The Old Oakhamian Magazine 2022-2023

The Old Oakhamian Club Magazine

STEM Stories

The OOs who are carving out career pathways in STEM subjects p12

50 not out

The history of cricket at Oakham... in 50 facts p31

A special look at the pioneering female teachers who shaped the future of Oakham School p18

Keep up to date with the OO Club Our alumni site, The Oakhamian Connection, has been created as a place for OOs to keep in touch with one another, share news, sign up for OO events, join clubs, and much more.

It is a wonderful network to tap into to talk about your business, ideas, or recent achievements. Browse WKURXJK WKH VLWH WR ƮQG LQIRUPDWLRQ and join OO Societies such as Golf, Cricket, and Shooting.

Scan the QR code to sign up The Old Oakhamian Magazine is an annual publication for former pupils of Oakham School.

We also send out a termly e-Newsletter – please ensure your email address is up to date by emailing OOClub@oakham.rutland.sch.uk

The OO Club, Chapel Close, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6DT Tel: +44 (0)1572 758 817

oakhamianconnection.com Instagram: @oldoakhamianclub The Old Oakhamian Club – Private group

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EDITORIAL TEAM Leadership (GLWRU $OXPQL DQG 'HYHORSPHQW 2ƱFHU Charlotte Woodward clw@oakham.rutland.sch.uk Managing Editor Rachel Fairweather rf2@oakham.rutland.sch.uk Director of External Relations Samantha Rowntree sr@oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Dear Old Oakhamians...

Art Director Sam Bowles sam@stencil-agency.co.uk Designer Ariana Marrin-Cleal ariana@stencil-agency.co.uk Kate Kusztal kate@stencil-agency.co.uk Contributing authors: Aurore Guillomot-Bonnefond (Archivist) Nick Priestnall (Acting Head of Development) Emily Howett (Communications Manager) Tom Angell (Digital and Website Co-ordinator)

Production Produced by STENCIL Printed in the UK

by Harvest Communications

I’m delighted to welcome Charlotte Woodward as our new $OXPQL DQG 'HYHORSPHQW 2ƱFHU &KDUORWWH DOUHDG\ KDV D fantastic knowledge of Oakham, OOs and the OO Club, and I wish her well in her new role. We also welcome Kate McEuen (‘88), our new President for 2023/24, and we are also in the process of re-appointing our OO Committee. Read our interview with Kate on page 11. +DYLQJ FRPSOHWHG P\ ƮUVW \HDU DV &KDLUPDQ RI WKH 22 &OXE DQG WDNHQ WLPH WR UHưHFW RQ WKH ODVW PRQWKV , DP incredibly fortunate to have witnessed the very best of Oakham and all that is great about Oakham. The OO Club has been active with various reunions, both in Oakham and London, and it’s pleasing to see that we receive many requests for year groups, both recent and not so recent, to meet up. At the College House reunion in September, it was great to see so many OOs re-engaging with each other with a common interest in College House, whether as 2[EULGJH FDQGLGDWHV WKH ƮUVW JLUOV WR DUULYH DW 2DNKDP LQ 1971, or even having spent time in the School sanitorium!

Read more on pages 26-29.

We also started our professional networking events for OOs this year, having held an event in October for the legal SURIHVVLRQ DQG LQ 1RYHPEHU IRU ƮQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV $OO 22V are welcome to participate with like-minded Oakhamians, listening to speakers and building networks with each other in their chosen profession. See page 30 to read more. $V DOZD\V 22V KDYH EHHQ EXV\ RQ WKH VSRUWV ƮHOG ZLWK the annual football match (ending with a penalty shoot-out!), netball, golf, cricket, and shooting. As a previous captain of shooting, I had hoped to support the team at Bisley, but I look forward to next year. Along with many OOs, I watched the 1st ;9 UXJE\ WHDP LQ WKHLU VHPL ƮQDO DQG WKH IDQWDVWLF ZLQ LQ WKH

ƮQDO RI WKH 1DWLRQDO 6FKRROV &XS D JUHDW WHDP that played intelligently but most importantly in the right spirit of the game. I have also seen the School Choir perform in London at the Brandenburg Festival, where it was amazing to listen to such a talented group.

Whilst the School celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III in May, it was ZLWK JUHDW SULGH WKDW , VDZ ƮYH 22V DW WKH heart of the celebrations in London and Windsor. Read more in the news section of the Oakhamian Connection.

What has pleased me more than anything are the OOs who have taken time to visit the School, giving up their time to talk to current SXSLOV ZKHWKHU LQ WKH ƮHOGV RI 'UDPD 6SRUW DQG 0XVLF RU D particular industry, and I would encourage as many of you as possible to continue to support the School in this way. The Upper School Networking Dinner in October was a great example of this, and I was impressed by the maturity of the conversations, the interest and chat about careers and university by current pupils, and their interest in what it was like at Oakham years ago.

During the year, I have caught up with previous PHPEHUV RI VWDƬ DQG DP DOZD\V LQWHUHVWHG WR KHDU their news and continued support for Oakham. Just as LPSRUWDQWO\ , KDYH PHW VHYHUDO FXUUHQW PHPEHUV RI VWDƬ and have been impressed with their level of commitment to the School. At the Foundation lunch, attended by several OOs, we listened to Neil Gorman, Chairman of the 7UXVWHHV VSHDN DERXW KLV FRQƮGHQFH IRU WKH IXWXUH RI Oakham and the support from OOs. )LQDOO\ DV , UHưHFW RQ DOO WKHVH JUHDW WKLQJV DW 2DNKDP I would like to thank Charlotte, Sam Rowntree, and Nick Priestnall for all their support, keeping OOs connected and up to date with OO and School news, successes, and events, as well as networks through the Oakhamian Connection.

Also, Aurore, our Archivist whose insight and knowledge are LQYDOXDEOH ZKHQ ZDQWLQJ WR UHVHDUFK RU ƮQG VRPHWKLQJ RXW I look forward to meeting as many Old Oakhamians as possible over the next year, and along with our new President, I look forward to another year of exciting OO activity.

Quasi Cursores, Jonathan Stevens (‘79) Chairman of the OO Club

ON OUR COVER: WONDER WOMEN The Archives take a look at some of the pioneering female teachers who shaped the future of Oakham School and their present-day successors.

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CONTENTS

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School news, news of OOs and Foundation news.

From designing track cars to curing cancer, we hear from our alumni who are pursuing careers in STEM about the importance of these vital subjects now and in the future.

-HUHP\ )DUPHU o UHưHFWV RQ ZKDW Oakham taught him, his career since leaving the School, and why he supports rugby scholarships for talented Oakhamians.

NEWS

STEM STORIES

OUR NEW OO CLUB PRESIDENT

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Our new OO President Kate McEuen (’88) talks about her memories of Oakham and plans for the year ahead.

The Archives look at some of the pioneering female teachers who helped to shape the School and those who are following in their footsteps.

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WONDER WOMEN

RUGBY LESSONS

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OO STORIES The 2022-23 U18 National Schools Cup winning Rugby team boasted a huge number of OO connections, with six of the squad sons RI 22V LQFOXGLQJ ƮYH ZKR SOD\HG LQ WKH ƮQDO

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Of all the events and achievements we have celebrated this year, perhaps nothing has captured the atmosphere, ambition and community of Oakham School more clearly than the day the 1st XV Rugby team won the National Schools Cup Final at Twickenham.”

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EVENTS AND REUNIONS Formal and informal reunions from the past year, including the inaugural Legal Networking Evening.

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50 NOT OUT A history of cricket at Oakham School in 50 facts.

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OBITUARIES OO Death Notices and lives remembered.

reating, growing, and maintaining connections is one of the great privileges of being the Headmaster of a school with an active and thriving DOXPQL FRPPXQLW\ $V , ZULWH , UHưHFW RQ an enjoyable year and one in which those FRQQHFWLRQV KDYH ưRXULVKHG Of all the events and achievements we have celebrated this year, perhaps nothing has captured the atmosphere, ambition and community of Oakham School more clearly than the day the 1st XV Rugby team won the National Schools Cup Final at Twickenham. Over a thousand members of the Oakham School Community – pupils, VWDƬ SDUHQWV DQG 22V s FDPH WRJHWKHU WR support their team. The fact that six players had parents who were OOs and were there to support them added to that incredible sense of pride and connection.

Beyond this, 2023 has been a year for meeting and welcoming many of you back to Oakham. We have celebrated a 5-year reunion with the Class of 2018 and a reunion for the Class of 1978. There might have been 40 years between the two cohorts, but the shared sense of connection to Oakham was palpable. The College House reunion was a chance to learn about pupils’ experiences in the 1960s and 1970s, and the Class of 2013 enjoyed the hospitality of a fellow OO when they met to mark their 10-year anniversary in London. OOs have returned to support current pupils, sharing their advice and ZLVGRP DERXW FDUHHU GLUHFWLRQ DQG RƬHU ZRUN experience and networking opportunities.

This year has seen the introduction of a Networking in the City series, providing opportunities for OOs from various professional

business backgrounds to meet and collaborate. Next year, the OO Club plans to go ‘on tour’ and extend and facilitate connections beyond Oakham. We will share details of these events early next year, but I urge you, if you have not already done so, to sign up to the aptly named oakhamianconnection.com. This website is a great platform that helps make connecting with others straightforward and simple. I hope to join you at these regional gatherings, where possible. Involvement and support of the Foundation has also facilitated meetings, and I have been delighted to welcome 1584 Society and Legacy Society members to lunch and events at School and in London.

With the return to life before Covid, there have even been opportunities to connect with OOs overseas. I am grateful to those OOs who have extended hospitality and friendship to some of my team while travelling away from home.

They describe these connections as ‘like meeting up with old friends’, such is the warmth and welcome. :H KDYH D SDUWLFXODUO\ VLJQLƮFDQW HYHQW RQ the horizon: one hundred years of the School Chapel. Built in 1924 and dedicated in 1925, this remarkable and poignant building has remained at the heart of the campus and in the heart of Oakhamians across the years.

We will mark the anniversary with pride and, no doubt, again witness the connections that are formed in this great School.

Quasi Cursores

Henry Price Headmaster

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NEWS

School News Rugby Dinner To celebrate a successful season of rugby that culminated in our National Schools Cup Final win, members of the 1st XV, their coaches, DQG VHOHFWHG VWDƬ attended the annual rugby dinner at The Falcon in Uppingham.

We were honoured to have Lewis Moody (’97) and Hamish Watson (’10) join us to help congratulate the boys on their successes.

In 2023 we said farewell to four long-serving members of teaching ïðÝĞ Ùá ðäÝêç ðäáé for their service and wish them well in their future endeavours.

John Chilton

Adam Petit

Paul Nutter

Kevin Townsley

It was lovely to welcome back Jack Van Poortvliet (‘19) and Imogen Ainsworth (‘19) in October for our Sporting Futures event, to talk to pupils about career pathways in sport.

Leavers Cricket

The last week of the Summer Term saw the light-hearted EXW KLJKO\ FRPSHWLWLYH VWDƬ Y )RUP OHDYHUV FULFNHW PDWFK RQ 'RQFDVWHU &ORVH ,W ZDV D FORVH JDPH ZLWK VWDƬ retaining the title by 1 run. Now in its second year, it is a lovely new tradition to welcome Form 7 into the OO Club.

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Arts Ϻ Sarah Watson (’90) has been working as a professional artist since 2010, after spending 15 years in the music industry. She primarily paints landscapes and is represented by Gallery6 in Newark, which has just held a month-long solo show of her most recent series on Iceland. Her work can be VHHQ RQOLQH DW ZZZ VDUDKZDWVRQƮQHDUW FRP VHYHUDO are still on show at www.gallery6newark.co.uk. Ϻ Bianca Gillam’s (’13) ƮUVW QRYHO Bad Publicity, has been picked up by Bloomsbury Publishing. The book is described as "a classic enemiesto-lovers romance" and will be published in February 2025.

Wedding

Sam Wills (‘06) married Rowena Myrans on 25 October 2023. There were many OOs present, including Best Man Sam Leiper (‘07), Charlie Morgan (‘07), Henry James (‘07), Lucy Meadows (‘06), and Freddie Chapman (‘08).

Not to mention the Groom’s parents Jono (’73) and Kim Wills (Hon OO)!

Drama

Ϻ Matthew Macfadyen (’92) has received his third Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Tom Wamsgans in HBO’s Succession. Ϻ Also nominated for an Emmy is Andy Harries’ (’71) production company Left Bank Pictures for producing The Crown 7KH ƮQDO VHULHV RI The Crown LV QRZ VFUHHQLQJ RQ 1HWưL[ Ϻ Three OOs have helped to create an award-winning VKRUW ƮOP WKDW DFFUXHG RYHU YLHZV LQ D ZHHN The Fool's Mate featured Nye Conant ('17) Set Dresser, Thomas Conant ('13) Production Design, and Cian Llewellyn ('13) Writer/Director.

To watch The Fool’s Mate, please scan the QR code

Music

Ϻ Dingle Yandell (’00) performed as part of the choir at the Coronation and received a medal for his services.

Dingle also performed at Glyndebourne this summer. Ϻ Olivia Watts (’09) played bassoon at the Coronation Concert in Windsor. Ϻ Paul Spicer (’70) has recently published his biography of the composer Arthur Bliss. Ϻ Kwame Ryan (’90) continues to excel as a professional conductor, including a forthcoming première of Joan Armatrading’s new Symphony No. 1 with the Chineke! Orchestra. Ϻ 6WHSKHQ -HƬHV o continues to perform with the BBC Singers performing many times in the BBC Proms this summer. Ϻ Katie Hall (’08) returned to the West End cast of Les Misérables in September. Ϻ Seagirls The band made up of OOs Henry Camamile (’12), Andrew Dawson (’11), Rory Young (’11) and OIi Khan (’11) have performed at various festivals over the summer, including Reading and Leeds Festival, Tramlines and Glastonbury.

