H A M P TON
VOICES
I am regularly asked – usually by those considering the School for their son – to define a ‘typical’ Hampton boy. I always respond thus: ‘fortunately there is no such thing and this is one of the main reasons that being Headmaster here is such a joy and privilege’.
hampton voices
alumni stories Each young man who joins us, whether at 11, 13 or 16 years of age, has a distinctive, personal experience of being part of our School community. Our role is to help him discover and nurture his individual talents, interests and passions, wherever these might lie. Helping young people to identify what inspires and enthuses them is, I believe, of paramount importance in helping them achieve lifelong happiness and fulfilment – successes, opportunities and rewards will naturally follow. Those who feature in this alumni magazine range from TV presenters to renowned sportsmen, from global business leaders to distinguished barristers. They are testament to the extraordinary talents of Hamptonians past, present and future.
The exceptional people who grace the following pages have all subscribed fully to our School ethos by going out into the wider world and making a real difference. It is heart-warming to know they recall their days here with such warmth and fondness, and we are grateful to them for sharing their inspiring stories.
Kevin Knibbs, Headmaster
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
1
Hampton provided me with the opportunity to be the best version of myself
Patrick Aryee Science & Wildlife TV Presenter A familiar face on our TV screens, Patrick has hosted some of the UK’s most popular nature shows on the BBC and Sky. His programmes include Yellowstone: Wildest Winter, the Amazing Animal Family series, and more recently the much anticipated Big Beasts: Last of the Giants on Sky. Patrick, who joined Hampton at the age of 11 on a partial bursary, has very fond memories of his childhood but says there were challenges: “My siblings and I were all raised by mum, a single parent, and finances were understandably tight to say the least. Without a Hampton bursary, I would not be standing here as the person I am today. Today, that person is someone who has gone free-diving with sperm whales, sat eye-to-eye with ferocious lions, walked a six-tonne bull elephant, and more comically, been sprayed in the face by a skunk!”
The Cancer Biology graduate from the University of Bristol, who went on to study for a Master’s Degree in Science Communication, initially worked behind the camera on productions including Madagascar, Frozen Planet and Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild. Keen to try his luck in front of the lens, a successful screen test landed Patrick a presenting role on the BBC Two series Super Senses. Since then Patrick’s career has blossomed. His latest series Big Beasts offers a unique insight into some of Earth’s biggest creatures and their prehistoric ancestors.
He says he feels privileged to be doing a job that he loves and which has the potential to change perceptions and even influence the conservation policies of governments around the world. “The importance of communicating science to the public, whether on TV, in books, magazines, on the radio or even in a coffee shop with friends, cannot be underestimated,” emphasises Patrick. “We are at a crossroads; regardless of what we do to the planet, it will undoubtedly continue to orbit the sun for the next five billion years. It’s rather our opportunities to learn from the diversity of the natural world that are likely to diminish.” “I’m excited to see the next generation of conservationists become more business-minded and find more innovative ways of lessening our impact on the biodiversity of the planet, something which of course is essential to our own existence.” Memories of Hampton What makes Hampton special is that it supports you whatever your interest may be – for me this was science of course, but I also loved drama and sport. The teachers are passionate about the subjects that they teach and they inspired me. I still keep in touch with a few of them today.
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
3
I have fond memories of Hampton School and still have many close friends from my time there. Saturday cricket fixtures were always the highlight of the week for me
Toby Roland-Jones England & Middlesex Seam Bowler Toby Roland-Jones, enjoyed the perfect start to his England Test career at the Oval against South Africa in 2017 when he removed South Africa’s top four with his first 33 balls in Test cricket. He went on to take five wickets in the innings and nine in the match, the best start to an England bowler’s Test career since 1962. It was the culmination to a perfect 12 months for the 30-year-old cricketer. Toby who joined Middlesex County Cricket Club at the age of nine as a junior, delivered a headline grabbing hat trick against Yorkshire at Lord’s Cricket Ground on the last day of the season, securing Middlesex their first County Championship title for 23 years.
Toby says that Hampton gave him a great start in life and has many fond memories of his time at the School: “Saturday cricket fixtures were always the highlight of the week for me. We had a great cricket team and reached the final of the national T20 competition at Edgbaston. I also played football every break time and loved the social football on a Wednesday. I wasn’t any good but it provided a proper game every week.” Apart from the sport, Toby believes that Hampton offered him a strong all-round platform: “The School helped me to grow and mature as a young adult, building a core of inter-personal skills that have since proved essential. As a cricketer, I developed an ability to analyse and think quickly. As a school boy you learn that coping with pressures of education can translate into dealing with other pressures further on in life, and of course I learned there is no substitute for hard work.” After leaving Hampton School in 2006, Toby studied Accounting and Management at Leeds University while playing cricket for Leeds/Bradford MCCU.
