The Old Rossallian September 2016 by Rossall School

The Old Rossallian

September 2016

Your Rossallian Club Magazine

In this Issue 3

President’s Message

A word from The Head & The Secretary

Branch Reports

A Presidential First for Rossall

OR Weekend & Triennial Dinner

Sports Round-Up

Archives

An American Boy’s Year at Rossall

Visitors to Rossall School / Out and About

18 Announcements 19

In Memoriam

Dates for your Diary

‘ The Rossallian’ Headlines 100 years ago • The Corps continues to increase in usefulness and 15 cadets were sent to training battalions at the end of term • We express our heartiest appreciation of the work done by Major Furneaux during the last two years as Commandant of the Corps • Lieut FW Harvey (Old Rossallian and war poet) received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for a conspicuous act of gallantry • The hospital in France, Notre Dame des Greves, where OR EW Hutton is Head of Radiography, has now closed. During the first two years of the war, the School and many ORs supported one of its wards, the Rossall Ward.

President’s Message I have, again, been busy on Rossallian matters. We have had one full Committee Meeting and a number of sub-committee meetings since I last reported to you; all have proved very useful. When in Düsseldorf last year at the German Dinner, one OR approached me and said that she worked in London. Mira Leverkus is the Groups and Events Executive for Rocco Forte. I visited her recently in London; another OR who is doing well. Let us know how you are progressing. The OR Weekend & Triennial Dinner took place in April. In the morning, the Committee had their half yearly meeting and we welcomed Callum Baxter as the Lancashire Branch Secretary and Josh Roberts as the Staff Representative. At our AGM in the late afternoon I had the pleasure of asking those present to confirm the proposal of the Committee that Graeme Marrs and Roger Eaves become Vice Presidents for the next year. Graeme has also been asked to take over as President next year at the AGM and he has agreed; this proposal was enthusiastically agreed to by all. I wish to take this opportunity to thank James Preston, who asked to retire at the AGM, due to work commitments, having been a Vice President for the last three years. He has worked tirelessly for the Club and I thank him most sincerely for his enthusiasm and interest.

had organised a splendid carvery lunch on a lovely summer’s day. Please read more inside. Later that week, I was at Rossall to attend the CCF Queen’s Colours Rededication Service, which showed the professionalism of our Corps. Finally, we returned to School in July for the Junior School Prize Day. It is a great pleasure to see these young Rossallians marching up to the platform to receive their awards. We have a number of engagements in the Autumn, details of which can be found on the back page of this magazine. As mentioned in the January edition, we have invested some of our money into employing Claire Moore to put the archives in order. When I think of the mess they were in a few years ago and now look at the position I am greatly encouraged with what I see. You will be able to visit the web site to find out more and, if you have any contributions, do not hesitate to contact the office. If you visit school at any time do come and look at the archives; you may be able to help in identifying photos. We have many with no dates or names so your help is crucial. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sharon for all her help over the past six months. Her interest and enthusiasm is so much appreciated. Floreat Rossallia Roger Walker (M 57-61)

The Oxford Dinner, run by Simon Barlass, took place in April, and I understand was up to its usual high standard; unfortunately we couldn’t be there but a report is in this magazine. In May we all gathered at the Lindeth Howe for the Lakes Lunch, organised by Nick Hadfield, which was very successful; again, there is a full report in this magazine. I also returned to School for Senior School Prize Day where I was asked to present each leaver with their Leavers’ Certificate and Rossallian Club Badge confirming that they are now ORs. We crossed the Pennines in June to the White Rose County and Ilkley Golf Club. As usual, David and Sue Holroyd

“If you visit school at any time do come and look at the archives”

A Word from The Head, Elaine Purves It is the penultimate day of the Summer Term and I am sitting in my study in The Hall, rather glad to be at Rossall; I have had quite a year of travel and am looking forward to a summer break based entirely in the UK! The sun is shining here and I am very happy to have mothballed my passport for a few months. It has been very nice this year to meet some Old Rossallians during my travels, most recently in Munich when I was there with Dr Dohmen, and earlier in the year in Vietnam, Hong Kong and China. There have also been numerous gatherings of ORs in the UK and I always enjoy meeting so many of you, catching up with your news and hearing your tales from your time at Rossall. The Triennial Weekend was a fabulous occasion, full of reminiscences and laughter. I was so pleased that we had finished our renovations to the clock tower just in time so that we had the flag flying for all to see over the weekend. The Summer Term is always dominated by exams, none more so in a school such as Rossall where we do GCSE’s, iGCSE’s, AS levels, A levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). We have just received our International Baccalaureate results and I am delighted to report a 100% pass rate this year. The