Healey Family News

Following a recent trip to Buckingham Palace with her youngest daughters Tuesday (‘17) and 7LƬDQ\ n to be presented with their Gold DofE Award, Sue Healey (’79) (née Hardy) writes: ‘I was a proud mummy – all four of my daughters achieved Gold at Oakham School – an opportunity I never had. During my time at the School we had to choose between Guides or CCF. I chose and helped run the latter until the end of Form 7! The girls’ uncle Steve Hardy (’80) also achieved Gold. Whilst Emily (‘06) did her Gold Expedition in Hawaii the others went to Lochinver – a truly memorable experience.

In other Healey family news, Emily Wallace (’06) (née Healey) and her husband Stephen welcomed their daughter Grace Sheila Wallace to the world on 15 May 2023.

Top from left to right: At St James’s Palace in 2007. James Haythornthwaite (’07), Matthew Allsopp (’07), Rachel Hollis (’07), John Green (’07), Emily Healey Middle left: Sue and Tuesday at Buckingham Palace in May 2023 Middle right: 7LƬDQ\ 6XH and Holly (‘19) at Buckingham Palace in May 2023

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NEWS

Sport was selected to represent England in his ƮUVW :RUOG &XS KRZHYHU GXULQJ RQH RI WKH Summer Series games, he picked up an injury, which meant he couldn’t feature in the squad. We wish him a speedy recovery. Ϻ During the 2023 Summer Series, Jack and Sam went head-to-head in the England v Wales game at the Principality Stadium. Ϻ Charlie Titcombe (’21), has signed for the Llanelli-based United Rugby Championship side Scarlets. Fly-half Titcombe joins his former Oakham School and Leicester Tigers Academy teammate, Sam Costelow (’19).

7KH PRYH FRPHV RƬ WKH EDFN RI D VWHOODU season with Loughborough University, helping to guide his team to a BUCS Super Rugby league title and winning the competition’s Player of the Season award. Ϻ Alex Goode (’06) played an integral part in the Saracens’ team that won the Gallagher Premiership in 2023.

Rugby

Ϻ International We were proud to have three OOs gain selection to represent their country at the Rugby World Cup in France on the back of strong performances in the 2023 Six Nations and 2023 Summer Series. Hamish Watson (’10) played in his second World Cup for Scotland and Sam Costelow (’19) made his international debut for Wales.

Meanwhile Jack Van Poortvliet (’19)

Ϻ Fred Davies (’17) has made his professional debut at Bristol Bears alongside Sam Wolstenholme (’19) who joined the team in June 2023. Ϻ Imogen Ainsworth (’19) has been IROORZLQJ WKH LQWHUQDWLRQDO UXJE\ Ʈ[WXUHV this year as a sports journalist and recently travelled to France for the Rugby World Cup to report on the spectacular tournament. Ϻ Jed Gelderbloom (’21) and George Bland (’23) played against each other in October. Jed played for Cambridge Rugby Club, and George played for Cambridge University Rugby.

Top left: Jed Gelderbloom and George Bland playing at Cambridge.

Right: Joe Johnson at Lord’s after the XL cricket match.

Bottom left: Jack and Sam in the England v Wales game at the Principality Stadium during the 2023 Summer Series.

Cricket

Ϻ Stuart Broad (’04) announced his retirement from professional cricket.

Read about his extraordinary career in our History of Cricket on page 34.

Stuart’s autobiography Broadly Speaking was released in November. In it he shares some of the favourite moments of his career over the past 17 years. Ϻ After signing a four-year extension last year, Lyndon James (’17). is still an integral part of the Notts team, who came 7th in Division One of the County Championship this year. Lyndon was also selected to travel to UAE for the England Lions winter training squad. Ϻ After a successful career at Worcestershire Country Cricket Club, Tom Fell (’12) played for Shropshire this summer before starting his new role at Oakham School as the Head of Cricket Development (read more on page 37). Ϻ Joe Johnson (’23) is on the shortlist of three for the Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year.

The winner will be announced in April 2024.

Other Sports

Ϻ Paul Chang (’20) VHW WKH DPDWHXU JROI VFHQH RQ ƮUH DW WKH 86 Amateur in September, overturning the world’s seventh-ranked amateur Caleb Surratt in the round of 32 whilst still being the only unranked player remaining in the competition. Paul has been selected for his debut season of varsity golf for The University of Virginia. ‘I’m FXUUHQWO\ LQ WKH RƬVHDVRQ /LIWLQJ KHDY\ LQ WKH J\P DQG PDNLQJ VRPH changes in my game to prepare for the spring season.’

Photo credit: Emily Faith Morgan, University of Virginia Communications

<RX FDQ ƮQG 3DXO RQ 89$oV RƱFLDO ZHEVLWH Ϻ Over the summer, Amy Riddlesdell (‘22) competed in the European University Judo Championships in Croatia, representing the University of Birmingham as part of the British Universities team.

6KH TXDOLƮHG IRU WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ DIWHU PHGDOOLQJ DW WKH %ULWLVK University Championships in February. Amy said: ‘It was a fun trip that incorporated an insight into a higher level of judo and also enabled socialising with other European players from multiple martial arts.’ Ϻ Jane Sly (’81) was presented with the Judy Ray salver for achieving 2nd place in the Welsh Senior Ladies Open Golf Championship at Llandudno Golf Course, shooting 75,76 gross scores on successive days in exceptionally windy conditions on the tricky links course. Ϻ Alex Brundle (’08) writes: ‘This year, after 10 years of competition at the Le Mans 24 hours and the World Endurance Championship, I changed tack slightly to undertake the Nurburgring 24-hour race in Germany with Porsche. We were fortunate to lead our class for WKH ƮUVW KRXUV RI WKH UDFH EXW WKHQ XQIRUWXQDWHO\ VXƬHUHG D UHDU suspension failure around 3am.

I have also enjoyed a year of restoring and racing historic racing cars, the highlight for this project was victory at the Silverstone Classic Festival in our freshly restored Ferrari 512M (pictured).’

Top: Paul Chang during the US Amateur.

Middle left: Amy Riddlesdell Middle right: Jane Sly with the Judy Ray Salver Bottom: Alex Brundle

Felix Martin with Matt Hampson

Fitness Challenges Ϻ Felix Martin (’21) ran three marathons in three days for the Matt Hampson Foundation and Movember in November 2023.

The Foundation supports young people who have had life-changing injuries. Felix writes: ‘I had amazing support throughout the process, raising over £7,500 so far. It will be something that I will always remember.’

Ϻ Greg Brunt (’20) VHW RƬ WR F\FOH DURXQG WKH ZRUOG LQ $XJXVW leaving from Oakham, and has since cycled to Portugal and across the USA, heading for Asia next. Greg writes: ‘After university, I’m taking the opportunity to explore the world before I have too much tying me down! It’s been an amazing experience so far, and I can’t wait to experience some new cultures.’

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NEWS

Foundation News

Entrepreneurs

Fran Gresswell (‘18) has launched her own business.

Riviera Iced Tea and writes with this update: The Foundation has been supporting our Oakham School Community for over 20 years, continuing the long legacy of philanthropy on which we were founded.

The generosity of many Old Oakhamians, former and current parents, and friends of the School has made possible some of our wonderful buildings and provided the opportunity for talented young people to attend Oakham who would not otherwise have been able to do so.

We are delighted to say that we have recently received an incredible pledge of support for our bursary fund. This VLJQLƮFDQW GRQDWLRQ ZLOO SURYLGH D substantive base from which we intend to grow. It has never been a more LPSRUWDQW WLPH WR RƬHU \RXU VXSSRUW and help build on this generous gift.

One mission is to provide as many opportunities as possible for pupils, irrespective of their ability to pay fees.

Every gift of whatever size makes a ZRUOG RI GLƬHUHQFH ,I IDPLOLHV donated £20 a month, for a year, we would raise nearly £200,000, which could fund bursaries for two boarding pupils for two years or three day pupils for two years. We also seek to support Capital Projects to enhance the facilities for teaching and learning.

We hope that you will consider joining the tradition of philanthropy at Oakham, which has extended for more than 400 years.

Being at Oakham has personally helped me by providing me with opportunities and experiences that I could have only dreamed of.”

‘Riviera is a naturally delicious, iced tea brand which I launched whilst in my second year of university and in the midst of the pandemic. Born out of a need for an exciting, noncarbonated soft drink, I created a premium version of the drink which is quickly growing in popularity in the UK. Already on the majority of menus in the US and Europe, 5LYLHUD ƮOOV WKH JDS IRU D SUHPLXP EUDQG ZKLFK FDQ EH enjoyed in your favourite cafe, restaurant or on-the-go. :H FXUUHQWO\ KDYH WKUHH ưDYRXUV SHDFK OHPRQ DQG raspberry and mint. All of our drinks are vegan, low calorie, natural and gluten-free.’

Bursary recipent

One thing I would like to say to anyone who is thinking of donating to bursaries is that it really is a lifechanging experience for the pupil who receives it; you will help change their lives.” Bursary recipient Scan the QR code to read the experiences of Old Oakhamians who attended Oakham School on a bursary.

In May 2023 Will Riley Smith (’14) launched NorthPoint Strategy, a leading political and communications consultancy that specialises in public DƬDLUV 7KH FRPSDQ\ IRFXVHV RQ industries that are highly regulated, rapidly changing, and disruptive - from the future digital economy to energy. Will writes: ‘At NorthPoint Strategy, our mission is to help clients navigate the complexities of government, build trust and transform perception’.

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Far left: Hockey 1st XI, 1987 Left: The Lawson-Dick Family – Alasdair (’84), Kate, Caroline (’81) and Andrew (’83) Below: The McEuen Family – Will (’23), Isobel, James, Kate and Harry (’19)

An Interview with

Kate McEuen (’88)

OO President We are delighted to welcome Kate McEuen as our OO President for 2023–2024. We talk to her about her unique connection with Oakham as an OO and parent of two OOs, and we discuss her plans for the coming year.

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akham School has played a huge part in my life but it is possibly something I have taken for granted. Over the years, I have been to a couple of OO events, but I could not believe the OO support at the Schools Rugby Final at Twickenham in March 2023. There was a real feeling of being proud to be an Oakhamian. Over the years I have bumped into lots of OOs in all sorts of unexpected places and when our boys came to Oakham, it struck me how many pupils are the children of OOs. I am greatly looking forward to catching up with as many Oakhamians, past and present, as possible over the next year. ,WoV GLƱFXOW WR SLFN RQH VWDQG RXW PHPRU\ from my time at Oakham – there are too many!

I started in Ancaster in Lower 1 and went right through to Form 7 in Round House. I was also the youngest of four siblings at Oakham. I wasn’t outstandingly good at anything, but I did a bit RI HYHU\WKLQJ , ZDV D W\SLFDO 2DNKDPLDQ 6SRUW was a favourite activity, playing Left Inner (as it

was known back then!) in the 1st XI Hockey and being coached by Shreddie (Mr Smith) and Miss Graham in the freezing cold. I played netball too and athletics. I used to run the 1500m and ran DW 6DƬURQ /DQH LQ WKH /HLFHVWHUVKLUH 6FKRROV Championships but I can’t say I really enjoyed that!

I gained my Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE Awards at Oakham. The Gold Expedition really tested us, but the sense of achievement was huge. I also played the saxophone in Big Band, sang in the Choir, and learned piano.

When I listen to Big Band now, or indeed any of the music at Oakham, the talent is incredible amongst the musicians, and their teachers amaze me. The Big Band performance at the end of Summer Term 2023 was outstanding, and some of the solos were breathtaking. I am so pleased that I JRW WKDW PXVLFDO HGXFDWLRQ DW 2DNKDP , VWLOO HQMR\ singing in choirs and having a play on the piano.

I have vivid memories of the Queen and Prince Philip’s visit to Oakham for our Quatercentenary in 1984 and of us all lining the paths outside the Science Block during their walkabout. That was a big day!

Associate of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (ARICS). By this time, I was married to my husband James, who was in the Scots Guards and based in Windsor, where we lived. I left the DLA when we had a family, Isobel, Harry, and Will, and continued working in various parttime roles. I am now self-employed and work for the Country Trust as a coordinator, which is hugely rewarding.

On leaving Oakham, I went to the Royal Agricultural College, where I gained a BSc (Hons) in Land Management. I then went on to the graduate scheme with the Defence Land Agent (DLA), who were a department within the Ministry of Defence and responsible for the management of the MOD’s estate throughout the UK. I was originally based in Scotland with responsibility for training areas and ranges, all whilst continuing my studies to qualify as an

I did not appreciate, until I met Charlotte, how much work goes into the OO Club behind the VFHQHV DQG KRZ PXFK LV DOUHDG\ RQ RƬHU I am hoping that in addition to the current calendar of events, we will have a dinner at the Cavalry and Guards Club, London, sometime in June next year and an OO Clay Pigeon Shoot competition in the spring.

I am looking forward to attending as many OO and School events as possible.

I have two pieces of advice for current Oakhamians: Give it a go, all of it, and get stuck in. Have FRQƮGHQFH LQ \RXU DELOLWLHV There is so much on RƬHU DW 2DNKDP DQG PDQ\ DPD]LQJO\ WDOHQWHG teachers. You might not get the opportunity again.

Stay connected. You might be desperate to leave school and get on in the world, but you were lucky enough to go to Oakham School, and you are now part of a huge network, so be proud of it and make the most of it. Whether it is sharing common experiences and memories or getting help and advice with careers, the OO Club is a huge resource, so use it!

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OOS IN STEM

BRANCHING OUT: THE MANY CAREERS OF STEM

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ith the knowledge and skills gained from studying STEM subjects increasingly in demand by employers in this digital age, the OO community is proving there are a vast number of RSSRUWXQLWLHV DQG FDUHHUV RQ RƬHU From designing track cars to curing cancer, we hear from our alumni about the pathways studying these vital subjects at School have taken them.

They also share their views on the importance of STEM now and in the future.

