Events

He introduced the Gregory box in 1971, that provides continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of infant respiratory-distress syndrome of the new-born a treatment that later was used in other specialties, including treatment for Covid 19. He also conducted ground-breaking research into hip dysplasia and foetal adaptation to extrauterine life. He leaves behind his wife, Judy Lunt, whom he married in 1961, and three children, Robert, John and Sara.

David Hughes

(LI 1944-48)

David Hughes was born in Burma in 1930 and while his parents remained in the East until 1945, he was looked after by his grandfather, Major General Sir WGL Beynon (LI 1880-84), who brought him to Marlborough. At College, he developed a keen interest in natural history and particularly enjoyed the freedom of being able to jump on his bike during his free time to look for butterflies and flowers within a strict 10-mile radius of the College. He would bring back specimens for inspection by the Beak in charge of the Natural History Society. On one occasion, he was caught out when he presented a plant that was identified as only being found in Inkpen, well outside the 10-mile boundary! After completing National Service, he studied Agriculture at Reading University going on to work in the coffee and tea plantations of South India accompanied by his wife, Jane, who had been a fellow undergraduate. He spent 22 years there, the second half managing a group of six coffee estates in Coorg in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Following India, he continued to work overseas as a tropical agronomist with spells in Sri Lanka (for the FAO), Malaysia (World Bank) and Cameroon (Crown Agents) eventually coming back to settle in Dorset in 1987. There he set up a gardening business with Jane before retiring to look after his highly productive vegetable garden and orchard in Upwey. His interests in natural history continued and his knowledge of the local flora and fauna were shared on many a walk. He died on 23rd October 2020 and leaves his wife, Jane, children Caroline and Richard (LI 1973-78) and five grandchildren.

Patrick Wright GCMG

Patrick Wright

(C3 1945-50)

Lord Wright of Richmond GCMG died in March 2020, aged 88. Father to Angus (B2 1978-82), Edward (C3 1973-76) and Olivia (PR 1978-80), Patrick Wright was head of the Diplomatic Service from 1986-1991. During a long career as a diplomat, he served as the UK’s Ambassador to Luxembourg, Syria and Saudi Arabia, before becoming Permanent Under Secretary of State of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1986.

He was appointed CMG in 1978, KCMG in 1984, and GCMG in 1989; he was made a Life Peer in 1994, retiring from the House of Lords at the end of last year. In 2018, he published Behind Diplomatic Lines, a captivating account of the inner dynamics of the Thatcher Cabinet, all played out in front of a tumultuous global backdrop.

Gordon Lorimer

(C3 1947-51)

Gordon developed his love of poetry at Marlborough under RAU ‘Janks’ Jennings (CR 1927-66), who instilled in him a particular fondness of Edward Lear and Hilaire Belloc. When he was in the jungle with the Army, he always took an anthology of poems in his rucksack. Gordon joined the Army after school, graduated second in his Sandhurst intake and was commissioned into the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He served in Berlin and Cyprus, before transferring to the Parachute Regiment. In 1961, having been granted leave on half-pay, he led a mountaineering expedition in the Tibesti Mountains. After attending Staff College, he was posted to Borneo on operations, before commanding a company in 2 Para in Malaya, Hong Kong and during the Anguilla Emergency. Two years later, he assumed command of 3 Para. During his command tour, the Battalion was deployed in Cyprus and Northern Ireland.

business. He joined WH Smith for ten years, before retiring to follow his favourite pursuits of backgammon, collecting water colours, deer stalking and hunting abroad. Gordon was a gifted sportsman, playing for the 1st XV and boxing at the College. In the Army, he represented the Combined Services at rugby. He also boxed, delighting in the fact that he was beaten in the Battalion finals by a private soldier, who then became his batman. Later in life, he played golf, representing the OM Golf Society many times. In 1959, Gordon married Fiona Molteno. He passed away peacefully on 4th July 2020.

