The Edwardian 2023

Welcome to this edition of The Edwardian magazine. I am writing my introduction over the October half term break, and at the end of a wonderful, busy first half term of the School year. For the first time in far too long, we have had a full programme of trips away over the half term – netball and rugby tours, as well as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Normal life has been resumed, we hope for ever.

The Summer break was also busy, with a complex range of important building works taking place at the School. A wonderful new gym was created, and has been enthusiastically embraced by the pupils, and a purpose-built exam centre now gives us flexibility and room for those pupils needing specific and bespoke exam access arrangements. But the most significant build of all was a fabulous redesign of the Sixth Form Concourse – the common room which now provides our senior students with a class-leading facility in which to work and to socialise. This is important for them: they are important to us.

Sixth Form students give the School so much beyond their outstanding commitment to their academic studies. I genuinely believe that they are the single most important people in our whole School community in embodying our culture, our values, our attitudes. By their example, Sixth Form students teach their younger peers how to behave, to interact and to engage with School life. By their leadership they enrich our co-curriculum and keep us all highly motivated not only to do things right… but to do the right things. They are the key ambassadors for our sustainability drive; our equality and diversity societies; our charitable contributions. Beyond the School gates, they work hard in a myriad of partnerships offering children across the city and region opportunities which would otherwise simply not exist. Sixth Form students bring their passion for creating a better world to KES, and live it through their actions as well as their words. They are wonderful!

In turn, younger pupils look up to and aspire one day to be like their older peers. At its most powerful, our Peer Support programme allows trained Sixth Form student leaders to offer a listening ear and a kindly mentoring service for pupils

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lower down the School who are in need. And they do it magnificently – with empathy, compassion and infinite care. For all of these reasons, we want our oldest students to feel valued and respected. Of course, we seek to do this in their daily lives – in the many ways in which students and teachers work alongside and with one another - but the new Concourse makes concrete their valued position within our community. It shows our commitment to their progress and wellbeing in the very bricks and mortar in which they live and work.

Ultimately our Sixth Form students move on to university and the workplace, and we also want them to be successful in their examinations and their lives beyond KES. One way in which we hope to broaden their horizons is through our fabulous careers programme at the School. But we are always looking to increase and build upon the range of speakers willing to tell the pupils about their own professional lives and experiences after KES. We want to inspire the next generation of designers, engineers, artists, medics, entrepreneurs... As ever, we would encourage and welcome OEs who might offer fresh careers ideas and insights to get in contact with us and to come and visit KES. Equally, in these difficult financial times, we want in future years further to expand our ability to offer pupils from less affluent backgrounds the life-changing experiences available at KES. If you want to contribute to our Bursary campaign then we would also love to hear from you. Come back and visit - I would love to welcome you back to your School!

Neal Parker Head

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From the School

New Sixth Form Concourse

In September, we were excited to open a completely redeveloped Sixth Form Concourse. The area provides students with a modern, versatile and purpose-designed hub in which they can work, socialise and relax. The addition of a brand-new café also provides them with the chance to make themselves drinks and snacks throughout the day and operates a ‘grab and go’ lunch service. Alongside, there is a large dedicated study area that students can use during free periods, before and after school and for private study sessions. The space is completely laptop friendly, with printing facilities, ample desk space, individual booths and group tables that are perfect for collaborative working.

KES reaches Goldsmith Community Award National Finals

The School was delighted to be named as one of eight finalists at The Goldsmiths’ Company Awards for Community Engagement. Created in 2018, the prestigious awards celebrate the unsung work of students going above and beyond to support local communities through volunteer work and charitable initiatives. Following threeday regional heats in March, KES was selected from a total of 147 schools which took park in the awards this year, to be recognised at the finals. On 28th June representatives from the Charities Commission joined more than 60 students at The Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London to present on their community outreach efforts before judges and invited guests.

KES announces Cricket Partnership

The School announced the renewal, for a further two years, of its partnership as Official School Partners of Hampshire Cricket and Official Supporter of The Ageas Bowl this summer. During the partnership in recent years, Hampshire Cricket Pathway participants have both trained and played fixtures at Wellington Sports Grounds. The School also acts as a host venue for cricketing charitable provision provided through the MCC foundation, the Lord’s Taverner’s ‘Wicketz’ programme and most recently the newly formed City Scorchers, all providing opportunities for talented young cricketers from all backgrounds in the City of Southampton. In further cricketing news, the boys’ 1st XI took home the Altham Trophy this season beating local rivals Barton Peveril College and Peter Symonds College in the process.