By Charlotte Woodward and Emily Howett

Josh Gibbons (’20) Job Title: Studying Industrial Design at University IB choices: Philosophy, Maths, Spanish, Geography, English and Design Technology

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urrently working on a placement with GB Rail Freight, Josh is involved in installing a new scheme that will not only revolutionise the country’s rail network but also transport systems across the UK. Leaving Oakham in 2020, Josh was awarded a scholarship to study Industrial Design at Brunel University which he puts down to “the support and guidance I was provided from my teachers”.

Studying IB led to Josh taking a variety of subjects, with Philosophy surprisingly playing an important part in Josh’s STEM journey.

“Combining both philosophy and design has allowed me to excel within P\ ƮHOG DQG KDYH D GLƬHUHQW RXWORRN RQ WKLQJV q Still at the start of his career, Josh speaks about his love of design and its importance in society today.

“STEM is highly important for the development of our country, our daily lives, and the future of the next generations. Without STEM, we would not be where we are as a species today, and with the rate at which we develop new technologies, it’s hard to say where we will even EH LQ WKH QH[W ƮYH RU \HDUV q

13

S

ince featuring on the front cover of the Summer Term Oakhamian Magazine in 2005 with her award-winning sound garden, Felicity’s design career has gone from VWUHQJWK WR VWUHQJWK :LQQLQJ ƮUVW SUL]H IRU <RXQJ (QJLQHHU RI WKH <HDU IRU KHU VHQVRU\ GHYLFH WR DLG the education of pupils with autism, Felicity cites Design and Technology as “enabling me to stand out and to learn so much about creative problemsolving and design thinking”.

Studying Maths and Physics at A-level led to a degree in Engineering at Durham University, however, it was her fourth A-level, Sports Science, that has guided Felicity to her current career pathway. The Engineering graduate followed up her bachelor’s degree with three master’s degrees “in order to satisfy my thirst for learning and passion for sport”.

Combining sports and technology has resulted in a career working with adidas to create products that “best serve our customers and enable HYHU\RQH RQ WKH WHDP WR ưRXULVKq ,Q IDFW XVLQJ WKH critical thinking skills she developed by studying STEM subjects is one of the most satisfying parts of Felicity’s current job.

Felicity credits Oakham with “nurturing my curiosity and passion for learning” adding: “My time at Oakham was wonderful! I would genuinely do it all over again, there was a lot of fun and laughter every day, although this was not always DSSUHFLDWHG E\ WKH VWDƬ q Felicity’s Oakham education also gave her the pFRQƮGHQFH WR VSHDN XS WDNH ULVNV DQG OHDGq Her participation in sport gave her “the humility to be a good follower, teaching me how to be part of a team, to give everything and to lose and win gracefully, and consequently be a good leader”.

Determined to have a career that is full of learning, exploring, and some challenges along the way, Felicity certainly has had many experiences.

From Oakham to an engineering degree, via three master’s degrees, and climbing the career ladder at adidas, Felicity also has a great track record on the track. Not only has she represented Team GB in World and European Athletics but has also recieved medals for her achievements as well as gaining an ‘all amercian’ status during her time as an NCAA D1 athlete.

Felicity’s Oakham education also gave her WKH pFRQƮGHQFH WR VSHDN up, take risks, and lead”.

Felicity Milton (’05) Job Title: Global Senior Director, Team Sport TECH, adidas A-Levels: Maths, Physics, Design and Technology, Sports Science

Above: Felicity cycling in Columbia.

Above: Felicity on the front page of The Oakhamian Magazine, Summer Term 2005, with her sound *DUGHQ SURMHFW Below: adidas product: Futurecraft.stung.

14

OOS IN STEM

Charlie Brundle (’06) Job Title: Designer at McLaren Automotive A-Levels: Design Technology, Business Studies and Spanish, AS Mathematics

IN

citing A-level DT as the starting point of her design career, Charlie Brundle recognises the importance of STEM subjects and their context in our day-to-day lives.

As both a freelancer and a Designer for McLaren, Charlie has worked for some of the biggest names in the automotive industry and is currently designing an exclusive track car.

She said: “STEM is important as everything we come into contact with in our daily lives has been designed, engineered or created by somebody

prior to our interaction with it. By learning the basics at School, you can decide which part of that process you would like to be involved in and which areas inspire you the most.”

Charlie studied Industrial Design at Loughborough University and secured an industry placement in a point-of-sale company. Several design roles followed, including doing interior and detail design of vehicles for Jaguar Land Rover, and a role as a Designer at Aston Martin.

During her time at Aston Martin, Charlie found her passion for Special Vehicles and was inspired WR SURJUHVV KHU FDUHHU LQ WKLV ƮHOG She said: “I currently have one main project at McLaren which is designing a track car, Solus GT, of which there will only be 25 made. I get involved in designing parts of the car, designing liveries, and developing new paint technology for art cars that assist with the promotion of the company.

These art cars are then used around the world and at events such as Goodwood Festival of Speed and Pebble Beach Concourse.”

Charlie’s time at Oakham helped to prepare

her for her next steps, opening her up to a number of experiences and opportunities. “The Design Department at Oakham was unrivalled when it came to helping me with my A-level and preparing me for my degree. I had already been spending a lot of weekends as a boarder in the design block doing woodwork, jewellery making and pottery and as I came to doing my A-level project I was even taught to weld,” she added.

“Aside from Design, Oakham gave me the skills to network and interact with colleagues and senior management who I have needed to converse with, and present work to at various stages of my career.”

Charlie also recognises that her Spanish A-level has played a part in making her an attractive employee in the industry. She said: “When I was at Oakham, I lived in Spain for part of the year so Spanish was a natural choice for me. Having a language on your CV is an appealing factor to employers and helps if you want to travel the world, whether that be for work or for fun.”

Charlie at the unveiling of McLaren’s new track car, Solus GT.

STEM is important as everything we come into contact within our daily lives has been designed, engineered or created by somebody previous to our interaction with it.

By learning the basics at School, you can decide which part of that process you would like to be involved in and which areas inspire you the most.”

15

Dan Moore (‘98)

The Néné; native to the islands of Hawaii and the world’s rarest goose.

Job Title: Head of Computer Graphics at The Mill A-Levels: Design Technology, Physics and Mathematics

IF

you’re familiar with the successful Marvel franchise Guardians of the Galaxy, you probably know Groot as one of the most lovable characters. OO Dan Moore (’98), a Creative Designer working in Computer Graphics, cites one of his many career highlights as working on EXLOGLQJ DQG FUHDWLQJ WKH &*, IRU %DE\ *URRW LQ 9ROXPH RI WKH ƮOP But Marvel isn’t his only claim to fame. Dan was also part of D %$)7$ ZLQQLQJ WHDP ZKR FUHDWHG WKH YLVXDO HƬHFWV LQ 3KLOLS Pullman’s His Dark Materials. His work on this project involved bringing the iconic Golden Monkey to life using CGI. After following a career path paved for him by the STEM subjects he studied at School, Dan read Industrial Design at Loughborough University and has since worked on a number of exciting projects for some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Leading him to this adventurous and fast-paced world was his love of design and his passion for STEM. On the importance of studying these subjects, Dan said: “Technology continues to radically change the way we interact on a daily basis. Having a solid grounding LQ 67(0 VXEMHFWV RƬHUV D VXEVWDQWLDO DGYDQWDJH LQ EHLQJ DEOH WR function successfully in the modern workplace. Even as a person who considers themselves as only fairly technical, a basic knowledge of code and its capabilities has dramatically increased my productivity.”

Fresh out of university, Dan joined a design studio as a runner before getting the opportunity to work as a junior designer. He said: “From this, it soon became clear that I was more interested in the area of computer visualisation, and so I decided to supplement my education by studying for a Master’s in Computer Animation.”

“From here I gained my early experiences in the animation and YLVXDO HƬHFWV LQGXVWU\ DV D IUHHODQFHU VORZO\ ZRUNLQJ P\ ZD\ LQWR RQH RI WKH ODUJHVW FRPPHUFLDO YLVXDO HƬHFWV FRPSDQLHV LQ WKH world: The Mill. Here I went through the ranks gaining a supervisor UROH EHIRUH OHDYLQJ WR H[SHULHQFH WKH ZRUOG RI IHDWXUH ƮOP q Dan spent the next seven years working on characters and creatures for the likes of Warner Bros, BBC/ HBO and Disney, before returning to his advertising roots at The Mill, where he still works now.

His Oakham education provided Dan with a challenging yet nurturing environment in which he thrived. He added: “I think the subjects I studied provided a great blend of art and creativity with logic and analytical thinking that is the foundation of my current profession.”

“Oakham allowed me to experience such a broad range of experiences. I was always encouraged and challenged at every level and was guided and supported which put me in the best position to succeed both at university and when I entered the workplace.”

5HưHFWLQJ RQ KLV WLPH DW 2DNKDP 6FKRRO KH VDLG p,W SURYLGHG PH with some of my fondest memories and my closest friends. I look back now and realise how privileged we were to live in that environment.”

I think the subjects I studied provided a great blend of art and creativity with logic and analytical thinking that is the foundation of my current profession.”

Pippa Stubbs (‘08) Job Title: Living Collections Senior Keeper at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust A-Levels: English Literature, History, Geography, Biology, and AS Drama

P

roving that there’s no typical career path when it comes to STEM, Pippa Stubbs has had a passion for wildlife since her time at Oakham and now works as Senior Keeper at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).

She said: “Studying a variety of A-levels helped me to GHYHORS GLƬHUHQW UHVHDUFK WHFKQLTXHV DQG DSSUHFLDWH KRZ GLƬHUHQW ƮHOGV RI VWXG\ VXFK DV WKH $UWV DQG +XPDQLWLHV YV STEM, can complement each other.”

“Animal husbandry has provided me with several GLƬHUHQW RSSRUWXQLWLHV DQG OHG PH WR WKH RWKHU VLGH RI WKH world. The WWT’s mission statement really spoke to me, and in my current role I really enjoy getting to work with a QXPEHU RI GLƬHUHQW VSHFLHV q Pippa has worked on several breeding seasons and assisted in the hatching and rearing of a variety of bird species. Another highlight was when she met Sirocco the .DNDSR D ưLJKWOHVV SDUURW ZKR LV DQ DPEDVVDGRU IRU KLV species and for conservation.

She added: “STEM is important as the disciplines lend understanding to how we impact the world and how the world impacts us. With the environmental trends progressing as they are, STEM is going to be intrinsic to survival.”

STEM is important as the disciplines lend understanding to how we impact the world and how the world impacts us. With the environmental trends progressing as they are, STEM is going to be intrinsic to survival.”

16

OOS IN STEM

LWK DQ H[SDQVLYH VFLHQWLƮF FDUHHU under his belt, Jake currently works for Alchemab Therapeutics where he uses cutting-edge science to identify antibodies and develop drugs which could help to cure certain diseases.

He’s also authored over 30 research papers that have been cited over 1,000 times. He’s also submitted eight patents and helped to discover two new drugs which are currently in clinical trials. p7R HODERUDWH RXU DSSURDFK LGHQWLƮHV groups of disease-resilient individuals, such as long-term cancer survivors, or healthy people with genetic risk factors of disease. We then use science and AI to discover what antibodies these individuals naturally produce to enable their disease resistance. We can then develop these antibodies into new therapeutic drugs for the people who succumb to the diseases.”

Looking back at his time spent at Oakham, Jake believes his A-level choices gave him the EURDG VFLHQWLƮF NQRZOHGJH QHHGHG IRU IXUWKHU study. “The subject knowledge I obtained was a JRRG JURXQGLQJ IRU P\ IXUWKHU VFLHQWLƮF VWXG\ 0RUH LPSRUWDQWO\ LW LV WKH VHOI FRQƮGHQFH DQG creative thinking that my Oakham education instilled. The ability to think creatively around challenging problems and having the FRQƮGHQFH WR SXUVXH ULVN\ VROXWLRQV WKDW KDYH the potential for huge rewards.”

Jake studied Biological Sciences at the University of Oxford. Knowing from an early point

Graduation photo and %3 6XQEXU\ RƱFHV

during his degree that he enjoyed the applied aspect of science, he started his career in %LRWHFK p1RW IDU LQWR P\ ƮUVW MRE , VDZ WKH LPSDFW that new technologies generating big data, alongside computational advances, were having on the industry. This inspired me to pursue a PhD that allowed me to develop broad skills in technology development and bioinformatics.

Following on from this, I started my career in drug discovery, where I have been developing new technologies to transform the industry.”

“My proudest achievement has been helping to raise £60 million in Series A ƮQDQFLQJ WR GHYHORS RXU SODWIRUP DW $OFKHPDE I believe that what we are developing will create a lasting impact that will be felt by patients for years to come.”

Jake’s current career highlights the importance of undertaking STEM subjects at School and the life-changing work that follows with it. “Without STEM, we wouldn’t have electricity, central heating, the internet, modern medicine, rapid transportation, and so on. Many of the things that give us the high quality of life we enjoy today. We also wouldn’t be able to respond to some of the global challenges we are facing, such as food security, climate change, and pandemic preparedness.”

Jake has also recently co-founded a software development company with his brother and fellow OO Samuel Galson (’05), which aims to help people living with dementia.

Francine Counsell (‘11) Job Title: Process Design Engineer at BP A-Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics, German (AS)

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Jake Galson (’08) Job Title: Head of Technology at Alchemab Therapeutics A-Levels: Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology

Without STEM, we wouldn’t have electricity, central heating, the internet, modern medicine, rapid transportation, and so on.

Many of the things that give us the high quality of life we enjoy today. We also wouldn’t be able to respond to some of the global challenges we are facing, such as food security, climate change, and pandemic preparedness.”

ominated for the RAEng Engineers Trust Young Engineer of the Year in 2019, Francine started her career at BP and has worked her way up the career ladder to become a Process Design Engineer.