Nicholas Goodison

(C3 1947-52)

Sir Nicholas Goodison will be remembered for a distinguished career in the City, notably for undertaking the reforms to the London Stock Exchange, known as Big Bang, and as a passionate supporter of the arts. After securing the future of the stock exchange, Nicholas became Chair of TSB Group, the sixth largest high-street bank and then Vice-Chair of Lloyds Bank after its merger with TSB. He was also a Vice-Chair of British Steel and a director of General Accident.

He held many important positions in the art world including the chairmanship of the management board to the Courtauld Institute of Art, served as Vice Chairman of English National Opera (1980-98) and as Chairman of the National Art Collections Fund, now Art Fund (1986-2002). He retained a lifelong interest in museum collections and their importance to cultural life in the UK, becoming a prolific donor of works of art to museums. He was appointed Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in 1990. He was a member of Marlborough College Council from 1980-87. Edward Gould (Master 1993-2004) paid tribute to him. ‘Nicholas Goodison was a most valuable member of Council. He took a strong interest in the artistic and creative aspects of the College and was very willing to support on a broad front the affairs of the College. In particular, he played a formidable role to the College’s benefit when Barings Bank ran into difficulties in the 1990s.’

Charles Backhouse

(B2 1948-52)

My father, Charles Ivan Backhouse, was born in Penzance in 1934 and later educated at Marlborough College where he developed an interest in science and, encouraged by both his grandfathers, went on to pursue a career in medicine. He obviously laid down some lasting memories at Marlborough, as when my brother Roger (C3 1974-79) started, he was met by a Beak who said, ‘Backhouse … Backhouse, are you anything to do with Charles Backhouse?’ Thinking this was good news, my brother enthusiastically replied, ‘Yes Sir!’ The Master then said, ‘I’d like to strangle you as I wish I had done to your father twenty-five years ago!’ He always loved practical jokes. One time he dressed up as a vicar with a friend, Jonathan Dale Roberts (B1 1948-52), as his wife and a boy from Shell as their son and got shown around the school as prospective parents. Suspicion arose when the school Chaplain spotted this vicar wearing a false moustache and other

pupils became curious. In the end, they were rumbled and followed by a mass of boys all shrieking with laughter. In 1959, he married Pamela and qualified in medicine from Peterhouse Cambridge, St Thomas’ Hospital, London. After house jobs at St Thomas’s, he did a short service commission in the Royal Navy (1960-63) serving in HMS Lion around the Mediterranean and South America. He became a Senior House Officer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St Luke’s Hospital Guildford before entering General Practice in West Byfleet in 1964, moving in 1966 to East Horsley where he remained for 29 years. During this time, he was also medical officer for HM Detention Centre Send for 15 years. His main practice interest was clinical research, particularly with new antibiotic and cardiovascular drugs. He retired in 1995. He loved playing the French horn while at Marlborough and sang in the choir. This love of music continued after school and he became a member of the Bach Choir. His other interests were amateur archaeology, skiing, family history and walking the cliffs of Cornwall. He will be remembered for the fun and kindness he gave to his family, friends and patients. He celebrated his golden wedding anniversary last year. He leaves his wife, sister, sons Roger, Peter (C3 1976-81) and Oliver (C3 1981-85) and nine grandchildren three of whom went to Marlborough: Alex (LI 2005-10), Theo (LI 2007-12) and Ellie (MO 2010-15). Oliver Backhouse

William Cain

(C1 1949-53)

William Cain was the First Deemster (Chief Judge) and Deputy Lieutenant Governor on the Isle of Man from 1998 to 2003, during which time he greatly enhanced the judicial reputation of the Island. After Marlborough, he went to Worcester College, Oxford, followed by two years of National Service. He was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1959 and admitted to the Manx Bar in 1961. William then worked for T W Cain and Sons until 1980, when he became the Island’s Attorney General, a post he held for the next 13 years. His time as Attorney General was marked by the many changes he initiated. The most important of these was the establishment of a legal framework for Ministerial Government, granting real executive authority to the Manx Government for the first time.

