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Dear Old Kingswoodians I am delighted to have this rather unexpected opportunity to respond to Michele Greene’s request for a few words on life since stepping down from the Kingswood headship after twelve extraordinarily rewarding years leading the School.
Re-reading what I thought would be my fi nal words to members of the Association written in April 2020, I can feel some eleven months later the sense of shock and uncertainty that so much had changed so fundamentally and unpredictably in such a short period of time. What I can however also see is that there was at the time still a genuine sense of hope that all might have returned to normal by the time Andrew Gordon-Brown succeeded me in September, but alas even now we are some way from being fully through the woods. In much the same way as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic meant my fi nal term took an entirely unplanned course, so the fi rst six months of retirement have not exactly mirrored the immediately post-Kingswood scenario which I might have aspired to when deciding some two years ago that Summer 2020 would be my fi nal term, but I am certainly not alone in saying 2020 did not turn out as planned!
The original plan was to relocate to be nearer family in Derbyshire whilst involving myself more fully in various activities, and especially governance responsibilities at Queenswood and Woodhouse Grove, whilst taking a breather from the type of full-time commitment which headship demanded and
Renaming of the Sports Pavilion
considering more actively what options might be for the future. After a period in Devon, from where I was pleased to be able to record a farewell message to members of the Association, the move to Derbyshire has (just) happened and we are now based just south of the Peak District and looking forward post-Covid to settling fully into a new way and pace of life.
I can but admire from a suitable distance the magnifi cent work Andrew Gordon-Brown and his colleagues have been undertaking in the most challenging of
circumstances to ensure Kingswood students continue to thrive in spite of the significant restrictions which have had to be applied. It is quite extraordinary what has been achieved.
I have inevitably been asked if I am missing the School; I am certainly missing the people in a community which means a great deal to me immensely, but I had expected that. Kingswood is a very special place; the opportunity to lead an institution of such richness and value was always a very real privilege. I knew I would miss the sheer variety of challenge which every day brought, though I acknowledge that it is easy to forget that such complexity did at times give rise on my impatient part to both frustration and exasperation! I am, however, delighted that I have been invited to remain in touch in a small way through my support of the initiatives of the Headmaster, Governors and Director of Development as they look forward in 2023 to celebrating the 275th anniversary of the founding of the School.
I certainly hope there will be plentiful opportunities to continue to meet Old Kingswoodians, something I enjoyed hugely during my tenure at the School. Perhaps there will even be an East Midlands reunion!? And I shall always be delighted to hear news of former students’ endeavours. What is absolutely clear to me is that Kingswood has given me so much more than I could ever have expected and for that I remain extraordinarily grateful.
With all my very best wishes
Simon Morris (Headmaster 2008-2020)
Simon's tree in the grounds of Kingswood
REFLECTING ON MY LIFE
AT KINGSWOOD by Jackie Reeman
When I reflect on my life and career at Kingswood I see a canvas full of snap shots of special moments; a jumble of pictures that overlap, each one a different memory.
It has been such a privilege to teach at our School and I have found myself appreciating the Kingswood ethos more and more as time has gone by. 31 years sounds like a long time and, as more than half my life, it is! To have my life entwined with my career at Kingswood is something that I do not take for granted and it has made my time at Kingswood all the more meaningful.
During my 16 years as Senior Housemistress of School House the girls shared in the joy of my engagement; especially as they were given 2 magnum ice creams each and various other treats that evening! We had blue and pink parties for the births of Lucas and Ella, carrying a baby around with me whilst on duty in the evenings certainly added a different dimension to the House bedtime routine. Inevitably in life there are sad times too and the girls in the House were unknowingly supportive. On occasion I walked from my flat into the House leaving behind sadness and embracing news such as “come and see my ball dress that has just arrived” or perhaps “are you going to watch Grey’s Anatomy with us tonight?”. There was never a time that I did not enjoy being on duty. Young people’s lives are so precious and pastoral care is at the heart of Kingswood, playing the part I did helped to provide me with a very fulfilling career. Of course, there is then the Mathematics teaching… first on chalk boards; there was a board in the Dixon that was particularly good! I have been grateful to all my Heads of Department for allowing me to teach the range of pupils I have requested. It is a joy to teach a class for consecutive years and this has happened on repeated occasions. Something that is obviously memorable for me is teaching my son with his class from Year 10 to the Upper Sixth. Fortunately for me I was teaching this class when many of them received the news of their offers from Cambridge, what a special lesson that was. Another
memorable time was my first lesson when I returned to work after undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer. I was teaching my lovely Year 11 class when Garrod Musto, Head of Department at the time, arrived with a huge chocolate cake to celebrate. The pressures of using all available time to complete syllabuses means there isn’t much relaxation time in lessons; so I have particularly enjoyed teaching the last lessons of the School year. My Upper Sixth classes used to be amused by my parties with homemade muffins and a C4 treasure hunt or an Integration Party. It is lovely to relax with any class that have worked hard with you and for them to see another side of your personality. Which brings me on to extra-curricular activities. Taking netball and tennis teams has enriched my life at Kingswood. I love sport and sharing in the weekly triumphs (and disappointments) with the girls and sports staff has meant so much to me. There was a netball match against one school where the opposition and parents were very unfriendly towards me as the umpire. I certainly experienced the fierce loyalty of my team after that match. Of course, I also need to mention the aerobics sessions that I have been running for social sports on a Thursday afternoon in Senior Games for some years now. This has been so much fun. We had a memorable charity event with aerobics and the 1st XV rugby team and I have also enjoyed taking some staff aerobics. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to take my sabbatical half term in June 2018. I used the time to undertake my 200 hour Yoga teacher training course in Spain. This has added another dimension to my teaching at Kingswood offering both yoga to pupils and staff. For the last three years I have been fortunate to take on the role as Chair of the Kingswood Common Room. This has given me the opportunity to work with colleagues on a wide range of issues and I have enjoyed the eclectic mix of challenges it has presented.
