OBA Magazine 2024

HEADMASTER Announces Retirement 2024

Dear Old Brutonians,

You will probably have heard the Headmaster’s announcement that he will be retiring his post at the end of the academic year in 2025. The school has hugely benefited from his careful stewardship over the last 15 years and he has steered it into the thriving community it is today. Ian’s replacement will certainly have big shoes to fill. As an Association we will miss the close relationship we have enjoyed with him and the support he has given us and look forward to welcoming the new Head when the time comes. Ian will be attending his final London Lunch as Headmaster in December, and we will get our chance to say our farewells then.

HELLO GLOBE!

A warm welcome to the new look Old Brutonian magazine which I’m sure you’ll agree looks fabulous. Our new editor, Chris Biddle, along with the new designer, Martin Hebditch have created a fresh, vibrant look. Huge thanks to them for all their hard work in creating this issue and all the interesting content within. You’ll also have noticed the new name GLOBE which represents what a widespread community we are, and the fascinating infographic on page 4 illustrates just how far we spread our wings after leaving the cosy confines of Bruton - and it is wonderful that many of these international OB cohorts have a thriving social scene. If you’d like more information about any OBs in your corner of the world, do ask Emilie.

WHATSAPP

In the vein of staying in touch, we’re proud to introduce a new way for you to keep abreast of Association news and happenings. We’ve found that

emails often go unread and social media groups are not well frequented, especially by our younger members. So in order to keep everyone informed across multiple different methods of communication, we now have an OBA community on WhatsApp - which will initially be a broadcast-only channel but in time we plan to scale it up into a community connecting OBs together. Please see page 20 for details on how to join.

In a departure from the usual Headmaster’s letter, new editor Chris Biddle interviewed Ian on a wide ranging of issues, with particular emphasis on the importance of the 1519 Legacy Society. Exploring additional revenue streams to future-proof the school in this uncertain economic and political climate has become an obvious priority and the OBA are proud supporters of this initiative to ensure its success for generations to come.

It is also worth highlighting that legacies have long been a source of revenue for the OBA too. Our charter is to provide a life-long commitment to support Old Brutonians from the day they leave King’s, but also to provide support to the School. We do that through supporting specific fundraising initiatives such as The Queen Elizabeth Music School and the new Pavilion. We also award grants and bursaries to both current pupils and Old Brutonians in their ventures beyond King’s, and legacies are one way in which we can do more of these wonderful things that our limited resources cannot always sustain. Please do talk to us if you’d like to understand more.

NEWEST ‘MEMBER’

Finally, it’s wonderful to welcome a new ‘member’ to the OBA committee. She’s going to be a wonderful addition – though potentially a bit demanding at times. She will provide valuable insight into the younger generation, will for sure be keeping the Vice-President on her toes and the other members well-endowed with cuddles. Welcome to Tabitha de Borchgrave D’Altena, daughter to Janey and Simon, born on 20th March 2024. We wish them all the best on this new adventure of parenthood.

As always, in parting, a huge thank you to Ian Wilmshurst, Headmaster, for his continued support of the wonderful symbiotic relationship that our Association enjoys with the School, and to our hard-working committee for keeping the cogs turning behind the scenes: Janey de Borchgrave D’Altena your Vice President, Michael West your Hon. Treasurer, Rose Vigers your Hon. Secretary, and Emilie Head your Assistant Secretary.

We are lucky to have a dedicated body of wider committee members too, and huge thanks to them for their time and energies.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer, wherever you are in the world, make sure you keep in touch and let us know all your happenings. And send sun. Floreat Brutonia!

Gemma Brunton

LETTER FROM THE HON. SECRETARY

Dear Old Brutonians,

Iam writing to you all during a short holiday in North Cornwall, and over these past few days while walking the coastal footpath and exploring some stunning empty beaches I have experienced some severe weather conditions, in February you really are exposed to four seasons in one day the sun, rain, extreme winds and even hail before a glorious sunset. The dramatic coastline seems to make me think a little deeper about my correspondence to you all this year and I likened the

ever-changing seasons to all our lives and times.

Firstly, the ‘season’ proper to our time at King’s either at prep school, local schools, abroad with families or for staff their time at university or in previous careers.

Next are the King’s years for some from 13-18 years old, for others they might depart for the 6th Form, while some join and take on the challenge of A levels and BTEC’s, in this time important lessons are learned, qualifications gained, and many friends and perhaps some mischief made! The next challenge of further study or work is made and the path to adulthood begins.

King’s, which was varied, challenging yet so fulfilling. Since his retirement he remained close by volunteering and serving his community. It was a delight to see so many past members of staff and Old Brutonians present at the service to pay their respects to such an inspirational man.

COMMUNITY

Post King’s life seems to get very busy as careers begin, engagements, marriages and then families grow. We are always pleased to hear your news, so as your life changes please keep the community in mind and send your news into the OBA office, thank you to all those you have contributed this year.

I was delighted to know that in 2023, of the many weddings that took place, three were very special as both the bride and groom were Old Brutonians, so their King’s story will continue for these couples with a lifelong commitment, and we wish them all well for their future adventures together.

We are also thrilled when OB’s of any age decide to give a little back to King’s through gifts, or legacies, to young OB’s by engaging with our mentoring scheme, or to join the OBA Committee and bring their enthusiasm and knowledge.

For staff, some as I well know can stay many years or even their whole careers, they marry, have children, and take up new and exciting challenges in the classroom and beyond. Such a gentleman was Roger Lowe who sadly passed away recently. At his thanksgiving service his son Rew recounted his time at

So, in this ever-changing world where somethings are unpredictable and uncertain and perhaps difficult as well as challenging. Other parts of our lives remain constant like the changing seasons, our memories, and friendships.

Let’s all keep in touch, meet when we can and support our very special school and association whenever we can.

Signing off as the sun sets over Trevose!

Floreat Brutonia!

My best wishes,

Rose

Rose Vigers-Belgeonne

Where in the World?

OBs/Hon OBs per country

Somerset 818

Dorset 344

Wiltshire 287

London 283

Hampshire 268

Devon 141

Surrey 119

Bristol 113

Gloucestershire 72

Berkshire 58

Kent 56

Oxfordshire 49

Cornwall 42

West Sussex 36

Buckinghamshire 33

Yorkshire 31

East Sussex 28

Hertfordshire 26

Middlesex 24

Essex 23

Cambridgeshire 20

Warwickshire 19

Suffolk 18

Bedfordshire 17

Sussex 15

West Midlands 15

Worcestershire 14

Cheshire 13

CANADA

GERMANY

AUSTRALIA

DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Emilie Head, Development Coordinator King’s Bruton and Hazlegrove

Welcome from the Development Office! Many of you know I carry two hats, one as the Assistant Secretary to the OBA and one as the Development Coordinator for the King’s Bruton Foundation.

These two roles have allowed me to get to know Old Brutonians, Old Hazlegrovians and Honorary Old Brutonians quite well over the last few years, absolutely the best part of my job. This year, my eldest joins the ranks as an OB; it seems very strange that my (hopefully not too many) emails will end up in her inbox –whether she will take the time to read them is another question!

THE SIR PETER SQUIRE PAVILION

The past year has seen a couple of Development projects come to fruition. Firstly, we had the opening of The Sir Peter Squire Pavilion, attended by the Squire family and other donors. Inside, the building is unrecognisable – it is now a really fantastic light and airy space, allowing for match teas, meetings and hopefully lunches and dinners to take place against the backdrop of the playing fields. Outside, the restored façade and new patio area are glorious and create a lovely spot from which to watch matches. The brand-new changing block allows all the ‘grot and grime’ to be kept away from the lovely original building, which is a real blessing! The project would simply not have been made possible without the generosity of those in our Old Brutonian community and this is something that everyone is incredibly grateful for. The building serves as a powerful reminder of what gifting can achieve and the impact it has, not only for our pupils, but also others in the wider community.

is important when considering becoming a legator. I am very grateful for everyone who attended one of these events as they gave some valuable food for thought. We have now welcomed 15 legators to the society, some of whom were ‘pre-existing’ and some who have recently joined. It has been a joy to post the beautiful silver 1519 pins to legators, formally welcoming them to the Society.

By the time you read this, we will have had Commemoration Day, where we invite Legators to join us for the church service, and also to the drinks reception and lunch afterwards. It is a very joyful day, with lots of reminiscing and new friendships being forged.

OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION

THE

1519 LEGACY SOCIETY

The second project I have been working on is developing the 1519 Legacy Society. We held two successful consultation events, one in Bruton and one in London. The purpose of these was to understand, from an alumni perspective, what

Thank you to everyone who has made contact with me this last year, to give updates on what they have been up to, to volunteer as a mentor, or to visit the school for a tour. One of the most enjoyable things I do is reconnecting OBs / OHs together, so please do get in touch if there is someone you would like to make contact with.

Keep the news coming and I look forward to meeting many more of you in the next 12 months!

Warmest wishes as always, Emilie

CommunityAfternoonConcert Tea and

Afabulous afternoon of music and cake was enjoyed by over 120 guests during the Community Concert and Afternoon Tea on 8th March in the Memorial Hall. Fifteen OBs and Hon OBs, plus guests, joined with members of the local King’s community to listen to the Military Band, Saxophone Group and Clarinet

Group play, whilst enjoying the full afternoon tea spread produced and served by pupils.

It was wonderful to see so many OBs, from all generations, attend the event and a special thanks goes to those who travelled far and wide to attend.

A big welcome to baby Charlie, son of Eleanor Little (W12/16) who, at 9 weeks of age, coped admirably with the noise!

The event is held annually, around early March. Details of the 2025 event will be published nearer to time but do get in touch oba@kingsbruton.com if you are interested in attending.

Globe editor Chris Biddle talks to Headmaster, Ian Wilmshurst about his recently announced retirement, and about changes and challenges at King’s since his arrival.

Chris Biddle (CB): Headmaster, many in the King’s Bruton community will be sorry to hear of your planned retirement in July 2025, what prompted your decision?

Ian Wilmshurst (HM): By the end of the next academic year, it will have been my privilege to have been Headmaster for 16 years, and I think the time is right for me and King’s for someone new to take over the leadership of the school. I am not moving onto another headship, and my priority will continue to be the success of King’s throughout my final four terms as Headmaster. I hope to meet as many OBs as possible by July 2025 and in particular look forward to my final London Lunch in December.

CB: What are your over-riding reflections on the major challenges or changes that you have faced since your appointment as Headmaster in 2009?

HM: In short, the COVID years. COVID has had the biggest impact on the school in the short-term and long-term. Post-COVID we have seen the impact it has had on pupils’ development during lockdown. We are dealing with more mental health issues, increased parenting concerns, we’ve seen more pupils with ADD

and ADHD, while it seems teenagers have become less resilient. When pupils did return to school, they had to be socially distanced, which made it harder to socialise. Music is an area of school life adversely affected by COVID, there is a black hole of boys and girls who could not take up music, which is an important element of this school. The other major change is that we are now fully co-educational. When I started as Headmaster in 2009, King’s could be regarded as a boy’s school which also accepted girls. The other change is a decrease in full boarding, with many of our local boarders going home after school on Saturdays.

CB: What is the pupil mix at the moment?

HM: The pupil roll is currently 355, with half boys, half girls, with half boarding and half day pupils. Ten per cent of our pupils are from overseas, of which 7 per cent are from Europe. Some schools have an intake of 20 per cent overseas pupils so there may be opportunity, to increase overseas boarders but it is a question of getting the balance right Spain and Germany have been good long-term markets for us, as is Kenya. I like to visit school fairs overseas where possible, but we are a small school with a small admissions and marketing team, so resources are limited.

CB: Now the inevitable ‘elephant in the room’ question. What could be the impact if, as expected, an incoming Labour government, carries out its intention to apply VAT to fees at independent fee-paying schools?

‘Staying nimble and responsive to change’

HM: We don’t know yet because we’ve still got some way to go, but there is no doubt that a 20% increase in fees due to VAT would be significant. The fees would have to increase, but we are trying to limit any increases as best we can. We’d have to look at efficiencies across the school, however we are tightly staffed as it is.

CB: There is also the threat to remove charitable status, might that also have an impact?

HM: That is less clear. The Labour party have said they are not touching charitable status because I expect it would be a legal minefield. But they may try and remove business rates relief as has already happened in Wales and Scotland, but a Conservative government may also do this in time.

CB: How resilient is King’s to these possible changes?

HM: I think some schools may really struggle and we are likely to see some seeking to amalgamate with bigger, more prosperous schools. Financially we are in a strong position, both King’s and Hazlegrove are making a healthy surplus, so you could say we’ve fixed the roof whilst the sun was shining. King’s has consistently achieved up to 10% surplus of nett fee income.

CB: As a relatively small school does that mean you can be more nimble and responsive to change?

HM: Absolutely! It is the reason why bigger does not necessarily mean better. I think that is one of the reasons why King’s is attractive to parents. We

are academically strong, our pastoral care is excellent and we really look after the boys and girls well. We’ve also proved that we have been able to cope well with the post-Covid issues that are still with us.

CB: King’s is very strong in certain areas such as music, hospitality, drama, sport and the like, do you look to promote your specialities?

HM: No, not really. In fact, definitely not. That’s one thing I’ve learnt over the years. Children are different, and that is the challenge for a small school. You have to provide variety in music, sport, drama, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities and not become too niche. What we have focussed on is providing high quality in everything we do. We have great breadth in our academics, particularly in the 6th form taking A-levels for those wishing to go to university, or a whole range of BTECs suitable for some pupils who may wish to go onto apprenticeships or straight into the world of work. I think we were well ahead of the game by introducing BTECs over a decade ago. In sport, we have focussed on hockey because that’s a two-term sport and become very strong, as has girls’ cricket where we’ve seen rapid development in recent years. Both of these feed into other main sports like rugby, netball, tennis and athletics.

CB: Last year, I experienced the school’s choral excellence during an Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral. King’s has become well-known for its music across all disciplines, has the new music school proved a great benefit?

more recently the 5-star Newt Hotel, plus other highly rated eateries. That prompted people from the creative industries like the media, publishing, films and so on to look at the area for a rural life outside London. Having a good quality school like King’s nearby has been a bonus. There’s a bigger day pupil market now because there are more people living in the locality who want our type of education and can afford it. There’s certainly more happening in and around Bruton, which has helped put the school on the map.

CB: How important is it for King’s to maintain good relations with the local community?

HM: Very important. However, the closure of the Bruton School for Girls (Sunny Hill) in 2022, shortly after it became part of the King’s Bruton Foundation has made for difficult relations with some of the local residents, so we are having to work through that at the moment. We do have very successful community concerts and events and many of our pupils engage in local community service. We are now working with Sexey’s School to provide opportunities for their talented musicians to join our choirs, orchestra, and bands. I hope also to offer Design Technology A-Level to one Sexey’s Lower 6 pupil next academic year as Sexey’s no longer offer this subject as A-Level.

CB: Talking about community relations, how important is the relationship between the school today, and the community of King’s alumni through the Old Brutonian Association?

Music School has encouraged more alumni to take an active interest in what the school is doing today. During COVID we communicated more frequently with former pupils which also proved beneficial.

CB: All of which helps to widen the net, I presume, when it comes to fundraising initiatives such as the Legacy 1519 Society?

HM: It does. The recent completion of the Sir Peter Squire Pavilion was largely made possible through a substantial unsolicited legacy from an Old Brutonian’s will. That project had looked vulnerable due to inflationary costs, but as a result of that legacy we were able to afford to complete much needed extra facilities at our sports pavilion on Hyde. Fundraising through schemes like the Legacy 1519 Society will become even more vital with the possible levy of VAT on fees.

CB: Thank you, Ian, for this opportunity to chat over many topics of interest for those to whom King’s Bruton has played such a pivotal part of their education. Lastly, looking back on the last 12 months, what have been the stand-out moments for you.

HM: It certainly has. We’ve worked hard to develop a strong choral music tradition. The opportunity to sing at the country’s leading cathedrals, being pushed to that level in magnificent settings, is something the boys and girls will never forget.

CB: When I was at Bruton, the village had very few redeeming features. Today it has become ‘trendy’ and is constantly referred to in the press as a desirable place to live. Has that had an impact on the school and the pupil in-take?

HM: Yes, I suppose it all started to change about 10 years ago with the At The Chapel Restaurant. Then the Hauser and Wirth Gallery at Durslade Farm, and

HM: It is something we are working on all the time. Some alumni will want certain things from the school, others very little or nothing. It is clear however that recent events such as the 500th Anniversary, the visit of the late Queen and the opening of the new

HM: I’m going to be quite boring here. I’m proud of anything that the boys and girls achieve, someone passing their Maths GCSE re-sit, someone getting into Oxbridge, it could be a junior hockey team winning a match. The stand-out moments all involve pupils and staff, it’s all about people. The successes of the school are always made possible by the dedication of high-quality staff. We can all remember our best, or worst teachers from our own school days. As Headmaster, I need to make sure that pupils’ memories of King’s are positively influenced by the quality of the teachers here.

A stillness of spirit where you don’t have to prove yourself. “ “

2023

Old Brutonians London Lunch

“As I made my way from Barbican station, the first flakes of a temporary snow flurry landed on my shoulders and I was reminded of the moments when on the walk to the Memorial Hall I was also spotted by flurries of snow. All the excitement that seemed to illicit, as well as the calming of noise and activity that snowfall enforced, even in the busiest of moments.

Entering Ironmonger’s Hall I was welcomed by the revered Tony Beadles, Headmaster for my years at King’s, who greeted me with all the enthusiasm and boundless energy he has always displayed.

How, after the tens of thousands students have passed through his teaching career, he can still pick the name of each

ON Friday 1 December over 100 Old Brutonians and Honorary Old Brutonians braved train strikes, bitingly cold weather and a few flakes of snow to make their way to The Ironmongers’ Hall for the 2023 London Lunch.

Dom Haigh L88/93 reports

and every person he bumps in to at the London Lunch confounds me. But it adds tow the feeling that through King’s, we are part of something special, even 30 years after leaving.