She now supports the development and optimisation stages of large green hydrogen projects for the global oil and gas company.

“I really enjoy working at the very early design stages as it provides the opportunity WR LQưXHQFH WKH GLUHFWLRQ RXU SURMHFWV WDNH and get involved in new energy projects as they develop. Green hydrogen at an industrial scale is new, so we are learning as we go and shaping how the industry develops within BP which is exciting.”

“Oakham gave me a broad education, both supporting academic excellence and giving me the opportunity to try new things. Choosing A-level STEM subjects enabled me to get a place at Cambridge University to study Chemical Engineering, which opened doors to various work experience opportunities.”

“STEM subjects impart the skills needed to assess and solve problems critically and logically and can be applied in many areas of work as well as in day-to-day tasks such as making decisions and budgeting.”

17

F

rom testing components of the new Range Rover Sport Hybrid, standing in for Lewis Hamilton for the day, and a ƮYH VHFRQG FDPHR LQ 1HWưL[oV n'ULYH WR 6XUYLYHo -DFRE KDV already had quite the career.

-XVW ƮQLVKLQJ KLV PDVWHUoV GHJUHH LQ PHFKDQLFDO HQJLQHHULQJ DW Loughborough University, Jacob recently joined Jaguar Land Rover as a Graduate Hardware and Mechatronics Engineer. The graduate scheme allows Jacob to gain experience in various departments, with his home team being component and subsystem testing.

“We test all components, which includes steering systems, brake systems, vehicle trim, and vibration testing to check structural integrity.”

2YHU WKH QH[W \HDU -DFRE ZLOO DOVR EH LQ WKH HOHFWULƮFDWLRQ RI Jaguar Land Rover’s Powertrain, which will involve Power Electronic and Electronic Drive Unit Testing & Development. Perhaps the most exciting part of the graduate scheme is road testing the vehicle to ensure functionality, quality, and safety.

Jacob completed a placement at Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team during his degree.

“The nature of the job meant that you had to be prepared for all eventualities at all times, so if anything went wrong on the car, you could quickly adapt, root cause the problem, and implement a solution. Every three or four races, I would work in the Race Support Room in Brackley, ZKLFK LV HƬHFWLYHO\ OLNH D 1$6$ PLVVLRQ FRQWURO IRU WKH )RUPXOD 7HDP Depending on the time zone of the race, you would often have to switch your body clock to be at peak performance during the race.”

Working during the 2019/20 Formula One season did reap some good UHZDUGV FKDPSDJQH WKH PRUQLQJ DIWHU WKH WHDP KDG ZRQ D UDFH DQG D once-in-a-lifetime chance to be Lewis Hamilton for the day.

“One day Lewis Hamilton couldn’t make it to the UK, and then QHHGHG D VWDQG LQ IRU YHKLFOH ƮWWLQJ 6R WKH\ ORRNHG DURXQG WKH RƱFH for someone of a “similar” height, and I ended up spending the day in the car as Lewis.”

Speaking about his time at Oakham, Jacob feels that his time at School prepared him for university and the working world. “Oakham instilled a set of seven or eight principles for me to follow, like time management and all the core things that you need to succeed at School. But the more I look at it, the more I realise they weren't just for School, but life beyond too.” :KLOH GLVFXVVLQJ WKH VLJQLƮFDQFH RI 67(0 -DFRE PHQWLRQV WKH importance of staying engaged, especially at university. “It gets more GLƱFXOW DW XQLYHUVLW\ EXW \RX UHDS WKH UHZDUGV ZKHQ \RX JR WR ZRUN 7KH LQQRYDWLRQ VLGH RI LW LV LQFUHGLEOH \RX JHW WR KDYH DQ LQSXW RQ UHDO ZRUOG WHFKQRORJ\ \RX GRQ W MXVW KDYH D VD\ LQ LW \RX FDQ GHFLGH KRZ LW V engineered, designed and which direction to go.”

“We’re very fortunate that there are a lot of STEM jobs and industries EDVHG LQ WKH 8. RU (XURSH SHRSOH IURP DOO RYHU WKH ZRUOG FRPH WR WKH UK to work, whether that be in technology, engineering, or maths.”

Jacob HardyKing (’17)

The Mercedes F1 Team 2020 World Championship Celebrations.

Job Title: Graduate Hardware and Mechatronics Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover A-Levels: Physics, Maths, and Design Technology

THE FUTURE OF STEM Felicity Milton - It’s the future of this planet and humanity, so I think we will see the evolution and adoption of web3, blockchain, and crypto. We will see the invention of QXFOHDU ƮVVLRQ DW VFDOH DQG ZLWK WKH HƬHFWV RI &OLPDWH &KDQJH zero carbon emissions, and the accelerated development of India and Africa, driven by digitisation and their growing populations.

Jake Galson - AI will fundamentally change many aspects of STEM. To exemplify, I think ChatGPT can explain it best: “Advancements in AI, increased use of VR and AR, more focus on sustainable technologies, greater integration of robotics, advances in space exploration and increased use of blockchain technology.”

-DFRE +DUG\ .LQJ - I believe that more electric cars, self-driving cars, and autonomous vehicles are not too far away. Most cars can GULYH WKHPVHOYHV WKHVH GD\V LWoV just regulatory compliance.

Dan Moore - We are already seeing the growth of AI in all industries, and developing an understanding of this will almost become a prerequisite.

Charlie Brundle - We will see increased use of DUWLƮFLDO LQWHOOLJHQFH in design and engineering and maybe even science. I hope we ƮQG D ZD\ WR XVH LW WR KHOS PDNH RXU SURFHVVHV PRUH HƱFLHQW DQG enhanced as opposed to it being used to take over the need for human input.

18

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Wonder Women

Pioneering Female Teachers at Oakham School

Written by Aurore Guillomot-Bonnefond and Joe Roberts

)RU RYHU \HDUV VLQFH 2DNKDP 6FKRRO ƮUVW DGPLWWHG JLUOV WKH 6FKRRO KDV been on a journey towards gender equality – not just in the pupil body but also DPRQJ LWV VWDƬ $V ZLWK DOO ORQJ MRXUQH\V WKLV ZDV PDGH SRVVLEOH E\ WKRVH ZKR were willing to lead from the front for many others to follow. In this feature we will explore some of those pioneers and those who are following in their footsteps.

There are many fantastic teachers who could be included in this feature who have made Oakham the school that it is today, so please consider this D VQDSVKRW UDWKHU WKDQ D GHƮQLWLYH OLVW RI DOO WKRVH ZKR KDYH FRQWULEXWHG WR making co-education a resounding success.

Marion Elmes Marion became one of Oakham School’s ƮUVW IHPDOH WHDFKHUV ZKHQ VKH ZDV KLUHG LQ 1931 by the Headmaster, F.C. Doherty. Born in 1904 in Dorset, Marion studied at London University and Salisbury Training College before coming to Oakham School, then the Rutland Boys’ Public School.

Much like teachers today, Marion was involved in all aspects of School life. She helped with gardening and the maintenance of the Scouts HeadQuarters, she could also be found in the theatre, sewing costumes for school productions. It seems that she was mostly attached to the Lower School, teaching the Junior Boys (Form 1) from 1936.

Marion left Oakham School in 1939, enjoying a long teaching career at two prep schools. She retired in 1961 alongside three colleagues and they ERXJKW ưDWV LQ /RQJIRUG ZKHUH WKH\ established ‘an elderly commune’, as her nephew described it, until her death at age 97.

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about Marion’s time at Oakham School, but it seems she was well liked and kind, as shown in the quotes from former pupils opposite.

I think Miss Elmes had us well under control. She had a habit of calling those who misbehaved ‘Sir’ instead of using their names.

This impressed me – nobody had ever called me ‘Sir’ before. I remember her reading verse to us and believe my subsequent fondness for poetry dates from those readings.

Luke Churchouse (’44); Reminiscences shared in a letter to the Foundation on 29 May 2002

A key feature of life at Chapel Close in 1939 was the postChapel sherry parties on Sunday mornings and I can recall David Crichton, Jack Lane and Miss Elmes all enjoying a very sweet sherry at 2/6d a bottle. // The 6WDƬ NQHZ KHU DV n8PSVo ,W ZDV D WHUP RI DƬHFWLRQ VKH HQMR\HG Roger Anderson (’39); As part of Marion’s obituary in OO Magazine, No.20, Autumn 2002

19

Jane Matthews Jane Matthews, whose name current pupils may recognise from the society which bears KHU QDPH ZDV WKH ƮUVW IHPDOH PHPEHU RI the Senior Management Team (now known as the Senior Leadership Team), having been appointed as Senior Mistress by Graham Smallbone. Jane spent 26 years at Oakham School, and throughout her time she was involved in pretty much every aspect of School life.

A former RAF squash player, Jane joined the School in 1971 as a fencing coach. As ZLWK PRVW 2DNKDP VWDƬ PHPEHUV VKH TXLFNO\ became involved in other aspects of school, coaching athletics, netball, and all racquet sports — under her tutelage, three girls’ squash teams won the National Championships.

As the girls were progressively admitted into various boys’ circles, Jane joined the CCF and trained countless cadets at summer camps, as

well as taking part in DofE Walking and Cycling.

Jane was described by her colleagues as ‘strong willed and easy going’. That made her the best candidate to become Assistant Housemistress of Talbots (Day Girls), then to MRLQ WKH 6HQLRU 0DQDJHPHQW 7HDP DV WKH ƮUVW Senior Mistress. Her responsibilities included the welfare of the whole school community, in SDUWLFXODU WKH JLUOV DQG IHPDOH VWDƬ In the 1990s, Jane set up tutorial programmes aimed at pupils’ wellbeing, forerunner of the current PSHE programme.

She also established connections locally with other schools, setting up a network of Senior Mistresses, discussing issues such as maternity leave, and girls’ changing rooms.

Jane is remembered today with the Matthews Society, Oakham School’s feminist society, which was named in her honour after she passed away.

If Jane was your friend, you had a good friend. She was fun loving and not averse to a spot of mischief.

She had a big heart, was a good listener and was always ready to help and support individuals if she could.

Jan West (Hon OO) speaking in 2023 Tablots House, 1980s

Poem by Rod Smith on Jane’s retirement Jane Matthews is a kindly cat, of prepossessing purr, With sparkling eyes and sunny smile, and blonde and beauteous fur, Whenever there’s a game to take, or disco to support, Then she’s the one whose name we speak.

For she’s the generous sort And if we need encouragement or a shoulder where we’ll cry, We’ll go to her with good intent, because we know she’ll try To give us all the help we need, the love that will sustain.

And not just once, but many times – again and yet again.

20

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Ancaster House, 1974

Jan West Jan joined Oakham School in 1976 as Head of Home Economics in -RKQ %XFKDQDQoV ƮQDO \HDU ,W ZDV the beginning of a storied career at Oakham, which included a number RI ƮUVWV IRU IHPDOH VWDƬ DW WKH School and nationally. She served as President of the Common Room for 11 Years, Second Deputy on the Senior Managment Team and she ran the RAF Section of the CCF and ZDV 0DVWHU LQ &KDUJH RI 6KRRWLQJ We sat down with Jan to discuss her WLPH DW 2DNKDP DQG UHưHFW RQ years at the School, including some of the challenges as an early female PHPEHU RI WKH WHDFKLQJ VWDƬ

Anne PropertWilliams $QQH MRLQHG 2DNKDP 6FKRRO DW WKH VDPH WLPH DV WKH ƮUVW JLUOV DUULYHG VKH ZDV WDVNHG ZLWK KHDGLQJ XS *LUOVo 3( DQG E\ GRLQJ VR EHFDPH 2DNKDPoV ƮUVW IHPDOH +HDG RI 'HSDUWPHQW 7KHUH were a great many issues to resolve in making girls’ sport a VXFFHVV DW 2DNKDP t FUHDWLQJ D ZKROH QHZ Ʈ[WXUH OLVW QRW to mention the logistics of where the girls would change and what they would wear. Girls’ sport quickly became a vital part of sport at Oakham, which it remains to this day. ,Q $QQH EHFDPH WKH ƮUVW +RXVHPLVWUHVV LQ 2DNKDPoV history, taking over Ancaster (Junior Day Girls) and running the House for 14 years.

Today we remember Anne every year, awarding the Anne Williams Trophy for Junior Girls’ Tennis singles. Anne was also a keen golfer and presented the APW Cup to the OO Golf Society after her retirement, which she once won herself!

Anne rightly determined that girls should have equal treatment and opportunity in a co-educational school. She did for Ancaster what she had done for Girls’ P.E., establishing it on sound foundations and giving a sense of identity and purpose. Her concern for her girls was real and imaginative. She ran a well-ordered house, stood no-nonsense, and she was always on the lookout for a way to extend shared activity beyond the formal limits of the school environment.

Patrick Wilson (Hon OO); Extract from Anne's farewell piece in The Oakhamian, Issue 121, Spring & Summer Terms 1987

When I arrived in 1976 it wasn’t so much gender imbalance that I noticed as attitudes WR WKH IHPDOH VWDƬ ZKLFK , PD\ KDYH IHOW more than most because of the subject I taught. It was seen by some as ‘cooking’ and nothing else and you were seen as a ‘lesser citizen’. I remember in one of the early days, when we had a whole school SKRWRJUDSK , ZDV WROG RƬ IRU ZHDULQJ a gown by one of the male members of VWDƬ DV KH DVVXPHG WKDW EHFDXVH , WDXJKW ‘cooking’ I couldn’t possibly have a degree.

The fact that my degree was similar to a biochemistry degree didn’t seem to matter.

That attitude prevailed for many years, but it depended on the individual members of VWDƬ ZKR ZHUH DURXQG DW WKH WLPH DQG WKHUH were some who probably 20 years later still hadn’t got over the fact that the girls were here. It was the same as people not accepting dyslexia but dismissing it as a lack of ability.