Returning to my canvas memories, in no particular order as they tumble out of my head, here are some of the many snap shots that make me smile (I have avoided mentioning specific pupils as everyone has contributed to my life at Kingswood)... Cartwheels on the Summerhill lawn with Henry Keys (the chaplain at the time) at Debbie
Jenner’s wedding.
My Upper Sixth girls singing
Three Little Birds by Bob
Marley for the consultant in the Breast Unit at the RUH when we presented a cheque to the unit.
Doing a Blues Brothers impression of Shake your
Tailfeather at an Airbands concert for the pupils in what was the Moulten Hall (now the Heap library).
Taking part in the Race for Life with members of the school community and my running partner Mrs Morris.
Sharing champagne out of a bottle with Gary Best at a
Christmas party dressed as
Tinker Bell.
Climbing across Crib Cough tethered to Mary Telford trembling with fear to complete the 14 Peaks Challenge with
John Davies and co.
Singing Voulez Vous by Abba with my Upper Sixth girls when I stepped down as
Senior Housemistress in 2012.
Taking part in a staff team swimming cannon at the
House swimming gala in my first year at Kingswood.
Friday evening staff volleyball games in the early days.
Cycling from London to Paris with Debbie Jenner to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. Handstands in the Maths
Office with Roger White and
Matt Smith in the excitement of a half term holiday about to begin.
Receiving news of exam results for various classes and those unexpected triumphs of pupils surpassing expectations.
Staff parties in the early days…the Jungle Book Party,
Chess Party, Trainspotter’s
Party, Charity Shop Party.
Proud moments as a Mummy for both Ella and Lucas.
And many, many more…
So, a question often asked of me recently has been “What are you going to do with your retirement Jackie?”
As I answered to one friend: it will give me the time to pursue all those activities that are put on hold due to lack of time. I am looking forward to more yoga (I am re-doing my 200 hour yoga qualification in Bath) to more adventures on my bike and in the camper-van, playing more tennis, more golf, more reading, more quilting, more photography, more baking, more music, more theatre trips, more cinema trips, more coffees with friends,…. more of everything possibly apart from free time! MATTHEW EVANS (KS 1976-82) We are pleased to announce that Matthew has been awarded an MBE for political and public service. He tells Kingswood that “I have said many times that you don’t get involved in local politics for the money or to seek recognition – you do it to try and make a difference, and I hope that I have managed to do that. But I feel incredibly lucky to be receiving this award. The biggest problem has been keeping it a secret from my family since I was first told about it back in May. I know my daughters are particularly impressed – now that I have something in common with Ed Sheeran!”
BIO Matthew has been involved in local politics since the late 1990’s. He was Leader of the Council between 2008-12 Mayor 2014/15 and has been Conservative Group Leader / Leader of Opposition on Newport City Council since 2003. He has been a school Governor at two local primary schools since 1999. Married to Tina Hatton-Evans since 1992 they have 2 daughters Bethan and Jessica and a rescue Springer Spaniel called Rosie.
PROFESSOR A. DAVID SMITH (KS 1948-57)
David has recently moved to Sweden and sent the Association this lovely picture of the river Göta Alv, part of the port of Gothenburg, the second largest port in Europe after Rotterdam.
“Below is the view from our ‘summer’ cottage in early December. We heard they have more than 1m of snow now ”
JAMES GERRISH
Wedding of James Gerrish
(KS 1998-2005) and staff at
the Prep School (2005-06) to Emma Charlotte Ross on 12 September 2020.
WONDERFUL GIFTS FOR THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The Music Department recently took delivery of an Offenbach Boudoir DG1 grand piano and a wonderful cello.
These were kindly bequeathed to the school by the late Mr David Sawyer, an Old Kingswoodian (1936-45).
