The Arch 2024

THE ARCH

Reflections from the 2024 OR President

By Samantha Wilkinson (Abbey 1986-88)

Welcome to the 2024 edition of The Arch! I have had a wonderful year connecting with Old Reptonians across the country at various events. I hope you enjoy reading about the successes and news from the past year.

There have been some changes in the Development Office, modernising the digital communication and data analysis to better connect with ORs, current and past parents, friends of Repton, and our expanding overseas community.

The aim is to make it simpler to keep in touch and access events, branches and news. Highlights include engaging social media initiatives – I have particularly enjoyed “Where is it Wednesdays?” – and several of the new OR Careers Ambassadors have shared their insights and supported ORs and Repton pupils on their career journeys. Do get in touch with the OR Office if you would like to be part of our Careers Guidance and Networking.

I would like to thank the OR Office for all their hard work with the logistics behind the scenes and organising the OR events. I have been warmly welcomed by ORs, staff, pupils and parents, enjoying a variety of occasions.

In January I went to Evensong at St Paul’s to hear Repton School Chapel perform a specially commissioned piece, “The Rising of the Sun”, by Jonathan Dove. Oliver Walker conducted the Choir for a very impressive performance. It was lovely to meet parents and ORs at drinks at the Happenstance afterwards.

The Drinks in the City event was a sell-out, bringing together younger and older ORs for a fun evening. I loved hearing how the football and netball teams welcome new ORs and provide a social life, as well as keeping the competitive spirit going.

The Drinks in Your City events have also continued this year. In Exeter I joined a small gathering of current students and ORs, who appreciated the chance to meet other Ors based in the South West.

There have also been successful Drinks in Manchester, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong, although sadly I was unable to travel that far.

The OR Gaudy, held on a lovely day in May, was a fantastic opportunity to have lunch in the historic Undercroft, followed by a tour of the School, which was as beautiful as ever. It was a slightly calmer day than the next event I attended at Repton – OR Day in August.

I have always enjoyed coming back for OR Day and seeing so many ORs enjoying meeting up again, whether after a few years or several decades. The focus is sport, and there seemed to be more opportunities than ever to get involved. There were well over a hundred ORs, men and women, playing for teams against one another and the School. This year I managed to do a whistle-stop tour of the School’s sports facilities while watching my husband (in the ORFC Vets team) and both my sons (in an OR team) playing football on the Square and then Lower Tower. I also managed to watch some netball, hockey and fives, followed

by a BBQ in The Boot catching up with old and new friends.

Repton School is continuing its tradition of providing an all-round education. The OR Society events this year highlight the passion for activities and success that continue long after leaving. You will read more about those in the following pages. For now I want to highlight a few.

Huge congratulations must go to Old Reptonian Football Club for winning both the Arthurian Premier League and the Arthur Dunn Cup last season for the first time in the Club’s history. The Old Reptonian Golfing Society also celebrated its centenary in June. The Old Reptonian Tennis Club reached the final of the D’Abernon Cup again, for the ninth consecutive year.

The clubs and societies offer a great opportunity to keep in touch with other ORs, and they are all very welcoming. I would encourage all ORs to look into the variety of opportunities available – you will find details of the branches on the OR Society website.

The proposals for the OR Society structure, working together with the Development Office team, promise a positive future for the OR Society. I would like to thank Nick Walford, OR Chair, Nick Smith, former OR Chair and President, the OR Society Committee and, of course, Mark Semmence, the Headmaster, for all their hard work and for welcoming and supporting me this year. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many ORs, and I hope you continue to enjoy the benefits and continued friendships the OR Society can offer you.

View from the Chair from the OR Society Chair

By Nick Walford (Brook 1969-74)

When I took over as Chair of the Old Reptonian Society, in my first report I said that 2019 was a year of change. Boris Johnson had achieved a large Conservative majority, and Brexit was about to be implemented. More importantly, Mark Semmence and his family moved to Repton School.

This year has also been one of change. We have a new Labour government in power, and their policy on removing VAT exemption on private education, and imposing business rates, is a significant change to the private education sector. Repton is in the fortunate position of having made key strategic decisions over the last 15 years by investing in facilities at Repton and having an alternative revenue stream through the increasing number of international schools.

Repton is now a global education brand with a clear and attractive position and reputation in the market, thanks to the leadership of Mark Semmence and his team. Repton has been educating pupils since 1557 and adapting to change throughout its existence. Change is never easy. My ambitions in 2019 were to ensure that the OR Society looks and feels more like Repton School as it is today: more appealing to younger ORs and our OR women, the lifeblood of our future. Over the last six years I have tried to align the OR Society more closely with the School and to ensure we are fit for the future in terms of how we organise ourselves. I stressed the need to engage with a wider group of ORs by making the OR Society more relevant and appealing. I was delighted to be at a sold-out Drinks in the City in February, which was full of younger ORs and women ORs, as well as a sprinkling of senior ones!

I have supported the Director of Development, Juliet Wolfe, to create a Development Office in Repton with staff who possess the

skills required for a modern and dynamic alumni organisation –namely data research and insight, as well as digital communication and event management. I hope you agree with me that The Arch gets better each time, and this issue is no exception. Our OR branch activity reflects our ambitions to highlight the breadth of interests, talents and achievements of our ORs. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in managing our branches for their passion and commitment in organising teams, events and activities. Their dedication to enhancing the reputation of Repton through their successes and providing memorable experiences for all those engaged in OR activity is a credit to each of you, and we are extremely grateful.

Currently, the OR Society operates through a committee system, with a General Committee that formally meets once a year. As we expand the scope of the OR Society’s activities, we need to organise ourselves to enable more timely and dynamic decision-making, a requirement for a modern Development Office.

At the General Committee meeting on OR Day on Saturday 31 August, it was proposed and approved that the Development Office will oversee the daily management of both the Foundation and the OR Society. An OR Advisory Board will be recruited and replace the current General Committee and Executive Sub-Committee structure. The Advisory Board will comprise the Chair, President, Appointed Governor, and leads recruited initially in specific areas –sport, non-sport, career mentoring and parents.

The purpose of these leads is to expand our engagement with a broader group of ORs. My term as Chair will end soon, but I have agreed to stay on to oversee these changes, providing continuity and supporting my successor, before

they take over fully. The election of our new Chair and the approved changes to how we manage the OR Society require approval at the online AGM in early December.

As well as planning the necessary changes to how the OR Society runs in the future, it has also been a year of celebration with sporting successes and anniversaries. Sport lovers will enjoy reading about the historical success of our football and tennis clubs, and the centenary celebration of the Old Reptonian Golf Society, with a day of golf and a formal dinner at Woking Golf Course.

In this copy of The Arch, what continues to strike me is the pleasure that we all get from deepening existing friendships, reconnecting with old friends from School, and making new friends through the Society’s events and activities. If you have ideas for new events, forming branches particularly in non-sports areas, please share these with the OR Office (or@repton.org.uk).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Headmaster Mark Semmence for his support and encouragement. Thanks also to the OR Society Committees, Development Director Juliet Wolfe and the new Development Office team, Jack, Nicola and Trinny, for all their hard work this year.

Repton has a distinguished past of nearly 475 years. Many schools will be fearful of the future because of the actions of the new government. There are clear challenges ahead but Repton School and the OR Society are well positioned for a bright future.

OR News: Snippets

Tom Goodall (New 1993-98) recently completed the Run Britannia challenge, a gruelling five-week multi-day ultramarathon from Land’s End to John O’Groats, averaging 33 miles per day. Of 23 participants, just 12 completed the full distance. Despite having little experience in long-distance running, Tom committed to training for the event, raising money for Children with Cancer and Belper Hockey Club.

Flora Peel (Field 2013-15) and Lily Walker (Field 2018-20) were both selected for the GB Hockey team in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Charlotte Stapenhorst (Abbey 2011-12) was also selected for Germany’s Olympic Hockey Team.

OR Henry Southan (School 2012-17) and his partner, Jordan Sangha, won the British LGBT 2024 Media Moment award, following their romance on the revamped Big Brother

Nitish Kumar (New 2011-13) was selected for the USA’s T20 Cricket World Cup and emerged as one of the heroes in the USA’s upset Super Over win over!

Tom Poynton (School 200608) has been appointed Non-Executive Director of Derbyshire County Cricket Club Ltd.

Stephen Bryan (Latham 196770) has been nominated High Sheriff of Leicestershire 2025-26.

World-renowned art collector of Chinese porcelain Richard Kan (Cross 1966-68) held an exhibition at Château de Versailles and invited Headmaster Mark Semmence and Chair of Governors Mark Shires.

Rohan Mahan (Priory 2015-20) and Tom Dunn (Orchard 2015-20), of the Mission Planet charity, have raised £14,000 for causes including animal sanctuaries in Thailand and Egypt, men’s mental health, homelessness, and the MakeA-Wish Foundation. Their next major effort will focus on animal welfare in India.

Since retiring, Ian Glover (Brook 1969-74) has been busy with a variety of mission work at his local church – helping to kick-start a school for children living in the slums of Uganda. He has also been elected Chair of a local charity in South Normanton, teaching individuals how to manage their finances.

Leah Brown (Garden 2003-05), host of The Longest Day podcast, interviewed fellow OR Leah Wilkinson (Abbey 200305), GB Hockey player, about not being selected for the 2012 Olympic Hockey Team. You can listen to the podcast where it is available or click here

Fiona Harold (Abbey 1993-98) has been appointed Chief Executive of World Netball.

Aaron Hibell (Orchard 2009-14) was selected to DJ at Tomorrowland Festival, a key milestone in his career, as one of the world’s most iconic festivals.

On Saturday 6 April, Repton School hosted a tournament for Repton Boxing Club, one of the most prestigious boxing clubs in the world. The Club was founded in 1884 by ORs who had left the School.

Anthony Matthews (Latham 1956-61), a renowned illustrator, is still drawing in his 80s. The cartoon shown below is typical of Anthony’s more recent style, and as a result he has been published in magazines such as the Kent County Cricket Supporters Club and The Oldie

London Marathon Runners

We are proud to have so many ORs who participate in the TCS London Marathon, and here are just a few of those making a difference this year:

Oliver Edwards (Priory 2010-15) is running for the Brain & Spine Foundation. Support him by donating here

Henry Geutjens (New 2018-23) is running in support of Mind. Support him by donating here

Megan Prince (Field 2018-23) and Issy Astoin (Field 2021-23) are running in support of Metabolic Support UK. Support these girls by donating here

Wishing all ORs the best of luck!

Andrew Bobb (Brook 1977-78) has retired after 37 years of practising law, including 32 years for the Department of Justice and six US presidents. If any Brook boys from 1977-78 ever find themselves in Houston, Texas, he would love to reconnect.

Chariots Return – a new book celebrating the centenary of the Paris 1924 Olympics and Harold Abrahams’ (Mitre 1914-18) triumphant sprint to victory has been published by author Mark Ryan. The book is a sequel to Running with Fire: The True Story of Chariots of Fire Hero Harold Abrahams, which chronicled the story behind the Old Reptonian winning the 100m Gold, as featured in the 1981 Oscar-winning David Puttnam film. Available at book-mark.co.uk.

Hannah Parker (Field 2013-17) has been working with The National Gallery as one of 20 creative collaborators for their bicentennial celebrations. She was recently recognised by the BBC’s History Extra magazine as one of their 30 under 30.

After gaining valuable flying experience working in Europe, Ryan Hanks (School 2014-19) recently returned to the UK to begin an exciting new chapter with Jet2, joining their new Airbus fleet. He says: “It’s an absolute privilege to work for Jet2, a company dedicated to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for its customers. I’m looking forward to developing my career with such a dynamic and forward-thinking team.”

Current Cricket Success

Current pupil Harry Moore (Priory Upper Sixth) has signed a new three-year professional contract with Derbyshire County Cricket Club, and has been selected for the England Lions, with a personal call-up from Freddie Flintoff no less! As the second-youngest player ever to be selected for the England Lions, at 17 years old, he is now only one step away from joining another former Reptonian Jack Crawford (Brook 190105) in being one of only six teenagers to have ever played test cricket for England.

Annie Williams (Mitre Lower Sixth) has been selected for England Women’s U19s World Cup training squad. We wish them both luck in their cricket success!

Eva Okaro (Abbey Upper Sixth), current Upper Sixth pupil at Repton, has made history being the first black woman to represent GB in swimming at the Olympics. At only 17 years old, she was one of the youngest competitors, swimming the second leg of the 4x100 freestyle relay with a split of 53.75 seconds. Eva has now committed to the University of Texas for the next chapter of her swimming and academic career. Texas has one of the leading swimming programmes in the world!

“Laughter and Friends”

By John Hings (Priory 1955-60)

In Gyles Brandreth’s recent book, The 7 Secrets of Happiness, there is a chapter titled “Friends”, where he quotes the AngloFrench writer and historian Hilaire Belloc’s “Dedicatory Ode”:

“From quiet homes and first beginning Out of the undiscovered ends, There’s nothing worth the wear of winning But laughter and the love of friends.”

That’s what Repton gave to me.

The OR Office received a wonderful letter from Dr William Roger Phillips (New 1957-62) thanking the OR team for giving him a tour around the “new Repton”.

We are always delighted to welcome Old Reptonians back to Repton School for a visit. Whether it’s to reminisce about your time here or see how the School has developed, your presence is greatly appreciated. However, in order to minimise disruptions during term time, we kindly request that you contact us in advance to arrange your visit. Please email us at or@repton.org.uk with your preferred date and any specific areas you would like to explore, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Repton!

“Redemption” – A Poem

By Anthony Turner (Hall 1968-73)

Through the hawthorn blows drifting wind. Wayward sky turns from grey to blue. Regret passes with the freedom joy sows Wisdom arising accrue.

Jewel-like blossom shines milk-white in the gloom Bringing relief to earth-bound minds, But trial shuttles on time’s loom Whereby seeking joy blinds. You, Lord, carry life’s chrysalis Holding love’s miracle, hate’s tearing rage, Pierced by mankind to give peace – Our hearts assuage

In the pale dappled dusk fading Redress, O Lord, the challenge of being; Your perfect grace guiding And eternal pattern revolving. Somehow, Lord, our chafed souls are borne by you Beyond daunted hope and even thoughtless misdeed; By gentle acceptance you renew Our heart to believe and live your creed.

We received this wonderful message from OR Dominic Coe (Latham 1988-93) and his son Sebastian and daughter Savanna, following a tour of the School. We look forward to welcoming them back to Repton in the future.

Being One of Repton’s First Girls

By Elizabeth Harlow (Abbey 1972-74)

I was one of the first girls at Repton, joining the Sixth Form in 1972 and leaving in 1974 after A Levels. A shy, self-conscious girl arrived, but a self-assured and confident young woman left!

I had previously attended St Joseph’s Convent near Tamworth, an all-girls Roman Catholic boarding school, starting just after my eighth birthday. Neither academic success nor sporting prowess were strong points. Along with all the other girls in my year, I achieved mediocre grades at O Level and managed to fail Maths, Geography and Spanish. I should have done well in English Literature, but we didn’t study one of the texts on which we were examined, and this was quite typical of the intellectual proficiency of the good sisters of God. In sport we regularly got trounced by other schools at hockey, by about 20-0, but we did have to practise on a lawn, as we didn’t have a hockey pitch. But let’s not forget we were given a good Catholic upbringing, which would stand us in good stead for our future careers as secretaries and housewives!

Happily, I had a younger brother, and in 1972 my parents were in the process of registering him for a Repton education when they discovered the School was about to start “experimenting” with admitting a few girls in the Sixth Form. To this day I do not know why my parents, who had previously thought it a good idea to send me to an exclusively girls’ school, decided it might be a good idea to send me to an almost exclusively boys’ school – but thank goodness they did. I can only think they saw some academic potential in me that was being smothered at St Joseph’s Convent.

Things moved along quite quickly. I was “interviewed” by the Headmaster at the time, John Gammell, and it was agreed by all that I should make the move. My last report at the Convent said, “Elizabeth could do better, she has the ability to do so.”

In my first report at Repton, Mr Gammell’s summary was as follows: “This report is quite excellent work,

especially her English. She shows real promise and she has coped with the problems of a strange and indeed unusual environment with poise and good sense. I hope she has been happy here this term. We are certainly glad to have her, and I expect her to do extremely well eventually.”

What drove me academically was the desire “to do better than those boys”, and I did do well, leaving with very good A Level results. I was expected to stay on for Oxbridge, but my sort of friends were not among the Oxbridge candidates. They were more the “good fun” types, and for some reason I formed a strong attachment to The Orchard and Brook (the latter no longer being in existence). Anyway, I was very sad when it all came to an end, as I had had a terrific time, academically and socially, and the experience was the making of me. I did go to university in Leeds to read English, but compared to my time at Repton it was a disappointing experience and, in hindsight, a waste of time in terms of my career and personal development. There was no career training for the girls, and precious little for the boys, so I went with my best subject and hoped for the best.

Anyway, I did well enough and went on to build a career in marketing, doing a lot of public speaking along the way and becoming Managing Director of a marketing company providing services for Unilever, Cadbury and Kimberley Clark. Although I won’t go into detail about my career, the success I have enjoyed highlights the difference that leaving the Convent for Repton made. I think my life would have been very different had I stayed on at St Joseph’s!

And so, back to my life at Repton. As there was only a handful of girls

at that stage, there was no Girls’ House. Each of us lodged with one of the schoolmasters and their families during the week and went home at weekends. I lodged with Frank Hill, who taught woodwork and crafts. It worked surprisingly well, and I came in handy for the odd bit of babysitting! Our mentor was Heather Hawkins, wife of Art Master Denis Hawkins, who taught English, and we went to lunch at her house once a week to discuss how we were getting on with the “experiment”.

We had no organised sports but managed to do a bit of swimming (when any boys were kept well away) and enjoyed the odd game of tennis or squash. There were obviously no team sports for us, but given my previous experience at St Joseph’s, I probably would not have been very good at them anyway!

I have to say that I loved my two years at Repton and was very sorry when they came to an end.

On another note, the problem with this “experiment” was that it was an experiment. The effect of having a tiny percentage of girls was that, on the one hand, most of the boys could not experience what it was like to have female colleagues. On the other hand, the fact I had to make no effort whatsoever to attract friends meant that when I arrived at university I lacked the skills needed to proactively make friends as a young adult!

However, all new ideas have to start somewhere, and I am delighted that the success of the “experiment” meant that great things were built on a small beginning. Every time I read in The Arch about the achievements of the Repton girls, past and present, I feel a sense of pride about having played a small part in this success. The experiment ultimately proved a success.

Elizabeth Harlow standing third from the left and Heather Hawkins standing in the middle

Beginnings of “Football” at Repton

By Ray Dexter (Current Staff )

The ball moves with neat tiki taka passing and the crowd watches an entertaining, sharply applied pressing game, played at a tremendous pace. The players shout encouragement and all wear brightly coloured boots. The scene I describe could be set anywhere quality football is played, but this match takes place at Repton. When I joined Repton in 2015, I was surprised not to see the familiar capital H of rugby union goalposts everywhere. Football seemed to be king here and I wanted to know why.

It is known in the UK, almost at a folklore level, that the independent schools of this country are the place where rugby union is played and football is looked down on. The stereotype is there, and to pretend that rugby isn’t the traditional main ball sport in most independent schools would be foolish. Repton, despite enthusiasm among some Beaks, is a place where rugby has never been popular. In fact, there wasn’t even a rugby team at the School until 1973; Repton has always been a round-ball school. Despite the constant propaganda that football is the game of the working classes, we all know that the modern game of association football has its origins in English boarding schools. The expansion of such institutions in the 19th century created an explosion of new sports. Cricket and fives were the biggest, but coming up on the rails were increasingly civilised versions of the “mob” football of the 16th century, which had recently been outlawed by Parliament.

