h o came under Argentine f ire on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ship

I Suzy Eddie Izzard (Pennell 1975–80) spoke in March about the use of pronouns and an addition to her name. She said: ‘I prefer to see she/her, I don’t mind he/ him… I’m Eddie. There’s another name I’m going to add in as well, which is Suzy, which I wanted to be since I was ten. I’m going to be Suzy Eddie Izzard. That’s how I’m going to roll so people can choose what they want. They can’t make a mistake. So no–one can really get it wrong unless they call me Kenneth or Sabrina.’ In early 2023 she took her solo performance of Great Expectations (originally performed at the College in Sep-

Amy Johnson (Pickford) (Nugent 1995–97) tells us that following a successful career in social work, having worked across the charity, voluntary and local authority sector both operationally and in management, she decided to set up a wellbeing company that trains on the prevention of burnout and compassion fatigue for both front-line workers, foster carers and adoptive parents. (Amy and her husband Jeff fostered for 10 years and have since adopted their son). Now a trainer, nutrition and mindset coach she puts together wellbeing packages for organisations such as the NHS, fostering agencies etc and offers clients one-to-one support through her and her team’s virtual wellness and beauty hub. To find out more about her work please contact Amy directly by emailing feelgood@live.co.uk or through her websi te w w w.feelgood wellbeing.co.uk.

Sir G ala had

Will James (Wargrave 2021–23) completed his first half ironman (Ironman 70.3) in Cervia, Italy in October. The half ironman distance equates to a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run (which totals 70.3km), and James completed the triathlon challenge in a time of 5 hours, 40 minutes and 19 seconds.

on 8 June 1982, regarded as Britain’s most lethal day of combat since the Second World War. Jan was a captain in Prince of Wales Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, and we reported last year about his appearance in a Channel 4 documentary when he spoke about his experiences in the Falklands. Jan is also mentioned in our feature on the rowing club oar on pages 26–27.

Old Eastbournian

M James Leonard

(Blackwater 1979–84) was appointed King’s Counsel (KC) in 2022 and was sworn in at the 2023 silk appointment ceremony at Westminster Hall on 27 March 2023, when the Lord Chancellor formally bestowed the title. The title of KC is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and exper tise in the conduct of advocacy. James specialises predominantly in health, safety and environmental law and has an established practice in disciplinary and regulatory cases. He has a considerable background in complex industrial accident cases, fraud and corruption cases, financial services, multi-jurisdictional conf iscation proceedings and public law. In 2014, James was the Chambers and Par tners Professional Discipline Junior of the Year, and in 2017 he was the Chambers and Par tners Health and Safety Junior of the Year.

Chris Lewis (Wargrave 1952– 57) attended the International Veterinary Sheep Society conference in Seville in March. He told us at the time: ‘I was secretary for the first way back in 1984 and again in New Zealand in 2009. Attendance is huge with usually 35 to 40 countries represented. Wonderful opportunity to catch up with old and make new friends. Early reports suggest I and a brilliant Australian vet will be the only two delegates to have attended all ten conferences.’

Paul Mayhew-Archer

Stuart Broad, Toby Marriott, Jack Meacher and Jimmy Anderson

To b y

M arriot t (Pennell 2008–13) and his colleague Jack Meacher took on the challenge in February 2023 of facing England bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Stuar t Broad at the indoor nets at Lord’s. Toby and Jack run the Cricket District website whose mission is to grow the game they love through the power of social media. From videos of village cricket heroes to features with the biggest names in cricket, they want to celebrate the culture that surrounds the spor t and keep the community entertained with the latest news, views and stories from around the world. They have a YouTube channel which includes the popular feature Village vs Pro, in which they go head-to-head with professional cricketers. Being amateur cricketers themselves, they are used to facing bowlers with deliver ies at about 50 – 60mph, but the two pros, even when they were holding back , were delivering higher speeds than that. Toby said: ‘It was an incredible day. Anderson and Broad are both absolute heroes of ours, so to get the opportunity to make a video with them, let alone have the chance to face them, is a dream come true.’

Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Sir Nick Mostyn, Mark Mardell, Rory Cellan-Jones, Jeremy Paxman and Paul Mayhew-Archer

Paul Mayhew-Archer (Reeves 1967–71) was the guest speaker at the annual dinner in April, more details and photos of which are on pages 24–25. At the start of the year he joined a regular podcast about Parkinson’s, called Movers and Shakers. The idea for the podcast came from the High Court judge Sir Nick Mostyn, a member of a group with Parkinson’s who have been meeting each month in the Ladbroke Arms in London’s Notting Hill Gate. One of the other members, BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones, said: ‘We are recording the series in the pub, trying to recapture the spirit of our conversations – plenty of jokes, plenty of moans and a lot of shared information about Parkinson’s and how it’s affecting us and those who care for us. Each episode will cover a different theme – how we coped with the diagnosis, the world of work and how easy it is to tell your employer you have a degenerative condition, the research into potential cures, the role exercise and diet can play in helping cope with Parkinson’s.’ As well as Paul, the others are journalist and broadcaster Jeremy Paxman, former BBC radio presenter Mark Mardell, and Gillian Lacey-Solymar, who has reported for the BBC, been a management consultant and now runs an events business. Paul, who wrote and produced numerous radio and TV comedies, is the ‘relentlessly optimistic’ member of the team, in contrast with Jeremy Paxman, described as the ‘chief gloomster’.

Tawanda Muyeye Tawanda Muyeye (Gonville 2018–20) was feted in the press in August 2023, appearing in BBC Sport’s feature England Next Gen, which looks at players who may make the step up to international cricket in the next few years. The Times also profiled him, describing him as a ‘rare talent’, and saying: ‘At the Northampton County Ground in June this summer, we witnessed the first flowering of Tawanda Muyeye. The 22-year-old Kent batsman scored his maiden first-class hundred there, hitting 19 boundaries and four sixes in a 205-ball stay, many of them stroked with that combination of ease, style and grace that marks out those with a gift. He

turned his first hundred into a big one, 179 runs in all.’ Tawanda was born and raised in Zimbabwe but came to the UK as an asylum seeker in 2018. He followed his mother Patience, a supporter of the opposition party in Zimbabwe, the Movement for Democratic Change, and was granted refugee status due to the country’s human rights violations. Having written to the College, Tawanda was granted a scholarship and interest in his ability soon took off as he scored more than 1,000 runs for the school in 2019 and won the coveted Wisden’s school cricketer of the year award in 2020. In the BBC interview, Tawanda gives credit to his College coaches Rob Ferley and James Tredwell, who he says ‘were amazing’, with Ferley ‘always making sure I had a good balance of academics and cricket.’ He concluded: ‘I don’t think I would have gone down the professional cricket route if it wasn’t for Eastbourne.’ As well as his appearances for Kent, Tawanda also played for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred in August.

Robin Nye

Benjamin Meek (Wargrave 2013– 18) graduated from Edinburgh University in 2023 and is pictured here on the right alongside his old housemate George Skinner (Wargrave 2013–18), who also graduated on the same day. George Mitchell ( War gr ave 2003–08) – see the entry for Ben Colyer.

John Moyle (School 1959– 62) wrote to us with a summar y of his life and an inspirational message: ‘Left school as a bit of a dunce with four O-levels to do an electronic engineering apprenticeship. At this time I was terrif ied at the sight of blood. After the apprenticeship I ended up as a service engineer for medical x-ray equipment and then applications engineer with Philips Medical Systems. Further promotion would have meant the loss of practical engineering. Seeing the blood under control was OK I bolted to read medicine at Barts Hospital in London. After graduating I specialized in anaesthesia and intensive care, ending up as a consultant at Milton Keynes. I also became consultant in palliative medicine at Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes. I retired at 63 and then researched for a PhD: The maintenance of the Victorian submarine telegraph cable system (what an anorak!). So anyone can do it – from four O-levels (at the 20th attempt!) to Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and then a PhD!’

(School 1965–69) had his third book, Retribution, published by The Conrad Press in June 2023. Robin told us: ‘I am still very much enjoying writing these police crime thrillers and am building up a readership which keeps coming back for the next instalment. I am now promoting my books on Instagram (@robin_nye_) and have had some very favourable reviews for each of them.’ Retribution starts with a spectacular plane crash before a girl is reported missing and her mother is found dead. The police are then called to a triple shooting at a Kent beauty spot. But are any of these events connected? As DI Sarah Hunter and DS Ted Selitto dig ever deeper, they find themselves in a desperate war between two rival county lines gangs where survival is the order of the day. One reviewer on Instagram

wrote, ‘This thriller is a cracker of a book. The characters are really easy to read and are believable, and the way the story is told makes it a complete page turner. There’s so much going on, and the action never seems to stop. I loved the way that I could easily picture everything in my head – the police briefings, the interrogations – all because it was described in such detail.’ Robin is now into the fourth book in the series and is hoping to achieve a much wider readership in 2024. He is also hoping to get one or two of his books into mainstream bookshops or even into smaller local outlets. But the writing itself is the most rewarding experience which he hopes to continue over the next few years. Retribution is currently available in paperback and on Kindle from Amazon, or it can be ordered online or instore from any good bookshop or from www theconradpress.com.

N Jere my New ton (G onv ille 1964–69) – see the entry for Jim Dickerson.

P Tim Parker (Wargrave 1986–91) continued to organise relief aid missions to Ukraine, as we reported in last year’s magazine. In Januar y the Eas tbour nian Society included a request in our monthly email newsletter for donations of clothing, shoes, blankets, baby food, toiletries and so on, and we were delighted with the response. Tim and three friends work with a charity called Siobhan’s Trust which delivers aid and also provides warm nutritious meals through a number of pizza vans that they have in Ukraine.

Joe Pocklington (Craig 2014–19) graduated in summer 2023 from the University of Leeds with a BA (2:1) in economics and politics. In a post on LinkedIn he said: ‘Personal highlights include being able to study a diverse range of subjects from the politics of contemporary China in the second year to applying behavioural economics to the university gym, The Edge, in my final year project. On top of this, I was proud to have made contributions to the sports pages of The Gryphon, as well as having Dylan Pearson (Reeves 2018–23) the joy of co-producing a podcast, see the entry for Paul Stewart. The Undergraduate Academy, with Will Heaver. Away from the books, I have made friendships to last a lifetime with so many fond memories to look back on. My time at Leeds was, as those close to me know well, cricket-filled. Representing the Leeds-Bradford UCCE for two years, including the opportunity to play at Headingley, was one of many great opportunities I have had on the cricket field in Leeds. However, none usurp the victorious varsity f ix ture which took place in June this year for the University of Leeds Men’s Cricket Club. I simply cannot wait to step on the field for these two

great teams next academic year as I embark on my ecological economics MSc whilst also having the honour to represent the cricket club as alumni secretary.’ Joe was a Peter Bibby Award recipient while at the College and told us: ‘The environment at the College really pushed me to excel in all areas of my education and not just my cricket. I think it’s fair to say that without my time there, I wouldn’t be able to call myself a Russell Group graduate. I can’t thank those who donated to the bursary enough, I will always be grateful for their generosity, the College was the perfect place for me to broaden my horizons.’ You can read more about Joe’s story on page 11.

James Price (School 1990–95) is the European sales director for UK company MBDA and signed an expor t deal at the end of April to roll out a British air defence system across Poland. The agreement provides Poland with cutting-edge, ground-basedair-defence capabilities that will protect the country for generations to come, as well supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the UK. The deal is one of the largest bilateral European air defence deals of its kind in NATO and is the culmination of months of close collaboration between the UK and Poland. It will see the UK equip 22 Polish air defence batteries with UK Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMMs) and 93

Old Eastbournian

launchers, under a programme called PILICA+. The missiles can be deployed to protect high value, mobile assets such as deployed military forces or critical national infrastructure.

Ken Raphael (School 1957–62)

tion of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May. He was honoured to be asked by HM The King to carry the Sword of Spiritual Justice as part of the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey. A photo and more details are on page 23.

John Ryley (Blackwater 1975–80) was awarded an OBE for services to journalism in the 2024 New Year’s honours list. In 2023 John retired from his position as Head of Sky News, a post he had held for 16 years, having worked in broadcast journalism for some 40 years. He was the guest speaker at the Eastbournian Society media and journalism networking event on Thursday 25 April, a repor t and photos of which are on page 21.

visited the College in June with his wife Deborah and they were shown round by John Thornley. Ken, who lives in New South Wales, Australia, hadn’t been back to the school since he left in 1962. He recognised a number of familiar buildings and was amazed R ich ard S e lley ( Wa r g r ave at the more recent developments. 1953–58), Emeritus Professor of Geology and Senior Research General The Lord Richards of Fellow in the Depar tment of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO Ear th Science & Engineering at DL (David Richards) (Wargrave Imperial College, London, has 1965–70) took part in the corona- just published the fourth edition

Brett Saunders Brett Saunders (Craig and Wargrave 2005–10) took on the challenge in September of running from John O’Groats to Land’s End, which he planned to achieve in 16 days. Brett was running in memory of Tom Sibree (Pennell 2003–04), who died in 2015 from Sudden Unexplained Death from Epilepsy (SUDEP), and was raising money for SUDEP Action. This is a charity that provides bereavement support for families who have lost someone, raises awareness of the risk that all epilepsy sufferers are at, and researches ways of preventing deaths from happening. Tom’s father David Sibree (Pennell 1969–74) is a trustee of SUDEP Action, so has firsthand experience of the wonderful work that the charity does. Both the charity and the Sibree family are very proud of Brett’s continued support, as he has previously undertaken a number of other endurance runs in Tom’s memory. However, six days in to the run, Brett posted the following on Instagram: ‘Today has confirmed I cannot continue with attempting to run JOGLE (John O’Groats to Land’s End) entirely, my body has said ‘no’ after 411km in six days. For the next nine days the real family adventure starts and we will be getting through each day with a total of 42km, either walking, cycling or running between us. My parents (Sharon and Andrew Saunders) and brother Aaron Saunders (Craig 2003–08) are helping and we have other family members coming up over the next nine days to join in and ensure we get it done. My aunties and uncles and cousins as well as my grandparents are coming to join in by walking. It’s amazing to see how they are all helping out.’ We’re pleased to say that Brett more than exceeded his target of £16,000, with the total at over £18,000 at the time of writing.

first as deputy head (2006– 08) and then headmaster (2008–23). He is now the UK education director at Inspired Education Group, a role he took up in September. Inspired is a global group of premium schools educating Becki Shaw (Watt 2006–11) – over 75,000 students worldwide across 80+ schools in six contisee the entry for Ben Colyer. nents. In June 2023 it acquired David Sibree (Pennell 1969–74) – the Alpha Plus Group of schools, see the entry for Brett Saunders. which includes Wetherby.

of the Elements of Petroleum Geology. Richard also sent us a memory of the 1957 fly-past which we featured in last year’s magazine, and this is carried on page 39.

Kiran Singh (Watt 2006–11) – see the entry for Ben Colyer.

George Skinner ( Wargr ave 2013 –18), g r a d u a t e d f r o m Edinburgh University in 2023, and is pictured on page 93 on the left alongside his old housemate B e nj amin M e e k ( Wa r g r ave 2013–18) who also graduated on the same day. Mark

Snell

(Blackwater 1982– 87 ) wa s awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, for the member of staff who has dedicated their life to a school, at the Tatler School Awards announced in September 2023. Mark was at Wetherby School for 17 years,

Chris Stevens (Wargrave 19 8 3 – 8 7 ) h a s been in touch and told us: ‘Having left the college in 1987, I studied at Dartington College of Arts, then emigrated to Canada in 1990 and studied at Acadia University doing my BMus in composition. I returned to the UK in 1995 and did my masters in music composition (AmusM) at Nottingham University under Nicholas Sackman. In 2006, I became a fully accredited BACP [British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy] counsellor and worked for some time with counselling groups. I am currently working as a freelance composer having had per formances in the UK and Canada. I

Paul Stewart Paul Stewart (Wargrave 1994–99) visited the College on Tuesday 7 March and spoke to the whole school about his determination to overcome a major spinal injury. Paul was injured in a snowboarding accident in France in 2008 which left Paul with heads of school Tess Garrett him paralysed below the and Dylan Pearson (Reeves 2018–23) waist and he was initially told that he would never walk again, However, he was determined to overcome his injuries and told the pupils that mental strength was an important factor in dealing with physical problems. In 2013 he took on the Iron Spine Challenge charity fundraiser, which involved a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle ride and a marathon walk of 26.2 miles, before returning to France to climb the mountain where he had had his accident. He said: ‘I think a lot of people in England don’t really comprehend what having a spinal injury is. I didn’t and I knew people in wheelchairs… I don’t want pity, I want people to have more respect and more admiration for someone who has had a spinal injury.’ Head of School Tess Garrett (School 2021–23) said: ‘The talk left people speechless, finding it hard to comprehend just how much Paul had achieved after everything that he had been faced with. The talk inspired us to do more, push ourselves to be our very best and never ever give up because that’s not what life is about. We will all remember the incredible talk Paul gave us for years to come but more importantly we will aim to act on the messages that he shared with us.’

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some items to be sent as aid to Ukraine, following a request in an email newsletter asking for donations (see the entry for Tim Parker for more information about this). Anthony met Emma Garrett and she took this picture of him holding a photo of the 1955 College tennis team. He recalled that this was his last year as captain of the team and said: ‘I think we only lost one match in three years but that year we had some good players in the team (better than the captain!)’.

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wildlife conservation. Angus is the founder and director of Africa Wild Trails, which plans and delivers diverse, challenging, and inspiring international ventures, expeditions, research and wildlife conservation field studies. He spoke about his time at school, saying that it was not always the easiest, explaining that his dyslexia meant that academia was out of his comfor t zone. However, he developed an early fascination for nature and wildlife which was, for him, a real escape from the pressures of work. Angus mentioned inspirational teachers at school who give him the confidence to believe in himself and now, 35 years later, he was thrilled to come back to the College and talk about the work he is doing in the conservation world. Angus is teaming up with College teacher Pete Fellows (Powell 1993–98) and eight sixth form pupils on a 12-day conservation expedition to South Africa at the end of Lent term 2024, more details of which are in the entry for Pete.

Y never married or had children as music is a demanding and uncertain career to follow. I would love to hear from anyone directly who wishes to get in touch after so many years so if you wish, please use my email camusfear na @ yahoo.co.uk. It would be good to meet up at some point and I hope all those with whom I studied are doing well.’

Polly Symes (Watt 2018–23) – see the entry for Mark Freeland.

T Fiona Taylor (Watt 2007–11) married Ben Colyer (Wargrave 2002– 07) on Saturday 16 July 2022, and a photo and report is on page 89.

M a u r i c e Tr a p p (G o n v i l l e 1962–67) – see the entry for Jim Dickerson. See also Maurice’s bir thday celebrations in France on page 53.

with California to the Canadian border in nor thern Washington state between May and October. The 2,650-mile walk took five months, and Radley did it entirely self-suppor ted, carr ying all of the equipment that he needed to camp and survive along the route, periodically passing through or dropping into towns to resupply on food and fuel. He did it to raise funds for the Charlie Watkins Foundation (CWF), whose primary focus is to assist young people in overcoming their challenges and to improve their mental health. Charlie, who sadly lost his life in 2017, was a university friend of Radley’s. Radley said: ‘This is an idea that has been forming in my mind for some time and so whilst it is something that I truly want to do it also represents a fantastic oppor tunity to raise suppor t and awareness for the CWF, a cause close to my heart.’ Radley raised over £7,500.

Te d

Nick Walker (Gonville 1974–79) visited the College on Thursday 20 April with his sister Judy Walker and her husband Andrew. David Blake took them on a tour of the College and Nick and Judy are pictured here in the Nugee Building, named after their grandfather John Nugee, who was the College’s headmaster from 1939 to 1956. Nick and Judy’s mother Lucy was John Nugee’s daughter and their aunt (Lucy’s sister) is Tishy Nugee, who opened the Nugee Building with the Duke of Devonshire in April 2017 when the plaque in the photo was unveiled.

Angus Wingfield (School 1984– 13) took on an epic trek along Anthony Vokins ( Wargr ave 88) spoke to Year 11 and sixth the Pacif ic Crest Trail, walk- 1951–55) visited the College form pupils at the College on ing from the Mexican border in Januar y when he gave us Monday 6 March about his work in

Radley Troy (Wargrave 2008–

Yo u n g

(Blackwater 1974–79) s to o d d ow n a s edi tor of Metro, the UK’s highestcirculation freesheet tabloid newspaper, in March 2023, having edited it since 2014. His move coincided with a restructuring at the paper, with its print and online editions now coming under the same editor (previously the online edition was edited separately). He is now an editorial director at Cover Media, the multimedia news and visual agency with a focus on enter tainment, light news and human interest stories, and is also on the complaints committee of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). In April Ted was one of the attendees at the ES media and journalism networking event in London (pictured), where he met current pupils and OEs, offering advice and chatting about his career. More information about the event is on page 21.