His big break came three years later when he got the call up from Middlesex County Cricket Club – he has played there ever since and says that he has enjoyed every single minute: “There have been many highlights throughout my career, not least my England test call up. But for me the final day of the 2016 season, when Middlesex won the County Championships after a 23-year gap, is a moment I will never forget. It was so satisfying that all the work that had been put in year-upon-year by the squad was finally rewarded in such a great moment. For me cricket has always been my passion. I fully appreciate how lucky I am to play the game I love and to enjoy what I do every day.” His message to today’s Hamptonians Appreciate the support network available at the School and utilise all aspects of it, both co-curricular and academic. In your sport, be fearless and be prepared to make mistakes – this is how we learn best. Remember your school days will be some of the best days of your lives, so enjoy them and make the most of all the opportunities in front of you because the time goes by so quickly. Pursue your passion and your hard work will always be rewarded, even if you have to wait a while!
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
5
Jody says being a film composer requires a tough skin but is also wonderfully rewarding:
Based in Soho, London, Jody has made a name for himself in the world of film and television scores
Jody Jenkins
“You need to be able to work quickly, to deadlines, and not be disappointed when some of your work ends up ditched on the cutting-room floor. It is essential to be able to appreciate the qualities of pretty much all types of music; only then can you exploit that to create a soundtrack which enhances the picture it accompanies. The best moments are when it all comes together. Conducting an orchestra playing a score which has taken months to compose, with a director beaming at us through the glass, is a real high-point.”
Memories of Hampton My memories of Hampton are overwhelmingly positive, but I would say that it’s only in the years since leaving that I have appreciated quite how fortunate I was to have studied there. For anyone wishing to pursue a career in music I would advise getting as broad a musical education as you can. You may not like singing, but it is the best general training for the ear. You may want only to play the drums, but an understanding of harmony, through studying an instrument such as the piano, will actually make you a better drummer. Average musicians might have fast fingers but brilliant ones have fast ears as well. My general advice to anyone heading off into the wider world from Hampton is always follow your interests, even if they sometimes take you off on tangents. You are in a unique period of your life where you have an inherent knack for picking up new things, developing new skills and, hopefully, having fun in the process.
film & television composer After leaving Hampton, Jody studied percussion and composition at the Royal Academy of Music, which he recalls was a petri dish of emerging musical talent, offering scope to work with every type of musician and absorb the nuts and bolts of musical theory and history. During his studies, one of his compositions was selected for a British Gas TV commercial and a week later he was recording his music with a professional orchestra in one of London’s top studios. He says it was a career defining moment: “Hearing my music realised to that standard was incredible and I was hooked.” Jody soon branched out to start writing music for television programmes including BBC History documentaries and shows like Horizon and Panorama. His tracks could be heard on Top Gear and The Antiques Roadshow.
In the last few years Jody has scored a number of feature films, including a large orchestral score for the Indian film Aladin and the UK black-comedy Cockneys Vs Zombies. He also worked on the indie horror feature Sawney: Flesh of Man. Jody has worked on countless film scores in a variety of roles within the music department, including being percussion programmer for Academy Award winner Dario Marianelli, on films such as V for Vendetta and Atonement. He also worked alongside Harry Gregson-Williams on the score for Disney’s Narnia: Prince Caspian and as programmer for Javier Navarrete on the Warner Brothers’ recent blockbuster Wrath of the Titans.
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
7
Neil Chugani
Neil has always balanced a passion for rowing with a high-flying career in the finance, media and technology industries
Senior Director at Google & Board Member of UK Sport Neil recalls Hampton as somewhere “boys could find their place and purpose.” It was a time of hard work but lots of fun, he says, and a lot of the friendships he forged then still remain strong today. He remembers many of his teachers with great fondness, particularly those who guided him through his A-levels and credits them with instilling within him a love of learning: “I still visit the theatre to see productions of the plays I studied at Hampton because my appreciation of them has endured, and I am reminded of the enjoyment I had studying literature in the Garrick as a schoolboy.” Neil and his friends spent many a break-time playing the traditional English handball game ‘fives’. He was also a member of the Combined Cadet Force, and led the contingent as Warrant Officer in his final year at School. The CCF offered him the opportunity to fly solo at the age of 16 which he still recalls as a highlight today. “The CCF taught me the value of self-discipline, resilience and courage. It also helped me to develop leadership skills which have been key in later life.” After Hampton, Neil studied Geography at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, as an undergraduate, and Politics and Sociology as a postgraduate.
