The Newsletter of the Old Loughburians’ Association
Quad No 3 Autumn 2013
‘Johnnie’ Johnson for the silver screen? “James ‘Johnnie’ Johnson CB CBE DSO** DFC* (1924-32), the top-scoring Allied fighter pilot in World War 2, may be headed for the silver screen,” writes John Weitzel (1978- ). “Today’s Sixth Formers know quite a lot about him. His Foundation funds travel awards for boys in Year 12 and prizes for boys in Year 13 and there is a signed picture in the Sixth Form Centre of his Spitfire
one of the biggest events in the school calendar involved in action. His exploits during the war, both individually and as a hugely successful commander of Canadian pilots, have been the subject of many books but never a film. Now plans are afoot to bring Johnnie to the silver screen.”
L-r Johnnie Johnson, Jack Roadley, Tom Kewley, Bill Newton in 1931
Johnnie' Johnson by Cuthbert Orde
The second event is the manner of his leaving the school. According to tradition he was asked to leave after being caught swimming naked with his girlfriend in the school pool. This makes for a great story in the film and actually determines his future. The offer of a place at RAF Cranwell was removed as a result and he lost the chance to join the RAF on departure from the school. Only in 1939 did he join the RAF Volunteer Reserve as a sergeant pilot to fly Spitfires - that would never have happened had he completed a normal school career and become an officer. The screen play ends, however, with him being accepted back into the school community. This is depicted by his name being added to the honours board. In reality his big ‘return’ was in July 1957 when he opened a fete which, according to The Loughborough Monitor, was the ‘biggest and most entertaining event of its kind ever held in the town.’ JJ arrived by helicopter and over 3000 visitors came to the
The month of May saw OLs John Maltby (1956-59) and David Arthurton (1985-90) all over the news for the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters’ raid. John, now a well-known Loughborough undertaker, recounts how his father, David, piloted Lancaster AJ-J in the successful attack on the Möhne Dam, making what has been described as “a textbook drop” and causing the John Maltby with logbook dam wall finally to crumble. John was interviewed on BBC 2 and East Midlands Today as well as on several radio stations. He remains the proud owner of his father’s logbook, recording the raid.
Mission accomplished in the logbook
In the BBC2 tribute Wing Commander David Arthurton, spoke of the honour and privilege of leading the 180 men and women of 617 squadron. In September David reappeared on breakfast television to speak of the deployment of the squadron to Afghanistan where it would fly close air support and intelligence missions in support of the coalition commanders on the ground. The squadron is due to disband in 2014 and be re-formed as the UK’s first Joint Strike Fighter Squadron in 2016. Photo: SAC Gemma Nagi ©Crown copyright 2013
“The screenplay highlights two important events in his time at LGS that were to map out his future. Firstly he won the open cross country three years in a row. In those days the cross country was run from school and ended in the Walks, with large crowds of parents and boys cheering on the winner. The course was about 5 miles long and it took about 35 minutes to complete. The Loughburian reports that JJ took the lead in the 1930 race somewhere in Shelthorpe and led for the rest of the race. He went on to dominate the races of 1931 and 1932.
Dambusters at 70
caught swimming naked with his girlfriend in the school school, with some still entering at 8 pm. Hopefully, a producer can be found for the film and the exploits of JJ in World War 2 can reach a much wider audience. For LGS, JJ will always remain one of our most famous old boys.
David Arthurton
Robbie’s Rugby Festival 2013 from cancer. The Trust focuses on helping patients by providing resources such as laptops, TVs, Wiis, Play stations, iPods, trips out – anything to make their time on the ward a little more bearable. The Jake McCarthy Foundation is a charity set up in the name of an Old Loughburian who tragically lost his life to an undiagnosed brain tumour on Christmas Eve, 2012. This charity aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours as well as helping to improve early diagnosis. The day was a fantastic success with over 1000 spectators during the day and over 500 people atBack l-r Gordon Akauma, Alex Cavner, Aqeel Hassan, Charlie Richardson, John Portsmouth, Alex Slack, Pearce Taylor, Robbie Clay tending the evening reception. Unfortunately ‘LGS Front l-r: Danny Kennedy, Nick Andrew, Chris John Bate, Joseph Hutchinson Schweff’ were beaten in the Cup Final by Syston RFC, however ‘LGS Angry Pandas’ did manage to win the Plate On Saturday 13th July, Loughborough Rugby Club, hosted the Final after several tough games in the group stages. On the day fifth annual Robbie’s Rugby Festival. What has grown from a over £12,500 was raised, which is a tremendous sum of money low key affair involving two teams of LGS Old Boys, this year to go towards these two fantastic charities, and this has now set hosted twenty teams, including six teams made up of LGS a huge precedent for next year’s event! leavers from 2002 to 2011. We would like to thank the OLA and LES for their help and Robbie’s Rugby Festival, is a charity 10s rugby tournament, support in this year’s event and are very which raises money for both the Robbie much looking forward to working closely with Anderson Cancer Trust and The Jake six teams made up of them again next year. Hopefully next year McCarthy Foundation. Organised by four LGS leavers LES will be able to win a few more pieces of friends, Georgie Fowle (LHS 2000-07), silverware! Liam Schofield (2000-07), Alicia Pearson (OLCS 2001-08) Thanks to all who helped before, and on the day. It would not and Matthew Everard (2002-07), the event is fast becoming have been possible without a huge team effort! the great summer reunion for LES leavers of all ages. Liam Schofield The Robbie Anderson Cancer Trust is a charity which aims to provide age-appropriate facilities for young people suffering
LGS Careers Convention Over 500 senior boys and their parents crowded into the Hodson and Burton Halls for the LGS Careers Convention on October 9th. Amongst others we heard from Alex Phillips (1987-94) Project Director at Grosvenor Development, Britain and Ireland; Tom Slatter (1991-98) Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, Sheffield University; Neel Somani (1993-2000) Dental Surgeon; Ben Walker (1991-96) former Commanding Officer, Fire and Rescue Service and Jack Wilson (2001-09) Artist. Neel presented a session on how to make a successful application into dental school and tried to give an insight into the reality of being a dentist. He talked about how he has split his career into different aspects of dentistry ranging from teaching "baby dentists" to carrying out surgical procedures.
