Happy new year and welcome to a new and packed edition of the Bursar’s Bulletin, ready for all 2025 can throw at it!
Thank you to everyone who sported their Christmas jumper at the end of last term and contributed to the £4,000 raised for Oxfordshire Youth’s Young People Supported Accommodation initiative. The money will make this accommodation as homely and cosy as possible, and will also support OY to help young homeless people to take the next step they need, whatever that might be.
Thank you, as always, to staff for their suggestions and contributions to this edition. Ideas about what you would like to read about in these pages are always welcome and the best way to pass these on is by contacting Anna Haynes: AMTH.Haynes@Radley.org.uk
Best wishes
A Moment of Me
It was a pleasure to talk to Ian Biggs (IT Support) for the latest in our A Moment of Me series, which celebrates the interests and passions of Radley staff and boys and highlights the richness and diversity of our community. Ian has been involved in Kennington Amateur Dramatics (KADs) since he was 11 – he told me more about 46 years of pantomime dames, acting awards and directorial decisions.
I’d just started secondary school in 1978 and I remember there was an announcement that the original village drama group from the 50s and 60s, the Kennington Players, was re-starting.
The first pantomime we did as Kennington Amateur Dramatics was Ali Baba, the Forty Thieves and the Beggars of Bagley Wood, written by one of the members and performed in 1979. My role at that point was helping my Dad set out chairs for the audience! But my family – my Mum, Dad and older sister Helen –were all involved right from the start.
Even my younger sister, who was born in January 1981, was taken on stage by my Mum in that year’s panto at just a few days old!
I was part of the chorus from the age of 11. 46 years on, the group is still family-focused. We’ll often have three generations performing on the stage together which is really special. And family members get involved behind the scenes too, whether they’re in the band or helping with the sound, lights, wardrobe or front of house.
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John Moule, Warden
The priority listen? I always need to be up to date with The Archers. If that’s in hand, The Rest is History podcast. And if it’s music ... almost certainly something country: Josh Turner, early stuff by Little Big Town, Toby Keith. One song? Knee Deep by Zac Brown Band.
A piece for the desert island ... Schubert’s String Quintet in C. Hauntingly beautiful.
And an overall absolute favourite? Bainton’s And I Saw a New Heaven: a stunning setting of wonderful words from Revelation 21.
Radley’s answer to Desert Island Discs!
Continuing our series which aims to discover what staff are listening to as they drive, walk, cycle or run up the driveway into work or back home after a long day. Thank you to the College Management Team for agreeing to share their playlists!
Elisabeth Anderson, Development Director
My Driveway Discs include The Thrill is Gone by Muddy Waters and Stormy Weather by Louis Armstong, but if I need to lift my spirits for a day of fundraising I would add to my playlist Lovely Day by Bill Withers, A Thousand Beautiful Things by Annie Lennox and Feeling Good by Nina Simone as they’re my go-to songs for positive vibes and an upbeat attitude!
Niall Murphy, Sub-Warden
In the spirit of Driveway Discs I’ve picked two of my favourite songs to listen to while driving: one is Born on the Bayou by Creedence Clearwater Revival. My wife hates the vocals but the tune itself is great when you are behind the wheel. The other Into the Great Wide Open by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. We have listened to this as a family when driving through France to Carcassonne, but it also brings back fond memories of driving through New Zealand in 2007 with RCRUFC.
Julie Fletcher, Finance Director
My drive into Radley takes 40 minutes, and I listen to Radio 4, UCB radio, or an audio book – currently Murder Never Misses by Faith Martin.
For music, it will be OMD, Nik Kershaw or perhaps Swindon-based Ukebox Jury.
Andrew Ashton, Bursar
It’s difficult to beat some of the pop and rock classics of the 1970s and 80s. Three favourites of mine are Pink Floyd’s Money, the Flying Lizards’ version of Money (That’s What I Want), and, that Dire Straits classic, Money for Nothing. Pure gold!
Sophie Langdale, Director of Admissions & Communications
Radio 4 on the way to work but possibly turning traitor after 30+ years to Times Radio.
