OL News
For the Old Leightonians and Friends’ Community |
2016
Reflections from the Head Chair of Governors As Chair of Governors and an Old Leightonian, I am constantly reminded how the school continues to evolve its educational offering, embracing Quaker values to deliver an education true to the original Latin meaning of the word “to draw out a person’s intrinsic qualities”. At a time when we are seeing unprecedented levels of change, politically, socially and through science and technology, my fellow Governors and I are committed to supporting Nigel and his team in ensuring that the school continues to educate its students in this pattern: to be resilient, prepared and self-assured individuals, ready to follow their ambitions and find their place in this challenging world. Since the EU referendum and consequent events, the political climate has been rapidly changing and uncertain. At Leighton Park, our confidence in the bright future of the school, with our international community of students, remains steadfast. Students, parents and staff, both past and present, know that Leighton Park will always offer an environment of tolerance and understanding, promoting the growth of relationships between people, regardless of their nationality or political position. The ability to research complex issues, listen to others and appreciate alternative viewpoints are skills that Year 9 developed during Global
Contents 3 Development update 4 Events 7 OL and Friends’ news 11 OLCC news 11 News from Leighton Park 15 Perspective from Nathan Pearce 16 Obituaries 18 Archives 20 Supporting Leighton Park The image on the front cover shows the plans for the new Music and Media Centre (MMC)
Mindedness Week (see page 12), debating controversial topics including the Syrian civil war and the refugee crisis. Participants eloquently engaged in verbal sparring proffering clear arguments. Perhaps they could teach the EU campaigners a thing or two! The confidence to face new challenges, both in and out of the classroom, is a genuine focus of life at Leighton Park through our small class sizes, our excellent pastoral support and our extensive activities programme. I am always delighted to recognise the academic achievements of our students in their examination results. However, what gives me even greater pleasure is to witness each student’s personal journey. Through their engagement in education, with our encouragement, our inspiration and our care, they have grown into young men and women ready to fully embrace life beyond the Park in whichever region of the global community they choose. It is always wonderful to see members of the school community return to Leighton Park, whether I have taught them over the years or whether they are before my time! I have enjoyed seeing OLs and former members of staff at the 6s reunion, the Over 70s Afternoon Tea as well as sporting events. I look forward to seeing many more of you over the next year.
We continue to invest in the Park and its buildings and facilities. This year we have opened a new cardiovascular exercise room, enhanced IT suites with over a 130 new computers, and a food technology suite. Teaching areas in Townson and Peckover have been upgraded and refurbishment work in the houses has improved rest and relaxation areas for all our students. To make the Park more sustainable we have installed solar panels on the swimming pool and have replaced lighting across the site to be more energy efficient. We were delighted to receive planning permission for the development of the Main Hall into a wonderful new Music and Media Centre (MMC) with enhanced teaching and learning space. There are plans for new practice areas, additional teaching rooms, a ‘Live Lounge’, and a green room. A new landscaped pedestrianised area will be built around the hall to enhance the whole school (shown on the front cover). Work is about to begin and will be completed in the autumn of 2017. More details on this exciting new development can be found on the school website – www.leightonpark.com/613/facilitiesdevelopment/music-and-media-centre David Isherwood (F 2000)
Nigel Williams
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Development update Alumni relations and fundraising The Development Office looks after the alumni relations, but it also extends to communicating with the whole school community. It is really lovely to have the opportunity to talk to so many people about their memories of Leighton Park and what they have done since. I meet many people throughout the generations, some who are featured in this magazine. Of particular note are former Governor Catherine Avent (page 10), OL Karl Lehmann (page 7) and OL, parent and Governor Nathan Pearce (page 15). I am keen to know that we are communicating with you personally in the way that you would like. Please do contact me if we can improve on this. Recently we have been working hard to reengage with many more OLs and former staff, with great success. Just in the last month we have got in touch with 397 Old Leightonians who we hadn’t been in contact with before. This magazine will be the first time they hear from us! Welcome to the alumni communications to those OLs and friends.
Your support Our school community, including OLs, former staff, former parents, parents and friends, provide tremendous support to the school in so many different ways. From offering their time and expertise at our Careers Fair, to giving talks to students and providing work experience. Our school community is also increasingly supporting the school financially in a number of ways (see page 20). This is all facilitated through the Development Office. Thank you to everyone for your support.
The Bursary Fund Bursaries have been given to LP students as far back as 1924. The school is committed to continuing this tradition and expanding the number of both full and part bursaries that we can offer talented and able students. This is the main project that the Development Office is fundraising for. Some members of the school community already support the Bursary Fund and we are very grateful (see some examples on page 20). If you would like to support the Bursary Fund or the school in a different way, please do let me know.
Send us your news Would you like to be featured in a forthcoming OL e-newsletter? We now feature OLs by era. You can update your peers on what you are doing, or have done since school, and if you wish, you can share any memories of your time at LP. If you get married or have a baby, we’d love to hear. We are also keen to know who you are still in touch with, as this can help us reconnect with a wider community. Please do send your contributions.
Volunteer for us I am looking for a volunteer to help with the editing of the OL e-newsletters and OL News Magazine. If you have the appropriate skills, can you help?
Annual report Our Annual Report is available to post to you if you would like a copy. Please do let me know.
Please do get in touch if you would like to talk about anything to do with Development. I look forward to hearing from you or meeting up. Celia Blakeway-Phillips Head of Development development@leightonpark.com 0118 987 9648
Visiting school We welcome OLs and other members of the LP community to visit the school at a time that is convenient. We do urge you to contact the Development Office in advance of arriving as visitors are no longer able to walk around the school premises unaccompanied. It is necessary to sign in at Reception in Old School on arrival. Please contact the Development Office at development@leightonpark.com or call 0118 987 9648, so that we can ensure that you have an enjoyable visit. Thank you.
Leaving a gift in your Will to Leighton Park Trust is a wonderful way to make a difference to our students’ futures
If you would like to know more please contact, in confidence: Celia Blakeway-Phillips Head of Development e: celiabp@leightonpark.com t: 0118 987 9648
Reg Charity No: 309144
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Events OLs round off LP’s 125th birthday in style Regardless of whether they left 70 years ago or 17, Old Leightonians converged on the Park to mark the school’s special birthday on 19th September 2015. Students provided guided tours during which OLs shared some wonderful pranks and stories – we are not sure who enjoyed the experience more. The remarkable 1959 film ‘A School in a Park’ was screened in a packed Grove House common room, with fascinating insight into some of the technical challenges overcome by one of the original film makers Malcolm Brahams (G 1959). Housemaster Graham Smith displayed many old photos and John Allinson, Archivist and former Senior Master, gave an entertaining talk with photos that had the audience calling out memories. One of the highlights of the day was the burying of the Time Capsule (created by two Year 11 students Katinka Pim and Robyn Ellis), near the Peace Pole. The ceremony was officiated by Hugh Dawson (S 1943), who was celebrating his 90th birthday that weekend. In his speech, Hugh remembered the school’s 50th anniversary “in the dark days of 1940”, when several of the first boys at the school were still alive.
1986
“The school has progressed unimaginably since I joined the school 76 years ago. The two boarding houses for 150 boys have enlarged to a co-educational largely day-school with 500 pupils. The grounds are in pristine condition. The school house donkeys to mow the pitches and piggery are things of the past. But academic excellence and character building with emphasis upon Christian and Quaker principles remain fundamental to the ethos of the school.” He consigned the time capsule to the ground with a “fervent prayer that Leighton Park School may continue to shine a light and blaze a trail in the field of school education”.
“It was wonderful to meet up with old friends. Everyone was so warm and positive. I liked that there was a schedule, but also that we were free to do our own thing. You organised it so well and that made it even more special. A once in a lifetime experience. I will never forget such a special day.” Riana Griffiths (S 1986)
“Excellent day - particularly with a turnout of 18 from my year group.” Simon Essery (G 1986)
A film of the day, made by Alice Martineau (2010), can be seen on Youtube ‘Old Leightonians 125 Day.’