Mr Sawyer’s wife, Jane, was incredibly kind in organising this most generous of gifts, which will have huge benefit for Music students at Kingswood for many years to come. Our students are incredibly fortunate to be able to play on such beautiful instruments, and the pianists in particular will benefit from the inimitable touch and feel of a grand piano, which is so unique and quite different from that of an upright.
The Music Department and its students wishes to extend the warmest thanks and gratitude to Jane and her family, and will ensure that these instruments are treasured in David’s memory for years to come.
Many thanks
REFLECTIONS
Where to start after 37 years at Kingswood and working under three headmasters?
Trawling the memory banks has been an enjoyable experience where hundreds of lessons, thousands of pupils, as many sports matches, and some outstanding colleagues and friends have made their mark. As I think of my early days the life and customs then in the school now seem so anachronistic but there was something special about those times.
I was appointed as Head of Girls Games in ’83 by Laurie Campbell along with only two other staff Henry Keys (Chaplain)and his wife Freda (English). I was one of only 5 females on the staff. Geography teacher Debbie Jenner arrived two years later and an enduring friendship was made.
My recollections were that Kingswood was very much a traditional private school, learning how to acclimatise and cope with the foibles of the fairer sex. Boys were addressed by their surnames (not the girls); the staff room was referred to as The Masters’ Common Room; it was not unusual to see some of the elder staff snoozing by the lit fire in the afternoon; miscreant pupils were asked to report to the Headmaster’s House at 7 am; every report was hand written and being the only female PE teacher I had to write for every girl in the school; staff socials and end of term do’s were legendary; Staff were given nicknames.... Bop, Banger, Bendy, Bonkers, Fluff, Jungle Jim, Precis, Rog,Tin Head, and Sparky to name a few. Even the Headmaster had one – Jock. I adopted the same habit and was well known for giving soubriquets to staff and pupils alike. There was something special about the atmosphere in Kingswood – a mutual respect between staff and pupils and the inclusivity of all in the community encapsulated the ethos of the school perfectly. Headmasters Best and Morris I have seen the school grow immeasurably, refurbished, added to and rebranded. Our Prep School joined us on the Bath site; there were no longer Saturday morning lessons; there was no longer the winter timetable with the late evening lessons known as the graveyard slot; the whole school could no longer fit into the chapel, nor could it fit into the dining room; Boarding Houses shifted places and were developed, the redgras replaced by Astroturf, and a second one on the Upper, the old gym with its archetypal ropes and bars turned into the art block, a sports hall built, a theatre, a music block and recording studio, a DT centre, IT introduced and developed,
a new teaching block, science labs modernised. The physical changes to the school have been immense and necessary yet that intangible ethos that is essentially Kingswood has remained. Gary Best’s book title Continuity & Change so very apt.
Sports played a huge part in my own life and I loved coaching the school teams and was proud of the success and standards that Kingswood achieved. And it wasn’t just the 1st teams. There were memorable teams with unbeaten seasons 2nd team netball U14 netball and hockey and U15 hockey; this feat earned a special meal for the teams courtesy of the headmaster. No review of sport in Kingswood can be complete without mention of the Upper. Every pupil will have learnt resilience coping with the trek up Lansdown to be greeted by the inhospitable exposed climes of the Upper...all character building. Perhaps one of the strangest recollections was finding a donkey in the middle of the netball courts – I never found out why and no it wasn’t April fools or ‘Muck up’ Day! I have also been incredibly fortunate to go on several sports tours; South Africa/Kenya/Australia/Italy. The tourists will tell you these trips are memorable –they are right but as the saying goes...what happens on tour stays on tour. So no further mentions of that in this article! In equal measure I loved teaching all pupils to achieve and develop confidence and self-belief whether that be learning to shoot, swim or dive; to encourage junior English students in their reading and writing or to see my sixth form psychology students grasping the basics of a new subject to them. Another standout memory for me is the very moving Remembrance Day Services that were moved outdoors. The whole school gathered and the crosses placed in the ground with the roll call for past Kingswoodians who lost their lives in war and the last post played
Boarding and pastoral care at Kingswood is close to my heart and I finished my tenure at Kingswood as Head of Boarding. I started learning my ‘trade’ as a resident assistant at Fonthill under John and Patsy Lewis. I had boarded myself as a youngster so understood the need to make a boarding house a home for those away from their families. So many boarders have passed through my care and the memories of so many different girls and personalities are innumerable; late night chats; the inevitable midnight feasts; the apple pie beds; bats in the room; enormous arachnids; pigeons nesting on the beds in holidays; the kitchen being the heart of the home; cake making and cooking; Saturday film nights; sleeping bag surfing down the stairs (before the days of health and safety I add), wide games, celebrating the Royal Wedding, charity walks. I used to say that Fonthill stood for fairness and fun and I have lived my time at Kingswood following that rubrick.
