An Interview With: The Sternians’ Association President and Chairman

The Sternians’ Association President and Chairman

We talk to Peter Booth (President) and John Bacon (Chairman) to hear the highlights from the last 12 months

What have been the biggest challenges the Association has felt as a result of the global pandemic?

JOHN: We are creatures of habit, so when the calendar is entirely stripped of Sternians sports fixtures, reunions, and careers events, it is going to take time to start again. It is encouraging to see the return of regional gatherings, with the South-West leading the way in Exeter. And now, under the “Give Back” banner, we are seeing the return of the opportunity for Sternians to work with pupils in the Mock Interview Morning, Futures Fair, and the new Round Table events to prepare them for the world of work. It almost makes me wish I was back at school again….

PETER: Covid hangs over everything and it is so hard to predict from day to day, we all must adjust and readjust as new challenges occur and the Sternians is no different. 2022 is a really special year for the College and enormous resilience has already been displayed, I am sure we will manage to make the most of things.

What have the Sternian highlights been for you over the past year?

JOHN: When the year started under continuing restrictions on movement, the programme of LWC Focus sessions on Zoom were a sign that we would maintain a kind of normality. By the start of the new academic year, we saw the return of President’s Drinks in September, where we introduced two years’ worth of new staff members to the Association. Then in November the Remembrance Service was followed swiftly by the over 60s Farmers Club lunch. PETER: For me personally, I have enjoyed watching Ugo Monye dancing in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and marvelling at his sporting knowledge and infectious good humour as one of the captains in

“Being ‘Question of Sport’. President of the Sternians’ Association is for me, an immense What has the last year brought for the Association? privilege.” JOHN: It is no surprise that regular activities of the Association have largely been suspended this year, but things have not stood still. LWC Connect has come into its own over the past year, with a consistent increase in members joining, new industry specific networking groups and a huge range of resources to help Sternians with their career, whatever stage of life they are in. Another significant plus point is the introduction of our vibrant new Alumni Relationship Manager, Justine Lammin. We are so grateful to Sam Corfield for reassigning Kate Boyd to hold the fort following the retirement of the long-serving Gill Kelly. Justine’s appointment to the role demonstrates that the College is fully committed to the ongoing development of the Association. And I couldn’t summarise the year without thanking Paul Richings and his fellow trustees for their administration of the Sternians Trust Fund. PETER: And although there have been immense challenges, Sternians have shown great resilience, determination and creativity, and in some ways people have become closer.

John and Peter welcome Alumni Relations Manager, Justine Lammin to LWC.

What do you find rewarding about the post you hold?

PETER: Being President of the Sternians’ Association is for me, an immense privilege. I enjoy being able to give back to LWC through the Association, whether that’s supporting the Sternian events, assisting with pupil events such as the Mock Interview Mornings, or helping young Sternians. It is a joy to see how people have made the best of opportunities and their abilities, and established themselves as adults both professionally and often, as parents.

JOHN: In recent years the annual highlight for me has been the honour to represent the Sternians at the Remembrance Service, with its focal point of the memorial that was conceived by the pupils and unveiled by Sternian Johnny Johnson in 2017. It is also always a pleasure to connect with other Sternians through events and social media platforms, as well as keeping up to date with developments at LWC.

Does the Association have a role to play for all Sternians, no matter what their age is?

Have you seen any changes in the Association over the years?

JOHN: For me it is half a century – sounds a lot but in many ways, it still almost feels like only yesterday. When I left school, the Association was fully reliant on subscriptions from those interested in joining. The change in 2006 to give all past pupils automatic membership was such a simple but effective way to truly open the Association to all. This has, over time, led to a wide range of opportunities to engage with Sternians of all ages in many ways. PETER: As the age range of members of the Association grew greater, it became increasingly apparent that greatly differing generations had differing needs that have to be met. Much has been achieved but it is a huge and continuous challenge, and the Association has to continue to evolve to meet this challenge.

Looking towards the future, what are your hopes for the Association and how do you aim to get there?

JOHN: It could be argued that I am past my time. But as I see it, only in later life have I been able to devote time and energy to the Association with the support of a strong Executive Committee. In terms of our aims, all former pupils should feel able to engage with the Association and the College as much or as little as they wish. The College recognises the importance of the Association, and the permanent office on site, together with our dedicated website, offers a simple route back into LWC and to the Sternian community for anyone wishing to stay in touch with what is such a major element of their past. JOHN: Definitely. We all have one thing in common, and that is our common bond with LWC. We are all shaped by our time at LWC, and the Association provides a forum where we can share our experiences whilst enjoying the range of events on offer. There is a unique pleasure in being with friends we made when we were young and it is a pleasure which grows with the years. Alongside the traditional Sternian events, there is now the Virtual Global Gathering, Ladies of LWC, Regional University Gatherings and various sports activities to look forward to. With all of that, there is something for

“We are all everyone! shaped by our time at LWC, and the PETER: As well as using the Association Association provides to maintain links with a forum where we Sternians and the can share our College, there is much experiences” that can be contributed by Sternians. The career fairs, practice interviews, recent webinars, along with helping with work experience and mentoring are all ways that Sternians can support the next generation of Sternians. As well as gaining so much by working with young people, it is tremendously appreciated by our newer Sternians.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with younger Sternians who have just left LWC?

PETER: I hope that the College has enabled you to find and develop in yourself qualities, skills and interests, as well as a set of values, that will serve you and those around you, well. You have probably made a set of friends for life – make sure you support them as I am sure, they will support you.

JOHN: With no disrespect to the quality of teachers at LWC, or of your own intelligence, you don’t know it all. Every day offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge. Your time at LWC has equipped you with many, but not all, of the skills needed to achieve your goals. Keep learning.

With the Centenary just around the corner, does that open up new opportunities?

PETER: This is such an immense milestone and a great time to take stock. From its small and humble beginnings with the arrival at Long Sutton of just one pupil, Alfred Beckwith, a hundred years ago, several thousands of Sternians have passed through the iconic acorn gates to start their own adventure at Lord Wandsworth College in its ever-changing form. It is important to honour the legacy and achievements of those that went before while ensuring that the future sees the College and the Association developing. There are great plans for the Centenary, and I hope that we are able to see them fulfilled (covid permitting) as we all embark on our second century.

JOHN: On a personal level, I have never been one for making a fuss on BIG birthdays, but for the College and the Association, a century of LWC is something to celebrate. If nothing else, it offers a good excuse to have a party on familiar territory, where I look forward to meeting many old friends.

What does the future hold?

JOHN: The strength of the Association is in its ability to move with the times. We have tremendous support from the Headmaster, Adam Williams, and from his leadership team, and I would like nothing more than to see the College and our Association continuing to flourish when the next Centenary comes around.