The growth of public schools made the idea of matches against other schools popular, but it meant that some discussion of comparable rules was needed. Often these were discussed before the game started, which was probably unsatisfactory. Matches often descended into violence when agreements were forgotten in the heat of battle.

Inevitably, rule harmony started to happen, often brought along by Old Boys, returning from Oxbridge with ideas. The 1863 meetings of the newly founded FA arranged

a consistent set of rules, possibly based on rules played at Cambridge University. An Old Rugbeian said, on refusing to countenance the new rules – “if you do away with hacking (deliberate shin kicking), holding and tripping, you will do away with all the courage and pluck of the game and I will be bound to bring over a lot of Frenchmen who would beat you with a week’s practice”.

By 1873, the Football Annual listed 193 football clubs, including the public schools, with only 53 playing “football” and the rest either playing rugby, or sticking to their own rules. Repton went down the “football” route, it is believed, because of the enthusiasm of one Housemaster for the new game, and some influence from the Old Reptonian boys at Cambridge who wanted to play. In 1877 “football” was formally adopted at Repton, mainly because of this enthusiasm.

The stereotype that posh schools play rugger and “football” was for the masses is valid because it is true. But like all stories there is nuance. Even a quick google search will show you how dominant the public schools were in the early days of “football”. Forest remain the only school to enter the FA Cup. Wanderers, a London-based team of ex-public-school boys, won the FA Cup (a competition devised by an Old Harrovian) five times in its first decade of existence. Harry Cursham, Old Reptonian, England international and Notts County player in the 19th century, is still the all-time leading FA Cup goal scorer, with 49 goals.

Football thrived at Repton, playing fixtures against the other outlier schools, and producing great players like CB Fry, who played for Southampton and was the only man to play in Varsity football and rugby matches in the same season.

By the end of the 20th century, fears of rugby injury, the changing demographics of the customers, as well as football’s huge popularity resurge in the ‘90s meant that it was a more acceptable sport. The Independent Schools’ Football Association (ISFA) was formed in 1992, instigated by Dick Sale, a former Repton pupil and teacher. The ISFA Cup is a big deal. There is even an Independent Schools’ Superleague, started in 2017 and sponsored by Hudl. It consists of a closed shop of the best independent schools in the land.

There is only one way this story is going. The top independent schools have the facilities to provide support to local league clubs, including accommodation and schooling for good players. Repton will be at the forefront of the continued revolution. It is inevitable therefore that privately educated footballers will become more common; perhaps the highest profile these days are Will Hughes (Repton), Tyrone Mings (Millfield) and Nick Pope (Kings’ Ely). How long before the game is dominated by the private schools, as it used to be?

Picture credits: The first Repton football team 1865 – Repton Archives

An American in Repton – 1964-65

By Guy Bramble (Brook 1964-65)

(Below is an extract from Guy Bramble’s memoirs of his time at Repton as an American exchange student in the 1960s. It was written for his children and grandchildren, so it includes several explanations for their benefit. If you would like to read the full chapter, please contact the OR Society or@repton.org.uk)

I had never been on a train before, so when we pulled into the station I waited on the platform to be collected, assuming it would be like an American airport where passengers are met at the gate. After 20 minutes, I discovered that my Repton Housemaster, Scottie Cheshire, had been waiting for me in the lobby. We arrived at Brook House (to which I had been assigned because of its athletic reputation) in time for a welcome dinner in Scottie’s private dining room, and we were joined by the House Matron, Sheila (whose job it was to offer “tea and sympathy” to the boys), and fellow Brook House residents Andrew Borrett and David Harrison (Captain of the 1st XI Football Team). I learnt that Scottie was the “Manager” (English nomenclature for “Coach”) of the 1st XI Football (soccer) Team.

Andrew and David showed me to my third-floor bedroom (“bedder”), which was shared by a dozen or so boys, then to my second-floor study carrel (my “crack”), and finally to the first-floor changing room (“chagger”), where the boys of Brook House dressed for sports and bathed afterwards. They also showed me the open-air outdoor toilets, which were known as “the crapper”, after the inventor of the flush toilet, Thomas Crapper. After the younger boys had gone to bed, the six house prefects would gather each evening after “lights out” for toast and marmalade, which was a great way to get to know my contemporaries.

On my first morning I collected my uniform from the School Shop – a grey herringbone tweed, two white shirts with detachable collars, and a Brook House tie – and then met with my History teacher and “Tutor” (advisor), Stuart M Andrews. (His initials led to his nickname, “SMAmee”, which we pronounced “smahmee”.) Mr Andrews was probably in his early 30s, and he was an excellent History teacher. (Unlike the USA, in Britain I found that school students generally chose their academic options at age 14: Maths/Science, Languages, English/History, or the Arts.) Mr Andrews recommended courses in English and History. The Headmaster, John L Thorn (“Thorny”),

taught my English Literature course, and he was an exceptionally able teacher. Mr Thorn was a graduate of St Paul’s School and Corpus Christi College, the University of Cambridge. He was a handsome man and a veteran of the English Navy during World War II. But, above all, he was an intellectual who had been brought to Repton to establish an emphasis on academics, which had been lacking at this School, whose reputation had stemmed mainly from success in athletics and the arts.

I found my teachers and classes engaging, and after six years at my school, Cranbrook, Michigan, my study habits served me well. Mr Andrews urged me to sign up for the A Level examinations (mandated for Oxford and Cambridge candidates), as my recent American predecessors had. But these tests seemed extraneous to me, besides which my peer group had been taking courses in preparation for A Levels for the past few years. Instead, I promised to work hard in all my courses throughout the year in exchange for a release from A Levels. I made good on my word by being awarded the Howe English Verse Prize, the Murray-Smith Prize in English Literature, and the Lorrimer Prize in History on Speech Day, 11 June 1965.

Guy Bramble standing far right

Guy Bramble standing third in from the right

Guy Bramble receiving his Speech Day prize

ORs Reunite through The Arch

By Alan Budge (Hall 1958-63)

In 2006 Kerry approached the Rotary Club of Gordon’s Bay to seek support for Tereo School, a literacy project that he and his wife, Sue, were dedicated to. Now a “Swallow”, Kerry migrates between the UK and South Africa, spending a few months each year in South Africa. As a fellow Rotary Club member, it has been my privilege and pleasure to get to know Kerry and Sue through their meaningful project.

In 2007, I received The Arch magazine and was astonished to find an old photograph from 1952 of six new students at New House. The magazine also featured a present-day (2006) photo of the same six Old Reptonians. To my great surprise, one of those individuals was Kerry Brooksbank (New 1952-57). It is not common practice to ask colleagues about their school backgrounds, so I had no idea Kerry was an OR. Kerry was back in the UK at the time, so I emailed him to say that he had unknowingly befriended a fellow OR (me!). Although I was in The Hall and five years his junior, we both cherished our Repton connection.

Since then, Kerry and his wife Sue have continued to live in Dore (Sheffield Peak District) and are

regular visitors to Cape Town. They own a holiday flat in Gordon’s Bay and remain deeply involved in various service projects, especially those related to literacy.

My wife, Janet, and Sue still chuckle about the conversation between Kerry and me during our first dinner after discovering our shared Repton background. The details of that conversation are best left unsaid, but we fondly recalled the quirks of staff members like the “Weary Wheardons” and “Peehard Davidsons”. Our shared memories of Repton have added a unique depth to our

A Lifelong Friendship

ORs David Williams (New 1978-83) and Van Carl Kussrow (New 198283) became great friends at Repton, discovering that they had identical birthdays. This led to their lifelong friendship, including a further year together in Oxford (1986-87) and being best man at each other’s weddings and godfathers to their first offspring. They both left Repton to become teachers and returned for a tour, and catch-up, of Repton School as a celebration of their 60th birthdays.

Van, do any School events or traditions stand out?

Abseiling down the back of Pears School for Sale of Work!

David, how did you find your five years at Repton?

I had cousins who came before, and they said it would be the best five years of my life. Looking back – it really was.

What inspired you both to become teachers?

Van: It had a lot to do with the teachers and Housemasters at Repton. Roy French was such an inspiration.

David: I did a gap year at a prep school after Repton and really enjoyed it so trained to be a teacher. Looking back, what has Repton meant to each of you personally?

David: For me, it’s the sociability aspect – Reptonians are open minded and enjoy the good times together.

Van: For me, it was the sense of independence, of being in a boarding school in a different country.

How have you maintained such a strong friendship?

Van: We have been lucky enough to visit each other many times, and we have done some great summer work at each other’s schools.

David: Yes, Van was good at shifting pianos and gluing carpets down for me and I did Summer Camp with him in North Carolina teaching Americans the intricacies of cricket and rugby!

What are your most vivid memories of being in New House together?

Van: I had arrived on a train from the USA and was picked up at the

station in Derby. I was jet-lagged and confused. Thankfully, David took me under his wing and brought me a coffee, and this continued for the rest of the term. I was surprised: I expected tea.

David: With him being American, I thought he would want coffee.

What is your favourite memory of each other?

Van: At the end of our Sixth Form year, we went on a three-day canal boat trip on the Trent and Mersey. Then a few years ago, with our wives, we went again on the same stretch from Shardlow to Fradley Junction, and it was really special.

David: Inviting Van up to the family home for his first Christmas away. My father experimented with chestnuts in the oven, which promptly exploded. He then played his cine film of a recent holiday and that melted! So Van excused himself from the shenanigans downstairs, only to get trapped in the bathroom when the door lock broke.

Aiding Ukraine

By Charles Cooper (Cross 1972-76)

When Putin invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, I felt a real sense of anger and frustration that we would be repeating our historic mistakes and engaging yet again in a war in Europe.

In June 2023, I contacted 4Ukraine Humanitarian Aid (4UHA), an organisation based in Essex that was established by two amazing people, Karl von Buren and Rob Drumgold.

I made my first tour with my very good friend Anthony Devlin in August 2023, taking a Volvo XC90. We filled the car with defibrillators and other medical equipment before leaving with Karl, who was driving a Ford Transit full of medical aid, and a motorbike ridden by my colleague, Nick Tranter, to provide bloods quickly to the front line. We delivered the aid to three groups in Ukraine and the Volvo to an army priest. I contacted Father Ihor through the army officer nephew of a Ukrainian friend of mine in Crete.

4UHA provides medical aid to several groups in Ukraine. We also provide food and essential supplies to two small orphanages and run a shop in IvanoFrankivsk. The shop is unusual because the goods are all free. We were pleased to teach them all to have turkey at Christmas, and we hope that the tradition lasts.

I returned in November 2023 to take medical equipment and supplies to the orphanages and the shop. Being in Ukraine for several days, I noticed some considerable fatigue as the war dragged on into a cold winter, and I was concerned that people seemed more despondent. There was a stalemate in the south and eastern front. It was also clear that the losses were mounting. In Ivano-Frankivsk there are rows of boards featuring the soldiers who will not be coming home; these are placed with pride, sadness and despair. It is a terrible thing to witness.

In March 2024 I returned with Nick Tranter to deliver medical aid and (sadly) body bags, and to go on a food shopping spree for the orphanages. We also took a Mercedes M class for the army. I noticed that the people seemed angrier and more determined.

At the beginning of July 2024, Nick and I returned to Ukraine for the fourth time in 11 months in another Mercedes M Class SUV, this time with a valuable

consignment of orthopaedic equipment for a surgeon – Dr Oleksij – who I met last year. Our usual journey is Harwich to Holland overnight, Dresden then Lancut in Poland, and on the fourth night Lviv, having already made some medical supply drops. It is an exhausting journey.

In Kyiv this July we met up with a number of groups with whom we work closely, Ukrainian army contacts and British and US personnel. It was an interesting time.

Kyiv is the most beautiful and vibrant city, and we left in good spirits on 7 July. The following day we heard that the enemy had bombed the children’s hospital in Kyiv. This left us speechless. It is a terrible truth that the Russian forces knew what they were doing. It occurs to me constantly that there are no winners in a war. Everyone loses. Can you think of a war that had a real winner? Young people die, the infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, and the economy brought to its knees. It is all so unnecessary, and so many people are injured or lose their lives.

From my journal last November:

“The Ukrainians are the most wonderful, courageous and inspiring people. They are fighting the most terrible war for the freedom of all of Europe, and they carry our future upon their brave shoulders. They are enormously grateful for our help and support, which is much appreciated.”

If you would like to help the two orphanages, which receive 100% of donations, you can do so by clicking here. Even the smallest gift makes a difference.

Alternatively, go to the JustGiving site and search for “4Ukraine Humanitarian Aid orphanages”. Our page will appear in the top left. You are not obliged to pay the JustGiving “tip”, which can be set to zero.

If anyone would like to read more of my journal notes, please let me know through the OR Society. Thank you for your interest.

Handing a Mercedes over to Father Ihor with Nick Tranter

An archival miscellany From the Archives

Paul Stevens, Archivist

Paul has been the Archivist at Repton School for over 20 years. He has taken the rich history of the School and uses it to tell the story of Repton. As he has gone through, preserving these precious memories and artefacts, he has chosen these extracts as some of his favourites within the archives.

1880s

“The uniform was Eton jackets or frock coats and straw-hats. Top hats were worn on Sundays. The straws lasted little more than a term! The toppers came in very useful on the Sunday walk when damsons etc were in season. The awkward part came on the way home when a Housemaster was met. The hat came off quite well, the difficulty was to get it on again without accident! We were always hungry. There was one excellent meal at midday. We seldom went up to tea, as when pocket money allowed tea was in the studies, and supper consisted of cheese (rather like India rubber) and a can of beer! – unless we could get the boot boy to go and buy a cake. There was not much bullying, only in my first term when my head of study had a bad reputation and occasionally used a whippy wire toasting

fork with painful effects. Our only swimming bath was in the river, which smelt strongly of beer, and occasionally the brewers would turn out some waste that poisoned the fish and these floated down the river very dead indeed!”

Arthur Burney (Cross 1882) Letter

1912

“As a place I loved Repton as I have loved no other of the places in which it has been my lot to live except of course Hazelthwaite and the Lakes. The village was architecturally dull like most Midland villages, but the church with its really marvellous spire, the old Priory buildings and the Hall are clothed in romance for me;

and the little walks around –Parsons Hills and Anchor Cave, Orange Ponds and HundredAcre, the Shrubs and the Rocks – how charming they were. In so far as I have felt any nostalgia for Repton in the years since I left, it has not been a longing for the School or for anyone in it but for those remote and quiet spots, so simple yet somehow so romantic. Very few Repton boys or masters cared for these places or even knew of their existence. Their interests out of school hours centred on games. My joys were beyond their comprehension as theirs were beyond mine.”

David Somervell (Master 1909-18; Historian) from his unpublished autobiography 1927

“Finally, the last House Supper. Here old familiar faces come back to snatch a few hours of their youth: these in contrast to the shiny-faced youngsters guzzling their portion of turkey and swilling gallons of strong lemonade. The play and songs that follow, and that rather tragic, foolish ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ all seem to take place as in a daze, and after the stairs are climbed as if in sleep. Around the various bedders with great handshakes, vain promises of writing, best wishes, luck

Speech Day dance 1909

The Arch in watercolour 1897-1915

and laughter. The last time you’ve hollowed, thumped and moulded to your likes; the last time that you will use that tin enamel basin, the last time – dejectedly you stop these thoughts and… as you leave so early in the morning a hazy mist enshrouds dear, damp old Repton, the sun breaks through, may be, for a brief moment: and there the old place lies so solid and so chill. Then, when I turned to catch one last glimpse from the station, the dark clouds seemed to gather round the Spire, and life for me had ended, and begun.”

John Paddy Carstairs (Latham 1924; Film Producer and Author) in The Reptonian, October 1929

1934

“The boys of Repton School are no longer to wear the Eton jacket. They are to wear the Marlborough jacket. The Headmaster, Mr. J. T. Christie, made the announcement yesterday at the School speech day. ‘Next Term the Eton jacket is to be supplanted by the round black coat called the Marlborough jacket,’ he said. ‘I do not think that many will regret this change in the School uniform. The tail coat is at least a dignified and becoming dress for taller boys, and it will remain, but Etons are neither comfortable nor convenient, and hygienically – they leave off where they ought to begin. ‘It has been urged that they are smart, but I am not sure whether smart is an adjective I want to be applied to boys at Repton. They resemble what the Services call ‘monkey jackets,’ and they may suit monkeys but not human beings.”

Unidentified newspaper, 23 June 1934

1935

“Return to School: Tails return from the cleaners in all their morning glory, shirts are purchased at the sales, and cricket bats ascend their rightful throne. These socks will have to do for another term…I can’t think what happens to your handkerchiefs dear. The trunk, is packed. The train is packed. Goodbye, goodbye. Did you see Arsenal last hols Smith? We are all slightly ill at ease in the train. Over there in the corner is a fag in our house, wearing tails. How funny tails look, and butterfly collars too. And yet tomorrow we shall all be wearing them. Tomorrow we shall be doing a lot of silly things. The only person in our compartment who looks really happy is a new boy opposite me. It is all new for him – an adventure, a leap in the dark. Change at Derby. The platform is packed with Reptonians. Curse them all. Curse Repton. Willington. Let’s get out. Tickets please. I bet there’ll be a kit parade on Friday. No one could call the ride from the station to Repton a cheap one. Sixpence seems a little excessive. Sixpence for half a mile. The chapel looks the same as ever, same old

lamp post. The copper beech looks lovely. One of the houses opposite the chapel has been re-painted. Everything else, though, is just the same. You see, Repton’s always the same – it’s we who are different. There are a lot of cars outside the Hall, and boys unstrapping luggage from the carriers. Parents say goodbye to their offspring. A burst of raucous laughter from the yard. Everyone is awfully cheery, awfully friendly. Yet I hate it all. I wonder whose study I’m in; and whose bedder. Dare I look at the notice? Dare I? Ye Gods! A bell goes. Prayers. There is still the same hysterical, strained atmosphere. Hymn number one six five. ‘O God our help in ages past, our hope….’ Curse it, it’s nice to be back.”

Anonymous, The Reptonian, May 1935

1941

“Our most worthwhile contribution to the war effort was the half-holiday each week we spent in the fields helping to grow potatoes and cabbages - ‘digging for victory,’ as it was grandiloquently called. We were paid threepence an hour (1.25p) which went to the Red Cross. It was a rare opportunity for Reptonians in the 1940s to meet villagers who had no other connection with the School.

Repton boys doing war work 1940

One farmer who employed us was well into his eighties but with a photographic memory of the distant past. He told us how Disraeli used to drive down the High Street on his way to stay with the widowed Lady Chesterfield at Bretby (who turned down his proposal of marriage.)”

Kenneth Rose (Orchard 1939; Historian and Author) – in his memoir One Boy’s War 1950s

“This cloistered existence, without the distractions of the outside world, made it easy for us to study and exercise and play at soldiers. Newspapers, radios, gramophones and the occasional reel to reel tape recorder did impinge on our sheltered existence, and even TV began to creep in; all in mono and/or black and white, of course. Out there, Rock n’ Roll was being invented, the British Empire was being dismantled, the Suez Canal was being argued over, and

Hungarian hopes were being set back 40 years. Interesting people were invited to address the Sixth Form. These optional Civics classes, held approximately every fortnight, kept us well informed about current affairs. If someone particularly took the Boss’ fancy, such as Dr Jacob Bronowski or A J Ayer, he would invite him or her to give the annual School lecture.”

Edward Blomfield (Hall 1955-60) unpublished reminiscences

Repton Jazz Band 1955 – photograph by Robert Blomfield (Hall 1951-56)

Orchard Skiffle 1959

Repton boys cheering 1935

Calendar of Events 2025

As well as being enjoyable occasions in their own right, OR events are great opportunities to connect with friends from your House or Year that you rarely see, or with whom you may have lost touch. Be sure to check

the OR website repton.org.uk/events for updates to the Calendar below, or contact the OR Office: or@repton.org.uk.