Retirement has been relaxing – I do miss the camaraderie and dare I say, routine, but time now for myself without being ruled by timetables and deadlines is bliss. I feel so privileged to have worked in Kingswood. Like the pupils I have grown and matured there and made incredible friends. As I walk during lockdown I can see Kingswood’s tower on the horizon and look with fondness on the place that was my second home.
GETTING THE JAB
By the time you read this a large majority of the British public will have been vaccinated against Covid-19, the economy will be opening up, holidays will be being planned and life will be returning to something we recognise as normal. But as I sit here in Bath typing in mid-February, I’ve just had mine and it feels very special; and worth writing about.
It’s been eleven long months since this country’s first lockdown. A horrific, unnecessarily large, number of people have died. Whole sectors of the economy have shut down. Companies have closed and huge numbers of jobs have been lost. Many of us, but especially those who have had to juggle working from home, home-schooling, caring for distant, isolated relatives (often in impossibly small spaces without access to outside space) have discovered previously unsuspected reserves of courage, commitment and resilience. But of course all of it has taken its toll, on all of us.
I turned sixty-five on 16 February. And on 17 February I got a letter from the NHS inviting me to go to their website and book my vaccination. I’ve never been personally that nervous about getting Covid. I’m reasonably fit, not over-weight, with no underlying health conditions. But plenty of people younger than me, with the same characteristics, have been very ill or worse. So of course our family obeyed the guidelines and took all reasonable precautions. In fact our children were touchingly concerned to keep me and my wife protected. Yet I still felt an enormous sense of relief. Something that had seemed a remote possibility for a long time was about to actually happen.
So, I booked my slot – 8.40 at Bath Racecourse - where we walk our dogs most days. The process will be very similar to the one that I hope you, the reader, have also had. But I do want to try and capture the atmosphere and pay tribute to the people I met.
The place was manned, for the most part, by volunteers. The Fire Brigade had supplied some of the manpower, but the rest of the staff were a mixture of medical professionals, NHS employees and plain old Bathonians who, rather heroically, had raised their hands and put themselves forward, for no pay and out of the goodness of their hearts. The really striking thing was how helpful, courteous and cheerful everyone was. I used to think that the nicest middle-class people could ever be to each other was when taking their children to university for the first time and meeting the other parents. But this certainly came close.
There was a smooth conveyor belt of check-ins, questions, short waits and finally, the jab itself. I have to confess I felt quite emotional getting it. We’ve all waited a year, sometimes anxious and a little bit afraid, bombarded by mostly bad news (although thank you Joe and Kamala for bringing respite), and in many cases hearing of friends catching the disease; even losing relatives. And suddenly relief was at hand and a way out of this seemingly intractable mess could be dimly discerned.
And I certainly wasn’t alone in this. After the jab there was, rather wonderfully, a recovery area, with socially distanced chairs and a view out over the racecourse parade ring. And sitting there in quiet contemplation were a number of sixty and seventysomethings feeling, I’m certain, very much as I did. That something quite momentous had happened, in a very understated and British way.
I’m not a fan of this government. And I firmly believe they have some very hard questions to answer on their handling of the pandemic; the numbers don’t lie. But perhaps we do have to give them credit for their vaccine procurement strategy. And of course, for making the decision to let the professionals organise the administration programme. Goodness knows how many times it’s been thought and said by every one of us in the past year. But one more time, let’s give thanks for and to the NHS.
A BOATING COMMUNITY
In November 2020, together with my husband, we published a photography book about the boating community on the Kennet and Avon Canal, An Uneasy Paradise: Living on the Waterways.
LOUISE TICKNER (NÉE CHAPPELL) (KS 1996-2001)
Captured exclusively on film, the photography book, An Uneasy Paradise, is an intimate portrait, through the seasons, of the boating community at the Western end of the Kennet and Avon Canal. This collection of exquisitely beautiful photographs, with accompanying interviews, tells an inspiring story of a beautiful and simple way of life, and serves as a reminder to pay attention to that subtle magic that can be found in every moment, if we take the time and space to look – a much needed antidote in
Louise
a world of fast images and endless content. Through their images Sebastien and Louise invite the reader into the private world of a vibrant community, and through their words introduce them to a way of life that is under pressure. The need to cover ever-greater distances to comply with the changing licence requirements imposed by the Canal & River Trust is creating a reality of hardship and isolation that threatens the stability of this long-established community.
After a decade of travel in Asia, a period that enabled them to witness first hand the adverse affects of marketed globalisation, Sebastien and Louise were drawn to the canals by a hope of finding living examples of positive models for the future – ones that offer sustainable, creative and fulfilling ways of being. Humanity cannot exist at this pace, at this level of consumption, and without spaces such as these where the individual mind can grow, rest and flourish, the human spirit will find no peace.
