OS Record - 124th Annual Record 2020

OS RECORD 124TH ANNUAL RECORD

2020

Contents Headmaster Secretary Chairman Thoughts from Sherborne Music Sport Articles Events and Reunions Pilgrims and OS Sport Engagements, Marriages, Births and Deaths Old Shirburnian News

1 3 3 5 10 14 18 26 29 34 36

Privacy Policy and Data Protection - please refer to www.oldshirburnian.org.uk Front cover - Solitude in Abbey Road by Will M (4d), one of the winning photos in the Life in Lockdown photo competition organised by Director of Art, Matt Bone (m 91). The winning photos have been added to the School Archive as a record of Life in Lockdown.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

-1-

From the Headmaster 2020 will long be remembered as the year of COVID-19: a time when our normal way of life received an unprecedented jolt and the fragility of the modern world was thrown into sharp relief. It was certainly not an easy year but nor was it one without silver linings. As so often, adversity was the spur to great acts of kindness, generosity and selflessness. It was also the mother of invention as, faced with the necessity of innovation and adaptation, we explored and created new ways of doing things. Nowhere was this more the case than at Sherborne.

Hard as it is to remember,

Form for whom that day

there was a time in 2020 when

proved to be their last at

the pandemic was yet to

School.

happen. Until the end of the Lent Term, as the dark COVID-

With the School closed until

19 clouds grew more

further notice, the Easter

menacing, School continued

holiday saw colleagues

very much as normal. The

working hard to design and

academic machine was purring

implement the means of

away nicely, and we were

remotely delivering our

confidently predicting the

academic, co-curricular and

School’s best ever A level

pastoral programmes. Thanks

results. The co-curricular

to their efforts, within a few

programme was, meanwhile,

weeks we succeeded in

proceeding at full pelt with a

temporarily reinventing the

slew of impressive

School which went from a full

achievements across sport,

boarding environment with

music, drama, the CCF,

almost all of the pupils here

outdoor education and a wide

almost all of the time to a

range of other pursuits. One

remote working operation with

of the many highlights of the

none of the boys here at all.

term came on that Saturday in

It is great testament to all

March when an outstanding

involved that this not only

1st XV came within a whisker

worked but worked very well.

of winning their National Cup

Lessons were delivered

semi-final on The Upper.

through Microsoft Teams,

None of us then knew that this

meetings held via Zoom and,

was to be one of the final

aside from the academic

sporting encounters of the

programme, a whole

year as, by the end of the

programme of co-curricular

month, all schools in the UK

activities was devised to keep

were ordered to close, other

boys active, healthy and

than for vulnerable pupils and

engaged. Meanwhile,

the children of keyworkers. It

Housemasters, Tutors and

was a melancholy sight indeed

other colleagues did sterling

to see boys heading home

work maintaining regular

with no knowledge of when

contact with boys and parents

they would be back. This

in order to ensure that our

sadness was, of course,

pastoral care continued to

greatest for the Upper Sixth

support boys’ wellbeing at a

s

s

most challenging time. And it was with a certain satisfaction that August saw the publication of the School’s best ever public examination results. I was particularly pleased for the Upper Sixth who, denied the chance to celebrate the end of their School careers, were at least awarded the outstanding A level results that we had for so long predicted.

Whilst born of necessity, many of the Lent Term’s innovations will be incorporated into our long-term pedagogy and

Vivat Shirburnia!

communications. That said, everyone was delighted to see the boys return at the start of the Michaelmas Term. Since then, things have been somewhat different due to the requirements of social distancing, the restrictions on certain activities such as contact sports, and the omnipresent

anticipation of that longed-for day when

amply justifying the high regard in which

hand gel. But despite the constraints

true normality returns.

we hold them.

have been remarkably normal. Thanks to

Over recent months, staff, boys and

Looking ahead, there will be further

the great ingenuity of colleagues, we

parents have all endured more than their

challenges. But Sherborne is not just an

have been able to continue with many of

fair share of challenge, anxiety, frustration

agile vessel. It is also a sturdy one,

those things that make Sherborne what it

and uncertainty. But they have come

capable of navigating a steady course

is. Services may not for the moment be

through it in fine shape. The provision we

through whatever vicissitudes the

permitted in the Chapel or the Abbey but

offer to the boys may have been adapted

pandemic and its aftermath throw at us.

they are being pre-recorded (as they were

to meet the temporarily changed

Thanks go to our staff, our parents and

throughout the lockdown, along with our

circumstances but it is still recognisably

our Governors, including our recent OS

virtual Commem celebrations) for the

the outstanding, all-round Sherborne

Chairmen of Governors, Roger Fidgen

boys and staff to watch at their leisure.

education of which we are justifiably

(a 64), who stepped down in July after an

Music has made similarly excellent use of

proud. Numbers in the School have not

outstanding tenure, and his successor,

technology, ensuring that lessons,

only held up well but, despite the early

David Leakey (b 70), who has made a

rehearsals and concerts have all

impact of COVID-19, are in excess of

superb job of things so far. Above all, we

continued. And whilst we cannot admit

those we have been predicting for the

have the boys to thank. It is they who

audiences to the Powell Theatre, the

past four years. Above all, throughout the

make Sherborne such a great School. I

Drama Department hit upon the excellent

past months both boys and colleagues

could not be more proud of them.

idea of producing this term’s School and

have been magnificent, exhibiting a calm

House plays for broadcast on our own

resolution to make the best of a

station, Radio Sherborne. None of this

challenging set of circumstances. They

might be quite what we would choose in

have demonstrated the most inspiring

ideal circumstances but it has shown the

adaptability, flexibility and resilience.

great depth of commitment, among both

Above all, they have shown kindness,

boys and staff, to making the term as

consideration, compassion and

close to normal as it can be in

generosity of spirit to those around them,

within which we are operating, things

DR DOMINIC LUCKETT Headmaster

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

-3-

SECRETARY’S LETTER If any readers think that this letter is

usually associated with their last Trinity

visits and introduce the youngest section

going to contain a message of nothing

Term. Many thanks go to the numerous

of the OS community to the ways and

but lament and gloom about the OSS

OS who helped with these forums. Many

means by which the Society can help

year of 2020, please read no further. Yes,

of them are also part of the large career

them. We attempt to visit every university

of course things have been vastly

diverse contingent who have volunteered

housing a significant number of OS at

changed and cancelling or postponing

their time and talent to the L6th Careers

least once every three years. The format

OS events was a painful experience

Convention scheduled for March 2021.

is simple. We buy the food and drinks

especially as spring became summer and

Thanks to them we have slots filled for

and listen to their news and answer their

realisation dawned that we would not be

every career requested by the boys.

questions as to what is occurring back at Sherborne. This year we visited St

meeting live in numbers at any point in the calendar year. It seemed a very

It seems a long time ago but there was a

Andrews, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds,

unlikely prospect that I would be writing

2020 world prior to COVID-19. In

Bristol, and Exeter. The early spring saw

in early December to tell you that, in

February, together with Fiona James from

us hold both a Military Dinner and our

2020, we have held a record number of

Sherborne Girls, Anne and I were able to

annual Volunteers’ Lunch. All these

OS events albeit on a virtual basis. Mostly

conduct our annual round of university

happenings are written up in more detail

these have been social but also many have had a careers or business-based objective. Our Zoom events had one great advantage in as much as we were easily able to engage OS from all over the world who would not be able to attend their year group or house-based reunion in the normal course of things.

Therefore, our UK based regulars have been joined by contemporaries across

FROM THE CHAIRMAN Well, what a different year!

Adaptability has been the name of

the game and both the School and the Alumni have risen to the challenges.

the globe from Australasia to the

We have been well served by those

Americas and all points in between. It has

that have embraced the required

been a privilege to see OS, many of them

changes. This is the new normal.

new faces to us, taking such pleasure

However, the boys still need to be

from meeting friends, many of whom they

educated, fed, watered, and given an

have not seen since schooldays.

environment in which to flourish and grow – this has been achieved.

The OSS have always enjoyed a happy

Parents need to be reassured that the

and close relationship with the School

School is still able to provide value for

and enjoy offering careers help for the

money and an all-round education – this has been achieved and numbers continue

boys wherever possible. We are indebted

to rise. OS need to be supported in their endeavours to find ways of opening

to Rob Marston, Assistant Head (Sixth

doors, playing sport and staying in touch with the School and other OS – thanks to

Form), for setting up many university and

some creative thinking and action this has also been accomplished.

careers forums where Sixth Form boys were able to meet with OS via Zoom. This hopefully provided boys with invaluable help, especially the U6 boys who so sadly missed out on all the rites of passage

Thank you to the Headmaster, the staff, the OSS office, and all those that have contributed to make 2020 a memorable year – for all the right reasons.

STEPHEN REES-WILLIAMS (h 81)

s

With Anne Macfarlane and Claire Giovanini being on furlough throughout late spring and summer, I realise how much the smooth running of the OSS depends on them and how pleased I was to see their return.

s

in the ‘Events’ section of this Record where our wide range of virtual events is also summarised.

Mention of the Volunteers’ Lunch brings me to highlight our now huge army of OS and parent volunteers who form the driving force without whom the Society could not thrive. Whether giving careers help, hosting events, sitting on committees or helping in a variety of other ways, they give their time and talent freely and cheerfully. Never have they been more needed than during the last nine months of 2020. It was typical of our volunteers that they immediately plucked the silver lining from the COVID19 cloud. They are too numerous to name individually in the scope of this letter, but we heartily thank them all.

The OS Charitable Trust remains in good heart and continues to provide bursaries for sons and grandsons of OS. It is pleasing to report that the bursary support from the Trust stands at a record level for the 2020/2021 academic year.

Capitalisation of the Trust has increased considerably due to the generosity of the late David Ellis (g 66) and the OS Committee awarded an individual bursary

With Anne Macfarlane and Claire

What of the future? As I write, the green

in David’s name for the first time this year.

Giovanini being on furlough throughout

shoots of COVID-19 recovery appear to

late spring and summer, I realise how

be slowly germinating. We need to

Over the past decade, the OSS Finance

much the smooth running of the OSS

remain pragmatic about the prospects of

and Bursary Committee have been

depends on them and how pleased I was

staging live events - there are still so

indebted to the support of Lucy Robins,

to see their return. During the furlough

many imponderables. However, our

the School Bursar, not only in sourcing us

period my technical deficiencies would

intention remains to plan for the best in

potential candidates but also carrying out

have been brutally highlighted if it had

the hope that our summer season of 2021

the necessary financial checks as well.

not been for the brilliant help that I

can go ahead. Seeing you all again will

Lucy is leaving Sherborne at Christmas

received from our ICT Department.

be a true joy. In the meantime, Anne,

with our grateful thanks for all she has

Sherborne has been well served by so

Claire and I wish you a very happy, safe

done for the OSS. We wish her well for

many unsung heroes in the past nine

and prosperous 2021.

the future and are confident that we shall

months and Gareth Ward and his team of

form an equally happy relationship with

‘techies’ rate extremely highly amongst

her successor, David Cole.

them.

JoHn HarDen (g 70)

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

-5-

Chaplaincy there is that often-quoted blessing (or curse depending on how you see it) which runs, “may you live in interesting times.” the old Liberal member of Parliament, Joseph chamberlain, elaborated on it in a speech given in 1898: “i think that you will all agree that we are living in most interesting times. i never remember myself a time in which our history was so full, in which day by day brought us new objects of interest, and, let me say also, new objects for anxiety.”

There seems little doubt that we here at Sherborne, as in so many places, are indeed living in such times: times of immense and diverse interest and on occasion in the midst of objects which can bring us anxiety and uncertainty in our own lives and in the lives of those we love and care for.

We have seen well-loved and looked

even to those who consider that they

human existence, but this is only true if

forward to events cancelled, the

need the company of friends and

we do not consider its more positive and

opportunities for socialising with friends

companions the least. It can be an enemy

life-affirming aspects. To be encouraged

and comrades old and new restricted,

because it devours that human capacity

to inhabit a place of solitude is one of the

and a more general change in how we

and need for acquaintance and

great gifts of all religious traditions. By

are living. For some, we may find

relationship-forming. If I have learned and

that I mean that there is a great deal to

ourselves living through lonely or more

felt this to be true in my own experience

be said for the occasional taking of time

isolated lives than we ever thought

in these times, I have also learned and

to retreat into oneself, to consider the

possible or that we would witness in our

felt, even in lonely times, that solitude

nature of the life we have been given, the

own lifetimes or in those of our children

can be a great friend.

circumstances we face or are daily living

and grandchildren. The one thing I think I

through. The ancients probably knew

have learned over the course of my life is

Often though we are tempted to think of

better than we, even if they would not

that loneliness can certainly be an enemy,

solitude as a purely negative aspect to

have named it as such, the value of such

s

s a practice for strong and positive mental health and more general human well-being and flourishing. The tradition of belief that I inhabit and which inhabits me has as its role model Jesus the son of Joseph from Nazareth. And in his life and living it is quite possible to recall to mind a retreat away from the madding crowd, away from the bustling city and village marketplaces and other public places. Often the evangelists record him after a frenetic time, taking time to be by himself to care for himself in what are described as isolated and lonely places sometimes referred to generically as “The Wilderness.”

I still think, living through strange and unwanted times as we are, that there is merit for a great many people in making a visit to our own metaphorical or even real wildernesses. That is simply because those places in which we might find a precious quietness and solitude, a time for deep thought or even prayer can be places from which a remarkable discovery or renewal of spiritual and emotional growth and health can spring. tHe reV Dr DaViD camPBeLL Chaplain

Sherborne in the Community 2020 has been an extraordinary year for everyone, particularly for those who are dependent on others for financial support or grants. What is apparent is that young people from 16-24 are far more likely to be furloughed and lose jobs due to the pandemic, so are particularly vulnerable. However, it has been extremely heartening for the Trustees to see and hear how the causes and charities that we have supported have been able to adapt their plans and continue their work so far as they are able.

In no particular order, the charities and organisations receiving grants this year have been: Hackney Tales/Ministry of Stories, Welcare, Young Urban Arts Foundation, LEAP, EAT Club and Cardboard Citizens. However, as written about in October by The Guardian, it has become increasingly apparent that in times of remote working / learning and virtual meetings, some schools and organisations simply have not had the necessary equipment to support young people. A number of the organisations above have had to re-evaluate initial proposals, streamline projects or move to alternative delivery via online and virtual media.

DePaul continue to occupy Sherborne House and bring their brilliant work to bear on those who need it most – the Trustees are making a donation to DePaul to purchase some tablets that will further enable them to deliver support to those who need it. We intend to continue in our plans to provide grants to worthy causes in 2021 and our website will set out details for applications early next year.

Lastly, the Trustees of SITC are grateful to Richard Ambrose, who for many years was school liaison with Sherborne House, for sending them a 10-minute video that was made by the Probation Service to promote awareness of its programme at Sherborne House in the 1980s. A link to the video can be found on the Sherborne in the Community (Formerly Sherborne House) website http://www.sherborneinthecommunity.co.uk.

JameS mckiLLoP (m 01)

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

Old Shirburnians

-7-

champions of Higher education and careers the turbulence of 2020 has, if anything, been a catalyst for a greater level of support from the oS community than ever. the arrival of Zoom and mS teams to everyone’s new normal way of working, has linked us in ways we had not previously experienced. to say that oS have helped us maintain purposeful delivery of Higher education and careers function, would be a huge understatement. the careers convention Earlier in 2020, we hosted the annual Careers Convention for members of the Lower Sixth Form, with a tweaked format.