Lawrence Herklots

Lawrence Herklots joined KES in September 1987 having studied Physics at Queen Mary University, London and for three decades has taught Physics to KES students with his characteristic humour and enthusiasm. Having established himself as a popular classroom teacher, Lawrence was made Head of Foundation Studies and then appointed Deputy Director of Studies. This was followed by Head of Physics and, later, Chief Examiner for the OCR A Level course. In 2011, he became Head of the Science and Technology Faculty. His huge contribution to Physics education over the years was recognised nationally in September 2021, when he received the Teacher of Physics Award from the Institute of Physics. Lawrence combined his passion for music with his knowledge of Physics to great educational and entertainment effect with his four Physics musicals; ‘Einstein the Musical’, ‘That Certain Uncertainty’, ‘Welcome to Gedanken’ and ‘No Time Like the Present’. Lawrence will continue his exam board work as he leaves KES and has already begun an open university course reading English and Philosophy. He will be sorely missed but will undoubtedly remain busy during his retirement.

Steve Hall

Steve Hall joined the School as a teacher of Biology in 1988 and quickly established himself as a very knowledgeable and insightful teacher. In 1994, he became Head of Biology. Steve was one of the first teachers in School to use a laptop in lessons, and he was subsequently asked to take on the role of Head of ICT/Computing in 2004. He introduced the first compulsory ICT lessons in the Lower School, put the Fifth Years though the Computer Literacy and Information Technology qualification and introduced A Level Computing in 2005. In 2010, Steve was promoted to the role of Assistant Head (Staff Development) where he used his computing expertise to automate processes such as absence, cover and twilight training and was the instigator of the teacher training programme. Outside of the classroom, Steve coached the 1st XI football team and has given hundreds of students the opportunity to have memorable experiences in far-flung places across the world. Working alongside the conservation charity, Operation Wallacea, has resulted in trips to Indonesia, Mexico, Madagascar and the Galapagos, all focused on wildlife conservation. Steve leaves us to travel with his wife Sue, and to spend time with his family. We wish him a very happy retirement!

Lem Millar

Lem Millar joined KES in 2007 from Emmanuel School in London, after a successful career in Marketing and PR. She began teaching both Biology and Chemistry to the Upper School and Sixth Form and held an early additional role as Development Officer. Later, she took on the responsibility of ensuring the integration and pastoral care for the new Third Year joiners and became a valued colleague on skiing and water sports trips, the Battlefields and Morocco excursions, Bronze and Silver DofE expeditions, and for many years organised the Dale Fort Sixth Form Biology Field trip. Her experience as a Sixth Form tutor, as well as wide knowledge of the employment market and university sector, led to her appointment as Director of Higher Education and Careers in 2016 and saw the subsequent introduction of initiatives such as the annual HE and Careers Fairs, the ‘Meet the Expert’ sessions, the support for Degree Apprenticeships and the Careers Day. She also led the MedSoc programme for aspiring medics. Whilst Lem started teaching both Chemistry and Biology, she soon specialised in Biology where she has been a respected and admired teacher. We wish her all the very best as she leaves.

Helen Dean

Helen Dean joined KES in September 1991 having completed her undergraduate studies at Southampton University and later her PhD. At the time Helen joined KES, it was not yet fully co-educational and only accepted girls into the Sixth Form. Helen joined the small percentage of female members of the teaching staff at the time. Helen’s passion for Science, and Physics in particular, was, evident from the outset of her teaching career here and she very quickly took on further responsibilities as the Head of Junior Science, taking on the role of Head of Physics in 1997. As the first female Head of the Department, she developed the department and its approach to teaching until 2002, also in that time becoming the principal moderator for A Level Physics for OCR. She later became Head of PSHE. Helen has accompanied a number of co-curricular trips including CERN, Switzerland, and an eclipse hunting trip to the Faroe Islands. Everyone in the department will miss Helen’s vast knowledge and experience but we wish her all the best as she retires to spend more time with her family.

Forthcoming Events

We will be hosting the following reunions and social events this academic year. In order that you receive an invitation, please ensure we have your most up-to-date email address.

Classes of 71, 71, 73 and 74 - 50 year Reunion

27th January 2023

7.30 pm: KES

London Drinks 23rd March 2023

6.30 pm: Champagne Charlies

Poole Veterans Luncheon

17th May 2023

12.00 pm: KES

Former Heads of School and Deputies Dinner 16th June 2023

7.00 pm: KES

Reunions

Poole Veterans’ Luncheon

A small group of OEs, who were evacuated to Poole Grammar School during the war years, met for lunch in the Summer Term. Although a small affair, it was, nevertheless, very convivial. This year we even welcomed a new attendee who returned to the School for the first time in over 70 years.