Sebastien and Louise are both from Bath, and after an extensive period of travel in Asia, have returned to their hometown. Since 2012 they have lived on
their narrowboat, and after a journey of exploration around the country, have chosen to settle on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Compiled, edited and written by the artists, An Uneasy Paradise is the culmination of eight years of work.
To view a selection of images from the book please visit: www.sebastienandlouise.com/ press-space
Title: An Uneasy Paradise: Living on the Waterways Softcover: 160 pages ISBN: 978-1-8381415-0-9 Dimensions: 20 x 1.2 x 24.5 cm RRP: £22
Author’s website:
www.sebastienandlouise.com/ shop/an-uneasy-paradise-livingon-the-waterways
For a list of stockists visit:
www.sebastienandlouise.com/ stockists
FOODCYCLE VOLUNTEERING
This lockdown, 3 former Kingswood pupils, Amy Greene, Emma Gordon & Olivia Dellow, all signed up to be volunteers for the charity, FoodCycle.
They decided to search for local volunteering programs, as being instilled with the strong Kingswood ethos “to always give back to those when you can,” they felt it was the perfect time as they had absolutely no excuses whilst at home all day, every day not to do it!
FoodCycle is a “national charity that builds communities through surplus food, volunteers and spare kitchen spaces.” They strongly believe that food waste and food poverty should not co-exist. A sentiment we should all get supporting. The charity functions solely from donations of surplus food from local stores and supermarkets which is then transported to spare kitchen spaces (by volunteers on their bikes). It is then made into a delicious 3-course meal by volunteers. After which, volunteers host, and give out, the meals, along with food parcels and other donated items such as sanitary ware.
Amy and Emma took on the cooking role for the Bristol branch. Amy said, “We both really love cooking and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of using out of date
fruit and veg to create something delicious. You do not have to be a pro, and complete novices are welcome. Everyone was friendly, and the day absolutely flew by.”
Olivia was added to the Bath group where she took part in hosting. This is the section of the evening where the meals are packed and given out to those queuing for a meal. It provides the best chance to see and speak to guests and ask them how they are getting on. She said, “We were all surprised with the amount of people who queued up to receive a hot meal and food parcel, a stark reminder that food poverty is a very real problem which has
been increased dramatically over the last year.” The girls added they would like to return once Covid restrictions are lifted as the normal practice is for meals to be eaten at a table to allow for guests and hosts to interact with each other and enjoy one another’s company. For so many these are the only faces, they see each week.
Over the past few months, FoodCycle launched a Check-in and Chat service as they had to change the way they support some of their guests. “What is amazing is the numerous conversations and laughs I’ve been able to share with people from all different walks of life” Olivia said, “with so many people struggling with loneliness and feeling isolated during this time it is lovely to be able to support just by picking up your phone for a ‘weekly natter’ as they say!”
The great thing about this project is that there are a variety of roles available across England – and slots to fit around the times you have free be that 3 hours or 30 minutes. If you can, please do get
involved here: www.foodcycle. org.uk/get-involved/volunteer “You will not regret it!”
THE WILLIAM CROSS FOUNDATION
Many of you will remember Will Cross, a Year 13 student who tragically passed away in May 2016. The William Cross Foundation was set up by his parents in his memory. Visit: www.williamcrossfoundation.org
Stage 2 Studios in Bath, run by Dan Flitcroft, works alongside MAS Records to provide completely free studio rehearsal and recording time to young bands in Bath. Since 2016, they have helped develop over 100 bands in and around Bath, giving them the facilities to write, perform and release their own original material. Some of the bands have gone on to great international success including airtime on Radio 1, playing at Glastonbury, Download and Arc Tangent festivals, and European tours. The scheme is funded through local educational grants and is available for bands aged between 16 and 18 years old. They also have provision to offer the scheme out to a limited number of older bands too. This year has been understandably extra challenging for young musicians, and so the William Cross Foundation has partnered with Stage 2 Studios to provide free professional microphones to all successfully registered bands on the scheme. The Foundation hopes to work with Stage 2 Studios in the future to find new, expand innovative ways to help support young local musicians.
If you are interested in hearing more about the scheme, please email Dan at stage2studios@ btconnect.com
LIFE ON THE WARDS
I graduated in 2018 from Swansea Medical School having previously completed my first degree in Medical Science in Birmingham (I decided later on that I wanted to do medicine).Medical school was brilliant in so many ways, but I really started to develop as a doctor once I started working on the wards themselves as a junior doctor.
I was in my second year of junior doctor training in Swansea when the first wave of COVID spread across the UK. Many of the wards in the hospital became “COVID wards”, our rota changed so we were on-call more and I was re-deployed from plastic surgery to COVID wards to offer extra support. I remember being quite anxious during this time as it was so early on and we were only just getting our heads around the fact that we were entering into a pandemic. I went from seeing death fairly infrequently to very sadly quite often. Some of the saddest moments were having to tell families over the phone that their loved ones were dying, but they wouldn’t be able to visit. These moments made me appreciate my own family and made me realise that anyone could be vulnerable to this disease.