Old Eastbournian

MCC match and the cricket dinner

Spectators and players gather by the scorebox

he 1st XI team took on the MCC in their annual f ixture on Thursday 22 June. The sun shone and College Field was the perfect setting for this game with the MCC side including Old Eastbournians Charlie Hobden (Wargrave 2008–13) (captain), Harry Lloyd (Wargrave 2011–16), and Ben Twine (Craig 2013–17). Spectators included parents, pupils, staff, former members of staff and Old Eastbournians from across many generations.

During match tea, players and spectators gathered at the scorebox for a short ceremony to commemorate Guy Richards (Craig 1980–85) who was one of the College’s most talented sportsmen but whose life was tragically cut short a year after he left school. Guy played 1st XI cricket for three seasons and was captain for two. He

also played in the first team for four other sports. A plaque in Guy’s memory had been donated to the school by his friends and previously hung on the old pavilion building. Many of these friends were present at the ceremony to see the plaque’s new position on the scoreboard overlooking Guy’s beloved College Field. Flags were also raised on two new flagpoles donated by the Arnold Embellishers and former master-in-charge of cricket Dinner in the function rooms Nigel Wheeler (College staff 1976–2006). Nigel, along with Jonathan Winchester (Craig 1980 –85), shared hear twarming memories, and a toast was made to Eastbourne College and to Guy. More details and photos are in the Arnold Embellishers report on pages 48-49. After the match, the annual cricket dinner was attended by many of the MCC team, our own current cricketers and their families, as well as many other Eastbournian Society cricket enthusiasts. Afterwards, our newly appointed director of cricket Matilda Callaghan and College cricket professional Nick Wilton took questions from the direc- Mike Harrison with Matilda Callaghan and Nick Wilton in the Q&A session tor of sport Mike Harrison.

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Old Eastbournian

OE Fives

The new glass screen being installed

The St Andrew’s court with the screen in place

OE fives club and College pupils meet and play every Tuesday

s we reported last year, the OE Fives Club has continued with its plans to rejuvenate fives across the charity. From a coaching perspective, as of January 2023, James Holman-Dine (OA and Reeves 2024-19) and fives veteran Spencer Beal have been running a new year-round fives activity for Years 7 and 8 at St Andrew’s, building upon the foundations set by former headmaster Gareth Jones, This will help further induct more fives players into the Eastbourne College activity programme made available from Year 9. Gareth’s efforts meant that the St Andrew’s fives court was completely refurbished just a few years ago, and a new glass screen has recently been installed at the back of the court to form a slightly smaller and more appropriately sized playing area, as well as creating a covered spectator facility. Meanwhile the initiative continues to upgrade the historic facilities at the College, which are over 100 years old, and various crowdfunding events are planned. James Holman-Dine told us: ‘We are also actively seeking to increase our player pool and would welcome any new or former fives players to take part. The club plays every Tuesday between 8:00-9:30pm at Eastbourne College and goes to the Dolphin Pub afterwards. If you are interested in joining, please contact Spencer Beal (spencerjbeal@gmail.com). We look forward to further interacting with the wider society in 2024, and are also on track to achieve our goals to rejuvenate the facilities and coaching at both schools.’

OE Golf Society

he Old Eastbournian Golf Society (OEGS) organised a full programme of events in 2023. We entered the main scratch team tournaments – namely the Halford Hewitt, Grafton Morrish and Cyril Gray – and also the Public Schools Putting Tournament at Royal Wimbledon. We played a total of 10 matches against other old boys golf societies, the College and the College staff. 2023 saw the second running of the Richard Day Singles Knockout and the revival of play for the Scratch Cup. In events aimed at younger OE golfers we played indoors in central London in January We are extremely sorry to report the deaths of Graham Boal (in December 2022) and Carl Spencer (in August 2023). Both were great supporters of OE golf, but Graham was best known as a QC and then an Old Bailey judge and Carl as a wonderfully talented jazz musician. 98

and then in a Texas Scramble in September. Continuing on from 2022: a range of OEGS branded merchandise – polo shirts and sweaters (for both gentlemen and ladies), caps, umbrellas etc. – are available to members through our website. Membership of the OEGS is available to all members of the Eastbournian Society – ie, OEs and also parents of former and current College pupils and members of staff of the College. Some of our fixtures are only open to actual OEs. However, our matches against other schools, our spring tour to Norfolk and Autumn Meeting are open to any member of the OEGS and to golfers of all abilities. We play on many magnificent golf courses, at times paying well below the usual green fee rate. Annual membership of the OEGS costs only £30 (or £5 if you are under 30 years old). And again, for anyone under 30, we almost always generously subsidise their golf from OEGS funds. Our contacts are either President Chris Walker (president@oegolf.uk), Secretary

David Bur t (secretar y @oegolf.uk) or Treasurer Ian Henley (treasurer@oegolf. uk). Our website is www.oegolf.uk.

Golf in central London

OE golfers plus Emma Garrett at Urban Golf

The OEGS organised a most successful evening of golf at Urban Golf in Smithfield in January. Sixteen OEs turned up, the majority under the age of 30. Harry Rimmer managed the event and we were very pleased that Development Director Emma Garrett joined us and made a very good attempt at playing Spyglass Hill GC in California.

Matches against other school teams We were not as successful as in 2022. The matches against Cranleigh at Royal St George’s and Bishop’s Stortford at Prince’s were just friendlies in preparation for the Halford Hewitt. Of the other eight matches (including those against the College and the College staff ) we only won against King’s Canterbury, Tonbridge and Lancing – but those are very welcomed victories against good opposition.

Matches against the College and College staff The OEGS fielded a team of seven players at Royal Eastbourne GC in May against what is becoming an ever stronger team from the College itself. Everyone appeared to have had a good time and we trust that we left a good impression of the OEGS and strengthened the bond between golfers at the College and the OEGS. Sadly the OEGS team went down to a 3–1 defeat. Colin Farrant and our star man, Peter Walker lost to the talented Shakespeare boys but did manage to take them as far as the 16th hole. Thanks to all the pupils who played against us, our team for turning out and Peter Henley for managing the OEGS team.

The OEGS and Eastbourne College teams preparing to do battle

The OEGS, managed by Ian Henley, went down 1–3 to the College staff at Royal Eastbourne GC in June but we were all able to reflect on another beautiful day in the sunshine and a game played, as always, in great spirits.

In the Cyril Gray for the over-50s at Worplesdon in June we lost to Gresham’s and then Merchant Taylors’ in the main and plate competitions. The Public Schools Putting Tournament takes place annually on the very testing 18-hole putting green at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club. Unavoidably putting out three rather than four players was a severe disadvantage but relegation (to a two-year absence from the competition) was avoided in a ‘sudden death playoff ’ in which Grant Leonard saved us. The Sussex Schools Tournament in September at West Sussex involves teams of six players from Eastbourne, Hurstpierpoint, Lancing and Brighton playing scratch foursomes matchplay over two rounds. Team captain Harry Rimmer and Peter Walker won both their matches but we finished third. We qualified at Knole Park in May for the Grafton Morrish Finals in October at Hunstanton. Our team of Adrian Sharpin, Mark Stewar t, Harry Rimmer, Angus Stewar t, David Barwell and Chris Hampton beat Framlingham but then went out against Bedford.

Richard Day Singles Knockout The inaugural Richard Day Singles Knockout was played in 2022 in memory of Richard Day (Gonville 1982–87). 24 members of the OEGS entered in 2023. The semi-finals and final were played on 21 October at Rye. Conditions were extremely challenging with torrential rain for much of the day and a very strong wind. In the semi-finals, Harry Rimmer beat Richard Gourlay by 4 & 2 and David Barwell won by 3 & 2 against Tony Dunn. The final saw Harry emerge victorious over David by 3 & 2 but he had to work very hard. It was great to have Louise, Claire and Chloe Day along for lunch and for them to meet the semi-finalists. Chris Stephenson was thanked for making this day at Rye possible.

Scratch competitions The Halford Hewitt Tournament played at Royal Cinque Ports, Royal St George’s and Prince’s Golf Clubs in April each year involves teams of 10 playing foursomes matchplay off scratch. In 2023 we lost in the first round to Downside and then in the first round of the Plate to King Edward’s Birmingham. The weather conditions were extremely challenging throughout but there were good performances from Jack Hughes and Hewitt debutant Adam Godfrey who won both their matches. 2024 sees the 100th anniversary of the Halford Hewitt tournament with Eastbourne having played in the competition since 1932.

Our singles knockout champion, Harry Rimmer with David Barwell now indoors and dry

Other events

Alex Photiou driving at Sheringham GC’s 5th hole

Our 2023 Norfolk Tour provided golf at Hunstanton, Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster) and Sheringham. Thanks go to David Burt for organising and for Andrew Sherwood and George Eve for enabling us to play these courses at much reduced green fees. We last played for the OEGS Scratch Cup (the Merritt Challenge Cup to give it its correct name) in 2019 but we revived the challenge at Royal Ashdown Forest GC in August 2023. Peter Walker acted as our match manager and he managed to attract a good field of single figure OE golfers. We played from the very back tees and this, combined with very punishing heather, proved to be extremely challenging. Playing scratch Stableford, Chris Hampton won with 28 points. On 26 points, Toby Lock came second on countback from Peter Walker. Cooden Beach GC hosted our Autumn Meeting which saw us play singles Stableford for the Crosse Trophy. Iryna Photiou won with a spectacular 43 Stableford points from Claire Patterson-Snell on 41 and Ian Henley on 37. We held a Texas Scramble competition in September at West Surrey GC. The day was aimed at the younger OEs (and indeed did include a team from the College) and was exper tly organised by Colin Farrant. The victors for the second year running were the ‘Reeves Boys’ with 52 points. The handicap committee will be looking closely at their declared handicaps next year but well done to Gearoid O’Callaghan, Josh Curryer, Matthew Rust and Ian Sands.

President Chris Walker with the winning Texas Scramble team of Matthew Rust, Ian Sands, Josh Curryer and Gearoid O’Callaghan at West Surrey GC

Old Eastbournian

The Foundation Golf Challenge

The annual Foundation Golf Day was held at the Royal Eastbourne Golf Course on Friday 7 July.

he day was blessed with beautiful weather as the sun shone down on the golf course, creating the perfect backdrop for a fantastic day of golf. After the round, participants gathered for drinks, followed by a delightful dinner. The evening continued with an exciting auction, adding an element of thrill and camaraderie to the event. Since 2010 the Golf Day has raised money towards the Peter Bibby Award, which gives bursary funding to a talented local cricketer who might otherwise be unable to attend the College, with a further £1,000 of the money raised dedicated to supporting young golfers through the Eastbourne College Golf Programme. Peter Bibby’s daughter Mirren Mace was on hand to present the prizes before the evening dinner and auction, and we are delighted to announce that the event raised in the region of £12,600.

The winning team were LSW Secure, pictured here with Mirren Mace

We are grateful to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters who made this Golf Day so successful, with a special mention to our headline sponsors, MTech Systems, for their generous support.

The Foundation Golf Challenge 2024 Raising funds for the Peter Bibby Award, which provides bursary funding for a place at the College for a talented local cricketer. The event is open to OEs, parents, staff, pupils, local businesses and other supporters of the College.

100

Thursday 11 July Royal Eastbourne Golf Club

• a team event for four golfers of any standard • 18 holes of golf on the Devonshire Course • snack on arrival • goody bag • three-course dinner in the club house • charity auction Please contact us on 01323 451911 or es@eastbourne-college.co.uk to book your place(s) or if you would like to donate a prize or auction item

The

All Blacks

The 1953 visit as reported by the Eastbournian

our months af ter the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II, there was fur ther excitement at the College when the All Blacks r ugby team ar rived at the College on 21 October 1953 to begin their 1953–54 tour of Britain. The College had been selected as their training ground where they would spend the

next eight days practising on College Field before their first match against Southern Counties at the Greyhound Stadium in Hove. The first practice session was witnessed by about 200 College boys and the Eastbourne Herald reported: ‘Press photographers and writers and a BBC television unit buzzed around the players like bees round a honeypot’.

2023 marked both the 70th and 60th anniversaries of the New Zealand All Blacks visiting Eastbourne.

Autographs of the 1963 All Blacks

You can see the BBC footage by going to www.bbcrewind.co.uk and searching for ‘Eastbourne College’. One member of the team, Bob Scott, went out wearing a new pair of boots but found

that they pinched so badly that he carried out the rest of the session in bare feet. But perhaps the most memorable event of the All Blacks’ visit was the performance of the haka, the Maori ceremonial dance, on College Field. An autographed photograph of the team was presented to the school by the All Blacks manager Norman Millard and pupils and OEs gave Bob Stuart (captain) a College shield in memory of their visit. Some of the Ascham pupils were allowed to watch the team practising and two members of the All Blacks, JT Fitzgerald and WA McCaw, were guests of honour at the boys’ lunch at Ascham. At a dinner hosted by the Eastbourne Corporation at the Cavendish Hotel, the All Blacks manager said ‘the tourists had been struck by the beautiful town, the lovely setting of Eastbourne College (where they are training) and the hospitality of the people’. The following year, the Eastbournian reproduced a letter from Norman Millard in which he thanked the school for a copy of the College magazine and said ‘I was naturally interested in the pictures of the All Blacks in their training. The boy who took the photographs made a very good job of it’. The photographer was David Tillett (School 1950–55). The other letter came from Rex Alston of the BBC Outside Broadcast Department who had filmed the training session. He thanked the school for the magazine and went on to say ‘Pictures of oneself taken unawares are always amusing… I have added that particular one to my scrapbook in memory of a most interesting morning.’ The All Blacks returned to Eastbourne in 1963 but this time practised on the Eastbourne Grammar School fields at King’s Drive. However, one College pupil managed to get their autographs which can be seen here. 101

Old Eastbournian

Obituaries

Compiled by Paul Jordan with assistance from Peter Durrant, and with the help of families, friends, colleagues, the College archives, the internet and published sources

ome obituaries are of OEs who died in earlier years, as we have only recently become aware of their deaths. We are always grateful for contributions, so please do contact us if you wish to add any information to the obituaries below, which will be considered for publication in our next edition. If you are aware of any OE or former member of staff who has died, please

let David Blake know so that we can update our records. Contact details are on page 120. We have included a table listing Old Eastbournians mentioned in this section in chronological order of their year of leaving the College. The obituaries section itself (which also includes obituaries for others who are not OEs) is in alphabetical order of surname.

OEs listed by leaving year OEs listed by leaving year 1940 David Falkus (Powell 1939–40) 1944 Derek Clayton (Pennell 1939–44) 1945 Alan Hall (School 1942–45) 1946 William Lloyd George (School 1941–46) Peter Milton-Thompson (Blackwater 1940–46) 1947 Blane Coulcher (Powell & Reeves 1946–47) 1948 Peter Albrecht (Blackwater 1947–48) 1949 Paddy Sandford-Johnson (Blackwater 1944–49) 1950 John Busbridge (School 1945–50) 1951 David Meirion Williams (Powell 1947–51) Michael Partridge (Blackwater 1946–51) Jeremy Thorp (School 1948–51) Brian Tullis (Pennell 1946–51) 1952 Gordon Crumley (Wargrave 1947–52) Barry Templeman (School 1947–52) 1953 David Houchin (Pennell 1949–53) 1954 David Harry (Gonville 1950–54)

1955 Robin Armstrong Brown (Wargrave 1951–55) Tim Lord (Reeves 1952–55) Philip Paine (Reeves 1951–55) 1956 Brian Eley (Wargrave 1951–56) Robert Langford (Gonville 1952–56) John Paul (Wargrave 1950–56) 1957 Richard Dorling (Reeves 1953–57) Michael Emary (School 1953–57) Carl Spencer (Powell 1955–57) John Williams (Powell 1952–57) 1958 John Hislop (Powell 1953–58) 1959 Derek Connolly (Powell 1955–59) Anthony Harris (School 1955–59) John Wilmot (School 1954–59) 1961 Alan Collis (Nugent & Pennell 1958–61) Peter Strong (Gonville 1957–61)

1970 David Mockler (Nugent & School 1965–70) 1971 Mark Foster (Wargrave 1969–71) 1973 Nicolas Stephens (School 1969–73) 1982 Richard Banister (Wargrave 1977–82) 1983 Roy Bishop (Powell 1978–83) 1987 Simon Evans (Blackwater 1982–87) 1990 Che Aylward (Powell 1985–90) 1994 Jamie Taylor (Craig 1989–94) 2006 Lucian Townsend (Reeves 2001–06)

Other obituaries

1962 Robert Gascoigne-Pees (Pennell 1958–62) Richard Gwynne-Evans (School 1959–62) Simon Templeman (Nugent & School 1958–62)

John Crawshaw College governor 1981–2010

1963 David Clark (Pennell 1959–63)

Kenneth McAlpine College governor 1968–84

1964 Timothy Moore (Pennell 1959–64)

Roger Mills College staff 1961–62

1965 Michael Cranwell (School 1961–65) Christopher Thomas (Wargrave 1960–65)

Brian Wilson College staff 1973–76

Peter Leffingwell Albrecht (Blackwater 1947– 48) died on 25 March 2021. He had been the OE USA rep since 1949, based initially in New York and later in Massachusetts until 2020. The Newburyport News carried the following obituary: ‘Peter L. Albrecht, age 91, of Newburyport, former longtime resident of Cambridge, died peacefully at the Country Center Nursing Home in Newburypor t, after a period of declining health. Three of his children were with him when he died. Born in New York City, on 4 March 1930, he was the son of the late Ralph G. Albrecht and Aillinn (Leffingwell) Albrecht. After receiving his Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School, Peter became a very successful lawyer with the Ropes and Gray Law Firm in Boston. Peter was grateful for a long healthy life, a loving family, his home and garden, an interesting career, and many loving friends. At 90 he was still going to the gym until it was closed down due to Covid.’

102

1967 Malcolm Chapple (Nugent & Pennell 1963–67) William Harper (Nugent & Wargrave 1962–67) Peter Pearson (School 1963–67)

Jennie Harari Member of the Devonshire Society

Mary Ireland College governor 2020–23 Kitty James College staff 1963–90

He came to the College as an American Exchange Scholar in 1947 and held fond memories of his arrival at Blackwater: ‘A rather naïve and untravelled teenager lands in a country still recovering from the war, an extra mouth to feed in a society still subject to strict rationing, and is taken in and made to feel that he belonged there. I don’t believe that the esprit of Blackwater was accidental… Blackwater was the welcoming home away from home that it was because of the tone set by the Underhills, and amplified and transmitted by the staff and the house prefects and senior boys. The College’s greatest gift to me was teaching me… three unfamiliar games – rugby, fives and cricket – that as good as it may feel to win, the sheer joy of playing is incomparably better… The College did give me enough competence and more important, confidence, to play for one of the several teams the Boston RFC fielded when I was in my late 30s. I’ll be grateful as long as I have breath to the College for that gift, which has enriched my life immeasurably.’ Peter is survived by his widow, Margaret; children, David, Matthew, Kate, Cynthia and Eugenie; along with several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. His son Thomas predeceased him.