After warm embraces from familiar faces, introductions to those less familiar and exuberant conversations with ‘first-timers’ , it was the time to find our

Warm embraces, spirited conversations and ‘Carmen Brutoniense’

photos of my table-neighbours in their school days and descriptions of the same traditions we all knew, or heard rumoured, with the ensuing bawdy belly laughing that can only come from such genuine familiarity. Grace was observed wonderfully, and the flow of wine and good food led to speeches including the announcement that our President, Gemma Brunton, who has worked tirelessly to push the OBA forwards, steps down in November 2024 with Janey de Borchgrave d’Altena as the incoming President with quite a legacy to uphold. Ian Wilmshurst updated us all on the current successes and visions for King’s, as well as the incredibly important 1519

Legacy Society where legators can support the School directly. To prevent any confusion this is a separate scheme to the OBA Legacy Giving where modest sums are donated to support the OBA activities such as the OBA Hardship Fund and Leavers’ Gifts to welcome OB’s into the fold. For the first time while I have attended the London Lunch the School Song, ‘Carmen Brutoniense,’ was sung almost in time with the music. This was in no small part thanks to James Strevens (N86/91) dragging us into time, if not key, with his accompaniment on the piano. This was a welcome addition and combined with the recording uploaded onto the OBA Community webpages to provide us all with some opportunity to practice at home (much to my family’s chagrin!) we almost deserved the surging bravado of ‘Floreat Brutonia’!

Warm hug of King’s regalia

Once the formalities of lunch were dealt with there was an exodus to the Hand and Shears pub to take on the customary challenge of trying to rid the bar of all alcohol, and certainly claim any space in the

vicinity for great conversation, reckless abandonment of year group delineation

and what can only be described as a warm hug of King’s ties, blazers, cufflinks, broaches and stories that accompanied any movement at all. Time disappears during the London Lunch and the hearty conversations afterwards; distances melt away and a day is too short. Before I knew it my train departure (or at least the only train left running that could get me even close to home – thanks BR) was imminent. So, joining forces with a fellow OB to navigate our way badly, but brilliantly, back to Paddington I reminisced about the privilege and heritage of what we share, and then I just smiled and promised myself that I would once again battle the hoards for a ticket for next year’s OBA London Lunch to pick up where I left off this year.

For all the noise, furore, gladsome song, and eagerness to push you back together with old friends, recall taunts of interhouse rivalry and jovially embrace new OB’s, there is a calmness and silence of spirit that descends.

There is a gentle flurry of emotion that falls silently, made up of the memories of our time at King’s with all its ups and downs. Whoever you are, and there are some amazing people in that room with you, there is a stillness of spirit where you don’t have to prove yourself.

You are an OB; accepted.

2024 OBA London Lunch: All OBs and Hon OBs are warmly invited to the London Lunch, being held at the Ironmonger’s Hall, London, on Friday 6th December 2024. Tickets will go on sale in September, Further details from Emilie oba@kingsbruton.com or 01749 814200.

From Hyde to

Sitting in the front stalls of the Peacock Theatre, Los Angeles last January, Luke Lloyd-Davies admitted that he hadn’t felt so nervous “since his Bruton days and those tense last hours before a 1st XV fixture on Hyde against big rivals King’s Taunton!”.

And for good reason.

The occasion is one of Hollywood’s annual starry nights, the 75th Emmy Awards recognising the best of the best in the television industry.

As Chief Operating Officer of Elton John’s Rocket Entertainment Group, Luke was there in his capacity as Executive Producer, because the company’s production of Elton John Live: Farewell at Dodger Stadium in association with Disney+ and Fulwell 73 Productions, had been shortlisted for an Emmy in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category.

Sir Elton was unable to attend because of a recent knee operation.

With Luke representing the Rocket team was Elton’s husband and manager David Furnish and Ben Winston founder of Fulwell 73 productions, both executive producers of the show alongside Luke.

“You never have a clue about your chances of winning” says Luke “there were some incredible live shows amongst the shortlist including the half-time show at the Superbowl featuring Rihanna, a Chris Rock live show, coverage of the Oscars and the 75th Tony Awards. That’s some

After working with Elton John and David Furnish for more than 23 years, heading up their Rocket Entertainment and Sports Group, Luke Lloyd-Davies (L91/96), describes the thrill of winning an Emmy for his role as an Executive Producer on the November 2022 live streaming of “Elton John Live: Farewell at the Dodger Stadium” Chris Biddle reports.

competition so no pressure then!”

“The tension really ratchets up as the shortlist entries are read out. There were huge cheers for the Rihanna Superbowl show and for Chris Rock’s show by which time the ‘butterflies’ were running wild. I was preparing my gallant loser face when suddenly you hear the word ‘Elton’ - and it’s all a bit of a blur!”

“It’s then into the walk onto the stage in something of a daze, the winners walk off stage and lots of photos and a press conference. You have to actually sign for your Emmy and it was surprisingly heavy! Lots more

photos then onto the Governors Ball, followed by a Disney party. It was really great fun, an amazing night. By the end you feel pretty emotionally exhausted but elated!”.

Anxious to get back to the UK to celebrate with his wife Jules and his 3 children, and because it is always fullon in the world of Elton John, Luke flew out of Los Angeles the following evening.

RESCHEDULING

The story of the Emmy had started back in 2018, when Elton started his Farewell Yellow Brick Road World tour which was planned as the culmination and end to his touring career. “We were very clear in the messaging that this wasn’t Elton retiring”, says Luke, “but more stopping touring as for a someone in his 70’s who had been touring since his 20’s, it was very tiring and he was missing his family more and more. Elton throws everything into his performances that are 2 hours and 41 minutes without an interval, so it’s a big, big effort doing on average three shows a week and we needed to platform his final tour appropriately”.

“Originally our plan was to finish in the Dodgers Stadium in 2021 so it would be a three-year tour, 330 dates. Why Dodgers? Because that was the

Elton John at The Dodger Stadium

Photo Ben Gibson, Courtesy of Rocket Entertainment

place where he really hit stardom in America back in 1975, selling out 2 huge shows, cementing his name in the music books as a global superstar.”

But then COVID threw a curve ball, and the whole tour schedule had to be re-jigged, and the end-date put back to 8th July 2023, where he eventually finished in Stockholm.

Once COVID had settled down, the tour recommenced in January 2022, and included three nights at Dodger Stadium. The shows, sold out in a flash, and says Luke “because they were to be his final shows in North America, and they became very symbolic given Elton’s history at the stadium”

“So, we decided that as it was to be his last US touring show, we want to do something special. Not just for the fans but to live stream the concert to a world-wide audience from such an iconic venue.”

“The live stream component was put into action very late in the process. The last show was scheduled for 20th November 2022 – and we only formally agreed to move ahead with a live stream in August 2022. We had essentially 10 weeks to get our act together, secure a deal with a production partner and deliver for Disney +, who bought the live stream rights. It became like a Usain Bolt sprint to pull it all off. This was made even more complex with the tour already up and running,and only added another layer of complexity to an already extremely challenging touring schedule”.

the truck or the front of house for the imags side of stage”.

“This was going out on the Disney + channel and it was a global first for them, as they hadn’t done a live stream like this on their platform before. The Disney machine, when it gets into action is extremely impressive. I remember a Zoom call that we had, and I think there were three people from Rocket, a couple from Fulwell - and about 55 from Disney!”

“On the actual day there were about 600-700 people working behind

say the least!”

“Unlike the other tour dates, Elton wanted specials guests for the live stream event, Dua Lipa, country artist Brandi Carlile and Kiki Dee, which added yet another dimension, as did additional songs that weren’t in the normal touring show.”

“In the end, the weather was kind to us, the show ran to time and it was live as live gets with just a two-second delay.”

So why was this live format chosen over a concert recording to be packaged and marketed later? “I think there were two ways we could have looked at it. You record it, get it in the can, and then distribute it afterwards. But we and Disney very much wanted this to be a live stream moment, rather than it being a pre-record and then released on cinema.“

The production partner chosen was British originated Fulwell 73, with offices in LA whose partners included James Corden and Executive producer Ben Winston. Ben already had 12 Emmy’s under his belt and a host of credits including Carpool Karaoke, The Late, Late Show and Friends: The Reunion so ‘we felt in very good hands’.

“Normally at a recorded concert in such a large venue we’d have 11 to 12 cameras” says Luke “But for this show we had around 48 in total, which included drones, helicopters, spider cams, tracking cams that were on board the stage looking across the piano - all of which have to be staffed and monitored and then fed back to

the scenes to put the show on and handle the live stream component. We also had a separate team working behind the scenes for an official Elton documentary we are producing with Disney, that gets released later this year.”

“So you had a layer within layer within a layer of all this structure and operationally above all, you had to make sure that it all ran smoothly. Special merchandise had been sourced and marketed, and we’d entered into a partnership with online metaverse company, Roblox, which meant that users could have a virtual concert running whilst the real thing was happening. It was pretty full on to

“After all, performers such as Elton provide such energy that a live stream adds that immediacy and perhaps sense of ‘the now’ that rubs off on viewers who then hopefully will get the same buzz as those in the audience”.

The concert live stream was incredibly complex and challenging, and from my own personal career achievement, this has to be one of the pinnacles because of the way it was executed and received, says Luke. Despite the intense pressure of working with one of the biggest stars in show business day in day out, Luke truly values his home life in Surrey, even more so now his children are growing up.

Wife Jules had joined Luke for part of the Dodger Stadium concerts but had to fly back because his daughter’s birthday was on the same day as the final show ” . . something Bella his daughter, still hasn’t fully forgiven me for! They did wake up though to get ready for school the morning of the 21st November and watched the last song of the concert that was being shown on Disney +. They also saw the title credits roll at the end and my name there alongside Elton, David Furnish and Ben Winston which was a lovely moment. I honestly couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my wife Jules.

She’s my rock, super smart and my everything. So really this Emmy is as much hers as it is mine”.

Luke (right) with David Furnish

Photo: Matt Baron

Acareer working in the cruise ship industry, has culminated in Nick Nash (L74/77) being appointed Commodore for the Princess Cruises Global Fleet, the company’s highest honour and the recipient of a ceremonial sword. Chris Biddle reports.

Perhaps a clue to Nick Nash’s future career came whilst he was in Lyon House. “I really appreciated being away from the main school buildings. Lyon was something of a school outpost and I liked that slight sense of independence”.

Far-away places were indeed to feature prominently for Nick after he left King’s in 1977.

He recalls his time at Bruton very positively. He was there when Hubert Doggart arrived, who brought in new ideas and facilities including the new dining room “A change from the old Nissan hut and sloppy food”.

But Nick had itchy feet and left school at 16, he had no wish to carry on with A Levels or University. Brought up in Cornwall, his father worked for Cable and Wireless, and the family spent a lot of time abroad, mostly in Africa, often travelling on the Union Castle line.

Back in Cornwall, the sea featured prominently in family life. “As a kid I used to go down to the harbour and watch the Scillonian sail from Penzance to the Scilly Isles daily, and that together with well-thumbed TinTin books, really gave me the love of ships and the sea”.

Set on a life at sea, was there a choice between the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy?

“Not really. I wanted to spend my whole career at sea, and it was likely that in the Royal Navy you were only able to spend a short period of your career actually at sea, and there

The Captains’ Captain

would be tremendous competition to achieve the rank of Commander or Captain so I felt that the Merchant Navy was a better option”.

FALKLANDS

Initially, Nick joined Port Line, then part of Cunard shipping services, serving on general cargo ships, bringing meat from Australia, bananas from the Caribbean, fruit from South Africa, potatoes from Newfoundland and routes running from South America to North America.

In 1982, the Merchant Navy played its part in the Falklands campaign. Nick was on MV Saxonia, a STUFF ship (Ship Taken Up from Trade), based in South Georgia, which was essentially a giant refrigerator, storing and supplying food and goods for the Royal Navy ships engaged in the campaign.

“ (In

Cruises (as it was then known) as Third Officer. His first big promotion was to Staff Captain in 1997 and was then appointed Staff Captain of the Grand Princess, the biggest cruise ship in the world at the time.

In 2002, Nick was promoted to Captain of the Royal Princess, launched by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1984, and from then worked his way through the command of larger and larger ship in the Princess Cruise Line.

Still with Cunard, Nick got up to Second Officer on Atlantic Container Line, but he sensed that the Merchant Navy was taking a bit of a dive and decided to join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) based in the South Atlantic where he studied for his Master’s Certificate. Para deleted

But after a time, he decided that the RFA was not for him and rejoined the world of commercial shipping. In 1989 he joined P&O Princess

2002) Nick was promoted as Captain of the Royal Princess, launched by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1984

His current ship is the Enchanted Princess, built in Italy, although its launch date was delayed by COVID. After taking delivery of the ship in September 2020, the maiden voyage did not take place until September 2021 due to the restrictions on travel caused by the pandemic. It was during the low-key naming ceremony in 2020, that the President of Princess Cruises announced that Nick, had been appointed Commodore of the Fleet, only the seventh such appointment in the company’s history.

MADRINA

It wasn’t until two years later, in October 2022, that the official presentation of a ceremonial sword was able to take place whilst the Enchanted Princess was docked in

Enchanted Princess

Boston. John Padgett, the President of Princess Cruises made the presentation to Nick, with a surprise guest being Nick’s wife, Sue, who he thought was at home in Penzance.

“The presentation was a complete surprise”`said Nick “I’d only texted my wife that day that saying that President is coming aboard to hold a crew meeting. It was only when I stepped on stage to introduce him, that he took charge of the proceedings.”.

So has that magnificent sword got a place of honour above his fireplace at home? “No, it’s under the bed at home, might come in handy with any intruder! It was a devilish job getting it back to the UK, navigating US and UK customs, and took around four months.”

Nick’s first experience of a passenger ship had been when he was a Cadet and served for six months on the QE2.

“At the time if you were in Cunard’s cargo division and had good table manners, smart appearance (King’s trained of course!) and didn’t make a noise drinking your soup, they appointed you to the QE2 for a bit of exposure to a real passenger ship. Through a series of promotions onto some of the world’s largest cruise

ships, Nick had reached the pinnacle, so was there a considerable step-up from the ranks below captain? “Yes, there’s a huge difference. You’ve got to know all the answers, the buck really stops with you. For a start, you are responsible for $700 million worth of machinery, not to mention up to 5000 people”.

As Commodore now, what is Nick’s role? I have command of my own ship, but I now have a wider role, in effect Captain of the Captains. I’ll get involved in promotion panels, oversee new procedures before they are published, lend an ear to other Captains when needed, and can fill in in case of sickness”.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

The Captain of a cruise ship has to have many leadership skills. Experienced seafarer, diplomat, host, fountain of all knowledge, great communicator, mediator, have cultural awareness and much, much more.

Are there differences between US and British passengers for instance?

“ Getting the mix at the Captain’s table is always a bit tricky “

John

Petersburg has been off-limits since

During the European winter, Nick’s home port will be Miami, with the ship plying routes through the Caribbean. It will then reposition across the Atlantic and will be based at Barcelona for the summer schedule. Nick will generally do three months on duty, followed by three months leave. There can hardly be a port that Nick has not visited, but what about his favourite? “Sue and I love travelling up to the Baltic. Unfortunately, St Petersburg has been off-limits since the Ukraine war, but otherwise it’s the Scandinavian countries, or for something different canals boats in the UK and across France”.

And stand-out moments? “There are many, my first appointment as Captain and then to Commodore and being awarded the Merchant Navy medal by Princess Anne. But right up there was my daughter, Victoria, being christened on the old Royal Princess, and when the new Royal Princess was built and water put in the dock for the first time in 2013, she was asked to be its ‘madrina’ (godmother), flown to Italy and broke the champagne on the hull before the floating out”.

“I’d say that the Americans are much more easy-going. The Brits still like tradition, formal nights, deck tennis and afternoon tea. They often form Committees on longer voyages, and I remember one, a ‘Clock Committee’, which wished to meet up with me as I had decided to advance the clock at Noon as opposed to the usual 0200 – something which Nelson would not have approved!”.

The Captain’s diplomatic skills are mostly put to test at the fabled Captain’s Table. “Yes, getting the mix right is always a bit tricky, but when you get it right and people start to relax, it is surprising how often it is the start of lifetime friendships.” Nick has to make sure he is up-to-date with current news, and usually has to scan The Economist or similar journals before he joins the table.

Foremost, Nick is a mariner, and any social duties always take third place to shiphandling and safety. A typical day involves manoeuvring the ship on arrival, paperwork and ship round inspections, meetings with Heads of Departments and then manoeuvring the ship out of port in the late afternoon. His cabin is right next to the bridge, so Nick is never ‘off-duty’. On a normal day he tries to have a snooze in the afternoon ready for the evening, finishing up by 9pm or 10pm in readiness to be up by 4 am.

In between all this, Nick has found the time to write a 374 page book, Shiphandling, which is used to train young officers around the fleet “all thanks to David Hindley’s English tuition at Bruton!”

It has been a stellar career for Nick. He has achieved everything, and more, he hoped for when setting out as a naval cadet after leaving King’s at 16. Neither is he ready to hang up his ‘sextant’ yet. “In a couple of years when I’m 68, they will likely start asking about my future plans. That will make it 52 years in service, but I’m healthy, still loving the job – so the ‘r’ word is yet on my mind”.

Images courtesy of Princess Cruises

Presentation:

Padgett, President, Princess Cruises presents ceremonial sword to Nick, with wife Sue

Nick Nash

The Life of Charles Williams: Talented

Cricketer and Fallen Soldier

Former Infantry Officer and now History Teacher and Housemaster at King’s Bruton, Nick Bunday, has long had a fascination to find out more about the service career and death in 1917 of Charles Ellicombe Williams (1905-1909). Last year, together with his wife, Gilly, he travelled to a remote area of Greece to find his last resting place.

WHEN you enter The Memorial Hall, the third panel to the right of the main door, commemorates Captain Charles Ellicombe Williams, one of the 56 Old Brutonians who laid down their lives in World War One.

It has held a fascination for me ever since I first saw it over two decades ago - even before I became a teacher at King’s. I was in the successor Regiment of The South Wales Borderers, The Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st Foot) and latterly, following another amalgamation, The Royal Welsh. Our connection extends beyond King’s, to the Regiment and a mutual love of cricket. It also turned out that he was born exactly a century to the day before Gilly and I were married. Teaching in the History Department I have been lucky enough to take parties of 3rd Formers to Flanders on a dozen or so occasions, where we try to track down as many Old Brutonian graves, names on memorials and places where they fought as is feasible. We

Charles Williams

1909 King’s Cricket Team. Charles Williams seated far left

have thus regularly told the stories of Harold Hippisley, Thomas Stockwell and Glynn Baker to name but a few. (Those readers who are unaware of their stories should read Charles Nobles’ ‘The King’s 56’ published last year).

Visiting these sites adds a personal connection and helps the pupils make sense of what is going on – in many cases they have walked the same corridors and played sport on the same pitches as many of their predecessors who marched away to war from 1914 onwards.