Events Round-up

Choral Evensong, London

On 28 January 2024, Repton Chapel Choir returned to Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral. Choral Evensong is described as 45 minutes of perfect peace, sung almost entirely by the Choir, free to be enjoyed by everyone. This wonderful event is always well attended, with support from parents, ORs and staff. The Choir sounded beautiful in the stunning surroundings of St Paul’s, and afterwards those in attendance enjoyed drinks and canapés at The

restaurant.

Drinks in the City, London

This year’s Drinks in the City in February was hosted at the historic Walkers of Whitehall in Central London. The event was a sell-out, with over 100 ORs in attendance. Old Reptonians of all ages, from 18 to 80, enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new acquaintances.

Abbey Girls Goodbye Drinks

After many years teaching Geography at Repton, Louise Wilbraham is taking early retirement. Having been Housemistress of The Abbey for 10 years, it was only right to mark the occasion with leaving drinks. It was a great afternoon, catching up on fond memories and discussing what everyone has been doing since leaving Repton.

OR Gaudy Reunion, Repton

The OR Gaudy Reunion took place at Repton on 18 May, with around fifty people in attendance. The sun shone on the Garth as drinks were served and ORs reminisced about their time at the School. This was followed by a delicious lunch in the historic Undercroft in the Old Priory, with speeches from the President of the OR Society, Samantha Wilkinson (Abbey 1986-88), and Headmaster Mark Semmence. The day finished with a tour of the School and drinks in The Boot for those who wanted to continue.

OR Day and BBQ ,Repton

Being with friends and watching some incredible sports in the sunshine – what more could you ask for? On 31 August the School hosted another successful OR Day at Repton, with hard-fought but fun games of football, fives, women’s hockey and women’s netball. The variety of sport on offer allowed many ORs and pupils, young and older, to participate, with 150 ORs in attendance. The sports fixtures were followed by food and drinks in The Boot beer garden, lasting well into the evening.

On Sunday 1 September, the day after OR Day, Alex Needham (New 2010-15) organised a very successful golf day, with Repton pupils and staff joining the ORs on Little Aston Golf Course. With 32 players taking part, a fabulous day was had by all, and some very good golf was played.

Regional Branches of the OR Society

Drinks in your City, Exeter

Drinks in Your City, Exeter was held in March this year at the Old Firehouse, known to stock Exeter’s best ale and cider. This informal reunion had a small gathering of 15 ORs, a mixture of university students and other ORs who live locally. Both groups enjoyed the opportunity to get to know one another and catch up on their time at Repton.

Drinks in your City, Manchester

Drinks in Your City, Manchester was held in April at The Alchemist cocktail bar. Some fantastic bubbling and colour-changing cocktails were enjoyed by around 20 ORs of mixed ages, with the youngest, 21, having just handed in his final-year university dissertation. Those in attendance had a wonderful time catching up with old friends and connecting with new ones.

Drinks in your City, Jersey

A thoroughly enjoyable Drinks in Your City event was hosted by Headmaster Mark Semmence at the Waterfront Bar Radisson Blu Hotel in Jersey in June. Parents and ORs of all ages, from those who left School in 1950, to those who left in 2020, were in attendance.

Save the Date: Yorkshire Dinner 2025

Join us for the 2025 OR Yorkshire Dinner at Harrogate’s West Park Hotel, where ORs from Yorkshire and beyond come together for an evening of fine dining, lively conversation and Yorkshire hospitality!

Set for Thursday 20 March 2025, from 6:45pm to 10:00pm, this special event is a chance to reconnect, meet new friends and celebrate the Repton spirit in a beautiful setting. Accommodation is available onsite, for those who wish to stay over. Invites will be sent out early 2025.

ORFC Celebration Dinner, London

A hundred Old Reptonians and guests gathered at The Chesterfield Mayfair for an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of the Old Reptonian Football Club (ORFC). This year, the Club secured both the Arthur Dunn Cup for an extraordinary third consecutive time and the Arthurian League Premier Division title for just the second time ever – a combination of accomplishments worthy of a grand celebration.

The elegant central London venue provided the perfect backdrop, with guests impeccably dressed for the occasion. Earlier that day, the ORs had clinched a 4-0 victory over Old Cholmeleians in the league, keeping them at the top of the table and extending an impressive unbeaten run into double figures. Club Chairman Nick Walford (Brook 1969-74) welcomed attendees, including former OR players Mike Cockcroft (Cross 1987-92), Mark Smith (Orchard 1978-83) and

Alistair Callander (Cross 1988-93) from the 2002 leaguewinning team, as well as Martyn Beckett (Brook 196469) from the 1981 Dunn Cup-winning squad.

Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, plus a toast led by Fraser Lane (Latham 2008-13), who reflected on the Club’s deep impact on the lives of its players and their shared passion for the sport. The live band soon took over, sparking a lively night of dancing and camaraderie among ORs of all generations.

With 77 of the 100 attendees under 30, and a third of the guests being female ORs, the future of the OR Football Club and the wider OR Society looks bright. The Club was also honoured to host representatives from the School, including Headmaster Mark Semmence, Director of Football Luke Webb, Matt Carrington and Nigel Kew. Here’s to continued success for the Club, both on and off the pitch, and the prospect of another fantastic dinner in the near future.

International Branches of the OR Society

Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong Drinks

In January 2024, Headmaster Mark Semmence hosted a series of Drinks’ Receptions and a Dinner in Asia (Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong) for ORs and parents, as part of a visit to the Repton Family of Schools in the region. The events were extremely enjoyable and provided a great opportunity to connect with others in the Repton community overseas.

Drinks in Your City, Singapore

In September ORs in Singapore met up again for drinks and dinner at the Tanglin Club.

Top row L to R: Ben Gledhill (Cross 1988-92), Alfred Cheng (Orchard 1975-77), Richard Coventry (Brook 1973-78). Bottom row L to R: Sarah O ’ Connor (Garden 1993-95), Hannah Hutchinson (Mitre 2004-06).

Drinks in your City, Sydney, Australia

London may be a long way to travel for drinks, especially for those of us living Down Under. So, the first-ever Sydney OR Drinks was born! We had an amazing turnout, with 16 of us gathering at the stunning Babylon rooftop bar. It was the perfect setting to meet fellow Reptonians from Australia. You might wonder, “Why meet up with people you’ve never met?” Well, when it’s Repton, Australia, what more could you ask for? It was incredible to discover just how many ORs are living here, all still proudly sporting their British accents.

We shared great stories, reminiscing about how little has changed. Although a few missed drinks this time around, they’re eager to join the next one. Here’s to

hoping the word spreads and even more of us will come together next year – but if not, we’ll keep the tradition going strong regardless!

ORs from L to R: Jerry Austen (Priory 1976-81), Charles Jobson (Latham 1975-80), James Ware (New 198892), Lizy Timm (Abbey 2001-03), Christopher Gregory (Orchard 1964-68), Christopher Timm (Priory 1999-03), Tiffany Bowers (Mitre 2004-09), Ben Chapman (Priory 2007-12), Tamsin Bowers (Mitre 2006-11), Ella O’Connell (Garden 2010-13), Lauren Phillips (Garden 2008-13), Daniel Buckland (Orchard 2008-13), Natalie Dzenis (Abbey 1995-2000). Lucas Berger (Cross 2014-19) also came but left before the photo.

Organised by Daniel Buckland (Orchard 2008-13).

Hong Kong Singapore

Your OR Events

OR 60th Anniversary Lunch, Army & Navy Club, London

By Richard Bright (Cross 1960-64)

This OR lunch was originally organised to celebrate 60 years since leaving Repton in 1964, but it ended up as a lunch for all those who joined the School between Christmas 1959 and summer 1960.

We had 20 attendees, plus the Headmaster, and we started with a Champagne Reception in the Lounge before moving onto lunch in the Library on three round tables.

I think everyone agreed that the food was much enjoyed. We then had a one-minute thumbnail sketch

of lives over the last 60 years from each OR, which we all found fascinating. The Headmaster gave us a short update on the School and took questions.

It was a very enjoyable occasion, and I would like to thank all those who travelled many miles from outside London. There may be another lunch in the next year or two, so anyone that we have failed to contact, please get in touch with me through the OR Society.

The Hall Reunion Lunch, Ticknall

By Michael Clough (Hall 1966-70)

On a sunny afternoon in May, seven ORs who entered The Hall in the mid-60s met once again to pay tribute to some exceptional and much-admired Masters from their time at the School. Accompanied by their wives and partners, they welcomed the guests of honour: John Billington and Dick Morgan. It was a further pleasure that Shirley French and Kathleen Muir accepted our invitation to attend and were able to add memories of their late husbands, Roy French and Russell Muir, who had been such popular and longserving Masters at the School.

It was great to see John Billington and Dick Morgan still able to travel long distances and engage with their former pupils, although, even after more than fifty years, this writer still has difficulty calling them by their first names rather than “Sir”! The respect and admiration that the ORs still had for their former Masters were palpable.

During the reunion we worked out that this was the 15th year we had all met up for lunch with former teachers, and this led to many amusing anecdotes of former Masters who had attended earlier reunions.

Seated L to R: John Billington, Dick Morgan, Shirley French. Standing L to R: Michael Li (Hall 1965-70), Nic Stenhouse (Hall 1965-70), Martin Cashmore (Hall 196671), Kathleen Muir, Liz Green, Roger Green (Hall 196469), Sarah Mast, Alison Cashmore, Michael Clough (Hall 1966-71), Charles Edmundson-Jones (Hall 196570), Louise Clough, Christine Tidmarsh, Florenda BailyGibson, Simon Baily-Gibson (Hall 1965-70).

A Chance Encounter

By Jeremy Hobson (Hall 1967-69)

After a 45-year interval, a chance encounter at the Foremarke Hall (Repton Prep) 75th anniversary celebrations in September 2015 led to a rekindling of childhood bonds for ORs Simon Jones (Brook 196670), John Greaves (Brook 1967-71), Jeremy Hobson (Hall 1967-69) and John Linton (New 1968-72).

A tentative discussion ensued about “not leaving it so long” next time; and a golf day and dinner in the Midlands was organised for the following spring. Since then, the get-togethers have increased, and we now meet up three or four times a year. Taking in golf and cricket, shared boyhood passions, we have met at a range of venues: the RAC at both Epsom and Pall Mall have been highlights, along with this year’s visit to Lord’s, and many of the events have included our better halves. Friendships have been firmly re-established, and, thanks to the Foremarke Hall reunion, now almost a decade ago, we are making up for lost time.

An Afternoon with JB

By William Kemp (Priory 1977-82)

A lunch was held at the George Hotel in Stamford on 2 September in honour of John Billington (“JB”), who taught English at Repton from 1965 to 1996 and was both Head of Department and Director of Studies.

The occasion was mooted and steered by David Rae (Priory 1974-79), with help from his long-suffering tipfag, and attended by friends and former pupils who have kept in touch with the person described perfectly by Michael Li (Hall 1965-70) as a much-loved Master.

Tributes were paid to JB’s formidable intellect and energy, which transformed medieval works into living worlds, sparked an interest in literature and language, and enriched lives. ORs were also astonished at how well and young he looked, with Fiona Scott suggesting he must have an ageing portrait in the attic.

Dorian Gray aside, anecdotes celebrated a teacher who supported children whose first language was not English, who enhanced stories and who ensured exposure in classes to eastern concepts – usually accompanied by a look of mock shock when he asked, “You don’t know where the word ‘thug’ comes from?”.

Martin Amherst Lock noted that the event was an opportunity to thank JB for all he has meant to us, including his ability to perform pieces, his exemplary humanity and fearless integrity, his wisdom and understanding of the human condition, and his ongoing generosity in passing on related quotations and proverbs – proof that a good teacher never really stops teaching.

JB acknowledged the plaudits, thanks and gentle jibes with modesty and grace, protesting mildly he had just been doing his job, and even admitting weaknesses for Eton mess, rugby and Scottish country dancing! His fiercely independent spirit was also evident, preferring to drink Guinness than champagne.

A warm, life-affirming afternoon was had by all, with JB often bursting into laughter and describing it as a joyful occasion. As Nick Hudson (Brook 1973-78) observed, everyone was on top form, particularly JB – despite hating compliments! The attendees were largely strangers at the start but felt like best friends by the end, thanks to the common thread in our lives –a remarkable man with real heart and a brilliant mind, whom we are all lucky to know.

Standing L to R: David Rae (Priory 1974-79), Nick Hudson (Latham 1970-74), Charlie Pye-Smith (Brook 1965-70). Sitting L to R: Will Kemp (Priory 1977-82), Javed Majeed (Orchard 1976-80), JB (former staff), Fiona Scott, Kirsty Spalton (Abbey 1991-96), Martin Amherst-Lock. Kneeling: Michael Li (Hall 1965-70), Tina Li.

OR Music

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – The Repton Hymn

By Andrew Williamson (New

1959-64)

My favourite hymn is “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”, mainly because of the tune, “Repton”, by Sir Hubert Parry, rather than the words. This hymn first appeared in the 1924 edition of the Repton School Hymnal, of which I am fortunate to have acquired an original copy via eBay. The edition includes a Foreword by the Headmaster at the time, the late Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher, successor at the School and Canterbury to William Temple, also a contributor to the Hymnal.

According to the current Director of Music at Repton: “Encouraging Reptonians to sing energetically and with renewed passion in Chapel has been the task of the School’s successive Directors of Music, principally through the hosting of regular congregational practices. Week after week, each would try, and indeed continue to try, their latest method of coercing the congregation into raising the roof.”

It is hard to imagine a Director of Music more creative and inspirational than Dr George Gilbert Stocks, who led the School’s music from 1912 to 1934. A keen gardener, who named his chickens after notable pupils, it is clear he was much loved and seemingly unrivalled in his ability to get boys to sing. Stocks’ preferred tactic was to create new bespoke hymns, either by writing his own rousing tunes (e.g. “Etwall” and “Bretby”) or by merging compelling words with pre-existing music from totally different contexts –music he knew that pupils would love to sing. It was one of these combinations of poetry (excerpts from “The Brewing of Soma”, by John Greenleaf Whittier) and music (the aria “Long since in Egypt’s plenteous lands”, from the oratorio Judith, by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, Stocks’ tutor at Oxford) that gave birth to “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”. In seeking

permission to use Parry’s music, Stocks was also granted consent to identify the tune by naming it after the School.

The poem hardly seems suitable for School use; when read in its entirety, it is revealed that Whittier is comparing Christian hymn singing with the ancient Vedic tradition of drinking soma, a herbal drink with hallucinogenic qualities intended to put the consumer in touch with the divine. Nevertheless, it is hoped that, whenever encountering this hymn, Reptonians past and present will be transported, in the spirit of Whittier’s text, to the peace and calm of Repton School Chapel.

According to Christian writer Frank Colquhoun: “This very popular hymn is derived from the poem ‘The Brewing of Soma’ (1872), by John Greenleaf Whittier. Soma was a drink brewed by the Indians to produce a state of religious frenzy in their endeavour to have communion with the deity. Whittier draws a parallel between this and the stirring of the emotions in Christian worship through music, ceremonial, and the like. Whittier describes the authentic spirit of Christ’s religion as the Quaker ideal of simplicity, quietness, silence. Real worship, he insists, is something inward, not outward, concerned with the heart and life rather than with churchly activities.”

For me, the words of the first verse, “In purer lives Thy service find”, always remind me that the privileged experience of attending Repton engenders a duty to serve the less fortunate. Naturally, it will be sung at my funeral.

For the full version of this article, please email, amw@minim.biz. A podcast exploring the origins of the hymn is available on BBC Sounds.

“Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our foolish ways; Reclothe us in our rightful mind, In purer lives Thy service find, In deeper rev’rence, praise”

A Journey into Time – A (Soft) Rock Opera

By John (Dick) Whittington (Mitre 1967-71)

A JOURNEY INTO TIME

THE J THEATRE – AUGUST 10TH 2023 AT 7.30 PM A FAMILY OCCASION

ORs in the Arts

Liam James Karai’s Operatic Journey

Liam James Karai (New 2011-16) began his career in opera while studying for a BSc in Banking and Finance at the University of Leicester. While studying, he successfully applied for one of the university’s music scholarships. Liam’s passion for music grew, and he went on to complete his Master of Music degree and Postgraduate Diploma at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Liam has had a fantastic 2024, performing as Escamillo in Carmen at Oper Frankfurt and Staatstheater Mainz, and Horatio in Hamlet in the Salzburger Festspiele.

“Most interesting, however, is Escamillo, who is portrayed in his first appearance as a mysterious saviour, but as a local hero in a dirty T-shirt. Liam

James Karai’s unassuming, self-confident demeanor compares well with the noble sound of his youthful bass-baritone” – Robin Passon (Orpheus magazine).

Alongside his operatic career, Liam is a keen concert soloist and has performed in concerts around the world. Recent highlights include singing as the bass soloist for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Liam has also been involved in various competitions, winning multiple prizes in the 4th International Antonina Campi Vocal Competition in Lublin, Poland, and competing at the Operalia final in Mumbai, India. Operalia is the world’s top opera competition, and with only 11 finalists it is an incredible achievement. In the 2024/25 season he has made several debuts, including his Teatro di San Carlo debut, the Polish national opera, the Erl Tiroler Festspiele, and more.

Emmy for Outstanding Investigative News Coverage

By Johnny Mccune (Hall 1983-88)

In late April 2023, I was travelling to the wedding of the daughter of Vice President Riek Machar, my brother-inlaw and the widower of my late sister Emma McCune, in Juba, South Sudan. The night before my flight, I was advised not to go as war had broken out in Sudan. I knew I’d be one of the only British journalists in South Sudan with access to the war in Sudan and could help news organisations report on the crisis, so I packed my laptop and contacts’ book.

After the wedding, I moved into a compound, witnessing Sudanese refugees and returning South

Sudanese flooding into Juba. I reported for BBC Radio on the unfolding crisis, seeing aid planes take off and meeting refugees suffering from conditions like malaria, dengue and PTSD. Some had taken days to make the perilous journey to the relative safety of Juba.

I held crisis meetings with ministers about the impact on their infrastructure – hospitals were overwhelmed, and food, water and shelter were in short supply. The CNN team was ready to report on the war. We made a documentary with Sudanese correspondent Nima Elbagir, which has won an Emmy.

I am now working to get the CNN crew to the Darfur region while I stay in Juba.

The Whole Story – Going Home: The War in Sudan CNN

Emmanuel Jal (my nephew), VP Dr Riek Machar (my brother-in-law)

ORigins - OR Art Show

By Ian Whitfield, Head of Art Repton

It was a fantastic experience to be at the opening of ‘ORigins’, an exhibition of practising OR artists who had started their journey in the Repton Art department.

Some artists were from relatively recent memory, others had been developing their practice for quite some years. It was fascinating to see them exhibited together, where they would have exhibited their A Level work years ago, but this time in a proper ‘grownup’ exhibition of the culmination of their practice thus far, looking back at their shared springboard of learning in Repton.

The artists mingled with current Art pupils and Repton staff , among their families and friends, for a warm and culturally satisfying event.

The range of work and working styles was remarkable. We were treated to the mysterious semi-figurative paintings of Tom Hume (Latham 2006-11), which combined the traditional genre of still life with a kind of disco approach to colour and gravity, alongside the textual prints of Zoe Dobson Dunn (Garden 2006-2011).

One of these for me seemed to become a motto for the whole exhibition ‘stop overthinking’ said in bright colours with a rough scribble around it. Another work references Duchamp in a more thoughtful Art Historical reference: recent Repton graduate Joe Sookias (School 2018-23) returned after just a couple of years at Chelsea College of Art studying painting, having developed his confident abstract expressionist mark making to now incorporate text and tangled narrative lines.