Robin Armstrong Brown (Wargrave 1951– 55) died on 8 January 2022 aged 84. We would like to thank Robin’s widow, Diana, for the following tribute: ‘Robin, like his father before him and his daughters after him, attended Eastbourne College. He came to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1962 to take up a position as physicist at the European Nuclear Research laboratory, CERN. He worked there until his retirement in 1997 receiving in 1969 a PhD for his work. He met and married Diana shortly after arriving in Geneva and had two daughters, Susy and Mandy. ‘Robin lived his life to the full. His work at CERN was absorbing and rather more than full time but he fitted in skiing in winter, sailing in summer, singing and playing his beloved guitar as well as performing in the Geneva Operatic Society. He loved Greece and learned Greek as well as French. In the 1970s he was seconded from CERN for a year at Demokritos, the Greek Centre for Scientific Research. He was a keen sailor and on retirement he and Diana set off in their steel hulled sailing yacht to sail the world. The adventure started well but had to be abandoned when Robin’s health began to deteriorate.’ Robin is survived by his widow Diana and daughters Susy (Nugent 1984–86) and Mandy (Nugent 1986–88). Robin’s father William Herber t Armstrong Brown also attended the College (Wargrave 1924–27). While he was at the College, Robin won the Smallman Chemistry Prize in 1955 and attained the rank of petty officer in the CCF. He enjoyed music as well; a member of the Glee Club, the choir and the College orchestra, he also played in the CCF Corps of Drums. After leaving College, he continued his education at Brighton Technical College where he was awarded a degree in applied physics. Robin later wrote his memories of life as a boy living on a farm. The Farmer’s Boy was published in 2011. Che Nigel Aylward (Powell 1985–90) died in March 2023 aged 51. While at the College, Che played soccer and rugby. The 1990 Eastbournian reported: ‘4th XV rugby… Che Aylward captained the side with his usual determination although he missed the last few weeks of the season following a nasty concussion when playing for the 3rd XV.’ He also won the inter-house soccer competition in 1989 with Matthew Payne and David Pritchard. In the same year, the Eastbournian mentioned his talents as a singer and performer: ‘Che Aylward was appointed head of choir performing well in two choral evensongs and three carol services. He has been involved in the visit to Chichester Cathedral and the various prep school visits.’ He was a member of the Eastbourne Singers (formerly the Cornwall Singers) and was a silver drummer. Che also performed in Big School in Mainly Music and appeared in a production of The Odd Couple with his brother, Karl. They played the English sisters Gwendolyn and Cecily Pigeon who had an apartment in the same building as the main characters, Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison. ‘It was an inspired piece of casting to use the Aylward brothers, Che and Karl. They looked and sounded just right and resisted the temptation to overplay.’ As part of his gap year, he taught at his former prep school, St Bedes. Che joined the army in 1997 and later attended Por tsmouth University (2013–18) where he was awarded a BSc (Hons) degree in counter fraud and criminal justice studies. He also attended the Defence School of Languages and took diploma courses in Russian and Pashto (the language of Afghanistan). Che is survived by his widow Sarah and children, Charlotte, Edward, Isobelle and Oscar. His brother, Karl, was also at the College (Powell 1987–92). Richard William Banister (Wargrave 1977–82) died on 23 March 2023 surrounded by his family after a five-month battle with sepsis. He was 59. We’d like to thank Richard’s brother, Charlie (Wargrave 1988–93) for the following tribute. ‘Richard loved his time at Eastbourne College, and often spoke fondly of his five years there. He particularly enjoyed his time in the CCF, and his tours abroad with them. This included one trip to West Germany and a helicopter excursion with the British Army flying at

low-level along the border, goading the East German soldiers on the other side of the wire as they went. Richard joined Eastbourne from Westerleigh School with Adrian Collins (Wargrave 1977–82) who remained a lifelong friend, and who delivered a reading at Richard’s funeral. Following Eastbourne, Richard joined his father in the family business (military vehicle spares), before taking over the business himself in 2020. Richard leaves behind his wife of 20 years Nicole, his daughter Katie, and his grandson Ethan. A country boy at heart, Richard was never happier than when he was in a pub laughing with his family, his beloved golden-lab Meggy curled up at his feet.’ Major (Retd) Dr Roy Lennox Bishop (Powell 1978–83) died on 22 August 2023 aged 58. We are grateful to Roy’s nephew, Peter Candy, for the following tribute: ‘My uncle Roy was born Roy Canute Bishop in Hastings, East Sussex, in 1965. As a boy, Roy enjoyed playing Monopoly and Campaign, interests in business and the army that he would later convert into full careers. He attended Westerleigh School in St Leonards-on-Sea, where he was made head boy, and then Eastbourne College.’ Roy attended the annual dinner While at the school, Roy won both the in April at the Grand Hotel Appleby Science Essay Prize and the Professor Soddy Chemistry Prize. Peter continues: ‘As a teenager Roy was an early enthusiast for computer technology, earning him the nickname ‘Computer Roy’. When money was tight, he used to take holiday jobs and use the money to buy hardware from Argos, which he would then return for a refund before the trial period expired. At Eastbourne College Roy joined the CCF and later the Territorial Army battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was a keen rugby player, and at the end of his time at the school gained admission to St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, to read medicine. He used to recall how at his admission interview, to which he wore his TA uniform, he was asked if it was ever right to take a life, to which his response was “never for a doctor, though sometimes as a soldier.” ‘He completed his medical training in Scotland at Glasgow University, before joining the NHS as a junior then senior house officer, becoming a general practitioner. As a GP he worked in Stirling and on Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, staying at Griminish. He used to recall driving an old Land Rover Defender to make house visits and needing to time his journeys over the causeways to avoid becoming trapped by the tide. ‘In the late 1980s Roy decided to join the regular British army, training as an officer at Sandhurst. He was proud of his family’s military heritage, joining a long line of Bishops who served in the British army in India and Afghanistan during the nineteenth century, and in two world wars. Roy served with the Queen’s Own Highlanders in Northern Ireland, in Minden, Germany, and during the first Gulf War with 205 Field Hospital. While Roy was stationed in West Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, he served as one of an international contingent of soldiers tasked with guarding the Nazi war criminal Rudolf Hess, at Spandau prison. By the time Roy left the army he had reached the rank of major. ‘Roy left the army in the mid-1990s to marry his wife, Wendy, originally of Ohio. After first working at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington DC for a year, they set up house in Chico, northern California. His only daughter Meredith was born in 1998. In Chico, Roy set up his own private medical practice, the Argyll Medical Group. For the next quarter of a century Roy worked tirelessly to run and expand the business, employing many dozens of people and providing primary care for several tens of thousands of patients in the locality. At the same time, Roy never gave up his commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the many patients whom he served as their personal physician. After a brief move to Texas, Roy moved back with his family to Chico where he continued to pursue his passion for equestrian pursuits, not least by riding and looking after his Trakehner, called Dash.

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‘In 2015, Roy built a home at Craobh Haven, Argyll. There he enjoyed hosting his family, his several nieces and nephews, and visiting friends and family on the peninsula. He also very much enjoyed meeting up at the local pubs and cafes, including Lucy’s, the Lord of the Isles, and the Galley of Lorne. Roy was above all a family man who cared deeply about tradition. He made annual visits to Denmark to stay in touch with his Danish relatives on his mother’s side and delighted in visiting the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. He spoke Danish throughout his life, most of all with his sister, Emma. In Scotland, he expressed his family tradition outwardly in his dress, routinely wearing kilts patterned in the regimental and Lennox tartans and insisting on wearing his Argylls rugby shirt on his transatlantic commutes. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of Scottish independence and took a keen interest in politics and current affairs. ‘But for all of Roy’s ‘tartan mysticism’ his passion was deeply rooted and felt. He was a benefactor of several local causes, including the Inveraray Highland games and the new Kilmartin Museum. All those who knew him will miss him greatly, most of all for the love, kindness, and generosity that he showed to those in his life. I am sure that all of us who knew Roy will miss his astonishing intellect, and the quality (and detail) of his conversation.’ John Nigel Busbridge (School 1945–50) died on 8 February 2023 aged 91. We are grateful to John’s sister, Cherry Hopkins, for the following tribute: ‘After Eastbourne, where he became head of school and made lifelong friendships with his contemporary John Klyberg, (Gonville 1945–50) later Bishop of Fulham, and Paul Hirst, later Professor of Education at Cambridge, who taught him in the sixth form, John went up to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, to read mathematics. After teaching posts at Durham School, Oundle School and Colfe’s Grammar School, Lewisham, he taught for six years in Nigeria, where he co-authored a series of mathematical text books which became the standard text in Nigerian schools for many years, and which he subsequently adapted for Kenyan schools. On his return to the UK, he moved into training mathematics teachers and spent the greater part of his career at Moray House, Edinburgh, with periods of work in Kenya, Pakistan and Turkey. ‘John was an accomplished cellist and had a prodigious knowledge of classical music and opera. He documented all the concerts he went to and all operas he saw – some 350 from 1950 until 2021 – in his neat handwriting with dates, names and pithy comments. He met his future wife Doreen, a professional violin teacher, on a chamber music course; they were very happily married for over 58 years until her death in 2019 and had three daughters and a son. Music was central to their lives; their cello and violin accompanied them wherever they travelled, and opened doors to many friendships. Although they enjoyed the musical life of Edinburgh, they found the dark and cold winters less congenial, and retired to the Cotswolds, where they became busier than ever with their involvement in the U3A; Doreen founded and directed a popular choir, and John led study groups in art, opera and poetry appreciation. He also enjoyed hillwalking; he climbed many Munros in Scotland and Wainwrights in the Lake District, and in retirement led local walks and rambles in the Cotswold hills and beyond. He was closely involved with the village church, serving on the PCC and frequently reading lessons or leading intercessions. Tributes at his funeral described him as ‘kind, thoughtful, generous, a gentleman, a wonderful friend, a legend’.’ He is survived by his four children. While at the College, John belonged to a number of societies including the Shakespeare Society in which he appeared in a production of Two Gentlemen of Verona in 1950. The Eastbournian reported: ‘Chief praise, however, must go to Busbridge for making 1st Bandit by far the most memorable character in the play. Since in reading a play all acting is reduced to the voice, the introduction of more accents and dialects will widen the scope of the reading enormously. Thanks are due to Busbridge for a break from the Oxford accent… It was in the comic scenes, however, that the play rose to its heights. Busbridge

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produced two very different accents for Pistol and Gower.’ He was also hon sec of the Gramophone Society, which in 1951 had ‘been going, in its present form, for just over a year, and, thanks to the past work of J N Busbridge and A J D Peck, is now firmly established as a part of the school’s life.’ As a member of the Musical Society (also hon sec) in the same year, he played a cello solo in the chapel and at the end of term concert played the 1st Movement of Brahms E minor Cello and Piano Sonata. He also won the Nicholson Instrumental Prize in 1948. Other societies included the Literary and Astronomical societies, for both of which he was hon sec. He also took part in a spoof debate in ‘Parliament’ when due to ‘(a) structural alterations, (b) Communist outrages, (c) Conservative sabotage’ at Westminster, Parliament had to move to Big School. John appeared as the Speaker: ‘Wing Cmdr the Rt Hon J N Busbridge, CBE, DSO, glittering with miniatures… preceded by the two Clerks of the House, J T Salusbury, R Carter, all three resplendent in wig and gown, made a dignified entry at 7.15.’ The reason he was given the ‘rank’ of Wing Cmdr was that in 1950 he had been awarded the rank of Flight Sergeant in RAF section the CCF. In the same year he went to the USA as part of an air cadet exchange visit. Academically, he won the HMS Marlborough Senior Mathematics and Margetson English Essay Prizes. In sport, he rowed for the Eastbourne College Boat Club and was awarded his 2nd IV colours in 1950. James Malcolm Dundas Chapple (Nugent & Pennell 1963–67) died on 1 August 2023 aged 73. We’d like to thank Hugh Ellison (Gonville 1962–67) for his help in compiling Malcolm’s tribute. ‘Sport was one of his great loves, not only the taking part and the competition, but also of course the winning. He suffered polio when he was 18 months old and lost all use of his right arm. I first met Malcolm at school when we were both 13 and in all the years since I have never once heard him mention and or complain about his polio… He got on with life. ‘At school, rugby was the game and Malcolm represented Eastbourne College, and his house Pennell; inter house matches were fought as ferociously as school matches; Pennell matches against Gonville were difficult for Pennell as Gonville were the sporty house, despite my attendance there. But Pennell won on one particular day, and Malcolm reminded me of Pennell’s victory for the next 50 years ad infinitum. Another love of Malcolm’s was Rosslyn Park Rugby Club whom Malcolm played for and captained Rosslyn Park Roebucks. Tony Thompson (Pennell 1962–66) played against Malcolm and on one occasion Malc’s version was that he had run over Tony’s defensive tackle whereas Tony’s memory was that Malcolm had ‘mullered’ him to stop him scoring. Either way Malc came out on top.’ On leaving school Malcolm did a pupil exchange and went to the USA where he delivered a car across to the west coast and travelled on Route 66. A sandwich course in engineering and an apprenticeship in development engineering followed but he decided on law and was called to the Bar in 1975. One of Malcolm’s famous legal cases involved the Patent Office in Bouverie Street, London, where an application to revoke French Connection Group’s FCUK trademark was pending because it was claimed it was contrary to accepted public morality. Malcolm was also engaged in charity work and in 1986 was appointed a governor of the Royal Star and Garter Charity (providing care for military veterans and their partners who live with disability or dementia). He served the charity for 33 years. While he was at the College, he was school prefect and head of house. Aside from rugby, Malcolm also won his 2nd colours in swimming and cross country. He also gained his gliding certificate in the RAF section of the CCF. He is survived by his daughters Kristina and Annika. His wife, Hilde, predeceased him. David Ross Clark (Ascham 1954–59; Pennell 1959–63) died on 26 June 2021 aged 75. While at Ascham in October 1956, David reported back about a trip to Eastbourne Town Hall for the official opening of Eastbourne’s Junior Book Week. The boys listened to an illustrated talk by author and traveller, Miss Beryl Miles, entitled ‘Islands of Contrast’. ‘After a speech by the Chairman, the Mayor talked to us about

the advantages of books: of getting into a habit of settling down and reading books early in life: also on the good average of book readers in Eastbourne. He then declared the Book Week open. Miss Miles then gave us a lecture of her experiences in New Zealand, with colour slides to follow, and both gave us a much sounder idea of New Zealand than we had before. A vote of thanks was given to the Mayor and Miss Miles and then the meeting closed. We enjoyed the afternoon very much.’ He was also a sub-editor of the Eastbournian at the College and in 1961 appeared in a school production of Agatha Christie’s play, The Spider’s Web. David later won an open exhibition in modern languages to Christ Church, Oxford. He is survived by his widow Sarah; children, Ruth, Matthew and Edward; grandchildren, Moss and Sam and sister, Harriett. Derek William Clayton (Pennell 1939– 44) died on 8 September 2023 aged 97. Described as a visionary botanist, Derek worked for over 50 years at Kew Gardens and catalogued the world’s grasses. But nothing in Derek ’s College valete gave any indication of the career he would later pursue. He played in the 1st XV, was editor of the Eastbournian and was a corporal in the Home Guard when the College was at Radley (the College and Radley had their own Home Guard unit made up of pupils from both schools). Derek later said: ‘At Eastbourne the status of classical scholar was a millstone around my neck, but I eventually managed to talk my way out of it, though it is ironic that I am probably the only member of that class who reads and publishes in Latin, albeit botanical dog-Latin. However, I only got as far as mathematics, biology being vetoed as a step too far.’ His brother Geoffrey (School 1943–47) recalls Derek’s time at Radley: ‘One day Derek turned a somersault and on landing knocked his front teeth out on his knees. When he had revived sister, who had fainted at the sight, the dentist was called and advised to keep the teeth warm and moist and he would reimplant them. Sister was horrified when D stuck them in his mouth where it was both warm, moist and at home while cycling to the dentist in Abingdon where they were stuck back into his jaw. She had favoured wrapping them in cotton wool.’ Derek read engineering at Cambridge University, which he hated and left after a year (he really wanted to do botany). While there, inspired by the book Night Climbers of Cambridge, he formed The Cats Whiskers Club, of which he was chief cat. With a few friends, they set about climbing the buildings and bridges of Cambridge by night, armed with ropes. They recorded their exploits in a log book, which also contained an article about him in a journal called The Mole which apparently was his nickname at the time. Following national service, he took up botany and spent a year at Norwood College, where he began to specialise in grass identification. Then followed three years at Imperial College, London, where he obtained a first in botany. A Colonial Ecological Scholarship took him to Lincoln College, Oxford, for a year, then another year at the East African Research and Forestry Organisation, travelling in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. He then worked for four years as an ecologist at the Federal Agricultural Research Station at Ibadan in Nigeria. The Eastbournian reported that ‘He thoroughly enjoys the country and the people and is very willing to help OEs who may be going out there for the first time’. He returned to the UK and joined the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he concentrated on giving an account of the grasses of tropical west Africa. For half a century, he led a small team which researched grasses everywhere from tropical Africa to Australia, South America, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and the Pacific. Derek was appointed head of the grass section at Kew in 1958 and decided to use the collection of dried grass specimens to review the classification of the grass family as a whole. He went on to produce a book in 1986, Genera Graminum, cowritten with his fellow Kew botanist SA Renvoize, which remains the

standard work. The book paved the way for his next monumental task: to collect descriptive information for all grass species in the world, in excess of 11,000 species, on an electronic database, which he realised would be the future of taxonomy. It took him 10 years but in 2000 it was launched as GrassBase. Derek returned to Kew to work on GrassBase regularly throughout his retirement, ceasing only in 2017, at the age of 91. According to his son, Colin (Pennell 1973–76), Derek ‘was an academic and loved his work – he was always working and considered his work very important. He enjoyed learning, and liked the challenge of learning new languages, which in later life was a computer language. Before that it was Russian and Chinese. He didn’t like small chit chat, and would much rather have an in-depth conversation about many things in life.’ He is survived by his children, Colin, two daughters and brother, Geoffrey (School 1943–47). His wife, Lucille and brother Ian (Geoffrey’s twin) (Pennell 1943–46) predeceased him. Geoff spoke at Derek’s funeral: ‘An admired elder brother who thought nothing of building a high pile of packing cases in the garden and climbing to the top; of being an intrepid wing forward; of leadership; of coaching me in matters academic; of easing our way through school life; of many stories of your prowess as a child. Your pedestal must have wobbled somewhat with the arrival of not one but a whole litter of baby brothers when you were a three-year-old man of the world. Three years is a lifetime in early days. Twins have each other. You were alone blazing the trail. Coming home after national service in Austria as a Royal Engineer you were able at last to take up the study of biology, something you had longed to do for many a year. The rest is history. You have made a difference. Ian joins me in saying a last goodbye to you, our cherished Big Brother.’ Derek had requested no flowers at his funeral, ‘just grass’. Alan Edward Collis (Nugent 1958–59; Pennell 1959–61) died in Kenya in December 2022. He enjoyed cricket and cross country at the College; he initially played for the Erratics (3rd XI) cricket team and joined the 1st XI in 1961. In the same year, he was vice-captain of cross country and also won the senior steeplechase house cup. Alan was in the choir and a cadet lance corporal in CCF (RAF section). We hope to include a full tribute in our next edition. Derek John Connolly (Ascham 1949–55; Powell 1955–59) died at home peacefully in Arlington, East Sussex, on 2 October 2023 aged 81 years. The following has been submitted by his daughter Sofia Connolly: Derek passed away quietly, surrounded by his children, after suffering from hear t failure and Alzheimer’s disease. Derek was born in 1942 in Nor ton St Philip in Somerset, while his father was based in Bath during the war. The family returned to Eastbourne, where Derek grew up living at 10 Mill Road, in a house designed by his father Herbert Connolly, who went on to become Eastbourne Borough Architect. Derek attended Ascham, before getting a scholarship to Eastbourne College, where he attended as a day pupil in Powell House. Derek loved many aspects of his time at the College, but his proudest achievement was playing in the 1st XI cricket team along with many of his lifelong friends. His father Herbert used to walk over to the school from work to watch him play, often standing beyond the school wall, out of sight, to watch the match. Derek enjoyed cricket throughout his life, and keenly watched his grandchildren play Derek in the 1959 1st XI the game too. He would often joke that he would rather have scored a century for England at Lord’s, than be Governor of the Bank of England. Unfortunately, he would add, he had done neither!