The story that we have never been able to tell is that of Captain Charles Williams who was at King’s from May 1905 to July 1909. His is a grave that is out of the way, in a less well travelled part of Greece and it therefore seems unlikely that anyone from King’s has visited the cemetery where he was finally laid to rest.

NOTED IN WISDEN

Charles’ life from his arrival at King’s in May 1905 to his death in 1917 is well covered in Charles Nobles’ book. It is worth reiterating, however, that firstly Charles Williams was an accomplished sportsman and was an especially talented cricketer playing for the Somerset Juniors for two seasons and as such warranted an entry in the Wisden’s ‘The Lives of Cricket’s Fallen 1914 – 1918’. He was also a member of the ‘famous’ 1909 King’s cricket

“ Whilst working in Ceylon, Charles Williams joined the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps “

The Grave, Parents will have paid for inscription ‘For God, King and Country’

team who had a stellar season but many of whom (nine to be precise) would be dead by 1918. Secondly, it is clear that Charles had a sense of duty, as was common amongst his generation. On leaving King’s, Charles went to Ceylon and by 1912 he appeared on the Planter’s Registry as being the Assistant Manager of the Ratganga Tea Estate, east of Colombo. Whilst working in Ceylon, Charles Williams joined the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps and when war broke out, he volunteered for overseas service. This probably came as no surprise to anyone given that he came from a military family and that his eldest brother had died during the Boer War.

So how did Charles Williams come to lose his life, aged 27, in a remote area of Greece?

Williams was killed instantly, but Charles Williams was evacuated to a Dressing Station at Chaushitsa, dying the next day from his wounds. He was buried near the Dressing Station. In November 1920 the graves at Chaushitsa including that of Charles Williams were relocated to Karasouli (now renamed Polykastro) Military Cemetery, and it is here that he lies in Plot B 403, along with some 1420 other Commonwealth soldiers. Gilly and I made the hour and a half journey from Thessaloniki to Polykastro where we paid our respects to Captain Charles Williams, in the beautifully kept CWGC cemetery. We also found the other Captain Williams who died alongside Charles Williams.

Selection for a Commission and a transfer to 7th Battalion The South Wales Borderers (SWB) saw Charles as the Battalion Adjutant by the time the Battalion embarked for overseas service in 1915. Initially sent to France, the Battalion was diverted to Salonica (now Thessaloniki), arriving in October 1915. The British Salonica Force (BSF) was the Entente Powers’ attempt to assist their Serbian ally whose army was in headlong retreat. The BSF would be facing a Bulgarian Army that was extremely competent having been involved in two separate wars against its neighbours since 1912. It was also holding impregnable positions in the dominating high ground around Lake Doiran.

GRAVE RELOCATED

Charles Williams was a good officer; the evidence for this was that he was selected as Adjutant of the Battalion (the Commanding Officer’s principal staff officer) and that he was also Mentioned in Despatches.

Having written in the visitors’ book, we then travelled further north to the Memorial to the British Salonica Force on Colonial Hill overlooking Lake Doiran and the mountainous positions that 7 SWB only took in late 1918 when the Bulgarians retreated. We could not get to the exact spot where Captain Charles Williams met his fate as this lies in the Republic of North Macedonia, but we saw the border and looked towards the site from the Memorial.

On 26th May 1917, Charles Williams and 7 SWB had just moved from the forward trenches to a second line on a ridge called the Whaleback. At about 1600 hours, Charles Williams was in a dug-out talking to a colleague of the same surname, a Captain Leonard Willams, when a Bulgarian shell exploded and killed them both. Leonard

Karasouli (Polycastro) Commonwealth War Grave Commission

Nick Bunday

return to tonga

Iwas a pupil at King’s School Bruton from 1967 to 1971 and during my last year I decided that I wanted to take a break and have a gap year. It was not so common in those days but VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) was, at that time, offering places to students before they went to university and so I decided to apply. Unfortunately, I was not successful but Roy Davey, the Headmaster at that time, must have seen some potential and he put me in touch with an old friend of his, Reg Hornsby, who was Headmaster of St Andrew’s School in Tonga in the South Pacific.

He agreed to have me as a volunteer teacher but was not able to offer any help towards my travelling expenses to the other side of the world. I had some savings and worked for a term as an unqualified teacher at Moffats prep school in Worcestershire to earn some money.

eIght months

But I was still short and so I wrote to the Friends of King’s School Bruton to ask for assistance and was very pleased to be awarded a £50 travel scholarship, the equivalent of about £600 today. So along with some help from my parents I was able to afford the return airfare to Tonga. I spent a fabulous eight months in Tonga in 1972, living with two other volunteers, Tim from Australia and Alan from New Zealand. I taught maths, science and

Richard Vickery reflects on his return to the South Pacific islands of Tonga after 51 years.

geography to students aged between 12 and 19.

cIvIl engIneerIng

This gave me a love of teaching which I returned to after spending four years at university studying civil engineering. I was very grateful for the support and financial help given to me by The Friends of King’s School Bruton and came back to the school in the autumn of 1972 to talk to pupils about my experiences.

Meanwhile, after university, I completed a PGCE in secondary education at the Institute of Education in London and taught in comprehensive schools for twenty-six years. Then after taking a year out to complete an MSc in Computing, I became a university lecturer in education and was involved in teacher education for nine years. After another five years of part-time work, I retired in 2018. Throughout my working life I maintained my interest in Tonga and St Andrew’s School. Since 2012 I had sponsored students so they could

continue their education beyond the age of twelve when they finished state funded primary school. But I had always wanted to return to Tonga and finally, in 2020 I decided to take the plunge and booked my flights. Then COVID came along and that was the end of my plans.

“I joined in the life of the school and did some teaching and teacher training “

However, I was not daunted and finally in April 2023 I returned to Tonga and to St Andrew’s School after fifty-one years. This time I was able to pay my own travel expenses and after two weeks in New Zealand, stayed in the staff flat at St Andrew’s School for seven weeks. I joined in the life of the school and did some teaching and teacher training.

In 1972 I shared a student flat with Tim and Alan and we had to use the boys’ toilets and cold shower facilities. There was no hot water on tap and we had to heat water for drinks using an electric water heater. Washing involved using a tub of cold water and a washboard and hanging the washing out to dry in the sun.

Cooking was very rudimentary with a gas cooker and the highlight of the week was fish and chips at the local Indian restaurant.

CINEMA

Entertainment then was to go to the open-air cinema in Nuku’alofa or to listen to the BBC World Service on the radio. In 2023 I stayed in the staff flat at the school which had a bathroom and toilet but there was still no hot water. So, it was a cold shower every morning and using a kettle to heat water for washing up. There was an old top loading washing machine which would wash but not spin and so I ended up washing my clothes in the machine, rinsing them out in the sink and hanging them up to dry in the sun. Saturdays were wash days and my reward at the end of the day was to go to a local restaurant for fish and chips. Some things never change. Alas there is no longer a cinema and so I was reliant on my computer and a slow Internet connection for my entertainment.

TECHNOLOGY

However, if there was a storm, and there were several as we were still in the hurricane season, the power and Internet would go down and I had to resort to reading books. In the last fifty years technology has changed the way we communicate. In 1972 my only contact with my family for eight months was weekly air mail letters. This time I could use email and Zoom calls to stay connected and even watch the King’s Coronation live on my mobile phone, albeit at 11pm in the evening. Tonga has had two new Kings since 1972 and has suffered from rioting when the centre of the capital, Nuku’alofa, was burnt down in 2006. There have been numerous

natural disasters including hurricanes, the tsunami of 2022 and the COVID lockdown.

On my first visit I could cycle or walk down to town and meet very little traffic, now there are so many cars that no one walks anywhere apart from a few eccentric palangis (non-Tongans) like myself. I was no longer that youthful and green 18 year old just out of school keen to find out about this new culture. Back then lessons at St Andrew’s were conducted in English and a foreigner was an object of interest. Now there is, quite rightly, an emphasis on the native culture and language and most lessons are conducted in Tongan. Nevertheless, I was able to contribute to the life of the school outside the classroom by helping with the planning of the new computer facilities, donated by an IT company in New Zealand. But not everything had changed.

show their appreciation. There was the inevitable photographs and selfies; mobile phones have now reached even the poorest parts of the world. Sundays are still a day when people go to church and do not work.

Back in 1972

I went to parties which the police would ensure finished at midnight on Saturday evenings. In 2023 no shops or restaurants open on Sundays so I had to ensure I had stocked up on food to keep me going till Monday morning.

“ How lucky I am to live in a rich country “

FRIENDLY ISLANDS

Tonga was christened the “Friendly Islands” by Captain Cook for a very good reason and the people retain this characteristic to the present day. I was again made very welcome by students and staff and especially by the parents of the children whose education I had sponsored. They would turn up with handicrafts, bunches of bananas, coconuts and on one occasion lobsters to

Tongans love singing and are very good at it. I was living at the school and the school hall nearby was used continuously on Sundays for services so the singing was non-stop. If anything, the people seemed more religious than before and there seems to be a resigned fatalism that disasters will happen and that these are the will of God. Back home in the UK I can again reflect, as I did in 1972, on how lucky I am to live in a rich country where our problems, be they train strikes or minor floods, seem quite trivial compared to how much of the rest of the world lives.

I might not have developed this perspective were it not for the help I received from Roy Davey and the Friends of King’s School Bruton all those years ago.

Richard Vickery October 2023

Ready for the Tongan feast

LEGACY GIVING: School and OBA

PLEDGING the gift of a legacy through the 1519 Society “enables the School to plan for the future with confidence, develop and preserve our wonderful historic buildings and, most importantly, allow a broad range of pupils to gain a King’s education” Ian Wilmshurst, Headmaster

SUPPORTING THE OBA with a gift in your will helps ensure the longevity of the Association, which is an independent entity. We enjoy a wonderful symbiotic relationship with the School and our charter is twofold: we are committed to support the school through bursaries and fundraising projects but also importantly to provide support to Old Brutonians for their lifetime beyond King’s.

The OBA are setting up a WhatsApp Broadcast Group as a quick and easy way to let OBs and Hon OBs know about key events and updates.

Don’t worry, broadcast groups don’t allow for whole group replies, so your WhatsApp won’t be full of chit chat!

• Notifications of events and reunions

Please do talk to Emilie eeh@kingsbruton.com if you would like to discuss how to support both causes.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

Gull Rock, Constatine Bay, Cornwall

Recently refurbished and full furnished. Sleeps 7 in 4 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, 2 further WCs and shower room. Second sitting area upstairs, BT In nity and table tennis in log cabin. Non Smoking

From £700 to £1400 a week depending on season. Contact Michael West, Tel: 01373 832434 Email: michaelwest3658@gmail.com

• Broadcast only – no group ‘chat’

If you would like to join the WhatsApp group or if you have any questions, please email your mobile phone number to Emilie at oba@kingsbruton.com

Calling ‘Fore’ on all Old Brutonian Golfers!

Our OBGS Golfing Society has been playing for over 15 years and we meet in a very relaxed informal way, three times a year. Please come and join us at:

Royal Ashdown Forest GC, Forest Row, East Sussex 30 May 2024

Woking GC, Hook Heath, Woking, Surrey 4 October 2024

Trevose GC, Constantine Bay, Padstow, Cornwall 4 April 2025

Details and to book please contact John Dryden john@traveleditions.co.uk

Jake Tupman (O96/01)

We spend the seminal years of our lives at school, and while most of us tend to drift in and out of touch with our classmates, they’re never really forgotten. Occasionally, an opportunity arises to gather again, sink a beer or four, and reminisce on times gone by.

That was the case when 20 or so pupils from King’s School Bruton’s class of ‘96 – ‘01 descended on the Somerset town to reacquaint, see how the school, the town and our classmates had changed over the past 23 years.

Organised by former pupil, Robert Donnellan, and facilitated by Emilie Head of the OBA, we began our trip down memory lane in the Sixth Form Club, a rite-of-passage for all King’s students, who, once they reach an appropriate age, are allowed to imbibe a beer or two there during allotted hours.

Most of us surpassed the school drinking limit within the first 20 minutes. But we’re in our forties now, so we’re allowed. Then we stood up one-by-one and under a strict two-minute time limit, divulged our various goings-on over the past two decades. Among us were business owners, teachers, graphic designers, helicopter pilots, video producers, engineers and even a spiritual guru. We’re nothing if not an eclectic

A REUNION FIT FOR KING’S

bunch.

A visit to the science labs, art department and Memorial Hall followed. All appeared a little more shiny than they were in our day.

One of our former teachers, Ed Tickner, popped over during our tour. He was a strict but fair French teacher who managed to keep even the unruliest of us in check. He remembered most of us by name, cross-country acumen and grade in French.

SMOKING SPOTS, STEPPING STONES AND THE SUN

Next, a tour of the town. First, the smoking spots – crafty nooks and crannies hidden, or so we thought, from the teachers.

Then we trekked to the places where we’d meet the girls from Sunny Hill School (King’s was only just becoming co-ed during our time there) and share awkward silences and cheap booze during evenings and weekends.

Bruton is chicer and more quainter than it was in our day – long gone is Dave’s Takeaway, famed for its quarter pounder and battered Mars bars. But it’s still the same old place, with small alleys and stepping-stone bridges which almost proved a bridge-toofar for one of us who, a couple of beers in, teetered dangerously before

leaping at the last moment to the safety of the river’s edge.

We dined at ‘At The Chapel’ an excellent addition to Bruton’s food scene. Then, headed to the Sun -a pub that has changed so little that even the beermats are probably the same.

It was a day full of laughter, revelry and the kind of total nonsense that only a group of people who have known each other for almost 30 years, can manufacture.

The camaraderie has endured, an intangible bond formed during our school days which has remained intact.

We owe a lot to King’s. It was (and is) a great school which towed the line between tradition and encouragement. But like any institution, it’s the people who make it, and we were lucky enough to have a bloody great year-group. Let’s not leave it as long next time chaps!

Attendees included: Ross Alexander, Tom Bazzard, Jonathan Blott, Simon Broderick, Will Carew-Gibbs, Will Crawshaw, Robert Donnellan, Richard Ewbank, Tom Ewbank, George Gillingham, Hamish Goulding, Nick Locker, Charlie Markland, Mark Øvland, Pete Randall, Rupert Skinner, Nick Smith, Justin Trott, Jake Tupman, Allan Wilson

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who has signed up to become a mentor already – it is brilliant to see so many of you keen to help other OBs progress in their chosen careers.

To date, we have had 5 mentees sign up, and feedback from them has been unanimously positive.

Emilie Head, OBA Assistant Secretary (and herself a qualified business coach) says: “The mentors are all very keen to help, so please don’t be shy! This scheme is a fantastic way to progress in your career, get advice on a business venture or to work on an area you feel needs improving. I have been blown away by the calibre of OBs coming forward and the wealth of information, skills and contacts they have. I am very happy to help match you to the right person, so do get in touch!”

QUOTES FROM MENTEES

“Chatting to someone with more experience in the field I want to go into has really helped me. I found out lots I wasn’t aware about and have been given some very strong leads to follow up. I am hugely grateful and wish I had done it sooner!”

“I would advise everyone to consider using the mentor scheme – my ‘mentor’ was only too pleased to help and gave me valuable advice on what my next steps could be, as well as giving me some connections. We are even thinking about an internship at the company they work out.”

“I needed some business advice from someone in the same field as I am in, I am trying to grow my business and talking through where I am at has really helped focus my mind, giving me valuable insight and giving me space to think through my options.”

WHAT IS MENTORING?

Put simply, it is a way of helping one person develop and improve performance – which can be both skills, turnover or business performance. Mentors can also give information, share contacts or make introductions.

IS MENTORING FOR ME?

Yes! Coaching and mentoring is for everyone, no matter where you are in your career, be it at the very start, trying to grow your own company, or looking to advance to a more senior level.

HOW DO I FIND A MENTOR?

Email Emilie at oba@kingsbruton.com and she can match you to one of our mentors.

You can search for your mentor on the Mentoring page of the King’s Bruton Community websitewww.community.kingsbruton.com/careers

Once you match, you will arrange a call with the mentor and you can take it from there. Most calls are video calls so can be arranged to suit both parties. If you have any questions about the mentoring scheme, please contact Emilie at oba@kingsbruton.com

“ Snowdonia was an exhilarating experience“

REMEMBERING

CCF Adventure Training Camp 1971 Conquering the Welsh mountain summits

This account of the CCF 1971 Training Camp in Wales by Simon Tyler (L62/67) was originally requested by Major Criddle, who ran the KSB CCF and destined for the Old Brutonian magazine of that year!

Simon confesses that his lengthy report (over 2500 words) never made it into the magazine, but over 50 years later he has unearthed the original.

Although heavily edited, this account provides a fascinating picture of a challenging but character-forming expedition from the 1970s.

The Adventure Training Camp in Spring 1971, set in Snowdonia, was an exhilarating experience for the participants, documented with vivid detail in the account. The adventure commenced on Friday, March 26th, with the Road Party led by Major Criddle and Group Captain Smyth arriving in the afternoon. They embarked on their first ascent,

encountering the challenge of identifying true summits amidst deceptive ridges and navigating through snow-covered terrain.

The group’s initial conquest was Tryfan, presenting a formidable challenge for the inexperienced climbers. Major Criddle’s party ascended the south face via the ‘Heather Terrace’, while Group Captain Smyth’s group opted for a more adventurous route up the north face, involving moments of precarious rock climbing. Despite the absence of ropes, the climbers exhibited impressive resilience, exemplified by Carlisle’s resourcefulness in overcoming a slippery obstacle.

At the top of Tryfan, the groups converged for a well-deserved lunch, with some members daring to leap between the famous boulders known as Adam and Eve. However, a rescue mission for a trapped climber sobered the mood, prompting caution among those hesitant to risk the precarious jump due to inadequate footwear.

Snowdon

The adventure continued with climbs up other Welsh peaks, including Glyder Fawr and Snowdon, where climbers navigated treacherous conditions and dense mist. Despite the challenges, the breathtaking views from the summits and the camaraderie among the climbers made the efforts worthwhile.

The group’s navigation skills were put to the test during a circular route around Bethesda, with each group tasked with leaving and

retrieving tin lids atop peaks along their respective paths. Despite encountering obstacles, such as irate farmers and marshy terrain, both groups successfully completed their missions, buoyed by the satisfaction of overcoming adversity.

