Edwardian spring 2015 update

Issue 20

Forthcoming Reunions Former Heads of School and Deputies’ Dinner 15th May 2015 at 7.30 pm Dining Hall, KES

Poole Veterans’ Luncheon 14th June at 12.00 pm Dining Hall, KES

Pre 1939 Leavers’ Luncheon 19th June at 12.00 pm Hospitality Suite, KES For further details of any of the above events, please contact The Development Office on edwardians@kes.hants.sch.uk or ring 023 8070 4561

Update us with your contact details Please help us to stay in touch by sending us your current postal address, email and mobile number. Even if you are receiving your copy of the magazine by email then keep us updated if you move house to ensure you receive invitations and information on the relevant reunion events.

Colin Dobson (1933-2015) Head Master of King Edward VI School Southampton 1970-1990 It was with great sadness that the School announced the death of former Head Master, Colin Dobson, in January this year, aged 81. Mr Dobson was Head Master at King Edward’s for just less than twenty years from 1971 until 1990 leading the School through periods of significant change including the decision to go independent in 1979 and the admission of girls in 1983.

His death evoked many kind words, grateful comments and memories from former pupils, members of staff and acquaintances.

Following his retirement Colin and his wife lived in the Eden Valley district of Cumbria for sixteen years and built up many close friendships within the community. He enjoyed singing with various groups, not least the Morland Church choir, and a Memorial Service was held at St Lawrence Church in Morland at the end of March to celebrate Colin’s life.

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King Edward VI School Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ Telephone: 023 8070 4561

www.kes.hants.sch.uk 1

Extract from Sotoniensis 1971 upon Colin Dobson’s retirement In the 19 years that Colin Dobson has been at King Edward’s he has made a tremendous impact on the direction, purpose and history of the School. He took over from the previous Head Master, Dr. John Stroud, in itself a daunting task, but very soon adapted to directing the Voluntary Aided School through a difficult period politically. Selection on an academic basis was outlawed in Southampton schools, and there were proposals afoot for King Edward’s to become a sixth form college or even to close down. It was in these circumstances that Colin’s sterling qualities came to the fore, and although very concerned about the social issues involved, he successfully led the School into independence in 1979.

That King Edward’s has flourished as an independent institution is largely due to the Head Master’s personal charisma. He is a master of the social graces, and his gift of words greatly assisted the handover from the Hampshire and Southampton Councils, and ensured the out-standing success of the two appeals. In a way Mr. Dobson’s record

speaks for itself. He has served under four Chairmen of Governors, all of whom have had profound respect for his analytical mind and leadership qualities. It is an amazing thought that over the last 19 years there have been more far-reaching changes than in any comparable period of the School’s 440 years’ history. Colin has been the inspiration behind many of these, and he has been responsible for the implementation of them all. Apart from independence itself, the formation of King Edward’s Society was a notable achievement, and the admission of girls into the Sixth Form in 1983 was a step of some significance. The number of pupils in the School has grown from 703 in 1971 to some 960 in 1990. The records of progress in academic achievement, and in the social, sporting and cultural fields are themselves a tribute to Mr. Dobson’s tenure of office.

The vicissitudes of recent educational theory and practice have been legion, and confusing to parents and staff alike. ‘C.D.’ or ‘Chief’ has always been very conscious of the importance of nurturing the members

of staff both individually and as a team, and by his care and concern he has ensured that his team has coped successfully with the many changes, and prospered under his guidance. The School’s reputation has been enhanced both locally and nationally by Colin’s widespread interests and his active participation in organisations such as the Secondary Heads Association and the Head Masters’ Conference. Mr. Dobson can move into retirement happy in the knowledge that he has secured the future of the School, and that he leaves it in a very successful and healthy condition. King Edward VI School is indeed grateful for the man himself, and for his many achievements. In saying farewell to one of its great Head Masters we wish Colin and Philippa a long, happy and healthy retirement.’

Dudley Pryor Registrar

St Mary’s Church Memorial Service for Colin Dobson On Friday 24th April, family members, friends, former colleagues and pupils gathered at St Mary’s Church, Southampton to pay tribute to Colin Dobson. Led by the Chaplain, much was heard of Mr Dobson’s energy and determination in what were very difficult times for the School. His great passion for drama, music and cricket were celebrated as were his skills as a Chemistry teacher and a Head Master. The School Chamber Choir and several other individual singers, performed items during the Service and eulogies were delivered by Bill Cox, former Chairman of Governors, Phil Hartley, former Deputy Head, Clare Minns, former Head Master’s Secretary, and Andy Gilbert, a pupil and staff member under Colin Dobson.