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The college archivist has added that Derek excelled in a number of sports at the College. As well as cricket, in 1956 he won the Arnold Boxing Cup and in 1959 he was playing in both the 1st XI hockey and 1st XV rugby teams. He won the John Ellis Junior Biography and L G Chater Senior French Prizes and was awarded both the Junior Lanyard of Honour and Special Lanyard of Honour in the CCF where he was a leading seaman in the Royal Naval section. The archivist has also found Derek’s recorded impressions of an Ascham trip to France (staying in Pontoise) in 1955, which I think must have been his first trip abroad. The comments foretell a love for France and travel that stayed with him for the rest of his life. After returning from the trip Derek wrote: ‘For the complete trip only one impression could possibly exist – an impression of absolute top class. For indeed top class it was: the kind, hospitable French people, the wonderful School St. Martin, the glorious weather, the lovely city of Paris, and last but not least the superb French food, all these undoubtedly will linger in our memories for a very long time… But the greatest thrill of all was on the day when we went in style by luxury coach to Paris and ascended the Eiffel Tower, to gaze at a view beyond words and to follow the flight of tiny paper darts as they nose-dived into the Seine… And as we steamed out of Dieppe harbour on that last day of our most enjoyable stay, even though we were returning to England and to our own homes, there was an atmosphere of sadness over the party.’ Derek felt a great bond with Eastbourne College throughout his life, and gained confidence from the knowledge and skills learned, and deep friendships made. He was very proud of the school, and briefly considered sending his daughters when girls were first admitted as pupils (we did not attend as we did not want to board!). Derek loved the location of the school, in his beloved hometown. He told his children and grandchildren about cross-country school runs up and down the Downs, and fun times spent by the sea. During summers in Eastbourne, he had jobs on the buses, and worked renting out deck chairs. His parents remained in Mill Road for the rest of their lives, and Derek was always a frequent visitor to Eastbourne. After leaving the College, Derek went to Durham University, from 1960–63, where he was awarded a BA in economics, with subsidiaries in law and accountancy. A keen linguist too, Derek continued his German studies, also taking up Danish. It was through the Scandinavian Studies department that he met his future wife Yvonne, who was an exchange student from Gothenburg University. They married in Sweden in 1965, with his family in attendance from Eastbourne. Together, they went on to have three daughters, Nicole, Sofia and Christina. Derek qualified as a char tered accountant in 1966 and worked from 1963–67 for the chartered accountant firm Hallett, Laughlin, Clarke & Co in London. In 1967 he joined a market research organisation in London called Attwood Group of Companies, as a financial analyst and assistant to the group finance director. From 1968–70 Derek studied at the University of Chicago Business School, where he was awarded his MBA, supported by Yvonne who worked at the University law faculty. They lived in Chicago’s South Side and found the political and cultural changes happening at that time in America to be exhilarating. Upon leaving Chicago, they travelled widely across the USA, having sent their 18-month-old daughter to stay with grandparents in Sweden! The MBA and US experience led to Derek joining the merchant bank Hill Samuel & Co Ltd, working first in London and then in the New York office serving as a director from 1970–84. Derek loved living in Manhattan’s Upper East Side with this family during this time, and he remained a frequent visitor to America throughout the rest of his life, mainly to New England. Working life was intense, but Derek enjoyed his exposure to international markets, and travel. He was deeply involved with his work, serving as president of Hill Samuel Inc from 1977–79. Upon returning to London with Hill Samuel in 1979, Derek was appointed a director of the bank within the Corporate Services Division. In 1984, he joined Brown Shipley & Co Limited as director and head of corporate finance, where he worked until 1992. His life was centred around work, family and his sports (tennis, squash, golf and skiing) and Derek was an active member of the Roehampton

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Michael Cranwell Michael Philip Cranwell (School 1961–65) died on 25 July 2023 aged 75. Michael, known as ‘Mick’ to many, enjoyed a fulfilling and successful career as a veterinarian. He was also a family man, leaving behind his wife Julie, and three daughters. We are grateful to his youngest daughter, Rowan, for the following insights into his life. Raised in Claygate in Surrey, Mick was an ar ticulate and bright young man. As a child he had a clear love of nature and enjoyed going off searching for butterflies and other creatures, something which remained an interest throughout his life. He proactively took part in butterfly conservation where possible and fulfilled his interest in nature through his work as a veterinary surgeon which took him all over the world, and through his fondness of going for long hikes in vast outdoor spaces; in particular, Dartmoor and northern Scotland. One of Mick’s childhood friends recalled that he ‘never changed from being the same robust, genial, interesting lad who became my best friend all those years ago’, and as his family note, that was Mick to a tee. ‘Dad was Interested in everything, and interesting to everyone’. You could learn a great deal from Mick regardless of whether it was through knowing him professionally or personally. He had an extraordinarily vast knowledge, and Rowan is keen to emphasise that this remained with him until his passing. Indeed the passing of Mick has left a gap for many, evident by the extraordinary attendance at both his church and crematorium services, and in the sharing of memories during his wake at the local farm afterwards. Part of his journey into his profession began while at the College (which he joined with the aid of an exhibition) where he was able to grow in the sciences and continue on to his studies at Queen’s College, Cambridge. While at Eastbourne Mick was a house prefect, played in the 2nd XV, and was hon sec of the Science Society. He was also an under officer in the CCF Cadet Force and a winner of the Raybould Cup. The following tribute was compiled by Andrew Holliman and colleagues, farmers, friends and family. The full version can be read in the Vet Record dated 7–14 October 2023. ‘He made an outstanding contribution to veterinary science, particularly in the field of bovine medicine. He was generous with Club and the MCC. From 1989 he was also a non-executive director of the Eastbourne Water Company. A short time after leaving Brown Shipley, Derek decided to put his financial career behind him to enjoy a more leisurely life, living full-time in Charente Maritime in France, with his second wife. A fluent French speaker, Derek enjoyed his garden and the many charms of the region and hosting many visits from friends and family. He also had extended visits to India, and enjoyed reading widely and living a very social, early retirement. He loved the freedom, the weather and beauty of France, which as we know from his 1955 Ascham trip, he found to be top class! In approximately 2005, however, he reluctantly left France, and then settled permanently in the village of Arlington, East Sussex. From there, he was able to actively reconnect with the College, where he frequently attended lunches and functions and followed with interest the school’s development goals, and in particular, the Birley Centre. An avid reader of this publication, Derek took great interest in Old Eastbournian news. Derek had a deep respect for Eastbourne College, and the friendships and opportunities it gave him as a pupil, and also in life. Derek was an Arnold Embellisher and a member of the Devonshire Society. Derek’s funeral service was held at St Michael and All Angels Church in Berwick on 23 October 2023, and was attended by many friends from Ascham, and throughout the many full and varied chap-

his time and knowledge, and was always willing to share. He has been described as a shining light, brightening the day of those around him, approachable, blessed with a dry wit and a legendary laugh, and with a prodigious knowledge on a wide range of subjects, including the natural world, geology, history, politics and foreign languages, including French in which he was fluent. He was also a keen amateur radio user and passed a number of Morse code exams, achieving impressive times. ‘From an early age his love of nature and the outdoor world was evident and his particular interest in butterflies continued throughout his life. In 1966 he matriculated into Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he studied veterinary medicine and gained experience abroad. After his first year Mick worked on a ranch in Australia, cattle herding on horseback. He also took up rowing while at Queens and captained the boat in 1967 and 1968 and rowed in the third boat during Lent Bumps. He proudly kept the oars at home as a memento. ‘Mick qualified in 1972 and started work in mixed practice, first in Wool, Dorset, and then Lincoln, before moving to Guelph, Canada, in 1976, where he gained a diploma in large animal surgery (equine). In 1977, he went to Bermuda for a year, where he worked in small animal practice with Bob Steel. His time in general practice was to end with two years in Bridport, Dorset. ‘He then embarked on a complete change of direction, joining the Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC) in Carmarthen in 1981. Mick exemplified the role of a veterinary investigation officer – enthusiasm backed up by a first-class, inquiring, scientific mind and a kind, helpful nature. Mick transferred to Starcross VIC in 1982 and this is where he was to spend 32 years before his retirement in 2014 at the age of 66. It was here that Mick met Julie, who worked in the laboratory at the time. By all accounts it was love at first sight and they were married at Newton Abbot Register Office in 1987. ‘Accompanying Mick on a farm visit from the centre was always a delight. He revelled in the chance to pass on his skills – thorough data collection, farmer interrogation and epidemiological work up. Such visits invariably included a pub lunch and Mick’s knowledge of the local ale houses was legendary. He had a friend in every veterinary practice in Devon and many relied heavily on his extensive local disease knowledge. He placed great emphasis on fostering good relations between government vets and those in private practice and regularly attended the Western Counties Veterinary Association meetings where he sat on the council and served as president. It was at Starcross where Mick’s national and international reputation in the field of bovine medicine flourished. He published widely in the form of letters, short communications and scientific papers. He gave innumerable presentations at conferences in the UK and abroad and

was as happy in front of a group of farmers in the local pub as he was presenting to audiences of hundreds. He particularly enjoyed the informal atmosphere of the Association of Veterinary Teachers and Research Workers conference in Scarborough. He was an active member of the AHVLA (now APHA) Cattle Expert Group and a disease consultant for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), Johne’s disease and tickborne diseases. Mick was instrumental in the validation and adoption of serological testing as a control tool for Johne’s disease. His passionate interest in, and understanding of, both Johne’s disease and BVD were in great demand and many lifelong collaborations were forged in the UK and overseas. ‘One of Mick’s most notable achievements was helping to elucidate the epidemiology of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The resulting publication in 1988, co-authored with John Wilesmith, has been cited by 998 subsequent papers. During the early days of BSE Mick attended many practitioner meetings in the south west, helping to explain the disease and its various clinical manifestations to local practitioners. ‘A proud family man, Mick thoroughly enjoyed passing on his knowledge of the world to his daughters, often when walking at weekends in his favourite haunts, sat around the table for dinner, or on family holidays. The Isles of Scilly were a regular destination for holidays and it was here that Mick became beguiled by sea shanty music. Having a fine voice, he and a few friends set up a local sea shanty group, known as the Back Beach Boyz, in Teignmouth, Devon. Life in Devon rekindled his love of rowing, and he enthusiastically took up pilot gig rowing. Mick and his family raced at the World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly, representing the River Teign Rowing Club. Walking was another of Mick’s passions and, in addition to local walks with his family, he enjoyed long walks in Scotland and Wales, often with friends, but many of Mick’s treks, particularly throughout Europe, were taken solo. After retiring, he joined a small group of retired vets on jaunts around Devon, keeping them entertained with his knowledge of the local natural history, geology and much more. Having studied for an Open University degree in geology, he relished the opportunity to explore and teach others about the subject. He took special delight in recounting geological field trips to the west of Scotland, an area dear to his heart. Thankfully Mick’s love of the outdoors, his exceptional mind and his varied interests continued with him long into retirement.’ In summary and, taken from the eulogy delivered by his daughter during his farewell service, the world has lost an incredible mind, a human Google, and a wonderful, funny, dependable man who was the most steady ship in any water. He is enormously missed and a huge void has been left. Rest peacefully, Mick.

ters of his life. A witty, kind and talented man, Derek will be deeply missed by his sister Jean, his three children, seven grandchildren, relatives, friends, and partner Angela. In the last few months of his life, my sisters and I were able to take him for drives around Eastbourne, and he took great pleasure in us pulling up the car on Grange Road to admire the school’s handsome facade, and his beloved Powell House. Despite his dementia, Derek had many vivid memories, and this brought them alive. Like his father before him, Derek enjoyed proudly looking over the wall of the school, to survey the glorious College Field. His school day memories and experiences were very important to him, and I am sure he would want me to take this opportunity to thank everyone who knew him through Eastbourne College, and to wish them onward good fortune.

Bay, Churchill, Manitoba and Alberta. He went on to teach at Douglas College in Vancouver before retiring to Victoria in 1985 where he became a local fixture as the often contrarian weather forecaster for CFAX [radio station in Victoria], widely known as No Rain Blane!’ He is survived by his brother Patrick (Reeves 1950–54), his nephew Blane (Blackwater 1977–81) and niece, Jane (Nugent 1981–83); also sister Susan and stepdaughter, Tamsin. His wife, Trisha, predeceased him.

Blane Anthony Coulcher (Ascham 1946; Powell 1946; Reeves 1947) died on 17 February 2023, aged 90, in Victoria, British Columbia. The Times Colonist published the following tribute: ‘He was born in Shanghai, China, in 1932 and moved to Victoria when he was seven. [He returned to the UK to attend Ascham and the College from 1946–47]. He graduated from Oak Bay High and went on to the University of British Columbia and then obtained his master’s degree in climatology from McGill University. His subsequent career as a meteorologist took him to many places including Frobisher

John Crawshaw died on 20 May 2023 aged 89. John was a College governor for nearly 30 years from 1981 to 2010 where one of his responsibilities was as staff liaison officer, and many staff were grateful for his wise advice and sympathetic ear. At the same time, he was director of the company which ran the College business interests such as the external lets. He also represented the College on the governing body of St Andrew’s Prep. He often worked quietly behind the scenes, using his network of local contacts for the benefit of the College. In the 1970s, he was founder-chairman of the Eastbourne and District Vocational Information Service (EDVIS) which facilitated local schools talking to local employers. Having successfully held an

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EDVIS careers event in Big School, he later asked David Winn (School 1954–59), who at the time was chairman of the Old Eastbournian Association, if the OEA could be involved along with the then masterin-charge of careers the Revd Cliff Comyns. Out of this was born what is now the very successful annual Futures Convention. Among other hands-on projects was the re-introduction of the Cornflower Ball as a College fundraiser which he and his wife Fi undertook, as well as organising and selling picnics on Speech Day to raise funds to buy new robes for the College Choir. He was a business advisor for The Prince’s Trust, and it was his passion for exploring ways to support young musicians that meant, for more than 20 years, he was also chairman of the Eastbourne Music and Arts Festival. Very involved with local music-making, John was a founding trustee and chairman of the Norah Sande Award Scheme (which is now in its 18th year), a competition for young pianists. The winner plays a concerto with the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra (ESO) which was founded by College staff members and other local people in 1980, and of which John was the first president. He had, until very recently and from the early 1970s, sung in every College choral concert which later became part of the ESO’s annual programme. John’s professional life was as a board director of Church Shoes with responsibility for the group’s 120 retail outlets which included Jones Bootmaker. He wrote the history of Church Shoes and had a regular column in Shoe and Leather News. John is survived by his widow, Fi; children, Vicky Henley (Nugent 1975–77), a long-standing College governor, Steven (Craig 1974–79); son-in-law, Ian Henley (Gonville 1970–76) and five grandchildren including Charlotte (Nugent 2005– 07) and Rowena (Nugent 2010–12). William Gordon Anderson Crumley (Wargrave 1947–52) died on 25 September 2023 aged 90. Gordon was head of school. In 1951, he was awarded his rugby stag and was captain of golf. The following year he won his 1st XI colours and from 1951 to 1952 was the editor of the Eastbournian. He was also a member of the College sailing club. He appeared on stage as Sir Toby Belch in the College production of Twelfth Night and in the 1951 report of the Shakespeare Society it was stated that he ‘dealt well with the low comedy.’ Gordon was a member of the Archaeological Society and in one meeting, spoke on the development of Greek vase painting. In 1949, he and a party from the College visited Pontoise in France. The Eastbournian repor ted that: ‘After the classes we had an hour to spend till lunch. Hardwicke and Crumley were seen to rush off to the nearest cake-shop to revive themselves after their violent mental exertion… Hardwicke, Crumley and Fisher could be seen feasting on the riverbank… During the hour’s wait at Paris [on their return to the UK], Mighell, Fisher and Crumley went off to spend their last francs and came back with

mysterious bottles of evil-smelling liqueur as a prophylactic against a rough crossing.’ Gordon remembered his College days fondly: ‘The learning absorbed from five happy years in a wide variety of activities soon became part of me, only occasionally rising from the self-conscious to remind me of a debt owed to the College.’ Richard Lionel Dorling (Ascham 1947–53; Reeves 1953–57) died in Vancouver, Canada, on 15 November 2021 aged 81. Our thanks go to Allan Mornement (Gonville 1955–61) for the following information: Richard was born in Eastbourne on 1 February 1940, and attended the College preparatory school, Ascham, before coming on to the College where he gained his Stag in 1956, 1st shooting colours in 1957, and his 2nd athletics strings in 1957. He was a house prefect in the same year. On leaving the College Richard completed a degree in engineering at King’s College, London, and was a member of the University of London 1st XV Rugby Club 1961 to 1962, and of the King’s College Alpine Club. After graduating he served an engineering apprenticeship at Stewarts and Lloyds’ steel plant at Corby, Northamptonshire, and much of his spare time was spent in Snowdonia, where he confirmed his ability as a climber with an ascent of Cenotaph Corner on Dinas Y Gromlech, considered a rock climber’s benchmark at that time. Richard left Stewarts and Lloyds for Canada where he met and married Sylvia, his wife for 55 years, maintaining his enthusiasm for both rugby and rock-climbing. From 1967–88 he was president and chief engineer for the Trueline Valve Company Ltd, where he was responsible for the development of a range of industrial valves supplying the oil and gas, petrochemical, pulp and paper and other industries. On his retirement he involved himself with building renovation in the Vancouver area, working for the Rocky Mountain Slinger Company. Richard is survived by his widow, Sylvia; son, Matthew, and four grandchildren. His son William, pre-deceased him in 2016. Brian Eley (Wargrave 1951–56) died on 31 January 2023 aged 84. Brian was head of school and was awarded his rugby stag in 1955. A year later, the Eastbournian reported on the 1st XV achievements: ‘In the second row B Eley was a tower of strength and energy, and was perhaps the most consistently hard worker of all. His line-out play improved later in the term, and on occasion he showed a remarkable turn of speed which may indicate that his true position is at Number 8.’ He was also selected to play for Middlesex County Schoolboys’ side. Brian excelled in swimming too, gaining his 1st colours in 1955 and took part in an open boxing tournament in the same year. He was also the hon sec of both swimming and football. After leaving the College, Brian briefly joined the teaching staff at Ascham. Following his departure, he attended Eaton Hall (an officer

Michael Emary Cdr Michael Francis Goodenough Emar y RN (Ascham 1947–53; School 1953–57) died on 9 April 2023 aged 83. Mike’s career in the Royal Navy could be said to have begun at the College where he attained the rank of petty officer in the Royal Navy section of the CCF and was awarded the Lanyard of Honour. On leaving the school, he joined the Royal Navy aged 17 and by 1965 the Eastbournian was reporting that he ‘is second-in-command of a minesweeper based in Hong Kong. Has been on several trips to Borneo and recently had the honour of carrying the White Ensign at the Queen’s Birthday Parade when over a thousand troops of all three services were on parade.’ He also served in the Ton class minesweeper HMS Lanton and the diving trials vessel HMS Reclaim before qualifying as an MCDO

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(Mine Clearing Diving Officer) at HMS Vernon in early 1969. Mike went on to command the Ton class minesweeper Repton and BRNC Dartmouth’s navigational training ship Walkerton and serve at AUWE Portland and HMS Vernon before being appointed as the 1st Lt of the Tribal class frigate HMS Nubian. He then served in a variety of appointments including HMS Cochrane, the Directorate of Operational Requirements (Sea) where he was responsible for procuring new mine warfare and diving kit, NATO’s AFSOUTH (Allied Forces Southern Europe) in Naples, CINCFLEET at Northwood, MOD Bath and NATO’s SACLANT (Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic) in Norfolk, Virginia, before leaving the Royal Navy in 1999. He pursued a second career for many years as a volunteer with the Royal British Legion and the Officers’ Association, catering for the welfare needs of veterans. He was also the East Sussex county field officer for the British Legion. During his time at Ascham, he was vice-captain of boxing and was described as ‘a good boxer with plenty of fighting spirit.’ Mike is survived by his widow Judy and children Simon (Ascham 1972–75; School 1975–80) and Sally Anne (Nugent 1981–83). He was an Arnold Embellisher.