Anna Borup (Garden 2004-09) approached narrative differently with a painting of cropped partial body forms converging in a kind of multiplicitous portrait of disjointed identity. Meanwhile, an entirely different kind of portrait work from Izzy Emmett (Mitre 2012-17) dazzling in its incredibly hyper-realism: small works in pastel capturing the personality and exact surface quality of animals, as well as a self-portrait. Equally filled with a different kind of depth were the nebulous, swirling, sparkling forms of Izzy Mead’s (Garden 201419) evocative abstractions.

It was an absolute pleasure, an honour and a treat to have these six accomplished artists return to their creative origin and to be able to talk about their art with them once again: the students finally coming full circle and teaching the teachers.

Zoe Dobson Dunn, Jeremy Bournon (former staff) & Tom Hume

OR Book Club

Daniel Hatfield (New 2000-02)

Dan Hatfield, the well-known pawnbroker entrepreneur and antiques expert, has made a significant mark in the world of television and beyond. Best known for his role as the money-making expert on ITV’s This Morning, Dan has gained a reputation for his insightful advice and practical tips on how people can make the most of their money. His genuine and approachable style has made him a beloved figure on the show, where he regularly helps viewers turn hidden treasures into valuable assets.

The Guide – A Lifestyle Compendium. Founded, written and edited by Luke Brown (New 2014-19) and Will Tomalin (New 2015-20), The Guide is an innovative magazine that was based on supporting the up-andcoming.

In addition to his appearances on This Morning, Dan has starred in two top-rated TV shows – Posh Pawnbrokers for Channel 4 and Million Pound Pawn for ITV –solidifying his standing as a key figure in the world of pawnbroking and television.

Dan’s expertise is not limited to TV. His book, which quickly became a bestseller, offers readers a comprehensive guide to unlocking the value in everyday items and making money in unconventional ways. Dan encourages readers to look at the world around them and monetise their unwanted items, skills and hobbies. The book’s success is testament to his ability to connect with audiences and provide them with valuable, actionable advice. It has cemented his position as an authority on personal finance and wealth creation.

As a result of his book’s popularity, he now has a bi-weekly column for the Daily Mail. He uses this platform to value readers’ items and offers advice on other moneymaking subjects.

Why We Don’t Need Oil, written by Kenn d’Oudney (Brook 1959-64), offers a practical, expert-backed solution to replace fossil fuels, reverse global warming, and promote sustainable energy without disrupting modern lifestyles.

In addition to his work on This Morning and his writing, Dan’s pawnbroking career remains at the heart of his business endeavours. His family-run store has been a hub for clients looking for expert valuation and advice. With his sharp eye for valuable items and a deep understanding of the market, Dan continues to thrive in business and the media world.

Dan’s blend of business acumen, television charisma and genuine passion for helping others has made him a standout figure in pawnbroking, antiques and the world of personal finance.

Barrington’s Afghan Octet, written by Nicholas Barrington (Hall 1947-52), is a collection of papers exploring the history of Afghanistan.

110 Years of the Masonic Lodge

By Ian McClary (former

This year the OR Lodge celebrates its 110th anniversary. It was formed in 1914 at Café Monico, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, by ORs and teaching staff, past and present. The first Master was Colonel CW Napier - Clavering (Mitre 1871), and early joiners included Housemasters, former pupils and Governors. One of our most famous members was Headmaster Geoffrey Fisher, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury and conducted the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Lodge struggled in its early years because of the two world wars, with the minutes showing

staff 2002-11)

that members were often absent owing to military service or injury. In the post-war years, however, the Lodge grew and moved to its current home at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen St, London. This trend of growth continues today, where we welcome new members with a shared interest in making a positive contribution to our communities through charitable giving.

Repton School has always been at the heart of the Lodge, and we always look forward to our Annual Meeting at the School in

September. On Wednesday 18 June 2025, in London, the Lodge will host a dinner for members and those interested in finding out more about Freemasonry. We have a limited number of subsidised tickets. Please contact secretary@orl.org.uk for further information, or visit ugle.org (United Grand Lodge of England) or owf.org.uk (Order of Women Freemasons) for more information about Freemasonry in general.

Ian McClary | Secretary

OR Cricket

By Peter Bradburn (Priory 1967-72), President, Repton Pilgrims

Six matches were played this season, with two wins and four losses.

In early May an over-45 team played in a light-hearted, but competitive, game against a touring Sussex Martlets team captained by Pilgrim Mike Murray.

In early June an under-strength (and under-manned) Cricketer Cup side made the long journey to Ampleforth. Nafis Shaikh and Callan Harvey put on 168 for the third wicket, but the bowling was not powerful enough to stop Ampleforth passing our total with two overs to go.

This year’s 1st XI demonstrated their strength, as they have done to many other sides this year. Despite two key players being absent, they amassed an impressive total that was too much to chase at over eight runs an over from the start.

Three matches were played in Pilgrim Week, the first being a loss in the gloaming against Denstone Wanderers in a tight T20 evening match. The highlight of Pilgrim Week was the batting of Will Tarrant and Archie Harrison in the win against Oundle Rovers.

P6 W2 L4

Repton Pilgrims 218 for 6, Sussex Martlets 189 for 8

Repton Pilgrims 284 for 8, Old Amplefordians 285 for 4

Repton School 331 for 7, Repton Pilgrims 190

Repton Pilgrims 162 for 6, Denstone Wanderers 166 for 7

Oundle Rovers 245 for 9 dec, Repton Pilgrims 246 for 6

Lincolnshire Gents 286 for 5 dec, Repton Pilgrims 158

In the final match Lincolnshire Gentlemen piled on the runs, which was too much of a tall order for the Pilgrim team on the day. The most gratifying aspects of the season were not only the enthusiasm and skill of the over-45s but also the number of talented recent leavers who played in the matches.

The Pilgrims welcome new members, especially younger and female ORs. For more information or to join, visit reptonpilgrims.com or follow us on Instagram and X: Reptonpilgrims

Won by 29 Runs

Lost by 6 Wickets

Lost by 141 Runs

Lost by 3 Wickets

Won by 4 Wickets

Lost by 128 Runs

[Shaikh 119, Harvey 76]

[Flindall 58, Bin Naeem 50] [Sookias 64]

[Haleem 53]

[Simons 72] [Harrison 97, Tarrant 82]

[Pothula 120 (ret*), Eddy 84] [Randall 47]

A Grand Day Out – 50th Anniversary at Malvern College

On 11 July 1974 at Malvern College, Charlie Sale (Brook 1970-75) [seated second from right] played the “Slowest Innings of All Time” in which he scored 1 not out (a Chinese Cut off his first ball) in 2 hours and 32 minutes, in which time 58 overs were bowled. This feat was commented upon in a letter by Alan Duff (master i/c Malvern cricket) to The Cricketer Magazine in the Winter Annual of 1974. Malvern College were superb hosts to seven of the 1974 team and other Pilgrims at a lunch in the Long Room of the Malvern Pavilion. Bryan Richardson (President of Old Malvernians CC) opened the batting in the speeches, to which Peter Bradburn (President of Repton Pilgrims CC) replied. Charlie Sale was presented with the aforementioned Cricketer and a signed card from those Pilgrims attending the lunch.

He then proceeded to read out the article describing his innings.

James Ross (former President 2017/18) read a song from a 1892 Reptonian magazine entitled Ye Young Malvernians Cricket Song, to which Keith Metcalfe (Headmaster of Malvern College) replied.

After lunch, Charlie, in his own inimitable style, regaled the guests with some scurrilous tales and then gave amusing vignettes of each Pilgrim present.

Our sincere thanks to the Old Malvernian Society and Malvern College for “A Grand Day Out”.

OR Squash Club

By John Hings (Priory 1955-60), ORSC President

Although the ORSC did not enter a team for the Londonderry Cup (the annual public-school old boys’ competition) this year, we continue to recruit new talent and engage with Old Reptonian squash players. The relatively recent revival of squash at Repton, bolstered by the coaching services of Owain Taylor (current world number 95), has led to much more take-up from pupils, a wider School fixture list, and School leavers representing their universities in the sport. Next year a structural change to School games

OR Fives

By David Exley (Priory

1995-2000)

Another year of pockets of OR fives games, playing at the Midlands Open and the Graham Turnbull Trophy, finished with four courts of fives being enjoyed on OR Day at Repton on Saturday 31 August. There was a good blend of experience and youth in the OR team.

Recent leavers Celia Allen (Abbey 2019-24), Archie Webb (Priory 2019-24), Bobby Weston (Latham House 2019-24) and Henry Barton-Smith (Cross 2018-23) were supplemented by a contingent from a few years ago in the form of Harvey Wilson, Marcus Galley and Chris Bingham (all Priory 2017-22). It was great to see the camaraderie and gusto with which they played, and Barton Smith and Weston proving too strong for any of the School pairs.

There was also an evenly fought set between the four Priory ORs, which would have looked even better in the now unusable Priory yard court in the ‘90s! Elsewhere, there was a close and interesting encounter between an O Block pair from the School, which will be a strong one in a couple of years, and Tom Goodall (New 1993-98) and Mark Pointer (Latham 1997-02). The wise OR foxes came out on top, with the

should de-conflict squash with traditional main sports, giving younger pupils more freedom to choose which sports they want to play. This is likely to lead to even greater participation in squash, ensuring a steady stream of talented players who will become future members of the ORSC. With this in mind, we hope to field a more competitive Londonderry Cup side from the 2025/26 season onwards, and we plan to organise squad sessions in Repton and London over the coming year to identify and develop players.

left-handed cutting of Goodall proving bewitching for the schoolboys and Pointer showing that a long lay-off from the game had not damaged his skills. An enjoyable afternoon’s fives was had by all.

If anybody is interested in playing fives with ORs, there is a regular “club night” with Derby Moor at Repton every Wednesday evening and, as mentioned above, three key dates each year where ORs play in specific events. Please contact David Exley (Priory 1995-2000) at dexley@repton.org.uk if you are interested.

Repton Hockey Club

Although not formally linked to the Old Reptonian Society, Repton Hockey Club works closely with the School for the benefit of the current pupil body, for Old Reptonians and for members of the wider community. Eight years after forming, the Club has in excess of 350 members and has achieved unprecedented success in both the outdoor and indoor format of the game. Our link with the OR Society continues to strengthen, with ORs holding roles on the Club Committee, playing in our adult teams and coaching and mentoring across the Club’s junior section.

In 2023/24 the Women’s team reached the secondhighest league nationally (Division 1 North), while retaining their position in the National Indoor Premier Division. The Men’s 1st XI won a hard-fought promotion race in the Midlands Premier Division to join the Women in the National Leagues, and they will play in the Conference Midlands this season, as well as National Division 1 indoors. The Men’s 2nd XI competes in the Midland Leagues, and all adult teams benefit from a large number of ORs playing alongside current School pupils.

The Club’s junior section continues to thrive, with the U18 Boys having an outstanding season, winning the National Tier 1 title to once again qualify for the EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam. The progression and development across the junior squads, on both the indoor and outdoor stage, were rewarded last season with Tier 1 National Finals places across the U12, U14 and U16s age groups, and six players

OR Swimming

were involved in National Age Group training from our Player Performance Pathway.

Looking forward, the Club is considering forming an OR-London-based team to play regular weekly friendly matches, with a view to entering a development league in 2025/26. Please email the Club Secretary if you are interested in finding out more: secretary@reptonhockeyclub.com

Congratulations to five ORs who were selected for England in the U21 European Championships in Spain over summer: Bronte Brough (Mitre 2017-22), Sienna Dunn (Garden 2021-23), Tilly Butterworth (Mitre 201924), Alex Chihota (New 2020-22) and Harry Stone (New 2018-23). The Women’s team secured a bronze medal, while the Men finished fifth.

By Ash Morris, Director of Swimming Repton

During the 2023-24 swimming season, several OR swimmers represented their universities at major competitions, including the GB Aquatics Nationals and BUCS championships. Among them were Jacob Whibley (Orchard 2022-23), University of Salford, Lucy Hitchin (Field 2021-23), University of Edinburgh, Henrietta D’Ammassa (Abbey 2021-23), Manchester Metropolitan University, Hannah Bowley (Abbey 202123), University of Edinburgh, and Alicia Massie (Abbey 2021-23), University of Surrey.

Good luck to last year’s swimmer pupils who now go on to represent their university teams this season, including Holly Marshall (Garden 2022-24), Cardiff University, Holly Robinson (Mitre 2022-24), University of Arkansas, Leo Pollock (School 2019-24), University of Nottingham, Laurie Devine (Mitre 2022-24), University of Edinburgh, Eleonor Broughton (Mitre 2022-24), University of New Mexico, and Harriet Oxley (Garden 2022-24), University of Bath.

OR Football

By

Nicky Samra (New 2002-07) and Alex Kington (New 1991-96)

Introduction:

Old Reptonian Football Club won the Arthurian League Premier Division for the second time in its history, the last victory being in the 2001/02 season. The players also triumphed in the Arthur Dunn Cup for the third consecutive year, bringing their total wins in that competition to 14. This marked the most successful season in the Club’s rich history. With an average squad age of 26 years and four trophies under their belts, could this be the beginning of a new dynasty in old boys’ football?

Despite winning the League by a substantial 11 points, not every game was a 14-0 thumping (although there was one). We were involved in several incredibly close matches but ultimately found ways to stay ahead of the competition. Key results included wins against Old Alleynians (5-4 and 1-0), Old Carthusians (1-0) and Old Bradfieldians (1-0 and 4-3).

Arthurian League:

Very rarely does a non-southern school win the Premier Division. Apart from us this year and in 2001/02, the last time was Old Malvernians back in the late 1960s. For a school of our size, which is mixed, based 150 miles away from London, and offers other sports such as hockey and cricket, it is a remarkable achievement to trump the likes of Old Carthusians, Old Etonians, Old Bradfieldians and Old Alleynians. Many of these sides field two or three teams in the Arthurian League every Saturday. We have a very small squad, but it is currently rich in talent.

We only lost once all season, finished 11 points clear of second place, and set a new record for the largest winning margin when we defeated Old Cholmeleians 14-0. However, not every game was a walkover. At times we played scintillating football and scored freely, but

we often had to dig deep to secure narrow victories over the chasing pack. Most memorable was our monumental tussle with Old Bradfieldians, in which Tommy Speed’s (Priory 2014-16) early red card reduced us to ten men, and we went behind three times before emerging as the 4-3 winners.

The Captain and top scorer of the entire Arthurian League, Josh Riley (Priory 2011-16), grabbed the headlines as he notched 24 goals in just 16 League games. However, the six clean sheets were just as crucial to our success this season. Andy Evans (New 2006-10) was a rock at the back, alongside Ben Mann (Priory 2011-16), Tom Nevill (Orchard 2012-17) and Fraser Lane (Latham 2008-13). If anyone managed to beat them, Gleb Tverdokhlebov (Priory 2016-2021) lived up to his reputation as the best shot-stopper in the League.

The midfield of Tommy Speed, Tommy Redhead (Orchard 2017-19), Artem Aliev (Priory 2014-19) and a revived Doug Redfern (Priory 2009-13) was excellent, allowing us to rotate regularly with no drop in quality – a huge differential in many games. The front line of Josh Riley, Nicky Samra (New 2002-07), James Parton (Cross 2013-18) and Jack Pollard (Latham 2013-18) was dangerous in every game, enabling us to rotate frequently and maintain an intensity that no other team could match across 90 minutes. Adding Jake Raine (Cross 2015-20) in December gave us another devastating point of attack, and his tally of five goals and four assists was instrumental at the business end of the season.

Our success this season came down to having a committed core squad of 14 players who were available for the majority of fixtures. This allowed us to play players in their best positions week in and week out, developing a style of play that we could build on each week, rather than starting from scratch with five new players each match. Next season we hope to do what we were unable to do back in 2002: retain the League title. With a gigantic target on our back, this will not be easy, but we will give it our best shot.

Arthur Dunn Cup:

In the 2022 final we beat Old Etonians 7-1, setting a new record for the largest winning margin in a final. In 2023 we defeated Old Carthusians on penalties to retain the Cup for the first time ever. In 2024 a first-minute strike from Jake Raine secured a 1-0 win against Old Tonbridgians, marking our third consecutive Arthur Dunn Cup victory.

It was another special day as Old Reptonians from various eras flocked to Merchant Taylors’ School to watch us take on the side that had defeated us by the same scoreline in the 2012 final. The game was very one-sided, and had we managed to score a second, it could have been another mauling. It was great to avenge the 2012 defeat, especially for Alex Evans (New 2004-09), Andy Evans and Nicky Samra, who were also involved back then.

Our route to the final wasn’t easy, as we faced three other Premier Division sides, but fortunately we had home draws for all of them. First, we defeated a menacing Old Brentwoods 3-1, with James Parton scoring a 30-yard screamer to put the nail in the OB coffin. In the quarters we dispatched King’s College Wimbledon Old Boys for the second year in a row, with a Jake Raine brace and solo goals from Andy Evans and James Parton sending them back to SW London and out of the competition. The semi-final was our toughest game by far, with Old Alleynians (who finished second in the League) boasting ridiculous firepower and on a hot streak. Despite going behind early on, we rallied, and a quick change in formation put us in the driving seat. With 20 minutes to play and the scores level at 2-2, quick thinking from Tom Jones set up Josh Riley to acrobatically finish and win the game for his side.

We now sit in third place on the all-time winners list, level with Old Salopians on 14 wins, and behind Old Malvernians and Old Carthusians. This group of players will be looking to make it four in a row and equal the record set by Old Carthusians from 2016/17 to 2019/20.

ORFC Vets:

The ORFC Vets came up against a “young” Old Salopians side at King’s House, Chiswick, in November. We took the lead early on, and it was 1-1 at half-time. Unfortunately, their younger players and our lack of subs meant they had too much energy for us in the second half, and we lost 6-2. At our age there aren’t too many firsts in life, but in this match Matt Gooderick (Cross 1992-97) managed to pull not just one (standard) hamstring but both! And Alex Kington (New 1991-96) got his first sin bin...none of the players on the pitch had seen a blue card before!

We drew Old Harrovians in the plate and enjoyed playing on their latest 3G school pitch. It was a great game played in good spirits. Unfortunately, two fairly soft penalties went against us. Clayton Penney (Priory 1997-02) created problems for their back line with his pace and quality and was rewarded with a hat trick. With seconds to go, we were 4-3 down before Des Anderson (Priory 1982-87) curled one into the top corner from 25 yards. We went to penalties and were narrowly beaten, 5-4.

We are looking forward to another season, with the draw due to take place soon. Any players who turn 35 before this September are very welcome to join. Please get in touch: alkington78@gmail.com or 07717 704538

ORFC Players Shine for England in the UEFA Regions Cup

Very few footballers have the opportunity to put on an England shirt and represent their country. This summer a handful of ORFC players had that honour as they competed in the UEFA Regions Cup.

The journey began when the Arthurian League entered its Representative Side into the FA InterLeague Cup, a knockout competition for leagues in Tier 4 and below of English football. ORFC provided the most players from any team in the Arthurian League, and after a successful campaign they won the tournament, earning the right to represent England in Europe.

The UEFA Regions Cup featured 32 countries, divided into 8 groups of 4 teams. England’s group included Finland (the host nation), Portugal and Latvia. The group stage was played in a round-robin format, with the group winner advancing to the next stage in 2025. Each country’s FA set specific criteria, with the standard rule being that no players with current or previous professional contracts could participate. ORFC was well represented, with five players – Josh Riley, Fraser Lane, Tommy Redhead, Jake Raine and Andy Evans – and one coach, Nicky Samra, flying the ORFC flag.

From the moment we touched down in Helsinki, we were treated like the official England team. The FA funded the trip, providing a team liaison officer, doctor, physiotherapist and kitman, who drove for four days from St George’s Park to Finland with all the equipment needed for the week: official England kits, training gear, balls, cones, bibs, protein bars,

massage tables, GameReady™ machines, and more. Turning up to the stadium and walking into the changing room to see the England kit laid out was a surreal moment to say the least.