The Friday night saw Alex Webb (m 05) and David Nicholls (g 05) returning to discuss the future of the workplace, in the broadest sense, considering the skills, competencies and versatility that might ensure the boys can flourish through the evolution of technology and the very nature of work. The Saturday saw a new format: rather than an open forum in the Sports Hall for one-to-one conversations with the bravest pupils, we grouped OS/parent/other professional delegates by sector or theme for a mini-panel discussion. The boys selected two sessions to attend, researching and preparing questions in advance. The format worked so well in stimulating discussion to better understand the range of opportunities available in an industry and was followed by networking over coffee. calling the (oS) cavalry Lockdown brought several challenges to Higher Education and Careers delivery. In any normal year Lower Sixth Form boys would visit potential universities of choice, attend UCAS exhibitions and, at School, would receive specific training and events to kick-start their research and applications. Anyone can see the glossy brochure version of a university, but it’s harder to get the ground truths and candid student perspective, so we had to plug that gap. As we sought to target the most popular destinations for Shirburnians in recent years, OS gave candid advice and

answered questions in webinars covering Exeter; Bristol and Bath; Durham and Newcastle; St Andrews and Edinburgh; and London universities. This brought fantastic perspectives and advice from OS alumni of the universities, particularly when comparing and contrasting pairs of geographically close universities which offer very different student experiences.

We also hosted careers focused webinars, including coverage of careers in law, finance, property, entrepreneurship and start-ups, sport and music. OS and parents gave superb open and honest advice. As ever the real win is sowing the seeds of understanding that enable the boys to think carefully about what might really work for them and suit their interests, skills and ambitions, rather than defaulting to a preconceived idea that a particular role is what they are after. The varied work routine of a property and agricultural expert sounded particularly appealing!

The contribution of OS and parents to this webinar series was, for us, the stuff of dreams. As John Harden and Adrian Ballard cast the net for willing volunteers, we were flooded with offers and were truly touched by the generosity of time and effort. We separately launched a fantastic initiative of granting Sixth Form pupils limited-access Sherborne Connect accounts, with which they can search our award-winning platform to seek sources of advice. The subsequent link would only be made via the OSS office or the Foundation, with parental consent, but it does put the boys on the front foot and encourage them to take ownership of their pursuit of success. It would be remiss of us not to mention Scott Stevens (c 90) who reached out to Sherborne’s Sixth Form with a virtual work experience opportunity with Quilter. Aside from the obvious benefits to successful applicants of the experience itself, they also went through a formal application process of submitting a CV and recording interview questions, so hard to replicate properly in mock scenarios.

the new normal… …though we hope not forever, is maintenance of social distancing and other prescriptive control measures to keep pupils, staff and the community safe. It’s for us to ensure the boys get the very best experience and opportunities despite these constraints. As well as the events described above, it’s important to recognise, with sincere gratitude, the positive response we receive when we make ad hoc requests for support. The OSS team facilitate connections on behalf of academic departments, to support the lecture programme and a host of other deliverables along the way. With a fantastic new Careers Manager in post, Zoe Fraser, liaising closely with the OSS team, I am incredibly proud of the fact that when, for example, a pupil shows interest in Marine Biology but doesn’t know where to start, a week later he is on a chaperoned Zoom call with Steve Canty (m 98) a Marine Conservation programme coordinator based in Florida. That is not normal, it’s exceptional, and it’s made possible by the work of the OSS Team and the incredible commitment of our alumni to supporting the School. always moving forward We must capitalise on the gains we’ve made here and the newfound options for leveraging the breadth and depth of expertise that the OS community offers.

We are already planning the 2021 Careers Convention, with online delivery not certain (at the time of writing) but looking ever more likely, and we’d love to continue offering advisory webinars. Following the Talent & Time week in November, it’s everencouraging to see the level of willing support offered. on behalf of the School’s pupils, parents and staff, thank you.

roBert marSton assistant Head (Sixth form)

Sherborne School Foundation the Sherborne School foundation has been busy during 2020

supporting both the School through

the Sherborne 360° programme and the work of the oS Society.

Although 2020 did not allow us to see many of our supporters face to face after March, we were pleased to chat to many of you via Zoom. It was also my great pleasure to join forces with John Harden during the lockdown and furlough period to ensure the OS Society reunions continued along with Business Breakfasts as well as Bow Society, American Friends and other virtual gatherings.

We have not been able to complete many of our projects during the year but are continuing to build for the future. The first term of the year did see an excellent exhibition from our art foundation fellow, Braden

maxwell, and then in June we took

delivery of a field Gun for the naval Section of the ccf to compete at Naval CCF competitions when conditions allow.

support, and over £2.2m since our 20th anniversary Dinner in June

Most notably we were able to inject a grant of £1m for bursaries and

capital projects to the School to

2019. Since 1993 we have now raised more than £14.2m. We have also received a significant number of

support the efforts during the most

pledges for future projects and, of

challenging time. We have also been

course, many legacy pledges taking

make the Foundation’s support of the

able to establish a hardship fund to

the membership of the Bow Society

School’s development possible and

support boys whose parents are in the

close to 200.

look forward to working with you in

most challenged sectors.

2021.

We are now gearing up to help

We have been building support for the

support the School’s exciting and

various ambitions the School has

ambitious growth plans which we hope

planned for 2021 and beyond. We

to bring you news of early in 2021.

have been grateful for your support during the calendar year when we

We are grateful for all our

received just short of £1m in

donors and volunteers who

Many thanks. aDrian BaLLarD Head of the Sherborne School foundation

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

-9-

The Steven Lawn Lecture

The Steven Lawn Lecture for 2020 was given by former parent, Major General James Cowan, the CEO of Halo Trust, the largest humanitarian landmine clearing organisation.

It leads the effort to protect lives and restore livelihoods for people affected by conflict. It was founded in Afghanistan in 1988 by former British soldiers determined to do something about a humanitarian crisis left behind by Soviet landmines. It now works in over 25 countries and territories and employs 8,500 mostly local people trained to clear explosive debris from their own communities.

General Cowan reflected on both the work of the Trust but also the need for the boys to consider the importance of what they do after Sherborne and its impacts on the world and how important service and kindness are in the modern world.

Music As everybody says, it has been a year — and continues to be a year — like no other.

There have again been a large number of concerts — not quite as many as usual, of course, but many, nonetheless. The first two terms were unaffected by the pandemic so that the musicians had the opportunity for the usual round of instrumental and vocal recitals every Friday lunchtime in Cheap Street Church, Carol Services and choral concerts ranging from the Chamber Choir being joined by a broadcasting boys’ choir from Norway (the Sølvguttene), a Choral Society (formerly MusSoc) performance of Mozart’s Requiem in the Abbey, to the twice-weekly school services; a few Prep School workshop days involving Shirburnians getting to grips with the coaching of younger instrumentalists for a ‘grand finale’ at tea-time; instrumental competitions and masterclasses on Sundays with external adjudicators and leaders; and a plethora of grade exams with a handful of impressive diplomas. The last two live performances before everything stopped in March were given by the Sherborne Schools’ Symphony Orchestra in St John’s Smith Square, London and the Chamber Choir in a full Festal Evensong in the School Chapel on the Eve of the Annunciation (a service followed by the annual dinner for Chamber Choir singers and their parents in the OSR) just a matter of days before the School closed and the first Lockdown started.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 11 And so, began the entirely new era of remote virtual music. There is no doubt whatsoever that Shirburnians have risen to the challenge with admirable enthusiasm. It had been important to find a solution to our world-wide musical problem that would give the young an ability to be part of ensemble musicmaking one way or another — and to see their friends whilst doing so — at the same time recreating that strong sense of team that being in a 104-strong Choir and 60 plus Wind Band (not to mention the many other slightly smaller ensembles) had been engendering on a weekly basis in Sherborne. Remember that, for the many who enjoy musicmaking these days, being without can be as difficult as is a lack of exercise.

As with so many other aspects of life, the solution presented itself in Zoom before Teams video caught up. Whilst the Prime Minister spoke to us just hours after returning from hospital, on Zoom, after his own spell of COVID-19, the Abbey choristers were already meeting on Zoom prior to making solo recordings to be compiled on the wondrous Apple software ‘Logic Pro X’ — think of it as electronic Sellotape for sticking together a limitless number of recording tracks — to appear weekly on YouTube (as they still do). Once the Trinity Term had begun, in its remote form, individual instrumental music lessons for Shirburnians were quickly discovered to be highly effective: the latency, which rapidly improved as Zoom was regularly upgraded, together with the occasional Internet glitches, didn’t prohibit pupil enjoyment of music

person to speak at a time! But overnight,

Some young musicians thought that they

taught online, and indeed it continues

therefore, Shirburnians became

were wise to the fact that, in effect, the

this term in the Music School

accustomed to the idea that they were to

weekly recordings were starting to act as

practice/teaching rooms as pupils attend

be ‘recording stars’ by virtue of the ‘Voice

re-auditions but in reality the recording

their lessons with a device and an

Memo’ app on their mobile phones.

tracks genuinely weren’t auditions: the

instrument while their teachers remain at

There is nonetheless a vast difference

process of compiling recordings involved

home. The smaller rooms are not big

between rehearsing in a Wind Band with

a fair degree of editing and there simply

enough for social distancing.

sixty-four of your friends and instead then

wasn’t time to ‘judge’ the individual

having to meet on Zoom for about ten

performance or to worry about whether

Ensembles and large choirs were

minutes social interaction before

or not it was as ‘good’ as it could have

altogether more complicated because,

recording your own musical part to be

been. In any case, for most of them it was

for all its virtues, Zoom cannot

submitted by email to the conductor! It is

all about ‘taking part’ and then being

successfully enable more than one voice

possible, too, that family members didn’t

able to listen to their performances later

or instrument at a time — at its heart it is

always enjoy having to listen to the

— and it was in this spirited commitment

conference software for situations in

second, third, fourth and fifth recording

that they most excelled. If it is the case

which you do not want more than one

attempts!

that the pupils became overnight –

s

(yet with the ability to rewind several

the many others made that term, are still

became overnight record producers —

times and several attempts at recording

available on the website and by searching

and classical Music Technology became,

the music). That process became faster

‘Sherborne School’ on YouTube.

by necessity, every music teacher’s new

for the teachers every bit as much as it

specialism.

did for the pupils but, certainly in the

Remote music, at least for the time

s

recording stars, the music staff certainly

earliest days, making a video that

being, has been replaced by ‘socially

Probably the biggest issue arose with

involved animatedly conducting an empty

distanced music’. All ensembles continue

those boys who — whether ordinarily

space at home was certainly extraordinary

as before March, with special Music

playing an instrument at near beginner

— and the number of re-takes and

Lunches in the Music School within its

level, or perhaps singing happily amongst

renewed attempts at the videos (again, all

new one-way system and regimented

eighty or so other singers, suddenly

on the mobile phone) probably reflected

times for collecting food according to

found themselves without anybody else

the identical number of re-takes that the

bubbles (to be eaten in the Perspex-

to lead and encourage them, and

pupils were creating on their instrument

screened rehearsal rooms) with maximum

therefore became initially reluctant to

or voice!

rehearsal time limits following government guidelines. It is quite

record. The solution was to provide ‘Guide Tracks’ — fresh recordings of the

Countless hours went into the production

remarkable how quickly Shirburnians have

music by the teacher-conductor, with the

of remote ‘virtual’ performances for the

adapted, again, and how keen they are to

pupil’s instrumental or vocal part played

annual Gala Concert at Commem by the

make music happen — which isn’t to say

onto the recording at an audibly greater

Chamber Orchestra, Swing Band,

that they don’t look forward to the return

volume. And then there were also the

chamber music trios, Wind Band,

of normality!

‘conducting videos‘: short videos made

Barbershop and Close Harmony — all of

by the music staff of themselves

which started and ended their

conducting the recordings — so that the

performances at home, individually, and

pupils were able to follow the beat and

probably in their third or fourth version

get one step closer to the real experience

when emailed. These performances, and

JameS HenDerSon Director of Music

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 13 -

It is quite remarkable how quickly Shirburnians have adapted, again, and how keen they are to make music happen — which isn’t to say that they don’t look forward to the return of normality!

Sport

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 15 -

up until march 2020, it was all going rather well.

s

s

the academic year 2019 – 2020 was certainly unique. in living memory, it is difficult to find such a contrast of activity and emotions, from the passion and energy on the upper in november to an empty school during may and June with tennis courts closed and cricket nets left idle.

Before COVID-19 took over the country and forced school closures all over the UK, the boys of Sherborne had enjoyed another outstanding two terms of sport.

The 1st XV had reached the National Cup semi final before a last-minute loss to Whitgift and the 1st XI hockey squad were on the brink of a place at the

activity levels of many children (and

boy with opportunities and support, but it

National Finals before the pandemic

adults!) suffered. Opportunities for the

is pleasing to see those who take

robbed them of the chance to fulfil their

class of 2020 to play for the 1st XI on The

everything we offer and fully commit to

dreams.

Upper or take on opposition on the grass

achieving their potential.

tennis courts were lost and it is a real The same story of mass participation and

shame that so many boys from schools

At the time of writing this we are doing

developing performance sports was a

across the country and world have missed

everything possible to provide a sporting

theme throughout the Michaelmas and

out on their ‘golden moments’. Whilst

experience at School, within the

Lent Terms. In the twenty odd sports, the

many aspects of life will eventually return

guidelines of social distancing, hygiene

boys worked hard and were as

to some form of normality, the once in a

and the complexities of working in a full

competitive as ever both against other

lifetime chances have been lost forever.

boarding school in a sleepy North Dorset

schools and in the numerous Inter House

For some individuals, there have been

market town. With no external fixture

competitions. Boys need the

positive outcomes. Hot on the heels of

programme and significant restrictions on

opportunities sport offers: to relieve

previous 1st XV scrum halves such as

what can or cannot be undertaken, it is a

stress, enjoy time with friends, challenge

Aadel Kardooni (c 87), Will Homer (m 14),

massive challenge for us all but we are

themselves and endure loss and failures

Tom James (c 12,) another talented and

determined to work through the

but also to discover the huge benefits of

hardworking young man has departed to

problems and ensure that this generation

a lifelong love of exercise, be that on the

launch a professional career, as captain of

of young men are given as many

golf course or the squash court. Up until

rugby Tom Carr-Smith (m 20) takes up a

opportunities as we can provide.

March 2020, it was all going rather well.

contract with Bath Rugby whilst also

From the end of March, everything

starting his studies at Bath university. As a

changed and whilst the staff gave their all

sports department we are totally

to support online learning, inevitably, the

committed to providing each and every

DaViD Guy

Director of Sport

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 17 -

Articles tHe GuarDian of tHe courtS: ceLeBratinG 150 yearS of tHe ScHooL cuStoS

Amongst the many innovations that Headmaster Hugo Harper introduced at Sherborne School, the role of School Custos is perhaps the one that 150 years later is still as vital to the running of the School as it was when it was first introduced in 1870.

By 1870 Harper had been Headmaster at Sherborne for twenty years and the School was thriving. The School roll had risen dramatically from just 40 pupils in 1850 to 252 in 1870, and the size of the School site had grown considerably with the acquisition in 1851 of the former monastic buildings and the land to the north-west of the original schoolroom (now the OSR).

Harper was keen to stake out the boundaries of the enlarged site and in 1853 a gateway and Lodge were built adjoining Abbey Road at the north entrance to the Courts.

The evident need for someone to guard the gates of Harper’s growing empire was

Charles Scott, Custos 1870-1910

set out in a letter written in September 1869 by assistant master, Mungo Travers Park, in which he described the School’s relaxed attitude to security: ‘They have rather a good system here of having no bounds and no locking up. Any boy can go out wherever he likes and pretty nearly at all times.’