Class of 2013 – 10 Year Reunion

November 2023 - exact date tbc

7.30 pm: KES

Reunions

40 Year Reunion – Class of 1980

Our thanks to former Head of School, David Cox (KES 72-80), who was instrumental in organising a 40 (+2) year reunion for his cohort this summer. Members of the cohort met at School on Sports Day for a cream tea and tour of the site, before heading off in to town for dinner. David was also persuaded to present the prizes to the winning Houses and individuals and was particularly pleased to present the trophy to his former House Lawrence.

Capon Club Dinner

In June, we delighted in welcoming back, in person, members of our William Capon Club. Membership of the club is for all those OEs and friends of the School who are supporting our King Edward VI Foundation through donations or legacy bequests. This year, guests were treated to a presentation from one of our former bursary holders. James Mitchell (KES 10-17) spoke about the transformational effect of receiving a bursary that allowed him to attend King Edward’s.

How a bursary helped shape my life!

James Mitchell (KES 10-17)

“I attended King Edward’s between 2010 and 2017, but this was only possible owing to the generous support I received through a bursary to pay for the school fees.

I was born and grew up in Bitterne, and attended the nearby infant and junior school. I enjoyed my time there, but I was already having to attend maths lessons with older years and it was clear that the local secondary school would not be able to offer an environment in which I would achieve my best. My parents always had an aspiration that I should take the entrance exam for King Edward’s and they were so proud when we received the letter confirming that I’d been accepted and awarded a bursary.

Any worries about joining a school where I didn’t know anyone were unfounded as I immediately found myself in such a welcoming and inclusive community where I was treated no differently to children who had had a better financial start to life. King Edward’s has always had academic achievement at its core and, with the small class sizes, excellent staff and modern facilities I was able to work hard and do well in my lessons. I was made an Upper School Exhibitioner as I moved into Fourth Year and, after my GCSEs, was offered a Sixth Form Scholarship and finally had my name added to the long list in the Hall.

In Fifth Year Physics lessons, we studied electricity, which captivated me, and my teachers encouraged me to explore the topic further. Having always wanted to become an engineer of some sorts since watching ‘Megastructures’ on television when I was little, I concluded that Electrical Engineering was the career for me. I took the somewhat heavy option of Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry for A Level and I got into my first choice of university, The University of Bath, to study an integrated Master’s degree in electrical engineering. I was prepared for the intellectual side of university, but I always felt that KES had given me more than just that. King Edward’s has an unrivalled variety of co-curricular activities with my particular favourite being The Cactus Club! When not giving presentations on cacti, I would often be seen wandering around in a bee-keeper’s outfit inspecting the school hive, playing in the brass band and orchestra or editing the German Magazine. In Sixth Form I was asked to form a croquet club, a sport that really is very competitive under its genteel image!

These kinds of activities, combined with the core values of KES, furnished me with what, I hope, was a good set of interpersonal skills and personal integrity, which no doubt contributed to my success in gaining sponsorship at university with National Grid Electricity Distribution, the electricity board for the South West, Wales and the Midlands. Four years later, and after spending summer placements with the company, I graduated with a 2:1 and joined the company on their graduate scheme. I have been working there for sixth months now, based in Bristol, and it is certainly not an understatement to say that it is a job for life; my ID card reminds me that I can retire in 2063, and staff regularly achieve 40 years of service!

My parents gave me (and my siblings who also benefited from a KES bursary) the best start in our early years, but it was the generosity of the Capon Club members and other generous benefactors, that gave us all something that we would otherwise have had no access to. King Edward’s, through the King Edward VI Foundation, continues to play its part in driving social mobility that can enable long-lasting positive change. I will always be grateful to each and every person who has played a part by donating.”

How you can help young people like James.

Today, inspired by Capon’s vision, the School is committed to its bursary fundraising programme, raising money solely for the provision of bursaries and fee assistance for gifted children who would otherwise be unable to benefit from all that the School offers. Our hope is to continue the philosophy of giving upon which our school has been built.

Please consider joining with others in supporting the Foundation. Whether it’s a small monthly donation, a one-off sum or a bequest – it all makes a difference. Details of how to make a one-off or monthly donation can be found on the page overleaf or to discuss leaving a bequest to King Edward’s or if you have any other questions, please contact the Development Office on 023 80 704561 or via email on edwardians@kes.hants.sch.uk

Thank You!