Radio 3 on the way home. Opera (Puccini/Verdi) and choral music (Requiems to Rutter) on Sundays while cooking lunch. Freya Ridings, Sam Smith and Tom Odell need a mention but it’s Abba or the Bee Gees if it’s been a tough day at work!
Jonny Porter, Deputy Head (Academic)
I like to listen to a mixture of music, podcasts and audiobooks.
In terms of music, I have a soft spot for folk music like Bon Iver or Johnny Flynn. If I’ve Matthew, my toddler, in the car, we often listen to the Mamma Mia soundtrack!
My favourite podcasts are The Rest is History and The Sacred. And, if I’m listening to an audiobook, it’s usually something that’s not too mentally taxing… I’m a sucker for a Robert Harris story. I’ve just finished Archangel and Act of Oblivion, both of which I thoroughly recommend.
Sarah Ballard, HR Director
On my drive to and from work I have the radio on, so I listen to all kinds of music but my latest Shazams are: Modern Love by David Bowie, Meant to Be by Bebe Recha ft. Florida Georgia Line and Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
Roger Shaw, Deputy Head (Systems)
I have rather geeky tastes! My go-to podcast in the car is No Such Thing as a Fish. The format is simple: four of the researchers from the TV programme QI chat about their favourite facts of the week. It is very silly but funny. For longer journeys I might listen to a Doctor Who audio play from Big Finish. They use original actors from the series. So Tom Baker is still making Doctor Who aged 90!
David Anderson, Estates Bursar
When I am on a long car journey or have a couple of spare hours at home, (which doesn’t happen very often!) I like to listen to audiobooks, primarily autobiographies, however recently I have listened to both of Bob Mortimer’s novels. They are full of dry humour which appeals to me.
There are two very clear music genres that I listen to. Either uplifting or melancholy, nothing in between. The master of melancholy is Bob Dylan, closely followed by Radiohead (Anne is no fan of either of these, and could often be heard sighing as I turned on the speaker in my office). For uplifting, anthemic music it would be U2 (who I’ve seen over 20 times) and Snow Patrol. Although one of their hits is called Just Say Yes which is something I rarely do!
MY radley
One of the many dedicated and talented members of staff who work so hard behind the scenes at Radley, Sarah has been a stalwart of the Sewing Team since 2006. Sarah took some time away from labelling boys’ kit to tell me about how she arrived at Radley, first as a cleaner and later as a member of the Sewing Team.
I was working part-time in the evenings at Tesco after I had my second child. Sadly, I lost my Dad in quite traumatic circumstances and after some time off I was ready for a fresh start.
My friend Mandy worked at Radley as the Sewing Assistant in G Social. She had been here a while and suggested I apply. I started as a cover cleaner for a couple of months. At that point, all the Socials had their own Sewing Assistant, and at the end of each summer term the new Shells’ uniform would be sent in and they would all spend two days together in the Library labelling everything. I’ve always been keen with a needle and thread so I was asked if I would help. After the summer holidays I went into B Social for a year as a cleaner and after that I took over the role as Sewing Assistant in G Social.
Sewing Assistants were responsible for naming all the new uniform that was ordered from Shepherd & Woodward as well as items purchased over the course of the year from Shop, and we would name boys’ home clothes as they came in as well. The hours suited me really well as I worked parttime, term-time only so I could fit work around my son when he was at school.
What has changed in your time at the College?
I started off in B Social when Richard Greed was the Tutor and worked for four Tutors in G Social (Harry Hammond, Will Matthews, Tony Jackson and the current Tutor, Graham King) before the Sewing Team became centralised in 2021.
The biggest change for me has been going from working in a Social to being part of the centralised team. At the time I was fearful of what that change would bring. I loved being in G Social, especially the day-to-day interaction I had with the boys and getting to know them. Being part of the Social meant that boys would often come to the sewing room and talk about things they might not talk to others about. I’ve received lovely letters from boys when they left. It’s been wonderful to watch the success of someone like Tom George (Olympic Rower, 2008, G). He was always very determined, and it’s been amazing to support him over the years. I feel very proud to have known him when he first arrived at Radley as a 13-year-old.