It was at university that he discovered a passion for rowing and began to train as a cox with the Oxford squad. He was appointed Captain of Boats at St Catherine’s College in 1988, and helped his Oxford crew win the Boat Race in 1991. Neil was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2009. After holding senior positions at Goldman Sachs and Sky, he is now a Senior Director at Google, at the heart of a global company with enormous influence, and is enjoying the challenge: “The technology industry is revolutionising the way we live and work, and despite the inevitable challenges brought about by such rapid change, I do believe that it is ultimately a democratising force for good in society.” Neil credits Hampton with engendering many of the characteristics which he believes have helped him succeed in business and life beyond: “Self-discipline, resilience and hard work; teamwork, esprit de corps and respect for others are all values that I learned at Hampton and still hold dear today.
As an employer of highly educated, talented graduates, I see firsthand how much value there is in the capacity for humility and selfawareness that a well-rounded, well-grounded education provides.” Rowing has remained a major part of Neil’s life. Coxing crews for Great Britain, he won Gold medals as both an under-23 and a senior international at the World Rowing Championships. He has also served the sport as Chief Executive Officer of British Rowing, as a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta and a member of its Management Committee. Neil’s sport and business-leadership credentials led to his appointment as a Board member of UK Sport, the Government’s leading strategic body for Olympic and Paralympic sport. His message to today’s Hamptonians Hampton boys have a breadth, depth and quality of opportunity that is extraordinary. My message to them would be to embrace that kaleidoscope of chances, try many different paths, try to find what you are passionate about, and make that your vocation.
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
9
I have found that nothing worthwhile is achieved without working for it
Stephen Kramer Senior Circuit Judge, Old Bailey 2005 - 2017 His Honour Judge Stephen Kramer QC joined Hampton School almost 60 years ago and fondly recalls a ‘surprisingly’ enjoyable education which provided him with a good grounding academically as well as friendships which remain to this day. He recalls a much stricter regime than that experienced by today’s Hamptonians. In particular he remembers History teacher, Ernie Badman, a strict disciplinarian with a penchant for outburst “both verbal and occasionally physical” but who achieved the desired results. “It is to him that I owe my distinction in A level history and my open exhibition at Keble College, Oxford,” he admits. School records show that Stephen immersed himself in Hampton life whether as a patrol leader in Junior Scouts, secretary of the Drama and History Societies and, further up the School, as Senior Prefect. He remembers feeling a sense of pride, riding to School on his bicycle, wearing a trilby hat as part of the prefect’s uniform and which “made me stand out a bit.”
After Hampton, Stephen headed to Oxford to study law. One of the first members of his family to attend university, he credits this success to the education and work ethic Hampton gave him. A calling to the law was instilled from a very early age: Stephen’s grandfather, Emil, was a lawyer in Mainz before World War II but fled to the UK in the 1930s as a refugee. Unable to continue in the legal profession in England, Emil used his expertise to assist many Jewish refugees, who had also escaped to England, to obtain financial restitution from the post-war German government. Stephen remembers stacks of legal documents piled high in his grandparents’ living room and believes his admiration for his grandfather’s pursuit of justice kindled within him his own love of the law. His choice of profession was also influenced by one of his university tutors who said to him “bigger fools than you, Kramer, have gone to the Bar and succeeded!”
Following his heart and his tutor’s endorsement, Stephen studied international law in France before returning to England to begin life as a practising barrister. His skills at the bar were quickly recognised and he gained widespread prominence in the profession. In 1995, he took Silk, and was appointed a Crown Court Circuit Judge in 2003. He became a Senior Judge at the Old Bailey two years later. The former Judge presided over many high profile court cases throughout his career, including the notorious Baby P trials in 2009.
He says of his role “it is the best job in the judicial criminal firmament. The Bar is, or has in my case, been a profession requiring hard work, long hours, often at night and at weekends, application and the ability to put points over to lay people (juries, lay magistrates) and professionals (judges) alike. When that works it is immensely satisfying. It is also a profession where there is a camaraderie that I think is unique.” His message to today’s Hamptonians The Hampton School of today continues to provide the framework for success that was available even 50 years ago to me, provided that you apply yourselves. Take advantage of every opportunity the School gives you academically, culturally and in the sporting field. And the more you put in the more you are likely to enjoy life at Hampton and to achieve – even if there are some bumps in the road along the way.