On 3 May 1870, Harper wrote to the School Governors proposing the appointment of Charles Scott as ‘School Porter’. He recommended that Scott should be paid a salary of £40 a year and live at the Lodge, which had recently been

Steve Read, a long serving member of our current Custos team

Sergeant Norton being introduced to George VI and Queen Elizabeth, 1 June 1950

vacated by the School gardener.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 19 -

Alwyn Lugg with the Band of the Devon and Dorset after the Beating of the Retreat on The Upper 1974

In February 1871 it was Charles Scott who rescued assistant master William Hetherington from the School House Studies when a fire broke out in the building, and during the Second World War the Custos Sergeant Norton not only acted as an Air Raid Warden, manning night fire watches from the top of the entrance gateway, but also played a crucial role after the bombing of Sherborne in September 1940 by ensuring that everyone was safe and giving the ‘All Clear’ when the siren failed because the electricity supply had been cut.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enforcing School discipline also fell within the remit of the Custos,

Harper had known Charles Scott since

Prof. Brooke Foss Westcott, also taught

with Charles and Arthur Scott being

1855 when as a seventeen year old he

there for many years.

required to assist the Headmaster when birching boys in the Upper Library. H.B.

had come to Sherborne from Bedfordshire to work as Harper’s private

Since 1870 the Lodge has been the

Stallard (g 1914-19) recalled in 1964 how

servant. Charles proved to be an

home of the School Custos. All eight of

the boys believed that Arthur Scott’s role

excellent appointment and for the next

Charles and Elizabeth Scott’s children

during the birchings was ‘to maintain

40 years, until his retirement in 1910, he

were born at the Lodge, including their

elevation of the victim’s shirt tails and

served the School faithfully, working

third son, Arthur who in 1910 succeeded

later callously to mop up the trickle of

under five headmasters (Harper, Young,

his father as Custos.

blood which flowed gently down the library steps from the site of execution.’

Westcott, Wood, and Smith) and two monarchs (Queen Victoria and Edward

The duties of the School Custos have

VII).

over the last 150 years been many and

On the 31 July 1910 Charles Scott retired

various, though the current holders of

as School Custos, having worked at the

The word ‘custos’ means a keeper,

the role will no doubt be relieved that

School for a total of 55 years, with 40 of

warden or guardian, and was not used at

they no longer have to tidy up after

those as School Custos. It is perhaps

Sherborne until the 1890s, prior to this

the School ravens who enjoyed

fitting that Charles Scott’s last Commem

the job title was ‘School Porter’. It seems

scattering textbooks and hymn books

was attended by Canon Westcott, the

highly probable that the title of Custos

around the Courts, or teach boys how to

Headmaster who brought the title of

was introduced to Sherborne from

swim by dangling them in a harness over

‘Custos’ to Sherborne School.

Harrow in 1892 by the new Headmaster

the outdoor swimming bath.

F.B. Westcott. According to Tace Fox, the Harrow School archivist, the role of

The security of the School has always

Custos, which still exists at Harrow today,

been the Custos’s primary concern.

dates back to at least 1817.

Traditionally, as ‘the keeper of the keys’, the Custos has been responsible for

The Custos would have been very

locking and unlocking the School site

familiar to Westcott who was not only

and ensuring the safety of the boys and

born at Harrow but his father, the Rev.

staff.

racHeL HaSSaLL

School Archivist

BOW AWARD was the fact they are all now doing jobs that are people related, whether in business, the charity sector, the armed forces, the stage, medicine or veterinary services. Whilst not necessarily natural leaders, all are team players. If you want to employ someone with a big heart and who will be a team player and an understated manager, look for a Bow Award winner! aDrian BaLLarD Head of the Sherborne School foundation

When I suggested writing an article on the Bow Award, I had no idea of the journey on which my research would take me. I have learnt a great deal about what makes Shirburnians special and why so many people tell me about the OS that they know.

Although always present, they are not necessarily leaders and don’t overly promote themselves but have a gentle capacity to be the power behind the throne. You could say that they have so many of the best Shirburnian characteristics.

As many readers may not know much about the Bow Award, a little history may help. The Bow Award was created by the School Pastoral Committee in 2003, although nobody admits being the actual creator, which possibly reflects the award’s concept of unsung heroes. It is given to a boy who, over the course of the school year, has cared the most for other boys through unobtrusive pastoral care. It is awarded at the last School Assembly, or Lists as they are known, of the academic year when only the School staff and boys are present. It is the one award where the boys play a major part in nominating their own choice and is therefore very much a whole School celebration. Until it is announced only the Headmaster is aware of the name of the successful candidate and often the award winner himself will have no prior idea.

The award has become so prestigious that the winner is applauded as if he had been a legendary master who had served the School for 40 years.

Whilst they have these characteristics in common, their stewardship takes different forms. Many of the senior winners have won for looking after junior boys who have duly nominated them for the award. Others have looked after contemporaries who have been through life-changing challenges as caring friends, whilst some have overcome their own issues whilst continuing to care for others and one winner won just for smiling and being friendly to everyone for five years!

So, what are Bow Award winners like? I have had the pleasure since 2003 of having met all the winners and I also have the joy of calling some of the older ones my friends. They tend to be modest, unassuming and quiet, caring boys.

TALENT AND TIME WEEK The week of the 7 to 15 November saw us launch our first Talent and Time week. We asked OS and parents to offer a little of their time but a lot of their talent to help with, our currently virtually delivered, careers offering and to help with academic enrichment.

We were also keen to make use of that talent to support our current undergraduates and recent graduates as they try to find a pathway in the challenging world of work.

We were bowled over by the incredible response with over 100

To this day they are all, like most OS, men you would want to have a beer with, but they are also something special. They are interested in you and not themselves and have an unassuming self-confidence even when in many cases they doubt themselves. None wanted to be specifically profiled for this article and those featured in the photos here are unnamed because that is their wish and a simple reflection of the men they have become. If you want to know the winners, they are listed on the back wall of the BSR. One other thing that grew on me when talking to them, and often the interview lasted hours because they were so chatty,

OS and parents emailing to offer help across the career range and from around the globe. We were able to sit down with the careers team confident of helping to deliver their programme which is spoken about at length by Rob Marston on page 7.

Thank you to all of you who offered to help and we look forward to welcoming you all to Sherborne soon, virtually or in real life. aDrian BaLLarD Head of the Sherborne School foundation

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 21 -

The idea of training huskies in the Arctic began quite a few years prior whilst

travelling the horse racing world; I was working for top trainers in places such as Sydney and Miami. My logic was

a Winter in DarkneSS Hetta - ounaSJärVi - finLanD

simple - if I can train horses in hot

places, then surely, I could train dogs in cold places.

I had known for a while Hetta Huskies

was the farm I wanted to go to due to its world-renowned welfare ethics and

the fact that it ran the top Arctic guide training programme. Hetta sits deep

inside Finnish Lapland not far from the Norwegian border and is about as remote as settlements get in Scandinavia.

s

s

I arrived at Hetta at the start of

had now moved four hours south to open

November 2019 for my three-month stint

Hetta’s satellite farm in Yllas with 60 of

in the Arctic Circle. I was dropped at the

the female dogs and a handful of other

farm’s guide house by the region’s only

French speaking guides to take on the

daily bus. A small Finnish cabin, that was

Christmas tourist rush. A stint at Hetta is

full to the brim with 17 guides from all

challenging in so many ways it’s hard to

over the world which was not dissimilar

focus on just one thing, but the lack of

from Sherborne 3rd form dorms, was my

sleep during that month was what I really

new home. The first major challenge was

recall struggling with. On top of the -20c

learning 260 Alaskan huskies by face as

temperatures, the constant darkness and

you can only really become useful with

the never-ending instant mash potato for

the dog tasks once you know who each

dinner, the five hours of sleep we were

dog is (and who they might fight with)

getting each night was making things

and where they live on the farm. On day

physically and mentally punishing.

two I was thrown straight into meat prep which is a standard induction for all new

However, through all the brutal demands

guides. The farm gets through around

that Hetta throws at you, dotted

100kg of frozen meat a day, this gets

throughout your time there are some

chopped into 260 chunks with a cleaver

truly unparalleled highs and memories

and the process takes around three

that will last a lifetime. After a long day

hours. Strangely enough towards the end

leading up to Christmas, seeing the

of my time this was one of my favourite

northern lights for the first time whilst

jobs although it is not for the faint

driving a 14-dog team back through the

hearted. The other major issue I had to

tundra night somehow made all the lows

tackle was the noise, when that many

seem worth it.

dogs are excited and barking it is incredibly hard to even think, let alone communicate, with your fellow guides.

The training was thorough and fast paced: learning the equipment, how to run a dog team and even being shown how to treat frostbite was a real wake-up call that this was going to be vastly different to looking after wealthy clients at Goodwood for the afternoon.

By the time December arrived we were down to around four hours of daylight a day and the sun would not break the horizon now until mid-January, which is an incredibly daunting concept as you are not sure how you are going to react. I

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 23 -

have on a farm’s reputation with tourists.

They are leading the way for traditional husky farms to move away from their “disappearing older dogs” attitudes.

Going into my final month, the expeditions were stepping up in distance and the wilderness survival aspect of the job was becoming more real. With some of the big polar trips covering 300km, the need to look after your guests and dogs was of paramount importance and knowing that if something were to go wrong, it would take a helicopter over four hours to reach you. This really adds on pressure that you could do without, whilst also ensuring the expedition clients are having a magnificent experience. My finest hour (and the moment I will always remember from the Arctic) came whilst out on one of these trips when I had to “Indiana Jones” jump from a full speed snowmobile onto a loose dog sled and bring it to a stop in the middle of a frozen lake!

By January, temperatures were regularly dropping below -30° which makes things

Leaving Hetta I had mixed emotions - on

rather challenging to work in. I was

the one hand I was hugely looking

constantly looking for ways to keep

forward to the end of three months of

moving and keep the blood pumping

frankfurters and instant mash (I cannot

and you would only under pack your

emphasise enough how dull Arctic food

backpack with thermals once. Eyelids

is). But on the other hand, I was all too

freezing shut whilst driving your dogs was

aware that I would miss the dogs and the

a real issue and hard to rectify with three

demanding Arctic lifestyle before too

pairs of gloves on. By now I had my

long. I am certain I have never been

favourite dogs on the farm and had built

pushed like that before but as a result of

good rapports with certain lead dogs, so

the Hetta process I now know my mental

I would be looking for their names on the

and physical limits stretch far further than

day’s team list. Hetta is striving to have

I originally thought.

sled dog farms regulated and humanely run worldwide, by promoting its zero-kill policy and the knock-on effect that will

HARRY HUGHES-ONSLOW (g 11)

OS MERCHANDISE These items may be purchased from: THE OLD SHIRBURNIAN OFFICE, SHERBORNE SCHOOL, SHERBORNE, DORSET DT9 3AP Tel: 01935 810558 • Email: oss@sherborne.org Prices exclude P and P CUFFLINKS (town and country colours)

£35

OS SOCKS (town and country colours)

£10

OS TIE (town and country colours)

£20

OS BOW TIES (town and country colours) PILGRIMS TIE

£18 £20

MANyATTA.CO OSS BELTS (town colours) Manyatta belts are traditional and personalised Kenyan beaded belts handmade by the Maasai.

Every belt purchased directly helps the Maasai and the Tusk Trust.

£70

For more information and to order a belt please visit their website: https://manyatta.co/products/old-shirburnian

SEAGLIMPSE LUXURY SEASIDE APARTMENT Beautiful ground floor apartment, looking down to the sea. Perfect for a couple’s coastal getaway, just steps from Swanage Bay’s gently sloping white sand beach on the Jurassic Coast.

PRINTS OF THE SCHOOL AND COURTS WILLIAM ANSTICE BROWN (g 47, Staff 53-67) Port of Sherborne – Print: £10 • Framed: £65 FRANCIS PHILIP BARRAUD (1824-1901) Small Print (watercolour) of the Courts: £10 • Large Print: £15 • Framed Print: £65 JOHN WESTERN Print (pen and ink) of the Courts (signed): £10 • Framed: £65 JOCELYN GALSWORTHY The Upper - Sherborne v Winchester (Signed limited edition print unframed): £50 • Framed: £105

BOOKS

VIVAT SHIRBURNIA £30 Sherborne School and the Great War, 1914-18 By Patrick Francis SHERBORNE REGISTER £20 8th Edition 1925-2015

THE APSARA HOTELS, LAOS

CAROLINE HARDEN

Visit the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang in Laos. Ivan Scholte (d 80) is offering a discount of 15% at either hotel for all OS and staff.

See his hotels at www.theapsara.com To book, email Ivan at ivan@theapsara.com

Family History Research

Ground-floor seaside apartment Dog permitted Beach - 100 yards Easy level walk into town centre Garden and parking

A wonderful present – Caroline Harden has both the experience and the software to compile your family tree. If you would like further details, please do not hesitate to contact her on: 01963 250251 harden.caroline2018@gmail.com

www.dorsetcoastalcottages.com/cottage-details/148

ADVENTUROUS APPETITES LTD

LIVING THE DREAM Charles York Miller (f 86) runs a real estate business in Jarnac, the home of Courvoisier in the heart of Cognac country (the sunniest region in France after the Côte d'Azur). If any OS are considering either a permanent move to the Charente or buying a holiday home here, please contact Charles to find out how he can help with the entire process. Accommodation etc. can be arranged for house-hunting trips. charles@charente-immobilier.com www.charente-immobilier.com

OSS CHARITABLE TRUST The OSS Charitable Trust continues to award meanstested bursaries to the sons of Old Shirburnians.

Details and application forms are available from the OSS Hon Treasurer, Robin Brown at robjen.brown@btinternet.com The Trust has been greatly helped over the years by generous bequests and we remain indebted to our many supporters who have kindly left a legacy to the Trust thus enabling sons of OS to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. The OSS Committee advises that, if you would like to leave a legacy to this worthwhile cause, the following wording is suggested: “I give free of all tax and duty to the Old Shirburnian Society Charitable Trust 1975 (Charity No. 271592) the sum of £… (…..... pounds) and declare that a receipt from the Treasurer or other proper officer of the said charitable body for such gift shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees who shall not be bound to see the application thereof.”

AGM AND ACCOUNTS

Extensive Fish & Shellfish, Farmyard and Wildlife designs on ceramics, textiles, boards and tablemats by artist Richard Bramble (h 86). These can be seen and purchased at his London Borough Market stall, Sherborne working studios or his website. 20% reduction (excludes existing offers) for all OS and family, just quote code: OS20 when ordering. All ceramics can be personalised by the artist making unique gifts. info@richardbramble.com www.richardbramble.com

HOUSE TO RENT NR ST TROPEZ La Bergerie is a magical stone-built house, set in 11 acres, 2 kms, from La Garde Freinet, St Maxime and St Tropez are a short drive away away. It has stunning views, overlooking the vineyards of St. Clement, and onto the Mediterranean, in the distance. A new swimming pool and pool house/bar have recently been built, with a fridge, ice making machine and BBQ, next to the boules court. We have our own website, www.villasinprovence.net.

Please take a look as ‘pictures are better than words.’ Rental times are between early July and late August. O.S./and friends will receive a discount.