A meet up in Brunei While in Brunei working on a project with the Ministry of Education, John Dunston (Former Head, 1996-2010) organised a meet up with several Bruneian OLs at the Rizqun Hotel. John said “We had a marvellously happy reunion. Each time we meet, I am so moved by the affection that the members of the Bruneian OL community feel for their old school, and also for their old houses: they insisted on house photos as well as the whole group! The school should be very proud of these young men and women who, in their various careers and professions, are making such a significant contribution to the health and future of their country, while exuding enthusiasm for the values that they all share as a result of their LP experience. It was a great joy to meet up with those who could attend and I do hope they and their fellow Bruneians will all continue to keep in touch.”
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2006
1996
6s Reunion
1976
On Saturday 2nd June, we welcomed 78 Old Leightonians and former staff back to LP with their families for the 2016 reunion. OLs came from far and wide to meet up with old friends. Sipho Phiri (S 1986) came from Zambia
and Lawrence Brown (F 1996) flew in from Canada for just three days, while others had travelled from France and Germany. We were thrilled to also see former Heads John Chapman and John Dunston.
“It has been hugely satisfying to see so many OLs and their families today. For me, it has been rejuvenating to be in the company of my former students and colleagues! In fact, for anyone who thrives on a mixture of banter, goodwill, nostalgia, and that almost indefinable feeling of sharing a common background, it was a great day!”
“The 20 year OL reunion of the 1996 leavers was brilliantly organised. A very impressive lunch spread, a kids play corner and plenty to see and do. It was a very well-considered day of catching up, tours and speeches, and connecting with current pupils and staff. Thank you for the lasting connections and the family that always welcomes back those who have flown the nest.”
John Allinson (Former Staff and School Archivist)
Jesse Dunford Wood (G 1996)
“I particularly enjoyed meeting the 1996 leavers and it was moving to hear of what they have already achieved and contributed to society. We must have done something right! I drove home in a warm glow feeling good about LP!” John Chapman (Former Head, 1986-1996)
1966
“A very big thank you for tracking me down and arranging a great day. Until a few days before I had been very undecided about coming but as it turned out I met up with two people from School House whom I had liked enormously – Terence Pilchick (S 1968) and Guy Sherwin (S 1966), and indeed also Rowland Binns (F 1966), who played the organ so beautifully and Richard Watkins (R 1966), who was such an agile scrum half. It was so good meeting them all again. Can’t now wait for 2026 (but suspect that some of us will need Zimmer frames).” Simon Stephen (S 1966) More photos can be seen on the Old Leightonians Flickr page.
7s Reunion We are already planning the 7s reunion. If you are from the class of 1947, 1957, 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997 or 2007 and you are in contact with some of your peers, we would love to hear from you as we aren’t yet in contact with complete year groups. (If you left LP early you will still be included in the reunion. Your ‘class of’ is the year you would have left LP if you stayed to the end of Higher Cert or A levels).
Extra-special buzz at LP Reunion School reunions are fabulous occasions for meeting old friends and revisiting old haunts, and there is always a hive of activity on the day. For two visitors at the 6s Reunion, however, there was an un-bee-lievable element to the day.
beehive and colony of honeybees has been installed. Michael needed no second thoughts to don a beekeeping suit and share his lifetime of expertise with Gemma Sims (Biology teacher) who is heading up the project.
Michael Leach (S 1955 and former teacher and House Master) introduced beehives to the school’s grounds in the 1960s initially in the orchard behind Fryer and then at Grove. Fifty years later, a new
Michael recalls that the honey was always popular as gifts to visitors. He said “The bees arrived by train and I had to go down to the station to collect the box. I had seen a sign about beekeeping in a shop in the Lake
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District, where I had been on holiday with the Sechers, and I just thought it would be a great thing to do at school.” Simon Essery (G 1986) who also attended the reunion was a member of Michael’s Beekeeping Club. He had his own beehives at home and, coincidentally, Reading and District Beekeeping Association nominated Simon to be the school’s mentor, totally unaware of his connection.
Over 70s Afternoon Tea It was a packed afternoon that included OLs who hadn’t seen each other since their school days catching up over tea, a tour of Old School and the Archives, a visit to the students’ art exhibition, and an OLCC v LP cricket match. There were 26 OLs, eleven who hadn’t attended a tea before. We were thrilled to see Michael Prentice (S 1944), Christopher Irwin (S 1945), Robert Williams (R 1960), David Smith (G 1961) and Christopher Griffin (S 1963) who hadn’t been back to LP since they left school!
Elizabeth and Graham Edwards, Rosemary Howells (Antony Barlow’s sister), Christopher Griffin, Antony Barlow, Christopher Irwin, John Allinson and Hugh Dawson
Hugh Dawson (S 1943) remembered Christopher Irwin (S 1945) as a little boy. Christopher said to Hugh “Do you remember the dormitories with a blue light? In the Blackout we went to bed in the dark other than the blue light. The school couldn’t afford curtains”.
Some of the feedback from the OLs regarding the impression of the school today ranged from: “much changed and improved”, “modern smart”, “friendly and relaxed”, “a warm welcome and everything well organised”, “we did not go in the houses or classrooms, but the Old School House was very impressive”.
Michael Mortimer (R 1953), who attended with his wife, said “We enjoyed our visit. We were particularly impressed with the art exhibition in Peckover and the work from the textiles course. It is good to know that LP seems to be going from strength to strength. Many thanks again for having us!”
Farewell to the Class of 2016! As is the tradition of Leaver’s Day, parents and students enjoy browsing over old copies of the Park magazine and photos spanning the years at school, while enjoying drinks in Peckover Hall. Leavers’ Collect is the highlight of the day, with music performed by leavers, as well as the presentation of the school awards, a subject of much anticipation and debate each year. To see the full selection of photos from the day, visit the Leighton Park Flickr album.
Dates for your diary
JBH Competition
Thursday 15th September: 60s decade Afternoon Tea
The JBH competition will be on Thursday 24th November 2016. Guests are welcome but please let us know in advance if you wish to come. We are already putting together a panel for next year, and this often includes OLs. If you are interested and think you would have useful skills to be on the judging panel, please put your name forward.
Saturday 17th September: OLs Rugby 7s Tournament, Mixed Hockey and BBQ Thursday 24th November: Pre drinks and JBH Speech Competition Date TBC: Under 30s networking event (London) For further details contact: Telephone: 0118 987 9648 Email: development@leightonpark.com www.oldleightonians.com
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Please contact Celia Blakeway-Phillips, Head of Development at celiabp@leightonpark.com or call 0118 987 9648.