cadet training school) and in 1957 received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Marines (he had been in the Royal Marines section of the CCF while at the College). Brian later served with the MG platoon of 40 Commando in Cyprus. He then joined the Hong Kong Police. According to the Eastbournian OE news in 1962: ‘Eley , B. (W. ’51), joined the Hong Kong Police in June, 1959, and has been ADC to the Governor for the last fourteen months. Brian also sends many thanks to the Chaplain and the School for sending the collection at the Carol Service to relief work in Hong Kong. Eley says the great number of refugees “desperately need rehabilitation and something on which to start their lives anew”.‘ Brian is survived by his widow, Rita and his children Jonathan and Clare. His son, Brian, predeceased him. Simon Evans (Blackwater 1982–87) died in 2023, aged 54. Although he played in the 2nd XV rugby, swimming was the sport in which he excelled. He was captain of swimming and won the Senior Victor Ludorum. The 1986 Eastbournian repor ted: ‘Our Senior team was stronger than last year… The workhorse of the team was undoubtedly Simon Evans who set a fine example in the pool by his 100% training and dedication. He swam exceedingly well in the long distance events, 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 4 x 25m individual medley. He will make an excellent captain of swimming next year. ‘ He also played water polo for the U14 and U15 teams. ‘Under the leadership of Simon Evans, the house’s water polo teams proved to be tough opposition. The senior team were unbeaten during the summer term, while the juniors lost only in a hard-fought final. Prospects look promising for next year too, with all but two of the victorious senior team available for selection.’ Simon won his stag for swimming, as well as the Senior Victor Ludorum. He was head of school and won the economics effort prize. David Hubert Falkus (Powell 1939–40) died on 12 March 2020 aged 94. David attended St Cyprian’s (now the site of the Memorial Ground) and joined the College in 1939. The following year he was evacuated with the school to Radley and went on to attend King’s College, Wimbledon, and Frensham Heights at Farnham, Surrey. David studied at Peterhouse College, Cambridge, and later in his career became a director of Billing and Sons Ltd, the Bible printers of Guildford. In 1969, the Surrey Advertiser wrote an article about David’s latest business venture, Budget Video Systems: ‘…he aims to sell video equipment in Southern England, to hire out such equipment and closed circuit television equipment… and to use the demonstration where needed in the service of the community and in particular, in churches of all denominations… Mr Falkus sees the main users of videos as schools, technical colleges and industry… It could also be used for videotaping special occasions and for sporting and theatrical events.’ His wife, June, died in 2001. He is survived by his children. Mark Shaun Foster (Wargrave 1969–71) died on 18 March 2023 aged 70. Mark was the head of what was very much a College family. His wife Elizabeth (née James) (Nugent 1969–70) took part in the school’s early days of co-education, when sixth form girls who were based at Moira House had their A-level lessons at the College. Mark joined Wargrave in the sixth form, having been convinced that the College was the right choice after seeing a picture of two pupils – a boy and a girl – on the cover of the Eastbournian magazine. All of their five children attended St Andrew’s, and four of them came on to the College. Mark was born in Hull on 16 August 1952, but the family soon moved to London, where his father Noel worked in the paper industry. This led to a move to Colombia in South America, where Noel’s expertise was sought in helping to develop paper-making there. Mark

attended the international school Colegio Bolivar, but it was on the streets of Cali, playing with local children, that he learned to speak Spanish fluently. He initially attended boarding school in Kent but had to move to another school where he could take his A-levels. As well as the picture on the cover of the Eastbournian, the other thing that interested Mark was the fact that the College played rugby. Sport was one of his many interests and, as well as playing for the 1st XV, he was a member of the basketball team and gained his second colours in athletics, putting the shot. In 1971, Mark was mentioned in a 1st XV Eastbournian report as one of two boys who ‘were also rather short and light for locks, but both were gluttons for work, and were at their best when running and passing in open play, and we were seldom pushed in the tight scrummages. Though they were often out-jumped by “tappers-back” in the lineouts, they usually managed to make a number of clean catches.’ On leaving the College Mark wanted to join the RAF as a pilot but failed the medical because of an issue with his eyesight. Instead he went to the University of Edinburgh where he read business studies. His future wife Elizabeth was also in Edinburgh, and they were married at St John’s Church, Meads, in August 1974. They moved to Cambridge and Mark trained as a chartered accountant at the firm of Spicer and Pegler. He loved punting on the River Cam and organised inter-accountancy firm punting races during the hot summers of 1975 and 1976. There followed a move to Winchester, where their first daughter Louise (OA) was born in 1978. Mark was then seconded to the London office of Spicer and Pegler, before the family moved in 1980 to Eastbourne where Mark worked for the accountants Perkins Copeland. The family grew with John (Craig 1994–99) arriving in 1981, then twins Harry and Charlie (both Craig 1999–2004) in 1985 and Lucy (Watt 2003–08) in 1989. In more recent years Mark worked as a self-employed tax accountant, and he and Elizabeth continued to play an active part in supporting the College with their involvement in OEA events. He played squash for the Old Eastbournians in the Saffrons League. Other sports continued to play a part in his life: he coached mini rugby at Hampden Park and Kwik cricket at the Saffrons and regularly drove his sons to fixtures at Eastbourne rugby and cricket clubs, giving his enthusiastic support from the side of the pitch. He supported Chelsea and would often take the children to Stamford Bridge, as well as to see rugby at Twickenham and cricket at Lord’s. Family holidays allowed him to indulge his passions in sailing and windsurfing. He was also a great lover of English history and had a large book collection, as well as a wide interest in music. Later in his life he developed a love of amateur dramatics, taking part in Gilbert and Sullivan productions and Shakespeare plays for the Eastbourne Operatic and Dramatic Society (EODS) and the East Dean Players. Mark’s thanksgiving service was held in the College chapel on 28 April 2023. His daughter Louise gave the eulogy and said: ‘So much of Daddy lives on in us, his children, and his nine grandchildren. In Lucy, his sunny, happy-go-lucky demeanour and devotion to parenthood; in Harry and Charlie, his effortless social magnetism and infectious laugh; in John, his paternal strength, gentle patience and unwavering calm; and in me his love for words and the confidence to deliver them.’ And his old friend Ted Seabrooke (Wargrave 1967–71) told us: ‘Mark was a lovely, mild-mannered and softly spoken man, He had a keen sense of humour and dry wit. I will miss him.’ Robert Gascoigne-Pees (Ascham 1952–58; Pennell 1958–62) died in 2023 aged 79. At Ascham he won the boxing cup, the John Penn Shooting Cup and the Browning Cup for best team leader. He continued his success at shooting while at the College gaining his colours in 1962 and winning the Rattray-Gardiner Shooting Cup in the same year. He was one of a number of pupils chosen as part of a pupil exchange with Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, a highlight of which was a visit to the Chislehurst Caves Jazz Club. Robert also enjoyed music; he passed his trumpet exam Grade V, was a silver bugler in the CCF band and was a member of the College orchestra. He is survived by his son, Giles (Pennell 1991–96) and brother, Michael (Pennell 1950–54). His wife, Carol, predeceased him.

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Richard William Gwynne-Evans (School 1959–62) died on 20 April 2023 aged 77. Richard moved to South Africa in 1968 and was married the same year. He later started his own printing company in Cape Town and put his love of printing down to his years at the College when he was hon sec of the College press, which was used for printing house supper menus and book labels etc. The press was situated under the stage in Big School in the 1950s–60s. In 1991, he was elected vice-president of the Cape Town Association of Printing House Craftsmen. He was also a member of his local parish council. Richard is survived by his widow, Joy and children. Alan Leslie Hall (School 1942–45). We received in December 2023 the news of Alan’s death. We hope to include more details in next year’s magazine. Eleanor Rosemary ‘Jennie’ Harari died on 15 August 2023 aged 94. This tribute is written by her friend and fellow Eastbournian Society member Merton Cox. ‘Born on 19 October 1928, Jennie, as she was known to all her friends, though not an OE, was a very good friend of the College for many years. It was around the year 2000 that Jennie and her longtime partner Robert Mumford moved from a very rural part of west Wales to a lovely flat overlooking the rugby pitches in Park Avenue. Jennie and Robert soon became involved with many local groups and found their way to the College where they were keen members of the Eastbournian Society, often enjoying theatre trips and all the organised visits to historical houses, sites and gardens. Jennie was also a member of the Devonshire Society. Jennie and Robert were great lovers of classical music and were often seen at Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra concerts and the Young Soloists Competition. They were also keen followers of the Norah Sande Piano Competition and concerts arranged by the London Philharmonic Orchestra four or five times a year at the Congress Theatre. One of the highlights of their year was the London Mozart Players coming to stay for a long weekend at the Grand Hotel to play small-scale concerts. Jennie and Robert took up residence there for the weekend for many years, enjoying the music and meeting up with friends who they had come to know who were either staying at the hotel or who had come in to listen to the music.’ William Peter Thomas Harper (Nugent & Wargrave 1962–67) died on 19 July 2022 aged 73. We hope to include a full obituary in our next edition. Anthony Thomas Scott Harris, 8th Baron Harris, of Seringapatam and Mysore in the East Indies and of Belmont in the County of Kent (School 1955–59) died on 17 March 2023 aged 81. At the College he played in the Colts IV rugby team and the 1957 Eastbournian said: ‘The Colts had a successful season, winning five of their other six matches. The foundations of their success lay in good tackling and a willingness to pick up the ball and run with it whenever possible. Harris, in the centre, proved a dangerous runner and place kicker.’ Anthony won his rugby stag in 1958. He is survived by his widow, Anstice, and daughters, the Hon Isabel and the Hon Laura. His father, Derek Marshall Harris, 7th Baron also attended the College (School 1930–35). Geoffrey David Harry (Ascham 1947– 49; Gonville 1950–54) died on 30 March 2023, two weeks after his 87th birthday. We are grateful to Simon Hubbard Ford (Gonville 1949–54) for the following tribute: ‘David came to Granville House, at Ascham, with another of the Berkshire scholarship boys, David [Aldwin] Hall (Pennell 1949–54). Both made a major contribution to Granville life, especially on the playing fields. David was slightly built, almost skinny, but very tough. In the winter, if I remember rightly, he was what we called then inside right,

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in the soccer team, and in the summer he would use the sloping pitch at Ascham to give an extra twist to his leg breaks, and enable Chris Richards to achieve a good number of stumpings. Along with David Hall, David Atkins (Gonville 1949–54), Michael Morley (1949–53), and Peter Higton (Pennell 1949–53) they were all outstanding athletes, and they excelled later at the College. ‘I personally shared the honour with him, in Granville, of being the first two being beaten for talking after lights out. It forms a powerful bond! We moved on to Gonville, without Hall and Higton, who were in Pennell. David’s academic route was different to mine, but I know that one of his A-levels was in geography, as taught by the late Robin Harrison. He excelled in two areas in Gonville and the College, particularly at sports, but also being high spirited and mischievous, perhaps a bit cheeky. He was three years in the cricket eleven, the third 1954 under David Atkins, fielding cup, twice, one of which was shared with DA. As I said above, slight but tough. ‘Boxing, cross country, hockey goalkeeper, only a Tiger, but better, and gutty full back for Gonville, a hero when we beat School House in the final of the inter house rugby, for his tenacious tackling, and I kicked the winning conversion. And Atkins was captain! Always cheerful, loyal, fun, uncomplaining about beatings, as they just proved that he could take the rough with the smooth. Above all he had, with the above, and more, the makings of a very dear friend. Unfortunately we lost touch, going our different ways, until, in May four years ago, we got together, for a Gonville, Granville reunion. It was great to see him again after so many years, and to see that he had not changed much, fit and elegant for one of the old boys. His lovely wife Carolyn was with him, who sadly departed this life nearly three years ago. ‘Perhaps not so well known to all, he was, as one sees from all of his name, very Welsh and almost fanatic about the land of his Fathers, especially the rugby side of those great British neighbours. In a recent telephone call, hoping to see him again, I said that if the South Downs stretch that far, he should keep ‘A Welcome in the Hillside’ for me. Sadly, it was not to be. He, as with his lovely Carolyn, will always be much missed by his two sons, and their families, and those of us, his friends, with such happy memories. ‘David had been unwell for some time, but after four weeks in hospital, and about to move into a nursing home, his sudden death came as a shock to his family.’ John Somerville Hislop (Powell 1953–58) died in September 2023 aged 83. An OE rep in India for many years, John had worked in the chemical industry for most of his life. After leaving the College, he attended the Slough College of Technology and the East Ham College of Technology and was awarded his City and Guilds certificates in paint technology in relation to surface coatings and works management. He joined the ICI Paints Division in Slough in 1959 as grade 3 lab assistant and left in 1982 as grade 12 shift manager. Two years in Kenya followed as a plant manager for Synresins Ltd before moving to Kuwait in 1984, working for the Kuwait Chemical Manufacturing Co. Following the 1991 Iraqi invasion, during which he was held hostage for three and a half months in Baghdad, he endeavoured to revive the company. A year later he was working in Saudia Arabia but returned to Kuwait in 1992 where he became manager of the chemical and petrochemical department at the Abdulla Sayid Rajab Al-Rifai & Sons Trading and Contracting Co. He retired in 2004. In his retirement, he and his wife, Flora, helped out at an old people’s home and AIDS centre. At the College he won his 2nd XV colours in 1957. He was a company sergeant major in the army section of the CCF and won the Evans Cup for Signal Classification and the Senior Lanyard of Honour. He is survived by his widow, Flora, his stepdaughter and two granddaughters. His brother, Roger (Powell 1957–62) predeceased him. John’s College contemporary Robert Meaby (Powell 1952–56) writes: ‘In the late 1960s we played squash at the RAC Club in Pall Mall once a week, being joined by my Australian brother-in-law and another friend. They both remember those evenings with great pleasure… It was always a pleasure to see John on his many return visits to the College from India.’

David John Houchin (Ascham 1946–48; Pennell 1949–53) died on 29 August 2023 aged 88. We’d like to thank David’s daughter, Roz, for the following tribute. ‘During David’s College years he discovered rowing, which he continued at London University, and a David and Katie passion for art that would, decades later in 2002, see him awarded the Society of Portrait Sculptor’s Jean Masson Davidson Medal for distinguished services and outstanding achievement in the art of portrait sculpture. David set out to study engineering at London University, but soon decided it was not for him. Instead, he followed his heart, specialising in sculpture at Farnham Art School. ‘After studies and national service, David pursued a professional journey into advertising sales in publishing. At Newman Neame he worked on the Bounty Baby book and as a partner with Thornton Cox he made memorable trips to East Africa in the creation of their series of travel guides. With Harlequin Press he travelled all over the Midlands finding his way around casting foundries, machine tool companies and industrial areas, getting to know them like the back of his hand. This world appealed to David and eventually led to his position at the Institute of Production Engineers, from which he retired in 2000. ‘Throughout his career, David maintained his activity in the art world: a long-time member of a sculpture evening class in Westminster, which later moved to Park Walk under Kensington and Chelsea. David exhibited and sold his work as a member of the Chelsea Arts Society and made many commissioned portraits. He was also a founding member in 1995 of the Pratts drawing group in Gunnersbury Park. ‘David’s contribution to the Society of Portrait Sculptors endures as his proudest personal achievement. David exhibited in the 1980, ‘82 and ‘83 Society of Portrait Sculptor’s exhibitions, after which the society dwindled and became inactive. David was instrumental in reestablishing the Society of Portrait Sculptors. He held the roles of honorary secretary and later treasurer. Its annual exhibitions recommenced in 1996. David was an exhibiting member until 2015. ‘In 1968 David married Katie Milligan in Kensington’s St Mary Abbots church. In 1970 they moved to Sussex. They conver ted a pair of cottages into a family home in Isfield, near Lewes. David was immensely proud of the home that he and Katie built together, which included a lawn tennis court that became central to the happy times shared there with family and friends. At their home, summer evening barbeques beneath the grape vine with a generous slug of red wine was routine and at Christmas, par ties flowed with David’s vat of mulled wine. They travelled widely in Europe and across the world. ‘Katie died on 3 August, only weeks ahead of David. They leave behind their daughters Claire and Roz and four grandchildren. David’s elder brother Paul Houchin (Pennell 1946–1950) also survives him; he lives in Berkshire with his wife. David remained life-long friends with his Pennell contemporary John Pickard (Pennell 1949–52). A love of the South Downs, Sussex coast and in particular adventures to Cow Gap were themes that stayed with David throughout his life. David valued productivity and in the daily positive actions of life, he found satisfaction and peace.’ David was in the 1st IV rowing team at the College and received praise in the 1953 Eastbournian: ‘D J Houchin ably backed them [the team] to form a good and, more importantly, friendly crew which survived injuries, examinations and other distractions of a crowded Coronation term to do credit to the School and the Club on the Thames. David made a glazed pottery relief of the Eastbourne College crest that was mounted above the doors of the Cuckmere boat house and he showed it to his young daughters. The boat house no longer exists as rowing now takes place at Waller’s Haven. David’s younger daughter Roz says, ‘making the crest brought together two of his great strengths – rowing and creativity. David also won the E E Morris Prize for Oil Painting in 1952 for his self-portrait that continues to be treasured greatly by his family.’

Mary Ireland Mary Elizabeth Ireland, a former governor of the College (2020 – 23), died on 19 March 2023 aged 66. Mary was head of Bancroft’s School, Woodford Green, from 2008 until her retirement in 2016 and was the first female head in the school’s history. Previously she had run a boarding house at Ardingly and was deputy head at Christ’s Hospital. One of Mary’s lasting achievements was the establishment of the Bancroft’s Foundation to mark the 275th anniversary of the school. She was passionate about expanding the reach of a Bancroft’s education to include those for whom it would have been impossible without financial support. Mary made the most of her retirement in Eastbourne, walking her dog, travelling, learning Italian and being a grandmother. She was active on the boards of a variety of schools, and chair of Drapers’ Maylands Primary School. She became a Liveryman of the Drapers’ Company in 2019. In 2022 she was elected to the Court of the Drapers’ Company and was serving as junior warden. She is survived by her husband Simon and son Fergus.

Kitty James Kitty James, former member of College staff, died on 10 June 2023 aged 89. Many OEs and staff will remember Kitty who, with Jane Mitchell, ran the College tuck shop for many years. Kitty was married to Ted James, the College’s cricket coach and Sussex county cricketer. Before their marriage, she worked initially as a newsgirl and later as a post office clerk in West Tarring post office. A keen cricket enthusiast since leaving school, she met Ted at the county supporters club in Hove and asked for his autograph. Their wedding at St Andrew’s, West Tarring, was attended by many cricket representatives. They came to the College in December 1963, Ted as a full-time cricket coach (he had been coaching part-time since 1961) and Kitty agreed to help out with the school tuck shop for a couple of weeks. She stayed on for 27 years. On her retirement in 1990, the Eastbournian reported: ‘Both Kitty and Jane have been tremendously loyal and well-loved members of the College community. They have always had a cheerful word for their customers and generations of College boys and more recently girls too will remember being served in break, before afternoon school or on a half holiday as they sought to supplement the diet of College meals in the dining hall and buttered toast in houses. Boys and girls as well as staff and families have indeed been fortunate to have two such friendly, patient and tolerant ladies to look after their tuck shop needs.’ Kitty is survived by her children, Ian and Joanne. Ted died in 2013. Robert Endean Langford (Gonville 1952–56) died on 27 November 2022 aged 84. The Eastbournian reported his success at Sandhurst in 1959: ’Congratulations are due to a former Army Section corporal, C/JUO Langford on being awarded the Swayne Memorial Prize and a prize of £40 from the OCU prize fund, on the results of the Final Order of Merit for his Term, at RMA, Sandhurst.’ While at the College, he won the CCF Senior Lanyard of Honour and was in the drums from 1954 to 1956. He was also hon sec of the sailing club. Following on from Sandhurst, he later graduated at King’s College, Cambridge, in 1962 and Winchester University in 2022. He is survived by his widow, Cheng.

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William Lloyd George, 3rd Viscount Tenby (School 1941–46) died on 12 June 2023 aged 95. Son of Gwilym Lloyd George (School 1910 –13) and grandson of former Liberal prime minister, David Lloyd George, William joined the College at Radley in 1941. He won prizes for reading, biology and history and belonged to the Shakespeare, Essay and Debating societies. On Speech Day 1945, he Viscount Tenby speaking performed in a production of Sir Thomas More in the House of Lords in which his ‘delivery’ as More was described by the Eastbournian as ‘forceful’. He also played for the 1st XV and was described in the Eastbournian’s Characters of the XV as ‘(full back) – A sound forward who tackled and dribbled well. Good in the line-outs and a useful “hooker”.’ Following his time at the College, William served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers (and later retained a Territorial Army commission with the regiment) and in 1949 went to St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, to study history. He later worked as an advertising manager for United Dominions Trust before joining the investment bank Kleinwort Benson in 1974 as a public relations adviser. He left that role in 1988 and later chaired St James Public Relations. In 1983, he succeeded his elder brother David (School 1936–41) as Viscount Tenby. He sat as a crossbencher in the House of Lords, serving on the Procedure and Privileges Committee and the Committee of Selection, and was among the 90 hereditary peers elected to remain in the House of Lords after the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999. He spoke on issues such as over-development in south-east England, unit fines, wind turbines in areas of outstanding natural beauty, the right to die and abortion. After

retirement from the House of Lords was made possible by the House of Lords Reform Act 2014, William stood down on 1 May 2015. He also served as a Justice of the Peace for Hampshire, including as chair of the north-east Hampshire magistrates from 1990 to 1994, and led the Council for the Protection of Rural England in the county. William is survived by his children Sara, Clare and Timothy (4th Viscount Tenby). His wife, Ursula, predeceased him.

Kenneth McAlpine

sailed competitively until his early 90s. He won many trophies in the 1950s on the River Medway in Dragons, then later on at Cowes and Bembridge. At one point he was invited to crew a British entry for the America’s Cup but had to decline due to the amount of time it would have needed. During the late 1940s his motor racing prowess was honed on hill climbs and speed trials. But in 1950 he stepped up a gear and was largely responsible for founding Connaught which competed in Formula One Grand Prix racing over the next five years. Kenneth drove in numerous Grand Prix during that time alongside other Connaught drivers including Stirling Moss. In 1955 Tony Brooks won the Syracuse Grand Prix driving a Connaught. There was also a sports car version which he competed in, including at the tragic 1955 Le Mans 24-hour race. His flying and business skills were put to good use when he decided to set up McAlpine Aviation shortly after the war. Over the years the aviation business grew and by 1989, when it was sold, had become one of the largest executive jet charter businesses in Europe. In 1974 McAlpine Helicopters was formed to represent Aerospatiale in the UK. Meanwhile, in 1972, he started a vineyard at his home village of Lamberhurst, which became the first commercially sized and operated vineyard in England and helped set English wine on the map. It won many national and international awards. Kenneth was awarded an OBE in 1997 for his contribution to English viniculture. He had a major part to play with various organisations in both his business and home life. The Institute of Economic Affairs, Institute of Directors, Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, Construction Industry Training Board, Business Aircraft Association, British Helicopter Advisory Board and National Business Aviation Association, to name a few. Outside of his business interests he was a governor of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, a director of the City of London Medical Council, High Sheriff of Kent in 1973, governor of Eastbourne College, governor of Dulwich College Prep School, a member of The Royal Yacht Squadron, The Royal Air Squadron and the Bembridge Sailing Club, commodore of the Redwing Sailing Club, and a member of the British Racing Drivers Club, amongst many others. He is survived by his widow, Patricia, and sons Richard and James, both of whom worked for the company, as well as three grandchildren.