“I found strength from talking with those I worked with...sharing our feelings and experiences was invaluable. ˮ
When the most recent wave of COVID-19 hit the UK, the situation was no better and the impact (as we all know) was huge on hospitals. Swansea had a large number of COVID-19 inpatients and many staff were suffering from COVID themselves. During this period, I spent some time working on a busy COVID ward with many unwell patients and it was fair to say my emotions ran high at times. Working on this ward tested my resilience, but I found strength from talking with those I worked with, whether it was nurses or fellow doctors; sharing our feelings and experiences was invaluable. Staff across the hospital were physically and mentally exhausted but everyone was so supportive to each other that it made it that bit easier.
One year on since the anniversary of the first lockdown, I now work as a locum doctor in Cornwall and COVID cases have gone down dramatically thankfully. I haven’t had much chance to explore Cornwall but I am really looking forward to the summer when hopefully things will be more normal and we will be able to socialise with family and friends again. My plan for the future is to be a general practitioner. I’ve chosen this speciality because you get to know your patients over time, it has a huge variety of pathology and you truly are a generalist! As demanding as it can sometimes be, I love my job and I am excited to start my GP training in the South West come August.
I look back at my days in Kingswood where we used to hang out at the chapel and I would never have believed I would be here writing this. This goes to show we can all achieve what we want if we put our mind to it. I would also say to anyone who wants to be a doctor or a health care professional, make sure you do some work experience to get a feel for the job first. Other than that, don’t let anything or anyone stop you!
BECOMING JUNIOR DOCTORS
The spring of 2020 was not unlike that of 2013 for the two of us with impending final examinations and exciting summer travel plans.
In 2013 it was A Levels at Kingswood and a year-group trip abroad. In 2020 it was medical school finals and electives. As it did for most, the pandemic cast our plans into turmoil. Final exams and subsequent graduations were brought forward and we ended up being rushed in to the health service as newly qualified doctors. Billed as the highlight of a medical degree and a grand finale, our electives to The Cook Islands, Japan and Tanzania were all sadly cancelled.
The curtailing of our final year of studies did allow for some unexpected but incredibly valuable time with our families before we started our careers as qualified doctors. House moves to Reading and Tottenham followed before the big first day. Usually, newly qualified Foundation Year 1 doctors shadow their predecessors for a few days prior to filling the role themselves. However, we were able to start as supernumerary doctors with ample supervision many months in advance. Or so was the intention. In reality, we joined an incredibly stretched workforce with high proportions of doctors self-isolating with symptomatic disease. Nevertheless, the morale amongst junior doctors was remarkably strong at the beginning of the pandemic and made for a much easier transition into working life than could have been the case in the midst of a pandemic.
Come the August start date for Foundation Year 1 doctors, we felt much better prepared for our upcoming rotations than those who had not been able to start work at an earlier date than was conventional. To this end, medical schools are looking into how they can understand the positive aspects of a prolonged period of supernumerary work as a qualified doctor and how to work this into their curricula and it will be interesting to see if significant changes are made to medical school final year syllabuses to incorporate this highly beneficial experience.
Medical school is a long, rigorous process and consists of many steep learning curves en route to becoming a qualified doctor. Some graduates feel they could have started a few months before they did; some would rather gather more experience in medical school. Regardless of their perceived readiness to practise medicine, there is no doubting that starting out is a huge step to take and comes with the steepest learning curve experienced in the medical career to that point. At medical school you have responsibility for your professional behaviour and interact with patients accordingly, however this level of responsibility was incomparable to the ultimate accountability a doctor has to their patients and their care. Though daunting, that privilege which patients afford their doctors remains the most rewarding aspect of medicine.
A mindset that medical school subconsciously nurtures is one of perfection due to the competitive exams and ranking system to secure a preferred job, not to mention the medical student’s desire to avoid an embarrassing lack of knowledge on a busy ward round. However, since working in medicine, it has become evident that perfection is something even the specialists sometimes struggle to achieve on their own. As junior doctors we have to work within our limitations and accept that we are only scratching the surface of knowledge and experience required for a successful career in medicine. Becoming aware of this change in mindset and appreciation of the value of the NHS team to achieve the highest
Angus
level of patient care has made working life as a doctor much more manageable and enjoyable.
As junior doctors there is neither need nor requirement to be an expert in any specific disease, however the pandemic necessitated a swift learning curve in managing the novel disease. Despite having had no training at medical school in how to treat COVID-19, it was no major challenge getting to grips with the available therapies as so little was available at the beginning and all were familiar therapies to us. The pandemic really brought together the scientific community and with the urgent need to further understand COVID-19 clinical trials were required. Working at centres involved in the RECOVERY Trial, it was a huge boost to know that patients we had treated who selflessly enrolled onto the trial were involved in the validation of certain therapies against COVID-19, notably the steroid dexamethasone. It was very reassuring to see new effective therapies being introduced.