OL News Hugh Dawson (S 1943) recently visited John Cotes (R 1941) at his home in Durham. John had a distinguished career in respiratory medicine. Hugh told us: “We had not met since a Christmas party at his parents’ home in Surrey about 70 years ago! He is making a good recovery following a recent stroke. I am sure that John was glad to see me and I would encourage all OLs to visit any former school friends who have ill health”. Joe Whitney (S 1946) updated us on his career since leaving Leighton Park, which has taken him around the world. After National Service in the Yorkshire coalmines, he studied geography at Cambridge and then worked as an education officer in the Hong Kong government for 12 years. In 1969 he obtained a PhD from the University of Chicago, and then moved to a position at the University of Toronto. He was seconded to the Ford Foundation and worked in Sudan for two years establishing the Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Khartoum. During the 1980s and 90s he directed many environmental projects in China and Southeast Asia. After retiring from the university in 1995 he taught for a year at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok. Karl enjoying lunch in Oakview with John Allinson
Karl Lehmann (G 1939) visited LP in May having recently celebrated his 95th birthday. Karl talked about his life and his school days with amazing clarity. Two sixth form students Victoria Roberts and Asha Sumroy asked Karl what it was like when he came to LP. He said: “I arrived from Germany as a refugee from the Nazis. I was lucky: in Germany I had a teacher who was very keen on a good English accent, so I was not mocked for my accent. My time at Leighton Park was very happy from the start.” Asked how his parents chose LP, Karl said “They saw a number of schools but Mother was certain LP was the right place as the head, Mr Castle, had two postcards of Vermeer paintings in his study. She insisted that a person who liked Vermeer was the right person to educate her son.” “LP was an ideal place to strike roots. In 1939, my difficulty was unconditional pacifism. I followed that at school, but had a feeling that the SS would not respond to peace overtures. Many of the boys were Quakers, but there was no attempt by staff to convert us to Quakerism. Everyone attended Quaker Meetings as it was rather nice to have a quiet hour of meditation.” Another distinctive memory for Karl was the food. “It was the envy of visiting sports
teams. I myself have never had such a good Sunday roast as at LP.” Karl told us “At the outbreak of war, I was in Newcastle with Grigor McLelland who was the same year as me. As an alien I had to register with my local police and as I had nowhere else to go, I slept in the LP Scout Hut. I helped Miss Bond, the Matron of School House, with the blackout and while doing the Senior Common Room came across a pile of notebooks, which I discovered were the frank notes written by teachers for the official reports.” Karl has presented the notes to the LP Archives. After LP, Karl went to Queen’s College, Oxford, where OLs Duncan Wood (S 1929) and Everest climber Robin Hodgkin (1934) had also been. His studies were interrupted by a six-month internment as an enemy alien. From Christmas 1942, Karl worked for the BBC Monitoring Service, listening to Hitler and translating for the BBC and the government. Later, as the Cold War developed, Karl transferred to the news, retiring as Editor in 1981. “My life since then has been quiet”, Karl said. “I follow the horses. This is an excellent retirement occupation because there is a problem every morning and a solution every afternoon.” Asked what he thought of lunch on the day he visited, Karl exclaimed: “the food is as excellent as ever.”
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“It was Duncan Wood who first got me interested in China and Bill Brown who aroused my interest in geography. I shall always be grateful to them!” John Hardacre (R 1955) visited Michael Van Ingen (R 1957) in May at his house in Mysore, India. Michael said what he liked best about LP was that opinions were not forced on you. There was a sense of freedom. Michael has a coffee estate in Kerala. He has two sons, both successful artists and one of them a well-known photographer. John says that Michael would welcome any OL visitors who are visiting Mysore or Bangalore (an hour train ride from Mysore).
Arthur on his unicycle at LP
Arthur V Pedlar (S 1950) writes about the very different paths he and his brother Anthony followed after leaving Leighton Park. My younger brother, Anthony Pedlar (S 1951 d), was the clever one: athletic, a born leader with great ‘presence’. After school he joined our family department store Broadbents of Southport. He had a superb business brain. When he took over it was barely breaking even, but he made a great success of it. Sadly he got rheumatoid arthritis in his feet at the age of 23, which eventually killed him in 1982 at the age of 49. I on the other hand was slow thinking (dyslexia hadn’t been recognised then), hopeless at sport, shy and had a stammer, I didn’t take part in anything on stage. But LP worked very successfully for two such different boys. I was fascinated with clowns after going to Bertram Mills Circus aged six. Writing essays was ‘murder’ so I failed School Certificate but a life-changing event took place before my second shot when I was persuaded to perform in front of the curtain while the stage was being set up at the end-of-term social. I thought up a silent routine based on the American hobo clown Emmett Kelly. I made a bulbous nose out of window putty and borrowed an old suit and bowler hat from the theatre cupboard. As I trembled behind the curtain, the boy in charge said “you’re on”, so without any announcement
I put my head through the curtains and got a huge laugh! Apart from Tony, no one knew who it was. All nervousness left me. Vercoe the clown was born. I’d discovered I could communicate humour with an audience without saying a word, and a new world opened up for me. In the School Cert retakes a few weeks later, one of the choices for an essay was ‘My hobby’. I wrote about clowns and passed the exam! For Christmas I was given a unicycle. I used to practise on the unused tennis court where the school hall now stands and by Easter I had mastered it. I moved on to a five-foot high unicycle and later an eight-foot high one. After I left LP, I worked in the family arts and crafts shop, but wanted to try clowning professionally. I got a nine month contract at the Cirque Medrano, Paris and at the end of the season was offered a contract for the summer tour through France. At that point I felt I had to decide whether to make the shop or clowning my career. I chose the shop but found that I was in demand for one-off performances, which took me to Spain, Italy, the historic circus of St Petersburg, and I even performed for Prince Rainier in his Monte Carlo palace. Now at 83 I still enjoy performing, although the cycles are retired! One of the wonderful things about LP was that the two masters of my worst subjects — sports (‘Hoppy’ Hopkins) and languages (Firth Barlow) — were the two who invited me back to talk and perform.
John Blazé (R 1960) recently met up with Professor Arjuna Aluwihare (1957), who lives near Kandy in Sri Lanka. John and Arjuna hadn’t seen each other since 1958! John also has plans to see Alastair Hicks (R 1963) who lives in Thailand. Apparently David White (R 1963) and James McLeod (R 1963) have met up with Alastair in Burma in the past. Alastair has strong links with the country as his grandfather was the chief engineer building bridges in Burma.
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Richard Wilkinson (S 1962) is an epidemiologist and has played a formative role in international research on health and income inequality. He studied economic history and the philosophy of science at the London School of Economics before training in epidemiology. His research drew attention to widening differences in death rates by social class, and led him to ask the UK government to set up an urgent inquiry into how these health inequalities could be reduced. The result was the Black Report (1980), which stimulated research on health inequalities internationally. He has written several books including ‘The Spirit Level’ with Kate Pickett, a bestseller now available in 24 languages. Two of his books have been the subject of documentaries –‘The Great Leveller’ broadcast on Channel 4 in prime time in 1996 and ‘The Divide’, released in April 2016. Richard is now Professor Emeritus of Social Epidemiology at the University of Nottingham Medical School, Honorary Professor at University College London and Visiting Professor at the University of York. He cofounded The Equality Trust (with support from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust). In 2013 Richard received Solidar’s Silver Rose Award and received Community Access Unlimited’s ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ Award. In 2014 the Irish Cancer Society awarded him the Charles Cully Memorial Medal.
“I left school after O levels having gained only four. An unlikely start for someone who would end up making a mark as an academic. But I left school with my self esteem intact and that was to LP’s credit - I felt valued despite not doing well academically.”
Robert Youngjohns (F 1970) was inspired to write to us with an update after reading in the last newsletter about his best friend at school, Matthew Macfadyen, who he has sadly lost touch with over the years. Robert moved to the United States in 2002 and now lives and works in the Silicon Valley. He keeps thinking about retiring but is driven by his belief that “this is the most exciting year ever to be in the technology business” which he has said every year since he joined IBM back in 1977. He got a pilot’s license recently and enjoys flying up to the Pacific NW where he keeps a sailing boat, allowing him to continue a pastime first acquired at Leighton Park on the more humble surrounds of Theale gravel pit. Recently asked what was the most formative experience in his entire life, he answered “having a Quaker inspired education at Leighton Park School.” Bridget Wheeler (F 1976) was the first girl at Leighton Park. She switched in mid A-levels from the Abbey and had to do the exams in a year as Leighton Park did different courses! “Luckily Tony Duckering, Ian House and Graham Louden were stand out teachers.” Bridget went on to read law at Cambridge. She got a scholarship to Trinity Hall in the first year they took women. She tells us that the acclimatisation period at Leighton Park helped! Inspired by Alan Lerwill to get involved in athletics, she captained Cambridge ladies athletics, got a Blue and held the Varsity match record for 200m for 35 years. She became a solicitor, and worked for 25 years in litigation and international arbitration in London. Now partly retired Bridget coaches athletics at Oxford and is trustee of the Oxbridge athletics alumni and chairman of the association. She has two teenage sons. She is in touch with Glenn Willhide (F 1976). Alice Hudson (R 1981) has been made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to education. She is currently Executive Head Teacher of Twyford Church of England Academies Trust and before that was Head Teacher of Twyford C of E High School in Acton for 11 years.