In our first game we faced an incredibly athletic Portuguese side. Despite knowing little about the opponents, we stormed to a 2-0 lead, thanks to an early own goal and a moment of magic from Josh Riley, who set up Jake Raine to finish with precision. However, Portugal fought back, and we found ourselves 3-2 down before introducing Tommy Redhead from the bench. With five minutes to go, Redhead nodded home from a corner, securing a vital 3-3 draw.

Next up was the host nation, Finland. Andy Evans was a rock in defence, earning the Man of the Match award, while Fraser Lane impressed in his tournament debut. A late goal salvaged a point for England – this time it was Tommy Redhead flicking on for Josh Riley, who acrobatically finished to secure a 1-1 draw. Heading into the final group game against Latvia, we needed a win and a 0-0 draw between Finland and Portugal to advance. We dominated the match, but Latvia made life difficult. The match ended 2-1, and we retreated to watch the other fixture. Finland’s 2-0 victory over Portugal dashed our hopes of advancing.

While it was disappointing, the team exceeded expectations, remaining unbeaten and showcasing ORFC players as standout performers. It was an unforgettable experience, and those involved made their School, ORFC, families and country proud.

OR Golfing Society

By Paul Brownhill (Priory 1989-85), Honorary Secretary

The Old Reptonian Golfing Society celebrates its centenary this year, and it is encouraging to see the Society in such good health. We have had another very busy season, with more than 25 fixtures and 150 golfers of all standards taking part.

The start of 2024 saw the Society take two tables at the Halford Hewitt Centenary celebrations at the Dorchester, London. And with over 650 people in attendance, a wonderful evening was had by all.

Myles Pearson (Priory 1999-04), our Halford Hewitt Captain, led our team to the quarter-finals, where we lost to a very good Bedford side. Myles also led our Grafton Morrish side in qualifying to play in Norfolk in October.

Our Veteran teams continue to represent Repton with distinction in the Bernard Darwin, with Douglas Campbell (Hall 1971-76) marshalling our team to a very respectable quarter-final place.

Once again, the Arnell Bowl and Presidents Tankard, played among golfers from Repton and Malvern, has proved very popular, with the finals in late October.

For me, the highlight of the year took place on Friday 14 June, when more than seventy Old Reptonians and their guests attended a wonderful day at Woking Golf Club to celebrate our 100th anniversary as a Society. This was superbly organised by Adrian Pepper (Hall 1983-88).

Headmaster Mark Semmence joined us to help celebrate our centenary. Mark spoke very positively about life at Repton, particularly how well the School is doing in sports. Mark was very grateful to be invited to our centenary celebrations and emphasised how fortunate he feels to be part of the Reptonian community.

The golf saw 14 teams comprising 62 golfers compete for the Kummel Crystal. What is always impressive about an OR golf day is the age gap between our oldest and youngest members, and this day was no exception. Denis O Neill (Mitre 1947-52), at the age of 90, drove himself from Ireland to attend the meeting. But it was fitting that one of our youngest teams, consisting of Mike Watson (Priory 2003-09), Alex Needham (New 2010-15), Will Swann (New 2010-15 and Luke

Lacey (Cross 2007-09), took the Kummel Crystal home.

Encouraging young OR golfers to get involved in OR golf is very important to us. The OR Society is helping us with our continued support of anyone under the age of 35 who wants to join us and play golf.

On Sunday 1 September we were back at Little Aston, where we were joined by pupils and staff from the School. There was some excellent golf on show, with two sets of father and son pairs taking the prizes. We would especially like to mention one boy who is still at Repton Prep and is now the youngest member of the Society.

We are always looking to welcome new members, and we want to encourage both younger and female golfers of all standards to join us. If you are under 25, you can play two rounds of golf on some of the best courses, and have lunch, all for £50. We hope you agree this is fabulous value.

OR Tennis

By Jamie Muirhead (Cross

As another year draws to a close, we hope you’ve all had the chance to enjoy some tennis in 2024, either on the court or cheering from the sidelines. This year brought slightly less silverware than we have become accustomed to, but lots of great matches, with nailbiting old rivalries nonetheless, and we’ll come back stronger again next year.

Season Highlights:

ORs vs Repton

The annual Old Reptonian vs Current 1st teams’ fixture was a fantastic success, with a record number of ORs returning to meet and compete on the hallowed courts against the current crop of tennis players within the School. This event, usually played midweek, was moved to a weekend, enabling a number of ORs to attend the gathering who logistically might not have been able to in previous years.

The fixture is always a great balance of competitive matches and some “friendlier” versions of tennis, as the match is open to all ages and abilities and not just former 1st-team students. The sun was shining, and when the fixture got underway it was great to see all courts full, with singles, doubles and mixed doubles being played. The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was brilliant, with ORs exchanging stories from their years at the School between rounds of tennis.

2009-11)

The ORs eventually emerged 12-5 winners, followed by a wonderful BBQ provided by our excellent catering team. Many thanks to James Rushby for doing a brilliant job arranging and making the ORs feel welcome. Thanks also to Phil Brindley (New 2002-04) for successfully captaining the ORs.

The first round of matches was extremely tight, with Paddy Foley and Alex Grocott beating the Old Reedonians 2nds in a tight championship tie break. But with Rich Harrison and Jamie Muirhead narrowly losing in another match tie break after missing out on a number of match points, and

D’Abernon Cup Final

On Sunday 8 September, the Old Reptonians team of Jamie Muirhead (Cross 2009-11), Richard Harrison (Hall 1992-94), Paddy Foley (New 2011-13), Alex Grocott (School 201012), Harrison Birch (Latham 2018-20) and Phil Brindley (New 2002-04) gathered at the wonderful venue of the All England Club to contest the final of the D’Abernon Cup against our old rivals, the Old Reedonians. Despite the sun shining all day, the heavy rain of the previous week saw the match played indoors at the brand-new indoor centre.

with the Old Reedonians 1st team proving too strong for Harrison Birch and Phil Brindley, the scores stood at 2-1 after round one.

In the second round, the quality of tennis remained extremely high, with the large crowd of spectators egging the players on and really enjoying the tennis on show. The Reed’s 1st pair again proved too strong, but with the other two matches both nail-biters, it was all to play for. However, the Reeds team took their opportunities in both matches, and after another third-set tie break, this time Harrison Birch and Phil Brindley just missing out, Reeds sealed the deal 5-1.

While the team are disappointed to come up just short this year, we’re thrilled to make it to another final, and with the head-to-head score 3-3 when we have met Reeds in the final in recent years, it’s all to play for when we meet again.

Ladies Competition

I’m pleased to report that the ladies inter-school alumni competition was held again this year, this time at the Westside Club in Wimbledon.

The ORs didn’t field a team this time round, but since the competition should be here to stay, if you are interested in getting involved in our ladies team, please get in contact.

Padel Tennis Update

Padel is fast becoming a sensation, and we’re thrilled to announce that we plan to field OR teams in future inter-school padel tournaments. For those unfamiliar, padel is a mix of tennis and squash and is sweeping across the world – if you haven’t seen it, have a look on YouTube!

Excitingly, OR Sandy Farquharson, a top player on the international padel circuit and member of Team GB, has offered to captain the OR team. If you’re interested in joining the OR Padel team, or hearing more details for next year, please get in touch.

Looking Forward to 2025

As we reflect on this year’s successes and challenges, we are already looking forward to the 2025 season. With the growth of padel tennis, the ever-popular ORs vs. Repton fixture, the ladies competition and another shot at the D’Abernon Cup, there’s a lot to be excited about.

A big thank you to all who participated, spectated and supported us throughout the year. If you’d like to get involved with OR Tennis in the future or simply want to stay informed, feel free to drop me an email at muirheadjamie@ gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing many of you on the courts in 2025!

OR Careers Guidance & Networking

The OR Society offers a great opportunity for networking and making new friends, as well as connecting with old ones. Our established community of OR Careers Ambassadors are on hand to offer advice and guidance to Upper Sixth pupils and younger ORs starting out on their career pathway – as well as ORs of any age looking to switch or re-think their careers.

Rohan Mahan (Priory 2016-20) and Thomas Dunn (Orchard 2015-20) – Charity

Rohan and Thomas both graduated from Repton in 2020, where they had first met and acknowledged the alignment of their morals and shared desire to change the world. Rohan became a Holistic Health and Fitness Coach, whereas Thomas went on to become a filmmaker and photographer. Their combined passions allowed for the creation of ‘The Mission Planet’, guided by the philosophy “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. Operating as a Video Production company, their cleverly woven social media storytelling doesn’t just capture hearts, it fuels fundraising endeavours. Their current focus is on raising funds for the Baladi Mabsut Dog Sanctuary in Cairo, Egypt. This sanctuary is a haven for rescued street dogs, offering them a lifetime of safety, care and love.

Ruth Millington (Field

2000-05)

– Art Historian

Ruth Millington is an art historian, curator and author, specialising in modern and contemporary art. She has written for various publications, including The i newspaper, The Telegraph, Radio Times and BBC Online. She has been featured as an art expert on TV and radio, including BBC Breakfast, Woman’s Hour, Sky Arts and ITV News. Her first book Muse (Penguin 2022) uncovers the hidden figures behind art history’s masterpieces. She is also an advocate for teaching Art History to children, leading her to write This Book Will Make You An Artist, published by Nosy Crow in 2024.

Our Ambassadors cover a variety of industry sectors: the profiles of some are showcased below, with many more available to connect with.

If you would like to speak to a Careers Ambassador, or even consider sharing advice from your own sector, please contact or@repton.org.uk

Marshall

– Surgeon Rear Admiral Royal Navy

Surgeon Rear Admiral Fleur Marshall, holds one of the most senior positions in the Royal Navy, and is only the second female to hold the title. During Fleur’s time at Repton, she focused on gaining a place at Medical School and believes being one of only two girls in each of her A Level classes prepared her for her professional career. Although she studied the three sciences, she also studied art and was involved in school productions and started to master the art of public speaking – something that gave her a sound footing beyond school and is essential in her career. The advice she gives to Reptonians is to make the most of every opportunity that you encounter – and there are so many at Repton. She is highly motivated to inspire others to aim for roles that may not have been held by people like them before.

Fleur

(Abbey 1988-90)

Eli Ankutse (Latham 1995-2000) – Luxury Brand Management

Eli Ankutse is a Founder and Editor, and also acts as a Consultant to brands predominantly in the luxury, premium spirits and skincare arena. From the likes of G.H. Mumm champagne to Steinway & Sons and Maison Margiela, over the last 10 years, Eli has helped many well known brands to create new products, plan for the future and to tell their stories beautifully, in many different ways. He also spends a lot of time creating content in the digital realm and has a keen eye on emergent future-tech.

Alex Harold (Priory 2008-13) – Jewellery Maker

Alex Harold is the Founder and Creative Director at Alex&er Jewellery. Alex studied at Repton until 2013 and then took a course in Interior Design and Architecture at Nottingham Trent University. Since then, he has followed a number of creative paths. As a fine artist, Alex created a series of artworks relating to metamorphosis. He has worked as a freelance photographer & videographer and graphic designer working for brands such as Bentley, Graze, Innovest and the restaurant Lunar by Niall Keating. In his current role at Alex&er Jewellery, Alex designs and curates new jewellery collections, oversees creative strategy, leads photo and video shoots from campaign through to product shoots.

Eleanor Sharples (Mitre 2008-13) – News Producer

Eleanor is a Producer for GB News. She graduated from Loughborough University in 2016 with a degree in Politics, and later returned to Repton as a Sports Assistant and then Marketing Assistant. Eleanor received a gold standard diploma in 2018 in her NCTJ journalism course, and went on to join Triangle News press agency as a news reporter, honing her writing skills for national newspapers. This won her the Denis Cassidy Award for Best Young Talent at the National Association for Press Agencies Awards. In 2018 she became a TV and Radio correspondent for the Daily Mail and in 2022 became a reporter for The Sun covering the Queen’s death, the Women’s Football World Cup and the war in Ukraine. With a passion to go into TV, Eleanor joined GB News in 2024 as a News Producer.

Molly (Mitre 2012-17) and Joshua Thompson-Dykes (Priory 2015-20) – Hospitality

Molly and Joshua graduated from Repton in 2017 and 2020 respectively, and continued on to university. Dissatisfied with the typical work routine, Molly, her partner Alex and Josh set out to offer a burger option in the student area of Birmingham. Molly and Alex ran the business, whilst Josh worked part time completing his degree in Business. Burger-Me-Up or BMU has quickly grown, adding a takeaway site after only six months of trading, then taking over a street food kitchen in Solihull. In October 2024, they opened their brand new site in Stirchley.

Norton & Sons Tailoring For Women

Meet Hannah Bond (Field 2013-18)

Norton & Sons has been a hallmark of Savile Row craftsmanship since 1821. As the second-oldest establishment on the Row, Norton’s extensive experience has solidified its reputation for bespoke tailoring and creating the finest garments for those who appreciate the craft involved in this trade.

In late 2022, OR Hannah Bond (Field 2013-18) was given the task of extending this legacy to a new women’s made-tomeasure service, bringing a fresh perspective to Norton & Sons’ 200year Savile Row history.

Norton’s made a name for itself dressing sportsmen and adventurers such as Sir John Blashford-Snell, Henry Stanley and Lord Carnarvon, who was wearing

a Norton & Sons’ suit when he opened Tutankhamun’s tomb. Since then, Norton’s has dressed two US presidents, Winston Churchill, Alexander McQueen, Hollywood actors, and more. While Norton & Sons has predominantly been known as a men’s tailor, few know about the remarkable array of female clientele dressed throughout history, from Queen Victoria, the Queen of Spain and the Empress of Austria, to helping to create tailoring ranges for Christopher Kane, Jenny Packham and The Kooples.

Hannah believes this new Tailoring for Women service is a pioneering step towards redefining womenswear on Savile Row. It embodies the artistry and heritage of Norton & Sons while embracing modernity and innovation to cater to today’s woman.

To promote the new women’s services, Hannah has designed the Tailoring for Women collection. Drawing inspiration from Norton’s heritage, brand identity and guiding principles, she has curated a collection that seeks to inspire women by showcasing the endless possibilities of creating their own suit. It is a visual representation of Norton’s commitment to craftsmanship and highlights the potential for individuality through made-to-measure and bespoke tailoring.

Each piece is hand-crafted by trained artisans to the highquality standards that Norton’s has continued to uphold for 200 years. Combining a colour palette of natural, earthy hues with a focus on beautifully tailored garments, the collection embodies Norton’s less-is-more approach to design, culminating in a wardrobe for the modern woman.

The Norton & Sons name has only ever been attached to the finest tailored clothing. There is just one address – 16 Savile Row – and no licenses elsewhere. For more information on Norton & Sons’ Tailoring for Women, visit the website, nortonandsons.co.uk.

Photographed by The Guide Magazine

Photographed by The Guide Magazine

The Tickled Trout, Owner and Chef

Meet Chris Mapp (Orchard 1989-94)

We interviewed Chris Mapp (Orchard 1989-94), owner and Head Chef of the Tickled Trout in Barlow, Sheffield, who won the Best Pub Restaurant Chef Award at the 2024 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. We delved into his background, inspiration and the journey that led him to open his award-winning pub restaurant.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a chef?

My parents were successful in the pub industry. I met a chef in one of their pubs and I loved how he made food taste amazing with a little butter and salt. It encouraged me to experiment to fill the hours at university. I would watch Ready Steady Cook and write down all the recipes from Teletext or Ceefax – let me tell you that was tedious. I would then cook for my flatmates.

Did your time at Repton School influence your career path?

I enjoyed the discipline and the CCF, which I excelled in. I was thinking of applying for Sandhurst – it’s funny how similar kitchens are to the Army.

Can you share a bit about the journey that led you to open the Tickled Trout?

Having left Repton, my first job after university was in telecoms engineering. Unfortunately, I was made redundant when the 3G licences were bid for and Marconi went bust. I decided to change career and do something I enjoyed: cooking. I retrained in a 5-star hotel in London, went back to college

and then took a massive step into the Michelin environment with Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing at the 1-star Petrus. This involved gruelling 18-hour shifts, and it was before Gordon became famous beyond the kitchen. After a few years I went to The Greenhouse, a 2-star Michelin restaurant in Mayfair. Then I moved to Padstow with Paul Ainsworth, my best mate and business partner. Several years later I moved back to Derbyshire and Paul went it alone. The Tickled Trout came up for sale in my home village, Barlow, and the rest is history.

What is the story behind the name “Tickled Trout”?

This is old terminology for how a poacher caught their fish. Trout are particularly ticklish; they sleep under banks of rivers and the poacher would dangle bait to entice them with one hand and tickle their bellies with the other. The trout would roll over and get scooped up out of the water for the poacher to take home for tea – this is a “tickled trout.”

How would you describe the culinary style and atmosphere of the Tickled Trout?

We are modern British specialising in the seasonality and locality of our produce. The pub restaurant is light and airy with an orangery and open bi-fold windows in the summer and a huge log fire roaring in the winter. It is really welcoming and friendly.

What do you believe sets your restaurant apart from others in the area?

We believe we are better than much of the local competition, and we get told this frequently by customers. We have our own kitchen garden, so we grow a lot of our own ingredients. As I said before, we are really keen on seasonality, including meat and fish, and have strong sustainability ethics. All our veg peelings go to the deer on our farm, so there is minimal wastage. The menu is not pretentious. We try to offer a nice mix of special dishes, and some classics, so there is plenty of choice for all ages and demographics.

What advice would you give to ORs who are aspiring chefs or restaurateurs?

Don’t do it! Only kidding, find somewhere that you know will give you the best training with a good mentor. It is not an easy career but it is very rewarding. You will meet some of your best friends, and the hospitality industry is one big fabulous family. We have a small team of 25 to 30, and we run it as a family, because we are with one another 14 to 15 hours a day – it’s a vocation. I often say in career talks at schools – and it’s rare for someone in my industry to give them – that you are a long time working, so find something that ticks your boxes that you will enjoy. You should not feel under pressure from others. If you like gardening, be the best gardener, turn it into a business,

train and encourage others, grow and let others grow with you. In terms of cooking, it’s quite simple: 1. Understand the ingredient (do your homework, learn). 2. Keep it simple (don’t complicate it, less is often more). 3. Make it taste good (Isn’t that what we all love about food?). And the rest will come – don’t worry about presentation at this stage!

What achievements are you most proud of in your career?

I am lucky to have been recognised a few times over the 10 years: Chef and Restaurant of the Year for Derbyshire Life; and unsung hero during the COVID pandemic, when we produced 3,500 meals for front-line staff at the Chesterfield Royal. I became a Patron of a national hospitality charity called Springboard and mentored a girl to

the national final twice, and recently with the National Pub Restaurant Chef of the Year, and the AA rosette. But my biggest achievement has been training eight youngsters from scratch, getting them through apprenticeships and preparing them for the next step of their career. Most of them have moved to Michelin-starred kitchens and settled well after my training. One is already a head chef looking for his own Michelin star!

What do you enjoy most about running the Tickled Trout?

Working with a nice team. I am so lucky that my staff are brilliant – they are proud of what we do, and that is reflected in the food and service. I love to see happy customers – we all do – it makes our day.

Lower Sixth Careers Convention

Saturday 8 June saw our Lower Sixth descend on the Science Priory for inspiration and guidance from a great network of professionals. With talks from former parents to Governors and ORs, as well as a range of universities, there was something to inspire all. Five ORs presented topics ranging from journalism (Eleanor Sharples, Mitre 2008-13), recruitment (Richard Harrison, Hall 1992-94) and jewellery making (Alex Harold, Priory 2008-13) to higher education (Nick Hillman, Brook 1985-90) and luxury brand management (Eli Ankutse, Latham 1995-2000). This gave pupils an insight into the variety of pathways Reptonians can take once they leave the School, with success not always being in the more traditional career areas.