Home Economics was part of the Creative Arts Department with facilities that ZHUH SXUSRVH EXLOW LQ SUHVXPDEO\ because the girls were coming. It was called Home Economics right from the start, but eventually I changed the title to ‘Food Studies’ because I got fed up with people assuming it was practical cooking and nothing else.

Food Studies was my main thing. My degree was in Nutrition, I had state registration in Dietetics and having worked for a short time in the NHS I was appalled at the general level of nutritional health and lack of knowledge. It was early days for nutrition WR EH UHJDUGHG DV VLJQLƮFDQW DQG WHDFKLQJ seemed an ideal opportunity to get the message across.

I know it’s a bit of a bandwagon for me but nutrition was a relatively new discipline compared with other sciences.

21

Some of the advice from 40 years ago has been overturned as knowledge and understanding have evolved and the impact on the human body is more appreciated.

In the 90s I took a diploma to teach Learning Support, going back and forth to Northampton once a week for lectures. Afterwards I was very much a part-time member in that department, mainly working with dyslexic pupils.

6RPH RI WKH UROHV , IXOƮOOHG KDG QRW EHHQ GRQH by a female before – anywhere – not just at Oakham. , ZDV SUREDEO\ WKH ƮUVW IHPDOH WR MRLQ the RAF Section in the CCF, let alone run it. , ZDV FHUWDLQO\ WKH ƮUVW IHPDOH ,& 6KRRWLQJ anywhere nationally.

It was quite clear sometimes that people thought what I was doing wasn’t quite the thing for women to be doing. :KHQ , ZHQW WR GR P\ ƮUVW UDQJH TXDOLƮFDWLRQ in 1978, which was a weekend at Beckingham, I was obviously the only female there. When I arrived on the Friday evening the Major in FKDUJH RI WKH UDQJH TXDOLƮFDWLRQ FRXUVH VDLG WR me, “I don’t care how good you are or how bad you are, or what you get in your written exam, I will fail you because I do not believe in women being on ranges.” When I got back to School on the Monday, I went to see Mike Stevens OC CCF to tell him what had happened. He already knew as other people on the course had been in touch to complain. Mike showed me the results when they came through and the Major had done what he said he would do. The marks I had scored were above the level required and at the bottom it just said ‘FAIL’.

Mike said, “Don’t worry, we’ll just book you on a course somewhere else.” I went on another one and this time I was told, “I don’t care what you do this weekend, you can shoot somebody for all I care but you will pass!”

The shooting was time-consuming for all involved, especially the full-bore in the Summer Terms, but it was an incredible experience for 17 years and I owe a lot to all the shooters involved. , ZDV WKH ƮUVW IHPDOH 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH Common Room and served in that post for 11 years. I gave it up just before I became Second

Some of the roles , IXOƮOOHG KDG QRW been done by a female before - anywhere - not just at Oakham.”

Deputy in 1997. It was an elected post with a four-year term. I don’t think I was ever opposed.

It was quite a shock to be asked to stand and it was Jim O’Kane who suggested it. There were some who were not happy about the prospect of a female President of the Common Room.

It was hard work at times and it could be quite lonely and quite controversial but a lot of it was EHKLQG WKH VFHQHV , WKLQN LW ZDV TXLWH D GLƬHUHQW role then compared to now. It was a full-on position and could be very time-consuming.

When I took up the temporary position of Assistant Housemistress in 1979 with 28 girls in The Old Sanatorium (Hodge Wing overspill) because Rushebrookes wasn’t ready, the notice went up on the boards in the Bowes Room that I had been appointed Assistant Housemistress Hodge Wing and Master-in-Charge of Shooting!

You couldn’t be Mistress-in-Charge, so I was Master-in-Charge of Shooting.

I was proud to be President of the Common Room, particularly for so long and at such a period of change for the Common Room. :KHQ , ƮUVW FDPH WR 2DNKDP P\ LQWHQWLRQ was to stay for two years and then go back to hospital dietetics. However I got married and took on the shooting and the CCF and had many RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR GR GLƬHUHQW WKLQJV ,W ZDVQoW OLNH

The Ashburton Shield won in 1987.

L to R: Dennis Giuseppi, Jan West, RSM Ernie Wilton

having just one job and doing the same job for all those years. If you were prepared to give it a go, there were lots of things you could do. I’d hardly have stayed for 33 years if I didn’t like it!

Maybe the fact that I knew virtually nothing about independent schools when I arrived helped in some way not to deter me from going for the things that were traditionally done by men. Eyebrows were raised by both men and women but I did not view it as a barrier.

22

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Following in Their Footsteps The success of co-education at Oakham School didn’t just come from those early teachers, but also from the many incredible women who continued their good work. By no means an exhaustive list, we look below at some of Oakham’s more recent impactful female teachers.

Dr Jill Rutherford Jill arrived at Oakham School in 6HSWHPEHU DV WKH 6FKRROoV ƮUVW Director of IB, with her job to oversee its launch, planning and persuading VWDƬ SXSLOV DQG SDUHQWV WR JHW RQ board with this new diploma and ensure its success. Described as a woman with “a missionary zeal for the IB” and having “boundless energy”, succeed she did, with 50 SXSLOV LQ WKH ƮUVW FRKRUW RI In addition to her role as Director, Jill taught Biology and Ecosystems & Societies, tutored and mentored the ƮUVW FRKRUWV RI ,% SXSLOV FRDFKHG sailing and was a key member of the Senior Management Team.

None of this would have been possible without Jill’s knowledge, experience, drive and belief. Her position in Oakham’s story is unique and uniquely apparent to all. For the time she was with us, she was the IB… [when she joined] we didn’t really know what it was; now we wouldn’t be without it. She has left us a wonderful legacy. Former Director of Studies, Ian Robson, writing in The Oakhamian in 2005

Jill Rutherford came to Oakham to direct the new IB programme. She did far more than this, however, taking it to a new level, raising LWV SURƮOH DQG LQVWLOOLQJ D VHQVH RI nZRUOG FRPPXQLW\o that opened everyone’s eyes to what the IB is all about.

She is highly intelligent, incredibly caring of others and an absolute pleasure to work with. We were greatly diminished when she left Oakham, in part, to form the highly successful IBICUS. In leaving us, she made sure that the IB at Oakham was on the strongest footing as we moved forward. Former Head of Science John Chilton

Helen Pollard MBE

Helen helped inspire a decade of students to take up Engineering or Physics at university and it was a red-letter day for her when Oakham found themselves interviewing two of her ex-pupils for a Physics post.

Whether it was sending water rockets soaring over the ICT roofs with Science Club or generating sine waves with sand and wallpaper paste to demonstrate SHM to the Sixth Form… lessons were never dull.

Former Physics teacher, Liz Nickless, writing in The Oakhamian in 2009

+HOHQ ƮUVW MRLQHG WKH 2DNKDP School Physics Department in 1979, where she was a key member until 1991. After taking a step back to raise her family, she returned in 2001, remaining at Oakham until 2009.

Helen also played an important role in the School’s co-educational journey, being QDPHG 2DNKDPoV ƮUVW ERDUGLQJ Housemistress in 1986, expertly leading Round House until 1991.

Since leaving Oakham, Helen has worked with the Gatsby Foundation, The Ogden Trust, and the Institute of Physics – working with schools across the Midlands and mentoring teachers to raise the SURƮOH RI 3K\VLFV DQG VFLHQFH ,Q 2020 she was awarded an MBE for her services to Physics education.

23

Current Staff Members With 9 Housemistresses, 22 female Heads of Department and 6 women on the Senior Leadership Team, Oakham School has made JUHDW VWULGHV LQ DFKLHYLQJ HTXDOLW\ RI UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ LQ WKH VWDƬ ERG\

Viv Lamb Viv joined Oakham in Winter 1989 as a Business Studies teacher. She is currently the Head of Citizenship, a subject which she not only helped to introduce at Oakham but DOVR QDWLRQDOO\ 9LY ZDV RQH RI ƮYH SHRSOH DQG WKH RQO\ teacher, to be recognised with an Award for Outstanding Contribution by The Association of Citizenship (ACT) at the Houses of Parliament in 2022.

Viv is also the PSHE Co-ordinator at the School, an appointment created for her by Headmaster Tony Little to improve the quality of tutor time and pastoral care at the School. This has now expanded so that by September 2024 it will be a taught subject for every student in the School.

Sarah Gomm Sarah joined Oakham School in Winter 1992 as a Chemistry teacher. She is the longest-serving member of the Senior Leadership team, currently in the role of Deputy Head Pastoral, and previously serving as Head of Middle School and Second Deputy. Sarah has also been a Tutor in Rushebrookes for all her 30 years at Oakham. Much to the disappointment of many, Sarah is due to call time on her Oakham School career in September 2024.

Lesley Asher-Roche Lesley joined Oakham in Winter Term 1999 as a Mathematics teacher. After having managed the intricacies of the Oakham School timetable for 15 years, Lesley expanded the role to become Director of Studies LQ WKH ƮUVW ZRPDQ WR KROG WKDW SRVLWLRQ /HVOH\ has also served as the President of the Common Room (2018–21), the Assistant Head of Upper School (2013–21) and as the Housemistress of Round House (2005–13).

24

FOUNDATION INTERVIEW

1st XV, 1966 Rugby Team Jeremy is in the centre of the middle row.

Rugby Lessons Written by Charlotte Woodward

S

ince leaving Oakham School in 1967, Jeremy Farmer has had a successful career in Banking and HR Management, living and visiting countries all over the world. Yet staying with Jeremy throughout his life are what he learned while at Oakham and the important lessons that rugby taught him. Oakham and rugby never left Jeremy, who now supports a rugby scholarship for a talented individual.

I was at Oakham in the 1960s, a time of change in the School and indeed in the country.

Looking back, I don’t think I have ever laughed DV PXFK DV , GLG GXULQJ WKRVH ƮYH \HDUV The camaraderie was exceptional and taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and respect RQ DQG RƬ WKH SOD\LQJ ƮHOG &ULWLFDO WKLQNLQJ DQG D competitive spirit are the two things that I learned at Oakham that served me well during my entire career in Banking and HR Management.

Once I left Oakham, I joined the Bank of England. Work was expected, and hard work was rewarded, but it was important to engage in other interests, especially sports.

Participation in sport was strongly encouraged and I immediately joined the rugby club. Playing mainly on a Saturday I did have matches on a Wednesday every so often, playing for United Banks. This enabled me to compete at a higher level against several of the international players of the time. I particularly remember playing against Aberavon Rugby Club on the Sunday after the England v Wales international at

Twickenham. Allan Martin, the former British Lion and Welsh second row, played against England on Saturday and then played for Aberavon against us on Sunday, a particular test of my ability in the lineouts! It was through rugby and those experiences that I built many lifelong friends, who in turn introduced me to my lovely wife of over forty years, Gill, with whom I have had three children and now grandchildren.

to me both as a player and the social aspects that surround it. All that started on Doncaster Close in Oakham, where an enthusiastic but not overly talented rugby player was moulded by the likes of ‘Tommy’ Rees into a player that was able to perform at a reasonable level and be exposed to the whole social environment that surrounds the sport. It brought me lifelong friendships and a huge amount of enjoyment.

The Bank of England was very good to me, not only for the sporting opportunities but working opportunities as well. They looked to boost their Human Resources experience, consequently sending me full-time and fully paid to Aston University where I spent 18 months doing an MSc in Industrial Relations and HR Management.

I would say to anyone thinking of supporting a scholarship or bursary that it is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to the School that has given many of us so much.

My scholarship goes to a talented rugby player that can help the School retain its excellent rugby reputation but equally important it opens up an Oakham education to a player who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to experience it. My objective is to help to support that individual in the School wherever their rugby career eventually takes them. Of course, I want the very best for them in rugby, but it is equally important that the education along with the people they are exposed to shape their life after Oakham in a very positive way.

Upon graduation I returned to the Bank of England, later moving to First Chicago, where , KHDGHG WKHLU +5 GHSDUWPHQW ƮUVW LQ /RQGRQ then Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. )LQDOO\ LQ , ZDV RƬHUHG DQ DVVLJQPHQW LQ Chicago. I moved my young family there for what was to be a three-year assignment and have been in the US ever since. From First Chicago and various mergers to being part of J.P. Morgan, I began at Aon (a global professional services ƮUP DV WKHLU KHDG RI *OREDO +5 /RRNLQJ DIWHU XS WR SHRSOH LQ RYHU GLƬHUHQW FRXQWULHV kept me busy and enabled me to travel to most SODFHV , ƮQLVKHG P\ FDUHHU WKHUH DQG IRU WKH ODVW six years I have enjoyed retirement with my family.

My reason for committing to support rugby VFKRODUVKLSV DW 2DNKDP LV WKDW DV , UHưHFW EDFN on my life, rugby has been hugely important

Oakham rugby has come a very long way from WKH WLPH LQ WKH V ZKHQ ZLQQLQJ D Ʈ[WXUH DJDLQVW 8SSLQJKDP ZDV D ELJ GHDO DQG RXU ƮUVW victory against them was a cause for great celebration. Now we are National Cup winners and one of the best teams in the country and it has been great to watch. Helping to aid that a little through a rugby scholarship is just a small way of giving back to a school and a game that have been such an important part of my life.

25 Oakham School 1st XV Squad 2023 National Schools Cup Final

1st XV Rugby Team 1982 ft Andrew Lawson-Dick and Giles Hou ston

A Family Affair Written by Joe Roberts

7KH 8 1DWLRQDO 6FKRROV &XS ZLQQLQJ 5XJE\ WHDP boasted a huge number of OO connections, with six of the VTXDG VRQV RI 22V LQFOXGLQJ ƮYH ZKR SOD\HG LQ WKH ƮQDO

1st XI Boys Hockey 1987 ft

Charlie Wood

The parents of all six travelled to Twickenham, along with siblings and extended family, to watch the boys play. They were supported by a large number of OOs, as ZHOO DV RYHU SXSLOVDQG VWDƬ It is a remarkable feat to have a third of the team be legacy pupils, and a testament to the familial nature of Oakham School.