After the service the congregation returned to the School for a reception and a chance to reminisce and explore how the School has changed since they were last on site.

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From the Editor This edition of The Edwardian highlights the continued growing numbers of former pupils who have renewed their contact with the School, often re-visiting to give useful insight into their career pathways through working lunches or lectures. Their input and experience is invaluable to current pupils and we remain extremely grateful for the time that they give so willingly to the current school community.

January and February saw two very successful reunions take place with alumni travelling from as far away as South Africa

to catch up with old friends, whilst later this term we fully expect another good turn-out for our annual Poole Veterans’ luncheon, as well as looking forward to our Former Heads and Deputy Heads of School dinner in May. The popularity of such events only serves to emphasis the fondness that so many of you retain for King Edward’s even though it may be years since you last graced the corridors.

Suzanne Hooper Development Officer

From the Head It has been fun meeting a range of OEs of all ages over the past term, including a strong representation from the classes of 2004, 1989 and 1965.

We look forward to many more of these occasions over the coming months.

These gatherings have, however, all been tinged with sadness as memories have been shared about Colin Dobson.

His death in January closes a significant chapter in the School’s history. We were delighted to see those OEs who attended his memorial service at St Mary’s on Friday 24 April.

The weather has been chilly but this has been a good spring term with plenty achieved. The term began with a fine crop of results for Oxbridge entry with nine places offered to KES students in this round of applications, sustaining our figure of 10% of the Sixth Form proceeding to these two institutions over the past decade. Many students have received offers from other prestigious universities with economics, medicine and engineering the most popular choices.

Much time has also been focused on planning new construction projects

at both Stroud School, our prep school, and on the main site. Work has been completed on the new pavilion balcony at the Wellington Sports Ground and an additional hospitality room for pupils and parents should be finished by June. Plans are now well advanced for the new theatre, Art Department and expanded concourse to begin in April 2016 with completion aimed for December.

The School remains extraordinarily busy with a variety of activities offering our students many opportunities. The spring term has seen a compressed calendar of hockey, netball, football and even sailing at Weston when the ice could be removed from the boats! We have also enjoyed a number of studio drama productions and two musical events including a wonderful spring concert at Turner Sims. Students travelled to Berlin, Florence, Vienna and Salamanca over half-term and an expedition to Morocco took place over the spring holiday, as well as the annual visit to Andalucía and the ski trip to the USA. Many others were also involved in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

The King Edward VI Foundation continues to raise funds to provide bursaries for gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can benefit from an education at King Edward’s. Further details may be obtained from the School through Ms Hooper or via the website. As ever we are grateful to the OE Association for its support of the School’s activities and to our current and former staff who support reunions of various sorts.

AJ Thould Head

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News from the School County Championship hat-trick.

The boys’ U13, U14 and U16 hockey teams have all won the county championship title this year ensuring their progression to the regional finals. The U14s were first to win as they went through the tournament unbeaten, only conceding 1 goal. The U16 boys beat Kings’ school and PGS to win and will be hoping to use home ground advantage in the next round as KES will be hosting the South Finals at Wellington Sports Ground. The U13 boys won the U13 Hampshire round with ease beating PGS 3-0, Kings’ School 6-2 and Ryde 7-0. The teams all faced some tough matches but emerged victorious from the competition and are to be congratulated on their success.

New Head appointed at Stroud School Stroud School, the preparatory school for King Edward’s is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Joel Worrall as Head of Stroud School from September 2015, in succession to Mr Alastair Dodds.

Joel was born and educated in Auckland, New Zealand and moved to England in 2002 after completing his university and postgraduate teacher training. He has previously worked as Director of Sport and Housemaster at Forres Sandle Manor Preparatory School and more recently as Deputy Head at Taverham Hall Preparatory School in rural Norfolk.

Education Sunday Students from across the School, including dancers and the Chamber Choir were delighted and privileged to lead the Diocese of Winchester in marking Education Sunday at the special service in Winchester Cathedral on Sunday 8th February. They gave moving accounts of how learning to serve others is a core part of

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the KES ethos, describing the wide range of charitable activities, partnerships, projects and ways we look to the needs of others.

Along with beautiful singing and dancing, the Service reflected on the injustices in the world and the role everyone has in establishing peace, freedom and understanding in our society and beyond.