Another key piece of legislation was the radical modernisation of the Island’s company laws, helping to establish the Isle of Man as a forward-thinking jurisdiction. Against very considerable opposition, he promoted Mutual Legal Assistance, initially between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom, but thereafter with other jurisdictions. His vision and drive also led to antiquated conveyancing procedures being transformed, enabling the island to become a leader in this field with the successful introduction of digital mapping and land registration. Throughout his period as Attorney General, he fought against secrecy and asset protection legislation. He became Second Deemster in 1993 and later, in 1998, First Deemster. His time in this role was marked by considerable reform, successfully tackling a large trial backlog. He introduced many important changes of the practices and procedures of the High Court, substantially reducing the time taken for proceedings to get to trial. He also established the Manx Law Reports, which have been of invaluable help to practitioners. His work amounted to a complete revolution in Manx Law.

Although occasionally facing strong opposition to his proposals, he was highly regarded and admired as a man of great integrity. He was instrumental in the introduction of the 1990 Manx Wildlife Act, which established the principles of protecting many listed species of animals and plants. Besides a CBE for his work, in 2011 he was awarded the Tynwald Honour, the highest national award that the Manx parliament can bestow upon an individual. He is survived by his wife, Felicity, and three children. Air Marshal Sir Ian Macfadyen KCVO CB OBE (C2 1955-60)

Michael Cooper

(C1 1951-53)

Michael joined C1 in 1951 where he developed a lifelong love of learning and independent thinking. He especially relished being encouraged to bike around the county on birdwatching expeditions, and indeed spent his final months happily rediscovering this part of Wiltshire.

Mike always regretted that he had not been able to spend longer at Marlborough, but following family tradition he entered Britannia Royal Naval College aged 16 and, after serving on surface ships, transferred to submarines. Mike served in cramped pre-nuclear boats dripping with condensation, involved in exercises shadowing Russian submarines.

A secondment to the Royal Canadian Navy took him under the ice for weeks at a time but the close friendships formed in those boats lasted for the next 60 years. In 1968, he retrained and joined the maritime law firm of Ince and Co where his unconventional mix of skills, including fluent Spanish, contributed greatly to the success of the firm and kept him in touch with the maritime world. Mike’s sense of humour and care for his colleagues, from tea-lady to senior partner, made him a popular figure and he headed up some ground-breaking cases. Mike became a partner in 1973 and managing partner in 1992, when he helped to modernise the firm without letting it lose its family feel. In retirement, Mike much enjoyed writing route notes for a walking travel company. His lifelong Christian beliefs and high principles, laid down during his time at Marlborough, were the template for his life. Like his ancestor, William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English, Mike was a devoted churchman who served his local church in myriad ways. As a liveryman of the Weavers Company, he derived great satisfaction from his role of governor to a school in a deprived area of London. An affectionate and thoughtful man, his own and his children’s friends and his many godchildren recall him as kind and generous, adventurous and hugely fun-loving.

Helen Frances McKim

Helen died on 19th October 2020, aged 85, after a short illness. She was the well- loved wife of Frank McKim (CR 1957-92) and provided Sunday roasts, chats and support to the boys and girls of Barton Hill while he was Housemaster. Her role as Housemaster’s wife, she felt, was one of emotional support to the students. She was also active in the town as a physiotherapist, a fundraiser for Oxfam, and a volunteer for Victim Support and LINK. A much-loved mother, grandmother and friend, she will be remembered fondly and missed by many. Jules McKim (SU 1979-84)

Sam Beale

Christopher ‘Sam’ Beale

(LI 1961-64)

Dr Sam Beale worked for most of his career with Rolls-Royce, becoming Head of Technology Strategy. After retiring in 2007, he became a visiting Professor in Innovation at Cambridge. A donation site to support St Peter’s Hospice, whose support was a great comfort to both Sam and his wife over the recent months, has been established. Sam leaves a wife, four children and 11 grandchildren.