Any enquiries please contact Ali Holding-Parsons (g 70) on 07970 010 512 or hp@stocksandchairsantiques.com

Jock Fraser (c 94) runs a tourist service in Madrid and Seville taking people off the tourist track to experience the authentic, local ambience. Adventurous Appetites will take you to sample traditional Spanish cuisine in some of the hidden corners of central Madrid and Seville, helping with language difficulties, advising on local specialities and imparting interesting local facts about the tradition, history and myths of these beautiful cities. They also offer a Roman bike tour from Seville for any historical cyclists.

0034 639 331 073 adventurousappetites@yahoo.es www.adventurousappetites.com

SKI INSTRUCTION IN COURCHEVEL Rob Sewell (g 72) has been living in the French Alps near Courchevel for over 25 years.

He is an internationally qualified and much respected ski instructor who would be very happy to ski with or simply meet up with any OS who may be taking their winter holidays in the area.

0033 610144762 rob.sewell@orange.fr

Due to the cancellation of OS Day in May 2020, we were unable to host the 124th AGM of the OSS. The audited accounts for the year ending 31 July 2019, approved by the OS Executive Committee, are available to all members via the OSS Website www.oldshirburnian.org.uk and hard copies are available from the OS Office on request.

If circumstances permit, the 125th AGM will be held at 4.00 pm on OS Day 2021 scheduled for Saturday 15 May. Members will be notified of any alterations to plans.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 25 -

SHERBORNE CONNECT

OS. Now, as the platform enters its

During the Trinity term we decided to

fourth year, we have over 3,300 members,

give the sixth form limited access to the

which represents over 1/3 of our total

platform so that they can seek advice

network, of whom over 77% have

about universities and courses from OS

indicated their willingness to help with

undergraduates and more general

careers advice. We still have the highest

careers advice. They are able to look for

percentage sign up rate of any of the

individuals they would like to contact but

1,000 plus schools and universities

that contact is initiated through the OSS

worldwide for whom Graduway hosts a

Office or the Foundation with parental

platform.

consent. Alternatively, parents who have joined the platform can contact members

The platform has really come into its own

on their son’s behalf.

during lockdown and the new normal.

Our ever-popular Business Breakfasts

In November as part of National Schools

have transferred seamlessly online and

Giving Week, we launched a new

recordings of the talks and Q&As with

initiative, Talent and Time week. We

Luke Baker (c 91), International Affairs

were looking to tap into the considerable

Correspondent with Reuters, who spoke

talents of platform members to help

I am delighted to announce that we have done it again! We have just heard that for the second year running Sherborne Connect has won the Graduway Impact Award for Outstanding Network Growth and Engagement!

about Brexit and Tony Quainton (d 52)

enhance the current provision for the

Diplomat-in-Residence and a professor of

boys in both the academic and careers

U.S. Foreign Policy at the American

spheres. Over 150 OS and parents

University, former diplomat and US

volunteered to help.

of reunions (house, year group and

Thank you to those of you who have

Daniel Cohen, Founder and CEO of

International) have been organised

signed up and if you haven’t please do

Graduway wrote, “Sherborne has shown

using it.

so, it is a great platform, just for you.

Ambassador who gave us his take, on the then forthcoming, US elections, can now

Not wanting to sit on our laurels, in

be downloaded from the Resource page

January we are planning a Mentoring

on the platform. Weekly newsletters have

campaign to help, in particular, our

enabled us to keep in touch with the

undergraduate OS and recent graduates.

wider Sherborne Community and a host

consistent platform growth with a remarkable percentage of contactable alumni engaged and active on Sherborne Connect. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to both the hard work of the team but also the amazing affinity and connection that Sherborne alumni have for their school. Congratulations for this achievement!”

Our award-winning online platform was launched in 2017 and from the outset we were amazed at the enthusiasm with which it was embraced by the whole Sherborne Community, parents, Sherborne International Alumni as well as ANNE MACFARLANE

Alumni Officer

Events and Reunions VIRTUAL REUNIONS

Reunions and events ground to a halt in March with

the first lockdown. So, unable to hold live events, we launched a whole series of virtual ones. During the

Trinity Term we set up careers events for the current boys and, with our Lower Sixth boys unable to visit the universities to which they were thinking of

applying, we set up virtual meetings with OS already at those institutions.

We have organised, virtual business breakfasts,

regional events in the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the Middle East, year group reunions, including particularly

successful 35, 40, 45 and 50 Year Reunions for the classes of 1985, 1980, 1975 and 1970 respectively and House Reunions.

Whilst virtual reunions will never replace the real

thing they do allow OS and former staff around the

world to join us for events they would never be able to attend in person.

AFTER WORK DRINKS IN AUSTRALIA Little did we realise in February that the drinks in Australia would be some of the last live events of the year. We had two events a week apart organised by James Crawford (g 83) at Avenue on Chifley in Sydney and Mark Randolph (b 69) at The Flour Factory in Perth. Both events were a great success, and we hope to repeat them in the New Year.

BUSINESS BREAKFASTS 2020 saw three Sherborne Business Breakfasts with excellent presentations being given by Jason McCue (current parent), Luke Baker (c 91) and Tony Quainton (d 52).

Jason spoke at our only face to face Business Breakfast in the week before lockdown and, as a human rights lawyer looked at the impact of terrorism and globalisation and the growth of Africa.

We then moved online for the September and November talks and Luke, International Affairs Correspondent at Reuters tackled the current state of Brexit and the likely outcome as it would be seen from both London and Brussels. Our final recorded Breakfast was given by Tony Quainton, former US ambassador to Kuwait, Nicaragua and Peru, who shared his take on the US Presidential Election and what the likely outcome would be. As of the time of writing, his view was correct.

If you would like to see the talks by Luke and Tony they can be found on the Resources page of Sherborne Connect.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 27 -

MILITARY DINNER

UNIVERSITY VISITS

The Cavalry and Guards Club

We always look forward to our

We completed our university

VOLUNTEERS’ LUNCH

was the venue for the OS

annual round of university

visits later that month with a

without its fantastic army of

Military Dinner in early March.

visits and the 2020 renewal

trip to Bristol, where we met

volunteers? Whether hosting

OS from all the armed

was no exception. We flew

up with a lively bunch of

events, putting opportunities

services were present to enjoy

north to Edinburgh with Fi

SOGs and some slightly more

on the Sherborne Connect

an evening of renewing old

James from Sherborne Girls

mature OS living in the city

jobs’ board or giving

acquaintances and making

and within minutes of landing

and in March a trip to Exeter,

invaluable careers advice,

several new ones. Little did

were driving over the Forth

where we met up with over 30

OS and parents never let us

we know as we enjoyed the

Bridge in some traditional

OS and SOGs studying there.

down. It was therefore our

Club’s hospitality and an

Scottish February weather

Where would the OSS be

pleasure to host a Volunteers’

excellent speech from Patrick

into the Kingdom of Fife for a

We try to visit all universities

Cordingley (c 63) that it was to

lunch with OS and OSGs

with OS representation over a

Shoreditch, kindly hosted by

be the last occasion when we

studying at St Andrews. It was

three-year period (some more

owner, Cokey Sulkin (m 97),

would be meeting ‘live’ for

then back to Edinburgh for

than once) and it gives us a

in early February. We had a

many months. Many thanks

evening drinks with the usual

great opportunity to

great turnout of OS and

go to Nick Chamberlin (d 61)

large happy contingent.

emphasise the benefits that

parents and were able to

OS can access through

thank them all in style.

for arranging for us to use the Club.

Down to Newcastle the

membership of the Society

following morning when, after

and Sherborne Connect. It is

hosting a lunch for older OS

always a pleasure to see them

living in Northern England, we

thriving in their new(ish)

met up with the large student

surroundings and enjoying

body in our usual stomping

student life.

ground, the Pitcher and Piano on the waterfront. We were then heading south on the A1 again for lunch in Leeds where again we had a good turnout from the ever enthusiastic young.

Lunch at Dirty Bones in

Future Events

Details of all our virtual events can be found on the Events Board on www.sherborneconnect.org or on the OSS website, www.oldshirburnian.org.uk. We will continue to plan a full programme of virtual events until we can meet again in person.

We remain hopeful that the “live” events planned for May and June, may still go ahead.

FEBRUARY Thursday 4

Virtual 35 Year Reunion (1986)

Thursday 11

Virtual Reunion for The Green with Giles Reynolds (1996-08)

Thursday 18

Virtual 20 Year Reunion (2001)

Monday 22

Virtual Quiz

Thursday 25

Virtual 10 Year Reunion (2011)

MARCH

Thursday 4

Virtual Reunion (1970 and earlier)

12.30pm

Virtual 50 Year Reunion (1971) Thursday 11

45 Year Reunion (1976)

Thursday 18

30 Year Reunion (1991)

Thursday 25

25 Year Reunion (1996)

Monday 29

Virtual Quiz

MAY

Friday 7

Class of 1990 - 31 Year Reunion

The Dept Store Brixton - From 7pm

Friday 14

Westcott House 101 Anniversary Dinner

Sherborne

Saturday 15

OS Day

Sherborne

Bow Society Lunch

Ironmongers’ Hall, London

JUNE

Tuesday 1

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 29 -

Publications STEPHEN BOYS SMITH (a 64) Thomas Sandwith: A British Consul in the Levant, 1855-1891 Publisher: The Isis Press ROBERT HANDS (b 92) Puddings, Bullies & Squashes: Early Public School Football Codes Publisher: Sunnyrest Books CHARLIE HOARE (b 02) Man Down Publisher: Summersdale Publishers Ltd ROB KITSON (g 82) Exe Men: The Extraordinary Rise of Exeter Chiefs Publisher: Polaris HUGH POPE (a 78) Dining with al-Qaeda Publisher: Lion of Lycia Press EDWARD POSNETT (c 03) Strange Harvests:The Hidden Histories of Seven Natural Objects JOHN RIGBY-JONES (h 73) Tintawn and Bailer Twine Publisher: Fonthill Media JOHN RUSSELL (d 70) Theirs the Strife Publisher: Helion & Co LAWRENCE SAIL (c 61) Accidentals Publisher: Impress Books Guises Publisher: Bloodaxe Books TOM TYLER (a 57) Slavery and Freedom Publisher: Jack of All Trades Publishing

Pilgrims After mid-March, Pilgrims sport has had to go into cold storage, hence the much abbreviated report this year and the reason for there being no annual Pilgrims booklet this summer. The future for sport, both professional and amateur, remains uncertain but for a club such as the Pilgrims, with little fixed spending and commitments, the storm can be weathered. It is to be hoped that once the winter is over, and perhaps the pandemic beaten back, the panoply of Pilgrims sport can resume.

Because of the extraordinary circumstances, the usual procedure for joining the Club for the 2020 School leavers was unable to be followed. I would emphasise that the door is always open to any OS, whether sporting superstar or not, to join the Pilgrims – and not just immediately after leaving the School. The Club operates a subsidy system for younger members – please get in touch with Jonathan Powe (h 76), the Hon Secretary, at jonathanpowe56@gmail.com if you are interested. I would particularly urge all of this year’s leavers to consider becoming a Pilgrim if you haven’t done so already. It is an outstanding way of keeping in touch with your peers and meeting new OS friends, as well as enjoying some often surprisingly competitive matches.

In the absence of action, I will suggest a book for your Christmas stocking. In October, a book called Puddings, Bullies & Squashes was published. It is a collection of essays about the emergence of what we now call football and rugby into codified form, drawing on the different strands of football played – often remarkably creatively – at 20 schools in England, Scotland and Ireland. Sherborne is one of them. If you can bear to read more of my prose, the easiest way to get hold of it is via Amazon. I hope the unusual title will make it easy to find by the search function – it is edited by Malcolm Tozer (no relation, we believe, of Bob).

I’ll whet your appetite with a question. What is the link between Sherborne School and the Bledisloe Cup, played for between Australia and New Zealand’s rugby union teams? The answer is in the book.

ROBERT HANDS (b 92)

Cricket With COVID-19 having threatened to

decimate the entire Sherborne Pilgrims Cricket season, we were very grateful to be able to schedule six fixtures at

the end of August. Although two of

these were rained off, the other four

produced some very memorable cricket and a lot of long-awaited fun. As it so happens, the Pilgrims won each of these four matches, resulting in a

winning season, albeit a truncated one, for the first time in many a year.

The season began in mid-August against

Marlborough fixture, produced some

While the adverse impact of COVID-19

Marlborough Blues at Sherborne Town

fantastic and enjoyable cricket with the

on our cricket calendar was frustrating,

CC. Playing on a wicket that had seen

two matches permitted by the weather

such a period of isolation and

100 overs of cricket in 30 degree heat

both being won by the Pilgrims: a T20

disconnection between the Pilgrims

the previous day, meant that it was not

victory against Sherborne Town CC,

brought into focus the importance of the

one for the batsmen, but the

including a debut 100 for Luke

Club and our appreciation for it – seeing

challenging surface produced a cracking

McLaughlin (c 20), and a debut fixture

a group of Old Shirburnians getting

game, at the end of which Marlborough

for the Pilgrims against the Free

together again after such a long period

needed 3 to win from the final ball – a 2

Foresters. The latter fixture produced a

apart was special.

saw the Pilgrims win by just 1 run and

particularly climactic finish with the

memorable finale!

Pilgrims requiring five runs to win from the final over while 8 wickets down – a

In lieu of the traditional Cricket Week, a

Ben Lyons (c 07) six finished things off in

‘Mini-week’ was organised for the end of

emphatic fashion.

August that, following on from the

FERGUS TAYLOR (c 10)

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 31 -

Cross Country

Hockey

There has been very little collective racing or training in 2020 due to COVID-19 so running has been an even more solitary affair than usual. The Alumni team at Thames Hare and Hounds organized a series of virtual 5Ks at the beginning of lockdown, using the very efficient Opentrack, but the annual Alumni race on Wimbledon Common only happened for a few of us. The rest did their five miles wherever they happened to be over the weekend of 12/13 December.

Tim Love (b 80) and I started outside the Thames clubhouse on a typically grey December afternoon and were soon parted – Tim being faster. He ran the traditional course

The Pilgrims Hockey Team has not

featuring five other schools, with

and I got lost, but due to the wonders of

had the most fruitful of years due to

fixtures taking place throughout the

Garmin was able to keep track of my mileage

the Pandemic, with sadly much less

year in London. We were sitting

and finished somewhere near the start, having

activity than we had hoped for. We

nicely around mid-table, with two

completed a rather slow and muddy 5 miles.

had our annual fixture against the

games to play before activity

Tim had to run around the playing fields again

School on 2 February, which was

was officially suspended due to

having only completed 4.7 miles.

great for so many of us to be back

COVID-19.

on the Hughie Holmes. It’s also a The Sherborne numbers were well down on a

really good opportunity for recent

We hope to get back on the pitch

normal year and, at the time of writing, it is

leavers to see how hockey can

towards the end of 2020 and are

not known where the team finished overall.

continue after school with the old

feeling hopeful with new leavers

284 runners submitted times to Opentrack.

boys’ network.

coming into the fold we can

The results were:

For the first year, we are also part of

continue to be a strong force to take 1.

Morewood (RGS, Guildford)

27. Harry Reynolds (e 16)

25.03 31.37

33. Sam Reynolds (c 20)

32.15

45. Peter Woodburn (b 85) (1st over 50)

33.32

90. Tim Pearce (e 92)

36.36

109. Edward Benbow (e 97)

37.31

112. Lloyd Collier (d 90)

37.35

216. Tim Love (b 80)

44.15

271. Angus Cater (c 70)

55.16

It is hoped that normal service will be resumed next year with the Sherborne Trophy, the Hyde Park Relays, and the Alumni race in December. If interested please join the Pilgrim XC site on Facebook.