Captaining England U19 cricket team Joe Weatherley, Sixth Form pupil and Deputy Head of School attended ten days’ training in Dubai with the England U19 Cricket Squad in December. Along with seventeen other players Joe spent six days of intense training at the ICC Global Academy in Dubai followed by a practice match against the UAE senior side at Sharjah stadium for which Joe was captain. The trip forms part of the squad’s continuing preparation for the U19 Cricket World Cup in February 2016 that will be played in Bangladesh. Over Easter this year, Joe also captained the squad on a tour to Australia to play a competitive series against the Australia U19 side and they will visit Sri Lanka at the end of the year.

Spring Concert at Turner Sims On 18th March, the second of the School’s spring concerts was held in the Turner Sims Concert Hall in Southampton and featured the School’s advanced musicians. The Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Big Band and a number of soloists and chamber music performers wowed the audience with a sparkling array of top quality music including works by Liszt, Holst, Schubert, Weber, Beethoven and popular numbers by Ed Sheeran and Scotty Morris, to name a few. The evening was rounded off with a high energy performance of Marques’s ‘Danzon’ and ‘Fly me to the Moon’ featuring tap dancer Charlie Callaghan.

Morocco Trip 2015 During the Easter break a group of Third Year KES pupils sampled the delights of Morocco. Their action-packed trip included camel trekking in the Sahara as well as walking through the gorges in the High Atlas Mountains where they were even able to enjoy a snow fight. Many students also fine honed their bartering skills in the souks of Marrakech!

The Modern Languages Department needs you!

Do you use languages in your work?

The Modern Languages department at KES is keen to get in contact with former pupils who currently use a foreign language in some capacity within their job and who would be interested in sharing their experiences with current pupils.

Hearing from former pupils is an invaluable experience to the current school community and if you feel you can help with this then please contact Mrs Susan Allen (Head of Modern Foreign Languages) on sla@kes.hants.sch.uk.

Andrew Sims (KES 1973-1980) Andrew is currently working at the German Federal Ministry for Economy in Berlin as an interpreter and visited KES on his return to the UK to share his experiences within this field with current students. Following his talk, during which he invited pupils to visit him in Berlin if they were there, Emma Blackman took him up on his offer, and was able to sit in on a conference for which he was interpreting.

Chris Ross (KES 1983-1990) Chris, who is General Manager and Vice President Global Sales at Arcserve, with strategic & operational responsibility for their world-wide markets, also visited KES recently and gave a series of inspiring talks to the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Form linguists about his career at ArcServe and other leading IT/software companies. David Snuggs, a former Head of Languages at KES, who taught Chris, inspired his interest in languages, and helped set him on his career path was also present. After the presentations there was a chance for students to ask individual questions before they had lunch with the guests.

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An African exchange In 1963, King Edward’s became involved with the Government Secondary School, Okene in Nigeria via the Schools’ African Linking Scheme. Pupils from both schools became pen pals and in the spring term of 1965 Mr Arthur Love, Head of Geography from KES spent a term teaching at the school in Nigeria whilst his place in Southampton was covered by a geography master from Okene. That term, the School also had the honour of welcoming Nigeria’s High Commissioner to London, His Excellency Alhaji Abdul Maliki CBE as the Chief Guest to Speech Day. The following year Gordon Knight, a pupil at King Edward’s, who had just obtained an Open Exhibition to Christ Church, Oxford, went to Okene where we acted as a supernumerary member of the junior staff.

initiation before transferring to his more permanent home.

With the links between the two schools firmly established, on 8th January 1967, a 17 year old Nigerian boy by the name of Matthew Aiyewa,

Aiyewa is a keen member of the Baptist Church. It was, therefore, decided before he arrived in England, to call upon the interest of the Shirley Baptist Church, close to the school. The Rev F R Skeet, the Minister, took a keen personal interest in the scheme, and it was largely through his good offices that Mr and Mrs H R Overton offered to take Matthew Aiyewa as a guest in their home during his period

arrived at Heathrow airport and was met by Mr Love (who had brought him an overcoat as it was feared that he may have trouble acclimatising to the English weather) to spend the spring and summer terms at KES.

at King Edward’s. Mr and Mrs Overton have a son at King Edward’s.

Although Alan Overton is several years younger than the Nigerian boy, it was a most happy arrangement that Matthew Aiyewa was able to live in the home of Mr and Mrs Overton as one of their family.

The close association with Shirley Baptist Church, and the excellent arrangements made by Mr and Mrs Overton were outstanding features of the success of Matthew Aiyewa’s stay in Southampton.’

Dr Stroud’s account of the exchange programme that he submitted to The Nuffield Foundation who organised the programme noted, ‘Matthew Aiyewa was a very hard working and intelligent boy. We put him in ‘C’ sets when he arrived here but, during the two terms he was with us, we promoted him first to the ‘B’ sets and then to the ‘A’ sets. At the summer term examinations, just before he left England, Aiyewa obtained high marks in the top sets in his subjects.