How do you feel now about the current Sewing Team set-up?
Three years on and I love where the Sewing Team is now based, in the old Careers Library opposite the Library at the end of Covered Passage. We’re in a very central location so we see a wider variety of boys and I’ve got to know more members of staff as well. We regularly see the PHMs and other members of the Housekeeping Team who bring us the boys’ clothes to be named.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy?
I’ve always loved sewing, since I was a little girl, so I’m lucky to do something I really enjoy every day. My first job was working at the fabric shop Masons. It’s an Abingdon institution really, an old-fashioned, independent family-run haberdashery shop.
I enjoy the variety of work that we do and it’s more diverse since we became a centralised team. For example, we’ve made bunting and table runners in each Social’s colours as well as making curtains and repairing upholstery in the Socials. We’ve also repaired the curtains and the seating in the Theatre.
Although the sewing and labelling we do might seem trivial in a school like this, it’s one of the many important aspects that ensure the successful functioning of the College as a whole and it’s nice to be a part of that.
What might we find you doing away from work?
When I’m not sewing, you’ll probably find me watching football! My husband played football and my stepson and grandson both play. We’re all big Liverpool supporters. Although we don’t go to games that often we’ve loved taking the grandchildren up to do the stadium tour. I’m also an avid reader, I like detective books and whodunnits, James Patterson and Ian Rankin are two of my favourite authors. And jigsaws – I like to keep my brain active. Music is another passion of mine – I always have music on in the background when I’m sewing.
Can you tell us a sewing secret?
Not so much a secret but a piece of Radley history – when I arrived at the College, G Social’s colours were black and silver. They were changed by Tony Jackson to the red and blue that we have today. Boys are very protective over their Social’s colours, especially if they have family connections with the Social. One boy refused to give up the black and silver Social band on his gown, but I’ll keep his name a secret!
Shell Countryside Programme
Now in its second year, last term saw the continued development of the Shell Countryside Centre Programme, with all new boys spending five or six Wednesday afternoon sessions at the Countryside Centre. We’ve had almost eighty Shells come through the programme this term undertaking a range of activities: walking out the hounds, helping with essential livestock maintenance tasks, planting spring bulbs and fruit trees, learning the basics of safe and efficient shooting and a final week spent roasting marshmallow smores over an open fire. It’s a truism that often the best classroom is the one outside.
Charlie Herbert & the Countryside Centre Team
Operations Staff Engagement Group Update
Thank you to everyone who nominated themselves, or colleagues, for this group.
We were incredibly pleased to receive so many nominations, from across all departments.
As a result of so many nominations, we are yet to finalise who will be in the group, as we want to ensure we have a fair and wide representation.
The aim is to finalise this by the end of next week, and inform everyone, with the first meeting to be scheduled for week commencing 10th February.
Tammy Heavens Operations Director
Annual Update: Radley Commercial
2024 was a busy year for the Commercial Enterprises team – take a look at their new brochure which documents the events, courses, conferences, training days, sports camps and concerts which have been hosted here at Radley during the holidays.
Over the year, nine residential groups have stayed in all 11 of the Socials. In addition, 41 nonresidential and 10 charity events have taken place. 2025 is set to be just as busy for the team!
the family connections between staff at Radley and the sense of community this instils. It was a pleasure to talk to the Connolly family, who all work at Radley and between them have given more than 50 years of combined service to the College.
June Connolly, known as Aggie, has worked in Housekeeping since 1996 and was followed by her husband Jim who started his Caretaker role in 2010. Their twin daughters, Jemma Talbot and Kelly Abraham, joined them in the Housekeeping team in 2019.
Aggie: When the children were young I had a job cleaning in the evenings but although that worked well around childcare, it was a bit like ships passing in the night in terms of family life, so when I saw the Radley job come up in 1996, when my youngest was just starting school, I thought the hours would suit our family much better and it would mean I had the holidays off.