Yasmin Watson (S 1989) (formerly known as Jenny) will be renewing her connection with LP as her eldest daughter Serafina joins the sixth form this year, having gained two scholarships in English and Art. “I believe that the school will be a place where Serafina can shine. LP seems to have a holistic approach to education and the Quaker aspects are more like our
ethics at home. I am confident that she will gain independence and develop her studies more in the small class sizes. I had such a great time when I was at LP. One of the most beautiful things about the school was that we could be true to ourselves. Serafina was impressed with the friendliness and the nice teachers. I am very happy that she is looking forward to joining LP.”
Dame Alice came to Leighton Park in the sixth form as one of 24 girls in a sixth form of 130 and a school of 300 boys. She was the first female senior prefect, the first female winner of the JBH competition and she also won the OL award and achieved Gold Duke of Edinburgh. After graduating with an English degree from Oxford University, she took up a career teaching English and Religious Education. Congratulations to Dame Alice! Simon Rolfe (R 1998) has worked in software development for over 15 years, building software and teams at a variety of small and large organisations delivering applications across a variety of industries. He now works at Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Architect, helping customers do the best work they can and discover new applications in ‘the cloud’. Simon meets regularly with other OLs including Mark Harrison (F 1998), Stefan Inglis (F 1998), Joanna and David Lester-Wong (S 1998), Brooke Johnson (F 1998) and Gwilym Still (G 1998). Yuet Lun (Ken) Lee (R 2005) and his family visited Leighton Park in June. After gaining a BSc in Material Science at Imperial College London, Ken returned to Hong Kong where he entered the police force as an inspector. He is the third generation of his family to
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John Allinson, Karen Gracie-Langrick, Ken and Ann Munday
work in the Hong Kong Police force and is now a senior police inspector. He mentioned he keeps cheerful by ensuring he doesn’t take the job home with him, a lesson he learnt at school. Ken’s parents told us that their son had left as an eleven year old boy and returned as a gentleman! Ken told Karen Gracie-Langrick, his tutor in Reckitt, he owes it all to LP. Karen said “It was a lovely surprise when Ken and his family came to my door and he is obviously a true gentleman as he said I hadn’t changed a bit!”
Will Denselow (G 2008) Will is a video journalist for Feature Story News in New York reporting mostly from the United Nations and Wall Street. He is a Columbia University Journalism School alumnus and prior to that studied Middle Eastern Studies and Politics at Leeds University with a year out at the American University of Beirut. “While cricket has taken a backseat for now I’m still in touch with members of the OLCC and waiting for them to arrange a tour of the United States!” Sami Kanza (R 2008) Sami is doing a PhD in Computer Science and Chemistry at the University of Southampton. She updates us “I recently found out that my PhD supervisor is a Leighton Park alumnus Jeremy Frey (G 1976) Small world!”
Clara Bennett (2007) married Pete Statham on 2nd April 2016. Also pictured is sister Eliza Bennett (G 2010) (left of Clara), brother Luke Bennett (R 2004) (second from the right) and usher Kenza Barton-Schlee (S 2008) (middle of the men). Thank you for your news and memories. If your update is not included, it will be featured in a forthcoming e-newsletter.
Friends’ News Catherine Avent (Former Governor 1964-1997) was the first woman on LP’s Board of Trustees. She was introduced to LP by Ralph Davis (1937 d) who was
the husband of a friend, and was invited to join the Board in 1964 by another good friend, OL and Governor Dr Robert Maxwell (R 1952). Catherine has worked as Senior Inspector for Careers and Education Guidance for London, sat on 36 educational committees, and was awarded an OBE in 1977. “There was something about LP. Governors are often people who loved their school and I used to say do we know anyone who disliked being at LP? It would be good to recruit them in order to make changes. LP has one of the nicest environments for youngsters in my view and I have been to many boarding schools. Students can have space at LP which is terribly important; so many schools lack privacy. I got involved with the school because I was asked – 33 years later I was still involved! I missed it when I left. I was probably the longest serving Governor at LP of all time.” Tim Goulter (Former Director of Music 1980-1985) is currently in Cincinnati working as a music examiner. He told us he was interested to hear that the LP Jazz Band was still going strong. “In my day we had a big band too. The late, great Roy Castle, whose son Dan Castle (1984) played trombone,
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Leo Packham (G 2009) has recently qualified as a vet and is working as a veterinary surgeon at Castle Vets in Reading. As part of his clinical placements, he spent two weeks on the islands of Orkney, off the north coast of Scotland. With one of the highest densities of beef cattle in Europe and only a handful of vets to cover all the islands Leo was kept busy. But he did find time to meet up with Rod Thorne (R 1964), an OL who lives on a small island called Sanday, known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. “Rod and his wife kindly welcomed me for the night and we exchanged stories of LP, both new and old, over dinner.” occasionally performed on the trumpet with us. Once he matched his tap dancing record and another time we staged a drum kit duel with him and our No.1 drummer. I was particularly chuffed to see that Music for a Summers Evening is still venerated and that the milk float (possibly not the original) is still performing vital tasks. The plans for the new centre look most impressive.” Peter Rado (Former Staff 1989-2001) A ten foot Scarlet Oak all the way from Norway was planted in the summer in memory of former maths teacher Peter Rado. Peter was very involved in music at the school, singing in choral concerts and playing the tuba. He also managed stage lighting and started the Amnesty Group. The tree was donated by Peter’s widow, Jo Rado, who has strong connections with Leighton Park – her father and brother both attended, and her and Peter’s children are also OLs. The tree can be found on Grove Field close to Grove House.
OLCC News 40 years of OLCC
This year is our 40th season and much has changed since the first meeting of two OLs in the Jolly Farmer at Puttenham, near Guildford on 27th February 1977, when the club was formed. We look forward to more changes this season. Last year saw the eighth and final tour to Norfolk and this year we return to the West Country with a tour in north Devon. At the time of writing the club has played 701 matches with some 190 OLs taking part over the 40 seasons and it is hoped that the club will go forward into the future for the continued enjoyment of Old Leightonians.
Special award in memory of Dominic Beer Following the success in 2015 of the Dominic Beer Memorial Match, a special award was given by his widow Naomi Beer for the best all round performance of the year – both on and off the field, in the true spirit of which Dominic would have approved. This was won by Nick Hayles (R 2008), for the considerable support and contribution he gives to the club.
President’s Match on 10th July 2016
President’s Match The 2016 annual President’s Match in July took place earlier than usual in order to allow the groundsman time in August and September to make improvements to the cricket square for the benefit of future years.
Annual dinner Last year’s annual dinner was organised for us by Nick Hayles at the Zest Restaurant in Green Park in Reading. The highlights were a masterful speech from Nick Masters Waage (G 2007) followed by a video showing the
two sides of OLCC life as portrayed by Nick Hayles and Kenza Barton (S 2008), with a guest appearance in New York from Will Denselow (G 2007). The 40th annual OLCC dinner is due to be held on 22nd October 2016 at Foxhills Club and Resort near Chertsey, Surrey. Chris Straw (R 1995) is organising this special event and members and friends who wish to attend should contact Chris on christopher.straw@sky.com or telephone on 07870244246.
News from Leighton Park Sweeney Todd: The Demon Exam results Barber of Fleet Street We are delighted to report that a quarter of the 2016 A Level cohort achieved A or A* in 3 or more subjects. Core A-Level subjects saw strong results with 75% of English and 76% of Maths students achieving A*-B grades. Similar A*-B grade successes were being celebrated by Design and Technology (75% A*-B), Religious Studies (75% A*-B) and Government & Politics (100% A*-B).