The camp also offered moments of respite and camaraderie, with evenings spent bonding over homemade meals and shared experiences. However, the challenges persisted, as evidenced by Foot’s notorious garlic soup and a humorous encounter with a disgruntled local during the final descent. Lumley was verbally assaulted by a local lady with a corgi. “From what we could work out from the gesticulations and unfamiliar language, we were all at fault for making friends with a placid young Labrador which, we gathered, was on the point of launching an unprovoked attack on her and her corgi. Major Criddle arrived at a fortunate moment, so we were able to make a quick exit”.

As the camp drew to a close, participants reflected on their newfound resilience and lasting friendships forged amidst the Welsh mountains. Despite enduring harsh weather conditions and physical challenges, the Adventure Training Camp of 1971 left an indelible mark on all those who participated, encapsulating the spirit of exploration and camaraderie that defined the experience.

On The Horseshoe. Left to right – Top row: Lumley, Sgt Tyler, Sgt Ewing, Thomas, S/Sgt White, Major Criddle. Bottom Row: Farmer, Foot, Clifford, Carlisle

Group Captain Smyth’s group of Snowdon (l to r) Clifford, Sgt Tyler, Carlisle and Farmer.

At Helyg: Left to right –Top row: S/Sgt White, Major Criddle, Thomas, Sgt Ewing, Sgt Tyler, Farmer, Lumley. Bottom row: Clifford, Foot, Carlisle

Peter Jenkins:

Brief news of the death of Peter Jenkins (N14/19) and his father Mark in a plane crash in Kenya was carried in the 2023 Old Brutonian. Here Peter’s mother, Clare and brother Myles (N13/18) pay tribute to a ‘truly exceptional young man’.

Life of a ‘young champion’ cut tragically short.

Peter was born on the 7 May 2001, a brother to Myles and second child to Mark and Clare Jenkins. In 1999 Mark and Clare had moved back to Kenya from northern Mozambique to initiate, plan and execute a rehabilitation program in Meru National Park in north-eastern Kenya. The park that Mark had himself grown up in during the days of George and Joy Adamson.

Peter was born into a dynasty of conservationists, and he was proud of their contribution to the protection of the natural world of Kenya and East Africa and a vocation that he later felt drawn to.

returning to the wild. These included buffalo, giraffe, dikdik, duiker and ostriches among others. School age loomed and a buffalo stable was converted into a schoolroom for Peter and Myles to do home school. A few brief hours in the morning with Clare as the teacher before heading out to the place that they loved being the most – in the bush.

Always inseparable and reliant on

each other Myles and Peter were the best of friends.

During these formative years Peter had a cameo role in a docuseries for French television his first and almost last attempt at anything remotely connected with acting. This series provided him with great comfort when he eventually went to boarding school and missed home so terribly as he was able to watch it repeatedly and it made him feel closer to home.

Peter enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Meru, living in the centre of the park at the Kinna Headquarters. Together with Myles there were many hours of playing in the African dirt with their toys, Lego and any makeshift props for their games.

The daily routine of the park was all around them and the park was slowly coming back to life.

Peter particularly enjoyed the raising of orphan animals that were brought to the park headquarters to be cared for before

HAZLEGROVE AND KING’S

At around the age of 7 Peter went to weekly board at The Banda School in Nairobi, followed by a couple of years at Hazelgrove Prep. Hazelgrove at the time had a small group of teachers that had origins in Africa and Richard Fenwick had previously been headmaster at a Kenyan school. This made the transition for Peter and Myles to school in England so much easier as they had a real understanding of where they had come from and the challenges they faced, namely the wearing of shorts when it was snowing.

This led Peter onto King’s and a happy five years in New House. The New House rhino mascot together with Mr Dawe seemed to call the Jenkins boys to the House. Peter enjoyed walking Mr Dawes’ dog at the weekend and talk of cricket was never too far away and Peter proudly did the leaving address for Mr Dawe.

George Beverly became the tutor for the year group and Peter kept in touch with George and many of the tutor group in the years after leaving school.

It was at King’s that Peter really found his love of sport, enjoying hockey, cricket and rugby in particular. He was encouraged by the coaching staff and played first team for all three sports over several seasons and was captain of boys’ hockey.

He was delighted to be selected to go to New Zealand on a hockey exchange and he enjoyed everything about the threemonth trip, remaining friends with many of the young men that he met there and happily hosting them when a few of them made the reciprocal journey to King’s.

He had most recently seen Joe Morrison when Joe travelled to the UK in 2022 to play for New Zealand at the Commonwealth games in Birmingham.

READING AND SANDHURST

Peter had the enviable position of having an unconditional offer to his first-choice university, Reading. In spite of this Peter managed to gain very respectable A Level grades. He had, not surprisingly, applied to study a BsC in Environmental Management and the next few years he channelled his energy into gaining all the skills he felt were necessary to make himself an effective protected area manager.

Peter continued to play hockey at Reading and was a valuable member of the University First Team for all three years.

The Hockey Club was the focal point for most of his socialising and he enjoyed the high standard of the game that was played. At Reading Peter joined the Oxford OTC and travelled every week to training. This led him on to join his brother in the 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, based in White City, London. In July 2020 Peter completed the Short Commissioning Course at Sandhurst and continued with 4 Para as a Platoon Commander. With COVID restrictions upsetting the daily workings of the university Peter decided to move to be near to White City for his final year at university and he could then be an active member of the Regiment at the same time as his mostly online

lectures. Peter rented a small flat in Barnes, close to his Aunt Siana. In February 2021 Peter and Myles both passed the regular “P” Company course and were able to wear the beret of the Parachute regiment, something that Peter was immensely proud of. With 4 Para Peter travelled to America, Cyprus and of course very regularly to Brecon. He went on to do his jumps and get his wings, again something that he was very proud of. Even with the covid restrictions the final year of university went well and Peter gained his degree and started planning his next steps. He decided to take a year off before attending Sandhurst in 2023 for the Regular Commissioning Course.

PILOT’S LICENCE

Peter’s year off plan involved spending precious time with Mark in the bush doing anti-poaching in Galana, a huge area of land that adjoins the Tsavo National Park and an area vital for dispersal from the park.

Peter had written his dissertation on the bushmeat trade in the area. With his mounting experience he volunteered helping to put antipoaching systems in place and joining the rangers to support them in their efforts. He also wanted to fulfil an ambition to get his private pilot’s licence.

In September 2022 Peter went to TacAero at the Hood River, Oregan to learn to fly on a J3 Super Cub. He obtained his licence in less than a month and stayed on to gain extra experience and some hours. He loved flying. Peter made his second cameo appearance in a promotional video for TacAero.

Returning to Kenya from America

before the start of Sandhurst Peter went back to Galana to help out. Still unable to fly himself as his American licence had not been converted to a Kenyan licence he was ground based putting in repeaters, building camps and doing day to day patrols and anti-poaching work. He was in his element. On the 8 December following a two day operation assisting the Kenya Wildlife Service to remove illegal grazers from the most remote part of Tsavo East National Park, Mark took off with Peter from Galana and routed via the rangers still on the ground to check on their welfare before heading back to the family home near Kajiado to meet up with Clare. Myles was flying out for Christmas in a few days. Mark and Peter died together in Tsavo East National Park in the early morning of the 8 December 2022.

The world lost a truly exceptional young man whose future was incredibly bright and held real potential. The wild places of Africa lost a young champion of their cause and the sense of duty Peter felt to these places was going to lead him to fight to protect them, just as his father and grandfather had done before him.

Those that knew him best lost not just a best friend but also a brother who held those he loved closest.

Numerous tributes have been paid by Peter’s friend and teachers at King’s. These can be viewed on the OBA website. Contributors are Anna Wilmshurst, George Beverly, Harry MacLeod- Ash, Ashley Marshfield, Henry Eriksson, Dan Hodder, Kate Stainton, William Sandy and Clara Bracey.

Full article and tributes.

SOS AFRICA CELEBRATES 21ST ANNIVERSARY.

Opening of fifth education centre this year.

Agap year after school days is often described as an ‘opportunity to find out about yourself’, or an opportunity for travel before a full-time career.

Little did Matt Crowcombe (P97/02) know that when he set out for his gap year in South Africa in 2003 after leaving King’s, that it would have a huge influence on his future. During his time on the staff of the International School of South Africa, his friend and mentor, Henry Matthews, introduced him to the local townships and he witnessed, first hand, the poverty and lack of hope for the future of its numerous occupants.

applications had delayed the completion of 18 Blue Gum Avenue, Gordon’s Bay purchased by SOS Africa in early 2021 thanks to a generous corporate donation and a remarkable Minecraft Livestream fundraising effort required to transform the house into a fully operational education centre.

It was to have a lasting impact on Matt, then just 18, and the seed was sown for a new charity ‘SOS Africa’, even before he returned to England. This year the charity celebrates its 21st Anniversary, and operates five education centres at Mahikeng, Grabouw, Somerset West, Elgin and the newly opened Gordons Bay. Each education centre provides support to children with learning difficulties every morning and holistic education programmes for the charity’s

sponsored children each afternoon. Based on the campuses of South African government schools, each SOS Africa Education Centre adapts to the needs of the school to ensure that they receive the best possible support to help improve the standard of education they provide. SOS Africa aims to partner with additional struggling schools with potential every few years to expand the scope of its support across the country.

GORDONS BAY

It was a poignant moment that had been 3 years in the waiting, when the SOS Africa children moved into the fully renovated Gordon’s Bay Education Centre in early February 2024. Prolonged planning

In addition to the many indoor and outdoor study spaces which will host homework support and tutoring, the new facility will also provide gardening, art, carpentry, cookery, swimming, music lessons and much more. It is hoped that these opportunities will inspire children as well as give them confidence and skills which will set them up for life.

Matt says “It has been an emotional and hard-fought journey for us all. There were many occasions where it seemed that this day would not be possible but we kept our belief and focused on the impact this sanctuary would have upon the lives of those. desperately in need of its support”

The SOS Africa Staff are currently planning a more formal opening ceremony as part of the organisation’s 21st birthday celebrations later this year.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Have you ever considered sponsoring a child in Africa? If you decide to sponsor an African child through our child sponsorship charity, we can provide life-changing support for African children in need by providing holistic education and care.

As a child sponsor, we will send you regular sponsorship updates, photos and reports.

Matt with SOS Africa Children

Gordon’s Bay Centre

The Legacy Society

The most effective and powerful ways to make an enduring contribution.

“The Gift of Education”

King’s is a school founded by philanthropy. In 1519, the land and buildings of the original school were donated by Richard Fitzjames, Sir John Fitzjames and Dr John Edmondes. In the last 150 years, Lord Blackford and James Lyon (after whom two of our boarding houses are named) gave generously to King’s and Hazlegrove, enabling the schools to thrive and grow, whilst also supporting bursaries.

More recently, fundraising campaigns have resulted in openings of The Queen Elizabeth Music School and The Sir Peter Squire Pavilion, enabling King’s to continue to develop, whilst also providing valuable community resources. Without the generosity of the Old Brutonian and Friends of King’s communities, developments such as these would simply not have been possible.

The school is immensely proud to be able to offer fee support to be able to offer fee support to a quarter of all pupils, opening up the school to a wide pupil base, but as a school with no endowments and an increasingly challenging external environment to operate within, looking for alternative income streams will be key to King’s future.

HOW COULD YOUR LEGACY BE USED?

We invite all legators to let us know how they would like their legacies to be used. Unrestricted legacies or legacies with a particular focus, such as bursarial support, preserving the historic buildings or investing in state of the art facilities are all possible. Anyone considering leaving a legacy is very welcome to discuss their wishes with the Bursar, Louis Tuson MBE in the first instance.

BECOME A 1519 LEGATOR

Currently, there are tax advantages to leaving money to a registered charity, such as King’s Bruton Foundation, but you should take independent financial and legal advice on this. Leaving a legacy is relatively straightforward and can be done via your solicitor or by adding a codicil to an existing will.

1519 LEGATORS

The 1519 Legacy Society is a way for King’s, Hazlegrove and the Foundation as a whole to recognize and give thanks to those Old Brutonians, Honorary Old Brutonians, Old Hazlegrovians and members of the wider community who plan to recognize King’s in their will.

Legators will:

• Be invited to join the whole school on Commemoration Day, where we give thanks to our benefactors.

• Receive a bespoke silver 1519 commemorative pin.

• Be invited to specific 1519 Legacy events during the year.

• Receive an annual fundraising and school news update.

Legacies are one of the most effective and powerful ways to make an enduring contribution, without affecting the immediate financial needs of you and your family.

They can serve as a lasting tribute, acknowledging the role that the Schools have had in your life, whilst supporting pupils who follow in your path.

TO FIND OUT MORE

For more information and to download the 1519 Legacy Society brochure and forms, please visit using this QR code or community. kingsbruton.com/ pages/1519-legacysociety Louis Tuson MBE, King’s Bursar can be contacted at Bursar@kingsbruton.com, 01749 814204

1519 Legacy Society pins

QE Music School

NEWS of OLD BRUTONIANS Across the Decades

1940s

HEMSLEY, LIONEL (P45/48)

After graduation I went on to practice veterinary medicine in UK, USA, South Africa, NZ and Australia. Over 20 years I published nearly 40 research papers in academic journals. I have always been a keen cyclist and youth hosteller. This continued until I was 80 and included several tours in NZ with my godsons, then both living near me in Perth WA. I also gave photos, diaries, letters, and much Brutonalia to the V&A Museum of Childhood, I am now in aged care near my home and will soon be 92. If any of my Bruton friends are still alive, I am keen to hear from you. Email me care of this magazine.

DAVIES, Colin (N48/51) has been busy with house improvements, celebrating family milestones and researching which electric car to buy, which he plans on using to take more trips away.

1950s

WILLY, Robert (OH /L54/57) with a farming background, Robert went on to attend agricultural College after leaving King’s. Worked for the Agricultural Dept of Overseas Office of UK HMG providing knowledge and advice to the Tanzanian Govt and their farming industry. Returned to UK and worked for Earl of Pembroke at Wilton House on the large Estate. Robert is retired and living in Southend Essex.

ADAMS, Malcolm (OH/L58/63) along with his brothers attended Hazelgrove House and King’s Bruton, where his pharmacist parents owned and ran the Bruton Chemist in the High Street. Leaving Bruton, Malcom joined the TV Media Industry working widely in various areas of the world. Always interested in sailing he returned to his keen hobby of sailing on various oceans on the planet. He owns a trimaran which he keeps at home in Downton Wilts and sails from Poole Dorset.

POTTS, Jim (OH/L58/63) has written several books, including “Words

on the table”, Colenso Books, November 2021 (over 200 poems - “It’s a rich ride!” Michael Rosen), “This Spinning World, Forty-Three Stories From Far And Wide”, Colenso Books, September 2019, “Reading the signs”, Colenso Books, February 2020 (nature and environmental/ ecological poems), available on Amazon -

PINEO, Richard (N54/58) runs Five Star Events, arranging golf events in Oxfordshire in aid of local Charities. He has raised £175,000 from 160 events. Each year is supported by a celebrity as well as being well supported by local golfers from several different clubs. Richard lives in Combe, Oxfordshire and is a member of Frilford Heath Golf Club.

PONTIN, Jeremy (N56/60) I thought that the photo below would amuse you and bring back happy memories of our lives at KSB, now so long ago. I gave my Tuck-Box to our now 40 year old daughter who boarded initially at Truro School in Cornwall and then Charterhouse in Godalming. Amazingly she still has the Tuck-Box (and her school trunk) stored in her garage and I know that it is full of “Bits and Pieces” from her childhood. I have happy memories of restocking my tuck box which was kept in one of the Day Rooms. After a leave Sunday, it was re-stocked with another fruit cake baked by Mother and more tins of baked beans - with sausages of course - ready for Sunday evening cooking in the changing room. My culinary skills sadly only amounted to

lighting a meths stove and heating the beans or spaghetti - others were more adventurous with bacon and eggs in frying pans on Primus stoves which often involved “cremating” someone’s kit bag which were hung on the peg over the cooking bench - No Health and Safety in those days. Such a good King’s Spirit Easter 2021 Report just received. My thanks to all those involved including OBs of our vintage. With very best wishes to you all and keep going.

There is still life in the Old Dogs yet! And Floreat Brutonia!!

HAYWARD, Geoff (N58/61) on leaving Chafyn Grove Prep School in Salisbury, Geoff attended Bruton with his brother Richard. Moving on to attend a leading Agricultural College and then joining the Rank Hovis MacDougal Company as Mill Manager at their various UK establishments. He met his wife at College and leaving this sector of the food industry they established a very successful and leading food hamper business based in Dorset . Geoff is now retired and his family run the business, but he still retains a keen interest in the business and active role in the local agricultural and rugby world.

TWINING – HARRIS, David (O53/56)

After 15 years at Bristol Grammar School as a hockey and cricket coach, I’m now with Clifton High School in the same role. I have a granddaughter at BGS, her brother is with me at Clifton High and my elder grandson is at Clifton College. He’s carrying on the family tradition since 1883 of having a pupil there. All grandchildren are sporty so it gives me a lot of pleasure to observe them in rugby, netball, cricket and rugby wishing I could still run around like them!

LAMBERT, Colin (O59/63) writes to say he is engaged to Ann Whitehead of Sherborne. He hopes to move home in 2024, once he has had a knee replacement.

FORD, John (P51/55) sends in these memories. “My dorm was normally in the main house in the High Street but for a while was moved to the San on the sports field during a bitterly cold winter. With Robert (Doughy) Baker we made a study in the old stables by the river. One year during a horrific flood we rescued the Vicars pig and were rewarded with tea at the vicarage. The housemaster Mr Yeats Brown had a bad accident and was replaced by Mr Joe Wiles. After leaving Bruton I did National Service as a trainee pilot attached to the Canadian Air Force. I enjoyed it enough to stay in the RAF for twelve years flying the Vickers Valiant during the hot part of the Cold War, armed with nuclear weapons. I then flew the Canberra on a low level photo reconnaissance role based in Germany. On leaving the RAF. I flew the Viscount, the S111 ,the Trident and finally the Airbus A320, retiring in 1993. I would love to hear from any contemporaries and currently live between between Bristol and Weston with my wife Felicity”

YEOMAN, Nigel (P51/54) Just south of Sturminster Newton bridge, on the A357 stands a public house called “The Bull”. I hold it in particular affection as it was the first public house that I entered legally

and drank an alcoholic drink. In early July 1954, the 2nd X1 cricket team under captain Tom Regis set out in Powell and Rossiter’s ancient bus to play Bryanston. We had won more matches than we had lost, but they were unbeaten, having won all their matches by a wide margin. Sport, however, can be unpredictable. We batted first and made 136, not enough we thought, to be able to play for a draw. Barney Andrew our fast bowler opened our bowling and in his first over clean bowled their opening batsman. In his second over, he caught their captain and chief run-getter lbw, and all of a sudden their air of invincibility slipped. At the other end, Stephen “Mephis” Davies our slow leg spinner clean bowled 2 batsmen, but just missed his hat-trick. Thoroughly demoralised, the Bryanston batting collapsed, and they were all out for just 78!