Giles Houston (‘84), who in another neat connection, played in the 1st XV with the Lawson-Dick brothers, had this to say: “It has been a real pleasure watching this group of players for the past seven years. Four played all the way from Jerwoods.

Six are sons of OOs. All are a great bunch of lads. I’m a very proud Dad.” 1st XI Cricket Team 1987 ft Charlie Wood

Super Six Findlay Marsh, son of Rachel Williams (’89) Harry Jones, son of Nick Jones (’90) and Liz Sharp (’89) and brother of Charlie Jones (’20) George Wood, son of Charlie Wood (’87) and brother of David Wood (’21) Ed Houston, son of Giles Houston (’84) and brother of Will Houston (’22) Will McEuen, son of Kate Lawson-Dick (’88), nephew of Andrew (’83) and Alasdair Lawson-Dick (’84) and brother of Harry McEuen (’19) Edward Dickens, son of James Dickens (’90) and grandson of David Dickens (’61)

1st XV Rugby Team 1989

ft James Dickens

Rachel Williams (‘89) (right, playing WKH ưXWH

26

EVENTS AND REUNIONS

Events and Reunions Class of 1983 – Round House Reunion Written by Hilary Fearn (’83) On Saturday 1 July 2023, 15 OO girls who left Round House in July 1983 met back in Oakham to celebrate their 40th anniversary of leaving Oakham. The event was organised by Michelle Morley (née de Garis) who was Head Girl from 1982 to 1983, so obviously still retains the organisational skills that got her that role 40 years ago! We met on Round House lawn to recreate our last year’s House photograph before lunch at the Admiral Hornblower and then an Escape Room adventure at ‘One Way Out’ escape rooms (great fun and highly recommended). ,W IHOW OLNH ZHoG RQO\ EHHQ DZD\ ƮYH PLQXWHV DQG WKH DIWHUQRRQ ưHZ E\ ,W ZDV great to catch up on everyone’s news of lives, jobs, children (mostly now teenagers or twenty-somethings), and especially great to see those who’ve made their home overseas (Michelle in Guernsey, Margot in France) and ZKR ưHZ LQ VSHFLDOO\ IRU WKH HYHQW

Class of 1978 Written by Jill Holder (’78) The Class of ‘78 had a great 40th reunion at School in May 2018. About 60 of our cohort met for lunch in BAFS. We’ve kept in touch since then via WhatsApp and Facebook, meeting in London for a Christmas Lunch in 2018 and 2019. Covid then thwarted plans, however, not to be EHDWHQ VLQFH ZHoYH hooked up again in London and in October, a small group of ’78 had a reunion in Oakham where they revisited Oakham School and went for a meal at the Hornblower.

If any 78ers would like to join us, please get in touch via email jilldholder@gmail.com RU WKH 22 2ƱFH

Above: Group of the class of ‘78 visiting Oakham Right: Christmas lunch in Marylebone, 2002

Main photo: Left to right: Back row: Hilary Fearn (née Eadon), Sarah Hopper (née Coulter), Michelle Morley (née de Garis), Annie O’Brian Middle Row: Leonora Thomson, Caroline Chick (née Mawer), Margot Anderson, Rebecca Rooney (née Sunderland), Bridget Diggle (née Holder), Clare Taylor (née Burton), Rachel Lennie (née Stables) Front row: Sara FitzHerbert, Kim Earl (née Simon), Frances Ramsey (née Davies), Deborah Maddern

27

Class of 2013 10 Year Reunion Written by Charlotte Woodward It was delightful to meet with 50 pupils from the Class of 2013 on a Friday night in June to celebrate their 10-year reunion.

In a slight change to tradition, the 10-year reunion was held in London at the Hawk’s Nest in Shepherd’s Bush, owned by OO Frazer Timmerman (’09). It was a lovely evening – thank you to all who travelled from around the UK and internationally from New York, California, and Germany to reunite and reconnect with old friends.

Class of 2018 – 5 Year Reunion Written by Charlotte Woodward On Saturday 1 July 2023, we held the 5-year reunion for the Class of 2018 in BAF Smith Pavilion. It was lovely to welcome VR PDQ\ EDFN WR 2DNKDP ZLWK D VSHFLDO WKDQNV WR WKH ƮYH 22V who travelled all the way from Germany for the reunion. ,W ZDV WKH ƮUVW WLPH PDQ\ RI WKH FRKRUW KDG UHWXUQHG WR Oakham since leaving School to reconnect with fellow OOs.

XX

AREA OF MAGAZINE

College House Reunion Written by Nick Priestnall (’66) On Saturday 2 September, we were delighted to welcome back 20 former pupils who once boarded in College House to revisit their old ERDUGLQJ KRXVH ƮQG WKHLU ROG URRPV DQG PHHW WKHLU ROG URRPPDWHV and classmates once again, reminiscing of their time in College House and at Oakham School.

Pupils from the years 1966 to 1973 were able to walk around College +RXVH ZKLFK LV QRZ KRPH WR WKH 0DUNHWLQJ 'HYHORSPHQW 2ƱFHV DQG Archives. Archives opened their doors, and OOs got a chance for people to view some of its treasures. Chris Frame (‘66) was also kind enough to bring in some photos that the Archives had never seen before.

We were also delighted to welcome back some past teachers - Patrick Wilson, Nigel Webb, and Chris Smith - who returned to connect with their old pupils whom they had not seen since they left Oakham School.

It was also lovely to receive messages from those who live around the world and could not join us on the day.

Chris Frame said of the event: “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing again a few faces I knew. It was also lovely to see Patrick Wilson again and chat with KLP LWoV DPD]LQJ WKDW \RX FDQ VWLOO KDYH DQ H[FHHGLQJO\ JRRG FRQYHUVDWLRQ with the teacher who taught you for several years from age 10.”

Left to right: Tony Bryne (‘66) 8QGHU 2ƱFHU Chris Frame (Colour Sergeant), John Hall (‘66) 8QGHU 2ƱFHU

Bisley Meeting Written by Robert Eayrs (’73) As usual, a number of OOs were present at Bisley to support the 6FKRRO RQ WKH ƮQDO GD\ RI WKH 6FKRROoV 0HHWLQJ $VKEXUWRQ 'D\ on 13 July, and take part in the Veterans Teams matches. $IWHU FHOHEUDWLQJ WZR VLJQLƮFDQW $VKEXUWRQ ZLQQLQJ anniversaries in 2022 (the 1966 and 1987 wins), it was a smaller EDQG RI 22V ZKR DWWHQGHG DQG ƮHOGHG WZR WHDPV WKLV \HDU The “A” team came a respectable 15th out of 47 entrants, and the “B” team came 18th out of 38. Those who represented the OOs this year were: Andy Brockhurst (‘92), Matt Button (‘88), Adam Chidlow (‘21), Chris Clarkson (‘70), Rob Eayrs (‘73), David Eckles (‘73), Peter Molesworth (‘75), Jonathan Root (‘77) and Rick Shouler (‘95).

The day ended in its customarily sociable way with an excellent BBQ hosted by Ginney Measures (‘78).

In March an OO team took part in the Winter 22 postal competition for the Lionel Fletcher Cup, and the team of Matt Button, Adam Chidlow, Rob Eayrs, David Epton (‘81), and Rick Shouler were placed 5th.

Rick Shouler is also a member of the Great Britain Team travelling to the World Championships in South Africa next March. Matt Button is a reserve for that team and Rob Eayrs is a reserve for the GB Veterans team.

There was also a belated awarding of School Colours last winter when David Epton, who had been unable to receive them when he left in the 1980s, received a surprise visit to the school range one evening by his old Mistress I/C, Jan Mullinger, who was pleased to put the matter right.

29

OO Golf Days Written by Brian Welford (Hon OO) The 86th meeting of the Old Oakhamian Golf Society was held DW /XƬHQKDP +HDOWK *ROI &OXE RQ 6DWXUGD\ -XQH 2Q DQ extremely hot day, 15 OOs gathered for the morning round, teeing RƬ DW DP DQG FRPSHWLQJ IRU WKH 6WDEOHIRUG DQG VKRUW KROHV trophies. Lunch was taken between rounds and the afternoon round WHHG RƬ DW SP 2Q FRPSOHWLRQ RI WKH JROI ZHDU\ DQG VRPHZKDW red-faced, players gathered for the prize giving as reported below.

A team comprising Jane Sly (née Money) (’81), Sarah Barnes (’86), Lesley Tattershall and Sarah Hillas (’87) took part in the Silver Tassie at the Berkshire. Three teams had the same score but sadly, on count back, Oakham came third. Nevertheless, an excellent result in a national competition.

Mark Walker, Chris Palmer, Will Chamberlain (’14), Dylan Ross (’89), James Walters (’12) and Simon Scott (’96) played in the Grafton 0RUULVK TXDOLƮHU DW WKH *RJ 0DJRJ FRXUVH 2Q D GLƱFXOW GD\ IRU SXWWLQJ WKH\ PLVVHG RXW RQ D SODFH LQ WKH ƮQDOV E\ D VPDOO PDUJLQ

Barnes short holes

Tim Walker (‘72)

Brewill/Humphrey Stableford

Joe Wheeler (’03)

Peake Medal

Alex Barton (’13)

Doherty Scratch

Joe Wheeler

Liebert Rabbits

Alex Barton

Scruby Bowl

Jim Cooil (’72)

Jug and Driver

Joe Wheeler

Those attending included the prize winners and also Tom Wheeler (‘00), Oliver Smith (02), Will Davis (‘13), Mark Walker (’96), Chris Palmer (’75), Jamie Lewin (’90), Richard Wilde (’98), Ed Jarron (’00), David Shaw (’78), Bill Whysall (’64), Steven Billyeald (’64), Brian :HOIRUG +RQ 22 -RH 5REHUWV 22 $OXPQL 2ƱFHU Chris Palmer (President), Mark Walker (Captain), Brian Welford (Secretary), and Ben Stephens (’95) agreed to form the committee.

All OOs who play golf are welcome to attend the annual meeting and any other events. The committee is looking to hold a more relaxed PHHWLQJ DW D GLƬHUHQW FRXUVH LQ DGGLWLRQ WR WKH DQQXDO PHHWLQJ

OO Netball Written by Charlotte Woodward The annual OOs vs Pupils netball match was a huge success at the start of term, with the OO team meaning BUSINESS this year!!

We welcomed back Sophie Sutton (’22), Annabelle Northcott (’22), Sophia Gregory (’19), Hettie Ingram (’96), Francesca Kennard-Kettle (’16), Emily Broughton (’19), and Ellie-Mae Healey (’20) and Jade Potter (Hon OO) as a super sub. What a team!

The OO team led for 3/4 of the match, with the U19s making a late comeback to win 27-25.

A huge thank you to the OOs who came back to play, our umpires, help from the Sports Department, and everyone ZDWFKLQJ 7KH 22V YV 3XSLOV PDWFK LV DOZD\V D JUHDW ƮUVW Ʈ[WXUH RI WKH WHUP IRU WKH 8 V If you would like to get involved next year, keep an eye out on The Oakhamian Connection.

22

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Legal Networking Evening in London Written by Tom Angell 2Q WKH HYHQLQJ RI :HGQHVGD\ 6HSWHPEHU WKH RƱFHV RI LQWHUQDWLRQDO ODZ ƮUP &RKHQ *UHVVHU VDZ WKH ƮUVW RI D QHZ VHULHV RI SURIHVVLRQDO QHWZRUNLQJ HYHQWV IRU 22V Hosted by Tim Harris (‘97), Counsel at Cohen & Gresser, and facilitated by Rob Hanna (’03), founder of KC Partners, this event witnessed alumni from the law profession enjoy stimulating discussions about the compelling intersection of law, technology and art within the pulsating heart of London’s legal market.

After a welcome from Nick Priestnall (’69), Acting Head of Development at Oakham School, Martin Wilson, Chief General Counsel at Phillips, captivated with his keynote speech delving into enthralling issues surrounding Crypto NFT’s, Holocaust Restitution, Cultural Property ownership, and examined the intriguing world of fakes and forgeries.

Angus McLean (’97), IP Partner and Head of FinTech, stimulated an interesting exchange of questions and answers with the group.

22V IURP WR DQG IURP DV IDU DƮHOG DV /LYHUSRRO HQMR\HG PHHWLQJ RQH another and exchanging views while enjoying a drink and sushi.

Careers Fair and Upper School Networking Dinner

Future Events Scan the QR code for what’s coming up

Written by Tom Angell We were delighted to welcome back 10 OOs and one parent to campus for the Upper School Networking Evening in October, during which they shared knowledge, expertise, and career experience with 50 Form 6 and 7 pupils.

OOs from a variety of professions attended, including law, medicine, marketing, business, and psychology.

Over pre-dinner drinks, there was an opportunity for those attending to network with one another. Headmaster Henry Price thanked the OOs for coming back and sharing their advice and wisdom and he also congratulated the pupils on taking a leap and attending an event of this nature.

The pupils started the dinner sitting next to OOs in a similar profession to their ideal future career and then between the main course and dessert, they switched WDEOHV DOORZLQJ WKHP WR KDYH PXOWLSOH FRQYHUVDWLRQV ZLWK SHRSOH RI GLƬHUHQW backgrounds, careers, and interests.

2DNKDP 6FKRRO $OXPQL DQG 'HYHORSPHQW 2ƱFHU &KDUORWWH :RRGZDUG H[SODLQHG “It was a lovely evening of good food, drink, and conversation in the Barraclough.

I would like to thank all the Old Oakhamians who attended the event. The current Oakhamians who attended found the evening insightful and highly enjoyable.”

31

50 Not Out The History of Cricket at Oakham School in 50 facts We take a look at the key moments and star players in Oakham School’s long and illustrious cricketing history.

No.1

1815 7KH ;,oV ƮUVW recorded cricket match was against Uppingham School. Oakham won the match.