We had anticipated that there might have been some difficulties with health and with food, but we were remarkably fortunate as Aiyewa did not have a day’s illness (not even a common cold) during the time he was here. Although English food and customs in the home were strange to him, he found no difficulty in settling down, partly because he had been invited into the home of European masters at Okene on several occasions before he came to this country and partly because he lived with Mr and Mrs Love for several days of

Matthew at KES 1967

Matthew and his family 2014

This information had remained buried within the school archives for over fifty years until the Development Office received an email from Matthew’s son in October last year. Unbeknown to the School, throughout his life, Matthew Aiyewa has remained fiercely grateful and also proud of this time spent at KES. He has often spoken to his children about this period of his life and even taught them all the school hymn. However, when Tegbé Aiyewa asked for help in tracking down the Overton family with whom Matthew had stayed in 1967, it seemed an almost impossible task but with the help of Shirley Baptist Church, Barbara Rothwell, the only surviving member of the family, was traced and in November 2014 Matthew’s son Tegbé travelled to KES to meet with her and renew the family connection that had been lost over the years.

Matthew, who after leaving KES, continued his education within the UK gaining a doctorate before returning to Nigeria to work first as a Lecturer at the University of Benin and then worked his way up to a top management position within Nigeria’s burgeoning steel industry, now hopes to visit the UK and King Edward’s himself at some point in the near future.

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Reunions Class of 2004 10 year reunion Those from the Class of 2004 enjoyed a sociable evening in the Hospitality Suite in November when they attended their 10 year get-together.

Class of 1965 - 50 year reunion Boys who left King Edward’s in 1965 revisited the School in January for their 50 year reunion. Guests travelled from all across the UK to see former friends and thoroughly enjoyed the evening catching up on the past five decades. To the amusement of all those present, including the Head Master, one guest even returned a chemistry text book that he had lessened to give back upon leaving in 1965! The group now hope to meet up on a more frequent informal basis rather than wait another fifty years.

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Class of 1989 25 year reunion

Former pupils from the Class 1989 travelled from as far away as South Africa to attend their 25 year reunion on 27th February. A large number of alumni returned for the event, filling the Dining Hall, and enjoyed a tour around the school site; a particular highlight being their old tutor room. It was good to see so many former staff, including Mr Hartley, Mr Putt, Mr Dykes and Mr Hall, also join them for the evening.

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Sport

Hockey On Friday 27th March, a team of alumni boys took on the KES 1st XI hockey team at Wellington. The match was fast-paced and competitive but played in good spirit and at full-time, the final score was a draw at 3-3. The game went to a penalty shoot-out resulting in a further tie at 2-2 meaning the trophy will therefore be shared this year. Our thanks to all those who took part in the match and especially to Ian Bassett for recruiting and organising the OE team.

Netball At the same time as the OE boys were battling for the hockey cup, the girls’ OE netball team played the KES Upper Sixth girls in a game enjoyed by all those who took part. Sadly for the OEs they continued their run of netball losses succumbing to the KES side. Thanks as ever go to Alex Morgan for organising the team and to those ladies that came along to play and spectate. Both the hockey and netball matches were followed by evening drinks and refreshments at Wellington with OEs getting a chance to view the new pavilion balcony.

Golf The OE golfing section is still attracting a good number of players to each of its four annual competitions. If you are interested in playing in any of the events and are not already receiving regular email updates from the Golf Organiser, Peter Feltham, please contact the Development Office who will pass on your contact details.

Play date

Event

Venue

Entry

Tuesday 28th April

Inter House Shield Challenge

Rowlands Castle GC

Open to all 1st tee @10.30a.m.

Tuesday 2nd June (TBC)

Triangular OEs v OTs v OSs

Hockley GC

By selection 1st tee @ 3.00p.m.

Friday 10th July

Wally Kemp Cup Championship

Stoneham GC

Open to all 1st tee @3.00p.m.

Tuesday 22nd September

Ray Paull Medal Championship

Goodwood Park GC

Open to all 1st tee @ 1.00p.m.

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Grace Isbister (KES 2001 - 2008)

MY PHILIPPINO ADVENTURE An account of my medical elective

A Normal Day at PBH Last summer I embarked on my long awaited medical elective.

After travelling in South East Asia during my gap year I couldn’t wait to go back.

Myself and 4 other fellow medical students settled on the beautiful Philippines, a country renowned for its miles of sandy beach and beautiful crystal clear seas. After working and meeting many Phillipino nurses whilst on the wards in London, I knew we would be welcomed with open arms.