ANGUS CATER (c 70)

an old boys mini tournament

on other old boys’ teams.

WILL SMIBERT (a 09)

OSGS

The OSGS is open to all Old

Shirburnians regardless of age

or golfing prowess! Founded in

1929 we are a thriving convivial

Unfortunately, this year due to COVID-19 and also some poor weather we have only been able to play five matches (winning four

Society with approx. 200

and losing just one).

(42%) are aged Under-27.

We usually hold three Meetings a

playing members, of whom 85 year: at Sherborne GC in May, We maintain close links with the

The Berkshire in June, and Rye

School, on average 12-14 leavers

GC in September. All great fun

join our ranks each year and

and popular events with

begin to enjoy the financial

sumptuous lunches, historic silver

subsidies and a wide range of

trophies and numerous prizes.

golfing opportunities. We have

This year COVID-19 ruled out the

built up possibly the fullest fixture

Sherborne meeting, but 25 OSGS

lists of all Old Boys Golfing

members played at the Berkshire

Societies and we play at some of

Meeting (delayed to 11

the finest golf clubs in the country

September) and 12 members

including: Aldeburgh, Ashridge,

played at Rye on 26 September).

The Berkshire, Burnham & Berrow,

Both events ran safely and were

New Zealand, Rye, Sandwich,

thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Saunton, Sunningdale, West Sussex, Woking and Woodbridge.

The Society usually enters a scratch team in several

We are keen to attract new

tournaments: the Halford Hewitt,

members especially those OS at

Grafton Morrish, Brent Knoll Bowl,

the younger end of the spectrum.

GL Mellin Salver (O-55s), Peter

The OSGS provides generous

Burles Salver (O-65s), Bunny

subsidies for young members:

Millard Salver (O-75s) and the

• Those under 27 pay a maximum

Alba Trophy. Regrettably, none

of £30 per day for any match/meeting which includes all green fees and lunch/ catering costs (approx discount of 75%).

• Those 27-32 years of age pay a maximum of £60 per day (approx discount of 50%).

We usually contest 23 matches annually against other school societies and golf clubs. Most matches are 8-10 man teams playing 2x18 hole foursomes with an excellent 3-course lunch and refreshments in between. These offer a great opportunity to catch up with your friends and renew old sporting rivalries.

were played this year due to COVID-19.

Paddy Macintosh (h 80) was OSGS Captain during 2018/19 and Jonathan Godfrey (d 99) has taken up the mantle for 2020/21.

We are all looking forward to the 2021 fixtures and are hoping that we are all free and safe to play more golf.

For more information and our fixture list see the OSGS website: https://osgs.wildapricot.org or contact me tgglaw@aol.com Mob 07767 007495.

TERRY GORDON (h 78)

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

OSSS

- 33 -

On the 15 March Old Shirburnian Sailors met the

current School on a cold crisp day at Queen Mary’s Reservoir. The teams were competing in J80s with fierce competition between the boats. The boys,

schooled by Mr Ewart-Smith, did an excellent job of

keeping things even with the more experienced OSS team. The wind stayed fair and it ended in a draw, we look forward to attempting this event in 2021, conditions permitting. Little did we realise at the

time that this was to be the last physical event prior to lockdown...

So, what do we do with the “lockdown” sailors?

As lockdown started to bite it was clear that the Old Shirburnian Sailors were getting cabin fever, having been banned from their boats. They were unable to keep their skills honed and have a drink with their sailing buddies.

The OSS virtual Stanger-Leathes was the answer (Stanger-Leathes is the series of regular sailing matches between Old Shirburnian Sailing and the School). We set up a series of virtual races running on Wednesday evenings throughout lockdown using Virtual Regatta Inshore (free to download). We had fleets of up to 16 Old Shirburnians competing over nine weeks, with a range of young guns and wily foxes on the helms. For added variety, team racing matches were set up with the School as well as Oundle.

The racing gave a good opportunity for all to hone strategy and tactics

from the comfort of home or, as restrictions changed, in gardens or onboard yachts! Racing was 10 minute one-design races from the single person Laser dinghy all the way up to the F50’s which were foiling catamarans used in the last America’s Cup. Racing was incredibly close, with battles throughout the fleet, wind shifts adjusting places and some charming sledging delivered across the video conference. Usually it isn’t possible to talk to other competitors during racing so this really opened up some interesting dynamics. It also opened up the option for quick tactical debriefs after the race and while there were automatic penalties for collisions there was no repair cost involved so some risky tactical options could be tried from the safety of home!

Big thanks go to James (e 09) and Jemima Edwards for keeping score.

Andrew Morley-Smith (e 02) for assisting with IT; our Commodore Angus Cater (c 70) for proving anyone can use the technology; Tak Kaneko (m 96) joining us from the Netherlands and John Archer (c 96) joining us from Switzerland.

Following the success of the OSS virtual Stanger-Leathes sailing series, we are running a 2020 winter series, as well as assessing a calendar of events for 2021. If you’d be interested in taking part in the winter series, please contact Robert Gosling (goslingrobert@gmail.com). If you would like further information on joining The Old Shirburnian Sailing Society visit our website osss.org.uk.

ROBERT GOSLING (a 01)

DEATHS

ANDERTON, Frederic Michael (a 50) 28 April 2020

HORE, Peter Clavell (a 55) 7 June 2020

APPS, Michael Vincent Todd (a 45) 3 October 2020

HUSTWITT, Philip Edward (g 48) 22 June 2020

BARNES, Hugh Edward Michael (f 50), (Governor from 1977and Chairman of Governors from 1996-2001) 16 December 2020

MILLING, David Horace (h 47) 18 April 2020

BADCOCK, John Michael Watson (a 40) 10 June 2020

BARTLETT, James Douglas Grove (h 45) 24 September 2019 BREARLEY, Andrew Douglas (g 63) August 2020

BROWNJOHN, John Nevil Maxwell (d 47) 6 January 2020 CHAVASSE, Robin Grant (g 48) 31 March 2020 CLARKE, Oliver Frederick (g 62) 16 May 2020 CLOUGH, Anthony (d 55) 20 February 2020 COLES, John (a 51) 1 July 2020

CORNWELL, David John Moore (John Le Carré) (h 48) 12 December 2020 COWARD, Richard (staff 1982-86) 18 March 2020 COX, Antony Peter (b 47) 12 April 2020

CROWE, Brian Lee (h 56) 23 March 2020

DAVIES, David Thurston (f 44) 11 April 2020

DE COURCY-WHEELER, Grattan (d 65) 24 August 2020

EASSIE, Richard William Fitzpatrick (f 52) 2 February 2020 EAST, Brian Arthur (h 45) 6 August 2020

FISHER, Charles Holdrich (a 55) 12 August 2020 FLOWER, Graham Edward (g 79) 10 April 2020 FORSTER, John Ardagh (b 60) 9 July 2014

GIBSON, Charles Andrew Hamilton (a 59) 30 December 2020 GIFFARD, Charles Gerald (h 49) 9 January 2020 GIFFORD, Prosser (c 47) 7 July 2020

GOLDSMITH, John Arthur (a 43) 8 November 2019

GORDON, Michael James (f 45) 22 September 2020 GRANT, Michael John Granville (b 62) 13 June 2020 HARRINGTON, John Nazeby (g 44) 8 May 2020

HOMAN, Lawrence Hugh Adair (g 63) 30 April 2020 HILL, Robert Sydney (f 57) 7 September 2019

KEABLE-ELLIOT, Robert Anthony (g 42) 25 July 2020

LEAKEY, Ian Raymond Arundell (a 42) 28 January 2020

MUMFORD, Hugh Raymond (g 42) 29 September 2020

NELSON, Anthony Burrard Horatio (d 53) 5 December 2019 NEVE, Michael Raymond (d 67) 9 October 2019

PIDCOCK, Michael Hugh Henzell (h 51) 5 July 2015

PRENDERGAST, James Ian (m 96) 28 February 2020 RIDDELL, Ian Tom David (a 49) 19 August 2020 RIDDELL, Philip Granville (a 57) 14 March 2020

ROBERTS-WEST, John Philip James (f 53) 29 November 2020 ROGERS, Charles Thomas (d 67) 15 June 2020 ROWE, Gordon Bradley (f 38) 4 January 2020

SAMMONS, Peter Robert (d 53) 22 June 2020 SCOTT, David John (f 63) 31 December 2019

SHORT, David Jeremy Gordon (b 68) April 2020

SIMPSON, David (h 46) 8 October 2020**

SIMPSON, Ian William (d 58) 24 May 2020

SOUTHWELL-SANDER, Christopher Alick (h 54) 22 August 2020 ST GEORGE, David Ridley (a 58) 7 June 2020

STABLES, Donald Peter George (g 50) 25 November 2019 STURGE, Colin Andrew (a 75) 31 March 2020

TINDALL, David Mascall Kenrick (g 53) 24 December 2019

TYLER, Thomas May (a 57) 31 December 2020

VIVIAN, Timothy Linsell (a 43) 8 October 2018 WADE, Peter George (h 42) 3 December 2020

WATTS, John Michael Mackinlay (a 68) 19 April 2020 WEBSTER, Christopher Julian (a 60) 21 July 2020 WHITE, Robin David (f 64) 12 September 2020

WHITFIELD, Peter Storey (a 60) 13 August 2020

WILKINSON, Simon F (staff 1959-96) 13 February 2020

**David Simpson was mistakenly recorded as having died in 2003. Our sincere apologies to his family and friends.

CORRECTION TO THE 123RD EDITION Will Handley (a 67) is alive and well and living in California.

Our sincere apologies for any distress caused to Will, his family and friends.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

ENGAGEMENTS

• AROSKIN, Adam Alexander (d 07) to Miss Sophie Christopher • BALL, Matthew James (f 10) to Miss Jane Higgins • CLIFFORD, Oliver James (a 09) to Miss Lucy Pekin • COCHRANE-DYET, James Iain (b 08) to Miss India Boyer • FERRIS, Adam Robert (d 08) to Miss Vanessa Hawes (1) • IRVING, James Robert Edmund (d 08) to Miss Poppy Johns • RONALDSON, Alexander Douglas Talbot (d 08) to Miss Imogen Sussmes (2)

(5)

• SNUDDEN, Jamie Peter (b 09) to Miss Emily Milodowski • QUAILE, Andrew James Miller (m 10) to Miss Antonia Ventura

MARRIAGES

• DUDGEON, Hamish William (m 12) to Miss Emily Jago on 18 September 2020 (3) • HOWARD, Henry John Arthur (m 07) to Miss Catriona Shaw on 23 September 2020 • MARTIN, Peter James Lawrence (a 79) to Catherine Carrelet on the 11 November 2020

(6)

• QUAILE, Andrew James Miller (m 10) to Miss Antonia Ventura on 10 October 2020 (4)

BIRTHS

• To Eleanor and George BEATTIE (a 07), a son, Arthur Gordon on 29 June 2020 • To Regina and Ben CAESAR (m 90), a son, Luke on 9 June 2020 • To Rachel and Robin CARVELL-SPEDDING (g 97), a son, Oscar on 16 July 2020 • To Joanna and Freddie CORLETT (c 01), a son, Edward on 17 January 2020 • To Jessie and Jamie EXCELL (e 08), a daughter, Molly on 19 July 2020 (5) • To Laura and Tom EXCELL (e 05), a son, Paddy on 2 June 2020 (5) • To Bex and Charles GORDON-CREED (a 05), a son, Henry in August 2020 (6) • To Pip and Charlie HOARE (b 02), a daughter, Willow in February 2020 (7) • To Gayle and Theo JENKINS (m 08), a son, Casper Michael on 16 October 2020 (8) • To Kim and James MCKILLOP (m 01), a daughter, Mollie on 8 May 2020 • To Alice and Charlie MINTER (g 04), a son, Louis on 21 October 2020

(7)

• To Emily and Jack RICHARDS (g 03) a son, Rafferty Benjamin Guy on 1 May 2020 • To Eun-Jung and Andrew READ (g 87), a son, Adrian Eunsung on 14 September 2019 • To Hannah and Andrew TONGUE (d 05), a daughter, Olivia Charlotte Rose on 22 December 2019

(8)

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 37 -

OSS News

1940s

CHARLES DE VIC CAREY (b 47)

unknown and me on the right.

ROGER MOWLL (a 54) It has been

celebrated his 90th birthday in April in lockdown and not too depressed.

1950s

ARTHUR DAVIES (h 51) Lockdown prompted me to go through various files which have been gathering dust for many years. On reading them I realised that it

Sherborne and 400 years since the granting of the charter by Edward VI was celebrated.

Lockdown on me – to return us to a more

there is a feeling of surreality about it all.

tranquil life where the things around us

Like watching a catastrophe unfolding

that passed unregarded suddenly came

without knowing how it will affect our

leaping out of the glorious silence. It was

future. I keep hearing about the “new

an experience worth remembering, I feel,

normal”, just guessing what it may turn

because the reality has evaporated so

out to be, mostly just an excuse to shelve

very quickly, and we are back chasing our

the whole subject pro tem. I cannot

tails again. “What fools these mortals

come to terms with the fact that I left

be.” Puck had it about right, I think!

Sherborne in 1954, seems like yesterday for some of the memories.

Judith and I have been in S Dorset this past (mid-September) week, staying at the yacht club and walking the coast and inland hills in perfect weather. Dorset has a special place in my memories.

PETER PARSONS (h 56) After winning the Glimmer Train short story contest which you have already reported, I won second place the following year, and was featured in that magazine’s planned final issue.

Last year I decided to get serious about my swimming, worked very hard at it, and entered five events in a June 2, 2019, US Masters Swim competition (at Mission Viejo, CA).

I entered in my age group (80-84) and earned five first places and two “top ten” nation-wide rankings. The two events for these rankings were the 1500m and the 100m long course. I am in maintenance mode

I have many photographs of the occasion some of which I attach. Amongst them is a picture of the backside of Richard Attenborough in the nets with Frankie King looking on taken in 1948 when the Guinea Pig was filmed. The one showing the King and Queen includes me in the front row second from left in a dark suit clutching a box camera, also the group of four in the next picture is the trip to Ben Nevis showing Rydon, Leach,

this poem which reflects the effect of

taxing for many but at my stage of life,

was 70 years on 1 June this year (2020) that the King and Queen visited

CHRISTOPHER ROBBIE (h 56) I wrote

this year and living what seems like eternal lockdown in Baguio, Philippines.

The Noise of Silence

I stood there in the stillness, My senses filling With the Noise of Silence.

I heard- I heard The tweeting- the twitteringThe calling- the cryingThe screeching- the howling Of the tits – and the robin, The blackbird and the hoarse rooks And in the distant distance The bark of a dog Providing percussion To the humming chorus Of grazing bees.

The meandering brook thundered Over the shingle of its bed, The gentle breeze howled Amongst the new born leaves Adorning the ancient oak.

And when I lay in the long grass And gazed up through the branches Of that mighty creature I heard it whisper, I am sure I did, “I’ll look after you, both of you.”

And I felt so close To what I have always been close to, But never noticed in the noise Of life, Of ordinary life.

And when the bustle of ordinary life returns I will remember The wonder of that exhilarating noise, That extraordinary noise Of Silence “Will you?”- she asked.

“Yes” – I replied.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 39 -

1960s

RICHARD BEATTIE (a 60) A message

DAVID TURTON (a 57) At a curious

could have a serious ‘face-to- face’.

time, when social contact has been made

We have been together ever since. I

from Vancouver, BC, Canada. We

especially difficult, it must be very

personally think that this is some sort of

normally have brilliant sunshine and a

difficult indeed for those living alone who

miracle and so does she.

little rain in the three months July,

may well have lost precious sources of face-to-face contact. My message to all OS in this situation would be to say, “It is never too late for miracles to happen”!