ORs in Formula 1

ORs are making notable strides in the world of Formula 1.

Adrian Newey (New 1972-75) continues to make the headlines with his new contract at Aston Martin F1, and his innovative designs remain at the forefront of race-car engineering. Meanwhile, Alex Smith (Orchard 2014-19) has joined the ranks of Red Bull as a graduate engineer, working on developing the 2026 Red Bull F1 engine. Additionally, Jakob Wanger (School 201318) is advancing his career as an operations graduate

with McLaren Racing, playing a vital role in the team’s operational strategies. Jordan King (Cross 2007-10) is leveraging his expertise as a driver development coach for More Than Equal, a key organisation focused on supporting female drivers in reaching the F1 circuit. These ORs are making waves in Formula 1, showcasing their talents and contributions across various facets of the sport.

Meet Harriet Greene (Garden 2014-19) – PhD in Clinical Neurosciences

By Stuart Ingleston-Orme (Current staff)

Harriet Greene (Garden 2014-19) has recently been accepted to the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, the University of Oxford, for their DPhil programme. She will be working with Professor Zameel Cader in the Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group on a brilliant project studying the blood–brain barrier and insulin resistance.

Harriet was a pupil at Repton School from 2014 to 2019 and made a wonderful impression in her time at School, and subsequently at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. At Barts she gained an impressive First-Class Honours degree in Neuroscience, including 90% in her dissertation on synaptic

plasticity, the highest mark from her cohort of 60 undergraduates.

For as long as I can remember, she has demonstrated a passion for medical sciences and research, and she was a keen member of our weekly meal-time volunteering team at Royal Derby Hospital. She researched Alzheimer’s disease as part of her EPQ dissertation and was selected above many others to be our Medical Society Secretary, a position of significant responsibility and leadership reflecting the high regard in which she was held by her peers and teachers.

Harriet’s scientific interest and wider research, especially her recent paper in the BNA Bulletin,

and a pending publication on the effect of nicotine on the hippocampus, demonstrates she has the ability, skills and approach to continue to achieve excellence, and the potential to develop into an outstanding, astute and gifted scientist. The University of Oxford is fortunate to have her, and we wish her every continued success!

Trip around the World

Ella Nieper (Field 2012-17) sails three legs of 2023/24 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

We raced around Australia from Fremantle to Airlie Beach, spending Christmas and New Year at sea, then up to Vietnam and China, crossing the equator. After a short travel break, it was back on the boat in Seattle, racing down to Panama and transiting one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal, and then the final stretch up to Washington DC. It was an amazing experience, from bioluminescent dolphins to whales and skies full of stars, with a few ocean gales in the mix!

With a crew of 16 on board, life was never dull and we had constant music on deck and sometimes a murder mystery podcast on long

night watches. In the Doldrums (an area around the equator with typically very light winds), two or three of us would focus on not sailing backwards while the rest of the crew enjoyed UNO and cards! However, south of Tasmania it was a

different story. With 8m swells and 50kts of wind, the boat was surfing downwind at 20kts – a completely different kind of fun!

It was a life-changing experience, and we made lifelong friends from around the world.

Repton Says Goodbye as the OR Society Welcomes

On 29 June 2024, Repton said goodbye to the Leavers of 2024. Speech Day celebrated incredible achievements, with speeches from Headmaster Mark Semmence, guest speaker OR Surgeon Rear Admiral Fleur Marshall (Abbey 1988–90), and more. This was followed by a fantastic evening at the Leavers’ Ball celebrating with friends,

family and teachers. As our Reptonians venture out into the world beyond The Arch, they can stay connected through the OR Society. With events, communications, clubs and branches, and invaluable careers guidance and networking, there is something for everyone. We have no doubt that the class of 2024 will do amazingly well!

To arrange your personal tour, please email our Admissions Manager, Ellie Jones ejones@repton.org.uk

Births

Harriet (Mitre 2006-11) and Elliot (School 2004-09) Cornish-Sheasby have welcomed their second baby. Albert William Cornish-Sheasby was born on 5 April 2024.

Weddings

Phoebe Chapman (Field 2010-15) and Edward Ikin (Cross 2008-11) got married on 19 July 2024 at Chewton Glen Hotel.

Ashlie, née Caddick (Garden 2005-07) and Nicky Samra (New 2002-07) celebrated NYE in style, welcoming baby Archer B Samra to the world. Their healthy boy was born weighing 6lb 8oz at Kingston Hospital and is already as active as expected.

Peter Neil (Priory 1975-80) married Susan Jane Smith on 22 February, at Edes House, Chichester, followed by a wedding breakfast attended by their children, at Park House, Bepton, near Midhurst, West Sussex.

Lowri Curry, née McIntosh (Field 2008-13) got married to Andrew Curry, on 17th August 2024 at Dorfold Hall, Nantwich, Cheshire.

ORs in attendance were, from L to R: Tanya Mann (Field 2010-12), Joanna Holroyd (Field 2008-13), Katie Driver (Field 2008-13), Polly Oates (Field 2010-12), Megan Tate, née Byas (Field 2007-12), Phoebe Whittome (Field 2007-12), Lowri Curry, née McIntosh (bride), Andrew Curry (groom), Eleanor Sharples (Mitre 200813), Callum McIntosh (Priory 2006-11), Kate Peters, née Benn (Abbey 2008-13), Philippa Sanders (Garden 200813), Avisha Patel (Garden 2008-13), Charlotte Graham (Mitre 2008-13).

Calum Setterington (School 2005-10) and Alisha Morrow (now Setterington) got married on 24 July 2024. They had a beach ceremony in Kefalonia, Greece, followed by a party in Brantingham, East Yorkshire, on 17 August 2024. In attendance from the Repton community were: Liam Fletcher [best man] (Orchard 2005-10), Lucy Setterington (Abbey 2007-12), Ian Setterington (former staff 2005-18), Dan Clark (former staff 2008-18), Kevin MacDonald (former staff), James Burton (former staff) and Aled Ballard, a colleague from Repton Dubai.

Emily Mitchell (Mitre 2011-16) and Charlie Falkingham (School 2012-14) got married at Kilham Church in East Yorkshire on Saturday 13 July 2024. They had their reception at Charlie’s family farm, Denby Farm, just down the road from the church.

ORs in attendance were, from L to R, Cordelia Marshall (Mitre 2011-16), Molly Papadopoullos (Mitre 2011-16), Keira MorganWilliams (Mitre 2014-16), Rebecca Lee (Garden 2011-16), Sam Cotter (School 2009-12), Steve Kosmala (Orchard 2009-12), Joanna Musty (Mitre 2012-16), Caitlin Binns (Mitre 2011-16), Georgie Langford (Mitre 2011-16), George Dawson (Orchard 2009-12), Sam Falkingham (School 2010-12) and Jack Clarke (Orchard 2009-14).

Alan Budge (Hall 1958-63) and Janet Budge have celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Though living in South Africa, they received a hand-signed letter from the King and Queen congratulating them on reaching the milestone!

Repton Weddings

The team at Repton Enterprises have paired up with The Secret Bridesmaid to create unforgettable memories on your wedding day. Our packages can be built to suit you; whether you want a traditional wedding or a more intimate day, we will do what we can to create your vision.

We have three venues, with guest capacity ranging from a more intimate 34 guests to a large-style reception with up to 150 guests.

All of our prices include:

• Exclusive use of venues

• The venue dressing package supplied by our partner, The Secret Bridesmaid Tables, chairs and white linens

• A dedicated event lead for your special day

Contact:

27 June 2024

27 June 1964

Headmaster’s Update

By Mark Semmence, Headmaster

In a modern boarding School like Repton, opportunity, choice, support and guidance are integral to the School’s provision, but we have done much to make it easier for pupils to let us know how they feel.

One feature of Pupil Voice is the regular use of surveys and questionnaires, which allow our pupils to give their opinion, often anonymously, on a whole range of issues to do with School life. Many of these areas are quite specific but

for me as Headmaster, and indeed, as a parent, the three key questions to which I instinctively turn are: Are you happy at Repton? Do you feel safe and well cared for? Do you have good friends?

I am pleased to say that for many years now, the responses to these questions in our surveys have been overwhelmingly positive, as I hope they were for you in your time at Repton. We all know that there will sometimes be contrary feelings or difficulties for some pupils, but it is

my firm belief that our WellWorks pastoral care programme, and the close-knit bonds of our special community, are conducive to creating the wonderful achievements and activities it is my pleasure to relate in this, the latest instalment of our shared Repton story.

Inspection

Every three years, Repton, like all independent schools, is rigorously inspected at short notice by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The latest Inspection Report, published in March of this year, judged that Repton not only ‘met’ every required standard (there is no grading system any more) but identified a ‘sense of community’ in which ‘pupils develop a strong sense of belonging’ and ‘feel safe’, the ‘enriching experience’ of boarding supported by ‘knowledgeable and skilled teachers’, the ‘varied extra-curricular programme’ which produces ‘well rounded individuals’, the development of

Speech Day Concert

‘self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience’ and ‘the significant strength’ in the ‘provision of sport’ for all pupils. I hope these are qualities which many of you would recognise as being intrinsically Reptonian but nevertheless, such external judgement is an important validation of the work and spirit of our community.

Academic Success

The academic focus noted by the Inspectors ultimately bore fruit in the public examination results this year with 73% of A Level grades awarded A*-B. Reptonians won four places at Cambridge, and the majority of the cohort are now attending Russell Group universities, as well as an increasing number who have taken up places at world renowned universities including Harvard.

The summer’s GCSE results were also excellent, with 58% of grades

being 9-7, which bucked the national trend and allowed our new Lower Sixth to begin their A Level courses with confidence in September. Of particular note was Fisayo Atere’s outstanding 13 Grade 9s at GCSE.

Academic endeavour is by no means restricted to the classroom. Repton pupils have tested their ability in a range of debating competitions, progressing into the final stages of several Schools competitions and winning the Cheltenham Independent Schools French competition outright. Elsewhere, there was much success in the Economics ‘Budget Challenge’ competition, a multitude of English essay and poetry prizes, the Physics Olympiad the Biology Olympiad, and the Institution of Civil Engineers CityZen competition (the Gold Award going to the Repton team for their green energy plan for the Willington cooling towers).

Thank You For The Music!

Musically, Repton continues to flourish with a stimulating and accomplished range of performance, from the Michaelmas and Summer Gala Concerts to Rockit, from Unison (won by Garden) to the Carol Service and Evensong in St Paul’s, from House Harmony (won by Mitre) to Big Band and Symphony Orchestra and from the Music Competition Final in Chatsworth’s beautiful Painted Hall to the Leavers’ Concert in our own Beldam Hall.

Now a much-anticipated annual fixture, the Choir Tour, this year to Berlin, Potsdam and Leipzig and performing in Berlin Cathedral, the Thomaskirche (the burial church of J.S. Bach) and the Schlosskirche (Wittenberg) was a wonderful experience. New this year was the Repton Choral Initiative, a venture linking the choirs of the Senior School and the Prep, as well as ORs, parents and friends from the local community who came together to sing Alexander L’Estrange’s epic jazz cantata ‘Freedom’.

Repton’s Young Musician of the Year

Chapel Choir

Artistic Expression

The two major productions of the Lent Term provided a complete contrast to each other: ‘The Crucible’, a challenging play superbly acted by a wonderful ensemble of Repton stage talent, and ‘Pedants’, the near-legendary quadrennial staff review of songs, sketches and ‘ballet’ which filled the theatre for three nights in February. In the Summer Term, our youngest actors gave us a highly entertaining Junior Show, ‘Roald Dahl’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ and there was much evidence of the continued success in the various LAMDA categories for over 60 Reptonians. The Michaelmas Term production this year was a powerful and wonderfully executed school performance of Blood Wedding.

In the Field and in the Air

CCF has undergone something of a renaissance in recent times and now, in A Block, pupils can either opt for the traditional uniformed route or Rangers, a new outward-bound initiative. All 102 A Block Army, RAF and Rangers cadets completed their Bronze DofE expedition in the local countryside and the Army section attended a successful fiveday camp where they took part in shooting, fieldcraft, adventurous training and other military skills. The RAF section managed to get over 20 cadets airborne and many Reptonians gained their Silver and Gold Awards during the course of the year.

Sport on the National Stage

The rarely awarded and formally designated accolade of ‘a significant strength’ for sport in the last Inspection was certainly justified given the efforts and achievements of our sportsmen and women in the last academic year. The rise of Repton Swimming in only four years to a position of national and international prominence is a remarkable story and last year’s many individual and team successes and medals in various competitions were wonderfully complemented by the unprecedented selection of Eva Okaro (Abbey Upper Sixth)

The Crucible

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

to swim for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics as part of the GB Women’s Freestyle Relay team.

Our performances on the hockey pitch have again underlined the depth of talent at Repton. We were the only School to have representation at boys’ and girls’ U14, U16 and U18 National Indoor Finals and U18 girls triumphed gloriously in the outdoor National Final to bring home Repton’s 50th national title since 1995: a remarkable achievement. It is always inspiring to our current pupils, especially the many already on international pathways at junior level or U21, to see the continued success of ORs at full international level with Flora Peel (Field 201315), Lily Walker (Field 2018-20) (GB) and Charlotte Stapenhorst (Abbey 2011-12) (Germany) competing at the Paris Olympics and Sam Rollett (Cross 2018-2023) gaining his first cap for Wales.

Our Footballers had a successful 2023/24 season as the Girls’ and

Boys’ 1st XIs reached the semifinals and quarter-finals of their respective ISFA cups. Both boys’ and girls’ teams provided players at various age groups for their ISFA representative sides and youth teams of professional clubs across the Midlands. Notable national recognition came for Emily Walne (Field O Block) with the England U16 Lionesses and for Hugo de Lisle (Latham O Block) with the full England U16 side. This season looks to be progressing well with the boys winning the ISFA Six-a-Side tournament and beating Bradfield and Rossall.

The strength of Repton’s cricket is evident at many levels: the Girls’ 1st XI reached the national T20 Finals Day, with the U15s winning their 100-Ball trophy and reaching the final of their T20 competition, with Annie Williams (Mitre Lower Sixth) currently training with England U19s. The Boys’ 1st XI enjoyed a remarkable season, winning 20 of their 24 matches to set a new School record under the captaincy of Yousaf Bin Naeem (School 201924) who, along with Harry Moore (Priory Upper Sixth) was awarded a contract by Derbyshire. Harry has since played for England U19, become Repton’s 157th first-class cricketer with Derbyshire CCC and has been selected to tour South Africa with the England Lions, the full England second XI and will be the second youngest ever to do so.

Our tennis is thriving too with both boys’ and girls’ senior teams going to the national finals, the girls gaining a bronze medal which they improved to a silver at the Independent Schools Championships.

Repton Prep

The sense of community at Repton Prep is palpable, and the pupils continue to embrace the wide variety of opportunities on offer: they enjoy working together, having fun and sharing their experiences. Importantly, like the senior School, the Prep enjoyed a very successful ISI inspection at the end of the Lent Term.

Bucking the national trend, the Prep boarding community

Harry Moore (Priory Upper Sixth)

Hugo de Lisle (Latham O Block)

Girls 1XI Hockey Nationals

Eva Okaro (Abbey Upper Sixth)

has continued to grow, and there have been some exciting developments in the last year. A new outdoor classroom has been installed, improvements have been made to the PrePrep playground, independent research qualifications have been implemented, and major works to the swimming pool have been completed.

Prep pupils are benefitting from the range of inspirational staff and facilities across the two sites more than ever before, and over 90% of our pupils continue their educational journey at Repton.

The Repton Family of Schools

In such uncertain times for many independent schools especially following the recent election and budget, the underlying security given by the growth in the Repton Family of Schools, cannot be overestimated. With now nearly 10,000 pupils being educated under the Repton banner across 11 Schools, both the income generated to support development projects (new facilities and restoration of heritage buildings) at Repton in the UK, as well as offer bursaries to pupils who wouldn’t otherwise be able to benefit from a Repton education are undoubtedly the envy of many in our sector.

We have plans to open a number of further international schools in the next few years and we remain ambitious for the development of Repton as a leading, global, educational brand.

Beyond Repton and Repton Prep, our Repton Family of Schools now comprises six international Schools: four in the UAE, one in China and one in Egypt, and three UK Prep schools: St Wystan’s in Repton village, and Vinehall School and Marlborough House School in East Sussex.

Not only do the International Schools provide additional income, but they also offer a wealth of opportunities for connection, collaboration and cultural exchange, broadening our pupils’ horizons and providing opportunities for our staff to share ideas and good practice. We were delighted to welcome pupils from our international schools to Repton Prep over the past year – they spent several weeks living and learning as boarders at the beautiful Foremarke Hall site – and we continue to host events in London for our international alumni.

OR Events

It was a pleasure to see so many of you at OR Day earlier this term. This is an event which is clearly flourishing with over 90 of you

participating in men’s football, women’s hockey, women’s netball and mixed fives, and many more spectating and enjoying the social at The Boot afterwards. I hope too, that many of you will be able to attend some of the OR events planned for this year such as the Choral Evensong at St Paul’s (Monday 27 January), Drinks in the City (London) on Wednesday 26 February, the Yorkshire Dinner in March, the Gaudy (Saturday 17 May) and the 10 Year Reunion Drinks in June: they promise to be a lot of fun.

In closing, I want to return to the idea of happiness and friendship at school. In my experience of the public school sector, it is remarkable to see the strength of feeling that exists, both for the School and for each other, among successive generations of Old Reptonians –it is a rare and special thing and remains at the heart of all we do.

Arrange a personal tour by calling 01283 559200 or email admissions@repton.org.uk

Repton Staff Valete

Most of you will remember your time here at Repton, filled with memories not only with your friends but also with members of staff. As we bade farewell to the 2023/24 School year, we also said goodbye to some very wellknown members of staff.

Cathy Goodhead

For almost four decades, Cathy has been more than just a teacher, Tutor, Housemistress, Senior Mistress and DSL; she has been a mentor, a guide and an inspiration to generations of colleagues and pupils. As a Housemistress (Abbey), Cathy transformed the boarding experience, creating a home away from home where pupils felt safe, valued and encouraged. Cathy’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment, innovation and a deep love of teaching and mentoring.

Olly and Kate Walker

Olly and Kate Walker have both made a lasting impact on Repton, where their paths crossed and their family began. As Director of Music, Olly brought warmth, energy, and infectious laughter, significantly enhancing the music programme. His tenure included standout achievements like Evensong services at St Paul’s Cathedral, BBC Radio 4 broadcasts, and international Choir tours. He was also a fine classroom teacher, ran his department with great warmth and good humour, and contributed greatly to building connections with feeder schools. Kate, as Head of English, established herself as an exceptional leader and teacher, raising academic standards and inspiring students with her love of literature. In her pastoral roles, first as a Tutor and later as Housemistress of The Garden, she was known for her calm authority and genuine care.

During their time at Repton, Kate and Olly married and welcomed their son, Albie, into the world. As a family, they now move on to new opportunities at Bruern Abbey, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, warmth, and lasting memories.

Louise Wilbraham

Louise arrived at Repton in 2008 as a Geography teacher and Housemistress of The Abbey with husband, Tim, and children, Sophie (Garden 2011-16) and Charlie (School 2013-17). Louise and Tim were an integral part of The Abbey and were loved by all Abbey girls. Louise has made a significant contribution to the School’s wider life, including organising and leading trips to Iceland and Costa Rica. In Louise’s 16 years at Repton, she has seen a huge amount of change, including five different Headmasters. Lou leaves Repton to enjoy early retirement with Tim.