Jack, a graduate of Reading University, described his current exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, Oxford, and his upcoming trip to teach French as an assistant in Roanne, France for six months. He explained the importance of studying Art at A level, and routes into Higher Education in Art.
Alex described his career as an architect and his move to become a property developer. He explained that architecture is as much about communicating insightful ideas as it is drawing and the technical aspects of building. Dedication plus hard work can lead to a fulfilling career with tangible rewards for those efforts.
Ben spoke of the importance of developing a fully rounded character alongside academic achievement. In Ben's chosen field of Emergency Management the ability to withstand discomfort and make correct decisions in unfamiliar situations is key, so evidence of areas beyond the academic where candidates have operated out of their "comfort zone" is vital.
Tom spoke of his studies and career in mechanical engineering, emphasising the varied and rewarding projects that are delivered by engineers every day. Mechanical Engineering,
in particular, is a very broad subject and Tom cited both his own career, his peers and his graduated students who work for companies including Red Bull Racing, Rolls-Royce, Shell and Ford as inspiration for the next generation of engineers. We would like to thank all our guest speakers, amongst them many OLs, for taking time to speak to current pupils and their parents and for providing such interesting insights into a wide variety of careers. If you would like to take part in a future careers event, please contact Roger P er r e tt (P a st C h ai r ma n ) a t rogerp@perrettandco.com
Artists get together Photo: Laura Andrews
Where are they now?
Brian McDouall Peter Twombley, Paul Ryan, Michael Nelson
“You can imagine what a surprise it was,” writes Peter Twombley (1975-92) “to see Michael Nelson (1979-86) and Paul Ryan (1979-84) at my recent bi-annual exhibition of paintings and sculpture at my home in Rempstone. They ran their artistic and critical eye over the show and gave me a verbal report, quite a change from those numerous reports I expressed about their early development. They have both found national and international recognition for their work. Michael has represented the UK at the Venice Biennale and Paul had a gallery show at the same time in the City. Paul's sketchbook presentation in galleries in the UK are significant and his curatorial skills have gained him a wide recognition. The weekend was further enhanced by the visit of Rod Shaw (1975-80) and family as well as my sons, Andrew (1977-84) and Mark (1979-84) and daughter, Laura (1980-85). OLs are always welcome at Wayside. Do contact me on petertwombley123@btinternet.com. This will ensure you receive details of any future exhibitions.
European award for Ian Tomlinson Congratulations to Ian Tomlinson (1974-81) Professor of Molecular and Population Genetics and Group Head at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, who has been awarded the United European Gastroenterology Research Prize for 2013. A world renowned expert in c a n c e r genetics, his work focuses principally on c a n c e r predisposition and related fields. His Prof Ian Tomlinson performance is at the cutting edge. In less than two decades he was able to identify more than twenty genes which increase the risk of colorectal cancers, representing the majority of all known bowel tumour genes. This will be the first time the award has been made to a Briton since UEG was founded 21 years ago.
One family unbroken These words have been familiar to Loughburians since they were first penned in 1923 by Canon George Briggs (OL) of All Saints’ Church, Loughborough . Ninety years later the school was visited by George’s son, D a v i d Briggs, a sprightly 95 years old. David had attended LGS when the David Briggs junior school was still part of the main school but moved on to King’s College School, Cambridge as a choral scholar at the age of 8. Thirty three years later he
Tim Jolliff
Tim Jolliff (1991-2000) left LGS for Queen's College, Taunton, as Head of Chemistry, now Head of Science. He is also involved with writing projects for the Royal Society of Chemistry. Having snapped two Achilles tendons playing squash and football, Tim now spends much of his leisure time playing croquet and has a current world ranking in the three hundreds after a particularly successful summer.
One family unbroken, We join, with one acclaim, One heart, one voice uplifting, To glorify thy name. was to become its Head for a quarter of a century. This June he dedicated the Briggs Room in the Music School in memory of his father.