Ways of Giving

By direct debit

Regular donations allow us to plan for the future with confidence. A modest monthly gift can make a big difference. If you would like to help support a child in this way then please complete the direct debit details on this form and return to the Development Office.

By cheque

If you would like to make a one-off donation by cheque, please make it payable to King Edward VI School and send it to: King Edward VI School, Wilton Road, Southampton, SO15 5UQ. Please mark it for the attention of the Development Office.

By bank transfer

You can make a one-off donation to the Foundation via electronic bank transfer. Please make payments to the following account using your name and ‘foundation’ as a reference.

Account name: King Edward VI School Account number: 13339044 Sort Code: 56-00-68 Bank Name: Natwest

FOR KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL USE ONLY

This is not part of the instruction to your bank or building society.

PAYMENT DETAILS (Please complete)

Please pay King Edward VI School, Southampton Monthly Quarterly Annually (please tick)

The sum of : £5 £10 £25 £50 £100 (please tick)

Other amount £ (please specify)

Starting from : Month Year

Funds will be drawn on: 3rd or 18th day of each month (please select)

Instruction to your bank or building society

Please pay King Edward VI School Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with King Edward VI School and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Signature(s) Date

OE hockey and netball

It was great to see so many familiar faces back for the annual OE girls’ hockey and netball match in October. The hockey players braved the foul weather but succumbed to the KES 1st team’s experience of playing together. The netballers fared better in terms of the weather (playing in the Sports Hall) but also lost to the KES sides. Despite the losses, the weather and the late night, a fun evening was had by all. Better luck next year ladies! As ever, thank you to the brilliant Alex Morgan née Williams (KES 94-01) for organising the teams.

The boys also played their annual hockey match against the KES boys’ 1st XI at the end of the Summer Term. The OEs fielded an extremely strong side with several national league players. As a consequence, it was a highly competitive match with the OEs suffering a narrow 8-7 defeat. Thanks to Ian Bassett for captaining and mobilising the OE side.

Golf - Inter House Cup

In May, nine OE golfers took to the Rowlands Castle course in blustery conditions with drizzle sweeping across the fairways. The weather did improve during the day though and the play finished in warm sunshine. When all cards were in and counted, Watts and Lake failed to trouble the scorers, Capon came a valiant 4th and Sylvester finished in 3rd. It was left to Reynolds and Lawrence to battle it out for top spot with the red team edging the result 65-63 thanks largely to the efforts of Darren Britton who was making his Golfing Society debut. He also won the individual competition with 35 points.

The final event of the golfing calendar was held in October at Corhampton Golf Club. The course was in excellent condition but a brisk wind made conditions tricky. The Wally Kemp Cup was won by Bill Blow with 34 pts on count back from Darren Britton, and the Ray Paull Medal was won by David Creal, also on count back from Darren. Darren Cooper proudly took the wooden spoon with 26 points. With his two second place positions in these competitions, combined with a victory in the Inter House Cup, the player of the year went to Darren Britton.

There are already 3 dates booked for next year’s OE events.

April/May 2023 - The Inter-House Shield at Rowlands Castle Golf Club. This is an open event.

28th June 2023 - The annual Triangular Match (against Old Symondians and Old Tauntonians) at Hockley Golf Club. This event is by invite only.

2nd July 2023 - The Royal Berkshire Golf Club. This is an open event.

5th October 2023 - The Wally Kemp Cup and Ray Paull Medal at Corhampton Golf Club. This is an open event. For further information about any of the events, please email Nick Creal, OE golf organiser, on squealer13@yahoo.com.

Josh Williams left KES last year with a somewhat unusual plan for his GAP year –complete the Mongol Rally in a previously scrapped Nissan Micra! Along with his friend, Thom, they spent many months restoring the car, customising it to carry all their camping gear and readying it for the journey.

The Mongol Rally was founded on the principle of driving tiny rubbish cars to totally ludicrous places but, due to the war in Ukraine, Russia suddenly became a no go area making the possibility of reaching Mongolia by car an impossibility! The organisers of The Mongol Rally sprang into action and launched the Poles of Inconvenience Rally – a journey by car (with an engine of 1.2 litre or less) starting in Czechia and finishing in Georgia, via as many of the Poles of Inconvenience as competitors dare. The location of the poles are very varied; some are inconvenient in the classic sense (nestled in remote corners of wilderness areas), whilst others are topographically inconvenient, like the top of a mountain, or in the middle of a sea of sand dunes in the Sahara – the remainder are logistically inconvenient.