The pandemic put most post-graduate training on hold, however the many skills learned during the surges will be invaluable in our medical careers ahead. An important skill that was swiftly developed was to know when someone should be considered for intensive care support, something that junior doctors previously would have little exposure to. Taking a blood sample from an artery, a required competency to graduate from medical school but little practiced, became routine practice and was a skill that was in high demand in patients with COVID-19. Communication with relatives was paramount with no visitors permitted at the hospital except for patients who were receiving palliative or end of life care. Giving regular updates over the telephone to concerned loved ones became the norm. Thankfully not routine for most doctors but still a regular requirement was the need to break devastatingly bad news to patients’ relatives over the telephone. No aspect of medical training can quite prepare you to do this for the first time, and it didn’t get any easier with time.
The past year has been an unusual introduction to working life as doctors. It would be easy to reflect on just the challenging aspects, however to do so would disregard the significant experience we have gained that will no-doubt contribute to our clinical care in the future. Now that our country is seemingly progressing through the pandemic, it is exciting to look forward to our further medical training. We will shortly be moving on to our Foundation Year 2 posts before moving into specialty training in the years to come.
BIRTHS
LOCKDOWN BABY
HANNAH BELLFIELD (NÉE JAMES) (KS 2001-08)
Pregnancy during lockdown was, if anything, something of a blessing. There was no pressure to conceal morning sickness from work because I wasn’t in the office, nor did I have to come up with excuses not to drink (which I fear would have raised immediate suspicion...) In the later stages, when tiredness set in and general movement became more uncomfortable, the only commute I needed to navigate was the one to the desk in our spare room and I was able to block out “meetings” in my diary when I needed to nap... I’m not sure that would have gone down well if I’d been in the office. However, lockdown also meant that my husband, Jack, was unable to attend most of my pre-natal appointments and scans, which was disappointing. And while he was able to be there for her birth and stay for a few hours after, he was sent home for the night (which I think he was secretly relieved about as it meant he got a good night’s sleep. Meanwhile, I had my baptism of fire alone on the post-natal ward, exhausted, with a crying newborn!).
At home, life with Lola has been wonderful. While lockdown means that we haven’t been able to do all the things we would have liked to do, we have formed a childcare bubble with my parents so that they have been able to spend plenty of time with their granddaughter. We’ve also been able to go on lots of walks with friends and introduce her. It might not be ideal, but things could have been a lot worse and we’re grateful that restrictions are now starting to loosen - we are very much looking forward to a summer of fun and freedom!
RHONA COPELAND (NÉE GREENE) (KS 1999-2006)
Emilia was born in May 2020 when we were in full lockdown. It was hard not being able to see family and friends during the later part of my pregnancy. Also my husband couldn’t attend any appointments and scans during this time. When she was born my family had to wait a while before they could meet her, however we have been fortunate that my
Because of this I have been working in the community during the pandemic and I have experienced the challenges the last year has presented to local communities, with the pandemic having a huge impact on health inequalities, and subsequently the health and wellbeing of children and families.
During the first lockdown I was redeployed like many Health Visitors across the country, I was asked to move to adult District Nursing as they prepared to support hospitals by taking care of more adults at home in the community. I was with them for two months, and was then able to re-join my Health Visiting team at the end of the first lockdown. My colleagues had experienced huge challenges as the service had been restricted and reduced, we were having to work remotely and complete a lot of visits virtually and not seeing children and families as we usually would. It has been a difficult and frustrating time, with worries about not being able to give families the full support they would usually have and what this might mean for children’s health and wellbeing. We were fortunate that the Health Visiting service in Bath was not disrupted as much as in other parts of the country, and we were grateful to continue seeing some families at home. Over the recent months the service has been slowly reinstating allowing us to return to more of a ‘normal’ service. However, continuing
husband has been working from home and has spent quality time with her every day.
Unfortunately we were only able to attend a few baby classes due to the restrictions that were put in place and haven’t been able to see family and friends recently.
We have so much to look forward to over the next few months, including spending quality time with family and celebrating her 1st birthday in the garden!
WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES DURING THE PANDEMIC
At the beginning of 2020 I moved from acute paediatric nursing to public health nursing, and started training to become a Health Visitor.
home visits has presented its own challenges with PPE and the risks of going into homes before the prospect of any vaccine and before we were being routinely tested. Despite this we were pleased to be able to continue to support many families, continue to share health promotion messages and support children in the very important first years of life. In particular, it was a privilege to be there for many first time parents who were without the support of their families and local groups.