The Senior Production led audiences into the dark, rank streets of Victorian London, where the tale of Sweeney Todd unfolds, a convict from Australia, seeking revenge against those who separated him from his wife and child. Students from Year 9 to the Upper Sixth contributed to the technical crew, choreography, set design, costumes, make-up and the orchestra as well as the on stage musical and dramatic performances. Director of Music Rosemary Scales said “We knew that undertaking Sweeney Todd was going to be a challenge but we have been delighted with how our company has adapted to the demands of this unique style of performance.”
One parent, whose daughter Yasmin Koro (Year 11) was in the chorus ensemble, was enthralled by the whole show. “Wow! What an amazing performance from a stellar cast. I actually forgot I was at a school!”
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In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, our students averaged a score of 35 against a worldwide average of 30. The IB is the gold standard in international sixth form education and is now in its seventh year at LP. Nigel Williams, Head, commented “I am delighted to see the percentage of students receiving the highest grades continuing to rise thanks to the hard work and dedication of both our students and their teachers.”
Global Mindedness Week Designed to challenge students to work in teams, think critically and research creatively, Global Mindedness Week is a highlight of the academic year for the whole of Year 9.
Careers Fair Geeta Sidhu-Robb (1984) (who featured in the May OL e-newsletter) gave the inaugural speech to start off Careers Day. She spoke about choosing a career path and how as an entrepreneur, you should add value to people’s lives. She advised students to consider what they are good at: “You have a unique fingerprint. You are here for a purpose”.
Eight teams were given topics to investigate, with two teams working from opposing viewpoints on each. Topics for debate included intervention in the Syrian civil war, refugee children in Britain, and a global police force. Shaun Uppal said “Global Mindedness Week is interesting because it teaches us that the world is not a perfect place.” Each student took on a role within their team ranging from web designer
to debater, before working together to develop their arguments and prepare for a final debate in Peckover on Thursday 30 June. “I enjoyed Global Mindedness Week” commented Tom Rolph, “It’s good to do something different and to work with other people. I personally didn’t believe in the argument my group made, but it was interesting.” History teacher Howard Shaw, who organised the week, was impressed with the skills that the students demonstrated, commenting “Pupils engaged very well and the presentations were well researched. The websites showed a high level of design skill, and included lots of relevant information.”
She also talked about the five common career regrets to avoid. One student asked Geeta what would be her regret if on her death bed. She responded “I would wish I had stood up and been accounted for earlier as I could have achieved so much more”. Students were engaged with Geeta’s approach to her talk:
“I truly loved Geeta’s energy and the passion with which she spoke about her business was truly inspirational. As a mother, entrepreneur and brilliant public speaker she is a great role model”. Helga Polz (Lower Sixth)
“Geeta’s speech was funny, easy to follow and really educational at the same time. I learnt a lot from it!” Elif Lammel (Lower Sixth) This year Careers Day included a series of masterclasses for the sixth formers and a careers fair for all year groups. Particular thanks to all the OLs and parents who gave up their valuable time and commitment to help the students learn more about different careers.
Future years We are always looking for willing members of the LP community to offer their career expertise. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the Development Office on 0118 987 9648 or email development@leightonpark.com
Sunshine at Music for a Summer’s Evening (MUSE) Al fresco music, books and burgers entertained visitors to Music for a Summer’s Evening on Saturday 2nd July. Every year, staff, students, parents, OLs and prospective students are invited to enjoy a relaxed evening of music in the beautiful green setting of the Park. The LP community celebrated the busy summer term drawing to a close. Featuring musicians from Years 7 to Upper Sixth performing voice solos to wind ensembles, jazz pieces to violin concertos, the performances were a glorious testament to the breadth of musical talent at the school. Lia Hale (Lower Sixth) who performed a clarinet solo commented, “It’s always challenging performing in front of
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your friends but the great atmosphere and weather made me forget all about nerves and just enjoy myself!” Robyn Ellis (Lower Sixth), who performed a voice solo on the evening agreed, “Although daunting it’s such a great experience to perform because the atmosphere is so relaxed. It’s always an event to look forward to.” Director of Music Rosemary Scales was extremely pleased with the event, enthusing “Music for a Summer’s Evening, one of the highlights of the school year for so many, was again fantastic. Bathed in sunshine, a wide variety of ensembles and soloists’ provided almost five hours of continuous music. Many congratulations to everybody that performed!”
Taking action in the refugee crisis After a moving Collect delivered by founder of Refugee Relief Ruth Curtis, students and staff banded together and began working on Leighton Park’s own Refugee Relief project. The group began by advertising collections for hygiene bags, which contain the essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, baby
wipes, a razor, hand sanitiser and deodorant. After a fantastic response, boxes started to fill up and packing began. During free time, volunteers sorted donations into bags and boxed them up ready to be sent to Calais. In some bags, they wrote personalised notes for the recipient. In total, students managed to collect enough items to make 138
hygiene bags, as well a box of miscellaneous donations. Deputy Head, Karen GracieLangrick, drove students to the warehouse to help pack up the lorry for transportation. Through teamwork and organisation, the group were able to pack seven pallets of donations which were taken to Calais on 11th May.
Final Collect The last gathering for Collect in Main Hall on the morning of Friday 8th July was a great occasion for sporting awards, Maths Challenge certificates and the introduction of some new prizes. The Duncan Wood Science Award was presented following a gift from a family through the Leaver’s Gift – Class of 2015 and named after Duncan Wood (S 1929, former Classics teacher 1934-1952). Aiyana Tandon won the Matthew Pott Peace Award (in memory of Matthew Pott (G 2001 d)). Aiyana has done fantastic work this year both for the local community and by working with local organisations to promote peace and health abroad by helping children affected by the wars in the Middle East.
Left to right: Mariano Hortal, Pablo Hortal (S 1993), Asha, Finbar, Isabel Hortal and Javier Hortal (S 1991).
The award was made on the advice of the Amicus Group. The Jorge Hortal Award was this year received jointly (the first time since 1992), by Asha Sumroy and Finbar Ahern, who were also Head Girl and Head Boy.
A rare kind of treat Oscar Gutierrez (F 2016) received an award from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for his impressive performance in a match against the club last summer. In November last year he was presented with the Walter Lawrence Schools Award after hitting 134 for Leighton Park, the highest score by a schoolboy against the MCC in 2015. Oscar said about the match “I was focusing on not getting out. I tried not to overthink it and their players were very encouraging.” This summer, Oscar was invited back to Lords during the test match between England and Sri Lanka, where he was one of
twenty boys presented with an MCC plaque. Senior master and former PE teacher Mark Simmons also attended, and the two of them were able to catch up with Derek Brewer (S 1977) who is Chief Executive of the MCC. Mark and Derek used to play together in the Berkshire U19 cricket team when Derek was a student at LP. Mark said “As a member of the MCC I was allowed in the pavilion in the build up to the presentation and the photos. Having a member of staff, a current student and an OL as chief executive allowed to have a photo together on the hallowed turf during a test match is a very rare kind of treat.”
Holiday activities Leighton Park holiday scheme offers a fabulous activity programme and high quality day care for children aged 5-14 during all holiday periods including prep school times. The programme includes archery, arts and crafts, climbing, fencing, kayaking, swimming, trampolining and off-site trips (Thorpe Park, farm visits, Legoland and many more). Last summer, there were approximately 100 youngsters each day, reaching up to 137. LP really feels active, even in the holidays! All these activities provide extra income for the school.
© Matt Bright
Amicus update Mark Simmons, Oscar Gutierrez and Derek Brewer at Lords this summer.
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The Amicus Group is made up of a student committee who plan fundraising activities throughout the year. This year, the good causes totalling £4,824.59 will be donated to: Reading Refocus, Children in Need, Ridgeline Trust and Oxfam.
General Meeting: A walk in the Park General Meeting was held on Saturday 2nd July in Peckover Hall. Twelve of the 44 representatives were OLs. After coffee, representatives were invited to take a walk in the Park to view the splendid trees in the grounds. They were guided by Eddie Butler, an arboriculturalist responsible for the school’s trees.