Kenneth McAlpine OBE DL, College governor from 1968 to 1984 and vice chairman from 1969 to 1983, died on 8 April 2023 aged 102. The grandson of Sir Robert McAlpine, the founder of the eponymous construction company, Kenneth was an industrialist, entrepreneur, aviator, racing driver and wine producer. He joined the family firm in 1937 aged 17 as an apprentice fitter Kenneth McAlpine competing where he developed his interest for all in a Grand Prix in 1952 things mechanical. With the outbreak of the Second World War, he enlisted with the RAF as a trainee pilot. When he heard the Americans were short of pilots to fly the convoy-protecting Catalina flying boats he decided his passion for sailing could be combined with his flying skills and he was transferred to the US to complete his training, eventually ending up in Pensacola, Florida. He returned to England as a flying instructor for the final year of the war. After the war Kenneth returned to the company and worked in the south east, eventually taking charge of the south east region. Contracts included the Shoreham bypass, Maidstone town centre, Chichester yacht basin, and Dover hoverport. In 1953, with his older brother Malcolm, Kenneth set up a McAlpine construction business in Canada. The company constructed many major projects across eastern Canada including parts of the Toronto subway system, paper mills, commercial offices etc. They expanded into property development in Canada and the US, as well as oil, gas, power and utility infrastructure across Canada. The early 1970s saw Kenneth create the company’s computer depar tment with a colossal IBM punched-card machine in the basement of the newly built accounts office in Hemel Hempstead, another pioneering use of technology in the construction industry. In 1979 he was approached by the Secretary of State for Energy asking if McAlpine’s could lead a consortium to develop vertical axis wind turbines. Kenneth set up the Special Projects Division and with Ian Mays they started the journey of what would later become RES. His passion for sailing, flying and all things mechanical continued. He

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Tim Lord (Reeves 1952–55) died on 8 December 2023 aged 85. We hope to have a full obituary in next year’s edition. Francis David Meirion Williams (Powell 1947–51) died on 10 March 2023 aged 89. David’s daughter, Emma, has kindly sent us her tribute. ‘After leaving Eastbourne College David did his national service in the Navy, where he found his passion for boats, the sea and travel. He had a long and successful career in logistics in various companies, which took him abroad, which he enjoyed. He became a consultant when he was 70 for about five years as he never wanted his working life to end as he always wanted a purpose. ‘He married Wendy in November 1967 and they had two children, Richard and Emma. They began their married life in Knotty Green, Beaconsfield, and then moved to Upper Culham, Henley-on-Thames, when the children were very young and this is where they spent most of their very happy family life with a few cats and a dog. Many a holiday was spent in Cornwall, Wales (where Wendy was from), Spain and Portugal. The family had a boat called Perseus, which they enjoyed on the River Thames or down in Cornwall. ‘David was always involved in committees, societies and clubs such as the Conservatives, local church support, Crime UK, the British

Legion, wine societies, a steward at Wimbledon and member of the Leander Club. He loved organising social events for family and friends and always having a project. He had a passion for classical music and singing and had a very good voice. ‘Unfortunately, Wendy passed away in May 2015 at only 72 years old after her battle with cancer, which was a huge shock to David as she was nine years younger. David passed away on 10 January, 2023 aged 89 in a care home in Shiplake due to dementia, a disease so unfortunate to somebody who loved people and conversation. ‘David was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and was truly loved by all. He will be missed.’ David is survived by his children, Richard and Emma, and by his grandchildren. His brothers, Robert Meirion Williams (Powell & Reeves 1945–48) and Geoffrey Meirion Williams (Powell 1952–55) both predeceased him. During his time at the College, David was involved with a number of societies, notably the Junior Dramatic Society (of which he was a founding member) and the Dramatic Society. In 1949 he appeared in a production of The Dear Departed and in the following year, played Shylock’s servant, Launcelot Gobbo in The Merchant of Venice. The Eastbournian praised his performance: ‘Williams… dealt excellently with the low comedy… Williams’ direct approach quite won his audience over, and one felt that, had he invited them to join him in a song about boiled beef and carrots, they would have done so with gusto…’ He received further accolades for his role as Valentine, the dentist, in George Bernard Shaw’s You Never Can Tell: ‘Williams… did splendidly in a difficult and exacting part. There is no doubt that comedy suits

him; he has a nice sense of irony, uses a pleasant and expressive voice and his timing from Act II onwards was perfect. One had suspected, from his success last year with that tiresome Launcelot Gobbo, that he was a natural comedian, and this year he fulfilled entirely his promise with a most polished and sensitive performance’. Other societies of which he was a member were the Gramophone, Literary, Shakespeare, Science, Choral and Photographic. He played in the 2nd XV rugby team and was awarded his 1st running strings in 1951.

Roger Mills

name. Viewers and critics agreed on the wisdom of having Michael Palin front a travel programme, and more followed – with Mills again directing. Two further series completed what became known as a trilogy: Pole to Pole (1992), from north to south pole via Scandinavia, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Africa, providing greater physical challenges, and Full Circle (1997), a logistically complicated, anti-clockwise, 50,000-mile journey round the Pacific Rim that started in the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia. ‘Mills also directed Palin’s subsequent series, Sahara (2002), Himalaya (2004) and New Europe (2007), and was an executive producer of his 2012 Brazil adventure. He was also the editor of BBC Two’s 40 Minutes strand for its first four years (1981–85), overseeing a wide range of documentaries, encouraging young talent and winning Bafta’s best factual series award twice. ‘He was born in Anerley, south London, to Aileen (née Rowe), a radio actor and dramatist, and Henry Mills, a history teacher. He attended Por tsmouth Grammar School after his father became head of the city’s Southern Grammar School For Boys. Following national service in the Intelligence Corps, then at GCHQ, Roger studied classics at Worcester College, Oxford (1956–59), taught Latin and Greek at Felsted School, Essex, and then moved to Eastbourne College. Mills joined BBC South in 1962 as a television news reporter and later moved to BBC West. Nationally, he produced and directed documentaries such as The Mormon Invasion (1967), about missionaries of the American church recruiting members in Britain, and Expulsion (1971), about drug-taking in schools. ‘In 1972, Mills became an executive producer of several groundbreaking fly-on-the wall series about institutions, including the Royal Navy in the award-winning Sailor (1976) and Radley College in Public School (1980). He regarded it as an achievement to get access to what he had seen as ‘closed’ institutions. He was also the first executive producer of the investigative-journalism series Inside Story, from 1974 to 1980. ‘As a director, Mills’s other documentaries included Return to Saigon and Return to Peking (both 1988), with the reporter Anthony Grey, and The Clintons: A Marriage of Power (1998) on Channel 4, for whom he also produced the series New Model Army (2000), about the military’s efforts to stamp out racism. His contribution to factual television was recognised with Bafta’s 1981 Desmond Davis award. ‘He is survived by his widow, Susie, daughters, Hannah and Sophie, and granddaughter, Frances.’

Roger Edwin Stuar t Mills, me mbe r of College s t af f 1961– 62, television producer and director, died on 5 May 2023 aged 86. Roger taught at the College before starting his career in television. His time at the school was most notable Roger Mills, left, with Michael Palin for the creation of the Revue Society and the organising of a trip for pupils to Turkey and Greece in 1962 (details of which were featured in last year’s magazine). The March 1962 issue of the Eastbournian reported: ‘‘The Revue Society – Last term a new society was born. In response to the crying demand for humour, satire and buffoonery unassociated with domestic situations, Mr Mills and his stalwarts managed to mount what they, at least, thought was an auspicious revuelet. In fact they were so overwhelmed with success that it has been decided to subject the school to another campaign of notices culminating in a large-scale production in the summer. The Revue Society has a permanent cast, but anyone who considers he has talent, patience to stand the producer, and a warped outlook on life, will be welcome to join. The society will be very pleased to accept songs and sketches, too, provided that they are not forced to use them.’ Later that year, critic ‘EFN’, reported on Roger’s College revue, On the Rebound: ‘I offer my sincere congratulations to Mr Mills and his cast on a production which had, I dare swear, more fire and movement than many a more ambitious venture. It was inventive and held its audience… above all, the speed of the production appealed (no amateurish pauses, thanks to the stage-hands and the iron producer)… it is sad that the resilient Roger has now bounced into the BBC net.‘ The following is extracted from the obituary which appeared in the Guardian: ‘As a documentary writer, Roger accompanied the actor Michael Palin on his globe-trotting adventures for almost 20 years and helped to establish the template for celebrity travel series. Palin called his director, an Oxford classicist, “the Professor”. It began with Around the World in 80 Days (1989), which recreated the route of the fictional explorer Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s 19th-century novel of the same

Peter Milton-Thompson (Blackwater 1940– 46) died on 20 August 2023 aged 96. For most of Peter’s time at the College, he was based at Radley College, Oxfordshire, where, in 1940, the school had been evacuated. Aside from playing in the 1st XV and being a member of the 1st IV rowing team (he was hon sec), Peter was head of school, editor of the Eastbournian, hon sec of the Gramophone Society and a sergeant in the RAF section of the CCF. Peter recalled returning to Eastbourne in 1945 to find ‘College Field disfigured by two huge water tanks and the tower bore scars in the brickwork from cannon shells fired from a German Focke-Wulf raider’. As for rugby, ‘we beat Radley again following the famous victory in 1944 – this time 9–6, and with myself and my two friends, John Oecken (School 1941–46) and Bill Lloyd George (School 1941–46) as the front row of the scrum.’

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His brother, Godfrey Milton Thompson also attended the College (Blackwater 1943–48). Peter was an Arnold Embellisher and a member of the Devonshire Society. We’d like to thank Peter’s son, Andrew (Wargrave 1969–74), for the following tribute: ‘At the interview for his first job, the main subjects of discussion were rugby and rowing, so it is clear his time at the College was an excellent preparation for life. Peter retired in 1992 after a career in the furnishing fabric printing business. In retirement he volunteered for more than 25 years for the National Trust, becoming recognised as expert on the history, building and contents of Knole House. Over the same time he supported many generations of local primary school children with twice weekly remedial reading and maths, this legacy being often remembered today by those he benefitted. He was also an enthusiastic walker, enjoying continental walking holidays into his 80s, and a keen choral singer. Peter was widely liked for his easy-going charm, including at the care home where he spent his last days. The

Michael Partridge Michael James Partridge (Blackwater 1946–51) died on 22 November 2023 aged 91. Michael was the College’s archivist for 20 years and during this time would compile the obituaries for the Old Eastbournian. He had written his own life story which was filed in his record in the archives, and we are honoured to include it here as Michael’s last contribution to the magazine. Born in Canterbury, Michael, with his family, evacuated to a remote comer of North Wales in 1940. In 1942 he entered an evacuated prep, St Clare, in Gloucestershire, moving on in 1943 to Great Walstead in West Sussex. An entrance exhibitioner to the College in 1946, Michael was head boy of Blackwater for five terms 1950–51, second prefect, Victor Ludorum, captain of fives and a frequent member of the 1st XV though he never gained his Stag. In 1951 he won a gold medal as Sussex Junior 100 yards champion. After national service, spent in Germany as a sergeant in the Army Education Corps, during which he spent six weeks skiing in Norway, Germany and Austria for his regiment and for BAOR (winning a second place medal for team langlauf ), he went up to Queens’, Cambridge, to read natural sciences. He played rugby, fives and ran for Queens’ but dropped out after a year. He spent the next 20 years in industry, completed a higher national in production engineering and later qualified as a Fellow of the Char tered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) and later CGMA too. He worked in line and staff roles for three large manufacturing firms, Alcan, Reed International and GKN, primarily as a corporate management consultant. In 1970–71 he guided the c.100 companies of the GKN Group through the intricacies of decimalisation. He became chief accountant of Roberts Sparrow, steel stockholders, and then in 1972 operations controller, with a seat on the board, of a major GKN engineering subsidiary, where he introduced a computer-based management information system. During his two periods living in Birmingham he played rugby for a local team, Kings Norton. Moving to Eastbourne in 1973, he spent 25 years in higher education, initially in the polytechnic sector as a lecturer in finance, later as a principal lecturer at the University of Brighton Business School responsible for the management accounting and corporate strategy team. He introduced the use of case studies as a teaching aid, using live corporate situations as a basis. In 1980 he completed a one-year residential MBA at Aston University, and chaired for some years a key committee of his professional body, CIMA. An active researcher, he wrote or co-authored several books and also numerous articles for College, academic and professional journals as well as for some 15 years undertaking a public speaking

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last of his generation, he is survived by his second wife Rosemary, three children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.’ David Gerald John Mockler (Ascham 1959–65; Nugent 1965; School 1966–70) died on 15 September 2023 aged 72. Timothy William Moore (Pennell 1959–64) died on 1 August 2023 aged 76, after a short illness. A house prefect and chapel warden at the College, Tim went on to have a career in electronics and computers. Tim’s brother Pat Moore (Pennell 1957–61), wrote: ‘Much missed by his widow Joy, brother Pat, daughter Madeliene, son Thomas and grandchildren.’ Philip Geoffrey Paine (Reeves 1951–55) died on 14 April 2021 aged 83. He was a house prefect, won his 2nd athletics strings in 1955 and was a sergeant in the army section of the CCF. After leaving

remit in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Luxembourg, bringing an understanding of finance to non-financial managers. During a twelve-month sabbatical in 2000 he worked for the chief executive of Tomkins plc, then an acquisitive conglomerative, researching and modelling potential takeover deals on computer. These included the acquisition of Smith and Wesson, the US gun firm. His business-oriented publications include The Strategic Accountant (1997), published by the Financial Times, as well as others. In 2000 he was presented with the Bronze Medal of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Upon retirement in 1998 he became the College’s first archivist and, with the support of headmasters Charlie Bush and Simon Davies, brought a wider awareness of the College’s history to OEs, staff and pupils. That same year he published the co-authored History of the Eastbourne Aviation Company and in 2010 Maverick Airman, the Life of Frederick Minchin (OE). In 2003 he was elected chairman of the Arnold Embellishers and for 12 years under his leadership, supported by an enthusiastic committee, the Embellishers were more active than for many years, doubling their membership. From 2004 he edited and later co-edited the Old Eastboumian magazine and introduced a new look to this journal. He researched and contributed numerous articles about the College’s people and its history to the magazine. In 2007 Michael co-edited, with Adrian Carey, Gordon Carey’s memoir Nobody’s Business and was also a consultant editor for the book Eastbourne College – A Celebration. In 2014 he helped Adrian to put his own memoirs onto computer. Sadly Adrian’s health intervened and the task was completed by others. Nevertheless, Adrian put a generous tribute into the book. Then in 2018, with two colleagues, Eastbourne College – 150 Years in Pictures , was published. Michael was for several years an active member and chairman of the Eastbourne Local History Society, contributing numerous articles to their journal. An elected vice president, he edited their quarterly journal for over ten years and was treasurer for eight. Michael began an interest in the English language when, at the age of about ten, he purchased a copy of Chamber’s Etymological Dictionary. This was soon followed by Gowers, Fowler and many others. Michael shared with his wife Sheila an enthusiastic interest in antiques and was a keen military historian, specialising in the study of the Peninsular War and Waterloo as well as Great War aviation. They visited every battlefield on the Iberian Peninsula. Sheila and he were happily married for some 60+ years and they have a daughter Nicky and a son Tim. His late brother David (Blackwater 1948–51) and son Tim (Powell 1977–82) both attended the College, as did two of his three grandsons: James (Powell 1999–2004) and Alex (Powell 2001–06) and granddaughter Jessica (Blackwater 2009–13). His other grandson is Toby. In 2019 he reduced his commitment at the College to an unpaid, part-time one. However, in 2020 he completed a revised Roll of Honour for the 163 Old Eastbournians who lost their lives in the Second World War.

the College, he enrolled at Brighton Technical College, completed a diploma in architecture and became a self-employed architect. In 1964 he married Anneliese Samusch (formerly an au pair at Ascham). John David Paul (Ascham 1945–50; Wargrave 1950–56) died on 22 August 2022 aged 85. At the Sussex County Junior Athletics Championships in Hove in 1954, John achieved a personal best by throwing the javelin 151 feet. Two years later, he was captain of athletics. He also played in the 1st XI cricket team. He was also a school prefect and a sub-librarian in the Cavendish Library. In his later career he became director of Henry Paul Ltd. Peter Kenneth Lindsay Pearson (School 1963–67) died on 9 January 2017 aged 67. He won his rugby stag and cricket colours in 1966 and also won the Junior Field Events Cup.

We have received some other memories of Michael. From Simon Wood (Powell 1950–54): ‘Having worked with Michael as one of his part-time assistants in the archives I remember him in so many ways: always kind, encouraging and keen to build a sound comprehensive archives base. He was full of admiration for the centenary history of Eastbourne College, Ex Oriente Salus, by V M Allom, one of his English teachers back in the 1940s. Also, the work of members of the teaching staff, Robin Harrison and Brian Harral, who produced articles about College life and possessions, news from OEs and obituaries in the Eastbournian magazine. Michael joined as a boarder in Blackwater House in 1946 and was aware of a diminished roll of pupils since the return of the school from Radley. He was a fine all-rounder and achieved much during his five years at the College. Little did he know that in the last 25 years of his life he would be the first official College archivist and devote a large part of those years to a place that he was already devoted to. His guidance and calm leadership with his team of assistants over the years achieved his aim. He really was a ‘born archivist’. Now the College archives are comparable to those of many other schools. The College will always hold him in high esteem.’ And from Henry Underhill (Pennell 1953–58): ‘I was a small boy of six living on the private side of Blackwater House where my father John Underhill was housemaster, when Michael arrived in 1946. I was not aware of Michael until around 1950 when he became one of the senior boys. By then I was 10, aware of what was going on in the house and I still remember Michael and many of his contemporaries, including his elder brother. There would be evenings when several of the senior boys and prefects were invited to dine with the housemaster and his family and afterwards we would play cards (pontoon) using matchsticks as our stakes. Michael was a significant figure in his last years at the College, school prefect, head of house, a stag, athletics colours, captain of fives (the fives courts being in Blackwater’s back yard) and of course, drum major in the Corps of Drums. ‘In about 2005 at an Arnold Embellishers meeting I met Michael who said he was short of help in his College archive department, so I offered my services and became a member of the archive committee, working alongside him and Simon Wood for several years, attending meetings with the headmaster, visiting other school archivists and persuading housemasters/mistresses to donate their old records to the archive department, rather than throw them away. Michael had managed to persuade the headmaster of the need for a school archivist, acquired an office above the bursary and retrieved a quantity of papers and memorabilia from the headmaster’s cellar.’ [Editor’s note: When the College received news of Michael’s death, the OE flag was flown at half-mast in his memory.]

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Blake Sandford-Johnson (Blackwater 1944–49) died on 30 May 2023 aged 92. Paddy had written memories of his days at the College: ‘1 did badly at everything until, one day running away when I was being bullied (often), I found that I could run quite fast, and got into the Colts athletics team, then the 1st team, eventually winning the Victor Ludorum. I was made captain of athletics. I also played squash and fives for the school, becoming captain of squash and secretary of fives, and a then new post of secretary of minor sports, arranging matches against other schools, and handling all the necessary logistics for away matches.’ Ineligible for national service, he worked initially in the planning department of Flight Refuelling and when the firm moved to Bognor Regis, also worked night shifts doing electric welding on cookers at Hall & Golding. At the suggestion of a friend of his mother’s, he decided to apply to join Unilever in London. He said: ‘So, I cycled the 65 miles to the London Unilever head office, requested an interview, was told that I would be shortlisted as a management trainee, but I must have a driving licence.’ Once he had passed his test, he again cycled to London and was offered a job at Wall’s Ice Cream where he spent four years travelling around the country, working 70–80 hours a week, with his tennis and squash gear in the boot of the car. He said: ‘I was playing tennis and squash often with county players and getting better and wiser. Eventually I played for the Edgbaston club, and thrillingly was chosen to be one of the team that provided some practice for the Italian Davis Cup team; I also had been doing a little umpiring in local tournaments and was selected to be part of the umpiring team.’ He moved to Wall’s head office in London and, now able to work ‘normal hours’, could start to play squash and tennis more seriously. He also umpired at Wimbledon, at the newly formed professional tournaments. ‘Looking back, from 1957 to 1983, I umpired almost all of the world’s top players since the Second World War, including: Laver, Connors, Ashe, Borg, Nastase, McEnroe, King, Court, Goolagong, Evert, and Navratilova’. He played squash in the Middlesex League for the Grampians club, for the Hurlingham Club team, and in the national championships and played two internationals for the England B team, against South Africa Universities, and against Harvard and Yale. In 1957, Paddy joined IBM, just as computers started to be used in business. After turning around the fortunes of J & E Hall of Dartford he went on to develop control systems for a number of major clients. He later joined the Rank Organisation, to manage the introduction of initially one computer for accounting work. Five years later he was running 27 computers in eleven countries. Paddy became well known in the computer world, writing two books and appearing on television. In 1988 he became one of the first 100 Freemen of the newly formed Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, and subsequently was made a Freeman of the City of London. He left Rank in 1971 to found his own computer and management consultancy, Management Technology, and won many major clients, as well as several smaller consultancies and software companies. With the recession of the mid–1970s, he merged his company with a major American industrial consultancy, AT Kearney. He became responsible for all European computing consultancy work, which included major projects for the City of Paris authorities, and the West German government. They had just taken on a large contract from General Motors to look into the truck operations of Vauxhall Motors when Paddy developed a deep vein thrombosis. Medical advice was to cut down his working hours, so he reluctantly left the company. He took up positions in headhunting with Heidrick & Struggles and Canny Bowen, before accepting a position at Electra Investment Trust. He then decided to take early retirement aged 60. He started playing tennis again with various veterans teams and spent many years restoring a ruined 300-year-old farmhouse in Gascony with his second wife Wendy. Paddy was a regular donor to the College bursaries fund and was also a member of the Devonshire Society. He is survived by Wendy, whom he married in 2006, and his two daughters, Jemma and Sam, from his first marriage to Annie Tayler, and five grandchildren – Ben, Alex, Ed, Luli and Anouska.