Jim: Jemma and Kelly are our middle two – they have an older brother and a younger brother.
Aggie: At first I joined as a ‘floating cleaner’, helping wherever was needed. That was a really good way to get to know Radley, the other cleaners and the layout of the campus. Then a vacancy came up in B Social so I started there, cleaning the bedrooms, kitchens,
I’m in A Social where I look after the Shell Corridor, Cocoa Room and toilets. I put the boys’ laundry in their pigeonholes and take their sewing over to the Sewing Team.
Jim: I’d been working for NORD Gear in Abingdon until I was made redundant. After that, I temped for about a year and then my wife saw the Caretaker vacancy at the College and I thought I’d apply for it as a short term measure. That was in 2010; 15 years later I’m still here! Time flies at Radley.
I’m one of three Social Caretakers, which means I look after C, D, G and H Socials. You never know what job’s coming up next! It might be changing a light bulb, fixing a piece of furniture or cleaning the carpets in the busy communal areas. When the boys are here we work every other Saturday. It’s nice in the holidays to have weekends off but we keep very busy with Lets.
Kelly: When Jemma and I left school we trained as hairdressers; we both worked at Creations in Peachcroft then we went to Snakes & Ladders for about 10 years.
Jemma: We’ve always both done the same jobs! We were supervisors at Snakes & Ladders in Abingdon. If you don’t know about Snakes & Ladders you’ve probably not had to entertain small children on a wet day! It’s a very popular soft play centre in Abingdon with
frame and birthday party venues. We loved working there. Everyone always says about the noise and chaos but we definitely blanked it out after a few weeks.
Kelly: Although we enjoyed Snakes & Ladders it was full-time and working at weekends which was really hard to fit around family life.
Jemma: We knew the job at Radley would work well!
Kelly: I started in March 2019 – I work in the Art Department and Clocktower Court.
Jemma: I started in the June of the same year and I work in G Social which I love!
Aggie: It’s funny, our paths don’t really cross during the day. Sometimes I’ll see Jim on the buggy though.
Jemma: I see Dad all the time in G Social; I put tickets in to get him to fix things. I do that at home too though to be fair!
Jim: Luckily we all live close by to each other so I don’t mind going round to do the odd thing to help! We all live in Abingdon a few minutes’ walk from each other.
Aggie: I love it when we can go away together as a family. It was my 60th birthday this year so we rented a barn conversion and all had some time away, it was lovely!
Kelly: Jemma and I both have two boys each – they’ve grown up together so they’re really close.
Aggie: Having four grandchildren, I’ve found that my working hours at Radley still really suit me as I have time off in the holidays and can spend it with them.
Jemma: We are a close family – of course, being twins, Kelly and I are really close. We’re not identical but people do get us mixed up all the time – we’re used to it now.
Kelly: It’s got to the point where I’ll often be talking to someone and realise they think I’m Jemma but it’s easier just to go along with what they’re saying!
Jemma: And sometimes people will walk by and smile at me or say hi, thinking I’m Kelly and probably wonder why I’m blanking them!
Kelly: We had it with a boy in G Social recently. He had been talking to me and then walked round the corner and bumped into Jemma and couldn’t work out how I’d got there so quick. We had to explain!
Aggie: The relationship we build with the boys in our Social is one of the things that makes working at Radley really enjoyable. We all work on Gaudy which is good fun, serving drinks and helping out. It’s something different. I loved the 175 Festival a few years ago and before that the firework concerts that used to happen by College Pond.
Jim: I recently joined the golf club. I’ve been here 14 years and never wanted to play. All of a sudden I’ve
decided to give it a go, I’m not quite sure why! It’s a great discount we get as staff so it made it worth trying and I’m really enjoying it.
Jemma: That’s true for the Leisure Club as well, it’s great. Kelly and I go to the gym…
Kelly: Together of course!
Jemma: And the kids love swimming here in the Family Swim sessions.
Aggie: People do find it surprising that all four of us work together, but there’s definitely a family feel at Radley so it’s normal to us!