Arthur Hurrell

(CR 1961-76)

Arthur Hurrell died on 20th October 2019. He was born on 11th May 1924 and educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, and St John’s College, Cambridge, where he read Mechanical Sciences. From 1944 to 1947, he was an Assistant Research and Development Engineer at Boulton Aircraft Armament Ltd, after which he enjoyed a varied international teaching career, first as Assistant Master at his old school (1947-53) and

then Senior Mathematics Master at Wallasey Grammar School (1953-57). From 1958 to 1961, he was Principal of Queen Victoria School, Tailevu, Fiji. The School Mathematics Project (SMP) was started during his first year at Marlborough and he contributed chapters, particularly to the A Level text books. After leaving Marlborough, he became Senior Mathematics Master at the Sixth Form Science College, Legon, Ghana (1977-79), and Senior Lecturer at the University of Lesotho (1979-85). In 1949, Arthur married June. The youngest three of their four children were educated at Marlborough: Tim (C2 1967-72), Elspeth (B1 1972-74) and Peter (LI 1972-77). Tim, who followed his father to St John’s College, Cambridge, was tragically killed in an avalanche in 1982 after completing the first, and still the only, ascent of Kuksar (6,943m) in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas. Arthur and June produced an edition of Tim’s diary of the ascent, republished in 2015 as A Step Too Far. Arthur’s Common Room colleague and fellow Johnian, Colin Goldsmith (CR 1955-91), wrote, ‘Arthur joined the Maths department at Marlborough with a degree in engineering from Cambridge University, some experience in industry and a decade of teaching at two schools. At that time there was an engineering stream in the Sixth Form here in which boys studied for A Levels in Maths and Physics supplemented by practical tuition in the metal and wood workshops. This was not a soft option and I remember that in one year, two boys from this form earned scholarships at Cambridge University. Arthur taught a broad timetable and was naturally particularly valued by the aspiring engineers.’ David Beamish (B3 1965-69)

Simon Ward

(B3 1965-70)

Simon had an idyllic childhood in Windsor Great Park, where his father was Chaplain to HM The Queen and, after prep school at Scaitcliffe, went to Marlborough. These were happy days, where cricket and escapes for illicit smokes on Granham Hill were higher on his agenda than academic pursuits. So, the day after receiving less than shining A Level results, he was marched to the local recruiting office to take the Queen’s shilling. He first served as a Green Jacket before making up for missed academic qualifications at the Army School of Education in Beaconsfield, where his chief achievement was learning to complete The Telegraph crossword in 10 minutes, a skill which he maintained throughout his life. Thus began a military career that was to span more than 44 years, serving with The Queen’s Dragoon Guards in Northern Ireland, Germany, Cyprus and Australia. His many postings included Secondin-Command of his Regiment, British Liaison Officer to the Bundeswehr and, latterly, co-ordinator of all Army Band engagements. The moral courage, sense of duty and justice instilled by his parents and nurtured at Marlborough stayed with him for life, once costing him his appointment as ADC when he stood up for an injustice done to a member of a General’s house staff. On another occasion, he earned respect and gratitude when, as the Pommie exchange officer, he summarily dismissed the Australian Military Police who had intervened in a domestic incident concerning one of his soldiers, freeing the Trooper from the humiliation of being tied to a lamp post half-naked outside his married quarter. Simon loved his time at Marlborough, recounting happy days catching butterflies on the Downs, listening to Martin Evans’ (CR 1968-2018) wise advice over a drink, participating in sport, gardening in St Peter’s churchyard as part of Community Service (in order, ironically, to avoid the CCF), hanging sheets like ghosts from the bridge over the Bath Road to frighten motorists below as well as other mischievous occupations. Having a father on Council probably saved his bacon on many an occasion. Simon’s love of cricket continued after Marlborough, leading him to play for his Regiment and once for the Army. He was an avid follower of the English team’s fortunes and qualified as an umpire. Above all, Simon was devoted to his family and was immensely proud of his two children and three grandchildren. In 1979, Simon married Margaret and both their children, Andrew (C2 1995-2000) and Catherine (MM 1997-2002), enjoyed a happy education at Marlborough. (CR 1984-89)

Former Head of Physics, Stephen Borthwick died on 16th December 2020. He left Marlborough to take on the role of Deputy Head at Bishop’s Stortford School. In 1994, he became Head at Aldenham School followed by the Headship at Epsom College from 2000 to 2012.