My wife for thirty-three years sadly died three and a half years ago and, had I been alone, I don’t know how I would have coped with the lockdown, especially now that all face-to-face masonic activity has ceased. However, a miracle happened to me, right out of the blue,

I should add that “she” is Elaine Vallianou, an American from New Jersey, who was married to a Greek from Kefalonia who sadly died of cancer ten years ago. She’s taken well to life in a Cotswold village and has already made two trips to Sherborne for a ‘Q’ lunch and a Commem. For my part I was able to add a visit to the States to the various festivities of my 80th year.

just three months after my late wife’s

This missive is being penned in Kefalonia

funeral and here is my story.

so Elaine gets to see her Greek family.

Cathy, my late wife, and I had built a holiday home in Kefalonia just prior to my retirement from management consultancy in 2009 at the age of 70. We have made many friends on the island and after Cathy died in January 2017, I went out there with a friend of hers to tidy up her things at our house. I also contacted several friends of hers on the island to tell them my sad news. One of them, Lucy, a Greek Canadian, has a shop in Lixouri where Cathy used to go for a chat and a coffee whilst I went to the bank. They became firm friends. So, it was with some trepidation that I went, together with my companion on the trip, to tell Lucy of Cathy’s death. Certainly, she was upset but after I Ieft to go to the bank as usual she asked my companion “How’s David getting along?” “He seems to be looking ahead and is positive about the future” came the reply. “Good” said Lucy “I have a very good friend who is on her own and I

And “Yes”, I do believe in miracles.

MARK CANNON BROOKES (h 58) Every cloud has a silver lining. After two weeks struggling with the virus in March, I have played 75 rounds of golf after lockdown was lifted. Lost a lot of weight as a result so win win!

GERALD HODGSON (g 55) I have been married to Ann for 53 years and we have four children and six grandchildren. After the first half of my career as a Chartered Surveyor, I started a manufacturing business and ran it for 25 years before retiring to community activity and a large garden.

RICHARD RYDER (a 59) I remember well, being a School Prefect with Anthony Thomas (a 59) who has directed some of the most striking TV documentaries of all time and Stanley Johnson (g 58) who has produced a Prime Minister.

think those two should meet up. Can you

Since then, I have been a Psychologist in

help?”

Oxford (MA and PhD from Cambridge), a

So, she did, and I met her friend the next day and I flew back to the UK the day after, having exchanged contact details and promised to meet again in September. We never made September!

After a string of WhatsApp messages following her initial contact to wish me Happy Birthday in July, we decided that I would take a short trip to Kefalonia so we

philosopher in New Orleans and a writer.

I have been national Chairman of the RSPCA and am now its President. I have created two new words - speciesism and painism. Above all, I have two fine children (Dr Emily, and Henry) and two grandsons (Louis and Arthur).

August, and September. This year is different though we have not had much rain. BUT we have had two weeks of unremitting smoke. This is from California, Oregon, and Washington states. The smoke has reduced visibility to less than half a mile over Victoria through Vancouver to the Okanagan Valley (300 miles to the east). We are not suffering wildfires in BC so far as we had a damp spring. My wife and I are keeping to our normal small group of friends and so far, none of us has caught the plague.

MIKE JERROM (b 60) I am lucky to have a job to do as well as a fixation on my perception that the UK must at all costs get totally free from any legal supremacy of the EU. I believe that keeping busy and interested is the most powerful antidote to the boredom and depression which lockdown has inflicted on many of my generation and others. There are many alien and pejorative influences which threaten to destroy our special and historic culture and relationships, which I want to defend with great urgency.

Sorry for the diatribe, but our country is at a mortal crisis point.

MICHAEL JOSEPH (a 63) We have adapted well to the restrictions in normal life and have been amazed how life has actually been quite normal but at a distance. The Dorset School Appeals panel, of which I am a member, has conducted its business using Microsoft Teams, the Charity in Southampton has been meeting by Zoom, the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral and as a Trustee have also zoomed into action, and I have been playing more bridge than ever using Bridge Base Online. I have sadly not been able to steward at Salisbury Cathedral because I feel that my wife is vulnerable. As you can see, I have kept myself busy!

s

ALAN BRAITHWAITE (c 64) For your interest we completed an epic journey in India just before lockdown and the documentary is just released: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/theindia nqueen?fbclid=IwAR2qP-pJ4BKqgOp-

QmIo6TqmEcXX3wO0TarkZ7_Bjwb3KS SNZnm-TFDR-e4

NICK CONNOR (g 65) I have survived

trees. I have not done so much tree climbing since I was about ten years old!

so far without any problems thank

What hasn’t changed was the “telling

goodness! Touch wood. Supported by a

off” that I got from my wife, which was

great bunch of neighbours! So, nothing

strangely evocative of the one from my

out of the ordinary to report!

mother some sixty years ago.

This led me to reflect on things I have experienced that no longer exist. I remember going on one of the last trams in London in 1952. A few years ago, I went on the Last “Duck” Tour through London and into the Thames before they were forced out of business and more recently, I went to Garman’s Irish Pub,

WILL HANDLEY (a 67) Reflecting on the

which was shut down the next day due to the Coronavirus restrictions and now will,

COVID-19, I am forced to think that this

apparently, not re-open. I wonder

year, I have just been a passenger or

whether I should start being paranoid

more likely a cork bobbing along on the

about the world being closed up behind

waters of history. So, I started thinking

me and will, one day, I hear an ethereal

back over the past year or so and came

voice telling me to “turn the lights off as

to the conclusion that I could not come

you leave.” I miss the Pub.

after a gap of 60 years and keeping a visual diary as a daily record of lockdown experiences... extending to four volumes...here are two of my sketches.

KEVIN DESMOND (g 68) Since 2016 I have been researching for a book, my 34th, to present immediate and longlasting solutions to help us clean up, repair, and protect our threatened Planet.

Recently, I came to an agreement with the publisher that not only was the manuscript too unwieldy (530 pages and 350+ solutions) but with the 9-month gestation period for a book to appear in print, many of the solutions would be out-of-date. We therefore agreed to cancel my contract. Instead, thanks to an IT journalist friend in Toronto, Canada, we have transformed the book into a

up with anything much of interest or that

website. www.366solutions.com. Jeff

I have done that could even be

Butler, my “co-resolutionary” and I

considered as being worthy of inclusion

hereby invite you to make your first of

in the OS Record. I guess our trip in

many visits to 366solutions.com hoping

August 2019, to Prescott in Arizona to

that you will, like us, discover a display of

attend the MG Car Club’s gathering

solutions for a Planet soiled by human

might just scrape in. We drove our sixty-

hands.

seven-year-old MG TD nearly 600 miles each way mostly across the Mojave Desert in the summer heat. The car averaged just over 25 miles per gallon, but we achieved nearly 100 miles per pint of beer.

Since then, COVID-19, the Wuhan Wonder Bug, has shut things down for the past seven months, so my activities

MARK RANDOLPH (b 69) We have

have been restricted to things at home.

been extremely fortunate in Western Australia that, following an initial wave of

This has meant the old cars, two MGs and a Lancia, have all had major services

MARTYN BROWN (g 68) My creative

COVID-19 infections arising mostly from

and most of the pernicious local

projects under lockdown included

passengers on cruise ships, we have

mistletoe has been cut out of our oak

starting to learn to play the cello again

been free of the virus within the

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 41 -

1970s

BRUCE MURRAY (h 70) Milla and I are

enjoyed it - mind you, always fun to have

courtesy of having a strict closure of the

very lucky to have a large garden – and

a new audience for one’s favourite OS

state border. So, although we cannot

live within 300 yards of the sea. As such,

memories!) So not all beer, aquavit and

travel overseas or interstate, we are free

COVID-19 has not really caused us any

skittles otherwise. Drive-in this that and

to roam at will throughout our vast and

problems – except cancelled holidays!

the other, church, cinema, concerts...

varied state. The 500 or so Australians

Our hearts go out to all those, who do

Some neologisms coined, the word for

returning to Perth each week from

not have gardens or outdoor walks on

“office” being “kontor”, working from

overseas are placed in strict hotel

their doorsteps. People should not

home became “koronatoring”. More

quarantine for two weeks, now largely at

criticise those who flock to the beach. If

seriously in the museum’s and tourism

their own expense.

we lived in a tiny flat, particularly with

branches (where I operate) there was a

children – we would be joining them!!

meltdown in the income from entry

community for several weeks now,

tickets - but ever looking on the bright

On a personal note, I have just been named as the 2020 inductee into WA’s

Hopefully, life will slowly return to a

side, we who already live here could

Science Hall of Fame. This was initiated

“new” normal – I don’t think everything

enjoy the scenery and wide-open roads

in 2007 with our two local Nobel

will ever be the same again – and I think

largely uncluttered by foreign mobile

Laureates, Professor Barry Marshall and

it will only be in 2022, when the light will

homes unused to steep hills and hairpin

Dr Robin Warren, of peptic ulcer fame

finally shine bright at the end of the

bends - see picture, we drove it! (I am a

(and no, I am nowhere near that league,

tunnel!

foreigner myself, of course...), and enjoy other museums. Did you know that a

just lucky that WA has a relatively limited talent pool!). Other than work, I still play

SHAUN NOBLE (c 70) Working for

brown bear can eat 150 kg of blueberries

tennis a couple of times a week and

Unite, the country’s largest trade union,

in a day, and that one municipality in

withstand regular yoga and Pilates

the last seven months have been

Norway had blueberry export to

classes in an effort to prolong the losing

immensely busy in the press office as we

industrial England as its major earner?

battle of age.

cover 20 industrial sectors - from BA to

Stuff that in your pub quiz questions list!

the NHS. CHANNING LOWE (h 71) I have retired

JIM SINGLETON (c 69) My youngest son, Roderick (Singleton) Mackay (his

Our membership has soared as working

to Western Massachusetts, USA, ending

professional name), aged 33 has just had

people realise that trade unions are the

a 44-year career in journalism as an

his first full-length feature film, The

last line of defence against bad and

editorial cartoonist and opinion writer. I

Furnace, premiered at the Venice

exploitative bosses.

was able to meet with Charles Platt (h 70) a couple of times because I happen to

International Film Festival, the only Australian film to be selected - and

JEFFREY CAREY (b 71) has never had

live in the same town where he was a

achieved good reviews across the board.

such a busy six months in the 20 years

trustee for a local girls’ school before

The film was part of the Official Selection

since Castles Carey has been building

moving to Scotland.

for the Horizons Section of the Festival.

treehouses and adventure areas around

Didn’t win a prize but was nominated for

the country.

I am spending my days in COVID-19

best film category. The Furnace should

isolation still trying to learn German, a

be released internationally in some form

50-year-long undertaking begun under

in 2021 - (COVID-19 depending!).

the able tutelage of the late Simon F. (“How would you say that in Kraut,

Connection to OS is that Roderick, via

Mr. Lowe?”) Wilkinson — a master in

me, is related to Andrew Burt, Richard

possession of unerring aim with a

Burt, Christopher Burt, Charles Goodall

blackboard eraser. My hope is to return

(all c, 71, 64, 70 and 68 respectively), and

to Sherborne for the now-postponed

via his mother (a Mackay) to Iain Mackay-

gathering of Westcott old boys,

Dick (h 63).

PIERS CROCKER (a 71) Umm, what

whenever it occurs, and Americans are

does one say? We are cocooned from

once again welcome abroad.

the worst here in Norway, almost business as usual, and a reasonably

NICK MATTHEWS (b 72) Marooned on

healthy economy. Lots of space to walk

Maraú: lockdown Brazilian-style

in, but still social distancing, still some

Sixteen years ago, I founded Laterallife, a

Teams/Zoom meetings (including a

small high-end travel company

digital OS Reunion, first time ever. Really

specialising in sabbaticals and

s

experiential travel. My wife Helen and I

ROBERT FOVARGUE (h 73) I retired as a

spend a lot of time travelling the world to

fruit agronomist (primarily advising cider

find exciting new places for our clients to

apple growers in Dorset, Somerset and

visit. This March we embarked on a

Devon) at the turn of the year.

three-week trip to the coast of Bahia, Brazil to check out some new areas and

However, we have carried on growing

hotels.

cherries in a small way. At the start of lockdown, we were contemplating the

We arrived on the remote Maraú

possibility of having to abandon this

peninsula on 13 March and all appeared

year’s crop. Fortunately, having pondered

perfectly normal. The next stop was a

over the possible options, we decided to

smart new hotel at lively Itacare. After

go for the positive approach! And it was

three days the hotel closed due to

wonderful. Folk appeared out of the

something called ‘coronavirus.’ The word

woodwork with some escaping from their

was that all our intended destinations

hides for the first time in months. And we

southwards were locking down. What to

even found ourselves appearing on local

do? Go home and stay shut away in our

news. How fortunate we are to live in the

London flat? Luckily, I knew Chloe Gibbs,

countryside!

the British owner of Butterfly House, a relaxed beach pousada on the Maraú

TONY GREIG (d 73) was appointed to

peninsula, who said “Come on up!”

the bench in February 2020 and now sits

unlike most hotel owners who were

as a Judge in New Zealand.

saying “Stay away!”

JOHN RIGBY-JONES (h 73) My second Butterfly House is set on a magnificent

book, Tintawn and Binder Twine: The

golden-sand, palm-fringed beach with

Story of Eric Rigby-Jones and Irish Ropes,

the sea being around 35 degrees most

about how my English grandfather

days. We settled into our lockdown life

started a new company and survived the

with great gusto and enjoyed plenty of

Second World War in neutral Ireland, was

hearty Brazilian fare washed down with

published by Fonthill Media in May.

lashings of caipirinhas, so when we heard

Unfortunately, the launch in Ireland had

from the airline that they were no longer

to be cancelled due to COVID-19.

flying after the end of March and invited

However, I managed to get a positive

us to go home earlier than our scheduled

review from the Irish Times, which

date of 5 April it was a no brainer – we

described it as ‘well-illustrated, readable,

were staying! We were happy to stay on

and informative’ and said that it gave

through May and miss all the misery back

‘valuable insights into Irish and Anglo-

home, but at the very end of that month

Irish economic, social and political history

the big day came, and it was time to

from the 1930s to the 1970s.’ I’m now

leave Maraú.

trying to find another project to work on.

Leaving Butterfly House was quite an

GREGORY TODD (f 73) since leaving

adventure in itself. A late-night taxi to the

Sherborne I have been a philatelist

river, speedboat to the small port of

employed by Stanley Gibbons, leaving as

Camamu, then a two-hour drive to a

a Director in 1991 to form my own

cocoa farm passing many roadblocks on

business, Carmichael & Todd. I have

the way. The following day we drove

since been elected to the AIEP

eight hours to Salvador airport, on to Sao

(Association des Experts Internationale

Paulo, Amsterdam and finally, on 3 June,

en Philatelie), one of just three British

we landed at a gloomy Heathrow. Happy

members elected to this Society and am

memories of our amazing lockdown

also a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic

experience and eventual escape will stay

Society, London.

with us forever.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 43 -

GILES ALLEN (f 74) The one beauty of

Friends with James Moubray’s (d 06)

this virus problem has been us moving to

father, Charles Moubray OE. I will

the south west of France, four years ago.

continue to windsurf sail and occasionally

35 acres of land and a farmhouse have

surf and play tennis when I can.

meant four months of isolation which is for us completely normal. Few visitors

MYLES RIPLEY (b 75) Worked as a

except children near or already in 30’s.