Mr. Kimber, our master, was so pleased with our unexpected result that he stopped the coach at “The Bull” on the way back to Bruton and treated us all to a half pint of shandy each! He also had 2 pints himself, and I strongly suspect that when we got back to school, he had another couple or two over at “The Sun”! In those days it was the tradition that if you won an away match, you linked arms and sang the school song up the road from Plox to New House. The look of incredulity on everyone’s face was very amusing ”You won?.....you beat Bryanston?...you are kidding!”

But we weren’t, it happened. I’ve visited “The Bull” many times after that, chiefly with Bournemouth rugby club, and latterly playing golf at Sherborne or Yeovil, but as they say, there is nothing like the first time and the memory that goes with it.

BIDDLE Chris (P56/59) is just getting over the shock, and privilege, of being entrusted with editing this essential tome for Old Brutonians. He says “It is strange. During my time at King’s, the pupils were all male, meeting up with the opposite sex from Sunnyhill or the Hall School was not only forbidden, but punishable, fagging dominated early years, the ‘dumps’ at Priory were a shabby personal space to play 78s and make toast – and Bruton was a dull back-water with no redeeming features.

What a transformation almost 70 years on. Bruton has become ‘trendy’, whilst the school is unrecognisable in the profile of its pupils. Returning to Bruton today, the ‘soul’ of King’s remains and there is a welcome pervading cloak of familiarity about the place.

After leaving King’s, I studied engineering and business studies, before joining Ford Motor Company’s Tractor Division where I was part of the company’s demonstration and sales promotion team running field days in the UK and across Europe. After Ford, I returned to join the family-owned farm and turfcare machinery dealership, A Brewer and Co, based in Wilton, near Salisbury. The company operated four branches from Wiltshire to Devon. This 25-year spell in my career, selling tractor to farmers and mowers to golf courses and sports stadiums, ended when Brewers was taken over.

This was in 1988 and allowed me to pursue a life-long ambition to get into journalism. I started a magazine for the industry I had just left, then two others, Service Dealer and Turf Professional along with the organisation of conferences and events. I sold the titles and events business in 2015 but continued publishing magazines such Landwards, the professional journal of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE).

I ‘retired’ in 2020 but bored during

Covid decided to teach myself podcast production and audio editing and launched Inside AgriTurf podcast. Again, aimed at those involved in the machinery and equipment industry for farms, golf courses, sportsgrounds and stadiums. To-date, I’ve produced over 120 episodes, listened to in more 30 different countries.

I’m a Life Member of the MCC, having been elected in 1963 after completing my playing qualifications. I played for Salisbury RFC for many years and am an enthusiastic but wayward golfer still revelling in winning the Pro-Am at the World Matchplay at Wentworth alongside Lanny Watkins, with Gary Player in the match ahead and Seve in the match behind!

We have three children, Emma. Juliet and Mark, four grand-children and I live in Salisbury with my wife Trishnext year we celebrate our 60-year Diamond Wedding.

BRAY, Christopher (P52/55) Last year in the autumn I walked the Camino Frances, 800 kilometres from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostella. This year I’m writing a book about the Camino called “The Kingdom of Heaven with Boots On”, when, in 2017, my son Joshua walked it with me. He had been dead for 26 years. Christopher featured below in the middle.

ALDERDICE, Brian (OH/P56/61) is retired and living outside Perth Western Australia for many years. He worked in UK (London) for years before leaving for Australia. He is involved with the Aviation Heritage Museum outside Perth WA. I can recommend a visit if the reader is interested in aircraft and visiting this area of Western Australia.

HUSSEY, Nigel (P54/56) I have been enjoying my time in New Zealand these past few years.  I don’t do much other than sit in the sunshine as I am nearly 84 years old and feeling it a bit. Last week I was diagnosed with terminal Lung Cancer, which might hasten my departure to be with the Lord Jesus in Heaven. I have been enjoying receiving the news from Bruton but it seems a long time ago and a long way away. So God bless you all.

BERRY, Rob (OH/P57/61) on leaving Bruton in 1961 I joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment / A&AEE Boscombe Down Wilts as an air photographer carrying out various experimental trials in the UK. I also joined the Territorial Army (Now TAVR) as a young officer in the Royal Artillery. With the demise of the UK Aircraft industry in the mid 1960’s (a poor decision made by the Govt of the time) I changed career to the Civil Engineering Industry which I am, many years later, still actively involved in. This period also included a Senior Management Role for a Company in the International construction products manufacturing industry. Home is on the borders on the northern side of the New Forest (Redlynch Wilts not the Bruton Somerset village !!). Rob is pictured in a SH Tiger Moth biplane, from a grass airfield near Shaftesbury, Dorset.

1960s

BLANNING, Charles (B60/65) The publisher and author of several books, his new novel, “Rags To Riches”, has been well received. He currently is writing a sequel, “Electric Rabbit”, which will be published in the summer. He remains stage-struck, and his roles in the past year varied from Gonzalo in “The Tempest” to Sarah The Cook in “Dick Whittington”. His brother Tim (O55/60) lives in Cambridge where he is an Emeritus Professor of Modern History. Tim currently is completing a book on Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony.

ESHELBY, Robert (B60/65) writes in regarding John Vallins: “I recently and quite unexpectedly made contact with John Vallins, my English teacher for several years while I was at King’s School Bruton in the 1960s. I still have five short essays marked by John when I was in the third form, aged thirteen and fourteen. Most of them were marked favourably and gave me a real impetus to my otherwise woeful academic work. I felt that, at least, I could write a decent English essay! John also taught me in the Lower Sixth form, before going elsewhere, eventually becoming headmaster of the celebrated Chetham’s School in Manchester. Chetham’s specialises in teaching very gifted young musicians, and John would have been an ideal head, as he was himself a viola player, an excellent teacher of English and a fine communicator.

Another of John’s great loves was for the game of cricket. John coached the First Eleven which, at that time, included my twin brother, Jim. I well remember one Saturday morning sitting in the classroom suffering a lesson on one of our set books, ‘Samson Agonistes’, by John Milton. The other John was in a cheerful mood and was waxing lyrical about the plight of Samson, betrayed by his wife Delila, who has cut off his hair and thus deprived him of his superhuman strength, and has then

been blinded by the Philistines and thrown into a prison cell! Samson who has previously boasted of killing a thousand men in battle with the jawbone of an ass, was feeling very dejected at this point in the narrative. Meanwhile John Vallins was enthusiastically declaiming the lines to us. Obviously, he was enjoying the drama of the piece, but it was quite clear that he had another drama on his mind; the First Eleven was playing later that morning. It was obvious to me that John was looking forward to the cricket as well as living the drama, as he was miming cricket strokes as he recited the text, scoring runs all over the field. What a joyful moment for cricket! Such a bravura performance! Meanwhile, it dawned on me that Milton and cricket could be loved equally. I already loved cricket!”

‘In Sentimental Mood’ by Robert Eshelby (B60/65)

This is a must- have book and ideal stocking-filler for anyone who has ever thrilled to the music and drama of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

‘In Sentimental Mood’ is written by Robert Eshelby, for two years a chorus member with the celebrated D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. They performed Gilbert and Sullivan opera throughout Great Britain and the English-speaking world for over one hundred years before bringing down the curtain for the last time in 1982. Forty years on, the mood, the excitement and the ups and downs of singing in an opera company are still there through Robert’s stories and comic verse.

‘In Sentimental Mood’ is also a tribute to the late Geoffrey Shovelton, principal tenor with D’Oyly Carte for nearly a decade

and a cartoonist and illustrator of renown. Geoffrey’s sure, comic touch highlights Robert’s wry humour and deft description.

How did the men’s chorus fall flat on their faces during Patience? What happens when an executioner gets it wrong? What is it like to tour the country for forty-eight weeks of the year? Is it all fun and games?

This beautifully illustrated book reflects the joys and despairs of singing with a company that gave joy to millions of enthusiasts throughout the English-speaking world. It also has good advice for the thousands of Gilbert and Sullivan foot soldiers, who loyally perform in choruses year after year to support their principal singers. It’s a good read and very funny. The book is available to purchase via Amazon.

PARIS, Tom (B60/64) I have been in contact both by phone and email with Phillip Van Deurs (B64/68) and he has very kindly asked us to stay in Christchurch NZ so hopefully we can take up his kind invitation in early 2025. I attach a 1963 photo of Blackford House (below) . This was sent to me by Philip Van Deurs, he is 2nd on left top row as you look at the photo. Yours truly is 2nd on left sitting above the juniors.

My wife Jane and I were also very fortunate in catching up with Dr Peter Devitt (L61/66) and his lovely wife Elaine at the beginning of November. They invited us around for a coffee and very tasty slices in their new and spacious home in Beaumont, Adelaide. Peter and I mainly talked about the life and times we had at KSB, and how times have changed since we were there. I think we agreed that some of the more challenging times while there stood us in good stead in taking ownership of what lay ahead. On leaving that

afternoon Peter gave us a pot of his honey, his bees must be very happy because it tasted delicious. We aim to catch up again early in the new year and write an article with a photo for the 2024 OB magazine. Peter has mentioned that there are a further 7 OBs residing in sunny Adelaide, it would be wonderful to meet up with them, so please do get in touch.

DAINTRY, Tony (B61/66) writes in with some news from Sweden. “The arrival of Covid in early 2020 resulted in the collapse of my business in the travel retail trade. With no revenue stream, we decided to close up in Singapore and return to my wife Gunilla’s home country Sweden. After fifty years in Asia, half of the time living out of a suitcase in densely populate cities, I live in a hamlet of four houses situated in a nature reserve three hundred meters from the sea. We bought the house thirty years ago as a summer house, but over time converted the house into all year round living. The winter months are tranquil, but a tad cold at times, minus 16 being the lowest this year. Few cars, fewer people, and the only sound we hear are cows in the fields or the geese on the shore.

We break up the winter months with a trip to either Dubai or Brussels where our children are living. From May through to September we are inundated with visits from friends and family. July and August are pure bedlam, when we have our four male ‘rug rats’ staying with their parents. We have a Peruvian American son in law and Finnish daughter in law, so it is quite an international gathering in the summer with Finnish, Spanish, Swedish and English spoken around the house.

I am currently studying Swedish, which I should have done fortyfive years ago when I married. This requires a drive to the nearby city of Helsingborg three times a week to attend a university course where my fellow students are mainly female in their twenties, and show little interest in the dinosaur in their midst. I am also writing the history of my mother’s side of the family , who left Ireland in 1804 for Ceylon and later Malaya. The history would probably make the woke brigade choke on their skinny lattes!! Tony would love to get in touch with any OBs living in Sweden or Denmark. As I am not a golfer, for fitness I

borrow the neighbours dogs and walk thirty kilometers a week in the forest on the ridge behind the house, or up and down the coast. You don’t meet many people in the forests in Sweden. Towards the end of last summer I therefore decided to introduce English garden croquet to one set of neighbours, although I am only a novice myself. The initial response was positive. This year I hope to have all our neighbours out on the court on a regular basis, but only after a schooner of sherry before play. If I can give any advice to any one marrying outside their culture, I would strongly recommend learning the language of your spouse early on in your relationship. I would also recommend focusing on a sport or activity which you can engage in with competence in your autumnal days, as this will give you instance access to a social circle.

(P69/74) and Siana Hockey (P02/04), who live in Kenya, with his wife Jennie (OB71/72).

RAWLES, Norman (N60/65) has written a book of poetry ‘50 Poems for you’, which is available on Amazon.

WAITE, Alistair (B69/73) met with fellow OBs in London. OBs present were: Back: Alistair Waite (B69/73), Paul Tweedale (O69/74), Paul Carlisle (L70/73), Charles Highett (N69/74) and Simon Leegood (B69/73) Front: John Lemon (O68/73), Nick Barton (P71/77) and Clive Wood (O70/74) Alistair also visited Tony Hockey

GRAHAM, David (O60/65) writes in “My wife (Lesley) and I continue to spend our retirement travelling between Vilamoura, Portugal, London and Mombasa, Kenya but frequently travel to other European countries and Sri Lanka where we both worked, were married and where our eldest son Daniel was born. Although retired, I closely follow the activities of our business’s which are run by our sons Danie (O84/89) and Tresham (O87/92) - trading tea out of Mombasa (exporting 50,000,000 kgs +/- of bulk tea p.a. to 30 different countries), Birchall Tea - the UK’s most awarded tea for taste - packed at our Amesbury facility, the first solar powered, carbon neutral tea factory in the UK and Herdade dos Toucinhos, a farm in the Alentejo covering 1280 acres, including 200 acres of vines, aromatics & 700 sheep. We will be releasing our first Colheita red and white wines this spring with a red reserva later in the year. Having been unceremoniously thrown by my stallion a couple of years ago, staying nearer the ground playing golf three times a week is now my exercise routine.”

FULLER, Simon (O64/68) reports that he is “living permanently in Noordhoek outside Cape Town & have been here for about 44 years. I have 2 sons Sam the elder is an advocate at the Cape Bar & Matthew has his own tourist &

accommodation company which he runs with his wife Shannon. Sam will be married later this year to Didem who’s a lawyer too. I pootle around in the garden, cycle, read history and geography which I got turned onto at school by the amazing Basil Wright and my housemaster John Rees and Mr Leach whose geography lessons I also enjoyed. I always read the weekly school news & can’t actually believe how much things have modernised since my day yet the school still retains its soul.

FENTON, Paul (O61/66) has selfpublished a book about his experiences of Africa. The book is available via Amazon or via a kindle. After King’s I did a lot of travel and odd jobs for 4 years, then tried engineering for a while before doing medicine at Guy’s Hospital and then tropical medicine at the London School of Tropical Diseases before going to work in the New Hebrides, later Vanuatu, SW Pacific. I then qualified as an anaesthetist at King’s College Hospital before going to Malawi for 15 years. Here I started the Malawi School of Anaesthesia to meet an urgent need to improve hospital health services. It’s a struggle for my successors but the school continues to this day with two campuses training anaesthetists for the whole country. During this time I became Professor of Anaesthesia at the Malawi College of Medicine. I have published a lot on the problems of health development in Africa and the effectiveness of donor aid programmes. While in Malawi in 1999 I invented a system of anaesthesia delivery called the Universal Anaesthesia Machine which took first prize at the Tech Museum awards, California, in 2014 and has been used around the world in low resource hospitals since 2009.

God’s Good Air is the first of two books to take a humorous, irreverent but also serious look at working life in Africa and the development-aid scene that is a hot topic just now. I live in Dorset, England and meet regularly with OBAs from the 60s.

CLOETE, Richard (P61/66) celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination in July 2023, with a special Service at St John’s, Taunton. He writes “I decided I wanted to be ordained whilst I was at King’s Bruton. The then Chaplain, The Revd Eric Ackroyd (Staff 61/66) encouraged me to read some (then) modern theology by authors such as Bishop John Robinson. Paul Tillich, CS Lewis and others. It opened my eyes to see the Christian Faith and the Church of England quite differently. Leaving King’s Bruton I read Theology at King’s College London and was eventually ordained Priest by the legendary Bishop Mervyn Stockwood of Southwark in 1973. Various parishes followed including Wincanton and Pen Selwood in the 1990’s. I loved the parish Ministry and I eventually retired in 2012 and moved to Taunton, within walking distance of the County Ground where I say a prayer that Somerset CCC may one day win the County Championship! My elder brother, Edward Cloete (P58/62) has also come to live in Taunton after a career in the Royal Navy and as a Solicitor. He too has fond memories of KSB (as we then knew it) and often sports his OBA tie - see photo taken after the Golden Jubilee service. Floreat Brutonia!”

HOCKEY, Tony (P69/74) Retired teacher living in Nairobi. Taught at Pembroke House, Peponi House, Greenacres and Kenton College. We have sent many students to King’s. Especially from Pembroke. My daughter Siana (A99/03) teaches at Banda School in Nairobi and many students from there have gone on to King’s. There are ten of us who have stuck together through thick and thin. We arrived at Kings in 1969. Sadly our inspiration, David Barton (Head boy 1973/74) died over a decade ago. Most of the group live in England. The exceptions are myself in Kenya and Paul Turner who owns a hotel in Ecuador. Despite this we meet often. Most of us were at the 500th. Although I miss some meets I managed four big meets in 2003 and of course some small groups too. There is always a January meet at the RAF club or Victory Club courtesy of Clive Wood and Charles Highet and a

summer meet on Dave Hues farm in Avebury. Also a significant number of meets at The Stoop or Twickenham, courtesy of Paul Tweedale.  We are virtually in daily contact with our Whatsapp group.   Tony Hockey (P69/74) retired teacher; Clive Wood (O69/74) retired RAF; Dave Hues (O69/72) Farmer; Paul Tweedale(O69/74) Entrepreneur: Charles Highet (N69/74) runs PTSD charity; Paul Turner (N69/74) ex teacher/ hotelier; Alistair Waite (B69/74) Will writer; Simon Leegood (B69/73) Teacher; Simon McNeil  (B69/74) retired jockey and Paul Carlisle (L69/73) recent retired from Bradfords

BARBER, Roger (O66/70) I will be the first to admit that since leaving KSB I seem to have had several unconventional occupations; amongst them I spent a few years trading as a classical numismatist. As such when a dealer in Chicago offered me the coin in the photograph below… irresistible. Déjà vu! It is placed alongside a common garden daisy for size comparison.

Thasos was known as a place where the Rites of Dionysus were celebrated; details of those, when combined with customs of ancient Thracians, would be guaranteed to offend modern sensibilities. Book

From left, Tony Hockey, Clive Wood, Simon McNeil, Paul Turner, Paul Tweedale, Simon Leegood, Alistair Waite

Thrace – Thasos, 435-411 BC. A silver hemi-obol showing an uncannily familiar leaping dolphin.