From left to right: Hugh Dawson (S 1943), Tom Heydeman (Administrator, Mid-Thames Area Meeting), Eddie Butler and Paul High
School lettings Leighton Park has an array of lettings during the year, particularly in the holidays. Many are annual events, such as Friends Southern Summer Events (FSSE) Junior Gathering – this year the theme is Truth and Inner Light in Quakerism.
“We enjoy coming to Leighton Park and are made to feel very welcome. The large green spaces and excellent facilities give lots of flexibility for our activities. We look forward to some more fantastic moments this August”. FSSE The biggest let is Studio Cambridge School offering English language courses for students from all over the world. They are here for five weeks and use all the school facilities. Other lets are as diverse as dance shows (including Berkshire and Henley Dance), and Just 4 Keepers which is the leading and largest goalkeeper residential camp internationally. At Easter music floods out of the Main Hall as Berkshire Maestros hold their woodwind, brass and percussion course. Even North Tipperary School Children’s Football League use the school’s facilities.
The walk took in the site planned for the new MMC (see page 2), the recently felled school oak that had succumbed to disease and a tree trail. They also witnessed Clerk Paul High planting a Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) cultivated from a seed harvested from the Meeting House grounds at Brumanna High School, Lebanon, some years ago. This was a celebration of the connection between the two Quaker schools he serves: as Chair of QuIET and Clerk to LPSGM. The two schools have had several connections over the years, not least an exchange of students. Representatives thanked Eddie Butler for enabling them to appreciate the trees and Head Groundsman Tom Sheldon for facilitating the event, which allowed them to understand the work that is necessary to maintain the beautiful physical environment in which the students work. Later in the day, Meeting for Worship was combined with OLs who attended the 6s reunion.
Felled oak Old Leightonians may be interested to know that the large oak tree to the side of Main Hall has had to be taken down. The tree has for a number of years shown increasing signs of decay, and despite years of careful management to extend its life, after seeking expert advice, we felt that we had no option but to take the very sad decision to fell the tree. This grand old oak tree, known by some as the “school oak”, pre-dates the school by many centuries. To commemorate this we have retained some of the wood that is in good condition with the intention of creating a sculpture in the Park as a lasting monument of, quite likely, the oldest living feature in the history of Leighton Park. We do also, through our excellent grounds work team, have an active programme to protect and replace the trees on the Park and we hope that some of the young oaks currently growing may look over the school in the centuries to come.
Catering Fabrice Barlet, Catering Manager at Leighton Park, shares with us what he and his team have served students and staff over the last academic year: • 6300 meals per week • Between 4500kg and 5000kg of freshly prepared fruit salad • 250 litres of homemade yogurt per week • 10kg of freshly baked bread per day from scratch For breakfast • 1600 slices of bacon each week • 1400 sausages each week • 600 eggs a day are cooked The salad bar has served cucamelons – tiny watermelons that taste like a tangy cucumber – which were grown by students. Leeks and rhubarb grown by students and apples from the orchard have also been incorporated into the school meals.
Cucamelons grown by the students were served in the salad bar
“I have never known a place to produce the amazing amount of beautiful, high quality food that we get in Oakview. How lucky we are!” Eleanor Hawkins, Year 9
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You can’t bottle Leighton Park Nathan Pearce (G 1990) shares his experience of Leighton Park as an OL, current parent and Governor My parents didn’t want to pursue a typical public school for me. They knew I had diverse interests and a thirst to try new things. Their task was to find a school that would engage me in the arts and humanities, provide sporting opportunities, and on top of all that furnish me with an academically sound education. No mean feat! They chose Leighton Park and I flourished – representing GB in the Junior Olympic Canoeing Squad, taking responsibility for sound recording for school productions, and touring in the swing and jazz bands. All incredible experiences, providing life skills and making me into the person I am today! The Quaker values that are core to the school’s ethos were also an important consideration: compassion, peace, community, honesty and integrity to list a few…
LP couldn’t ever be simply calculated. It gives children opportunities that allow them to grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and mentally.
have been blown away by how my son has developed. His journey is no less exciting and fulfilling than my own. Our daughter, who has just finished her first year is blossoming, but in a totally different way to her brother. It shows us how capable the school is at accommodating very different children.
My academic interests were diverse too and I went on to study cybernetics, which brings together several disciplines. Since then I have worked as an engineer, in international sales, and am now the managing director of a company in the pharmaceutical industry.
They both love the community and space, they are at peace here. This is one of my fondest memories too and I still enjoy it whenever I return. It is more than just the Park but the pupils, the staff, everything. It is difficult to put into words, it isn’t something that you can bottle and label – if you could it would simply fly off the shelves!
At its heart LP has always had the objective of helping students to explore their full potential. I know families who have chosen a school using a spreadsheet and letting the computer run the figures. But schools are much more than that and LP couldn’t ever simply be calculated. It gives children opportunities that allow them to grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and mentally, to learn how to pursue their own dreams within a safe, positive and nurturing environment.
A new generation at LP When my wife and I were deciding on a school for our own children, we were looking for the same thing as my parents many years before – a school that would meet the needs of both our children. We thought long and hard and independently came to the same decision. LP would be that school. Like many parents, we have made considerable sacrifices to send our children to LP but it has been worth it. Times have changed, but the ethos and environment remains the same at LP. It still offers so many opportunities but never loses sight of its core values and pastoral care. I
Change is progress Coming back to the Park still feels very familiar and comforting, although there are many new buildings. The Music and Media Centre (MMC) project is particularly exciting as both my children are interested in music. It is wonderful to see that LP is maintaining the same high standards as I remember within both the Drama and Music departments. I had my worries about the school becoming co-educational – would this fundamentally change LP? But it is simply progress and we should never stand in the way of improving things for the better. The students benefit from a forward thinking attitude. The mix of international students is also beneficial. Now working for an international company, I cannot recommend enough the value of being able to interact with international peers from an early age. I learnt in my youth to have confidence in others and that there are no barriers. It has been a vital life skill for me and one that LP can take credit for.
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Individuality is another thing I learnt at LP and can still see it in evidence today, particularly in the sixth formers. They have an inner drive, a steely determination to succeed, a capability to stand up for what they believe in. They are quietly confident and mature beyond their years. It is all part of the magic gained by attending LP.
Giving back I was so enthusiastic and positive when we brought our son to look round that I was invited to be a Governor. It allows me to give something back, but only a fraction of what I have gained from being a former student. My business background enables me to answer and challenge stakeholder questions as I can see LP from all sides. I enjoy it immensely and the commitment is manageable even with work demands and running children around! A significant number of the Board are OLs, which must tell us something about the lifelong impact of attending LP. My wife Michelle is Head of the Parents Staff Community and we are both fully committed to the school and what it offers, for our children now and also in their and other students’ futures. There is a passion and commitment throughout the school for the students. I would heartily recommend Leighton Park!
Times have changed but the ethos and environment remains the same. LP still offers so many opportunities but never loses sight of its core values and pastoral care.
Obituaries We have sadly been informed of the following deaths:
Christopher John Kennington (G 1940)
Christopher John Kennington (G 1940) Chris was the son of the war artist and sculptor Eric Henri Kennington. He left LP abruptly at the outset of the Second World War, when he was evacuated to Canada for safety. He worked in computers from the early days in the 1960s and was involved in the beginnings of the Internet as an expert in communications protocols. He was father to three sons, Ben, David and Alasdair, and grandfather to three grandsons. His son Ben describes him as kind, generous, thoughtful, interesting, and sometimes eccentric, a man given to God’s service and to people in general, and with a sense of humour that persisted to the very end. Chris passed away peacefully on 25th September 2015 aged 90. Richard Webb (S 1945) Richard died on 3rd June 2015. In February, his son and daughter, Chris and Katherine, returned to LP to scatter his ashes on the sports field, as per his instruction. They felt very glad that they had met their father’s wishes and he had been returned to where he had been so happy. The family had the opportunity to look at Richard’s school file and enjoyed spotting him in photos, looking up references in The Leightonian, discovering his deferral of military service and also reading correspondence with Richard’s father.