Claire’s departure, after 15 years, will leave a huge gap in the lives of so many at Repton. She has given wholeheartedly to teaching in the Maths department, to teaching in and leading the Learning Support department, and to coaching sport. She is one of the kindest and most compassionate people you will ever meet. Claire was always destined to be a Housemistress, running The Mitre for five years. She has been a wonderful colleague and a loyal, loving and generous friend to so many.

Claire Jenkinson

Sarah Tennant

Sarah Tennant’s 30 years at Repton have been marked by outstanding service in teaching, pastoral care and leadership, impacting numerous pupils and staff. As a passionate Classics teacher, her engaging and challenging lessons inspired many students to pursue the subject at university. In Field House, which she opened and nurtured, Sarah encouraged girls to develop their interests and become strong, independent women. The House thrived under her guidance, achieving significant success in sports and other activities.

As Senior Deputy Head, Sarah’s responsibilities were vast, and she often took on additional roles, supporting pupils, attending numerous events and providing individual support to staff. She became Acting Head during a challenging period, steering the School successfully and maintaining confidence among

John Golding

The term “genuine schoolmaster” is a well-worn phrase often used in accounts of a Repton career. Starting his career at Repton in 1991, a youthful John Golding arrived and quickly got stuck into the wide range of tasks generally expected of a young member of staff. John quickly established himself as an outstanding teacher, bringing a modern approach to the subject. As one of the more youthful members of the Common Room, John was expected to play a significant role in running sports teams. Over the years, John ran the boys’ U16A teams in football, hockey and cricket, worked alongside Noel Bennett on the 1st XI Football, and helped Repton to win its first hockey trophy, with his U16 team becoming national champions.

John also had an incredible breadth of general knowledge, ranging from ornithology to the early’80s New Romantic scene. It was no surprise that John was asked to become Head of General Studies in 1996. Alongside all of this, John was a Tutor in The Mitre. In 2001 John became Housemaster of The Priory – he redefined the role of Housemaster at Repton and influenced how it is now performed. At the heart of John’s approach lay the importance of kindness and pupils looking after one another, ensuring the House was always a “happy” one.

John left The Priory after 11 years to take up a role on the Senior Management Team, becoming Senior Master and later Deputy Head (Pastoral) for five years. John managed Houseparents and was responsible for discipline across the School. John always had a way of making even the driest of meetings seem less dreary. The last five years have been spent in John’s most senior role, Principal Deputy Head. John helped to steer the School through significant challenges, such as the COVID pandemic. He oversaw a Repton programme that was better than many schools achieve “in person”, and ensured that the pupils still received the full “Repton experience”. In many ways John embodied the standards of Repton: the academic sportsman, the sense of family, the supportive colleague, and the ability to combine the role of the Prince in Pedants with that of Principal Deputy.

parents and staff. Even in her final terms, she remained dedicated, working tirelessly on various projects. Sarah’s legacy at Repton is one of commitment, hard work and profound impact on the lives of many Reptonians, who remember her with respect, affection and gratitude.

Family has always been at the heart of everything John has pursued and achieved at Repton. He would always be quick to point out the level of support given by his wife, Sarah, throughout his career, particularly when running the boarding house. An English teacher herself, teaching at Repton Prep, it is always her counsel that John has sought, and I know John would want to acknowledge the steadfast role Sarah has played in all aspects of his life at Repton. Furthermore, as well as giving a huge amount of his time and talent to the pupils who have come through the School, John has always been incredibly grateful for what Repton gave to his own boys, Jack Golding (Priory 2004-09) and Josh Golding (Priory 2006-11). They both had wonderfully successful and happy times at Repton, making lasting friendships and growing into fine young men.

Readying Repton for the Future Development Director

By Juliet Wolfe (née Ryalls) Abbey 1983-85

Now into my second school year since returning to Repton, it has been a pleasure to see development projects come to fruition, including the amazing new Digital Priory and the refurbished DT workshop. At Repton Prep, the seating in the Prep Theatre has been reupholstered, the swimming pool changing rooms have been upgraded and a new Outdoor Classroom has been built. All of these upgrades were made possible in part by the generous support of Old Reptonians and parents.

Next in line are the plans for allweather football pitches – vital to ensure optimum “playability” throughout the year – and repurposing the classrooms under Pears School to turn them into a new multi-purpose social space that will benefit the whole School. It will be wonderful to have a space where pupils across years can congregate in a relaxed atmosphere – especially during the winter months, when hanging out on The Paddock watching the cricket is not an option!

ORs will also be pleased to hear that refurbishing The Grubber and creating a Repton Museum to safeguard the School’s heritage and history are also on the radar. So, along with our commitment to providing a number of bursary places each year, there is much to do to sustain Repton’s proud history, while planning for the future, as we look towards the School’s 475th anniversary in 2032.

We hope to see you at an event soon – you can see what is coming up on the Reptonian Community Calendar of Events 2024/25 at Repton.org.uk/events

New Digital Priory Sets the Standard for Online Teaching and Collaboration

Donors, Governors and other guests were invited back to Repton on 13 September 2024 to celebrate the opening of the new “Digital Priory”. This interactive classroom is the jewel in the crown of the plans to transform the Cattley Building into a modern Business School, and it was made possible by the vision of former Governor Professor Alastair Buchan (Hall 1968-73) and the generous support of the family of Hugo Xie (Orchard 2018-23).

Harnessing this immersive technology, staff and pupils can reap the teaching and learning

benefits of our international Repton Family of Schools. For example, pupils in Repton can learn Arabic or Mandarin from the Repton Schools in the Middle East and China, while overseas pupils can learn Latin and Greek taught by teachers at Repton. In addition, our teachers around the world can collaborate and share best practice with one another in real time – in both cases an experience that is as close to being in the same room as the real thing.

This state-of-the-art bespoke learning space is on par with teaching facilities of leading universities in the world – with the added Repton USP of hosting a 21st-century experience in a 12thcentury site. And that is the Repton sense of balance in a nutshell.

If any Old Reptonians or parents would like to give a careers talk to pupils – which can now be done virtually to a very high standard via the Digital Priory – please contact Deputy Head Academic Joe Sidders at jsidders@repton.org.uk

Newly Refurbished Design & Technology Workshop Reopens as “The Robert Kirkland Design Centre”

On 13 September 2024 the newly refurbished DT workshop reopened, renamed “The Robert Kirkland Design Centre”, in honour of Robert Kirkland (Orchard 195964), whose generous gift, and huge support of the School over many

years, enabled this wonderful upgrade. Pupils can now enjoy a modern, light and airy space, with brand-new flooring, work benches, storage facilities and decorative effects – an ideal environment in which to develop the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and creative edge needed for designing and making functional products.

World-Renowned Art Collector Richard Kan (Cross 1966-68) Visits the School

On 12 September 2024 Repton welcomed back Richard Kan (Cross 1966-68), an Old Reptonian and generous benefactor to the School, after whom The Kan Library at the top of the Science Priory is named. Richard hails from Hong Kong and is a world-renowned collector of objects of fine art, in particular ceramics and porcelain. His most recent exhibition was held at the Château de Versailles in Paris. With a background in engineering, Richard embodies the idea of the intersection between art and science, and he gave an illuminating talk to pupils in the Science Priory while he was here.

He also found time to drop into the B Block Entrepreneur Day, enjoy afternoon tea with our pupils from Hong Kong and have dinner with Headmaster Mark Semmence, Chair of Governors Mark Shires, and Development Director Juliet Wolfe, where they discussed the School’s strategic plan and ambitious vision for the future.

Sir John Port Society Lunch

On 8 June 2024, the President of the Repton Foundation, Robert Kirkland (Orchard 1959-64), hosted the Sir John Port Society lunch in the Headmaster’s Dining Room in The Hall, recognising those

who have pledged to remember Repton in their will. An afternoon of exquisite food (cooked by The Hall’s very own chef, David), fine wine (expertly selected by Robert) and convivial conversation was enjoyed by all.

Building on the 1557 legacy of Repton School’s founder, Sir John Port, the aims of the Repton Foundation are to:

• Offer life-changing bursary places to pupils who have the talent, but not the financial means, to benefit from a Repton education

Invest in key development projects, such as designing new facilities and restoring old heritage buildings, to ensure the School offers pupils the very best learning environment in which to thrive.

If you would like to become a member of the Sir John Port Society, and support generations of Reptonians to come, please email foundation@repton.org.uk or call (01283) 559248

Farewells

Remembering Our Loved Ones

The OR Office receives many wonderful memories of Old Reptonians, each with their own unique story. If you would like to have a personal tribute featured in The Arch, please submit the article (maximum 450 words) with a photo (optional) to or@repton.org.uk by 1 October each year.

Brook House

(1955-59) Charles Sidney Wells 1941-2023 (1950-54) James Edward Rushton 1936-2024 (1955-59) Lt Col Charles Peter Cameron 1941-2024

The Cross

(1968-72) Colin Hewson 1954-2020 (1958-63) William Mellodew Hartley 1945-2024

The Hall

(1966-70) Michael Anthony Clough 1953-2024 (1945-50) Peter Richard Corn 1932-2024 (1949-54) Nicholas John Saunders 1936-2023 (1969-73) Charles W Everett Redman 1956-2024 (1953-58) Charles Anthony Fry 1940-2024 (1958-63) Richard Michael (Mike) Stockdale 1945-2022

Latham House

(1956-61) Christopher William Davis 1942-2024 (1954-59) Dr Arthur Walter Allen 1940-2024 (1970-74) Jonathan England 1957-2022 (1954-59) Dr Alan Farrington 1941-2024

Brook House

James Edward Rushton (Brook 1950-54) 1936-2024

James was born in Didsbury near Manchester. He attended prep school in Alderley Edge and then Repton, Brook House (1950-54). At Repton, his nickname was Cyril, as he used to imitate England cricketer Cyril Washbrook’s famous forward defensive stroke. James served in the Cheshire Regiment during National Service and subsequently joined the family firm of Edward Rushton Son & Kenyon, becoming a Chartered Surveyor specialising in industrial property and plant. He was a member of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Auctioneers’ Institute, serving

The Mitre

(1952-56) Peter Stretton Duncan Reeve 1938-2024 (1975-79) Mark Richard Batey 1961-2024 (1963-67) Piers Barnabas Browne 1949-2024 (1962-67) Jonathan Charles Lukes 1949-2016

New House

(1954-59) Dr Thomas Brian William Johnson 1940-2024

The Orchard

(1950-55) David William Megson 1937-2023 (1951-56) William Marcus Gage 1938-2023 (2004-06) Simon Christopher Johnson 1987-2024 (1956-61) David George Pilch (Pilco) 1943-2023

Former Staff

(1962-1963) Brian Powell

Lt Col John David Hetherington (former governor) 1934-2024

(1974-94) Revd Peter Goodwin-Hudson 1934-2024

Lucine McLean 1928-2024

(1998-97) Brigadier Patrick FB Hargrave CBE (former bursar) 1934-2024

on numerous committees at local and national levels. He also established branches of the family firm in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. James played various sports, notably golf, and was a longstanding member of several clubs, including the Old Reptonian Golfing Society and The Wilmslow Golf Club. He was a great lover of cricket, often attending matches at Old Trafford and Lord’s. In retirement James actively supported various charities and provided financial and practical support to a school in Goa. He volunteered as a bereavement counsellor, becoming Chairman of Bereavement Support at Macclesfield General Hospital, as a probation volunteer in the

rehabilitation of young offenders in Cheshire prisons, and as a tour guide at Quarry Bank Mill near Wilmslow. James is survived by his son, two daughters and five grandchildren.

By Emma Ashworth, daughter of James Rushton and family.

The Hall

Brook House

Michael Anthony Clough (Hall 1966-70) 1953-2024

Born in Nigeria and schooled at Foremarke and Repton, Michael Clough lived a long and full life with his loving family. He had the amazing ability to know something about whatever topic was being discussed, and his general knowledge was second to none. Holding his own in any generation, whatever your age, background or interests, he always had something engaging to talk about.

Michael attended Foremarke before moving on to Repton as a member of The Hall (1966-70). Here, he made lasting memories as Captain of the Football First XI, becoming Head of House, being inspired by teachers and making lifelong friends. Michael was very proud of his time at the School and continued to relive these memories through reunion lunches with friends and Masters, often featured in The Arch. These reunions are always filled with wonderful memories and are a chance to reminisce about “the good old days”. He often referred to a report in his final term at

Peter Richard Corn (Hall 1945-50) 1932-2024

I am writing to inform you of the passing, after a short illness, of Peter Corn, who died on 20 July 2024 in Burradoo, New South Wales, Australia.

Repton gave Peter an excellent education but, sadly, in his last year at Repton he succumbed to rheumatic fever very badly (following a long run in the rain!), which limited his enjoyment of Repton.

Latham House

Dr Arthur Walter Allen (Latham 1954-59) 1940-2024

Arthur Walter Allen was born 5 September 1940 to James and Peggy Allen. He spent his early years in Doncaster, with older sister Patricia and younger

Repton where the Headmaster wrote, “I fear that Michael has put much more into the School than he has taken out”, but this wasn’t the case, as Repton held such a special place in his heart. Following his schooling, Michael pursued a career in accountancy, like his father (and second daughter), and became a Chartered Accountant, finishing his successful and varied career as CFO.

His three daughters are inspired by his hardworking nature and triumphant career, teaching his family the importance of being resilient and working to live, not living to work! Michael had seven wonderful years of retirement with his loving and supportive wife, Louise. Together, they have travelled the world, going on countless holidays and exploring all of their “bucket-list” places. They spent valuable quality time with their three daughters guiding them through their university and career choices, welcomed two gorgeous granddaughters into the world, and moved into a wonderful new home together.

He then went on to study Law at Bristol University, graduating in 1954, and then the University of London for Teacher Training. He taught in the UK and later in Australia, as he had moved there in 1971 and lived in Bowral, New South Wales.

He was an active member of the community and returned every year to the UK to see his family and friends. Peter was dearly loved by all that knew him and will be missed but not forgotten.

During this time Michael wrote not one but two books: one espionage page turner, and the other a memoir to capture his life stories. We’re so lucky to have all of these memories captured, which reminds us that the world has been a richer and happier place with Michael Clough in it. Rest assured he will live on in the minds of his loving family and friends forever.

By Melissa Clough (Mitre

and family.

By nephew Tim Corn.

brother David, where his father was the Medical Super intendent at St Catherine’s Hospital.

At Repton, Walter shone both academically and in sport, representing the School in several sports. He played cricket for the 1st X1 for 4 years from the age of

14, during which he became the third leading wicket taker [150] in the School’s history – behind the future England Test player JN Crawford. Walter became Repton’s Captain in 1958 and was selected to represent England School Boy’s for whom he played at Lord’s.

2014-16)

Having been introduced to squash on the School courts, he became a talented league player, representing the Collingham Squash and Racket Club. He won several other Open Championships, most notably the Harrogate League Title. He was selected on several occasions to represent the OR teams that competed in the Londonderry Cup. An immensely modest individual all his life, much of his sporting successes he kept to himself.

After Repton, he went on to study Medicine at Leeds University. He completed his postgraduate training and entered General Practice in central Leeds, serving the most deprived area of the

Jonathan England (Latham 1970-74) 1957-2022

Extract from a speech given by fellow OR Dr Kevin Smith (Latham 1970-74) at Jonathan England’s funeral, February 2022

“Freda Payne’s ‘Band of Gold’ is number 1 in the charts, we have thrupenny bits and sixpences in our pockets, and Jane Fonda, naked on a beach save for a few strategically positioned tresses of her impossibly long hair, decorates most of the wall of the study that me and my tuck box are moving into. Having said goodbye to my parents and still recoiling from the shock of my new surroundings, I am summoned by the dinner bell and go in to take my place at the junior fags table, there to meet the other awkward and slightly subdued 13 year-olds. These new boys will be my companions for the next four years and one of them is to become my best friend, best man at my wedding and surrogate uncle to my children.

I speak, of course, of Jonathan, who arrived at Repton after spending the previous four years at Foremarke Hall (Repton Prep). He was a little more advantaged than me, having two other friends who were likewise transferring from Repton Prep School, and an older brother already at the house. Jonathan, however, was his own man, and as we struck up a friendship, a number of things

city. In an era when 24-hour cover was not the norm when on call, he and colleagues set up the first out-of-hours GP service, the Leeds Doctors’ Cooperative, a non-profit organisation, covering patients overnight and at weekends, which became the model for the out-of-hours service we see today.

When not working, he would be found on the squash court at Collingham or playing golf at Alwoodley Golf Club, where he was a member for many years. He enjoyed his various successes in his usual modest fashion.

Married to Rosemary for 55 years, they proved brilliant parents and grandparents, and in retirement, enjoyed extensive travel,

became clear about him.

1. First, he was an Owl. Definitely an Owl who could wax lyrical about centre forward Brian Joicey and prove in any court in the land that Sheffield Wednesday were a bigger and better club than United. Which brings me to number 2.

2. He was a formidable polemicist, always wellresearched and prepared for the cut and thrust of debate and discussion on topics from sport to politics and much inbetween, but mainly politics which brings me to point number 3.

3. Although not raggedtrousered, he was a philanthropist whose reading and understanding of social history was always annoyingly more incisive than my own and would often get a treasured A- from Mr Rudolph, while I generally plateaued at B+.

4. Connected to number 3 is number 4 because, behind this incisive analysis lay a passionate and abiding belief in social justice, and an instinctive recognition of and support for the disadvantaged and downtrodden.

5. In music he was an admirer of the majesty of ELP and The Nice, yet he also treasured Loudon Wainwright III for

including a trip to Everest base camp. He pursued interests in art and music in his retirement after 35 years of NHS service.

Sadly in 2017 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over his last seven years, he was beautifully cared for by Rosemary at home, who passed in 2023, and then for a year at a nursing home in Wetherby, where he passed away on 12 April 2024.

By

Fraser Allen, his cousin and Martin Grayshon (Cross 1961-66)

the anecdotal whimsy of ‘Red Guitar’ and ‘Dead Skunk’. Above all, he was a passionate enthusiast for Bob Dylan, and for Jonathan there was only ever one winner in the Hendrix v. Dylan ‘All Along the Watchtower’ competition.

6. In sport he was an obdurate batsman who, like any (Sir) Geoffrey Boycott admiring Yorkshireman, would never sell his wicket cheaply. That said, he could also punish the loose delivery to which my frequent visits to the boundary fence opposite Latham House bore testimony.”

It was not until many years later that the Huntingdon’s disease that was to take him from us in 2022 became apparent. Jonathan, we shall not be able – in retirement – to debate and discuss anything and everything over a pint or two in a Peak District pub, but your memory is one my family all treasure.

The Mitre

Mark Richard Batey (Mitre 1975-79) 1961-2024

One of the reasons Mark’s five years at Repton sat so deep within him was that, like many ORs, Mark was an Old Mitre boy first and an Old Reptonian second. 1970s’ Repton was in essence nine families (i.e. the Houses) held together under the collective framework known as Repton School. Mark was sent to Repton in January 1975, having lost his mother prematurely, and soon adopted the 50 or so boys in The Mitre as his surrogate family to help fill the void. I had arrived a term prior, under not dissimilar circumstances, and the bond we forged would last a lifetime.

Mark also represented the essence of 1970s’ Repton: antiauthoritarian, irreverent, and with a spine-deep weakness for prog rock. Herewith from the eulogy of 10 April 2024:

“Which leads me neatly to Mark’s favourite tale from the five years at his beloved Mitre: ‘Operation Chip Van’. I forget which one of us hatched the plan, but when we had reached Lower Sixth, we decided to try to take the whole House, Upper Sixth excepted,

Jonathan Charles Lukes (Mitre 1962-67) 1949-2016

to the fish and chip van that frequented the neighbouring village of Willington, one and a half miles away, after lights out one Saturday night. It broke every School rule in the book, and was a mission matched only by the escape from Colditz in its military precision planning. Bedder by bedder, at 10.30pm the House was emptied, as several groups of seven or eight boys at a time, lurched from gathering point to gathering point, across the playing fields of Repton, over the River Trent, and down into Willington under cover of night. It was a magical evening, but my abiding memory is seeing Mark in his element, strutting his stuff at the helm leading his band of merry men, his adopted brothers in the moonlight: part Robin Hood, part Robert Plant but always Captain Fantastic. And it was typical of Mark’s kindness that he insisted Mitre’s small handful of day boys be invited to join, in case exclusion added to their sense of missing out.