Stella Tennant

(B3 1986-88)

Sarah Stokes (née Cartwright B3 1986-88) wrote to the Club with these fond memories of her friend Stella Tennant.

‘I have very fond memories of Stella’s and my time together. She was always so warmhearted, funny and creative. She loved all her art and went on to study sculpture at Winchester College of Art. One of my most favourite memories is sitting in our study, eating toast and listening incessantly to songs by Blondie, whom she adored. We kept in touch after Marlborough and lived together for a short time in London. This was around the time when her modelling career was taking off. I remember her practising how to walk in high heels along the corridor in our flat, ready for the catwalk! She was so excited about all the opportunities that were coming to her. She clearly had a very successful career, and more recently used her platform to voice her opinions on some important issues. My heart goes out to her family.’

Rebecca Merrison

(née Evans SU 1991-92)

Becca was the kindest, most loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, godmother and friend you could ever wish for. She loved us all unconditionally and showered us with affection and attention. She approached life with positivity, courage and a real sense of joy, she always put others before herself, and was loyal beyond belief. There was so much that Becca loved in life. She loved skiing, holidays in Norfolk and family weekends. She loved long dog walks, nattering on the phone to pals, and losing herself in a book. She loved lunches with friends, a chat at the school gates, American crime dramas and swimming in the sea. Becca was also a chief organiser. Her ability to organise people and all things started to take fruition from an early age, whilst living in London. Her stamp collection

Stella Tennant

was chronologically organised and her toy cupboard brilliantly ordered in separate boxes. It was perhaps inevitable that she would later go on to set up her successful decluttering and organising business, Adparo. Becca’s early years were spent at the Unicorn School, Downe House and then Marlborough. Wherever she went, she filled her life full of friends, laughter and sport. She was naturally intelligent but also worked hard, a diligent student with a flair for History, English and Politics. She later went on to do a degree at Exeter University in History. It was there that she met Smiler, the love of her life.

Post uni, she forged a successful career in the world of party planning, corporate hospitality and event organising. She was highly respected by both colleagues and clients and known for always getting the job done to absolute perfection. She knew the name of every flower and bird, author and artist. She knew the fine details of historical events, what was happening in international news, and could name pretty much all the capitals in the world.

Becca’s departure from life will leave a huge hole in all our hearts, but she would want us to continue to live our lives to the full and to remember her as the wonderful person she was. (Taken from her eulogy by her sister) (Bursar 1994-2009)

David Williamson was an exceptional individual and colleague who kept in close contact with the College community post his retirement. The Club offers sincere condolences to his wife, Sarah, and their family.

Hugo Yaxley

(SU 2013-17)

The tragic death of Hugo Yaxley, aged 20, after a car accident on 16th November 2020, shocked the Marlborough community. His funeral was held on 14th December 2020 and a tribute read by his best friend Harry Heneage (SU 2014-19) is available on the Club website. Other readers at the service were Gabe Coleman (SU 2014-19), Alfie Fisher (TU 2014-19), Jude Fry (C2 2014-19) and Freddie Coen (C2 2014-19). Hugo was an active fundraiser for the charity Place2Be, which improves mental health in schools and spoke courageously to his year group in the Mem Hall about his own battle with depression and how important it is to ask for help.

Legendary Wicket

The search is on for players of the B2 v B3 cricket match in 1957. Tim Lowden (B2 1954-58)

In what, I believe, was 1957, I took all 10 wickets in a match for 34 runs, a feat that is not often achieved!

I am now desperately trying to locate any surviving OMs who played in this match, as I have no witness to substantiate this claim. One of the Martin Jenkins family, I believe David (B3 1955-59), who played in the match, greeted me post Christopher Martin-Jenkin’s (B3 1958-63) memorial service, ‘Hello ten-for’. That is the only reference made to me, as far as I know. I remember that Hugh Blenkin (B3 1954 -58) also played in this match but, sadly, he is no longer with us. I was wondering if this search might unearth any witness to this moment and if other OMs have had any similar occasions since.

If you remember the above event, or if you or anyone you know has achieved a similar feat, please email catherine@theommagazine.co.uk

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