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Carl Spencer (Powell 1955–57) died in August 2023 aged 82. Carl was an accomplished jazz musician who had played in and led a number of bands for over 60 years. At prep school he had learnt the basics of classical piano and, on entering the College, had continued with a fur ther term of piano tuition before deciding that classical studies were not for him. He later said that at the time he had ‘a fascination of the Ragtime-influenced Winifred Attwell piano style. I started to buy bits of her sheet music and dabble at it. Then came jazz on the radio, Humphrey Lyttleton, Terry Lightfoot, etc, and then the Temperance Seven had a breakthrough hit and jazz was everywhere. I started going to the local jazz clubs and jazz lectures, and began collecting.’ After leaving school he worked in the Eastbourne branch of the National Provincial Bank, but was occasionally sent off to help at other branches, one of which was in Staines. On Sunday nights Carl would go to the Thames Hotel in Hampton Court to see the Original Downtown Syncopators, a five-piece band who re-created the music of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, who had recorded the first jazz records in 1917. This inspired Carl to take up the cornet and he bought his first, very old cornet from the Ocklygne Music Shop in Eastbourne around 1960. He said: ‘I found that the piano knowledge helped a lot with the cornet, as I already knew about scales and arpeggios etc., I just had to deal with the technical side of blowing!’ After he was moved by the bank to the Isle of Wight in 1961, he joined the Medina City Jazzmen on piano, then took on the trumpet after the original trumpet player left. From these beginnings and, following a job transfer by the bank to London, he eventually went on to start his own band, Spencer’s Washboard Kings, in 1964. Carl left the bank in August 1964 and played a number of semi-pro gigs. Then the London City Agency offered him the chance to take over the outstanding bookings of the Original Downtown Syncopators. He said: ‘I had “stolen” two of their latter day players, Brian Hills, clarinet, and Bill Shortt, percussion, so we were billed as “Spencer’s Washboard Kings – Formerly the Original Downtown Syncopators”.’ The band went professional in May 1965 and had a TV appearance in a BBC music show called A Whole Scene Going, promoting a single on the Polydor label. They continued for eight years with various changes of personnel, expanding both their reper toire and the number of band members, becoming an eight-piece outfit in 1968. They had a summer season in Blackpool, tours on the Continent and had regular radio broadcasts with Jimmy Young, Terry Wogan and Humph’s Jazz Club, presented by Humphrey Lyttelton. In 1969 the BBC televised a concert from the Hammersmith Palais to mark the 50th anniversary of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band’s first performance there, and Spencer’s Washboard Kings helped recreate the original ODJB sounds from 50 years earlier. In September 1972, Carl became deputy managing director of the Yamaha musical instrument company in the UK, at which point he decided to wind up the band. He stayed with Yamaha for 14 years until 1986 when he founded his own UK distribution company, handling various musical instrument brands including Hammond organs, Ku r z we i l , G o l d s t a r keyboards and GEM. In 1993–94 Carl took on the management of the Char les ton Chaser s band, helping them turn professional. He secured them a recording contract and found them gigs in the UK. A year later, in September 1995, Carl sold Carl, kneeling front, with Spencer’s Washboard his music business and Kings in 1966 moved to East Sussex.

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Jamie Taylor Jamie Oliver Taylor (Craig 1989–94) died on 30 June 2023 aged 46. We are grateful to Rick Liddell (Reeves 1989–94) and Keith Gill (Wargrave 1989–94) for the following tribute to Jamie. ‘Jamie was a distinguished pilot, having most recently been a B737 cptain and B787 captain with Norwegian Air Shuttle. He was born in Hastings to Martin and Sue Taylor and from a very early age was obsessed with cars, engines and anything with switches and buttons. It therefore came as no surprise to them to see how his career and hobbies unfolded, and who he ended up marrying. ‘When he was about eight years old, Jamie was awarded a scholarship to Chelmsford Hall school in Eastbourne where he stood out academically and on the sports field. He scored his first century (106 not out) while playing cricket for the U10s, which was a school record. It was also during a local derby rugby match between Chelmsford Hall and St Andrew’s that Rick first bumped into Jamie, or rather was barged out of the way by Jamie as he sped towards the try line with three people clinging onto him. Jamie was always a strong and quick runner, even from the early days. ‘Jamie joined the College in 1989 and it was there that he, Keith and Rick became very good friends. Jamie excelled in various subjects and aspects of school life, but he was always very modest about his achievements. He was quietly spoken but had a wry sense of humour and was always looking for an opportunity to play a practical joke; and on one occasion, he seemingly picked the wrong person (a school prefect) who then made Jamie run around the block carrying a carpet! ‘Jamie’s sporting talents continued to shine throughout his time at the College and he was in the very successful U14A cricket team which played in a cup final at the Sussex County cricket ground, and he was also an excellent squash player and golfer. On the rugby field, the size of his legs and chest put fear in the opposition, and it was during one of the early matches on Memorial Field that he earned his nickname ‘Beef ” (sorry, Jamie), which stuck with him throughout his life.’ He decided to start playing again and in 1997 launched a new band, Spencer’s Nighthawks, which included four members of the original Spencer’s Washboard Kings. They played a wide variety of venues and events nationwide, and visited the College a few times, including a masterclass which they held with the College swing band in January 2009. In 2016 Carl moved to Dornoch in the Highlands of Scotland, where he managed to find seven fellow jazz enthusiast who formed his new band, Spencer’s Highland Nighthawks. In 2018 he told us that they had played at various local venues including the Elgin Jazz Club and the Blue Lamp Club in Aberdeen. Carl continued to support Eastbournian Society and OE events, including most recently in 2023 the annual dinner at the Grand Hotel in April and the Over-60s lunch in June. He was due to attend the OE reunion in September when we got news of his sudden death in August. Carl is survived by his wife Christine, whom he married in 1976. Nicolas Gwyn Stephens (School 1969–73) died on 25 September 2002 aged 46. We have only recently become aware of his death. Peter James Nicholas Strong (Gonville 1957–61) died on 15 November 2021 aged 77. Peter was born in London in 1943 and moved to Bermuda in 1969. He worked in the captive insurance industry, firstly with AIG then Inter-Ocean Management before starting his own company, Independent Management Group. Upon his retirement he moved with his wife Sol to the Philippines. Sport was Peter’s passion at the College. He won the under 8-stone boxing cup in 1959, was in the

[ Jamie won the Professor Soddy Memorial Prize and was a member of the Casson, Chess and New Academy Societies. He also played cricket and hockey and was in the 1st V squash team,] ‘After leaving school with 11 GCSEs and four A-levels, Jamie read and obtained an MA in computer science at Pembroke College, Cambridge (1994–97). As it happens, Rick also ended up at the same college and playing in the same rugby and cricket teams as Jamie. By that stage, and while he loved his time at Pembroke College, Jamie had his heart set on a career as pilot and his studies were more of a means to an end. That said, Jamie was always very technologicallysavvy and there were many times throughout his life that friends and family would ask Jamie for help with their tech! ‘In 1998–99, Jamie completed his integrated pilot training at the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy. It was obvious to all his friends and family that he would fly through his training with top marks given his natural flair and competence; and in April 1999, he became a first officer with British World Airlines. He then joined Astraeus Ltd and moved up through the ranks there, before becoming a B737 line training and check captain. In 2000, Jamie’s parents had the unforgettable experience of joining Jamie in the cockpit and being flown by Jamie to Guernsey. ‘In 2012, Jamie moved to Jetairfly (TUI Airlines Belgium) as a B737 captain before joining Norwegian Air in January 2014. It was during a regular medical check-up with Norwegian Air that Jamie discovered he had a benign hear t tumour, which required him to have open-heart surgery. While this came as a huge shock to everyone, his courage and determination came as no surprise; and it was not long after his surgery that he was marching past us on a hike up a mountain in the Alps! Jamie was always very fit (helped no doubt by the numerous British Military Fitness sessions that he did while he lived in London), but the grin on his face as he sped past us on that mountain was priceless. ‘Unfortunately, Norwegian Air suffered at the hands of Covid-19, which meant that Jamie (like many other pilots) found himself out of work in early 2021. This proved to be a challenging time for him as flying was his passion, but he kept himself active and managed throughout to maintain his sense of humour and positive outlook. Then, in May 2021, his life took a huge turn for the better as he met Charlotte Rochenard (from Brittany), who would go on to become the love of his life and his wife.

‘Charlotte and Jamie shared many passions, including a love of cars, motorbikes, travel and strong black coffee. Charlotte had been very badly injured in 2020 when she had been knocked off her motorbike during a solo road trip across Africa. Charlotte and Jamie were soon plotting to complete her trip together, which they did in late 2021. However, in January 2022, Jamie suffered a bleed in the brain while they were on safari together in Botswana and was subsequently diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma (brain cancer). ‘Jamie tragically died on 30 June 2023 with Charlotte by his side. Throughout his illness, he was supremely brave and determined to battle his cancer. While he knew that the disease was terminal, he wanted to spend as much quality time with Charlotte, his friends and family as he could; and he did just that. Jamie and Charlotte went hiking in Canada, skiing in France (Jamie was also an exceptional skier), sailing in the BVI and walking in Cornwall. Jamie and Charlotte got married on 16 July 2022 in Warwick – and Jamie’s renowned grin was wider than ever. He also spent time with his friends and doing other things he loved, including watching live sport (test match cricket at the Oval) and watching his beloved snooker and darts on the television. Jamie also managed to tick off one more of his bucket list wishes when he co-piloted a Spitfire plane on 26 September 2022 (his birthday) and did a ‘victory roll’ over Beachy Head with his parents and Charlotte watching from below. ‘Jamie was a man of few words but had a wealth of talents; and his wide circle of friends from Eastbourne and beyond is testament to how much he was valued and respected as a friend. He was caring, generous, fun-loving, loyal, warm-hearted, witty and superb company, to name only a few of his endearing characteristics. He was also a daredevil at heart: over the years; he had flown stunt planes, sky-dived, bungee-jumped and abseiled down a very steep section of Table Mountain in Cape Town. ‘We will not be alone in wishing we had the chance to enjoy Beef ’s company for many more years. We hope that these memories will prompt some further personal recollections from those who knew Jamie at Eastbourne. Our thoughts are with Charlotte, Sue and Martin (Jamie’s parents), Jamie’s friends and the wider Taylor family. Jamie is very much missed and will never be forgotten. His resting place is in the beautiful Cotswolds; and it is fitting that an English oak tree is to be planted at the Sun Rising nature reserve and burial ground, Warwick, next to where his ashes were interred.’

Tigers and Erratics cricket teams in 1960, was captain of cross country in 1961, the same year that he got his Stag for rugby. He is survived by his wife Sol in the Philippines and in Bermuda by his children Nicholas, Matthew and Elena; grandchildren, Amira, Etienne, Leah and Fia; ex-wife Mary and in England by his sister Janice and nieces Jessica and Amaryllis. We hope to have a longer obituary in next year’s magazine.

Seaton House pre-prep and then Aberdour Prep school before coming to the College. Chris lived in Cheam, Surrey, where he played for Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club and the Sutton Cricket Club.’ While at the College, Chris won several prizes; the Junior Maths and Mowbray Junior History prizes in 1962 and in 1964, the Newton Reading prize. But it was in sport that he was most adept. He won his rugby stag in 1964 and was captain of the 1st XV the following year. Chris was captain of the 2nd XI and won the cricket cup in 1964 and joined the 1st XI the following year and won the All Rounders Cup. In 1963, he was awarded his 1st hockey colours and was captain of hockey in 1965. In the CCF he achieved the rank of company sergeant major (army section) and won the Raybould Cup (awarded to the best section commander). He also played in the CCF Corps of Drums. Hilary continues: ‘At Eastbourne he didn’t exactly excel academically – I think sport got in the way! However, he always spoke very fondly about his time at Eastbourne and returned on many occasions. He didn’t go to university; he always said he went to ‘The University of Life’. On leaving school in 1966 he was articled to a small firm of accountants which after a series of mergers became incorporated within Deloittes. He qualified in 1970. He left Deloittes in 1975 and later joined Gordon and Gotch (newspaper distribution) becoming

Barry John Templeman (School 1947–52) died on 1 November 2019 aged 85. At the College Barry assisted Eric Nor thcott in staging various plays for the Dramatic Society and was a company sergeant major in the CCF. He is survived by his children Sandra, Sarah and Adam and his brother Michael (School 1953–57). His brother Simon (School 1958–62) predeceased him in 2018. Simon Richard Templeman (Nugent 1958; School 1958–62) died on 24 September 2018 aged 74. At the College Simon was a member of the choir, played in the military band and was a corporal in army section of the CCF. He is survived by his brother Michael (School 1953–57). His brother Barry (School 1947–52) died in 2019. Christopher Henry Thomas (Wargrave 1960–65) died on 14 April 2023 aged 76. We would like to thank Chris’s widow, Hilary, for the following tribute: ‘Known as ‘Henry’ at Eastbourne, ‘Chris’ to his friends, and ‘Wargrave’ to the younger generation who knew of his association with the College. Born in Carshalton, Surrey, on 7 February 1947 he attended

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finance director in 1984 and managing director in 1990. ‘Chris led a successful management buy-out of G & G from News International and acquired a large stake in Mercury, the air freight subsidiary of G & G. He went on to become managing director of Mercury Airfreight Holdings, the UK’s largest group specialising in overseas mailing and distribution of magazines, business journals and newspapers. In 1998 Mercury was sold to Ocean Group and in 1999 he became MD of Orchestral Group Ltd, an integrated trading group in the printing, mailing and distribution sectors. He resigned in 2003. Subsequent business interests included Ram Rugby, a direct mailing company for rugby clothing and equipment and Decotel Ltd, a supplier of hotel products. ‘Chris met me in 1972 and we were married in 1973, moving to Sevenoaks where we lived all our married life and brought up our three children, Victoria, Emily and Charlie. We were married for nearly 50 years. Chris loved sport and during his life played rugby, cricket, hockey, squash, tennis and golf. He loved the camaraderie of sport, the competition, the fun and the banter. ‘He joined the Sevenoaks Rugby Club and Holmesdale Cricket Club. Then in 2003 he became a member of Wildernesse Golf Club and golf became a major part of his retirement. He was captain in 2013. He was also a member of Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club. He enjoyed travelling and holidaying in the far corners of the world. We visited Hong Kong many times while our daughter and family lived there. He was devoted to his family and our five grandchildren were a great source of joy. Sadly, he wasn’t to live to see our sixth grandchild born in June 2023. ‘He was a fundraiser and an ambassador for Hospice in the Weald, near Tunbridge Wells, and gave many talks to local groups about the work of the hospice. Chris had a great sense of humour; he was a warm and engaging person who enjoyed life to the full. He had his own brand of largely self-deprecating humour and could be described as a bit mischievous! He was perfectly happy laughing with his peers at his own expense rather than celebrating his own successes. ‘In November 2022 he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and despite successful surgery and then radiotherapy he died six months later on 14 April 2023. He bore his illness bravely and kept his sense of humour to the end. He is dearly missed by his wide circle of friends but none more so than by his adoring family.’ Chris was a member of the Devonshire Society, Jeremy St Maur Thorp (School 1948–51) died on 6 January 2019 aged 85. Lucian Francis Michael Townsend (Reeves 2001– 06) died on 24 June 2023 aged 35. His College achievements were recorded in the 2006 Leavers’ Yearbook: Lucian was a house prefect, played the piano and guitar and sang. He was a corporal in the RAF section of the CCF and completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. We are grateful to Lucian’s father, Mark, for the following tribute: ‘Lucian tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Phuket, Thailand. He was born in Switzerland but attended school in England, firstly Newlands in Seaford then Eastbourne as a music scholar. Lucian graduated with an engineering degree from King’s College, London, and a law degree from BPP Law School. He worked for some years with CIMB and Maybank in London on their Asian Equity Sales desk before joining EFG Asset Management (HK) Ltd in 2019 as analyst to the New Capital Asia Fund based in Hong Kong. ‘Lucian’s temperament was well suited to Hong Kong and he enjoyed the lifestyle, outdoor activities and opportunities to travel in the region. He believed in the inherent dynamism and growth potential in HK and south east Asia and he settled in well, making many friends and establishing strong foundations for his life there. ‘Lucian was a rare treasure, deeply missed by his family and friends.

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We remember him for his zest for life, his ability to enjoy the moment and his most endearing gift of putting people at ease, of making them feel included and special with his kindness, quick-wittedness and charm. 10 April 1988 – 24 June 2023. May he rest in peace.’ Brian Ronald Tullis (Pennell 1946– 51) died on 10 July 2022 aged 89. Brian was a keen photographer at the College and was the hon sec of the Photographic Society. In 1951 the Eastbournian repor ted: ‘Photographic Society – Last, but by no means least, the society would like to express its gratitude for the sterling work of its last secretary, B R Tullis, who, aided by A P van Lennep, made the society into a worth-while concern.’ Brian’s photograph of a scene from the play You Never can Tell was also included in the magazine. In the same year, he was mentioned in the news of the Science Society: ‘“Radio Control of Aircraft” by B R Tullis on 9 December. The introduction of small but powerful engines flight weight has led to the development of the hobby of flying model radio-controlled aircraft. Mr Tullis described how the control and receiving apparatus work and the practical details as applied to his own model, which he demonstrated.’ He also rowed for the Eastbourne College Boat Club which was then based at Cuckmere Haven. Brian was an able seaman in the CCF Royal Navy section and in April 1951 he and 13 cadets joined the aircraft carrier, HMS Indomitable, on a ‘summer cruise’ from Portsmouth to Aberdeen. Brian’s memories of that trip were recorded in the Eastbournian: ‘We passed Scapa Flow, unfortunately in fog, and that afternoon, our last, whilst at flying stations, we witnessed a crash on deck and we managed to secure propellors and the joy-stick as mementoes.’ We’d like to thank Brian’s family for the following tribute: ‘Brian Ronald Tullis was born in 1932 at Sutton Coldfield, the youngest of three sons, to David Ronald and Borghild. Unusual for the time, his parents divorced when he was quite young and his mother remarried and so he spent his childhood between England (at Cleobury Mortimer) and Scotland (at Colintraive with his beloved grandparents). ‘After school he joined the Royal Air Force, much to the disappointment of his Master at Eastbourne who was hoping he would join the Navy. Following in his father and stepfather’s footsteps he received his Wings flying Chipmunks and Vampires. Although he loved flying, he left the RAF and became a design draftsman, and worked in Coventry at the automotive company Humber. ‘Brian and Ann married in September 1958 and settled in Meriden in a new home where they raised three daughters, Kirsten, Rowan and Sara. Brian was very clever with his hands and in his mid-20s built a little green open top sports car called Helix, which Ann enjoyed very much. In 1968 the family boarded the ship Fairsky and migrated to Australia, landing in Fremantle near Perth in late October. Brian and Ann decided to live in the hills above Perth and quickly built a house, later moving to their second home in Kalamunda where Ann still lives and the girls are not far away. The family all took to their new home in Australia, and enjoyed exploring Western Australia on camping trips. Brian continued his work as a freelance design draftsman and soon had a job with architect and town planner Paul Ritter, before moving on to larger firms including the mining company Alcoa. ‘Brian was a keen sailor of small wooden dinghies and for many years sailed on the Swan River and further afield in Signets, Javelins and small cabin cruisers. He built three boats, a Signet for himself and one for a friend, and a Mudlark for Kirsten. His oldest brother David had taught him carpentry skills. Having taken up photography at school (as encouraged by his other brother Michael) he enjoyed it for the rest of his life and built two home darkrooms, in Meriden and Kalamunda. He and Ann loved the bush and wildflowers and Brian took all the