Five of Herodotus’ Histories offers the alarming details to the more robust reader. This coin dates from the time when the idea of coinage was still relatively new and it represents 1/12th of a drachm or drachma. It is just 8mm in diameter and weighs one third of gram; twenty eight of them would weigh the same as the current £1 coin. Surprisingly this was not the smallest coin used in this period as some city states issued coins valued at just 1/48th of a drachm - tricky, both in terms of usage and pronunciation. It was called a ‘hemitartemorion’. Early inhabitants of the Bruton area however would have to wait hundreds of years before coinage arrived. Here the rulers of Somerset and Dorset were the ancient British Celtic tribe of the Durotriges. The two coins illustrated below (of silver and bronze respectively) are of identical denomination, but the change of metal was not brought about for the convenience of shoppers, but of necessity. Why? Because of the territorial expansion of the Romans who were pushing northwards across Celtic Gaul and into Britain. Although I sold my stock several years ago I have held on to reference books; so if any Brutonians have a mystery coin that they would like identified, or if any Old Brutonian wishes to get in touch, I’d be pleased to hear from them via email at: roger@historyfreaks.co.uk

1970s

STALLARD, Mark (B71/76) made the move to Devizes in preparation for the next phase! Retirement does not beckon yet; however he continues to grow his family owned mortgage brokerage. His brother Paul (B76/79) lives up the road in Calne running a successful photography business. Both are active in their communities and would welcome contact from Old Brutonians.

ANDERSON, Doug (N71/74) My wife Julia Anderson and I have decided that we are no longer creating Equestrian Properties . We are going to enjoy being by the sea on Cardigan Bay and enjoy the last of our Oathill Sport Horses and our 4 rescue dogs from Love Cyprus Dogs. I will continue playing impromptu music with my friends in some classic ale houses!! Along with the odd round of golf hopefully! We are still in touch with our good friends Kate Maxwell

(73/75) and Nick Hunt (N71/74) from King’s. If any old boys or ladies remember me we would love to see them.

GOEL, Amitabh (N76/81) has been working as a surgeon for over 25 years, currently at University Hospitals Health System, based in Cleveland, OH, USA. Amitabh’s son is in his 4th year studying Computer Science and his daughter in her 2nd year studying Veterinary Medicine. Amitabh plans on travelling more this year with his wife, with plans to get to Costa Rica, Milan, Belfast (where he trained) and India. Amitabh spends time with his parents who live on the West Coast.

BRETT, John (O76/79) Having spent the last six years as Principal of The British School of Beijing, I will be moving to Poland this summer to take up a new post as Principal of The British School Warsaw. In other news, my wife and I have recently become grandparents to a strapping young chap called Frank! The dilemma now is what House he should go into, with both grandpa and great-grandpa having been members of Old House!

ANDREWS, Jane (70/72) I am a very old girl from King’s Bruton being part of the second intake of Sixth Form girls from the Hall School. How exciting it was for us driving up and down daily in the school minibus and having our own common room in Plox House. From our isolated position on top of a hill in Bratton Seymour, it was heady stuff to be at a school in a town, and with boys too! I moved to Australia in 1976 and live in Sydney, having married an Australian, and have three children and five grandchildren. Despite the tyranny of distance, I keep in contact with a number of my year group, in particular Carol Hony and Carol Hardy, and I love to hear news from everyone in the UK. The attached photos show Carol Hardy and I outside the Hall at Bruton taken on one of our last few days at school. The other photo is myself with two of my grandchildren, Camilla and India at Wakehurst Primary School in Sydney.

1980s

HUGHES, Ben (L87/92) Has lived in Australia for 21 years. Provides specialist advice to major infrastructure projects and resources companies on how to best economically construct billion dollar projects in regional and remote Australia. Married to Nikki, with two capable teenage daughters. Competes, somewhat surprisingly and somewhat reluctantly, in ocean swims as a hobby, and includes Rottnest, Mooloolaba, Noosa, Coolangatta and Keppel Island near Yeppoon on the list of scalps. Watches less rugby and more AFL. Keeps two bee hives, and despite living in the city suburbs, maintains a healthy garden to ensure enough soil under the fingernails. Has met Justin Dean (L87-92) recently a couple of times in Brisbane and Sydney. Fairly hopeless at being in touch, wishes everyone well.

LLOYD DAVIES, Mark (L88/93) recently met up with Dan Hammond (L88/93). A great time was had by all!

HAMMOND, Justin (P81/86) reports that having graduated in medicine at Manchester in 1992, I joined the Army and served as a medical officer with the commandos, Black Watch and finished my service with the Household Cavalry in Knightsbridge.  I am now living in Brighton but my practice is in Chelsea, where we care for an eclectic and often eccentric patient group. We are involved in pharmaceutical studies, bringing vaccinations and medicines to market. Married to Angela, we have 3 teenage children. I am also working with older brother Daniel (Dan, Priory 79-84) on a leadership project at the practice. I’d be happy to welcome any potential doctors currently at King’s who would like to sit-in for a few days. Justin is pictured with wife Angela.

ROGERS, Craig (P88/93) proposed to his girlfriend Jane Howard whilst on holiday in Kenya in January 2023. They are getting married in Sandbanks in May 2024. Craig’s best men will be his brothers Jason Rogers (P90/95) and Marc Rogers (P94/99).

1990s

NUNN, Adam (OH / B91/96) reports he is now firmly back in the UK after spending 2019-2022 weekly commuting to Paris (when COVID travel restrictions allowed). I celebrated 21 years working for the same company in August 2023 which culminated with a 5 week trip to East Africa to climb Mt Kilimanjaro (check out Ake Lindstrom’s company Summits Africa if you feel an urge to get to the Roof of Africa)incredible experience on so many levels and bookended by time spent in some of the most incredible game drive locations on the planet and 1 week lazing on the beaches of Zanzibar with the family. Family life continues apace with a 9 and 7 year old keeping myself and Katy on our toes - and as an attempt to spend more time with them on the sports pitch, the rugby boots have been retired and the hockey stick has come out of the attic, so I now help to coach the Mighty Knole Park in Sevenoaks.

MINTY, Charlie (B94/99) New Bath Arts Club, an art club for emerging and established artists in the City of Bath and surrounding area, with over 50 members in its first couple of months. The website is www. newbathartsclub.co.uk, and we plan to meet regularly once a month, at The Architect, Orange Grove BA11LP in central Bath. Members and non-members and OBs of course welcome. My own website is www.cmintyart.com.

PITT, Will (L93/98) has left Foxtons after 20 years and taken up a new role as Senior Director at Sotheby’s International Realty, based in Mayfair and Knightsbridge, which focuses on Prime and Super Prime residential properties in Central London.

HASTINGS, Rob (OH / N93/98) writes in. “I can’t believe that I left New House 26 years ago this summer, in 1998, having joined the school in 1993 and before that attended both Hillcrest and Hazlegrove. After leaving King’s and heading off to university I did my PGCE in secondary English at Homerton College Cambridge, and then started teaching in a state school in Bury St Edmunds for three years, where I also met my wife, Sarah, a dance teacher. I then moved to Bloxham School in Oxfordshire in 2006 where, over the next 10 years, I was a resident assistant housemaster, Head of Cricket, English teacher and became Head of Sixth Form in 2012. We then moved to Suffolk in 2016 when I joined Ipswich High School as Head of Sixth Form and member of the SLT, which was then an all girls’ school. In the January of

2016 I underwent a kidney transplant and due to this stopped playing cricket which had been such a key part of every summer since I was 8. However, golf then filled the void! Also in 2016 Sarah and I welcomed our son, Daniel, into the world and he is now an “in to everything” 7 year old. After six very enjoyable years, in 2022 we then moved half an hour up the road to Framlingham College where I am currently the Senior Deputy Head.  I was playing in a golf tournament in Hull in 2018 where, whilst waiting on the sixth tee I think, I got chatting to a gentleman in the group in front who said that he had travelled up from Bristol the morning to play. I said that I was brought up in Somerset and we got chatting. As if to highlight the fact that you’re never that far away from an OB, when I said that I went to King’s he said that he has been a pupil there in the 1970s - a small world! It is great to see the rhino as an emblem for New House, I remember it weighed a ton! I hope that the boys in the house have as much enjoyment as I did and if there are any OBs in the Suffolk/Norfolk area do get in touch.

EDWARDS, James (O96/01) has moved to the US for work reasons. Still working with Amazon, he is now located in New Jersey. Pictured here with wife Clare and children Annabelle (9), Arthur (7) and Albert (3).

DE BORCHGRAVE D’ALTENA, Janey (W95/97) welcomed daughter Tabitha Watts de Borchgrave D’Altena on 20th March 2024. Congratulations to our next President from the OBA Community!

COLE, David (O95/00) reports: After finishing at King’s, I moved to London for university. Just after I finished my degree, I met my now wife, Alice, then a medical student. We moved to Huntingdonshire in 2009 to be close to her posting at Hinchingbrooke hospital and we’ve been here ever since. I went back to university, this time in York, to do a PhD in politics (and take part in University Challenge!). I’m now working for a small academic organisation, the Association for the Study of Ethnicity and Nationalism. I’m on Huntingdon Town Council and was mayor for 2022/23, so I was involved in marking the Platinum Jubilee, the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and the accession of King Charles III. I’m involved with a couple of local charities and the Coachmakers livery company, and have been getting into gardening since lockdown.”

CAREW-GIBBS, Hannah (W96/98) moved in December 2023 to the Philippines for her husband’s job. Hannah married in 2019 in Australia and has 2 sons, Ollie and Henry. Hannah would love to get in touch with any OBs in Asia / Philippines.

PIDSLEY, Matthew (L99/03) married Helena Kendall on 24 December 2022

2000s

FENWICK, Sukey (P/A03/08)

Pictured L-R – Tom Anderson (P/ L01/06), Tom Baillion (B03/08), Rebecca Westley (married to Tom Baillion W06/07), Toby Own (B01/06), James Dowdell (L03/08), Will Ochoa (O03/08) and Sukey Fenwick (P03/08)

MARSHALL, Freddie (O06/11) and wife Lily welcomed son Beauden on 22nd January 2024

VON ROGALL, Denise (W01/03) married on 27th December 2023 in Frankfurt, Germany. She is planning a church ceremony in July 2024.

welcomed Otto Walter Holder, born 21st May 2023. Sukey recently met with several other OBs who also became parents in 2023.

HAWKINS, Robin (B06/11) and wife Sophie welcomed son James Hawkins on 15th September 2022.

BUNDAY, Jake (B07/12) recently became engaged to Phoebe Armstrong.

THORNHILL, Elliott (B07/12) recently became engaged to Georgina Hirst

HOLDING-PARSONS, Johanna (nee Tepe) (P03/05) is married to Jeremy Holding-Parsons (L00/05). They have a daughter, Charlotte who was born in September 2021 and a son Maximilian born in June 2023. The family currently live in Switzerland.

SCARAMANGA, Theo (N/08-10) has recently founded a Somersetbased architectural practice. Studio Scaramanga architects specialises in blending context, conservation, and quality design. Preserving the contextual and environmental tapestry of our surroundings while crafting highquality spaces is at the heart of everything they do. Theo speaks about being committed to creating spaces that seamlessly integrate sustainable practices with modern aesthetics, fostering a delicate balance between past and future. Theo spent 9 years at the awardwinning architectural practice Stonewood Design. Whilst there he amassed a depth of knowledge working across a wide variety of sectors including education, domestic extensions, one-off houses, museums, and unique construction methods including a Roman Villa. After qualifying he worked as the project architect on a sensitive renovation

BROAD Chris (O05/09 )

Chris Board married ex Sunnyhill pupil Lottie Wynn at Combe Lodge on 11 April 2024.

and extension of a historically significant factory for the Newt in Somerset, soon to be open to the public. Celebrating the historical context of a building whilst allowing it to thrive with modern functionality is what Studio Scaramanga has been founded on. Theo believes that an in-depth understanding of historical architecture and contemporary design ensures that every project becomes a testament to its surroundings and the client’s ambition. You can see more about how Theo’s time at Bruton shaped his career on the Alumni interview that he was recently invited to record.

2010s

URCH, Suzy (A11/13) married James Smith (O07/12) May 2023

WHITE Josh (L10/15) married Lauren Glover (W13/15) on Saturday October 7th 2023.

MORGAN, Theo (B15/20) completed the Brighton Half Marathon in February 2024. With friends, he managed to raise money for HIV nurses, Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, and over £7000 for Papyrus, a charity for the prevention of young suicide. The fundraising page can be found here https:// www.justgiving. com/page/thegang-1700489519058

EDGAR, Hugh (L10/15) married Emma Edgar (nee Holliday) on 18th August 2023. 20 Old Brutonians, and 2 current pupils were in attendance. OBs in attendance included: Connor Deacon (N12/15), Hugh Edgar (L10/15), James Evans (L12/15), Bartie Pitt-Brown (L09/14), Ross Duder (N10/15), Nick Poll (B10/15), Jonathan Thabot (N08/13), George Edgar (L08/13) and Tom Deaney (L08/13)

GRAVATT, Evie (P10/15) Tom Colin Van Den Berg was born on 4th November weighing 9.9lbs. Living in Pakiri, New Zealand, on a farm near the beach

Ironmongers Hall, London

Friday 6th December 2024

Tickets on sale in September

Friday 15th November 2024

Venue: To be announced

Organised by OBA Committee Member, Nigel McCrea (O61/66), this lunch has run for several years. It is ideal for those who might not have attended other OB events.

OB LIVES REMEMBERED

Tributes to Old Brutonians and Honorary Brutonians who have passed away recently.

ROGER LOWE: SCIENCE TEACHER AND HOUSEMASTER 1946 - 2023

It was in the late summer of 1968 that Roger Lowe entered the hallowed portals of King’s School, Bruton writes Richard Hastings, former colleague at King’s.

An ex—pupil of Rendcomb College, he was already familiar with the ‘public’ school lifestyle and, as a graduate of Bristol University with a science degree, was well equipped to take on the demands of teaching biology.

In fact, it was not very long before the— then Headmaster, Hubert Doggart, saw Roger’s potential and he was made Head of the Biology Department, a post he held from 1968 until 1976. On my arrival at King’s in 1970, it was Roger who helped me to settle into, what was for me, an alien environment and to make sure I quickly found my feet in his department and within the wider school community. In those halcyon days, before e-mails ruled our lives, the Sixth Form Easter Coastal Ecology Field Course to Devon was a most memorable annual occasion.

Organised and run by Roger, we spent four days with our eyes firmly fixed on the sea shore, one minute poking around on a rocky shore or in a clear blue rock— pool, the next digging furiously for worm species in a muddy estuary. It was a great time to indulge in the delights of the wildlife of such habitats, especially with Roger’s knowledge of marine plants to make our discoveries more illuminating.

Outside of the department, Roger had already become a House Tutor in Blackford and later in his career would hold the same post in Lyon and Priory. On the games field, he was coaching rugby, hockey and athletics (master i/c for much of the time), something that was to continue throughout his 38 years at King’s — what stamina.

He also became Lt. Lowe in the Army section of the CCF for a while. Having made

his mark on a number of fronts, Roger was invited to become the Housemaster of Old House, not however, before he arranged an exchange year to Melbourne Grammar School in Australia. This visit to the big continent down under ignited a spark which has continued to glow and he has since revisited on two further occasions.

Roger’s 15-year tenure of Old House (1978—1993) saw the start of the bed-sit era and a revolution in the style of boarding house living. Perhaps one might argue it was the start of public school boys going soft, but it was the sign of the times and things to come. Taking on the responsibility of a House for the first time is a steep learning curve but Roger quickly acquired experience in the art of handling young people; his firmness but fairness in his dealings with his charges earned him great respect from pupils and parents alike. His expertise at dealing with the many problems of boarding house life was accompanied by a calm approach and meticulous attention to detail. However, above all, he showed kindness and understanding and his ever—open door meant Old House pupils were very much part of an extended family unit.

To say Roger was a man of all trades is not an understatement and he was incapable of doing things by halves. He was one of a breed who has always seen school mastering as a vocation rather than just a job.

In a eulogy at the celebration of Roger’s life on 27 January 2024, son Rew remembers his Dad.

“If you’ve ever sat down to a roast with my Dad, you’ll know that the eating was often interrupted by very long, detailed tales of some sort or other. There’d be frequent promises ‘to cut a long story short’ but, after multiple narrative rabbit holes, no such thing would ever happen – and turns out I am my father’s son.

He was born on the 13th of June 1946 to Stan Lowe, a Quality Manager for Concorde, and Peggy, the daughter of a Devonshire woodman. The fastidious attention to detail required to prevent supersonic planes falling out of the sky, and a deep affinity for nature, were traits which Dad plainly inherited: many memories of Dad involve him standing in a field, in the rain, systematically advising someone how to avoid disaster! His appetite for scientific experimentation and adventure combined was clear from a young age, apparently, he once stuck his tongue in a live lightbulb socket, brave young chap that he was! Dad began teaching, at King’s, in 1968.

His diligence was swiftly noted. Now married, Dad poured himself entirely into the multifarious challenges of boarding school life. He found time to grow some veg in their garden and expertly crafted much of the furniture we sat on as kids. Dad’s knowledge of plants caught people’s attention throughout his life.

Dad was much respected by students, staff and parents alike: a safe pair of hands, firm but fair (though many any Old House boy will’ve surely been told to ‘stop raggin’ about’!) In the holidays we’d head to Snowdonia, camping, or, as we got older, further afield: WE WALKED A LOT, Dad often striding out ahead.

Throughout his career, Dad impressed with his clear thinking and his ability to relate with warmth and consideration, and he was much, much respected for his calm, methodical, servant-hearted nature . . .and, of course, his unshakeable Bristol drawl. It was a happy coincidence that Dad’s retirement followed the birth of his first granddaughter by just a few days: ‘Sir’ became ‘Grandpa’… and how energetically, patiently and with what warmth he embraced that new role.

I lost track of his voluntary work, the PCC, governing the local primary school, maintaining footpaths on The Monarch’s Way, stewarding at the Bath and West, the list goes on. What zeal! This time last year he was skiing as usual.

For my part, I will always have a voice in my head which gently tempers my impetuousness, draws me back to the earth and nudges me to think things through. When Dad strided out ahead, on those countless family walks, he’d stop, turn and chivvy us along, sometimes gently, sometimes a bit frustrated that our little legs weren’t keeping up”.