Estates Update
After 16 years at the helm, David Anderson’s focus will now be on the new Music School project, sustainability, land management and several other smaller capital projects outlined below. As a result of this, there have been some structural changes in the Estates team.
Ally Horton, Head of Facilities & Compliance, oversees management of Energy & Services, the Lodge and the Maintenance department. Chris Radbone continues to run the day-to-day management of the Maintenance team.
Anne Blagrove’s job title has been updated from Estates Administrator to Estates Operations Manager to reflect the development of the role’s remit over the last eight years. Anne reports to Tammy Heavens, Operations Director.
New Music School
Works have started well and to date we are on programme. We have been significantly hampered by excessive rain which has swamped the site and slowed down groundworks. Lifebuild have nearly completed the steel frame and the ground floor slab is being built up which will diminish the groundwater issue. You can keep up to date on progress with the Estates Bursar’s blog on the College website.
Solar Farm
Nothing happens very quickly in the world of electricity. Electricity handover is provisionally planned for Autumn 2025.
Park End Barn
Over the next few months we plan to install entrance doors at Park End Barn (right) and tidy up the external works so that building is completed on the outside before we decide the internal plan. The delays with the solar farm construction mean that it will be later in 2025 before we have an adequate electric supply to the building.
We welcomed Kerri Perrett as Assistant Health & Safety Manager in September. Kerri has been busy learning the ropes and attended a nine-day Health & Safety course in London as part of her training.
Rob Attewell has taken on more of the servicing, previously overseen by Kevin Barker, complementing his role as Energy and Services Manager.
Estates Surveyor Rebecca Kitchin is now on maternity leave, having welcomed baby Fitz on 6th December with her husband, Jamie. Hi-vis babygrow at the ready!
Sustainability
Nicholsons have won the contract to carry out our major tree planting plan. Planting will be phased over three years, starting north of Sugworth Lane and joining up wildlife corridors, woodland and hedgerows on low yielding field areas. The first planting phase of 18,500 trees will commence in January. We have a Woodland Creation grant from the Forestry Commission for these works.
House Moves
House moves during the Christmas holidays are infrequent due to the shutdown over the festive celebrations which means we cannot fit in much in the way of redecoration etc. However, with a few staff changes in January, eight moves took place in December; three of which are to the last of our new PYE homes.
The old laundry
The old laundry site next to the maintenance yard (above) will be the new home for Housekeeping once works have been completed; we are in close communication with Tammy and Nick regarding internal design. This project is being managed in-house so we can stop and start; being mindful of noise near the Barker Gym in exam season. Our target completion is early summer 2025.
Swimming Pool – Wet Changing Rooms
The start of this work has been postponed to after Easter.
A warm welcome to staff who have joined us since September 2024:
Archie Campbell, Real Tennis Trainee Assistant Professional
Sophie Constantine, Head of Physics
Pete Dockrill, Maths Trainee Teacher
Libby Eaves, Head of Admissions
Deepak Ganger, Maths Trainee Teacher
Nick Jamieson, Assistant Real Tennis Professional
Freddie Jones, Teacher of Economics
Yiannis Karditsas, Duty Manager
Emily Kenny, Duty Manager
Jeremy Lewis, Exam Invigilator
Michael Linn, Fees and Bursaries Accountant (Maternity Cover)
Congratulations
Christine Lo, Exam Invigilator
Jack McMinn, Communications Officer
Richard Nash, Deputy Head of Exams
Ian Oak, Security Porter
Fiona Probert, Head of French
Aleksandra Przywecka, Food Service Assistant
Xanthe Richardson, English Graduate Assistant
Ellie Rivers, Gardener
Heather Sparks, SEN Teacher
Leanne Timmins, Lodge Supervisor
Libby Walters, Sports Centre Cleaner
to the following on their recent promotions and new positions:
Louise Vaan takes over from Jo Bailey as Head of Exams.
Ray Smith takes over from Jon Buzzard as Head of IT Services. Jon is due to retire at the end of March.
Callum Stubbs has a new role as Commercial Enterprises Facilities Manager.