No.2

Since then, nine Old Oakhamians KDYH SOD\HG ƮUVW FODVV XQLYHUVLW\ cricket, 22 KDYH SOD\HG ƮUVW class county cricket, and ƮYH have played for their country.

No.3

1846-49 Robert King gained Cambridge Blues and, in the 1850s played for Leicestershire (not yet D ƮUVW FODVV FRXQW\

32

50 NOT OUT

No.4

1860, the earliest team photo of the cricket XI. No.5

1866 C. Warren gained a Cambridge Blue.

No.6&7

1875 John Furley played for the 1RUWK DJDLQVW WKH 6RXWK WKH ƮUVW 2OG 2DNKDPLDQ WR SOD\ LQ D ƮUVW FODVV Ʈ[WXUH LQ 1877 he played for an England XI v Gloucestershire and in 1882 for Northamptonshire against the touring Australians.

No.8

No.10&11

1889-92 L. Clarke took 179 ZLFNHWV IRU WKH ;, WKH RQO\ RWKHU WKUHH players who took 150 wickets in their 1st XI career were A.R. Grier (178 in 1936-40), M.T. Crick (151 in 1920-23) and A.M. James (151 in 1992-95).

No.12&13

1894 The Oakham XI scored 300+ runs against Fitch’s XI on Doncaster Close. 300 runs have been exceeded on only nine other occasions.

No.14

1900s 7KH ƮUVW Cricket Pavilion was built on Doncaster 3OD\LQJ ƮHOGV

1880s Three other Old Oakhamians played at county level – Arthur Cursham (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire), Kenneth Pearce (Leicestershire), and James Atter (Leicestershire).

No.9

1884 R. Bramall WRRN WKH ƮUVW recorded hatWULFN LQ KLV ƮUVW ever match for the XI.

No.15&16

1914 Percy Chapman scored 200 runs in one and three-quarter hours for the U14 ;, Y 6WRQH\JDWH KH VFRUHG runs and took 8 wickets in his only season for the XI.

No.17&18

1920s Percy Chapman (Cambridge, Kent and England) became the only Old Oakhamian to captain England LQ 7HVW PDWFKHV 6WXDUW %URDG captained England in T20 cricket in 2012 and 2014 and ODI also in 2014.

33

No.19&20

Percy Chapman continued to captain Kent, which led to 'RQFDVWHU &ORVH KRVWLQJ LWV ƮUVW Leicestershire county cricket match in 1931 RWKHU VXFFHVVIXO county players of the 1930s were: P. Vaulkard played for (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire), J.W.M. Bradshaw and J.A.S. Taylor (Leicestershire) and F.K. Thornton for (Northamptonshire).

No.26

1976 7KH ;, GLVPLVVHG 5DWFOLƬH College for 19, the best ever bowling SHUIRUPDQFH WKHUH KDYH EHHQ other occasions when an opposing team has been bowled for under 50.

Pearson (‘90), an Oxford Blue, won her ƮUVW 7HVW FDS for England.

1931 The Cricket Pavilion was restored and renovated to include two changing rooms and a thatched roof.

1936-40 A.R. Grier (’40) became WKH ƮUVW 2OG 2DNKDPLDQ WR make 1,000 runs and take 1,000 wickets in a 1st XI career, now joined by Peter Forman (‘51) and Duncan Kingham (‘80).

No.23

1940 A.R. Grier scored 212 v Trent College, the only double FHQWXU\ DW VW ;, OHYHO WKHUH KDYH been six other innings of over 150.

No.24

1950s John Taylor (’51) played IRU 6FRWODQG 3HWHU )RUPDQ played for Nottinghamshire.

No.25

1970 The Cricket pavilion IHOO YLFWLP WR D ƮUH DQG burnt to the ground.

1995 2DNKDPoV ƮUVW overseas cricket tour was to Zimbabwe, followed by tours to South Africa in 2005 and 2015.

No.30 1996 Lucy

No.21

No.22

No.29

No.31

No.27

1983 Realising the need for a new Cricket Pavilion, the Old Gymnasium, adjacent to :KDUưDQGV ZDV converted into the Wharton Pavilion.

The pavilion was opened by Ron Jacobs, President of the R.F.U.

1996 Frank Hayes (Lancashire and England) became the Director of Cricket.

No.28

1992 David Steele OBE (Northamptonshire, Derbyshire and England) joined Oakham as the School’s Cricket Professional.

No.32

1999 James Bull (’94) gained an Oxford Blue.

34

50 NOT OUT

No.33 Spotlight on a Superstar

Top: Stuart in the 1st XI in 2004 Left: At the top of his game: England bowler Stuart Broad photographed LQ nRƱFLDO NLWo

Undoubtedly the greatest cricketer to have attended Oakham School, we look at the remarkable career of Stuart Broad (’04).

It is almost impossible to level too many superlatives at Stuart Broad when describing his cricketing story. He is only the third Englishman to have appeared in more than 150 Test matches, recording a staggering 604 wickets over a 15-year Test career – a truly remarkable achievement for a seamer.

Not only is Broad the second highest wicket taker in English Test history – behind only his long-time fast bowling attack contemporary Jimmy Anderson – he is the only Englishman to have taken over 150 Ashes wickets.

His glittering Test Match career (167 caps, 3,662 runs, 604 wickets, 55 catches) is PDWFKHG E\ DQ HTXDOO\ VXFFHVVIXO ƮUVW FODVV cricket career (265 matches, 5,840 runs, 952 wickets, 93 catches playing for Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire).

With the bat, he managed a career-best 169 against Pakistan in 2010, while also chalking up 13 half-centuries in Test matches.

Stuart joined Oakham School at the age of 10 and began playing cricket under the stewardship of Oakham legend Frank Hayes. In The Old Oakhamian Club Magazine Issue 116,

Frank recalled: “I threw balls at him when he ZDV DQG KH ZDV GLƬHUHQW s KH WLPHG WKH EDOO EHDXWLIXOO\ 'DYLG 6WHHOH DQG , ZHUH WKH ƮUVW WR recognise him as a bowler – he opened batting for county at a young age and did not bowl.”

Across the 2000–04 seasons Stuart made 51 1st XI appearances, scored 919 runs @ 45.59 and took 59 wickets @ 23.32 with 5 catches. %URDG SOD\HG KLV ƮUVW JDPH IRU /HLFHVWHUVKLUH 2nd XI in 2004, just before his 18th birthday and in 2005 he made his County Championship debut, most appropriately, on Oakham School’s Doncaster Close ground – a long time Leicestershire out-ground. ,Q KH FODLPHG KLV ƮUVW ZLFNHW KDXO DQG VFRUHG KLV ƮUVW &KDPSLRQVKLS KDOI FHQWXU\ 7KLV \HDU DOVR VDZ %URDGoV ƮUVW LQYROYHPHQW with senior England cricket.

In a glittering international career in both Test cricket and limited over forms of the game, he has hit countless milestones, most notably taking 8-15 against Australia at Trent Bridge in $V ZHOO DV EHLQJ D KXJHO\ SUROLƮF ZLFNHW taker, Broad has the Test cricket record for the most runs in both the 9 and 10 batting positions.

As well as being D KXJHO\ SUROLƮF wicket taker, Stuart Broad has the Test cricket record for the most runs in both the 9 and 10 batting positions.

35

Ashes Series 2023 The 2023 Ashes were spectacular, ending 2-2 ZLWK WKH UDLQ DƬHFWHG drawn Test much in England’s favour.

Stuart Broad played LQ DOO ƮYH 7HVWV DQG was England’s highest wicket-taker (22) of the series. He announced his retirement from professional cricket just EHIRUH WKH ƮQDO 7HVW DW 7KH 2YDO VLJQHG RƬ E\ KLWWLQJ WKH ƮQDO EDOO that he received for 6 DQG WRRN WKH ƮQDO WZR Australian wickets to conclude the match. +LV ƮQDO UHFRUG RI wickets placed him second in England’s all-time list and his 153 wickets against Australia is the highest of any Englishman.

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No.34 2000s Old Oakhamian

ƮUVW FODVV FULFNHWHUV were Stuart Broad (’04) (Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and England), Matt Boyce (’03) (Leicestershire), Ian Saxelby (’07) (Gloucestershire), Josh Cobb (’08) (Leicestershire),

Alex Wyatt (’08) (Leicestershire) and

Tom Fell (’12) (Worcestershire).

No.35

2003 The John Blezard Scholarship EHJDQ ZLWK QR RWKHU FRQQHFWLRQ to the School, John was a frequent spectator at 1st XI matches on Doncaster Close and wanted to provide an opportunity for talented individuals who could not otherwise DƬRUG DQ 2DNKDP (GXFDWLRQ

No.36

2004 Bhargav Modha (’04) took all 10 wickets for 19 runs against Worksop College, the only such occurrence, although others have taken nine wickets in an innings.

No.37

2005 The Wilson Pavilion was opened by Lynn Wilson (’57), made possible by generous donations from the Wilson Family; it is now XVHG IRU IRRWEDOO UXJE\ DQG FULFNHW Ʈ[WXUHV WKURXJKRXW WKH \HDU

No.38 2006 Stefan Kelly (’08) played for Bermuda.

No.39

2007 -RKQ %OH]DUG VDGO\ GLHG his son, David, continued the VFKRODUVKLS LQ PHPRU\ RI KLV IDWKHU the scholarship ran for another 10 \HDUV VXSSRUWLQJ ƮYH FULFNHWHUV GXULQJ WKHLU WLPH DW 2DNKDP WZR RI the recipients, Josh Cobb and Tom )HOO EHFDPH ƮUVW FODVV FULFNHWHUV

No.40

2009 Josh Cobb played for England U19.

No.41

2011 Alex Martin (‘11) became the RXWƮHOGHU ZLWK WKH KLJKHVW QXPEHU of catches (39). Will Groome (‘11) established a new seasonal record for wicket-keeping dismissals (23).

No.42

2012 Tom Fell established a new School Record with his VHYHQWK FHQWXU\ IRU WKH VW ;, he is the only Oakhamian to exceed 3,000 1st XI runs (3,463 @ 60.75) and the only one to score 500 runs or more in four consecutive seasons.

No.43

2013 Tom Fell made his ƮUVW FODVV GHEXW SOD\LQJ IRU 2[IRUG 0&& 8QLYHUVLWLHV KH SOD\HG ƮUVW FODVV FULFNHW IRU Worcestershire from 2014 WR SOD\LQJ ƮUVW FODVV games for his county.

No.44

2014 The Wharton Pavilion, DƬHFWLRQDOO\ NQRZQ DV n6WXPSVo was taken down and the BAF Smith Cricket Pavilion was opened. Made possible by the generous donation from B.A.F. Smith (’54) who was captain of WKH ƮUVW XQEHDWHQ 5XJE\ ;9 Hockey XI, and Cricket XI.

No.45

2018 Girls’ Cricket was properly introduced at Oakham School.

No.46

2018 Lyndon James (‘17) FRPPHQFHG KLV ƮUVW FODVV career with Nottinghamshire.

No.47&48

2022 2DNKDP ƮHOGHG LWV ƮUVW mixed Cricket Team in its 50th year RI FR HGXFDWLRQ 3DWULFN /DWKDP became the Director of Cricket.

No.49

2023 Inaugural Girls BOWS Cricket Festival held at Oakham School.

37

And Ñ g ÇìììĒ No.50 2023 Tom Fell

(Worcestershire) joined Oakham as the Head of Cricket Development.

Tom Fell has returned to Oakham School in the newly created post of Head of Cricket Development in summer 2023. Here he shares his memories of Oakham as a pupil, his career since leaving School, and his plans to further grow and enhance cricket at Oakham for all.

I was here at Oakham School from 2008 to 2012 and had an amazing time – some of the four best years ,oYH HYHU KDG , UHDOO\ ORYHG WKH VWDƬ WKH HQYLURQPHQW and made a lot of great friends. For me to come back is really nice and feels quite right. I could always see myself working in a school like Oakham. It feels good to be back and really doesn’t feel that long ago that I left.

For me, it’s about nailing the basics with school cricketers. In my experience working with young people, I’ve noticed that a lot of young players don’t NQRZ WKH EDVLF VWXƬ ZKHWKHU WKDW EH VNLOOV RU MXVW understanding of the game. It’s almost expected of them, but I think coaches can forget that these boys

The Future

Cricket is going from strength to strength as a co-educational sport at Oakham School with several exciting new developments underway and in the planning. Our link with The Blaze Academy (formerly /LJKWQLQJ KDV EHHQ EHQHƮFLDO WR VHYHUDO RI RXU students and we are in the early stages of working on a partnership with Leicestershire CCC, which would see Oakham School becoming a home for the Women and Girls pathway.

We are working with the Rutland Learning Trust to build an U12 side which will be trained over the winter

and girls are young and still learning the game.

Oakham School is the ideal environment in which young cricketers can develop. Coming somewhere like Oakham, you’re going to have the luxury of JUHDW IDFLOLWLHV D ORW RI JUHDW VWDƬ DQG FRDFKHV WR ZRUN ZLWK DV ZHOO DV JUHDW Ʈ[WXUHV Cricket should also be fun. For me, at a young age, it’s all about enjoying it, not taking it too seriously and getting involved in other sports and opportunities. Not only that, but also within cricket, making sure you are having a go at batting, bowling, ƮHOGLQJ DQG ZLFNHWNHHSLQJ ,WoV JRRG WR KDYH D IHZ GLƬHUHQW HOHPHQWV WR \RXU JDPH

DQG SOD\ Ʈ[WXUHV DW 2DNKDP 6FKRRO LQ WKH VXPPHU giving local students access to coaching and playing experience towards club and pathway cricket.

In 2023 we supported The Ruth Strauss Foundation in a #RedforRuth match against St Augustine's College, Australia. In 2024 we look forward to VXSSRUWLQJ WKH )RXQGDWLRQ DJDLQ LQ D 5HG Ʈ[WXUH County Championship Cricket returned to Oakham School in July 2023 after a 16-year wait, with Leicestershire CCC taking on Worcestershire CCC in a four-day Championship game on Doncaster Close.