exams do pose challenges for our sports fixtures, but we have still managed to hold our own in Rounders, Cricket, Athletics and Bi/ Triathlon this term with some excellent team and individual performances. It was lovely to welcome back OR, Sarah Botham, as our guest of honour at Prize Day in May. She did the school proud with her fabulous speech, which was inspirational for the students and also full of excellent anecdotes. I now know about the Grundy Run! I was sorry to miss the Rededication of the Queen’s Colours in June (I was visiting agents in Germany) but I heard that it was a lovely occasion with a strong turnout from local dignitaries and Old Rossallians with military connections. I heard how lovely the singing in Chapel was. Wherever you are reading this, I hope it finds you well. Please do feel very welcome to visit Rossall at any time and keep in touch.

A word from The Secretary, Ian Preston (J&Pe 66-73) This year’s Triennial was a fabulous success and the biggest gathering of Rossallians in over 30 years, with a wide spread of ages and gender. It is fully reported later so I won’t dwell, other than to make the point that this event would not happen with the same success but for a great relationship now existing between the Club and the School.

As well as the advertised Branch events, we know there are many informal ad hoc gatherings of Rossallians around the country which we love to hear about. It is difficult to know what attract Rossallians to an event but we are well aware that what appeals to the older generations may not be as appropriate for those with young families. Would events that catered for young children have any attraction? Any thoughts you might have would be welcome.

Ask any Rossallian, even the President of Peru, what they remember most about their time at Rossall and it will invariably be Ross Hockey. It is a game that is dear to our hearts with such a long tradition. It is a game The commitment from the School in terms of effort from that is difficult to play well, but easy to have a go at staff and pupils and indeed financial (the ticket price and, contrary to popular belief, is not a vicious hard wouldn’t buy the Champagne Reception in Big School game, but one requiring a high degree of finesse to if we were to venture to London) is fundamental to the be played well. In terms of risk of injury, I cannot recall success. Rossallians have always loved their school anyone being seriously hurt, whereas I can certainly and that is now clearly reciprocated more than I can recall several serious cricket, rugby and football related ever remember. injuries. The really good news is that the powers that

“Rossallians have always loved their school”

be at Rossall are determined that it remain part of Rossall life. This is not necessarily an easy option. The call on time of so many other activities makes it extremely difficult to schedule in trips to the beach, but with a considerable degree of ‘thinking outside the box’, ways are being found to accommodate our game. No longer is Lent Term the season for Ross Hockey, but Summer Term. Apart from being considerably more pleasant on the beach in the summer months, the longer days increase the opportunity to play when the tide happens to be out and there is not the demand on time of rugby, and that ‘Johnny come lately’ game of Association Hockey (at which the School are actually very good!). A Ross Hockey pitch has been permanently marked out on the grass playing fields to allow practice to take place when a shore may not be available, although the call of “up shore” or “down shore” means significantly less than it ever did before. Encouragingly, several

members of staff have begun to show a keen interest in the game and so the retirement of Josh Roberts, for so long the doyen of Ross Hockey, is not the death knell it might have been, particular as Josh is still keen to be involved. But, despite the overall enthusiasm everyone has for Ross Hockey, it was disappointing that so few took the opportunity to take part in the game over the Triennial Weekend. What I can say is that 5 a side Ross Hockey is actually good fun, but tiring, particularly when the top half of your body is connected to the bottom with titanium! We need your support. If anyone is interested in helping out with coaching, or playing in some ad hoc games, either on the beach or the grass pitch, please get in touch with me. If we can create a nucleus of interested individuals we will be in a much better position to uphold this tradition. Don’t just think about it, DO it!

New Committee Members Callum Baxter (JS & Pe 97-11) After leaving Rossall, I studied Management at Lancaster University achieving a First Class Honours Degree. Since then, I have been taking an active roll in the family house building business. I have also started my PGCE at Cardinal Newman College and have become a Civilian Instructor in Rossall CCF. I look forward to seeing you at the vast array of OR events.