Originally set up by American missionaries means religion is still a huge part of this hospital’s everyday life. Each day begins with a 7.30 am devotion, followed by a short ward round, clinic and incoming emergency duties.

We saw a wonderful mix of tropical disease, delivered 4 babies and dealt with injuries from road traffic accidents.

We also took part in 3 ‘medical missions’, where we travelled to more remote areas of Northern Palawan. On one particular occasion we walked 10 miles crossing the same river 17 times to reach a remote hilltop tribe. Here we were treated like doctors, running our own clinic and educating the local tribe on smoking cessation and breastfeeding.

RnR We chose to spend 6 weeks at Palawan Baptist Hospital (PBH), a small 16 bed privately run hospital on the lovely island of Palawan, south west of Manilla. It was a far cry from the busy wards of St. Thomas’ hospital with only 1 full time doctor working 24-7. Living on site we immersed ourselves in everyday life at PBH, embracing the Philippine culture, which mainly involved eating a lot of rice (3 meals a day)!

My elective wouldn’t have been complete without spending time exploring just a few of the 6000 Phillipino islands.

This involved scuba diving with turtles, visting Banuae Rice terraces, climbing a volcano and bathing in the turquoise waters of El Nido.

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A final resting place Lance Corporal John Antony Ronald Coulthard (KES 1931-1936) The school was recently contacted by the Joint Casualty & Compassionate

Antony’s mother: “For twelve months Antony

Centre, part of the Ministry of Defence, who deal with the identification

painstakingly coached me in the German

of WWI and WWII soldiers who have been buried as “unknown” in various

language. We were to travel as representatives

cemeteries across Europe.

of the German firm of Siemens-Bau Union and

As part of their work they have recently identified the grave where the body of

to this end I had stolen two of their blank letter-

L/Cpl Coulthard was finally laid to rest (Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany)

heads on which we typed permission to visit

and they will now change the headstone from “Unknown” to L/Cpl Coulthard.

any of their factories in occupied Europe including Switzerland”. Two Ausweis

A rededication service is also planned at the graveside in July to which next of

passes were forged, photos taken and fixed on the forged identity cards and

kin, the defence attaché, representatives from the Intelligence Corps and the

travellers’ ration coupons obtained by bribing a guard.

Ministry of Defence will be invited.

On 23rd August 1942 they broke out of the camp using a highly rehearsed

John Antony Ronald Coulthard - always known as Antony - was born on 9th

escape route and boarded the train at Torun station having bought two tickets

April 1918 and was educated at Exeter School and then at King Edward’s

for Berlin. During the journey their passes had been checked numerous times

before he went up to Oxford University having gained three scholarships.

by Gestapo and Railway Police and each time they had “passed muster”. As

At Oxford he was awarded his BA degree with first class honours in Modern

they had to wait some hours for their train to Munich, they walked around

Languages and also won the Heath Harrison Travelling Scholarship in German

all of the main sights in Berlin, dined at a first class hotel with their ration

and the Laming Fellowship which provided him with the opportunity of two

tickets, which was full of German officers, and took note of all military and air

years travel abroad.

defence installations which Sgt Foster noted in shorthand. “We walked down the Willhelmstrasse and Unter den Linden, Antony pointing out all the Nazi administrative buildings – an amazing situation really”.

From Berlin the train took them to Magdeburg to Leipzig and then on to Munich. From Munich they travelled to the border town of Lindau on Lake Constance where they were thrilled to see the mountains of Switzerland.

However, the train was to stop at Lindau for a two hour halt whilst it was thoroughly searched before proceeding to Zurich. They decided to walk through the border post whilst waiting for the train and from then things unravelled very quickly. Antony went on in front and had already passed through the barrier into Switzerland but Sgt Foster was stopped by a frontier policeman and asked to produce his pass which he did readily as by now they had the greatest confidence in them. “Whilst he was scrutinising it I was horrified to see Antony come back across the border. He came up to the policeman quite calmly and asked what was wrong! The policeman politely asked if Antony was with me and asked for his pass, and still very politely, took out his revolver and asked us to accompany him to the Police Station.