In the Laundry, Sarah McKay is Laundry Manager and Saqab Tasib has been promoted to Senior Caretaker.
Anna Haynes is now Communications Manager. Jack McMinn joins the team as Communications Officer and is based upstairs in the Bursary. Katharina Roelofsz will join the team as Head of Communications in March.
Geoff Swinden has retired from the IT Helpdesk but takes on a new part-time role assisting with driving requirements around the College.
Baby News
Welcome to the newest members of our community! Anna, born on 6th January to Jonny Porter (Deputy Head, Academic); Finley, born on 23rd December to Nick Holland (Teacher of Design Engineering); Fitz (pictured, left), born on 6th December to Rebecca Kitchin (Estates Surveyor); Zahra (pictured, centre), born on 7th October to Ouiza Sidhoum (Housekeeping) and Imogen (pictured, right), born on 29th September to Dominic Saul (Teacher of Geography).
You may have noticed that our spin bikes now have screens! This new feature allows you to enjoy classes on and off the bike.
You can listen to your trainer out loud from the bike’s sound system, or pair your own Bluetooth earbuds for a totally immersive session.
Top off your cardio sessions with strength classes, which you can follow off of the bike, thanks to the rotating display. There are a range of different classes available, including Yoga, Pilates and Kettlebell sessions. If you would like to learn more about how to use these exciting new features, please ask a member of Sports Centre staff, who will be happy to give you a demonstration.
All staff are eligible for a discount on Leisure Club membership which includes use of the recently refurbished Fitness Suite and Weights Room, classes and swimming sessions, all for just £50 a year. Contact the Sports Centre team to find out more.
Radley: Behind the Scenes
Last term we showcased the Library as part of our ‘Radley: Behind the Scenes’ series on Instagram (@radleycollegeoxon).
Open 73 hours a week, the Library is open to all students and members of the College, supervised at all times by a Librarian who is on hand to assist with locating good reads or resources for study.
During the Michaelmas Term, Shells and Removes are invited by Social for a ‘Library Prep Evening’ where Librarians teach and remind boys how to use the space for work in an effective and considerate manner. As term progresses and exams loom, desks fill up with boys, papers, textbooks, flashcards and devices – not a tidy time for the Library but certainly a productive one!
College Archivist, Clare Sargent, kindly added an historical perspective on one of the College’s oldest buildings: The current Library, known as the Richard Morgan Library was opened in 1995. The building was originally a large wooden barn, mostly dating from the 17th century. It was moved from near the Lodge in 1848 to be nearer to the Mansion and the school dormitory, so it could be used as the main schoolroom for all the boys. The photo bottom left shows ‘School’ in 1903. William Sewell added the panelling and the stained-glass window in the 1850s, claiming the panelling came from the Houses of Parliament when it was redecorated. ‘School’ was used for lessons until the 1920s. After that, it was sometimes used as a junior dining hall, as an exam hall, and for orchestra practice.
You can read more about the Wilson Library and Singleton Library, predecessors to our current Library, on the Staff Noticeboard.
Radley Leisure Club: New Virtual Classes
What made you pick Les Mis for this year’s musical?
10 Questions: The College Musical
This year’s highly anticipated College Musical, Les Misérables was the hot ticket on campus last term. I caught up with Director, Victoria Buse, to find out some backstage secrets.
Sam Gladstone (Director of Music) and I always look for musicals which have lots of male leads and not too many dance routines, so Les Mis was a perfect fit!
What made it different from the last production in 2009?
I didn’t see the last production, so I can’t compare, but I do know that we had an additional 20 members in the cast and double the amount of mics. Given that we had 80 students in the company this year, that must have been pretty mammouth!
How did you cast the production?
We audition at the end of the Lent term – students are asked to prepare one song to perform from memory. We stress that they should pick a song which allows them to tell a story as this allows us to see their dramatic potential and characterisation skills.
When did rehearsals begin?