Graeme Marrs (J & F 51-57) I worked as a trainee with Gulf Oil GB Ltd before becoming involved in the family business, Meade-King, Robinson Co. Ltd, a chemical distribution company, where I remained until I retired in 2010. I was awarded an MBE in 1999 and am a Member and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers, London, and a Freeman of the City of London. I am also involved with a number of rugby clubs including Birkenhead Park, Cheshire RFU, Anti-Assassins RUFC and Rosslyn Park FC. Josh Roberts (CR 95-15) After attending Friars School in Bangor, I went to read Applied Biology at Bath, spending three 6 month industrial placements in Neumatology at ADAS Cardiff, Microbiology at Courage, London and Weed Biology at Stratford upon Avon. Rather than further research, I started teaching in Chingford before moving to Ynys Mon for ten years. I joined Rossall in 1995, and became Housemaster of SE from 1998 to 2006. As well as teaching Science, I developed my coaching skills and refereed Ross Hockey, Rugby, Soccer and Cricket. Being ‘Gymro i galon’, I love to sing and am a member of Rossall Chapel and Blackpool Male Voice Choir. I am married and both my children, Samantha and Daniel, attended Rossall.

“Don’t just think about it, DO it!”

Branch reports Oxford Dinner The Oxford Dinner brought together ORs and their partners from 6 decades and it was great to see many return guests supporting this event. Various members of the Barlass tribe were hugely supportive in helping to dress, prepare and tidy up the Radley College pavilion as our venue for the evening and particular mention should be made of Jason Barlass for bringing the skills that have been exquisitely honed at Morton’s, in Mayfair, to the more modest surroundings of a public school. Nick Holt-Kentwell brought a lively party comprising his wife Cathy, Ian Henesy, Dave Woodhouse and their respective partners. Stalwarts such as Hamish Aird, John Harrop and Alf Tansey brought extensive wit and archival wisdom about the gathered company and I very much enjoyed hearing vignettes from Rossall in the late 40s from Ian Whittle and Richard Parry. ORs of every generation will be reassured, no doubt, to hear that The Carmen was sung lustily after dinner (standing on our chairs of course) and Henry Shepherd gave an illuminating speech, outlining the various goings on at Rossall since our last meeting. The inimitable and indefatigable Sharon Potts brought much laughter and dynamism to the event and I am very grateful to her for beyond the call of duty administrative support and general enthusiasm. Lakes Lunch This year’s lunch was held in May at the Lindeth Howe Hotel. The hotel has a new Head Chef and the standard of cooking was good. Yet again, we were blessed with good weather and the Lake District is at its best in the Spring.

The lunch in 2017 will be on the 6th of May and we also hope to hold an evening dinner on a date to be decided.

Elaine Purves spoke about current Rossall matters, Roger Walker brought us up to date with Club matters and Nick Hadfield related a story of goings on in Spread Eagle House in the 1960’s. Attendees were John and Pat Marshall, David and Judith Shingler, Ken and Kira Fayle, M Parr, Elaine Purves, Roger and Chris Walker, Richard and Stephanie Rhodes, Paul Warren, Henry and Anne Shepherd, Sally Ellis, Edna Fayle, Allan Townsend, Simon and Sarah Hockings, Vivienne Ivell, Ray Thomas, Jim Atkinson, Nick and Maureen Hadfield, Gill and George Scarlett, Peter and Marilyn Frost, Ian Preston, Doug Smith, Katie Lee, Jean Briggs, James and Glenys Garnett.

The Lake District is at its best in the Spring

Branch reports Yorkshire Lunch Twenty one ORs and their guests, together with Ollie Rogers and Sharon Potts from Rossall, gathered for our annual luncheon on the 26th June. It was a perfect day with stunning views across the Wharfe Valley to Ilkley Moore; just six months earlier the river flooded resulting in no access into Ilkley from the north side either by car or on foot. David Holroyd welcomed guests and James Garnett said Grace. The Loyal Toast was proposed by Roger Walker, who also gave an informative account of the recent events at The Club. Roger then read out the following poem which was written by Year 11 student Caitlin Metcalfe:

John Marshall once again played the violin as guests gave a fine rendition of The Carmen. The lunch was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion with excellent food and wine but above all, friendship, and we look forward to increased numbers in 2017.

Lady Rossall Stoic, resilient, she stands by the beach Grand and dignified, her purpose to teach If her walls could talk, there’d be laughter and tears From her endless stories, stored up through the years. Her grey façade belies what’s inside As it’s battered by wind, sand and tide Her red brick heart, so warm and forgiving Is a place where young thrive and learn life is for living.

Ollie Rogers, Director of Sport at Rossall, then gave a detailed and humorous account of his ambitious plans for sports at Rossall including the re-introduction of athletics as well as plans to build a new sports hall in the near future. Alf Tansey, Chair of the Rossall Foundation, then informed members of the plans the Foundation has to support the School.