photos for a popular book called Wildflowers of the West Coast Hills Region. His other hobbies included gardening, reading, and researching his family history, along with Ann who also researched her ancestors. They made two holiday trips back to the UK. ‘Brian loved his family, taking great delight when his two grandchildren, Matthew and Claire, came along and then his first great grandchild Indigo. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to see his second and third great grandchildren. He kept his good sense of humour and gentle nature to the end. All his family were fortunate, despite Covid, to be able to spend the last couple of days with him in hospital where he peacefully slipped away with Ann at his side on 10 July 2022.’ John Warren Williams (Powell 1952–57) died on 18 November 2022 aged 84, after a long illness. We are grateful to John’s brother, Alan, for the following tribute: ‘After leaving the College, John served his national service in the Royal Navy and then moved on to Merton College, Oxford, to read classics. John married Elizabeth Dundas who he met through her brother David at Merton. They settled in Devon where they brought up their children. John’s career was in education administration. He was also a committed and long-serving member of his village church. ‘John, who was loving and much loved, is survived by his wife, his six children and 13 grandchildren, and by his brother Alan (Powell 1954–60).’ While at the College, John was a school prefect, head of house, won the Junior Classical Translation, Baynes Classical Essay and Classical Translation prizes and was also the hon sec of the Essay Club and sub editor of the Eastbournian. In the CCF Royal Naval section he won the junior, senior and special Lanyards of Honour, passed his petty officer exam and gained the rank of under officer. John Martin Eardley Wilmot (School 1954–59) died on 3 July 2023 aged 82. At the College John won the Junior Doubles Fives cup in 1956 and 1957, the Junior Singles Fives cup in 1957 and the Senior Singles Fives cup in 1959. After leaving the College, John organised OE fives fixtures. In the army section of the CCF, John was a silver drummer in the band. We would like to thank John’s daughter, Caroline for the following tribute: ‘John died from aplastic anaemia at Temple Grove, East Sussex. He grew up at Lark Rise in Ashdown Forest, with his mother Manon and father Percy, who passed away when John was just 19. He had an older brother Charles. John was sent to St Andrew’s Prep School in Eastbourne, then on to Eastbourne College. In his words: “I was not academic, but enjoyed sport and excelled at cricket.” He was also awarded first team colours for fives. John enjoyed his links with Eastbourne College throughout his life and a lifelong friendship with David Winn, who was also in School House. John would often drive down to the school to watch cricket matches as well as joining a trip to the war graves in France organised by the Eastbournian Society. ‘Active until a couple of weeks before he was admitted to Maidstone Hospital in May 2023, he had a great love of walking up on Ashdown Forest and the South Downs, often with his dog. He was a keen gardener and volunteer with the Woodland Trust. John cared for his wife Heather at home until she died on Good Friday 2022. He watched his six grandchildren – two of whom attended the College, Patrick Smith (Wargrave 2009–14) and Billy Smith (Wargrave 2012– 17) – grow up with positive interest and curiosity and kept close ties with his three daughters Caroline, Charlotte and Lucinda. ‘John was involved with St Margaret’s CE Church in Buxted from the 1970s, where his three daughters were married. He was chairman of the Friends of St Margaret for a chapter and stepped into his wife Heather’s shoes as a valued church cleaner. In 1965 he started the Chessmen Cricket Club (a wandering Kent and Sussex side) with a friend, which is still going strong today. He made many longstanding

friendships through the Chessmen and played over a hundred cricket games for the club. He ran the Chessmen Golf Club, playing at Royal Ashdown from 1970 onwards. ‘Career-wise John started out as a big company man at Monsanto Chemicals. He worked in import/export, was a product manager for a bottling machinery company, then took on a sales and marketing manager role in a packaging firm. As the UK’s DIY boom took off in the 1970s he started his own company, Elendell, operating out of the cowshed at home. Latterly he ran his medical insurance agency out of the piggery at his East Sussex home until early 2023, working until age 82, finally retiring on his birthday.’ Some of John’s snapshots of College life in the 1950s are featured in our Archives section on page 35. Brian William John Gregg Wilson (Head of Classics 1973–76) died on 10 November 2023 aged 86. He taught at Radley and King’s Canterbury before joining the College in 1973. The following extract is taken from the June 1977 edition of the Eastbournian and was written on his departure from the school for Campbell College. ‘Brian Wilson came to the College in 1973 and stayed for just over three years. In this time he was able to show us some of the qualities which will make him a fine headmaster at Campbell College, Belfast. There is no doubt that during his stay here he made a name for himself as one of the most intellectually orientated masters, and one would have to look a long way to find a man with greater enthusiasm and powers of reasoning. ‘Anyone who had the misfortune to have an argument with him will remember how easily he was defeated by what Mr. Wilson claimed was “sheer logic”. He will be remembered especially by those he took in classics and ancient history. In both his pupils obtained most creditable results. If I were asked which master at the College made me work the hardest, the answer would be without hesitation, Brian Wilson. He was always one to recognise effort and root out laziness. As well as teaching classics he took part in the Divinity and Circus lectures. In these he stayed close to his favourite subject and attempted to instil in the minds of the ignorant some knowledge of the ancient writers, artists and statesmen. ‘Perhaps his greatest achievement outside the classroom was the foundation of the New Academy, a society intended to widen one’s outlook on life. He stimulated the meetings by providing controversial questions for discussion. It was in this type of situation that he felt at home; he revelled in argument and debate, himself remaining calm throughout and never failing to sow new seeds of thought in the minds of many. ‘His hockey game will not forget the ankle-tapping and barging – all in good humour – with which he made up for his lack of speed. Fives and squash also benefited from his enthusiastic efforts. ‘Brian Wilson was a man who rarely raised his voice except in extreme circumstances. He will be remembered by the length of his initials and the nickname – Bubbles – which followed him from his previous post. We wish him and his family much happiness and continued good health in the troubled city to which they have gone.’ Following Campbell College, John became deputy headmaster of St Mary’s School, Wantage, Oxfordshire. He was also an A-level chief examiner in Latin and ancient history, a local councillor, an author and translator who lectured for Swan Hellenic on their Mediterranean cruises, and for 20 years a religious broadcaster for the BBC. He also served for a time on the Central Religious Advisory Committee which advised broadcasters on religious content of their programmes. He is survived by his daughters Anna and Emma (Nugent 1988–90) and four grandchildren. His wife, Sara, predeceased him.

Correction In Crichton Wilson’s obituary in last year’s magazine we incorrectly said that he was in School House. He was in fact in Powell 1950–55. Our thanks go to a number of readers who pointed this out.

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Old Eastbournian

Eastbournian Society Contacts Eastbournian Society Eastbourne College Old Wish Road Eastbourne BN21 4JX

Events Organiser Kim Richardson 01323 451911 KJRichardson@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Development Director Emma Garrett 01323 452308 ecbgarrett@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Database and Communications David Blake 01323 452262 drblake@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Development Officer Liz Silvester 01323 452261 LMSilvester@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Administrator Helen Medlycott 01323 452316 HCMedlycott@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Events John Thornley 01323 452314 07780 993801 jt@eastbourne-college.co.uk

College Archivist Paul Jordan 01323 451901 archives@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Arnold Embellishers

Chairman: Vicky Henley (Nugent 1975–77) vhenley@eastbourne-college.co.uk

OE Cricket Club

Chairman: Will Ripley (Gonville 1999-2004) oldeastbourniancc@gmail.com

OE Fives

Spencer Beal spencerjbeal@gmail.com

OE Golf Society

President: Chris Walker (School 1968-73) president@oegolf.uk Secretary: David Burt (Gonville 1966-70) secretary@oegolf.uk Treasurer: Ian Henley (Gonville 1970-75) treasurer@oegolf.uk OE Lodge 4946

Nick Clive-Matthews (Pennell 1962–66) nickc_m@yahoo.co.uk

OE Rugby (The Stags) James Potter (Reeves 2012–14) james_potter07@icloud.com

OE representatives worldwide We have nearly 50 OE country representatives at locations throughout the world, who have volunteered their services to help other OEs visiting or living in their localities. If you would like advice about gap year travel, accommodation, business contacts, starting a new job or organising an OE get-together you are invited to contact your local rep. If you are interested in becoming an OE country rep, please contact the Eastbournian Society office on +44 (0)1323 452262 or es@eastbourne-college.co.uk

Argentina

Belgium

Trevor Hardy (Gonville 1965–71) Wapper 21 Antwerp 2000 +32 3 226 0891 +32 47 542 5424 (mobile) trevor.hardy@skynet.be

Robin Mackintosh (Wargrave 1983–85) Unit 1 1836, 29th Ave SW Calgary AB T2T 1M8 +1 403 431 2218 (mobile) mackintosh1968@gmail.com

Australia – New South Wales (Sydney)

British Virgin Islands

Canada – Ontario (Ottawa)

Robert Marstrand (Blackwater 1985–90) 3 de Febrero 945 dept. 7A Capital Federal 1426 Buenos Aires robert.marstrand@gmail.com

Sam Miller (School 1960–65) Unit 10, 37-39 Sherbrook Road Hornsby NSW 2077 +61 418 977 477 (mobile) sam@sammillerco.com

Australia – South Australia (Adelaide)

Ian Champion (Powell 1952–54) 2A Bindarra Road PO Box 426 Brighton SA 5048 +61 8 8298 2650 champo1938@gmail.com

Australia – Victoria (Melbourne)

Simon Vinson (Gonville 1969–74) 9 Finch Street Malvern East Melbourne VIC 3145 +61 3 9572 2772 simon@vinsons.com

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Christopher Lloyd (Wargrave 1956–60) Box 202 Road Town Tortola VG 1110 +1 284 542 3004 (mobile) cellobvi@gmail.com Martin Trott (Powell 1987–92) (Martin is also an OE rep for the Cayman Islands) c/o Rawlinson & Hunter PO Box 3162 Road Town Tortola VG 1110 +1 345 814 8729 (office) +1 345 916 0402 (mobile) MTrott@RHRestructuring.com

Brunei

Chris Lush (Powell 1973–78) Bandar Seri Begawan +673 721 0355 chris.lush1846@gmail.com

Canada – Alberta (Calgary)

Peter Maddocks (Powell 1962–66) 10 Turret Court Kanata ON K2L 2L1 +1 613 831 3146 +1 613 859 4417 (mobile) peterm36939@gmail.com

Canada – Ontario (Toronto)

Giles Marshall (Pennell 1974–79) 33 Elgin Avenue Toronto ON M5R 1G5 +1 416 805 0710 (mobile) gilesdmmarshall@gmail.com

Cayman Islands

Martin Trott (Powell 1987–92) (Martin is also an OE rep for the British Virgin Islands) c/o Rawlinson & Hunter PO Box 2097 Grand Cayman KY1–1105 +1 345 814 8729 (office) +1 345 916 0402 (mobile) MTrott@RHRestructuring.com

Channel Islands

Tim Nelson (School 1976–81) La Sonnella 46 La Cloche Mews Maufant Vineries, St Saviour Jersey JE2 7JU +44 1534 729913 (office) +44 7797 716556 (mobile) timnelson10@hotmail.com tim.nelson@aquagroup.co (office)

Dominican Republic

L. Enriquillo (Harry) Ureña (Pennell 1967–71) Apto. C-3 Ave. Bolivar 205, Gazcue Santo Domingo, DN +809 562 7154 (office) +809 858 5440 (mobile) das@claro.net.do

France

Wendy de la Fargue (Nugent 1979–81) (Wendy is also an OE rep for Zimbabwe) 95 route des Chevreuils Le Maine Jacquet 24610 Villefranche de Lonchat wendydelaf@gmail.com

Germany – Berlin

Malawi

Germany – Hannover

Malaysia

Peter Geyer (Wargrave 1989–90) Albertinenstrasse 19 13086 Berlin +49 30 44 32 47 95 +49 162 675 95 45 (mobile) prgeyer@yahoo.com Jonathan Haig (School 1992–97) Brabeckstr. 146a 30539 Hannover +49 511 5435 3603 +49 174 201 6592 (mobile) jonhaig@gmail.com

Germany – Munich

Anton Stumpf (Pennell 1976–80) Adelbertweg 5 82131 Gauting +49 173 973 9920 (mobile) anton.stumpf@famstumpf.de

Germany – Stuttgart

Amy Harding (Watt 2009–11) amyrharding@yahoo.co.uk

Gibraltar

Hugh Drummond (Pennell 1968–73) Drummonds, Chartered Accountants Fourth Floor, Heritage House 235 Main Street Gibraltar +350 200 40548 (office) hugh@drummonds.gi

Hong Kong

George Wong (Gonville 2002–07) +852 6055 4002 (office) georgejorjiwong@gmail.com

Iran

Farshad Rouhani (Roo) (Pennell 1975–80) Flat 9, no 5 Ezazi Shargi Street Jahantab Geytarieh Jonobi Tehran 1939934951 (postcode) +98 09126 201854 (mobile) rouhani.farshad@gmail.com

Ireland

Jonathan Ross (School 1981–86) 52 Glencairn Lawn Sandyford Dublin D18 X4T2 +353 1294 0875 +353 868 148336 (mobile) jonathan.ross@cushwake.com

Israel

Stephen Jacobs (Wargrave 1963–68) 1 Beit Halomotai Herzliya +972 5235 09941 (mobile) ranger@netvision.net.il Benjamin Stone (School 1987–89) US Embassy Branch Office 71 HaYarkon Street Tel Aviv-Yafo +1 215 749 0439 (mobile) stonebr@verizon.net

Dr Iqbal Gelu (Pennell 1964–69) I.G. Capital PO Box 1896 Lilongwe +265 999 912912 (mobile) miqbalgelu@yahoo.co.uk Kelvin Miranda (School 1988–89) 7–H-2 Belair Condominium Lorong Basong Damansara Heights Kuala Lumpur 50490 +60 3 2011 0100 +60 12 227 8822 (mobile) kelvin@hotmail.com

Mexico

Bert Boltjes (Gonville 1961–67) Calle Francisco Márquez 25 Colonia Lázaro Cárdenas Santa Maria Colotepec Puerto Escondido Oaxaca CP 70934 +52 56 1843 3280 (mobile) bertboltjes2000@yahoo.com

New Zealand – Auckland area

Maurice Trapp (Gonville 1962–67) 32 Shelly Beach Road Surfdale Waiheke Island 1081 +64 9 630 5884 (office) +64 21 302 714 (mobile) mo@mauricetrapp.com

New Zealand – Wairarapa/Wellington area

Peter Thriscutt (Gonville 1977–82) 40 Pownall Street Masterton 5810 +64 27 275 7574 (mobile) peter@superchips.co.nz

Pakistan

Faisal Ali (Wargrave 1984–89) 40 Khayaban-e-Ghazi Defence Housing Authority Phase V Karachi +92 21 3534 2782 / 3585 33 44 +92 21 3566 0770 - 3 (office) +92 300 20 20455 (mobile) faisal@mushko.com

Peru

Michael Moore (Blackwater 1968–72) Lima michaelantonymoore@gmail.com

Portugal

Simon Mount (Powell 1976–79) Casalinho Bem te Quero Atalaia de Cima Colares 2705–001 +351 96 632 1645 (mobile) swmount@gmail.com

Singapore

Richard Austen (School 1967–72) Asia Reinsurance Brokers Pte Ltd 2 Shenton Way, SGX Centre 1 #16-03 Singapore 068804 +65 6538 7818 (office) richard.austen@arbrokers.asia

South Africa

Jon Diboll (Blackwater 1969–71) 80 L Tamarin Close Janssens Avenue Table View Cape Town 7441 +27 82 950 7669 (mobile) jon@hotelinteriors.co.za

USA – Hawaii

Grace Beckett (Nugent 1999–2001) Kailua HI 96734 +1 808 238 9760 gracieuk@gmail.com

USA – Texas (Houston)

Geoff Odell (Gonville 1970–75) +1 858 699 7684 (mobile) gcodell@san.rr.com

Colin Soole (Pennell 1963–67) 13 Shallcross Road Constantia 7806 Cape Town +27 21 794 5543 +27 824 533 259 (mobile) colinsoole@gmail.com

Luke Powell (Gonville 1988–90) +260 97 666 4 999 (mobile) lukebupepowell@gmail.com

Spain

Zimbabwe

Ted Capper (Blackwater 1948–53) Basotxu 10A - 3ºD 48360 Gorliz Vizcaya +34 6 6047 1598 (mobile) teddecocinta@gmail.com

Sweden

John Philip Groves (Wargrave 1954–58) Luzernvagen 16 352 51 Växjö +46 470 81684 +46 7059 81684 (mobile) philip@groves.se

Zambia

Wendy de la Fargue (Nugent 1979–81) (Wendy is also an OE rep for France) No. 2, 174 Fife Avenue Harare +263 712 206 114 (mobile) wendydelaf@gmail.com

Switzerland

Nick Owlett (Wargrave 1982–87) International School Basel nicholas.owlett@isbasel.ch

UAE

Oscar Orellana-Hyder (Reeves 2002–07) Dubai oscar@cordell-partners.com

USA – California (Los Angeles)

Matthew Allnatt (School 1976–81) The Jonathan Club 545 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles CA 90071 +1 213 312 5220 (office) mallnatt@jc.org

USA – Florida (Sarasota) Charlie Wilson (Wargrave 1967–68) 321 Bird Key Drive Sarasota FL 34236 +1 941 296 1413 +1 203 589 5882 (mobile) cwilson@cwilsonltd.com

USA – Florida (The Villages)

Nicolas Hemes (Blackwater 1951–55) 2732 Plainridge Loop The Villages FL 32162 +1 386 984 7979 (mobile) nicolashemes@icloud.com

USA – Florida (Vero Beach)

Jim Penrose (Pennell 1966–68) Vero Beach FL 32963 +1 772 766 6396 (mobile) jcpen333@gmail.com

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Old Eastbournian

Eastbournian Society committee and agm

he AGM of the Eastbournian Society was held at the College on Saturday 4 March 2023. At the meeting the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2022 were approved and the existing officers re-elected unanimously. After discussions at the committee meeting held on 26 September 2023, Ian Henley (Gonville 1970–75) agreed to take over the position of chairman, following the decision by Hugh Price to step down. This will be ratified at the next AGM.

Other changes to the Eastbournian Society office team during the year included the appointments of Kim Richardson, who joined as events organiser on 2 May, Liz Silvester as development officer from 5 June and Helen Medlycott, who returned to the team as administrator on 6 November. Jayne Caines, our previous administrator, left on 20 October to take over as administrator at St Andrew’s Prep. All other members of the committee remained in situ.

Officers

Committee

President Vacant Chairman (retiring) Hugh Price (School 1961–66) Chairman (appointed) Ian Henley (Gonville 1970–75) Vice Chairman and Treasurer Darren Meek (Blackwater 1982–87) Vice Chairman and ES Ambassador David Stewart Development Director Emma Garrett (Nugent 1984–86) Headmaster Tom Lawson

Administrator Helen Medlycott Charity Eric Koops (Gonville 1959–63) Database and Communications David Blake Development Officer Liz Silvester Events Organiser Kim Richardson Events John Thornley Events Alex Brown (Blackwater 1980–85)

Futures Sarah Gordon Parents Alexandra Byatt, Helen Ridge Sports James Potter (Reeves 2012–14) U29s Liaison Officer Georgia Yarnall (Nugent 2013–18)

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2024

The Agenda

The Annual General Meeting of the Eastbournian Society (incorporating the Old Eastbournian Association) will be held at Eastbourne College later this year. The date and venue and further details for ES members who wish to attend will be announced on the Eastbournian Society website.

1. To receive and, if thought fit, to approve the Hon. Treasurer’s Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023. 2. To elect Officers for the coming year, and to fill vacancies on the Committee. 3. To consider any other business.

Eastbournian Society Sports Club fantastic facilities at a competitive price

The weights area of the fitness suite

The swimming pool

he Eastbournian Society Sports Club (ESSC) has been a great success since it launched in early Exercise bikes, 2022. All ES members are able to use cross trainers and the fantastic sports facilities at Eastbourne treadmills College at a competitive price. Members sign in at Reception on Old Wish Road, from 8.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during term time, and the following facilities are available for use:

• • •

Swimming pool Fitness suite Squash courts

8.30–10.00am 8.30–10.30am 8.30–11.30am

All members will need to complete our online registration process which includes watching a video induction session and completing a PARQ (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) before you

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Keep fit and see friends at our new initiative can access the facilities. The link to the online registration is on our website at https://eastbourniansociety.org/pages/es-sportsclub. Our charitable status means that we are unable to charge for use of the facilities, but are entitled to accept donations which will go towards the College’s Bursaries Fund. Whether you go on to use the facilities on a drop-in basis, or would like to commit termly or annually, we have some suggested amounts:

£5 for a one-off drop-in session £65 for unlimited use during one term £180 for unlimited use during the year (term-time only, 35 weeks in total) The designated changing rooms will be used exclusively by our members, and consist of three cubicle showers and four open showers. These rooms are mixed but include twenty private cubicles or an open space for changing.

If you would like more details or have any questions please contact us on 01323 452316 or es@eastbourne-college.co.uk.

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