Upfront Robert de Berry (B2 1956-60) cycled from Surrey to Somerset to raise awareness of the plight of Christians being persecuted for their faith (page 33). There is also the wonderful story on page 43 of Christopher Burns-Cox (C2 1952-55) who devoted his whole life to helping others. So much so, at the age of 72, he decided to donate one of his kidneys as he realised he ‘didn’t need two’! OM Entrepreneurs continue to find gaps in the market, and to thrive on the challenge. Service to others is highlighted by Tom Newton Dunn (C2 1989-91) who interviews the UK’s longest serving MEP, his father Bill (C2 1955-59). The best of Marlborough is also in evidence this year. Tom Cayford (LI 011-16) tells the enthralling tale of our Observatory, David Walsh (C1 1960-65) celebrates Marlborough’s prowess on the hockey field, and the son of our much-loved ex-Head of Brasser, Bob Peel (CR 1960-91), describes its fascinating and long history. However, there is one article that will focus all our minds – the story of Rhianon Bragg (PR 1988-90). Rhianon suffered terribly at the hands of her partner who controlled and abused her, eventually being sentenced to a prison term for his violent crimes. To prevent his return to the village where Rhianon and her children live after his release – something that the law currently allows – Rhianon is highlighting her case to get the law changed. She promises to never give up the fight to live fear-free.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Old Marlburians make the best of everything around them, they make the best of others, and they make the best of themselves.
E
arlier this year I gave the Immortal Memory speech at our local Burns Night in Tbilisi. Only a few weeks into the war, we were all deeply concerned by what was happening in neighbouring Ukraine. As a result, I based the speech on Robbie’s quote about a friend of his, ‘If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.’ I focused on us living for the moment and doing all we can to help both ourselves and others. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Old Marlburians make the best of
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The Marlburian Club Magazine
everything around them, they make the best of others, and they make the best of themselves. This year the Club has launched the OM of the Year Award. The award recognises and celebrates the contribution an Old Marlburian has made to society in line with Marlborough’s values of community, ambition, service and initiative. Rosie Richards (EL 2010-15) became the very deserving winner for her outstanding contribution to the not-for-profit scene, both nationally and internationally, more of which you can read about on page 54.
To Rhianon and all the other OMs who fight for yourselves and the good of others, we commend you and we will do all we can to support you. To those who are making the best of everything, keep at it. We must remember to appreciate the moment we live in and, if we can’t, do all we can to prosper or to change. None of us knows what is in store for us, personally or globally, and so, as Robbie urges, we must all ‘make the best of this’.
Catherine Brumwell (née Redpath NC 1991-96) Editor, The Marlburian Club Magazine catherine@theommagazine.co.uk