Richard’s brother William Webb, had also been at LP. Their mother had been from a Quaker family, related to the Peats. Although Richard was not a Quaker, the family are influenced by many of the values and beliefs.
Richard was a first class cricketer, and had been the school rugby captain. As well as a sportsman he had also been a top musician, notably a cellist; both Richard Webb interests lasted his whole lifetime. His (S 1945) university reference from the Head is glowing. Richard featured in the cricket cartoons, which exist still (patrolling the out-field). There were many anecdotes about Richard’s time in school (he submitted his memories to the Archives so there is a copy) including about Hoppy and the top of School House, and stories about Avrion Mitchison (1944). Dugal Campbell (R 1947) Dugal Campbell died suddenly on 18th January 2016. He was happy and healthy until the day he died, just days after celebrating Christmas and his 87th birthday with his loving family. Dugal was born in London to Scottish-born parents. In 1939 he was sent to Downs Boarding School to ensure his safety during the Blitz, and graduated to Leighton Park School in 1942. He spent two years in the RAF and a chance opportunity to conduct psychological testing on new recruits led to his career as an academic in psychology. He got an MA and PhD from
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Oxford, and held positions in London, Pittsburgh and Auckland before moving to Canada where he lived for the rest of his life. He retired from McMaster University as Professor Emeritus, and ended his career as Executive Director of the Ontario Mental Health Foundation where he helped pioneer the modern understanding of the imperative to invest in mental healthcare. He met the love of his life Joan while they were both studying at Oxford. They married in 1954, and were never separated again until her death 58 years later. Dugal leaves behind his four children Alister, Anna, David and Beverly, as well as seven grandchildren and a great-grandson. John Roger Stevens (Roger) (S 1950) Roger was born in Reading into a Quaker family. His father was an Art and Crafts teacher at Leighton Park, and both he and his older brother Michael (R 1948) attended the school. Roger studied Fine Art and Typography at Reading University,
John Roger Stevens (Roger) (S 1950)
Anthony John Wallis (1934) Peter John Brady Webster (1936) Rudolph William Sherman (S 1938) Christopher J F Chaundy (S 1939), d 13 January 2016 David Vicars (S 1939) Brian Ross Garlick (R 1940) Julian Holt (G 1942) Michael Antony Bassett Harrison (G 1943), d 15 April 2015 Michael Reclam Slater (1944) Richard Essame Crowther (G 1944) Richard Simpson Webb (S 1945), d 3 June 2015 Edward Stuart Porter Livock (R 1945), d 2 April 2015 Simon Wakefield Willink (S 1946) Alan Scott Wallis (S 1947), d 27 April 2015 Bernard Perrett (Former teaching staff 1967-1997) John Allinson writes: With sadness, we have to tell you that Bernard Perrett died 26th July 2016. He had been unwell for some time. On his retirement from Leighton Park in 1997, he was described as a legend in his own lifetime. Indeed, he can be regarded as one of the most remarkable contributors to the richness and diversity of the Leighton Park community. He coached cricket, football, hockey, squash, basketball and tennis in his time at the school as Head of PE, but he will undoubtedly be remembered most for having been a passionately enthusiastic and internationally successful trainer of canoeists. Under his aegis, countless Leighton Park students not only became high achievers in the canoeing world, but also developed greatly in their personal skills and self confidence. where he met his wife Meg. The couple had two daughters, Bridget and Hannah. Roger worked as a typographer and designer while supporting his wife’s painting career. He later worked as an Information Officer for the Brecon Beacons. He was active in the Brecknock Wildlife Trust, Council for the Protection of Rural Wales, Friends of the Museum, Christian Aid and was on the management committee of The Loft (supporting those who have experienced mental breakdown). He was a Voluntary Warden for the National Park and a member of the Mountain Rescue team. He devoted himself to caring for Meg when she became ill with Alzheimers until her death in 2012. He sadly died of dementia on 27th July 2015.
Students who took up canoeing at Leighton Park in Bernard’s era became members of a family – one might well say an extended Perrett family. They were so well looked after by Bernard and his wife, Jan. His daughters Lucy and Susie both represented the country at the Olympic Games. Bernard was a rigorous coach and a deeply caring man. He was appointed as an Olympic coach, and his skills and experience were invaluable. Leighton Park became known as the best school in the country for canoeing, and this was reflected in students’ frequent successes in the testing Devizes-Westminster race, and in the selection of LP canoeists for the national team. One student once said to me: “Canoeing is not so much a sport here at LP, it’s more like a religion”. I saw his point, and I salute, yet again, its High Priest….. the legendary Bernard Perrett. James Michael Anson Shemilt (Mike) (R 1957) After a short illness, Mike passed away on 26th October 2015 at the Sue Ryder hospice surrounded by his family. He was 76. Mike spent five years at Leighton Park. The Quaker emphasis on individual expression and thought equipped him with a love of oration and always enabled him to express his thoughts and arguments clearly. He married Ann at 19 and they started a family in Wargrave. After a succession of jobs in the City, he moved into the fine art business, managing a gallery that he had first started as a hobby in an old barn belonging to his parents. His forte lay in staging private views and promoting artists. He was adept at creating a sense
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Howard M Knight (R 1948), d 18 December 2015 Brian R Glaister (R 1949) Christopher Hotham Wilson (G 1952), d 5 September 2015 John H Stothert (S 1952), d 15 May 2015 Michael John Bell (R 1954) David Carew-Shaw (G 1957), d 13 September 2015 Steffan P Hughes (S 1963), d 14 July 2015 Lloyd T Sharples (S 1964) Giles Sanderson Stothert (1972), d January 2015 Ian Hamilton (G 1978), d 30 April 2016 Gavin Mark Crowder (S 1984). d 19 November 2015 Linda Margaret Harland (English as a Foreign Language tutor), d 14 February 2016 of occasion and loved giving speeches. He opened further galleries in Hartley Wintney, Datchet and Windsor. In 1985, Mike and Ann visited Barbados and fell in love with an old plantation house and private zoo, which they subsequently purchased and spent 12 happy years renovating and developing, combining their love of art with a love of animals. Mike adored the slow pace and relaxed outlook on life and returned to the island every year right up to his death. Later in life, after suffering a heart attack, Mike helped chair the board of trustees of the British Cardiac Research Trust.
Archives When the American novelist Katherine Ann Porter wrote “The past is never where you think you left it” I don’t suppose she realised how this could be applied literally to the work of the Leighton Park Archivist. A major part of my job is, of course, to ensure that our eclectic collection of Archives items is properly ordered in such a way that we can find what we want! That is why Graham Carter (G 1964), our Honorary Associate Archivist, and I will be devoting much time over the next year to developing a new catalogue for the collection. The ease of retrieval has already been greatly improved by the digitisation of some of our documents and images. In due course, we hope to have a means of sharing a selection of these on our website. When I recently took a few unlabelled reels of 16mm film to be identified and digitised I was excited to find among them some film footage of two very historic events at the school: the opening, in 1928, of the original Reckitt House, and the opening of the School Hall in 1972. The digitisation process is underway, and I look forward to seeing the result. Both films are silent, but I have also found an old reel to reel sound recording of the speeches at the 1972 event, so we shall be well equipped to look back to the opening of the Hall in 1972 when we celebrate the completion of its new remodelled version.
of information and as a recipient of material. I would like to use this opportunity to ask for short accounts on any of the following: Collects that have had an impact on you; ways in which having a Quaker education has affected your life after LP; outside speakers – for example at Evening Meeting or Sixth Special – who impressed you. Please also let me know if you were awarded a travel scholarship in the last 20 years.