NWAS (North West Ambulance Service)

We continue to integrate with our French

volunteer not only to build extra screens

neighbours who are generally delightful.

at several NW hospitals but working five

French improving beyond school

days a week distributing meals at our

HUGH POPE (a 78) The pandemic

standard, but not to the local patois

local Hospital from mid-April to mid-June

lockdown resulted in an unexpected 60

dialect, a child is not an enfant, but an

on behalf of a national charity “Salute the

per cent spike in publications at my

enfang, five is not cinq, but sink. You

NHS” – about 500 meals a day. More

peace-building NGO, International Crisis

learn.

locally, I was one of three coordinators

Group. Everyone, it seemed, suddenly

who ran our Sedbergh Covid Support

found the time to write the reports that

SIMON KEEBLE (d 75) has retired from

group organizing a team of volunteers

we’d been waiting to publish (I’m the

Harper Adams University as a lecturer

who helped fetch prescriptions, do

director of global communications at our

after 27 years’ service, 21 years as Course

shopping, deliver newspapers and set up

Brussels HQ). Within a month or two

Manager for the RICS accredited Rural

local community food boxes for those

things got quieter since our work

Honours degree Course in Rural

who were finding life financially tough.

depends on field research. This gave me

Enterprise and Land Management

Also managed to walk every footpath on

a chance to return to a long-put-off

REALM and Bsc Rural Property

the ordnance survey map centred on my

project: an updated, UK edition of my

Management RPM. I taught Jenny

house – took many walks!

book Dining with al-Qaeda: Making Sense of the Middle East, my personal

Macfarlane daughter of Anne Macfarlane OS Alumni Officer, on REALM. On my

CHARLES DIEHL (c 76) Lockdown and

narrative of out-of-the-way places, war

journeys I met up with James Higham (m

the Anglo-French education clash:

stories and how the region works. I

94) and David Fursdon (m 71) at

I was lucky to be in our Normandy

burned the midnight oil choosing 50

Graduation. James Archer (f 13) was a

cottage during lockdown with my French

more photos from old files, made the

REALM student.

wife, Emma, and my youngest children,

design easier to read and updated the

Jack (9) and Tessa (8). Emma and I were

text. A real labour of love. The picture

Nigel Hall (h 72) Harper Soils Senior

both working, but we also had to learn to

shows when the first box of 20 copies

Lecturer retired earlier. We have been on

be teachers to our kids, who are in the

arrived!

cross country skiing expeditions to

French school system. Our approach to

Norway especially to FInse 1222 where

education was not the same:

HUGO BARKER (m 79) Running a

Scot Shackleton and Amundsen trained

Emma marks in the French way – the

Lloyd’s Broker in Latvia, we have had a

on the Hardangerjokulen. Also skiing

child hands in his work and starts with 20

slightly different experience to our

France, Norway and in the Snowdome

marks – a mark is subtracted for each

London Lloyd’s Broker cousins. I was

Tamworth before Lockdown 2!! Friends

mistake, even the same mistake, and

travelling in Greece when COVID-19

with Rory Bruce (h 78) ex Royal Marines.

every demonstration of stupidity is

came quickly to us on 14 March when the

We meet up with other families regularly

another mark off. Anything less than 20

Latvian Government put out a clarion call

at New Year and in the summer.

out of 20 is disappointing, sloppy and

to all Latvian residents across the EU

I also bumped into Robert Kerr (h 75) at

silly.

saying the border would be closed from 16 March, and no one would be allowed

Harper when his son graduated a few I mark in the Anglo-Saxon way – the child

in afterwards for a month. So, we

hands in his work and starts with 0 marks

bundled back post haste to home, and

I am a cousin of Brigadier Charles Rogers

– a mark is added for all correct

bunkered down. Once back we had

(d 67), who recently died of a heart attack

responses and any demonstration of

access to freely available testing from

and their sons’ (Richard (d 95), Hugo (d

intelligence is rewarded with an extra

day one, and after 12 tests one gets

96) and Edward (d 07)) second cousin.

mark. Anything more than 0 out of 20 is

eventually used to the nose thing. Offices

Also, a cousin, second cousin once

between encouraging and brilliant.

and pretty much everything stayed open,

removed of Angus Tett (a 19) who

Jack and Tessa now want to go to

and the only real casualties were the

unfortunately died in Zambia last year

Sherborne!

hospitality trade and national airline as

years ago.

from a motorbike accident

no one was coming in.

s

1980s From a business perspective we were at

finished at Stowe and planning to go to

an immediate advantage, and although

Newcastle in September and Malia is just

we soon found the delights of ZOOM,

about to embark on her GCSE’s at the

we were also back to business travel

Leys, Cambridge with plans to go to

across EU through June and July and

Uppingham for the last two years of her

were able to stay on top of things pretty

schooling.

much. It is a good time for reinsurance at the moment anyway, as prices have risen

PETER BOWEN (f 81) In August 2018 I

sharply since the US Hurricanes of 2017

was diagnosed with bowel cancer. After

and 2018. We then found ourselves

chemotherapy/radiotherapy/surgery, I am

popular with Interns who could not get

now cancer-free. The point of this is to

office posts in London, and three aspiring

encourage you all to get tested for this

Lloyds brokers came across to Latvia and

common disease. You never know. I

have enjoyed their time in what is now a

certainly didn’t. Meanwhile our business

non-face-mask environment.

Bowen Mueller Translations Ltd. continues to thrive, thanks, in retrospect

Even though Latvia only has 1-2 Positive

to the great language teachers at

results a day these days, we can see

Sherborne, particularly Simon Wilkinson

numbers are jumping up again elsewhere, and Latvia has tightened up and enforced quarantine on anyone including residents who arrive from countries with higher positive numbers. It means that now the only places we can go with no quarantine on return are Finland, Cyprus, Lithuania and the Vatican, and the Vatican in particular seems to offer limited opportunities for a reinsurance broker.

Anyway, positivity still rules, and it shows that sometimes it is an advantage to be a small country.

PETER MARTIN (a 79) I have news. At the ripe old age of 58 I am getting married on the 11 November to Catherine Carrelet.

GUY DEACON (a 80) was made CBE in recognition of the work he did in his last appointment at the RAC Headquarters Bovington. Of particular note he was responsible for a number of initiatives which brought together the disparate regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps with a single focus and a common aim to provide the army with the best armoured and reconnaissance forces available.

and Ursula Dedek. I hope to see some of you if we get a reunion in 2021.

ROB KITSON (g 82) has just published his new book, Exe Men: The Extraordinary Rise of Exeter Chiefs (Published by Polaris). The book is out on 26 November and will appeal to anyone who enjoys a sporting fairy tale with a strong West Country flavour!

Where many before him had tried to do

I am also entering my 22nd season

the same thing, through a number of

as The Guardian’s rugby union

small steps and subtle handling, good

correspondent and recently completed

timing and a fair degree of luck, he

my term of office as chairman of the

achieved more for the Royal Armoured

Rugby Union Writers’ Club.

Corps in a four-year period than perhaps have been achieved in its 80-year history.

And all of this he achieved against a background of having Parkinson’s

AIDAN HARTLEY (e 83) My family and I were stranded in London during lockdown and couldn’t get home to our

disease.

Kenyan ranch for five months. I used the

EDWARD PAGE-TURNER (g 80) I am a

company, PyserTesting.com which

Senior Vice President of Marsh JLT

opened its doors at the Honourable

Specialty - Marine and Cargo. I previously

Artillery Company in the City, moved to

worked for JLT Specialty which was

Soho’s Boulevard Theatre (which used to

bought by Marsh and McLennan last

be a strip club) then we started testing

April 2019. I have now completed a full

football clubs, VIPs and corporate clients.

circle having previously worked for Marsh

It has been doing a roaring trade and

for 22 years but left in 2005 to pursue

please do use us. I have also got

other opportunities in the broking sector.

involved in a company which will soon

time to start a COVID-19 testing

begin manufacturing FFP3 masks. These Married to Sophie, we have three

efforts were to help me pass the time in

daughters - Tatiana - is now just about to

London usefully, because otherwise we

start her second year of University at

spent our days walking and cycling the

Oxford Brookes, Georgie has just

capital’s empty streets. One day we

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 45 -

1990s found ourselves in an entirely empty Trafalgar Square. I wrote about the bizarre experiences of lockdown in my Spectator column, Wild Life, and we were delighted to get home to Kenya in August. I must confess that from the outset I never believed in lockdown or the British government’s policies which have failed the country so badly. I was always a lockdown sceptic in favour of Sweden’s strategy - and my ventures in the COVID-19 space have been mainly to help people resume their normal lives rather than cowering indoors, as the economy collapses around us and China’s power grows at our expense. As Charles Mackay wrote in his book Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds:

BEN CAESAR (m 90) When the COVID19 pandemic struck, I was deployed on operations with the Army in a desert in the middle east. My wife, Regina, was in the USA visiting her family as planned to get some much-needed support during My lockdown project was to write my second novel and I have very nearly finished it. It tells the disgraceful tale of a boy who perpetrates an outrageous deceit at a private school - based loosely on a school I remember very vividly! I also launched a website called trafalgar.tv

my three months away as she neared her third trimester. Intermittent Skype calls across multiple time zones were made.

The vagaries of the information being provided by different governments and the World Health Organisation made planning almost impossible.

where you can read about my proposed

Ultimately, a decision was made to leave

television series about the life of Lord

the USA and head home via Canada, as

Nelson and his love affair with Emma

her booked flight had been cancelled.

Hamilton.

Flying across the US/Canadian border as the two governments decided to close it, she made it home. I followed suit a month or so later, after multiple episodes

“Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in

of “on the bus, off the bus” as is the way with the Army. I arrived home with time

herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one. “

to spare and we welcomed Luke into our family in Brighton on 9 June 2020.

IAN HEY (g 83) In the Milford on Sea January Panto, I played Long John Silver.

I thought I was great but got a pretty disappointing review in The Lymington Times, so I sulked for a while. Six weeks off work during the first Lockdown, so I decided to write a novel: a rom-com thriller, called No Lift And No Stairs. I’ve just finished the third draft and it’s still terrible, but one never knows. During the week, I take our wire-haired dachshund, Lola, early morning for a walk down to the sea - in all weathers. A very nice start to a day, I promise.

ADAM PRESTON (d 84) My lockdown was spent with my wife and children in our garden and in the fields and woods surrounding our cottage in Kent. It was a chance to instil my passion for nature into Tabitha (8) and Audrey (6) although they actually need no encouragement from me and are nature mad. We got to borrow a neighbour’s pony and go for memorable walks and enjoyed welcoming visitors such as hedgehogs who had never before been seen in our garden.

CAMERON BROWN (c 92) has been CHARLIE JACOBY (f 85) Lockdown was

appointed as a Queen’s Counsel by the

the time when YouTube pushed its

Lord Chancellor, working in financial

creators to exhaustion. Charlie Jacoby’s

crime and regulatory case and was sworn

Fieldsports Channel YouTube.com/

in on 16 March 2020.

programming double to two half-hour

TOBY CLAY (c 92) is still in the Royal

shows a week, and staff go up a quarter

Navy, and now works in the Capability

to eight people. It’s also been a

Strategy area of the Ministry of Defence,

wonderful time, despite the backdrop of

often crossing paths with the variety of

the tragedy of the epidemic. YouTube

OS now serving there. Home remains in

viewer number now stands at 7.2m

Liss, Hampshire, where he lives with Lucy,

individual people. Most popular film over

their four children and an ever-growing

the summer is The Bird Table of Doom.

menagerie of rabbits and chickens. Spare

With hunting seasons open across the

time is usually spent tending the garden,

northern hemisphere during the autumn

riding a bike, or re-discovering his

and winter, the work shows no sign of

Sherborne-inspired love of sailing at

abating. Picture shows Charlie (right) on a

Thorney Island, most of which seem to

driven boar hunt in Germany.

have benefitted rather well from the

fieldsportschannel saw views triple,

lockdown!

SIMON ROBSON (g 89) Congratulations to Simon who has been named

TIM DEAN (g 92) After three years as

President, International, Recorded Music

the Senior Dental Officer in Gibraltar,

at Warner Music Group. Simon has been

where during the pandemic he was

with Warner for over two decades. Since

responsible for the safe delivery of all

2015 he has been President of Warner

Primary Health care to the British Forces,

Music Asia, based in Hong Kong. He

Tim has returned to the UK. He is now

takes up his new post in January 2021.

the Senior Dental Surgeon in Devonport,

s

the Royal Navy’s largest Dental Clinic.

NICHOLAS HAMILTON (c 93) I was

Working with him is Chris Redman (g 82)

supposed to be launching a new

who after 33 years in the Royal Navy has

business this spring making high-end

semi-retired having reached the rank of

leather and canvas kit for outdoor drinks

Surgeon Captain (D).

and picnics – think ice buckets, cool bags, wine chillers etc – very summeroriented products. It has been about two years in the development. Next thing, COVID-19 hits. My manufacturer in Frome normally specialises in making leather goods, luggage, bags and so on.

They also have a side-line in heavy duty vinyl stuff like boat covers, bouncy castles, that sort of thing. As soon as the lockdown is announced, they have to

ALISTAIR HARRIS (h 92) A small update

drop all their existing work – like my very

on a project I have run during C-19 –

first bulk order from them that was due

establishing a PPE production facility in

for delivery at the beginning of April in

the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in

time for launch – in order to fulfil

Lebanon (above photo is me visiting).

government orders of 4,000 body bags per week for the foreseeable future. One

Using an initial grant from the UK

can hardly bemoan them, and I duly

Embassy in Lebanon our Palestinian

waited at the back of the queue. The

partners imported the machinery to make

result is that I have missed an amazing

World Health Organisation compliant 3

sales period of people surfing the

ply face masks from Germany, are turning

internet to buy stuff to enjoy in the

out 50,000 masks a day, working around

sunshine at home or on staycation.

the clock to contribute to addressing the public health emergency in Lebanon.

Anyway, they are back onto it, so a little over seven months late – and just in time

The delivery approach ensures that

for winter – Harvey and Hamilton

masks are given away free to vulnerable

(www.harveyandhamilton.co.uk) is

Syrian, Iraqi and Palestinian refugees

launched in November making the finest

living in the camps, as well as near-camp

British kit for sundowners and outdoor

Lebanese communities unable to afford

life.

this basic item of personal protection

May 2020 we donated almost 200,000

market, generating revenue that can then

litres of hand sanitizer free of charge,

be reinvested in new materials, as well as

over 90% of our sanitizer production

contribute to the operational costs of the

figures. Our sanitizer reached all regions

local Palestinian Civil Defence teams we

of Thailand and the hundreds of

support, whose rescue activities with

recipients include the Defence Ministry,

their Lebanese colleagues following the 4

This provides an excellent example of innovative and sustainable approaches to combatting COVID-19 and what, with opportunity and agency, refugees are able to contribute to our collective wellbeing.

alcohol as possible to those in need. the panic in Thailand between March and

at highly competitive prices on to the

international media attention.

on a mission to supply as much sanitizing During the height of the pandemic and

equipment (PPE). The remainder are sold

August explosion in Beirut garnered

produce hand sanitizing alcohol, we went

Public Health Ministry, Thai Red Cross, TRITIP ARUNANONDCHAI (a 95) Since

schools, hospitals, and government

2008, I have been managing director of a

offices. We made sure communities and

fuel ethanol plant based in Thailand. We

the vulnerable within our province are

produce fuel ethanol from locally sourced

well supported, committing to supply

agricultural products. In early 2020,

sanitising alcohol to them throughout the

COVID-19 had taken Thailand by storm.

pandemic. The panic of the shortage of

Once the Excise Department gave us the

sanitizing alcohol has now passed, but

license (although a temporary one) to

we continue to provide to those in need.