Still determined to put the car through its paces and challenge themselves and their vehicle, whilst also raising money for three important charities, Josh and Thom opted to attempt the Poles of Inconvenience Rally and a meandering and unsupported 8,000-mile route across Europe, in their 2002 1-litre Nissan Micra.

Departing the UK in July, they first tacked the fjords of Norway before heading south to Prague via Sweden, Denmark and Germany, for the official starting reception of the rally. From here they headed southeast through Europe via Czechia, Slovakia, Serbia, Hungary and Bulgaria onto Turkey, where they took in Cappadocia and its volcanic peaks and the notorious D915 to Bayburt, one of the world’s most challenging and dangerous roads (over 66 miles long and with 29 hair pin bends) before arriving at their final destination in Georgia. In total, Josh and Tom visited four of the Poles of Inconvenience, (one in the UK on Salisbury Plain, two in northern Norway and one close by to the D915, in the Pontic mountains in Turkey) travelled via 15 different countries and drove over 8,000 miles seeing some unforgettable places, meeting some incredible people and raising over £2000 for their three nominated charities Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Appeal –the official partner charity to the Poles of Inconvenience Rally.

Josh received a Whittington Award which helped with expenses towards the trip.

The Whittington Memorial Trust was formed in 1973 with the aim of:-

• Establishing and maintaining scholarships to persons studying at King Edward VI School, Southampton, or in the City of Southampton, for the purpose of research or study in any part of the world.

• Establishing travelling scholarships for the further education of persons studying the work of the building and civil engineering industries.

This was particularly relevant for Josh who is now going on to Imperial College to study Design Engineering. However, funds can sometimes be available to assist with other overseas projects, in particular those with a charitable focus, being undertaken by OEs. For further information and/or to apply, you should contact the Bursar on bursar@kes.hants.sch.uk.

How many former pupils can say their Dad left school 5 years after they did? I departed KES in 1985 after 6 happy years; my father, Colin Dobson, left in 1990 after 19 years as Headmaster, having guided the School through a significant period in its history and into independence. Whilst Dad headed to the Lake District to enjoy his well-earned retirement and his wine cellar, I was left with that familiar school-leaver’s issue of what to make of the rest of my life!

After a year in Hammicks Bookshop and city hotspots such as Pepper Joe’s and The Frog and Frigate, a 3-year Sports Science degree at Loughborough University further developed a love of sport formulated at The Dell and on the KES playing fields. Thereafter, despite an enduring love of history, instilled by the teaching genius of Brian Lyndon, I always hoped that somehow, I might make sport the central pillar of my existence. That this ultimately came to pass still has me wondering whether I’ve been incredibly lucky to live my dream or, alternatively, a complete waster with no grasp of the stark realities of life.

Upping sticks from the cosy world of Bassett, Southampton, I decamped to the rather less genteel Oldham to take up my first post with a sports marketing company. A difficult decision at the time was vindicated over the next 30 years as I spent a life in the world of sport, which allowed me access to some of the biggest sporting events and to experience them in a way which created memories money simply cannot buy. In 1996, with another stroke of serendipitous timing at the start of Britpop, Cool Britannia and Gazelle trainers, I joined the adidas sports brand near Manchester and began 25 unforgettable years. A role in sports marketing – the recruitment and management of athlete, club and federation partners – became akin to living the dream when I took responsibility for my twin passions, cricket and rugby. Amongst many highlights, and occasionally some hard work, a 7-week tour with the British and Irish Lions rugby party to South Africa in 2009, culminating in the victorious dressing room at the end of the 3rd Test match, probably still sits at the top. I recount these things not to, in any way, present myself as important, but perhaps to convince myself they really happened. Two years ago, I set up a sports consultancy, Inspira Sports, based on the vision that sport has the power to change lives, and I now work with various organisations who, through sport, create opportunities and impactful change for individuals and, consequently, societies. This is now one part of my life.