It is a very pleasurable part of my job to keep in touch with OLs, both as a provider
If you are planning to visit the school, why not try to fit in a visit to the Archives Gallery
in the cellar of Old School. You will find a permanent exhibition on the early history of the school, as well as a termly temporary exhibition with a specific focus, such as theatrical productions and athletics over the years. Given notice, I will be happy to arrange to meet you. I am at the school most Wednesdays. John Allinson 0118 9879606 johnallinson@leightonpark.com
Newspaper clipping of the Reckitt House opening in 1928. The new wing, a gift from Mr and Mrs Philip B Reckitt (inset), was opened by Mr H G Williams, MP for Reading.
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Noted reformer
inmates, who almost certainly could not read it for themselves. Before she disappears from our currency, both monetary and moral, we should at last put properly into practice what she advocated 200 years ago. John tells us “It seems important for Elizabeth Fry’s presence on the £5 note to be drawn to the attention of as many people as possible before she is replaced!”
Meddling with merits? I often look at documents in our Archives collection and wonder if they would be at all intelligible to present day staff and students. This extract of a 1964 letter from John Ounsted to the secretary of the School Council, David Secher, illustrates how times and terminology have changed!
Merit halves and long leave What the new scheme amounts to is this: that we place one summer-type merit half
on the Friday Long Leave in each of the three terms, and that all boys in fact get this merit, even those who have exceeded the mark-average. In addition to this, which would effectively lengthen Long Leave by 18 hours, there would be two new-type Thursday merit halves in each of the winter terms, and on two Tuesdays in the summer term. It is to be expected that the number of boys ‘merited’ on this reduced number of merit halves would be larger, so that justice would still be done.
© Bank of
We have been staring at the model of prison reform for years without realising it. In 2002 Elizabeth Fry, described by the BBC as a ‘slightly obscure choice’, was depicted on the new £5 note. Obscure then, perhaps, but the time for her vision has surely now come. Fry’s commitment to prison reform sprang directly from her Quaker roots and faith. Her humane and prescient statement that ‘punishment is not for revenge but to lessen crime and reform the criminal’ is at the heart of education in Quaker schools. The positive value of seeing, as Quakers put it, ‘that of God in every person’, is reflected in the engraving on the same £5 note, which shows Fry reading the Bible to women
England [2015]
The following letter by John Dunston (Head 1996-2010) was published in the The Times on 12th February 2016 and in The Week.
Missing years: 1948, 1949, 1954, 1999, 2000 and 2003 calendars? We are missing a few school calendars for our Archives. Do you have a 1948, 1949, 1954, 1999, 2000 or 2003 calendar? Please contact Celia if you have a copy as this helps us with adding complete year groups for our records. We can always return it to you if you wish. Thank you. celiabp@leightonpark.com 0118 987 9648
Recollections of school: the real education was at the weekend Lyn Wilson (S 1950) The school has changed significantly since my five years there post-War, 1945-50. Then many of the 240 boys (sadly no girls) came from far and wide, from all corners of the UK and the globe. Apart from a few boys from Reading, all pupils were full-time boarders. I think 15% were from Quaker families, and several of the staff were Quakers including the head, Edgar Castle (1928-1948). The consequence was that for about three months – apart from half-term – the school was a cohesive unit.
In my recollections it was at the weekend that there was real education. Throughout the week life was pretty much the same as any decent school – there was nothing extraordinary about teaching, there were meaningful morning Collects, and a Thursday morning half-hour Quaker Meeting. From Monday to Saturday noon there was nothing extraordinary about LP. What was extraordinary, what was superb, were the weekends, from Saturday lunchtime to Sunday evening. In wet weather we nearly killed ourselves playing Pirates in the old gymnasium, no staff supervision and wild
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use of equipment yet I can only recall one broken leg (certainly no health and safety). On Saturday evenings there were lectures from inspiring people. As a climber I can recall Frank Smythe, Spencer Chapman, Robin Hodgkin (1934). Others included Lord Boyd Orr, director of FAO in Rome, and Duncan Fairn, director of prisons and father of one of my contemporaries. There were plays by the staff, plays by children, black and white film shows. There was lots of sport – gym and athletics and the usual cricket and rugger. Lots of time to talk and walk. It was at the weekends that we learned, misbehaved, took risks, grew up.
Supporting Leighton Park Leaver’s Gift – Class of 2016 Now in its second year, the Leaver’s Gift raised just over £14,000. These donations were from parents who supported the school as a thank you. Most parents donated to the Bursary Fund but some gave to departments of their choice, including History, Sports, Physics, Drama and Music. “Thank you all of you for your kind help and support to our son all these years. Rafa enjoyed being at LP and the school is like a part of our family. We really are very happy with the school and the moral values you share with all the students.” Federico and Amelia (Class of 2016 parents)
Trusts Leighton Park is very fortunate to be supported by The Sir James Reckitt Charity and the David Lean Foundation. The Sir James Reckitt Charity have generously made an annual donation for many years, specifically for the Bursary Fund. A member of the Reckitt family who is a trustee of the charity was impressed with the school during a recent visit. Last year they donated a fabulous £25,000. The David Lean Foundation has given us £21,500 to fund a live feed TV gallery for the new Music and Media Centre (MMC). It will facilitate live projection during school events and enable the school to extend its Media Arts programme to a larger number of students. LP has a
“My daughter Marijn spent four fabulous years at Leighton Park. She now has an international network of friends and is planning to visit some of them in America, Hong Kong and back in the UK. The opportunities the school offered her have helped her academically. She loved History and Languages in small groups and she discovered new cultures with her friends. She liked organising events to raise money for charities with Amicus and Oxfam. This month, she is working as a volunteer at an NGO school in Guatemala. To thank the school for all this, we would like to participate in the Leaver’s Gift - Class of 2016”. Claudia Vuijk (Class of 2016 parent) rich tradition in encouraging our students to be creative and innovative. The introduction of Media Arts is a further opportunity for our students to explore and express their creativity. We are thrilled with the ongoing support from the David Lean Foundation. Other private Trusts have also kindly supported the school this year, mainly for the Bursary Fund. A letter found in the archives from Michael Malnick’s mother thanking the school for his bursary
Individuals from the school community support Leighton Park either by regularly donating straight from their payroll, by making an annual donation, or by making one off donations. “As an OL it is great to be able to support the school community and the next generation of students. I donate to the school’s Bursary Fund because it helps widen access to the rare gift that is a Quaker education at Leighton Park. Doing so through the Charities Aid Foundation ‘Give As You Earn’ scheme makes monthly donations both simple for me and more valuable for the charity because it is tax efficient”. Romney Fox (S 1999)
Bursary Fund Appeal We have recently launched the Bursary Fund appeal.
Gifts in Wills There has been an increase in interest about leaving a gift in a Will by our OLs. This is welcome news, particularly after the wonderful £750,807.40 legacy that was made by Michael Malnick (S 1944). We also received a gift in a Will from Joyce Pearson (wife of Irwin Pearson (S 1949)) amounting to £3,569. The Pearsons are part of a large Quaker family who attended LP.
General support
Both generous gifts in Wills were for the Bursary Fund. Head of Development, Celia Blakeway-Phillips says “The school is extremely grateful for these gifts in Wills, particularly at a time when we are formalising the Bursary Fund and now actively encouraging our school community to also support it, in whatever way they can”.
Would you like to join our electronic mailing list? You will receive termly E-newsletters for our OL and Friends Community, as well as information about events and other news. To subscribe, please email development@leightonpark.com The OL newsletter is printed using paper from a sustainable source. Reg. Charity No: 309144
The Head and Governors would like to increase the amount of support given via bursaries by an extra 35% in the coming years. We passionately believe that students should be able to join the school on the basis of their ability and potential, not just on their parents’ ability to pay the fees. If you would like to support the Bursary Fund you can visit www.leightonpark. com/528/support-leighton-park/donate to donate online. Or you can find out more by contacting the Development Office: Celia Blakeway-Philips Head of Development celiabp@leightonpark.com 0118 987 9648 Thank you to everyone for your wonderful support of the school