We learn all the songs in the summer term, and then have a Gala Concert at the end of June (below) where we preview some of the numbers. This is a wonderful way to give the cast an experience of live performance, so they feel less pressure before the actual production, as well as giving the audience a taste of what’s to come the following term. We then begin rehearsals in the Theatre and start staging scenes from September.
Can you tell us a backstage/production secret?
I think some audience members thought Javert dropped a long way when he fell from the bridge, but there was a crash mat right behind him! With clever lighting, and brilliant acting from Angus (Javert) it was totally concealed.
The costumes were incredible – what was your inspiration?
We have an amazing Costume Designer, Lianne Oakley-Rowland, who brings the creations to life. I have an initial chat with Lianne, talking through my overall concept and colour palette for the show, and then Lianne works her magic and created the most incredible costumes.
What was the most difficult prop to make or source?
Getting hold of 20 Muskets! We had four prop guns in the armoury, but needed a lot more for the Battle at the Barricade scenes. The Design Engineering technicians were incredibly kind and made the most amazing prop muskets.
Were there any firsts or innovations with the lighting design?
We always try and bring something new to a show, and luckily enough are able to hire in additional lighting to create visually rich moments on stage. So no new lights, but new designs.
Did the cast have any ideas or input that made it into the final show?
Jovan (Valjean) and Angus (Javert) had some input into the fight sequence – we kept having to make it shorter and shorter as it was a such a short transition to the next scene!
What was your biggest fear on opening night?
The barricade getting stuck when it was either trucked on or off! It was such a huge set change but also a really iconic moment.
A Moment of Me (Cont)
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It’s been a lovely journey to be part of over the years – the group has had its ups and downs and years where we’ve just about managed to keep the show going, but we’re currently in a very good place.
There are lots of moments that stand out – my Dad taking my newborn son, Adam onto the stage with him in 1995 and announcing that he was stepping down after 15 years and passing onto the new generation. Adam had a few cameos over the years when he was small – one year as a baby panda, one year as a joker. He subsequently joined MYCO (Musical Youth Company of Oxford) and then went to drama school and he’s been involved in writing and direction with KADS ever since.
Another proud moment was being awarded ‘Pantomime Actor of the Year’ for Oxfordshire in 1997 – I was the Crooked Man in Old King Cole (left).
I’ve played the pantomime dame on several occasions and my wife Karen has always done the make-up, so she’s been involved since she and I got together. As I’ve got older I’ve moved into directing and producing, which has been just as rewarding. One of my favourite memories of producing was Sinbad the Sailor. The script says ‘Ship Sinks’ and you have to decide how you’re going to achieve that effect. As a producer, I always want to create a magic moment for the audience and I think the lighting and sound effects we managed to put together in that show were really successful – we heard people leaving the show saying they thought the Village Hall was collapsing around them!
In the past we managed to produce three shows a year – a musical and a play as well as the pantomime. It’s a lot of work and commitment from everyone though, so now we do a summer show and the panto. We decide on next year’s show and confirm the script almost as soon as the curtain falls on the last night of the run. By the time we start with the cast in September we know what is going to be
happening with scene changes etc. We can’t build the set too early as there’s nowhere to store it, so it’s all hands on deck in the run up to Christmas.
When I was younger and my Dad was producing, we would spend the time between Christmas and new year building and painting the panto set – I have really happy memories of cast and crew coming together to get everything done in that short space of time. I’ve made friends for life through KADs and although I’m less involved at the moment I’m itching to get back to it!
This year the KADs panto will be The Wizard of Oz, with eight performances between 24 Jan and 1 Feb. Tickets are on sale now – details below.
A Moment of You?
Our A Moment of Me series has featured our very own Marcin Stefanski and his interest in wild herbs as well as Radleian Ben L (B, 6.1) and his enthusiasm for military history and OR Arthur D-P and his passion for film.
Now it’s your turn... do you have an interest away from work or an area of expertise you would like to share? We would love to celebrate the varied interests of our staff community so don’t be shy!
amth.haynes@radley.org.uk
Operational Staff Meeting
All Operational Staff are encouraged to attend the meeting and to arrive from 10:45 for refreshments. More details will be circulated nearer the time.