When we arrived at Repton, The Mitre, was a daunting environment. There was a lot of bullying, inevitably emanating from a small but cruel minority. As a consequence, you didn’t

A memorial ode ‘pon a vision of pure devotion’, written by Robert J Duirs (New 1962-66)

One Wednesday, an Epiphany 2024 In Memoriam JCL THE WONDROUS MANTLE-SHAWL OF THE MEASURELESS GREAT I AM ‘awake for ever in a sweet unrest’

A memorial ode ‘pon a vision of pure devotion

YOUR LOSS… it’s our loss without measure: how much more might we have shared

With such holy yes missing portions on our way, had we Just Stayed

Together - brightest stars inseparableSo spared

From sadly smoked time with its life-defying, life-colouring, shade.

My soulmate - my joy forever friendhas gone.

Though I know not where nor why:

stray too far from the safety of your own year group, especially in the first three years. But over the course of his five years in The Mitre, Mark’s kind, inclusive and all-embracing easy-going nature, as well as his revered status as the coolest guy in the House, almost single-handedly broke down those year group barriers, and he left the House a more democratised, happier and kinder place. And as testament to that, it is no surprise that the vast majority of Old Mitre boys here today are from year groups below his.”

Mark leaves Cloe and his two sons, Tom and Richie.

By

Graham Blakesley (Grimes) (Mitre 1974-79).

for his light in my life, Whose modest glory, my thing of beauty ever still, Shone OnBright eyes adieu! - through years of separation and of strife.

I’ll never recover such fond treasures we bared, excepting Love’s Spirit: whilst wond’ring in the midst of dark night as I am, Challenging - yes me - to live, to be free, accepting What wondrous being - begrieved But still from my sightYou yet remain alas My Lost Lamb.

Oh Measureless Loss, my dearest dear friend without end, May this sacred grace-child flow on through all of our shawl So we be, who we become, Our Everlasting Temple-torn Pall.

Robert J Duirs, 25 October 2023 on hearing of his friend’s passing some seven years before

New House

Dr Thomas Brian William Johnson (New 1954-59) 1940-2024

My father, Brian Johnson, died peacefully on 20 July 2024 after becoming ill earlier this year. He spoke very fondly of his time at Repton and enjoyed returning for OR Day and taking his family back to New House on a recent visit. Dad was a talented chorister and keen musician at School, while also enjoying his football, tennis and cricket. He left Repton to study Medicine at Guy’s Hospital and while training continued his love of music, playing in the hospital orchestra and joining the Royal Choral Society under Sir Malcom Sargeant. He took up his first House Physician post at Pembury Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, where he met his wife, Renate. After gaining the first part of his MRCP, he went on to become a Junior Registrar at the London Hospital in Brentwood. Married in 1967 and father to his first daughter in 1969, Dad decided to settle back in the North West of England to pursue a career in General Practice. Joining a practice in Bromborough on the Wirral, he became a dedicated and

The Orchard

David George Pilch (Pilco) (Orchard 1956-61) 1943-2024

David was born in Cheshire into a cricket and sporting family. His father, George, had played cricket for Norfolk, as had his grandfather, RG, who had also played football for Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City.

He was a multi-talented sportsman and represented Norfolk 225 times at cricket, and more than 30 times on the hockey field, until a back injury ended his career in 1967. He played golf to a handicap of 5, was a very active squash player and an accomplished skier.

David went to Town Close School until he was 12, and then to

hardworking GP and went on to become Managing Partner there for 18 years. A further two daughters were born in 1971 and 1975. Throughout his life Dad loved driving across Europe, a passion that began with his much loved MGB car and continued as he drove to visit family in Vienna and to Prague to sing with the Chester Music Society.

He was a well-respected member of this choir for as long as I can remember, performing many works of Choral music with them, which gave him great joy. However, it was on retirement that Dad was able to concentrate on his passions of travel, cars, mountains and music and a fair amount of bridge. One could say he became more adventurous as he got older, travelling as far as Australia, Jerusalem and New

York, and would think nothing of an annual climb up Ben Nevis or Lochnagar, to name only two. Recent achievements included being President of the Birkenhead Medical Society in 2014/15 and lovingly restoring the 1960 Humber Super Snipe left to him by his own father.

Dad was one of a kind and a remarkable character. He had an amazing knowledge of facts and history at his fingertips and remained razor sharp to the end. He always gave of his best and stuck to his principle that if a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. He leaves behind his loving daughters, Ottilie, Emma and Alexia and nine grandchildren, who will miss him very much.

By Alexia Johnson, daughter of Brian Johnson.

Repton, where he played cricket and opened the bowling, with Richard Hutton, in the very strong 1961 side. He took a hattrick against Shrewsbury, caught behind by Roger Gunner (New 1957-61), bowled, then another caught behind.

After leaving School, he played for the Repton Pilgrims from 1967 to 1985 in the “Cricketer Cup”, reaching the finals in 1967, 1983 and 1985, winning twice and captaining the side from 1975 to 1981. His best bowling performance was 7 for 18 against Marlborough Blues in 1977, and an all-round performance against Old Blundellians in a losing cause (2 runs!) in the 1976 semi-final, where he took 6 for 35

and scored 51. He was a member at Royal Norwich Golf Club for many years, being Captain in 1992 and President from 2004 to 2006.

He was also a member of the Royal West Norfolk at Brancaster for over fifty years. Without doubt, the highlight of David’s golfing career came in the Halford Hewitt. He played in the Repton team from 1979 to 1991 and was Captain when Repton beat its oldest and closest rival, Malvern, in 1986. The celebrations that followed victory were legendary. One other, repeatable, story about Pilco was his banning from the George Hotel in Beaconsfield. This was the overnight accommodation for the

Norfolk team when they played Buckinghamshire in the Minor Counties Championship. After a convivial evening in the bar, Pilco was found in the early hours of the morning surfing down the stairs in a wardrobe – he finished up blocking the entrance. He was always happy with a bat, stick, club, racquet, pint pot or wine glass in his hand – it was his fun. Two days before he died, he had lunch with friends at a local inn,

where he ate more than anybody else, drank half a bottle of red wine and then asked for another glass. He was Pilco to the end.

His like may not be seen again, where it is difficult to play more than one sport to a high level. He was a true Corinthian.

Eulogy by Ted Wright at David Pilch’s Thanksgiving Service, adapted by Peter Bradburn.

passed away.

The opening bowlers in the 1961 XI were David Pilch and Richard Hutton, a formidable duo who put much fear into the opposition opening batsmen.

Former Staff

Brian Powell

I had the pleasure of keeping wicket and have the happy memory of David taking a hat-trick in the match against Shrewsbury. David’s first victim was caught behind, the second bowled and the third caught behind.

In the 1962-63 School year, Brian did his Certificate in Education at Oxford and his teaching practice at Repton. He really enjoyed it and was asked to stay on and teach, but he chose to return home to Canada. Brian was an English teacher and a running and football coach. I have a good record of his time when he wrote.

By Julie Fine, Brian’s neice.

Below is one of the poems he wrote.

Repton Magnificat

We shall praise Him with Psalms on stringed instruments;

The organ shall swell to His name;

The pillars shall echo His presence –

And glad tears of joy

Shall well up inside.

Cascades rich with sound

Rebound through each heart –

The cynic, the searching, the mild.

A thousand massed voices unite in profession

“All people that on earth do dwell… Come before Him and rejoice.”

A letter from Roger Gunner (New 1957-61).

The chorus re-echoes and sweeps doubt aside; A clear trumpet call rings Alleluia! The Lord!

My soul is engulfed in the glory of sound. And gates of love swing open wide.

Written Sunday evening, 17 February 1963, after a service with hundreds of guests and boys singing in Repton Chapel – a wonderful experience.

Lt Col John David Hetherington 1934-2024

Governor (1995-2003)

Honorary Governor (2003-07)

Lt Col John Hetherington passed away on 8 March 2024, at the age of 90. John was a dedicated Governor to the School for eight years, continuing for an additional four years, as he wanted to take an active role in Repton’s 450th Anniversary.

John was born on 28 February 1934 and was educated at Haileybury and ISC in Hertfordshire. John enlisted in the Army in May 1952, serving at Normanton Barracks and then Budbrooke Barracks in Warwick. He was known to many as “Snapper” or just JDH.

After attending Eaton Hall Officer Cadet School in October 1952, he was commissioned as a National Service 2nd Lieutenant. In 1954, John decided to leave the Army after the completion of his term, but he came back after only three weeks as civilian life was not for him. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lieutenant on 5 September 1954. John continued to become a Training Officer, then a Regimental Signals Officer. In February 1961, John was promoted to Captain and

Lucine McLean (Matron) 1928-2024

Lucine came to Repton in 1955, when she married Old Reptonian Charles McLean, whom she had met while he was a missionary doctor in Jordan. Charles was at Repton in New House from 1909 to 14 (when it really was new!) under the Headmastership of Dr William Temple. He graduated from King’s College Cambridge, qualified at St Thomas’s Hospital London, and in 1937 set up a small medical clinic in a remote area of Jordan, which would later become The Gilead Missionary Hospital.

The McLeans lived on the Burton Road, and were always great supporters of Repton School,

was sent on an emergency tour to Cyprus.

After staff training in England and India, he became Brigade Major of 151 Infantry Brigade in Middlesborough, before an emergency appointment to Substantive Major in December 1967. He moved to HQ Army Strategic Command at Wilton from September 1970 to January 1972, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and led a battalion in Northern Ireland, in a period of escalating violence. His career in the Army came to an end in February 1979, when he took early redundancy.

John’s success continued beyond leaving the Army, retaining his role as Regimental Trustee until 1999, also taking on the additional posts of Museum Trustee, Crich Memorial Trustee, Deputy President of the Sherwood Foresters Association and Vice President of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association. He took great pride in attending the Crich Memorial Service as a Trustee for 13 years wearing the same No1 Dress Jacket he was commissioned in.

As an example of John’s character, he was awarded the

sometimes hosting boys who were unable to get home during School breaks. More recently, a number of ORs will remember visiting Lucine as part of the Social Service. Their “help with gardening” frequently took the form of sharing a cup of tea and cake . . . and a chat!

Lucine was also known for the beautiful flower arrangements that she regularly provided for Chapel, concerts, indeed all special occasions at both Repton and Foremarke. Her splendid produce and handicraft stall was, for 50 years, a popular and regular feature at the centre of the Sale of Work.

Lucine and Charles were also well-known members of the Repton village community,

Order of St John of Jerusalem by HM The Queen in October 1987 for his work as Commander of St John Ambulance for Derbyshire. This character was showcased when he moved to Repton and became a Governor, described as excellent and always on hand to help with any issues that arose. He was particularly appreciated by Bursar Pat Hargrave. No matter how busy though, John always found time for his mother, Doris.

In retirement John enjoyed his hobby of carriage driving and was heavily involved in the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

being involved, specifically, with the Wood End Sunday School. An exceptionally talented and creative lady, Lucine was an active member of the WI (Women’s Institute), teaching and demonstrating a range of handicrafts, with her unique speciality being the exquisite Armenian lace, which was an important part of her heritage.

Lucine was a fascinating and lively personality who took a keen interest in every aspect of Repton life. A service to celebrate her life was held in St Wystan’s Church, Repton, on 14 November 2024.

Phone: (01283) 559248

Email: foundation@repton.org.uk Website: www.thereptonfoundation.org.uk

Repton School Shop

The School Shop can still be found next to The Grubber, and ORs are welcome to visit whenever they are in Repton. As well as the traditional OR merchandise, such as blazers, ties, socks and teddy bears, there is a range of Repton-branded items to choose from: some of the items are listed below.

Changing rooms are available onsite, and items can be posted to anywhere. To find out more about the full range, or to place an order, email shop@repton.org.uk or call us on (01283) 559323.

Teddy Bear

Hoodie

PJ Top (pink/blue striped)

PJ Bottoms (pink/blue striped)

PJ Set

Whiskey Tumbler

Water Bottle

Mug

Towel

Old Reptonian Tie

Old Reptonian Bowtie

Slides

£15

£32

£35

£30

£50

£23

£3.95

£15

£20

£15

£12

£25

Overseas OR Contacts

Below is a full list of those ORs who have volunteered to be ‘Overseas Links’. We are very grateful to those who have volunteered, If you would like to be an Overseas Link in a country not already covered, please contact the OR Office. Country Name

AFRICA

NIGERIA Ibrahim Dikko New 1983-85 iydikko@gmail.com

SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town Ryan Brews Mitre 2000-02 ryanbrews@gmail.com

ASIA

CHINA Maomao (Vanessa) Fu Garden 2001-05 leyue.fu@gmail.com

HONG KONG David Poon Hall 1985-90 dgkpoon@gmail.com

JAPAN Natsuko Kaseda (née Sato) Abbey 1996-2000 violino7@hotmail.com

MYANMAR Stephen Collyer Cross 1983-88 stephen.collyer@britishschoolyangon.org

SINGAPORE Alfred Cheng Orchard 1975-77 alfredcheng18@hotmail.com

Richard Coventry Brook 1973-78 rcoventry@gmail.com

SOUTH KOREA Ga Jeun Lee Abbey 2002-07 gajeun.lee@gmail.com

THAILAND Jom Salakshana Mitre 1986-91 jom.salakshana@trs.co.th

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Perth Frank Smith Orchard 1953-56 frank@happygardener.com.au

Queensland David Miller Hall 1959-64

Sydney Natalie Dzenis (Wynne) Abbey 1995-2000 nataliedzenis@outlook.com

Victoria (Melbourne) Simon Crabtree Orchard 1990-95 Simon@jossimo.com

NEW ZEALAND, Auckland Richard Hedley Hall 1966-70 r-s.hedley@xtra.co.nz

Christchurch Liam Foster Cross 1989-94 liamfoster@hotmail.com EUROPE

AUSTRIA Doug Fletcher New 2001-03 contact@dougsmountaingetaway.com

BELGIUM Hadrian Coulton Mitre 1981-82 notharry@googlemail

CYPRUS Richard Sale Hall 1961-65 richard.sale@cytanet.com.cy

DENMARK Vagn Steendahl Priory 1997-98 vagn@privat.dk

ESTONIA Kadi Liis Saar Garden 2009-10 kadiliissaar@gmail.com

1971-76 douglas.campbell@halbmond.de

NORWAY, Oslo David Llewelyn Orchard 1963-68 davidlle@online.no

SPAIN

South and Gibraltar Mark Smith Orchard 1978-83 mshsmith@btinternet.com

UKRAINE (Kyiv)

Huseyin Yardimci Hall 1983-85 huseyin@yardimci.gen.tr

Toby Fricker Priory 1988-93 tobyfricker@hotmail.com

LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN

BRAZIL and TRINIDAD Susan Hawkins Abbey 19982000 hawkinsusan@gmail.com

BARBADOS

MIDDLE EAST

Turks & Caicos David Stewart Latham 1977-80 ds@coriats.com

Edward James Hutson Elliot Mitre 1968-73 james@ellcorentals.com

JORDAN Stephen Collyer Cross 1983-88 sp.collyer@gmail.com

QATAR Steve Targett Cross 1976-81 juliastevet@gmail.com

SAUDI ARABIA, Jeddah Mark Dudley Priory 1991-96 mark.dudley3@gmail.com

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Charles Neil Priory 1965-70 charlesjohn.neil@gmail.com

Dubai Lizzie Tebbs (née Waller) Abbey 1992-97 lizzietebbs@hotmail.co.uk

Dubai and IRAQ Tim Wilkinson Cross 1975-80 tcmwilkinson@hotmail.com

USA AND CANADA CANADA

Toronto Kamil Alam Mitre 1988-93 kamilalam@gmail.com

Western David Laing Latham 1970-74 or@repton.org.uk

USA

Atlanta Russell Elliott Mitre 1993-98 russelliott@gmail.com

California Edward Huson Hall 1970-75 eahuson@gmail.com

Chicago Robert Perks New 1971-75 robertperks@earthlink.net

Colorado Mark Wilhelm Verheyen Cross 1977-81 mverheyen@comcast.net

Los Angeles

New York

Ash Joshi Latham 1982-85 ash@capitalrealtysolutions.com

James Kirtland Orchard 1988-90 james.kirtland@gmail.com

Texas Shaheen Ladhani Cross 1989-91 shaheenladhani@gmail.com

Washington, Seattle Christopher Huson Hall 1972-77 chrishusonlac@yahoo.com

The Old Reptonian Society 2024

Executive Committee

President – Samantha Wilkinson (Abbey 1986-88)

Vice President – Mark Semmence (Headmaster)

Chair – Nick Walford (Brook 1969-74)

Treasurer – John Wallis (Latham 1971-76)

Governors’ Representative – Matthew Needham (Priory 1980-85)

Repton Foundation Representative – Juliet Wolfe (Abbey 1983-85) School Liaison Officer – Anna Parish (staff)

OR Office

Digital Communications & Events Executive – Nicola Milward

Digital Communications & Events Officer – Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19)

Branch Representatives

Regional:

Yorkshire – Adam Sinclair (Latham 1978-83) and Andy Colcombe (Priory 1978-82) Lancashire & Cheshire – Jonathan Every (New 1991-96)

Sport:

OR Football Club – Nicky Samra (New 2002-07) and Josh Riley (Priory 2011-16) OR Pilgrims Cricket Club – James Blackwell (Priory 2000-05) and Freddie Cheshire (School 2015-17) OR Netball Club – Daisy Heath-Abbott (Garden 2006-09) OR Tennis Club – Jamie Muirhead (Cross 2009-11) OR Squash Club – John Hings (Priory 1955-60) and Ben Miller (staff) OR Fives – David Exley (Priory 1995-2000 and staff) OR Golfing Society – Paul Brownhill (Priory 1980-85) OR Cycling – Oliver Pepper (Brook 1990-95)

Other Branch Contacts:

Arts – Guy Levesley (Hall 1975-80)

LGBTQ+ – Charles Haydn-Slater (Cross 2003-08) OR Masonic Lodge – Ian McClary (former staff) OR Professional Property Club – Aoife Broderick (Abbey 2007-09) and Christopher Berriman (Latham 1977-82)

The OR Society Grant

In keeping with the OR Society’s founding principles to maintain links with Old Reptonians and support their endeavours after their time at Repton, the OR Society is proud to provide grants to ORs seeking to develop their career ambitions. As is the case with support for OR branches/clubs, each application for funding will be judged on its individual merit by the OR Society Executive Committee and taken to the General Committee meeting in September of each year for approval. As part of any grant funding application, we ask applicants to:

Highlight previous support for the OR Society and its founding principles

Demonstrate how the grant will have a positive impact on the applicant’s career progression

Agree in principle to provide feedback on how the grant has supported their career development,and commit to support future careers initiatives for pupils and/or other ORs.

Editors: Nicola Milward & Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19)

Design: Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19)

Photography: Front & back cover photos taken by Trinity Coupland-Smith (Mitre 2014-19), OR Office

Print: Lavenham Press

We welcome the many contributions we receive from ORs for the annual edition of The Arch. Articles of up to 400 words, plus print-quality photos (300 dpi resolution), should be submitted to the OR Society Office by 1 October each year. repton.org.uk/the-old-reptonian-society

Email: or@repton.org.uk Tel: (01283) 559320

Old Reptonian Society, The Hall, Repton School, Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FH

The Arch has been printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) credited paper and carbon balanced at source.