Whilst at Oxford, Antony’s specialisation was the language and the country

The game was up”. After a day and night of cross examination they admitted

of Germany and as a result of his Fellowship from Oxford, he spent 1937

they were escaped Prisoners of War as they had been formerly charged with

and 1938 of his studies, divided between Oxford, Germany and France, the

espionage and feared for their lives. Their captors would not believe them due

summer of 1938 finding him at the University in Marburg, Hesse. At the

to the quality of their clothes and Antony’s ability with the German language,

outbreak of war Antony volunteered and was posted to the Ox and Bucks

but finally accepted they were British soldiers after they were persuaded to

Light Infantry. Refusing a commission in the infantry, he was posted to the

ring Stalag XXA and ask if Sgt Foster and L/Cpl Coulthard were missing! They

Field Security Wing of the Corps of Military Police (FSP) and promoted to

were handed over to the Wehrmacht, who treated them considerably better

Lance Corporal and on 4th April 1940 he was posted to 11 FSP Section which

than the Gestapo and returned to Fort 13. After their three weeks in solitary

was engaged in Line of Communication duties with the BEF at Brest. On

confinement, Sgt Foster was transferred to Stalag 383 in Bavaria and was

17th May he was posted to 32 FSP Section and set out by motorcycle to join

not to see Antony again. Antony continued his confinement in Stalag XXA

his Section which was attached to 44 Division in the front line of the BEF. As

but made eight more attempts at escape during his remaining time there, the

he was approaching Amiens, in order to reach his Unit at Doullens, he was

most prominent of which was an attempt to reach Sweden via a ship leaving

warned by retreating French troops that his unit had probably been overrun in

Gdynia. He had actually got onto the ship awaiting its departure but was

the German advance, but he pressed on believing the enemy to be thirty miles

recaptured due to betrayal by an Italian dock worker.

away. On entering Amiens he was captured by a German reconnaissance

During his remaining time in Stalag XXA, Antony was earmarked as a serial

patrol.

escapee and trouble maker and employed on hard labour in a working party

After capture, he was marched across France and Belgium in a column of

attached to the camp but based in Chelmno to the North of Torun. It was from

POWs and entrained at St Vith, just over the German border and on to his

here that on 20th January 1945, the 500 or so British prisoners and 1200

eventual destination of Torun in Poland and Stalag XXA. By the end of 1940,

Russians were given 12 hours notice to commence marching to the West away

this camp housed nearly fifteen thousand troops captured in Poland, Norway,

from the advancing Russian army. The Forced March had begun. This was to

France and Belgium. Along with a friend, Sergeant Fred Foster, Antony

be conducted in one of the worst winters in living memory and often in deep

embarked on an escape plan and they decided upon Switzerland as their

snow in temperatures of 25 degrees below freezing. In total the march was to

objective. Then followed months of preparation and planning. Civilian clothes

be 800 miles without adequate clothes or food and where all were expected

were obtained by barter from friendly Polish sources, money was obtained

to march, regardless of medical condition, up to 45 kilometres a day. The

from a secret camp fund and of course the problem for Sgt Foster of not

route took them through Poland into Germany, on to Güstrow and Schwerin

speaking German had to be overcome. In his own words taken from letters to

and then to Wittenberg, finally crossing the River Elbe on 22nd March to the

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West of Domitz. By the time the Elbe was reached, many of the column had

to help his friend at the Swiss border. Also

died and Antony was in a poor state from the cumulative effect of five years

for his numerous other escape attempts

of borderline starvation and had also contracted both dysentery and TB. The

and good works in caring for others whilst

column stopped for two nights in a barn in the village of Kaltenhof; the men

at Stalag XXA. Although his parents and

were reduced by fatigue and privation but none the less were made to wash in

the Directorate of Graves Registration and

the waters of the Elbe. Antony was not spared. Losing consciousness, he was

Enquiries (DGRE) tried exceptionally hard

taken back to the barn where he died in the early morning of March 24th, a

to find his grave after the war, due to the

fortnight before his twenty-seventh birthday. He was buried the same day by

lack of records and inaccurate recollection

four of his comrades who carried him to the cemetery in the nearby village of

by his weakened comrades, his grave was

Quickborn where the senior British Sergeant in the column asked for a cross

never found until now.

to be placed over his grave.

On 23 November 1945, the following announcement appeared in the London Gazette: “The King has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of Mention-in-Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field to 5386215 Lance Corporal J A R Coulthard, Intelligence Corps”. The citation for this award has not been found but it is believed the award was based on a letter written by Sgt Foster to MI9 describing their escape, intelligence gathering in Berlin and the act of gallantry in returning

Obituaries Anthony (Tony) Charles Allen (KES 19321939) During his time at KES Tony played cricket, rugby and hockey

Ronald Foyle (KES 1934-1941)

for the School and enjoyed athletics and even boxing. He was captain

as a pupil at School. After obtaining a scholarship he graduated

of Reynolds House, founded the Photographic Society and was a

from Southampton University in 1943 and went on to work on jet

Prepositor. Tony qualified as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer upon

engines at the Bristol Aeroplane Company. He studied for his PhD in

leaving school, retiring as Director of Dreamland Appliances, a large

thermodynamics at Imperial College and was then appointed in 1950 as

international blanket manufacturing firm employing over 1000 people.