In Memoriam It is with sadness that we record the passing of the following OLs. We hope to print brief obituaries in the Spring edition of the Old Loughburian. David Tomes (1943-51) in Jan 2012 Fred Harris (1941-48) on 8th Jan 2013 Alan Adam (1961-68) on 10th March Richard Ingram (1948-56) on 11th Apr
Brian McDouall (1974-78) left LGS in 1978 for Hong Kong, finding his way eventually to China where in 2005 he founded Dulwich College, Beijing which currently boasts 1450 pupils and an IB Diploma average of 36.7 points. He is now the Director of Schools for Dulwich College International with seven Colleges under his wing, but fond memories of Burton Walks where his career began.
Ian Peacock (1961-67) on 20th June Brian Hallett (1945-50) on 24th June Graham Daly (1963-72) on 23rd July Ken Blood (1944-50) on 3rd Sept
Frances Pilkington (Bursary 1979-91) on 14th Aug
Mark Twells
Mark Twells (1985-93) moved from LGS to Shrewsbury School as Director of IT. He writes: “We got hooked on Shropshire and have enjoyed an interesting 21 years. I potter with a bit of hill walking, landscape photography and ham radio (digital, of course), and we live out in the wilds in a parish with no shops and five pubs. I am currently in my last year before retirement and am busy planning a Gap Decade. I have continued to teach Mathematics - it has kept me sane!”
In the News Photo: Leicester Mercury
On 4th October the Leicester Mercury reported that Adam Foden (1989-96) had been awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Adam Foden Adam commanded the Brigade Reconnaissance Force which searched at least 850 compounds, uncovered 95 weapons stores, stopped more than 110 roadside bombings and detained 21 insurgents. Major Foden, of The Queen's Royal Lancers, said: "The performance of the whole team was first-rate and I do not feel that it's right to single me out. This award is a reflection of their work. I was hugely fortunate to command such an impressive organisation.” Patrick Keogh (1993-2000) has been hitting the news rec ent ly. The London Evening Standard listed him among "The Power 1000 London's most influential people 2013" as "one of the top-most influential people in the Arts" alongside JK Rowling, Zadie Smith, Kate Patrick Keogh M os s, J ulian Barnes , Jeanette Winterson et al. The Standard reports that he started as an intern at Bloomsbury and has worked his way up to become a key figure at Faber, founding the Faber Academy in 2008. In 2010 he launched the Guardian master classes and a year later set up the Mumsnet Academy. He also co-founded Voewood Festival, the literary, art and music extravaganza in the grounds of Voewood House in Norfolk. Congratulations to Bradley Thompson (2002-07) who was selected for the Great Britain Lions American Football Team who have just competed at the Vigorelli stadium in Milan. The team was selected from the whole of GB and the travelling squad of 45, was chosen from a practice squad of 75. The team played Spain, Italy Bradley Thompson and Czech Republic. They were the eventual winners of the Bronze medal as they lost to Italy in the final 20 seconds of the match. Bradley is now Branch Manager at Haart Estate Agents, Loughborough.
Future events For more details please visit www.olaoga.co.uk email honsecola@lesgrammar.org or events@lesbursary.co.uk or contact Hannah on 01509 638920 February 2014 Sat 1 Oxbridge Dinner at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, 8.00 pm. Open to alumni of LHS & LGS who are current undergraduates or graduates of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and those OLs and OGs living in the Oxford area. £47 (£25 students) March Sat 22 The OLA and OGA Loughborough Dinner Burton Hall, 7.15 pm for 8.00 pm. Black Tie. £37.50 (£35 if booked before 24th January). Our guest speaker will be Rachel Parris, who left LHS in 2002. See enclosed flyer May Sat 10 The South West Lunch June Fri
Drinks by the Thames (date tba)
Sat 14
2004 Leavers’ 10 year Reunion at LES
Sat 28
Quincentennial Trophy at Rothley Park Golf Club
Sun 29
LES Music School Al Fresco Garden Party at No 2, The Walks, for local OGs, OLs and their families, 3.00-4.30 pm
July Fri-Sun 11-13 ‘Robbie’s Rugby Festival’, LGS sports ground, Quorn
There is Nothing like a Dame or a Doc!! We are considering holding a Doctors’ Dinner possibly in May - casual, no speeches but open only to medics or, possibly, allowing in dentists. Also on the cards is a reunion of cast and crew of “South Pacific” led by Steve Smith. If you are interested in either of these please email the Hon Sec. No need for any commitment but we would appreciate indications of interest!
Is there a Doctor in the House? - or a dentist or a paramedic? - or a practice manager or a hospital administrator? We need you to share your news and opinions, both personal and professional, at a crucial time for medicine. Contact Hon. Editor: Tony Cox honeditorola@gmail.com Deadline 31st January 2014. Chairman: Scott Charlish
Hon. Sec: Neil Rowbotham honsecola@lesgrammar.org
Hon. Editor: Tony Cox honeditorola@gmail.com