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 47 -

JAMES HUGHES (m 95) I live and work

2000s

in a ski resort of Bansko in Bulgaria. I run a hotel and work as a consular agent for the FCO. March was an interesting time, below is an overview of my first five days of COVID-19. Covid hit on many levels.

As a hotelier/restaurateur my business was instantly closed in the middle of our peak season. Hospitality has some pretty

Also, last September, I joined the board

fine margins, especially in the ski industry.

of governors of the newly rebranded

We only have a 100-day season, economically this was a blow.

CHRISTOPHER CHOW (m 01) Last summer I edited a film called The

As a consular agent one side of my role

Complex which is about a couple of

is limited to helping Brits fill out forms

scientists trapped in an underground lab

and sharing press releases from the

due to a deadly infection. Not in a million

embassy. The other side of the role I refer

years would I imagine seven months

to as a cleaner, if there is a mess, I clean

later, the release of the film would

it up. COVID-19 caused a bit of a mess.

coincide with an actual global pandemic

Overnight the whole resort was locked

and a national lockdown. Life truly can

down in quarantine and all hotels and

imitate art!

restaurants were closed. With no one allowed in or out of the town I took

The Complex was directed by Paul

responsibility for around 700 British

Raschid and written by Lynn Renee

nationals.

Maxcy who was part of the Emmy winning team for Handmaid’s Tale. It is

British Film Editors, an honorary society founded in 1966, committed to promoting the craft of film editing.

FREDDIE CORLETT (c 01) We had our number two child, Edward Corlett, on 17 January this year and I officially became a modern man by taking a wonderful three months shared parental leave from midApril to mid-July with the family, a time I will never regret!

However, the world was a very different place when I returned! As an office leasing agent, I have a vested interest in people working in an office, but I

Over the next 5 days I liaised with the

the world’s first live-action sci-fi

Bulgarian government institutions to

interactive film with nine possible

house, feed and evacuate 740 Brits and a

endings. If you’ve watched Black Mirror:

large group of other nationalities. Special

Bandersnatch then you know what an

attention had to be given to hospitalised

interactive film is, if not, think of it as a

patients as well as a family falsely

choose-your-own-adventure book but in

diagnosed with COVID-19 and locked in

film form.

back to the office as soon as it is safe to

The Complex was released at the end of

collaboration and creativity are at their

their apartment.

As the only bilingual and willing

March, two weeks after the UK’s national

candidate I was seconded to the Police,

lockdown began. In the first week of

Regional Health Directorate, Municipality

release, it received outstanding reviews

Crisis Department and the Ministry of

and had achieved the best-selling first

Foreign Affairs. I had support from the

week launch of any interactive film across

FCO and another local volunteer, but

all gaming platforms worldwide.

otherwise it was a very lonely busy few

More recently in October, an animation

days.

short film I edited during lockdown was released on BBC Ideas - The Promise is

There were many challenges and

based on the New York Times Best

sleepless nights, many of the Brits were

Illustrated Book of the Year of the same

emotional and not a little scared. The

name, a stunning picture book for

Bulgarian government institutions did an

children showcasing the power of nature.

amazing job in such a unique situation. I

As of writing this, The Promise has so far

am proud to say we got everybody home

been viewed 170,000 times and shown in

safe and well.

over 1500+ schools in England and Scotland.

returned to the empty streets of London and a very quiet office! Whilst we expect many to continue working from home (WFH) in the short term, it is clear most of our clients are keen to get their staff do so as that is where productivity, best!

Let’s hope sooner rather than later – I can’t wait to drop the Zoom meetings and start seeing people again!

JAMES KIERSTEAD (f 01) is now Senior Lecturer in Classics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, where he has taught since 2013. He is also the coordinator of Heterodox Classics, an organization devoted to free speech and viewpoint diversity in Classics and related fields. Classicists at schools or universities (from the postgraduate level up) are encouraged to get in touch with him if they have concerns on these fronts.

s

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 49 -

Appointments and Awards

JAMES BOARD (e 01) has been included in the Private Debt Investor's 2020 list of Rising Stars.

CAMERON BROWN (c 92) has been appointed as a Queen's Counsel by the Lord Chancellor, working in financial crime and regulatory cases and was sworn in on 16 March 2020.

TONY GREIG (d 73) was appointed to the bench in February 2020 and now sits as a Judge in New Zealand.

SIMON HORNE (a 90) was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

JEREMY MACIVER (b 08) has been listed as a Rising Star in the renewable energy sector by the Legal 500.

MARK RANDOLPH (b 69) has been named as the 2020 inductee into Western Australia's Science Hall of Fame.

CHRIS WARD (b 84) was awarded a BEM in the New Years Honours List for his services to the Community in West Berkshire in his former role as Neighbourhood Police Inspector.

s

JAMES MCKILLOP (m 01) The last 12

lockdown but has got much busier over

months have been some of the most

the last month or so, especially since I

surreal in my life! We were very lucky to

recently started a secondment with a

celebrate our marriage in September and

client in the aerospace industry, tackling

honeymooned in Sri Lanka over

some of the many challenges that that

Christmas. We were delighted to

industry faces. All this is overshadowed

discover that Kim was pregnant and

though by the successful arrival of our

expecting in July. We went into lockdown

third (and last!) son, Henry, in August,

with plenty to think about and were just a

who has taken well to having a couple of

little surprised when our daughter Mollie

boisterous older brothers (and exhausted

joined us unexpectedly 10 weeks early on

parents)! We are still adjusting to life as a family of five, but, again, being at home

8 May! The NICU team at Chelsea & Westminster were incredible and I cannot

relatively COVID-19 restriction free. After

praise the NHS enough as we spent 10

three years based in Brunei with the

weeks in their care with Mollie, who is

British Army flying the Bell212 helicopter

GASH MBIZVO (g 06) I will gladly share

now home and doing brilliantly. To spice

I return to the UK shortly to start a new

my lockdown confessions. Lockdown

things up even more, I have accepted a

posting in 2021, just in time to see my

gave my fiancée Val

new job offer to run the residential team

nephew as he embarks on his first term

and me the push we

for Savills in Salisbury starting in

at Sherborne.

always needed to

most of the time is helping.

November, so with another lockdown

get a puppy. For

looming, we are looking to sell in London

years we said no

and move to Hampshire! No pressure

because we knew

but one extraordinary year...

we wouldn’t be home enough during the first year, so when the government announced the plans, we raced to get one before they commenced. Enter Abba, our now eight-

TOM EXCELL (e 05) and Laura and

CHARLES GORDON-CREED (a 05)

month-old little cockapoo - named after

Since my last update, Bex and I finally

Aberystwyth (where Val and I met) but

tied the knot - in October last year. A

spelt Abba as she is our little dancing

fantastic wedding was followed by a

queen. She is an absolute star, and she

glorious three-week honeymoon in Italy

has guided us through the pandemic

where we ate and drank like monarchs,

with a smile.

including a very special meal at the 3-

JAMIE EXCELL (e 08) and Jessie both

starred Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence.

We did both work through the lockdown

grew their families during lockdown with

Coming back to England in November

but as a neurology doctor I have been

the births of their first children Paddy

was a bit depressing! At least, it was at

able to do many of my routine

(2 June) and Molly (19 July) respectively.

the time, although my standards for what

appointments via video-link from home,

Seen above enjoying a short break from

counts as ‘depressing’ have changed

and as a social worker Val has been able

work in Cornwall where Tom and Laura

somewhat over the last several months!

to do the same for her caseload. So, all in all, we are getting through it. The

are remote renovating a cottage as a holiday let soon to be launched with

My firm has had us all working from

toughest thing has been not knowing

Portscatho Holidays!

home since lockdown. Apparently, we’re

when I will get to see my parents in

very good at it as there are no plans to

Zimbabwe again. Best that they stay

TOM FINEMAN (b 05) Witnessing a

get us all back into the office until

safely away from us for now, so in the

global pandemic whilst based in the

sometime in 2021! From my perspective,

end we postponed our wedding, which

second smallest SE Asian country has

I have actually enjoyed it, and continue

was due to be in Zimbabwe in April 2021

been a unique experience. With the

to do so, as it has meant that I spend a

(we had a venue booked with zebras and

borders closed since March and recently

lot more time with Bex and the boys,

all sorts arranged). We look forward to

only limited entry permitted (provided

whose company I do still enjoy (although

rescheduling things. Meanwhile, we focus

compliance with mandated government

home schooling did nearly break us!).

our attention on buying a house before

isolation), internally Brunei has remained

Work was quiet for a while during the

this stamp duty holiday ends!

OLD SHIRBURNIAN SOCIETY

- 51 -

In other news, I started a new job

OLI CLIFFORD (a 09) I have recently got

remotely as Head of Incubation

engaged on the 3 September to Lucy

Underwriting at Beazley in London. It’s

Pekin, a St Mary’s Shaftesbury girl. We

been a challenge starting a brand-new

got engaged on the island of Paxos and

team without the chance to actually meet

are getting married in August 2021,

anyone, but I’m now a professional vid-

(COVID-19 permitting!) in Jersey. Expect

networker!

a good Shirburnian turn out!

HENRY HOWARD (m 07) Will be

HUMPHREY WREY (g 09) is the founder

married to Catriona Shaw on 23rd

and CEO of QuickBus, a British-Kenyan

September 2020, before taking up a new

start-up, which allows travellers to book

posting with the Foreign Commonwealth

and pay for bus tickets. Having launched

and Development Office (FCDO) at the

in Kenya, the start-up has already

British Embassy Muscat, as of October

expanded to Uganda and Angola and

2020.

has secured partnerships in a further seven markets across the continent. “Our

ADAM AROSKIN (d 07) I have been an

PADDY SELFE (c 07) my Regiment

platform allows customers to see reviews

(King’s Royal Hussars) was on guard in

and select seats based on their

front of Buckingham Palace May-July

preferences because knowing if your

which is the first time a Cavalry Regiment

18-hour journey will be very

has even been given this task.

uncomfortable or quite comfortable is

Officer within The Royal Welsh since 2011 and have been fortunate to serve this last decade in several interesting, exciting

valuable information. That was the JAMES COCHRANE-DYET (b 08) I left

posts, deploying overseas on a myriad of

as an officer in the Blues and Royals at

exercises and operations. It has been

the end of last summer. I have spent the

such a pleasure bumping into many OS

last year working as a consultant in the

along the way, including on a recent

City, where my most interesting project

operational tour to Somalia (see awful,

was working as a Chief of Staff for the

staged picture!), where my Commanding

NHS London COVID-19 Crisis Team

Officer was the parent of a Harper Boy.

where my responsibilities included

Last year I had the privilege of being

contributing to the construction of the

Capt Edward Rogers RAMC (d 07) Best

NHS Nightingale Hospital in East

Man in the Isle of Wight, he will be kindly

London. More recently, I was delighted to

reciprocating the role next year. I am now

receive a scholarship to study for an MBA

posted to the Staff College at

at London Business School graduating in

Shrivenham, studying for an MSc in

2022, and I am exploring future careers in

Battlespace Technology and desperately

the Venture Capital and Technology

trying to recall all the Sciences taught in

sectors.

the School labs many years ago!

Engagement: to Miss Sophie

More importantly, I recently became

Christopher, July 20.

engaged to India Boyer, and after delaying our wedding date due to the

Promotion: to Major (R WELSH), Dec 19,

pandemic, we are now due to be married

substantive July 20.

near Udaipur in India in October 2021.

GEORGE BEATTIE (a 07) Really two bits

ADAM FERRIS (d 08) I got engaged to

of news from me. Most excitingly, I

Vanessa Hawes on 5 October 2020 on the

became a father in lockdown! I was only

beach at Luss on the banks of Loch

able to be at the hospital for 30 minutes

Lomond. I believe I beat Robin Irving

after the birth, before having to leave for

(also d 08) to it by a couple of days!

two days, but looking back on it the time flew by.

genesis of the QuickBus idea.”

the British Army after serving for six years

2010s

TOM JAMES (c 12) is now playing rugby for Northampton having signed from Doncaster Knights ahead of the 20/21 season.

WILL HOMER (m 14) is now playing rugby for the Scarlets having signed from Jersey Reds ahead of the 20/21 season.

TOM MENDEL (d 14) I recently started my own art dealership back in late April, specialising in British & Continental Paintings & Works on Paper c.1700-1950. Business has been going from strength to strength and the gallery (just online for the moment and by appointment) now has more than 150 works in stock. www.Nonesuch-Gallery.co.uk

OSS Committee 2020/21 TRUSTEES

John Hargrove, Richard Green, Michael French

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Stephen Rees-Williams

HEADMASTER Dominic Luckett

HON. TREASURER Robin Brown

SECRETARY John Harden

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE Matthew Jamieson

PILGRIMS REPRESENTATIVE Stephen Rees-Williams

OSGS REPRESENTATIVE Patrick Macintosh

OSSS REPRESENTATIVE Angus Cater

SHERBORNE IN THE COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE James McKillop

CHAIRMAN OF FINANCE & BURSARY SUB-COMMITTEE Angus Cater

CATEGORY A REPRESENTATIVE Edward Bridges

CATEGORY B REPRESENTATIVE James McKillop

CATEGORY C REPRESENTATIVE George Densham

CATEGORY D REPRESENTATIVE Theo Irvine

FINANCE AND BURSARY SUB-COMMITTEE

Angus Cater (Chairman) Robin Brown (Hon. Treasurer) David Cole (Bursar) John Harden (Secretary) John Hargrove (Trustees’ Representative) Matthew Jamieson (Staff Representative)

VISITING THE SCHOOL

Currently the School is not open to visitors but in normal times it is always a great pleasure to welcome OS and friends to the School, but please be sure to contact us in advance of your intended visit in order that we can ensure that there will be someone here to greet you and show you round.

Please note that visitors cannot look around the School unescorted. On arrival please sign in at Reception under the archway.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

In the face of ever-rising postal costs, we endeavour to conduct the bulk of OSS correspondence via email. If you feel that we may not hold a current email address for you, please contact oss@sherborne.org

As part of the United Grand Lodge of England and as a member of the Public School Lodges’ Council, The Old Shirburnian Lodge is open to Old Shirburnians and staff of Sherborne School who may be interested in becoming freemasons. We meet twice a year in London and once in Sherborne, for masonic business, for fellowship and to dine well! The Lodge supports Sherborne School by sponsoring the Foundation and Charity Prizes at Commem and by broadcasting the good name of the School.

The Lodge was founded in the early 20th century and receives a mention in A. B. Gourlay’s ‘A History of Sherborne School’.

If you are interested in joining or just interested in finding out about freemasonry please email us via www.OSL3304.org.uk

Robin Price (a 83), Old Shirburnian Lodge secretary in masonic regalia

THE OLD SHIRBURNIAN LODGE

MMXX

THE OLD SHIRBURNIAN OFFICE SHERBORNE SCHOOL, SHERBORNE, DORSET DT9 3AP T: 01935 810558 or 810557 E: oss@sherborne.org www.oldshirburnian.org.uk www.sherborneconnect.org

Editors: Anne Macfarlane and John Harden Photographs: John Harden, Anne Macfarlane, Adrian Ballard, David Ridgway, Josie Sturgess-Mills Photography, Terry Gordon, Kiran Visuals Photography, Will M and others