The other is writing, and I hope my recent efforts have done justice to the early tuition of Mr Dykes. Lockdown finally removed any excuse not to write the book I had promised myself I would do one day. ‘Chasing Rainbows – From Innocence To Purgatory And Redemption As A Compulsive Sports Fan’, was recently published – partly the story of a life in sport but primarily a cathartic attempt to answer the question of why, when I no longer have family or friends anywhere near Southampton, I rarely get back to the city, and I have been away for 32 years, do I have a sick feeling in my stomach, only matched by the opening of my A Level results, at 5pm every Saturday when the Saints score comes through? It is a strange emotion for a supposedly well-adjusted fifty-something to retain, but from talking to others I know I am not alone. The book

is meant to be not just my story but that of all the other sports-following addicts out there who still have their life’s enjoyment affected by the vicissitudes of their teams and heroes. Since my allegiances were formed at The Dell, Hampshire CCC and Trojans, the city, the School and the Saints all play a major role in the narrative. Of course, the first-time author would be delighted should any co-alumni feel a wish to purchase it to find out more!

Dad passed away in 2015 and I was stunned by the memorial, and the numbers attending, that KES insisted on holding. This finally reconnected me with many old friends and led to the recent weekend visit to my home, all the way from New Zealand, of my first Head Boy, David Cox. Visiting the School recently to see both a Dobson Theatre and hear of the Dobson Bat Award – appropriate to his, and now my, love of cricket, filled me with pride and gratitude. Dad’s support, and that of the School, allowed me to live the life I have. KES is a special place and all who were, and are, lucky enough to experience it should be forever grateful.

Ben’s book, CHASING RAINBOWS, with a foreword by Stuart Broad, is published by Troubador Publishing and is now available via their online bookstore or via Amazon and all other major book retailers.

During the Cold War days of the 1950s

I was a member of Britain’s military intelligence services, and at one point in early 1952 I was required to attend a course held at Beau Manor, a stately home near Loughborough in Leicestershire. These premises, a major out-station for Bletchley Park during the Second World War participating in the breaking of the German Enigma Code, housed a collection of buildings disguised as a small village to fool any possible German interest in bombing the site. This ‘village’ was devoted to training agents in the use of wireless intercept equipment, for the interception of enemy military transmissions.

I was required to attend just such a course so that, in the event of my having to make use of such intercept facilities, I’d have a working knowledge of what their operators had to contend with and thus be better able to utilise their skills. As a practical test upon completion of our course, we were each required to intercept a wireless transmission coming from any source, as long as the message was in English (for the benefit of our assessors). And so it was that, along with my fellow ‘spooks’, I sat down at a vacant set, took up a standard intercept form, filled it in with my name, number, various code symbols, time, and date - the 6th February - and commenced scanning the airwaves. Suddenly a

succession of dots & dashes erupted into my earphones which, translated automatically in my head into English letters. I rapidly wrote down on my form without – as is always the case with radio operators – taking in their message as I wrote.

Task completed, I read through that message for the first time – and immediately sensed it would cause me grief. I followed my instructions, however, signed my form, slipped it into an envelope, sealed this, and handed it to a messenger for dispatch to the Colonel supervising our course. I then sat back to await the outcome, which wasn’t long in arriving. It took the form of two red-capped military policemen, who escorted me to a prison cell, locked the door, and without a word, left me to ponder my fate.

A couple of days later I was summoned to appear before the Colonel (who rejoiced in the name of Colonel Pine-Coffin) to be informed that I was to be court martialled on a charge of breaching the Official Secrets Act to which, of course, I was a signatory. I was then returned to my cell. A further two days passed before, once again, I stood before the Colonel.

“Do you appreciate the gravity of what you’ve done?” he said as he looked down at my transcript form held in his hands and read aloud.

“This is a message from the Foreign Office to all British Embassies around the world informing them that the King is dead, and that Princess Elizabeth is now our Queen. Good God, man, you knew that she was Queen before she did!”

After further words on the matter, the Colonel announced his decision. “Despite our justification in proceeding with your Court Martial, it has been decided at a higher level than mine that the interests of our country would be better served by dropping the charge. We have no wish for people at large to be aware, should any news of such a trial leak into the public domain, that we are training people like you to do what we’re training people like you to do. So, bugger off, take a week’s leave, and never speak of this to anyone, ever.”

Mightily relieved, I did as I was told, and never spoke of the event to anyone, ever. It is only now, 70 years later, as we all mourn the loss of our beloved monarch, do I feel that I can mention this, knowing that this time around, I most certainly was not aware of our new king’s accession before he did.

Paul Eyers (KES 95-97)

Paul was born and grew up in Southampton a short walk from the School. Today he lives the other side of the world in the US where he works as a Creative Business Partner for Google US. But how did he get there?

After studying Biology at Imperial College, London, he went on to work in the advertising industry and spent around 10 years in magazine advertising, working on many of the biggest magazines in the world and managing teams of sales and creative people. During this time, he was also selected to represent the entire UK magazine industry by the Periodical Publishers Association.