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
11
A rugby great who has reached the top of his game both as a player and a coach
Simon Amor Head Coach England Rugby Sevens & GB Sevens A Hamptonian through and through, Simon joined Hampton Prep (formerly Denmead) at the age of seven, carrying on all the way through the senior school until 18. He remembers his Hampton schooldays with great fondness, making a close-knit group of friends with whom he still keeps in regular contact. He credits the School for instilling certain values: a strong work ethic, passion, commitment and enjoyment, values which he believes will take you a very long way in this world if you stick to them.
Simon enjoyed music and the arts but it was sport and, in particular, rugby that struck a spark. He rose through the junior ranks in the Hampton School teams and London Irish Rugby Academy. After Hampton, Simon studied at St Mary’s University and then Cambridge, earning a blue in the 2000 Varsity Match. Following his studies, his rugby career blossomed. Professional signings included Coventry, Gloucester, London Wasps and London Scottish. He was selected for England Sevens, which he captained between 2002-2007. In 2004, Simon was named the inaugural IRB Sevens Player of the Year. His coaching credits are similarly impressive: after starting as Director of Rugby for London Scottish, he took up the position of Head Coach for England Sevens and then became Head Coach for the Great Britain Mens’ Sevens team, heading to the Rio Olympics in 2016. A career highlight was taking the GB team all the way through to win a Silver Medal, against all the odds. Simon Amor says his love for the Sevens game originated at Hampton: “Steve Timbs, our coach at the time, would not let us kick the ball. It was all about passing. So when we were playing in our fifteen-a-side games we initially lost a couple of matches, but we all became better rugby players as we were much more comfortable running and passing the ball. My love for Sevens grew from there.”
Looking back on his illustrious sporting career, Simon says he feels very lucky:
“I feel fortunate to have experienced successes and to have some unforgettable memories as a player, and I want to help others experience the same now that I am a coach. I am also passionate about the game of Rugby Sevens and want to grow this great sport and inspire others to play it, as well as wanting to make England and Great Britain proud.” His message to today’s Hamptonians Have confidence in the education and the values the School offers you. Measure yourself first-and-foremost on your effort, and on your passion and commitment. Have confidence in being a good person and doing the right thing. Follow these guidelines, and not only will you be successful in life but the world will have more good people in it.
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
13
Sam is an established award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker
Sam Rowley wildlife photographer Sam Rowley graduated from the University of Bristol two years ago at the age of 23, and is already a name in the world of wildlife film-making and photography. Picking up his first stills camera at the age of 10, Sam credits Hampton School with giving him the confidence and self-belief to pursue his passion. He featured in the ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ competition, the biggest of its kind. The school published his success in their newsletter and Sam can still remember the warm response from his classmates: “At the time I didn’t think taking photos was as cool as being in the football or rugby teams, or being in drama productions, so I didn’t tell many people about it – but after my photo was published, lots of boys and teachers came up to congratulate me and compliment me. It was the boost I needed. The school always actively encouraged and supported me with my photography.”
From that moment on Sam spent all of his free time honing his photographic skills – getting up before sunrise to photograph the deer in Richmond and Bushy Parks, waiting for hours in snow, wind and rain to capture the perfect shot. He also volunteered his services as the official photographer on school trips whether that was to Slapton Sands or to Iceland. After Hampton, Sam headed to university to study Biology and his big break came when he was accepted as a volunteer photographer on a two-month trip to the Galapagos Islands for the Charles Darwin Foundation.
“I was given access to photogragh locations and animals rarely seen by others in the outside world.”
The Galapagos trip provided Sam with an impressive portfolio and secured him his next professional booking, a shoot in Madagascar. It was here that a chance encounter with a leaf-tailed gecko, bearing a striking resemblance to Kermit the Frog, catapulted Sam into the media spotlight. Today, Sam has branched into the world of wildlife filmmaking and is Director of Photography with Biome Productions, a virtual reality film company making 360-degree 3D films of the natural world. He knows that he is extremely fortunate to be able to work in a field that he has always been passionate about:
“Ever since I was a young boy, wildlife has fascinated me and what could be better than filming and photographing the most beautiful and interesting animals in the world.”
H A M P TO N V O I C E S
15
At School we join the living chain that grows, but never dies; In after years we still remain close bound by friendship’s ties. May we who bear Old Hampton’s name in work or play endeavour to guard and keep undimmed her fame, that she may stand for ever.
The Fitzwygram Foundation Office, Hampton School, Freepost SEA0924, Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3HD T 0208 979 4406 E fitzwygram@hamptonschool.org.uk www.hamptonschool.org.uk