38

OBITUARIES

Obituaries MARTIN BUCKINGHAM ǩn Ǫ

DEATH NOTICES ANDREW N. CRAWFORD ǩn Ǫ

29 October 1968 – August 2023 An obituary will follow in the next edition of the Old Oakhamian Magazine.

NICHOLAS GREEN ǩn Ǫ Died in July 2023

RICHARD HALL ǩn Ǫ Died in 2023

LABIB KAWAR ǩo Ǫ

29 February 1948 – June 2022

JOHN JACKSON LOVETT ǩo Ǫ 0D\ 6HSWHPEHU

EDDIE MARTIN ǩ+21 22Ǫ

ǩ)250(5 +($' 2) %86,1(66 $1' +0 2) 6&+22/ +286(Ǫ An obituary will follow in the next edition of the Old Oakhamian Magazine.

OWEN PEGG ǩo Ǫ

17 June 1932 – 4 May 2023

CHARLES STEVENS ǩo Ǫ 17 June 1932 – 4 May 2023

MARY STEVENS ǩ+21 22Ǫ

An obituary will follow in the next edition of the Old Oakhamian Magazine.

17 June 1952 – 12 November 2022 Written by Martin’s brothers, John (‘68) and Peter (‘77) Martin was one of three brothers educated at Oakham and by far and away the cleverest of the three, securing a place at Cambridge to read History when only 16. Martin was forever grateful to Ben Jones for inspiring his interest in History.

Before heading to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Martin spent a year teaching )UHQFK DW 1RUZLFK 6FKRRO EXW DIWHU KLV ƮUVW year at Cambridge, Martin decided to convert from a History degree to read Law. In his third year, and in typically entrepreneurial fashion, Martin managed to be “selected” to join an archaeological expedition to a remote part of Columbia to research the Tairona culture in 1973, the foursome travelling there and back for free on Shell tankers! This was an early sign of Martin’s wanderlust.

Having returned to UK shores, Martin joined the international law practice of Dr Haas in London’s Piccadilly, where he became the legal advisor to President Omar Bongo of Gabon.

Over the next 25 years, his wanderlust took Martin to many parts of the globe, including Australia to mine gold, Liberia to mine diamonds and Sierra Leone, with varying degrees of success. But it was in the Philippines that Martin made his mark in business. In an obituary to Martin in the Australian Business News, it reported “Martin Buckingham had over 40 years’ experience in the resource industries. He was a director and held senior management positions with various mining companies in the UK and overseas. He held roles at Clogau Gold Mines as Executive 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG &KLHI )LQDQFLDO 2ƱFHU RI Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation in the Philippines, Director of Carmen Copper Corporation and Co-Founder of Consort Research, which is a metallurgical consulting group based at the Royal School of Mines in London. In 2007, he took a lead role in the consortium which successfully re-opened the Carmen Copper Mine in Cebu Philippines.” ,QGHHG WKH &DUPHQ PLQH LV QRZ D ưRXULVKLQJ community with school and hospital facilities with 4,500 employees, who referred to Martin

as “Sir Martin” as a mark of respect.

Even though Martin spent much of his working life in the Philippines, he had a successful marriage to Jules with three lovely children, Amy, Ben and Minty. The Buckingham family had a long-standing connection with Norfolk where we had a cottage in Blakeney and after moving from London via Oxford, Martin and Jules settled close to the Norfolk coast, which was to be their home base for 35 years.

Martin loved the idea of boating (preferring a UHOLDEOH GLHVHO HQJLQH WR VDLOV RU ưDSSHUV DV he called them) but his enthusiasm was only matched by his lack of nautical skills! Forays out into Blakeney Harbour often ended in disaster, frequently involving other craft and sailors, one of whom, on hearing of Martin’s death, commented that Blakeney Harbour would now be a safer place! Ironically, his son %HQ KDV D <DFKW PDVWHU TXDOLƮFDWLRQ Martin had an enormous appetite for fun throughout his life and tales of escapades that sounded unlikely but turned out to be true were legendary. Most ended with drinks in a pub and much laughter.

As was said in the Eulogy at Martin’s wellattended funeral, “Martin was a scholar, a gentleman, a boules champion (but only in his own back garden), a practical joker, a teacher, an enigma and much more. A man who adored his family and a friend with a huge smile that we will all remember.”

39

DAVID OLDERSHAW ǩn Ǫ

DANIEL HOWISON ǩ+21 22Ǫ

21 June 1929 – 6 September 2023 Written by Brian Needham (Hon OO) Having been schooled at Abbotsholme, Dan was a Modern Languages graduate of Queen’s College, Oxford, who had started his teaching career at Manchester Grammar School. He was appointed in 1961 by Headmaster John Buchanan, who in his memoir Operation Oakham commented that Dan established the Modern Languages Department in its present form and did much to familiarise boys with the French way of life through regular holiday trips to that country. Well, he did much more than that in his 28 years as Head of French and then Head of Modern Languages. His one-time colleague Roger Blackmore wrote that despite his professional role, Dan is an English eccentric. He has danced with the Morris, sung with the Exton singers, twinned Whitwell with Paris, shown more enthusiasm about lost property than is FRQFHLYDEOH KDWHG VWDƬ SKRWRJUDSKV ZLWK passion and brought to junior league and VWDƬ FULFNHW DQ DSSURDFK LQ ZKLFK HTXLW\ DQG sheer enjoyment were more important than formal tradition. At Dan’s last Speech Day in 1989, the Headmaster, Graham Smallbone, described him as an entertainer of skill with a guitar in his hands or just an idea in his head, he has recently taken to the operatic stage.

We shall miss his inimitable monologues at Heads of Department meetings, his humour and capacity to tilt at academic windmills – perhaps also his ability to produce A grades in French at GCSE from those over whom he has despaired at entry. He retired to the old schoolhouse at Exton (renovated by himself) and remained an avid gardener, a proprietor of ancient (but not classic) cars, a prop and stay of the Oakham Choral Society and a keen salesman for his wife, Fay, whose delightful miniature paintings of local scenes adorn many Oakham homes.

14 February 1931 – 2 August 2023 Written by David’s son, Charles With great sadness, my Father, David has passed away peacefully. He died of old age, without any pain, after a steady decline over the last six months.

Dad enjoyed his time at Oakham and remained a loyal supporter of the School.

He was thrilled when his step-grandson, Matthew Moore (’06) won a Chess Scholarship to Oakham and ended up in :KDUưDQGV KLV ROG +RXVH Dad enjoyed his sport at Oakham, particularly athletics and hockey, the latter of which may have been a minor sport at that stage. He went on to be a regular on the Nottinghamshire County Hockey team for a decade over the ’50s and ’60s.

Dad also enjoyed being a member of the School Cadet Force.

He did his National Service in the Royal Army Education Corps (enjoying captaining many on the hockey pitch with higher ranks than himself) and then joined the Sherwood Foresters as a Territorial. He was Victor Ludorum at a number of regimental athletics competitions.

After National Service he trained at the Loughborough Colleges - subsequently Loughborough University. He gained experience teaching and coaching sport in Nottingham and then Sussex, where he met his wife Waveney.

He moved back to Nottingham in 1958 to work at Grosvenor School, becoming Headmaster in 1964. He was one of the ƮUVW +HDGV WR LQWURGXFH 6SDQLVK DV D PDMRU curricular subject and support those with dyslexia actively. He also coached sports in a way that helped many of his pupils to go on to receive representative honours.

Over the years he sent many boys and girls on to Oakham.

His wife predeceased him in 1979. He retired in 1994 and moved down to Sussex.

MARK PITTER ǩ+21 22Ǫ

Written by Brian Needham (Hon OO) Mark William Shibley Pitter (MWSP), MA, past Scholar of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, came to Oakham from his teaching post at Plymouth College to teach Classics in the autumn of 1977, serving throughout the three headmasterships of Richard Bull, Graham Smallbone and Tony Little. As well as teaching Classics throughout the School, he was at various times a Tutor in Sargants (1977–88) and then School House (1988–2009), was in charge of General Studies for the Sixth Form and Liberal Studies for the Seventh Form (to EURDGHQ HGXFDWLRQ EH\RQG WKH FRQƮQHV RI A-levels), founded and ran the Bacchus Club (wine-tasting, for the uninitiated, and without forsaking his love of draught bitter ales), was DQ RXWVSRNHQ DQG OHDUQHG PHPEHU RI WKH VWDƬ discussion group Cursores, assisted for many years with the boys’ Bronze Walking Section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award after which he ran the Adventure Service Challenge Scheme in Jerwoods, wrote Nero - the Musical and Showhome (put to music by Director of Music Peter Witchell) for the school actors and singers to perform both at home and abroad (Scotland during the Edinburgh Festival). His excellent Classics background assisted him in his crossword hobby, his general knowledge aided many a quiz team and in general his interests were cultural (particularly classical music, art and literature) and not generally of a sporting nature, although for some reason or other he was the President of the Mosquitoes &ULFNHW &OXE WKH VWDƬ FULFNHW WHDP XQGHU WKH pseudonym of Lord Pitter of the Marches.

He could never have been accused of paying too much attention to sartorial matters or even to school regulations (especially meeting report deadlines) and his study in School House became a refuge for those members of the House not over-excited by its generally sporting ethos of the time. In 2009 Mark retired to his home in Ludlow, endured latterly many years of poor health and died in August 2023.

40

OBITUARIES

him to the Far East, which we know he adored and is where he met his second wife, Kate. They were very happy, splitting their time between Hong Kong and England. He loved to travel and did so right up until late last year, returning from a tour of Spain and Portugal, only months before a mercifully short illness.

Our family holidays were made more exciting by him always coming up with ingenious ways to keep us entertained on rainy holidays in Cornwall, sunny days in Spain and in the garden of our childhood home. When he was home, he was always tinkering LQ KLV ZRUNVKRS EXLOGLQJ LPSUHVVLYH ERQƮUHV RU working on his beloved Bentley.

He was intelligent, loyal, urbane, and incredibly private. He enjoyed a good cigar and lively conversation. He allowed my sister and I to forge our own paths – no interference, only support.

Often misunderstood as being aloof, he introduced me to my love of musicals, could mend ANYTHING, and made a mean rum punch. +LV ƮQDO ZLVKHV ZHUH IRU D ZRRGODQG EXULDO VR KH lies in a beautiful meadow with us in Dorset.

Rest in Peace

BOB QUIXLEY ǩ+21 22Ǫ

Written by Jonathan Stevens Bob Quixley passed away peacefully, aged 94. He lived in Cornwall where he had retired many years ago. %RE ZDV RQ WKH WHDFKLQJ VWDƬ LQ WKH HDUO\ V he taught Geography and was a very talented artist (with one of his paintings hanging in College House).

He joined at the same time as my father (Michael Stevens) (Hon OO). He used to say they were both bachelor boys playing rugby for Oakham Town and drinking in The George in the marketplace!

RICHARD TAYLOR ǩn Ǫ

Written by Richard’s daughter, Claire Hudson (’84) 7KH ƮUVW WKLQJ WKDW , ZRXOG OLNH \RX WR NQRZ DERXW my father, which is pertinent to this magazine, is that he LOVED Oakham School. I believe that his school days held some of his happiest memories.

It says a lot about how much he treasured his time at Oakham that he spoke about them at length in his very last conversation with my sister. He was crying with laughter at some of the antics that he and his classmates had got up to, including a mass exodus from a Latin class and even stories of attempts to winch a master’s car onto a roof, but I’ll leave that one!

I can’t, in all honesty, give huge details of Richard’s working life and career, as we know very little about it. His father was convinced he was a spy and as children, we adored that notion! He was away a LOT, spoke numerous eclectic languages, was WHUULƮFDOO\ VXDYH DQG HYHU\ WLPH ZH DVNHG KLP where he had been, he would simply say that he had been to see a man about his dog.

We, of course, found that incredibly exciting.

So, here’s the little I do know…

On leaving Oakham, he went straight to the Sorbonne. Here, he gained his Baccalaureate and perfected his French.

He returned to England to complete his National Service (RAF) where he grew some VERY

distinguished sideburns. He loved this life and always dreamed of a career in the Navy, even gaining a place at Dartmouth College, but sadly, his father wanted him to go into the City instead, so that is what happened.

He started his banking career at the Ottoman Bank in London, and in 1957, having got engaged to KLV ƮUVW ZLIH 3DXOLQH KH PRYHG WR %DJGDG WR WKH branch there. He loved it but sadly had to leave just in the nick of time when the Shah abdicated, and chaos ensued.

His grandfather owned some successful builders’ merchant companies in Birmingham, so he worked with him for a short time before his impressive negotiating and language skills led him to become part of a specialist project team for the engineering company, GKN, persuading various foreign governments to invest in and build railways, steelworks, etc. He loved to travel, so working in the Congo, South Africa, Nigeria and the Middle East was perfect for him, despite some very delicate negotiations and potentially dangerous situations. He would regale us with his fascinating adventures from Africa. Remembering that we lived in 1970s Britain, these tales were doubly exotic, as was the fruit that he would bring home for us – papayas, guavas and mangoes – commonplace now, but so exciting back then!

Having spent much of his working life in Africa, his business (whatever that may have been) then took

Lives Remembered

ANNE BULL ǩ+21 22Ǫ

Written by Nigel Webb (Hon OO) Amanda Tiddy (‘86) (née Webb) who was a Decem under Richard Bull writes: “I have great memories from School of her and Richard” and Nicola Saunders (‘81) (née Webb) adds “she was a lovely, kind woman”.

My wife Caroline and I certainly go along with that, and we know that she added wisdom, courage and strength to Richard’s arm when D GLƱFXOW GHFLVLRQ KDG WR EH PDGH 6KH KDG D powerful intellect and a great sense of humour.