In 2011 he joined Google and quickly gravitated to the creative side of the advertising business again. He was one of the founder members of Google’s first team that focused on working with creative advertising agencies to improve their digital advertising. In 2015 he moved to Google in New York to help build that team in the US and now leads a creative team who work with Google’s biggest spending advertisers in the Media & Entertainment vertical including brands such as Disney, HBO, Netflix, Universal Pictures and Sony.

We were delighted to welcome back Paul to KES (virtually) during the Arts Festival when pupils were able to explore and celebrate routes into all types of creative industries.

Percy (KES 87-92)

Olympic sailing champion, Iain Percy, currently heads up the Belfast based company Artemis Technologies who have just launched the world’s first commercially viable workboat that appears to fly above the water. Adopting the same technology used

by America’s Cup racing yachts, the hydrofoil wings attach to the hull with vertical struts, driving the boat up and out of the water like a plane taking off from a runway. This enables the craft to travel almost silently with its hull raised above the waves – reducing drag, and

operating costs, dramatically. Artemis Technologies is an applied technologies spin off from the successful Artemis Racing America’s Cup team, and their mission is to help deliver a sustainable maritime future.

Iain

Careers Fair

The annual KES Careers Fair saw us welcome representatives from all different professions to offer advice, guidance and general information about their job roles, and entries into their industries. Amongst our many guests, we were particularly pleased to see so many familiar faces, with approximately twenty OEs attending. Their chosen career pathways and jobs were varied and ranged from costume designing, law and environmental consultancy to emergency services, optometry and engineering. We are so grateful for the valuable input of all our OEs who willingly give up their time, throughout the year, to share their experiences with the current student body.

KES receives Peter Folkes paintings

This term, the School, and Art Department, were delighted to receive a donation of two of Peter Folkes’s works, along with a small portfolio of his preliminary sketches. Peter Folkes was former Head of Art at King Edward’s and his artistic output spans sixty years across the 20th century. The paintings were originally part of John Fisher’s (KES 56-64) private collection but, when John recently moved house, they were entrusted to the care of Rod Rumble (KES 51-59) for him to find them worthy homes. Rod kindly got in touch with the School and we were delighted to accept them.

The works, both acrylic paintings, are from two of Peter’s popular series and both have very different themes. ‘Cow with crumpled horn that tossed the dog’ is from one of Peter’s most popular series that emerged between 1966-2003. Peter’s interest in pattern and texture found in ordinary surfaces is explored in this representation of the cow’s hide. ‘Fine my coat and fine my achievements’ is a work from the series of paintings depicting military dress. Each of Peter’s paintings that explore this topic aim to evoke the life and words of the departed wearer of the uniform and Folkes assists this by transferring photographed images of the period to represent the grieving loved ones.

Obituaries

David Snuggs (former Head of Modern Languages) died in September this year following a short illness. Upon leaving KES, David became a priest in the Church of England, serving as Vicar of Fair Oak and, in retirement, at St. Luke’s, Hedge End. David also became a Winchester City and Cathedral Guide, specialising in the role of the Jewish Community in Winchester in Medieval Times. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Guy Alan Willoughby (KES 37-44) died aged 94 in Perth where he had lived for the last 31 years. He was the youngest of three brothers who were all at King Edward’s between 1929 and 1944 and even recalled the move from the old site at Marlands House to the new building at Hill Lane. During the war years he was evacuated to Poole Grammar School with the rest of the school community, during which time his home was damaged by a landmine. Upon leaving KES, Guy enjoyed a long career in sales training and, after naval service in his early years, moved to Glasgow and then on to Inverness in the 50s before living in Nottingham for three decades before he retired to Australia.

Robin Loveridge Reid (KES 45-48) died in September last year. Robin had been living in Australia for many years prior to his death.

Robert Henry Campbell Crawford (KES 46-49) passed away in July aged 90. After leaving KES, Robert completed his National Service in Germany before working for various ironmongers in Southampton and Romsey. He had a keen interest in aviation, as well as botany and ornithology. He will be missed by his nephews, nieces, friends and neighbours.

George Drury (KES 48-56) died in June 2021. George was born in Hove, but his family moved to Southampton when he was 3. Encouraged academically by a local lecturer from the university, he proceeded to KES and then gained a scholarship to read History at New College, Oxford. After graduation, he married Erica, and they moved to Ripley in Derbyshire. Here he trained as a Probation Officer; a career he remained in until his retirement in 1991. During his retirement, George was able to indulge in writing a book and beekeeping, whilst also caring for his wife when she became ill. He leaves his son, Paul, daughter, Isobel, and 5 grandchildren.