PAUL KELSON BARBER (O56/60) 1942-2023

I was privileged to enter King’s in the same term as Paul Barber and immediately struck up a close friendship writes Chris Biddle. We

Paul (left) with Paul Nicholls

OB LIVES REMEMBERED

both had a close connection with the cheese industry, Paul’s family were cheesemakers, whilst my grandfather was a cheese grader for the (then) Milk Marketing Board and had visited Barber’s farm at Ditcheat in the course of his rounds.

We also shared a love of cricket and opened the bowling together and Paul persuaded me to fill in for a number of games at his club, Evercreech CC. Together with brother Richard, they enjoyed quite a nice little side-line, supplying fellow pupils with much better quality cheese than they were being fed in the dining room!.

Paul died on Sunday, June 18 2023, at Manor Farm, Ditcheat, the same home where he was born 80 years earlier.

Announcing the news, the Barber’s cheesemakers said. “Paul was very proud to be a custodian of the land, of Barber’s cheeses, and of the role that Barber’s plays in the local and farming community. Most of all he was proud of his Barber’s team - the people that make Barber’s a true family business. He will rest peacefully in the knowledge that he has left the business in the hands of such a passionate and capable team.”

But Paul’s real fame was to come in the world of horseracing

He was the landlord of 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, and a passionate supporter of jumps racing enjoying numerous big-race successes, both in his own name or in partnership with others.

The Nicholls-trained duo See More Business and Denman both landed Cheltenham Gold Cup glory for Barber, whilst in recent years, he was a joint-owner of dual King George VI Chase hero Clan Des Obeaux.

It was See More Business who took him to the fore of National Hunt racing in 1999 when Mick Fitzgerald rode to a one-length success over Go Ballistic.

“I was very lucky to ride a Gold Cup winner for Paul and I know what it meant to him,” said Fitzgerald “Being on top of See More Business when Paul was leading him into the winner’s enclosure that day after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a memory that will live forever with me. It’s one of my proudest days in the saddle and I was just privileged to be allowed to ride the horse.

“I know what it meant to him to have a Gold Cup winner and I think that is how I would like to remember him”

Jockey Sam Thomas was the man aboard Denman when he stormed to the Cheltenham Gold Cup for Barber and co-owner Margaret Findley in 2008 and he remembers a “gentleman” who was “a pleasure to ride for.”

The village of Ditcheat was packed for Paul’s funeral. An estimated 500 people were present to pay their respects, with many seated or standing outside St Mary Magdalene Church while the ceremony was streamed live in the village hall and in a nearby marquee.

Former racing journalist Jonathan Powell delivered a fitting tribute that touched on the

pride felt when the Queen visited Ditcheat in 2019. Powell described Barber as a “force of nature” and someone “who made things happen” yet blended that professional drive with a “kind, generous nature and warm sense of humour”.

Probably the most poignant tribute came from Paul Nichols, which he began by saying: “Paul Barber – what a man!”

He recalled his initial interview with Barber in 1991, adding: “He asked where I saw myself in 15 years. Like a fool, I said I’d be champion trainer – he must have seen something in that. He also asked if I played golf and I thought about it but remembered Dad saying to be honest.

“I looked at Paul and I said I didn’t. It was only in the last couple of years I asked him why he asked that. He said, ‘It’s a good job you answered no because if you’d said yes, you wouldn’t be here now. That’s because if you’d had time to play golf, you wouldn’t have had time to train horses!’”

Nicholls, who has now trained almost 4,000 British jumps winners, said “I’m going to do that 4,000 for Paul and I know he’ll be up there with his stick and whisky and ginger ale, saying, ‘That’s my boy.’

“My lucky break in life was meeting Paul. He was a special man and life for me will never be the same without him.”

Chris and Giles, his two children with his first wife Paula, are both active in the family’s dairy business. After a divorce he married Marianne Ryall, who has since passed away.

IAN FRANCIS BROWN (N43/48) 1930-2023

Ian Brown, who died on 27 October 2023 at the age of 93, was for 35 years an aeronautical engineer with Ferranti in Edinburgh and was one of a dedicated team of engineers which developed systems of inertial navigation for use in both military and civilian aircraft between the 1950s and the 1980s, a period of considerable advances in the navigation systems of jet aircraft.

Born in 1930 and having spent his early life in Exeter, where his father Tom was professor of mathematics at University College of the South West (which in 1955 became Exeter University), Ian joined King’s in 1943 with an academic scholarship. His elder brother Kenneth (1938-43) left the school that year to start his engineering training at the technical college in Camborne. After the wartime air raids to which Exeter was subjected, Ian was relieved to find himself in the relative quiet of Bruton. He had a life-long interest in railways, and an abiding memory of his time at school was enjoying watching trains on the GWR main line which ran close to some of the classroom windows. He would recall that his Latin master, Mr Venters, who had recently joined the school from Eton, did not appreciate this lack of concentration. On one occasion, Ian, anxious to know what type of engine was acting as

banker for a freight train on the incline, was particularly oblivious to any Latin being taught. Mr Venters exploded: “I have taught young lords at Eton, and by God, I’ll teach you!” accompanied by flying pieces of chalk. However, with Latin one of Ian’s stronger subjects, he was never accused of bad work. Ian finished his years at King’s Bruton as Head of New House and left in 1948 with a place to read Engineering at Trinity College, Cambridge. Opting to complete his National Service before going up to university, he joined the Royal Signals as a radio mechanic. After basic training at Catterick, he was posted to the Royal Tank Regiment at Bovington in Dorset, close enough to home in Exeter to cycle back when leave allowed. He went up to Cambridge in 1950, and on graduating three years later moved to Edinburgh to take up a post in the Instrument Laboratory of Ferranti. Ian’s career at Ferranti saw him initially working on airborne radars. Five years later he moved into the field of inertial navigation equipment and became involved in the design of a number of these. This led to promotion to the position of Chief Engineer on Inertial Products. Particular aircraft that Ferranti were involved in designing were the Harrier, the Phantom and the Tornado, and Ferranti inertial navigation systems were also used in the European Space Agency’s Ariane 4. Following retirement in 1988, Ian remained in Edinburgh, enjoying active hobbies such as tennis, cycling and swimming, as well as life-long interests such as word games, crosswords, gardening and, in late summer, brambling. Moving south after the sad death of his wife, Susan, in 2000, he lived happily in Sherborne and Marlborough, before settling into a residential home in Bristol. He much enjoyed family life with his three sons, Andrew, David and Peter, and with his five grandchildren, whose achievements he supported closely.

TOMMAS HENRY GRAVES (N50/55) 1937-2023

Tommas was named after a Mrs Tommas whose family name would have died out on her death. Born in Somerset in 1937, he early learnt to climb trees better than his older sister. He was an avid collector of butterflies and a lifelong lover of woodwork. He attended Plox, Hazlegrove then KSB as a boarder and by all accounts very much enjoyed his schooldays.

As ever, his highlights were more from the extracurricular than anything that occurred in the classroom. He enjoyed the hobbies club making homemade fireworks, a toaster fashioned out of a conducting wire and a light fitting, various wooden items cut using his treadle fretsaw and keeping white mice. Tommas’ major sport in the Summer term was rifle shooting; he competed for the school for the Ashburton Shield at Bisley.

He prepared to go into the Royal Air Force for National Service, but a crooked arm exempted him. Instead, he was advised to consider accountancy and was taken on as an Articled Clerk by a firm in London. Tommas proved to be an excellent accountant, he worked for various firms in the city, and eventually setup on his own in Hatton Garden.

It was during this time that he married Jennifer Noyes of the family of his parents’ friends in Boscombe, Dorset and they had Peter, Anthony, Mary and Arthur. His love of woodwork, the countryside, nature, gardening, camping, tree climbing, and family, that is what his family remembered him for. He developed a lifetime’s interest in Economics, studying the work of Henry George and the Land Value System of Taxation, which he saw as a much fairer system of taxation. He became a dedicated member of the Henry George Foundation. His spreadsheet updated annually on the levels of taxation we all pay as employees or self-employed is illuminating. This interest continued right up to the last months of his life.

From his teenage years he practiced meditation daily. It was because of that interest that he joined the School of Philosophy and Economic Science. After retirement he continued using his accounting expertise for them and was always present at the Art In Action Summer School at Waterperry House, Oxford.

Following his divorce, he bought a small decrepit houseboat on the Thames, later upgrading to a superb, retired Dunkirk ship called Dorian, moored near Hampton Court. Holidays were frequently adventurous camping expeditions, the West Highlands, the Isle of Eigg, and an Alpine tour. Tommas often visited his sister and mother in Suffolk, where he had a wood workshop in a barn.

In 1983 he asked a young lady to dinner on his boat and as a result he and Heather were married for 40 years. The first holiday they had together with his existing four children was to the island of Foula, a small rock 21 miles west of Shetland. Heather bore him two further boys, Paul and Chris who grew up in Wimbledon and Teddington and he ended up working with wood, professionally, to an

exceptional standard. Large family gatherings at Teddington meant so much to him.

He had a keen interest in family history, proud of his Manx heritage writing about it in a book. In the late 1990s in fairly quick succession, both Tommas and his son Peter were diagnosed with Cancer. Peter had leukaemia but intensive treatment beat it into ongoing remission. Tommas’ treatment kept his cancer at bay for 25 years, helped by having Heather by his side.

By his death, on 14th November 2023, he had seven grandchildren, keen to know their news and what they were all up to. He loved to make up and tell them bedtime stories. He kept up a depth of knowledge and interest in history, politics and economics, and eagerness to discuss them. He was a kind, considerate, smiling, adventurous, understated, man which his family will greatly miss.

Contributed by Anthony Kirk

STYLES PINNIGER MRCVS (NP 41/43) 1926-2023

Roger Styles Pinniger will be remembered for being an eminent veterinary surgeon, instrumental in the founding of one of the very first veterinary hospitals to be registered and approved by the RCVS.

Through the establishment of the hospital, he became involved in the beginning of veterinary nurses becoming a separate professional body, subsequently training a number of veterinary nurses and editing the second edition of ‘Jones’s Animal Nursing’.

He served on the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Committee for many years and his long and distinguished career was recognised by an honorary Life Membership of the BSAVA, given to him by the RCVS for his involvement with the new Veterinary Nurses Registration.

Roger was born on August 30th1926 in Chiswick the family later moving to Bristol

and then to Dorset where he spent most of his life. In a short autobiography he once wrote that he hated being a boarder at the preparatory school he attended in Bournemouth as it made him very homesick, however in 1940 he went to King’s School Bruton which he loved. He became a School Prefect and Captain of Boxing and gained his School Certificate with merit.

At an early age he began to develop a deep interest in all animals both wild and domesticated, keeping many unusual pets as a schoolboy including one time when he adopted and reared a red squirrel he rescued after it fell from its drey. This genuine love of animals led him to wish to follow a veterinary career rather than following in his father’s engineering footsteps.

During the war he attended The Royal Veterinary College, some of the time being evacuated to Berkshire and the Thames valley. Here he had many very happy memories including a time when he shared a room with Peter Storie-Pugh who later became President of the BVA and the RCVS. He qualified with honours in Veterinary Medicine in 1948 and then worked for a year in a practice in Somerset.

Roger had met his future wife Odette as a teenager in 1943 and they were married in 1950. They then spent a year in Tanganyika where he worked as a vet in the colonial civil service. They returned to England after a year mostly because he disagreed with the establishment as to whether cocktail parties or animal welfare was the more important. Roger came home and joined a practice based in Wimborne, Dorset. Initially he worked in Swanage where he founded the animal hospital, and later expanded the practice into Bournemouth where he was able to specialise in small animal medicine. He retired in 1986 after a happy and fulfilling life, having practised many aspects of Veterinary Medicine over the years.

Despite the long hours of veterinary practice Roger was devoted to his family. He and Odette had three children, Mark, Fawnia and Linda. Tragically his son Mark died at the age of 34 but his daughters married and had families of their own. Eventually he had 5 grandchildren and lived to see 8 greatgrandchildren.

Sadly, whilst still relatively young, Odette’s health began to deteriorate and they moved to Hampshire to be nearer their family. For ten years he was the carer for Odette until she died. They had been very happily married for 54 years.

In his spare time Roger loved listening to and attending live performances of classical music, especially Wagnerian opera. He enjoyed fly fishing, walking his dog in the forest and tending his garden, particularly his large vegetable patch whose abundant produce he delighted in sharing with family and his many local friends.

Roger found time to volunteer for the RSPCA, The Samaritans, the Home Library Service and The Countryside Education Trust

ROGER

OB LIVES REMEMBERED

at Beaulieu, putting the same heart and soul into it as he had in his veterinary practice. He thoroughly enjoyed his work with these organisations and the social aspects of his volunteering.

He died peacefully at his home in Dibden Purlieu in Hampshire with his daughters at his bedside.

Roger Pinniger will always be remembered as one of nature’s gentlemen, who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

DEAN FISHER 1974 - 2023

Dean was born February 12, 1974, on a British Military Base in Germany. He was the second born son to the late John and Rita (Videler) Fisher. His family was stationed in Hong Kong when Dean was five and lived there for some time before returning to England and settling in the small town of Fordingbridge. Dean attended King’s Bruton School in Somerset, England where he participated and excelled in many sports, including Rugby. After Dean graduated from King’s Bruton, he continued his education at Thames Valley University in West London, where he earned a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy and International Studies. After graduating, he pursued his passion for music; touring and managing bands and creating his own record label. After years of living out those dreams, he settled into working at a music booking agency in Salisbury, England.

In September 2008, while still in England, Dean met Holly through social media. Their shared love of music, nature, family, and humour made them the best of friends. Five months after they met, Dean asked Holly to marry him. He travelled to the U.S. on December 14, 2009, and the two were married on December 16, 2009, in Waukegan, IL. He returned to England six weeks later and the two began the long process of Immigration. Dean’s visa was approved in February 2011, which would not have been possible without the sponsorship of his cousin, John Videler. Dean and Holly moved to Pleasant Prairie, WI with Holly’s three children and in December 2011, they welcomed the birth of their son, Cal. He soon found employment in Loss Prevention and eventually moved on to working for Schmitt Protective Services at U-line Corporate Headquarters. In 2013, the family moved to Zion, IL where they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Nina. In 2018, Dean was hired into U-line and remained there as the Regional Security Manager until his passing. In 2021, Dean and Holly moved to Kenosha where they purchased their first home together. That same month, Dean became a U.S. citizen.

Dean’s family was his absolute pride and joy. He very much enjoyed being a father and husband and was always demonstrating his love for his family. He was extremely proud of his Dutch heritage from his mother’s side

of the family, having a close relationship with his cousin, Hans Rademacher and always dreaming of taking his family to Holland. He excelled in sports in his school years and especially loved Rugby and Boxing. He also enjoyed bicycling throughout parts of The New Forest National Park near his home in England and along Kenosha’s lakefront. Dean was so impressed with Lake Michigan. He’d often walk to the lakefront to take pictures and would say how the lake never looked the same way for two days in a row.

He loved large family cookouts and gatherings for the holidays and always created a great playlist to go with them. He enjoyed and was educated in so many things in life that he could easily talk to anybody about anything; he would always find common ground. This afforded him many friends throughout his life, especially his longtime friends, Ian Wood-Teal, Craig Walker and Matt Norton, but his most treasured friendship was with his brother John. His personality, character, laughter, jokes, impressions, love, commitment, and compassion will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 15 years, Holly Fisher; their five children, Isaac May, Lillian May, Sadie May, Cal Fisher, and Nina Fisher, all of Kenosha, WI; his brother, John Fisher of Catford, England; his father and mother-in-law, Anthony S. and Christina Barriere of Kenosha; his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony K. and Kendal Barriere (Anthony, Jack, Norah, Margot) of Kenosha; his sister and brotherin-law, Katie and Caleb Williams (Eli, Arlo, Owen, Zuzu) of Nashville, TN; his sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Clinton Salica (Audrianna, Kaia, Hudson) of St. Mary’s, GA; his aunt and uncle, Annie and Allen Guernsey of England; and many more extended family, friends and colleagues.

GRAHAM RALPH WILTON SAGE (O52-54) 1938 – 2023

Graham was born at Higher Greenscombe Farm, the youngest of three children of Bertram and Phyllis Sage. He was a boarder at Hazlegrove Prep school and King’s School, Bruton. He enjoyed sports and made lots of friends but liked to come home to the farm at weekends.

After leaving school he joined his father in farming and went on to set up his own business as an agricultural contractor at Baileys Lane, Westcombe from where he travelled widely and made many more friends in the business.

As a young man he joined The Young Farmers Club and with his friend David Barber travelled to many dances. It was at one of these at the Grand Spa Hotel in Bristol that he met Jill. He was persistent in travelling to Bristol in his sports car and they were married at St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol in 1964. They went on to have a son David and

a daughter Anna who have both been very helpful and supportive, they have one grandson, Tobey.

Growing up in farming he had a great aim with a shotgun and was a member of the Bruton Rifle Club before being a key lead in the Batcombe Shoot.

Graham and Jill had many friends whom they enjoyed holidays with and his life was full, enriched and happy by doing things he enjoyed especially poker nights!

Graham was a dedicated member of the Batcombe community, serving on the Parish Council for over 30 years, the Village Hall committee, the Parochial Church Council and as Captain of the Bellringers.

The last three years were spent in Castle Cary where he enjoyed walking and trips to the coffee shop to meet friends and visits to his sister Marlene in South Bank. Family came first and he was very grateful for the support they received over the last difficult months, especially from Fr Mark Ellis who lived near by.

Rest in Peace dear friend.

Contributed by Audrey Sage

CHRISTOPHER JOHN HOUSE (N76/78) 1962-2023

Christopher John House died suddenly on the 22nd September 2023. He was very much a family man and was with his wife Karen for 39 years, together they had four children, Jason, Matthew, Samuel and Evelyn. During his career he worked for various aerospace companies, Normalair Garrett Ltd, Honeywell and then Morson during which he was based at Leonardos.