a performance engineer at Rustons and Hornsby in Lincoln working on

During the war years he served in the Home Guard working and married

gas turbines, where he remained for six years. He was then appointed

Frances in 1943. They both shared a love of golf, gardening and fishing

Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Southampton University in

and for many years Tony was a member of the Trojans Rugby and

1956 and remained there until his retirement in the 1980s. He was a

Football Club. He was a published author on two books on freshwater

long standing school governor at KES during which time he served

and fly angling and regularly attended the School’s annual Pre 1939

on the Finance & General Purposes Committee and was chairman of

Leavers’ lunch, He leaves his two daughters Lindsay and Rosalind.

the Educational & Academic Standards Committee from 1987 May

Ronald had a long association with King Edward’s since his time

1990. Ron was 91 when he died in January this year. He passed away

Benjamin James Atkins (KES 1927-1932)

peacefully at his home in Somerset.

Ben passed away peacefully in his sleep at Abbotts Barton Care Home

Irvyn Bertie Keith Gough (KES 1932 – 1939)

in January aged 98. A gifted sportsman, he always remained a proud Old Edwardian.

John Albert Macdonald Bray (KES 19401946) Graham David Cross (KES 1959-1966)

Irvyn died on 22nd November 2014 aged 93.

Ken Joels (KES 1941-1946) Ken was born in India, but his family returned to the UK when he was very young. He attended KES during the war years and was subsequently evacuated to Poole Grammar School during this time. Until 2013 he returned annually for the Poole Veterans’ Reunion lunch. When Ken left

Graham died in October 2014 following a short illness. Whilst at KES

school he was employed by the Ordnance Survey working in London,

he was a keen sportsman playing for the 1st XI hockey team but his

Wales and Bristol, before taking a final assignment in Jakarta, Indonesia

main sporting love was always golf. He became Southampton Golf Club

before his retirement in 1994. He was a very keen TA officer and took his

Champion six weeks after breaking his elbow in the school gym. On

squadron over to Europe and the Channel Islands on exercise, surveying

leaving school Graham started work in a bank, where he met his future

and mapping. Ken leaves behind a wife, three daughters and two

wife, but soon switched to construction and eventually specialised in

granddaughters.

trouble-shooting and problem-solving. Graham’s other hobbies included motorsport and cookery and he drove a Ferrari at Silverstone just two

Ronald Alan Hay Stewart (KES 36-40)

weeks before he died. He was an active member of the OE golfing section

Ronald died in Feb this year. Ronald worked at the Ordnance Survey and

where he is currently joint holder of the Inter House shield. He leaves his

was a former governor of the School.

wife Denise, two children, Paul and Rachel and his brother Colin, also a former pupil.

David Wise (KES 1941-1948) David died in November 2014. Along with his brother, Colin, he was evacuated to Poole Grammar School during the war years where he was billeted to a family in Lower Parkstone. A keen member of the Scout troop during his time at school, David was a regular attendee of the annual Poole Veterans’ lunches.

13

The King Edward VI Foundation Can you help a future generation of Edwardians?

The King Edward VI Foundation was set up to provide bursaries for applicants to the school who demonstrate academic capability but who do not have the financial means to pay for fees. The Governors and staff at KES are keen to maintain a wide social mix within the School and through offering more bursaries, the School will open up the opportunity of a King Edward’s education to as many students as possible regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

How you can help Many Edwardians have already chosen to support this initiative and all gifts are important regardless of size. You can help in one of several ways, either by making a one-off or regular donation or by taking a longer term view and leaving a bequest. All monies donated to the Foundation will be used solely for bursaries and fee assistance.

The gift of education is priceless – please join others in helping future generations of Edwardians.

Making a donation Virgin money giving These can be made via our Virgin money giving page where you can make a gift and also take advantage of gift aid. You can donate via a debit or credit card or with a paypal account. Visit http://edwardians.kes.hants.sch.uk/giving.

Cheques Alternatively you can send a cheque. Cheques should be made payable to King Edward VI School and should be marked for the attention of the Development Office and sent to King Edward VI School, Wilton Road, Southampton, SO15 5UQ.

Bank transfer or standing order You can also make direct bank transfers or set up a standing order via your bank. Please make payments to the following account and mark with the reference ‘Foundation’.

Account name:

King Edward VI School

Bank name: Natwest

Sort code: 56-00-68 Account number: 13339044

All donations are vital regardless of size 14

Have you considered leaving a gift to King Edward’s in your will?