Richard George Hazell (KES 61-68) passed away suddenly earlier this year aged 72 with all his family around him. After leaving KES, Richard trained to be a chartered accountant and was employed by Rothman Pantall. In a very short amount of time he was one of their top young accountants but turned down a career with them to branch out on his own, which he did very successfully. Richard met his wife, Maria, at a KES school dance and they were married for 50 years. He leaves behind three sons Paul, Mark and John and 6 grandchildren.

Michael Peter Young (KES 56-63) passed away in March this year. After attending KES, he won an exhibition to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge to read Natural Sciences, moving on to University College Hospital for his clinical studies and graduating in 1970. During his time as a junior doctor at UCH he met Julia who he later married. Although he passed the stringent examination for Membership of the Royal College of Physicians, he and Julia moved to Haywards Heath where he joined the vocational scheme for general practice at Cuckfield Hospital. Mike became an immensely popular GP, progressing to senior partner and becoming heavily involved in the training of younger doctors. Mike left as senior partner in 2001, but continued on a parttime basis until 2008. In retirement, he became churchwarden of St Wilfrid’s (C of E) parish church. Mike passed away peacefully, after several years of deteriorating health. He leaves his son, Tim, and daughter, Emily.

David Frederick Abbott MRCP, MD (KES 54-62) attended Guy’s Dental School in London upon leaving KES, switching, after a year, to UCH Medical School, and subsequently serving as a houseman in London and as senior registrar at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. David was a skilled and caring doctor in England and North America for 49 years making over 250,000 patient visits. He was a father, grandfather, bell ringer, marathon runner, and environmental defender, who was unlawfully arrested while trying to protect Twyford Down from government plans to drive the M3 through the South

Malcolm “Jim” Calder (KES 41-47) died suddenly, but peacefully, in May following a fall. Jim was a stalwart attendee of the School’s Poole Evacuees Luncheon, always recognisable by his trademark bow tie and ready smile. He will be much missed by his family, friends and all those who knew him.

Downs. Dauntless, happy, with a love for life and a strong faith, David died on March 25th 2020.

Snippets

Michael Freemantle (KES 54-61) wrote and published a further book during lockdown. Entitled, ‘The Long Purr’ the book is a fantasy tale of two stray cats who travel over the downs of southern England.

John Mist (KES 57-65) & Bill Adams (KES 57-64) are trying to trace their former school friend, Colin Vincent Lloyd (KES 57-65). If anyone is aware of Colin’s whereabouts, or has contact details for him, please get in touch with the Development Office on edwardians@ kes.hants.sch.uk.

Mike Cowap (KES 76-82) was nominated and selected to receive a prestigious City of Southampton Award in recognition of his service to the City. He was presented with the award at a special ceremony at Southampton Art Gallery in April.

James Arney (KES 81-88) took silk and became Queen’s Counsel in 2021. James’s chambers, Temple Garden Chambers, focusses on Personal Injury work.

Chris Bentley (KES 02-09) & Claire Perrott (KES 04-09) got married earlier this year. The grooms’ men were all OEs, as was one of the bridesmaids. In total, about 30 alumni attended the wedding with Jonny and Tom Simpson providing some of the refreshments via their mobile 820 spirits bar.

James Billett (KES 00-07) was one of our guest speakers during this year’s Arts Festival. James spoke candidly about his experiences within the music industry in his early twenties and the challenges and successes this brought, as well as his subsequent journey on to become a commercial pilot. Today he works for EasyJet flying out of Gatwick.

Joshua Blunsden (KES 07-14)

performed at this year’s First Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. His choir joined with the BBC Symphony Chorus to perform Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sakari Oramo.

Rory Penrose (KES 16-21) was selected to play hockey for the England squad at the European Junior Championships in Belgium this year.

Sam Milne (KES 03-08) ran a 97 mile race in May, raising over £2000 for a local hospice.

Oliver Rew (KES 03-10) has just finished working as musical director for a show at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama only to discover that one of the cast was also an OE; Charlie Callaghan (KES 10-17)

Ellie Dunlop (KES 13-20) and the cast and crew of the student-written musical ‘Persephone’, took the production on a national tour to Cambridge, Doncaster, Liverpool, and London this year after a successful run at the Oxford Playhouse last November.