Chris gained a degree, travelled the world and managed staff and important contracts. In the last year he supported his wife during

her breast cancer treatment and was looking forward to travelling more with his wife and family. As well as extending his Lego collection, planning his retirement and fixing his old mini. He is greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Submitted by Jason House

MICHAEL CHARLES DE LAYBOURNE SURTEES (O77/81) 1963 - 2023

Michael always said he knew he was going to go out with me after we met in 1991 in Drummonds wine bar in Marylebone near where we both worked. I am glad because I went on to spend the next 32 years with the wonderful, funny and unique person that is Michael Surtees. Michael wasn’t perfect of course! He could be really stubborn and impatient. I often heard the air turn blue when Mike wrestled with some appliance or a bit of tech that he couldn’t get to work straightaway and also when he was driving, usually at the odd cyclist or at his nemesis – slow drivers. I received so many cards and messages of support from people from all walks of Mike’s life. From his old school [King’s Bruton 1976-81] and university [Bristol Polytechnic 1981-84] friends, to work colleagues from Westminster and from his current work and of course from many other friends and family. It is not until times such as these that you realise someone you love is also loved and respected by so many other people. Many of the cards and messages said the same thing. That Mike was such a genuinely good and kind person, one of life’s good guys. That he was a true gentleman with a great sense of humour. And this was so true. You rarely heard Michael say anything bad about anyone else.

I know Michael will never be truly gone for me because I will see him every day in the faces, actions and personalities of our two beautiful daughters, Ellie and Hannah. After his daughters and myself, there were three other great passions in Michael’s life: his garden, his cars and walking his beloved dogs. I first noticed Mike’s love of gardening when I moved into his little flat in Harlesden. Michael had a tiny back yard, mainly concreted over, but he somehow transformed it into a riot of colour at the back and front –much to the delight of the neighbours who didn’t really do a lot with their gardens. When we moved to Kenton in 1996 we had a much larger garden in which he could hone his gardening skills and turned it into a lovely space. But it was 20 years ago and the garden in our current home that Michael truly fell in love with. He had really been against moving to Gillingham, Dorset, for a number of reasons, but as soon as he saw the house and particularly the garden and island he knew we had to buy it. The garden was a real jungle when we moved in, but over the years Mike tamed it and turned it into the

place it is today. He was never happier than when planning what he was going to plant each year, or what he was going to grow in his vegetable patch. He could regularly be seen going up and down on his ride-on mower or wandering around the garden with the dog, coffee cup in one hand.

Mike was passionate about cars, especially Jaguars, and he could talk about their virtues at length. According to Michael’s mother, Ann, his first word was car. He spent three years deliberating before buying his latest Jaguar. Although his first love was his blue Escort XR3i which I recall bombing around London streets in the early 90’s playing the Top Gun Soundtrack and Gipsy Kings on Full Blast. And also being pulled over several times! Michael loved driving and some of his best holidays were road trips. Probably his favourite was the road trip around the west coast of America 10 years ago to celebrate our significant birthdays. Another was a stunning drive through the Pyrenees where Michael enjoying flinging the car around hairpin bends.

But Michael was also just as happy on two feet and never more so than when he was walking his beloved flat-coat retrievers; first Marley and now Nelson, exploring the stunning countryside near where we live or farther afield. The dogs definitely had the top spot in the household and Michael was expert in training them. He loved to explore new walks and would always bring along an OS map. The walks always nearly had to be circular as Michael did not like retracing his steps. When he retired he wanted to write a book of his favourite walks with Nelson.

Although I feel incredibly sad for myself and our girls, the person I feel saddest, and in truth angriest for, is Michael. He had been on the verge of taking early retirement and Michael had so many plans for his retirement. He wanted to spend much more time in his beloved garden and we were just about to do the Scotland 500 road trip together.

Of all people Michael deserved to have had a full and happy retirement. He worked so hard in all of his jobs and earned the love and respect of his teams and managers alike, many of whom became friends and came to the funeral. Michael’s current boss drove down from Yorkshire there and back on the day.

After gaining his degree in Housing Michael left his family home in Motcombe, Dorset, for London in 1985 after getting his first job at Westminster Council. Michael quicky rose through the ranks eventually becoming an Estate Director managing one of the most challenging patches. He left frontline housing management in 1995 to work on the Policy Team and eventually led the IT Team in installing a new housing system.

This followed a leap into the private sector where Michael project managed the implementation of new computer software systems for Local Authorities and other public bodies, working firstly for Anite, then Northgate PS and finally NEC Software

OB LIVES REMEMBERED

Solutions. It also meant a change to being home based and therefore enabled us as a family to move to the South West, back to the countryside that Michael first fell in love with many years ago as a school boy at Sherborne Prep and then King’s.

I will hang onto the wonderful memories of our life together and all the wonderful places that Michael and I got to travel to while he was alive. From far away places such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Thailand to places closer to home, in particular Michael’s favourite of all, the Greek islands and mainland. What I do know is that a heart, a soul, as big and wonderful as Michael’s will be out there. So, you fly Michael. You go do the Scotland 500, visit Mexico and see Machu Picchu, the Norwegian Fjords, that Scandinavian road trip and all the other places you mentioned. Until I can see you and travel with you again.

(Taken largely from a tribute by Michael’s wife Sarah at his funeral at St Mary’s Church Motcombe, May 2023)

PHILIP STEVENS (P89/94) 1976-2023

Philip – or just “Phil”, if you’ll oblige us. Though it is impossible to adequately describe Phil, his life and achievements in such a small window, we have the privilege today to at least reminisce a little about who he was, and to consider how he will surely remain with us all.

Phil found happiness in all corners. Aside from all of the prized times with his family and friends, which we shall come to shortly, he enjoyed politics, current affairs, reading, good food and drink, and had a wonderfully eclectic taste, and curiosity in music.

He was an athlete, running fast marathons with relatively little training, and a strong rower and swimmer. Having learned to ski as a child in Norway, Phil was a whizz on the slopes.

He was also an adventurer at heart, and loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed sailing, especially with his dad, Roger, and crewed on an Atlantic crossing.

He scaled many heights (including an Alpine marathon and several Highland peak hikes) and with a rucksack on his back he conquered both the East coast of Australia, with brother Jeremy, and a fair chunk of India.

Closer to home, he appreciated having the opportunity to walk or bike in and around the New Forest, stopping regularly to identify flora and fauna. Or, even more precious to him, to take a lap of his own “award-winning” garden, to tend his roses.

After spells in England, Norway and Belgium the Stevens’ settled in Salisbury in 1992.

Salisbury, and the magnificent cathedral spire, of which he was so fond, were from then on never too far away in Phil’s life.

The city and environs were home to family and friends while he studied as a sixth-former

at King’s School, Bruton – and were the scene of more than one or two pub gigs as he continued his musical and social education.

As the real world dawned, in London, Phil worked in various fields, from management consultancy to economic think tankery – even a spell as an A-Level English tutor to help fund his Master’s degree.

He lived north, south, east and west –ultimately in Debbie’s cosy Highbury flat – and always found time to entertain or play host to friends, especially if they arrived with a good bottle or two.

A job in Geneva then gave Phil, Debbieand their expanding family – an international experience which they cherished.

But home is where the heart is, and he and Debbie returned to this lovely part of the world to set up a long-term home, including for some years here in Downton itself.

Phil was simply the cleverest man we knew. Phil’s mastery of the English language – both in verbal and written form - was amazing. The Oxford English Dictionary, Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern Usage, Roger’s Profanisaurus – Philip had them all off pat.

It’s testament to his professional charm and drive that he was able to build such an admiring, global network and to his selflessness to help many of them set up their own ventures.

To include a nice tribute from a colleague: “Phil was genuine, he liked and cared about people, and developed warm and real relationships. It was his subtle superpower.”

It’s one cruelty that Phil fell ill just as things were really hitting a new level in his career, after so much effort, but he was pleased to be reassured that others will carry on his good work.

Phil was thoughtful and loving. He also knew that he was loved.

He loved his friends from wherever and for however long he had known them, and no

matter how often he might consequently see them.

He loved and respected his parents, Roger and Dodi. Though neither Phil nor Dodi could have imagined the circumstances of their final weeks together, he was greatly comforted to have her by his side, and to be able to reflect on so many happy memories provided by and shared with his parents.

He loved Debbie completely. Debbie and Phil had first crossed paths in the heady days of 1990s Salisbury, when both were still at school. For some years their relationship was platonic, meaning that they each got to know the “real” other long before romance blossomed – and therefore they enjoyed the strongest of foundations in their marriage.

Debbie describes Phil as simply: “The best of humankind”.

Their wedding day in the summer of 2010 was the happiest of Phil’s life. But the happy couple quickly followed that with even more joy, with the arrival of first Sebastian, then Phoebe and finally Margot.

Phil was initially nervous about fatherhood, as is natural, but then took to it with gusto, under Debbie’s guidance. There was nothing he would not do for his kids. He loved his family above all.

As the reality of his illness hit home, Phil’s main concern was for his family, not himself, though he was heartbroken at the impending separation. His message to many in his final days was a request to help look after his family in whatever way might be required.

Phil revealed recently that his favourite writer was PG Wodehouse. Why?

“Because I always turn to him in times of difficulty,” he said. “It’s always a bright, sunny English garden in his world.”

I don’t think Phil would mind any one of us taking comfort in such a warm image when we think of him today – or any day.

Ready for the Tongan feast

BARBER, Paul (O56/60) died in June 2023. (see Lives Remembered)

BELMONT, Geoffrey (N75/79) died 9th January 2024. This news was reported by his father, Peter Belmont (N54/55).

BROWN, Ian (N43/48) died at the age of 93 on 27th October 2023 . (see Lives Remembered)

BUDGE, John (O69/64) died on 9th June 2023. His funeral was attended by Andrew Bullmore (N58/62). John lived with his wife and family in South Africa. John had suffered bravely from cancer for a few years. John was an active sportsman from his days at Bruton, and had a very successful career in the world of finance in Banking; holding various senior positions working in London, Malawi and finally South Africa. John was a family man and leaves behind his wife; Priscilla (Cilla), son Stephen (Sweden), daughter Nancy (Malawi) and grandchildren; Mia, Charlotte, Sinead and Sean. John also has a brother in the Cape, Allan.

CANDY, Adrian (Godfrey) (P49/54) died in June 2023.  This news was reported by Peter Nisbet (P49/53).

CANNING, Peter (O52/57) died on 17th April 2024. This news was reported by his wife Diana.

CASE, Andrew (P56/59) died June 2023. Andy was a farmer in Milton Abbas, who also wrote several books relating to farming. This news was reported by Chris George (O52/53).

FISHER, Dean (O87/92) died 16th September 2023 aged 49. (see Lives Remembered)

GITTINS, John (N44/48) died on 5th April 2023. This news was reported by his nephew.

GRAVES, Tommas (OH/ N54/57) died in November 2023. (see Lives Remembered)

HILL, Michael John (P46/50) died peacefully on 29th May 2023. His daughter reports that Michael chose to be cremated wearing his school tie.

HOLMES, Ian (P52/56) died in February 2023.

HOUSE, Christopher (OH / N76/78) died 22nd September 2023, leaving his wife and 4 children. (see Lives Remembered)

HUDSON, The Reverend Christopher (OH / L58/62) died 15th October 2023.  This news was reported by Richard Cloete. (P62/66)

LOWE, Roger (staff and Hon OB) died 30th December 2023. Roger taught Biology at King’s and was also Housemaster of Old House. (see Lives Remembered)

MCALEESE, David (N87/91) died 23rd November 2023 aged 50 from a long battle with MS. He remembered his time at Bruton fondly and especially his form master David Hindley.

ORLEDGE, David (P54/59) died 17th February 2023.

DEATHS

ORLEDGE, Robert (P50/55) died 13th April 2023

PINNIGER, Roger (P41/43) died 24th July 2023. (see Lives Remembered)

SAGE, Graham (OH / O52/54) died 31st July 2023. (see Lives Remembered)

SMITH, Martin (N59/62) died d 21st August 2023.

STEVENS, Philip (P89/94) died 9th September 2023. (see Lives Remembered)

SURTEES, Michael (O76/81) died 25th April 2023. This news was reported by Simon Tilley (B76/81). (see Lives Remembered)

CROMWELL, Derek (P44/49) Derek was born into a Weston-super-Mare family.   His father owned a busy garage in Drove Road with forecourt, fuel, car sales, and workshops.Derek joined his father and they jointly ran the business - which they ultimately sold in 1980. The family also owned properties for rental income.   In 1956 Derek married Liz Heald. They had five children.  The eldest, Sarah, tragically died aged only eleven. Derek and Liz were well known and sociable - being stalwarts of the nearby St Pauls Church.   Derek also enjoyed Round Table, Rotary and Probus.   In 1995 he founded a croquet club in Clarence Park - a successful enterprise that is still going strong.   Derek is survived by Liz, three sons and a daughter.   A popular, good, kind and honourable man.   This news was reported by Peter Nisbet (P49/53).

Editor’s Notes

On the day that I was finalising the content for this issue, two late news items arrived which I was just about able to squeeze in.

One was the news of the arrival in this world of Tabitha, daughter to our Vice President, Janey, the other an email from Perth, Western Australia with news of Lional Hemsley, now 92 and living in a care home, who graced Priory in 1945 and who hopes he can connect with other OBs from his era.

It is clear that those who have moved on from King’s, gain enormous pleasure maintaining ongoing friendships from their school days through the Old Brutonian Association. There has been a real surfeit of news on their whereabouts, achievements, lives and loves included in this issue.

TREASURE TROVE

It has been a huge pleasure, not to mention an interesting learning curve, to be entrusted with the production of this latest OB publication – and to re-engage closely with King’s after many, many years. You can learn more about my ‘back-story’ from an embarrassingly distant decade in OB News on page 30.

During preparation of this publication, I’ve discovered a real treasure trove of OB material. What a diverse, talented and fascinating cohort of pupils have spilled out from

King’s over the years - to all corners of the world.

That in a way was the catalyst to giving the publication a name, an identity.

Just as the school magazine is the Dolphin, I also looked at many other school alumni magazines, virtually all of whom had a title.

Two names seemed appropriate, Compass or Globe. We plumped for the latter, which had the added bonus of containing the letters OB, conveniently highlighted as you will note from the cover.

Globe the Old Brutonian magazine

OBA Office, King’s, Bruton, BA10 0ED

and information from past

My aim, throughout my career in editing and publishing magazines, has always to focus on people. Any publication also needs to be easily readable and hold readers interest, something that is achieved through innovative design. To this end I’m delighted to work again with Martin Hebditch who designed many of my publications in the past. I hope you will agree that he has injected a new and fresh look, without losing the format of news and information from past editions.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the OB Committee for their handholding support particularly Gemma, Rose and Emilie, which has been invaluable during my

Published by the Old Brutonian Association

Tel: 01749 814200 Email: oba@kingsbruton.com

Hon Editor: Chris Biddle

Artwork and Design: Martin Hebditch

Printed by the Manson Group, St Albans

editing debut. Also Ian Wilmshurst, Headmaster for the extensive interview

Thank you to all OBs who have contributed copy for this issue, and apologies if we couldn’t find room for a few submissions.

I hope you like the new look. This is just the start and as they say “Ours is a policy of continual improvement”.

Best wishes, ‘Floreat Brutonia’

Chris Biddle P56/58 chris.biddle@btinternet.com

SUBMISSIONS: Ideally in a Word doc to maximum of 500 words for news, announcements etc. Features may be longer with prior agreement. Images in jpeg format to be accompanied by captions to identify subject or people. Send copy to oba@kingsbruton.com

ADVERTISING: Display advertising full, half or quarter pages available. Ask for the 2025 Globe Rate Card. Artwork available at a modest cost.

2023 OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION and TRUST ACCOUNTS

This year to save magazine space, the OBA’s Full Accounts and Minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the Kings Bruton Community website

SUMMARY (in round figures)

OBA INCOME

The Associations main income consisted of new members’ Life Subscriptions paid via the school of £30,000 and Investment Income of £6,000. The subscription income increases in step with the school fees, with the number of new members varying from year to year.

OBA EXPENDITURE

Administration and Computer costs

Bursaries

OBA magazine

Leavers Gifts

London Lunch etc

TOTAL

£8,000

£5,000

£7,000

£2,000

£2,000

£24,000

NB: One £1,000 bursary was missed as we were a candidate short

WELCOME BACK!

During the year we arrange tours for OBs from across the eras, and across the world to see the ongoing development of King’s Bruton – and bring back memories of their time at the school.

Pictured below are David Griffiths (L54/60) and his wife Linda who live in Sydney. They were on a six- week tour of Europe, and stopped by at Bruton before making the long trip home

If you would like a tour of King’s (or Hazlegrove) please contact the OBA to arrange a date and for a tour guide to show you around. oba@kingsbruton.com

CHARITABLE TRUST ACCOUNTS

INCOME

Investment income

£1,600 Donations

£2,600 (awaiting tax refund from HMRC)

TOTAL £4,200

EXPENDITURE Bursaries

£3,000

Michael West Hon Treasurer

ALUMNI FILMS

Alumni Films | King’s Bruton (kingsbruton.com)

From King’s Bruton, pupils spread out across the world to make their way in life. eir experiences are endlessly fascinating to both current and former pupils. We have created a YouTube channel to tell their stories in a vox pop format. If you would like to tell YOUR story since leaving King’s, we’d love to hear from you. We can also feature lm taken by former pupils from a bygone era which may have been preserved and digitised.

NOT PRESENT FOR PHOTOGRAPH: Bodo Wirth, Georgina Woods, Jay Terry, Natasha Edwards, Oliver Merrony

FRONT ROW : Alexia Smith, India Finch Hatton, Amy Li, Rosie Thornton, Alice Forrester, Davina Ellis, Darcy O’Connor, Isabella Mason, Luke Hutchinson, Amelia Blunden, Lena Hassler, Laila Squire, Agatha Dawes, Phoebe Lennard, Lottie Rundle, Grace Kay

MIDDLE ROW : Jocelyn Chappell, Jodie Glover, Mia Jessett, Ruben Dicker, William Riley, Rafe Burfi eld, Heydar Huseynli, Luke Cortes, Tyler Hodgson, Jonny Yang, Sam Loughrey, Tia West, Helena Griffi ths, Ellie West, Rachel Tudhope, Charlie Warburton, Olivia Hooker

MIDDLE ROW : Jemima Hurst, Lucy Hackney, Jessica Vallings, Ned Firth, Oliver Wade, Oscar Baldwin Battersby, Oscar Cheffi ngs, Bertie Haywood, Archie Martyn-Smith, Ben Sheldon, Thomas Hyde, Harvey Weekes, Alex Hutchison, Angus Evans, Will Bird, George Field, Tom Curry

BACK ROW : Marcia Kennard, Meso

Lenox-Conyngham, Bertie Hopkins, Jack Binns, James Carr, Ollie Lock, George Jebb, Archie Frost, Joe Banks, Patrick Dick-Read, Will Owen. James Black, Tommy Hodge, Hugo Fisher

KING’S

LEAVERS 2023