I am now a qualified Health Visitor and have started a new job in Bristol. I am hopeful the service will continue to be reinstated over the next few months to allow us to fully support families in order to reduce some of the ways children have been adversely affected by the pandemic."
Rosie Wakefield (KS 2008-15)
NICHOLAS COURTENAY CARVOSSO SPENCER (KS 1962-67) AND PRIORS COURT BEFORE THAT
Joseph Spencer, probably taken around 1870 Kingswod School Tennis Team, 1967
Ronald Courtenay Carvosso Spencer - my grandfather 1892-1947, Benjamin Carvosso Spencer - my great grandfather 1853-1938, Frederic Spencer - my great grandfather's brother 1861-1942.
Their Father/Grandfather was the Rev Joseph Spencer 1819-71 who was not at Kingswood but was the Methodist Minister in Kingswood Bristol at about the time that Kingswood School located to Bath.
Joseph's other son Jonathan Smith Spencer (step-brother to Ben & Fred) sadly didn't go to Kingswood but somehow ended up as President of the Methodist Conference in South Africa in the 1880s.
Benjamin was a junior master at KS before turning to the ministry (early 1870s?).
Frederic, his brother, went to Cambridge University from KS (end 1870s?) and became a professor of modern languages before becoming School's Inspector and eventually becoming a "Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur" amongst other titles that can be found in Who's Who. His oldest son went to Oxford to study medicine, his second son ended up as a film director in Hollywood! and his third son is known in the history books as an officer organising the Christmas Truce in 1914 France, but was killed 3 months later.
The sons all went to Dulwich College (not KS!). Their sister Elsa ended up as a School's Inspector like her father.
Above is a photo of me found on your website taken in 1967 (Tennis Team), top left of photo standing next to Brian Payne who Phil Cole has been trying to contact.
PAUL CHEATER (KS 1962-70)
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford Brookes University, which was a re-award of the Cert Ed I obtained from Westminster College in 1973, and styled as 'Bachelor of Arts by Incorporation'. As I think I have quipped before, I don't think any of my contemporaries or teachers will be surprised to know that it only took me nearly 50 years to graduate...!
ALFIE BROOOKS (KS 2011-18)
During my time at Kingswood my dad was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer and sadly passed away less than two years after his diagnosis. In my final year at school, myself and my friend Charlie Webb, raised over £20,000 by running the Bath Half and the Madrid marathon for Cancer Research.
In 2019 I wanted to find a new challenge, so I signed up for the Bolton Ironman. Unfortunately I had to postpone this due to an injury, then the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19. The race this year is currently set to take place on 4 July and I will be taking part with my brother. We are raising money for Grief Encounter, a charity who focus on people who are struggling with bereavement, as my family really struggled with the loss of Jonathan (dad). So many people have lost loved ones during this pandemic, its a situation that seems more relevant than ever.
The Ironman consists of swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, then running 26 miles. I am currently training four times a week doing two bike rides and two runs, and when swimming pools re-open after lockdown I will start training for this aspect too.
If anyone feels that they have been effected by losing someone or would like to donate to this cause it would be hugely appreciated.
https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/alfie-brooks10
A TREASURED COMMISSION
Sherin Aminossehe (@ArchiDame) is a top drawer infrastructure specialist, an awesome programme manager and runs an investment portfolio of around £6B per annum for UK Defence.
Her day job is nuclear submarines, stealth fighter bases, the Household Cavalry stables and around 10,000 other facilities spread across the Globe. In her part time, she is a more impressive artist, takes commissions and is a great friend. Having seen her depictions of HMS Victory, Greenwich Naval College, harbours and City centres around the UK, I asked her to capture my school, Kingswood, in her inimitable, pen and ink style. It is magnificent.
I spent my formative years on Lansdown hill. In Cusworth from 1977 to leaving Hall House in 1985, I loved every minute. Parents mostly on different continents, the House masters, staff and Wesleyian environment was my second home. In my 29th house now for 10 years, Henley has only just overtaken Kingswood as the longest place I have lived. My heart lies equally in both places and Catherine and I regularly track back to Bath, Westwood, the Upper and Lower and I fondly and boringly recollect my time at school. It was a magnificent time and was my launch pad for my career of choice.
In via recta celeriter seems apt for life in the Royal Air Force. It’s fast paced, full of ambiguity and our adversaries are unforgiving if you ponder, dally or vacillate. Combat favours those who can assimilate situations quickly, hold lots of variables in the mind, have good judgement, are minded to act and, especially, are curious and eager to learn. I have made countless mistakes, had an array of eye-watering ‘scrapes’, but have grown from the experience of each. Just as I did stood to attention in front of Mr Campbell, quivering before Mr Duchars, wincing under the ire of Mr Wilkinson or listening intently to Mr Horton. Kingswood was an amazing education and School remains very close to my heart, which is why I sought Sherin’s commission and am so pleased with her work.