A further way of supporting the Foundation is

If you would like any further information about

to consider leaving a gift to the School in your

bursaries, the Foundation or ways of donating

Will. The Development Office has produced

then please contact Suzanne Hooper in The

information that can help you with this

Development Office on 023 8070 4561 or by

decision-making process including supplying

email on edwardians@kes.hants.sch.uk.

codicils that you can use to amend your existing Will. If you are thinking of donating to

Thank you for your support.

King Edward’s in this way then please do let us know.

Edwardian Merchandise The Development Office has a selection of Edwardian Merchandise for sale. This includes bespoke gold or silver plated cufflinks which come in individual presentation boxes and make ideal gifts. We have also recently introduced a new bespoke KES school scarf. If you would like to purchase any of these items you can do so by visiting the KESpay section of the main school website.

Silk Ties: £17.00 Books: King Edward VI School 1553-2003.

An Illustrated History (paperback)

by Graham Darby

£10.00

King Edward VI School, Southampton, In the Twentieth Century (hardback)

by John Rowthorn

£13.50

Gold plated cufflinks: £30.00 Silver plated cufflinks: £25.00 **NEW** 100% Wool school scarf: £29.50 All prices include Postage and Packing.

15

News Snippets Sam Bass-Cooper (KES 2012-2014) won Gold in the Senior Pole Vault and Silver in the U20s category at the South of England Senior Championships in January.

Emma Preston (KES 2012-2014) was nominated for the 2014 Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology Award in the autumn term following her outstanding results in her A2 Biology examination last year.

Andy Davies (KES 2006-2013) and James O’Sullivan (KES 2005-2012) completed their first snow and ice mountaineering trip climbing their first 4000m peak in the Ecrins in the South of France last year.

Anna Clark (KES 2005-2012) is now in her third year at Cambridge and is President of Cambridge University Expeditions Society (CUEX).

Beatrice Tyrrell (KES 2004-2011) graduated in Natural Sciences from Cambridge and is now studying for a DPhil in Infection, Immunology and Translational Medicine at Oxford.

Alexander Roles (KES 2003-2010) gained a First Class Honours degree in Economics with Study in Continental Europe from the University of Bristol and will be taking up a post with Barclays in London.

Lawrence Walters (KES 2003-2010) will be rowing the North Atlantic with his friend Tom Rainey, aiming to raise £250,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity in memory of Tom’s father Luke.

Departing on 1st May 2015, they will row unsupported for 5060 days, across the 3,800 miles from New York to Salcombe, hoping to beat the world record for the youngest pair and fastest time. Their blog can be followed via the website, www. oceanvalour.co.uk, as well as on facebook (Ocean Valour 2015) and Twitter (@OV2015). Their fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/OceanValour/

Fiona Last (KES 1998-2005) has been studying at Yale for the past two years and graduates in May with a Masters in Oboe Performance. She will then take up a place at Juilliard to do a further Masters in Historical Performance.

Iain Brunnschweiler (KES 1991-1998) is still working for the English Cricket Board on their development programme and is now also working with the England U19 squad. Over the next 18 months they will play the U19 ‘Ashes’ series against Australia, followed by an U19 World Cup in Bangladesh in Feb 2016.

Anna Tate (KES 1989-1991) retrained as a doctor and worked with Médecins sans Frontières for 3 ½ years. She is now a General Practitioner, running a primary care clinic in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Tim Wotton (KES 1982-1989) has published his memoir book on survival with cystic fibrosis entitled ‘How have I cheated death?’ The book is widely available to purchase.

Peter Andrews (KES 1968-1976) works for The Bank of England as Agent for Greater London and in 2014 became the oldest ever winner of the Smeeton Trophy. The cup is awarded to the Bank of England batsman with the highest aggregate of runs in the season.

Ralph Wilkins (KES 1937-1940) lives in New Mexico and has just finished writing a book entitled ‘Animal Genetics for the Non-Geneticist’ which he hopes to have published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Esme Gartside (KES 2002-2009) was commissioned as a British Army Officer into the Army Air Corps at The Sovereign’s Parade at RMAS in December 2014.

Sasha Koushk-Jalali (KES 1999-2006) appeared with the BBC Concert Orchestra, playing tuba, on the BBC’s Children in Need fund-raising single of the Beach Boys’ classic track ‘God Only Knows’.

Please continue to email us with your news items on edwardians@kes.hants.sch.uk

King Edward VI School 16

Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ Telephone: 023 8070 4561

www.kes.hants.sch.uk