Thursday Social @ Platform 3 ORs from across the Fylde coast gathered at Poulton’s newest cocktail bar, Platform 3, co-owned by Old Rossallians Michael and Richard Docherty. The first Thursday Social event was organised by Lancashire Branch Secretary, Callum Baxter, and guests were invited to sample a number of Rossall-inspired cocktails whilst catching up with fellow Rossallians. It is hoped that this event will become a regular in the OR calendar.

Guests were invited to sample a number of Rossall-inspired cocktails

A Presidential First for Rossall The successful candidate in the election of Peru’s new President has to be worthy of appearing on the front cover of this edition of The Old Rossallian. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (or PPK as he is commonly known), who attended Rossall from 1953 to 1956 in Maltese Cross House, won by a narrow victory over rival Keiko Fujimori to become the country’s leader. He has previously held the post of Prime Minister of Peru. PPK came to Rossall from South America with his brother after their mother fell ill. He said of his arrival at the school: “We came on the boat from Peru to Liverpool, which took three weeks, so we were already in rough shape when we finally reached Fleetwood.” His younger brother Michael also attended Rossall (MC 54-59). Peru’s new President admits he struggled a little with the Lancashire accent, he credits the school with inspiring his love of music and says it taught him two key skills: discipline, and not to panic, whatever the circumstances. Elected on the promise of uniting Peru and promising to punish the country’s violent drug gangs, PPK has called for an end to the fighting and conflict which have divided Peru. Elaine Purves, The Head said: “We would like to extend our congratulations to President Kuczynski on his election. Rossall has a long history of high achieving alumni, including notable writers, sportsmen and politicians, and we’re immensely proud to be able to add a world leader to that list.” Pedro later went on to study flute and piano at the Royal College of Music before attending Oxford and Princeton Universities and taking up a career in banking.

He credits the school with inspiring his love of music

OR Weekend & Triennial Dinner The sun shone once again on a Saturday in April when the School opened its doors for the OR Weekend & Triennial Dinner 2016. Despite the usual Rossall breeze, we were blessed with a dry day which meant that many of the outdoor events and activities could be enjoyed to the full. This year, guests were once again provided with an action-packed programme including tours of the School, association hockey matches, an Archives Exhibition, a Taste of France (including cheese and wine tasting and a game of boules), guest lectures, tours of the Armoury (and a rifle shoot) and a cookery demonstration by OR Chris Bury of The Cartford Inn in the recently opened Rossall Kitchen. The evening’s celebrations kicked off with a service in Chapel, where readings were given by ORs Claire Brodka and Jonty Arundel. Guests then headed over to Big School for a Drinks Reception and to meet up with fellow Rossallians, whilst entertainment was provided on the piano by talented Rossall music students, Tony and Harvey. As the sun set, chatter and laughter could be heard throughout The Square as groups headed over to Dining Hall for the Triennial Dinner. Dining Hall had been transformed into a sophisticated haven and the School’s catering team surpassed themselves by providing a delicious four-course meal for over 200 guests. A pop-up cocktail bar, courtesy of Platform 3, kept our younger guests enthralled with colourful concoctions. The atmosphere in Dining Hall was magical, having not had this number of ORs to an event such as this for years. The evening was finished off in usual Rossall style with the singing of The Carmen, which no doubt could be heard echoing around The Square.

“Last weekend was the best yet!”

Guests were once again provided with an action-packed programme

OR Weekend & Triennial Dinner

“Great night (as always). Great school. What more could one ask for? Floreat Rossallia!”

“Last weekend was the best yet!”

OR Weekend & Triennial Dinner “What a success. Wonderful to catch up with friends and memories. The grounds and school look very well.”

“You gave everyone an occasion to remember”

OR Weekend & Triennial Dinner

“Thank-you for organising a super weekend; it was great fun to come back and see everything.”

“Lovely to see so many familiar faces and the school looking so well.”

“Lovely to see so many familiar faces and the school looking so well’

Sports Round-Up Halford Hewitt Golf Tournament Founded in 1924 the Halford Hewitt Golf Tournament is competed for by the old boys of 64 English and Scottish public schools with each fielding 5 foursomes pairs, making 640 competitors in all. The Rossall campaign this year filled the team with confidence and optimism for the future. For some time now we have been searching for some new blood and talent to strengthen the team. Off the back of a couple of years of very tough draws, this year looked more promising. Our team this year consisted of Matt Allen, Christian Butler, Robert Fox, Geoff Henney, Jimmy Jones, Noel Muscutt (Captain), Paul Muscutt, Jeremy Smith, Jonathan Smith, David Tonroe and Tim Wheeldon. Matt Allen had only recently regained his amateur golf status in the preceding November, having had several years playing on the EuroPro and Challenge Tours as a golf professional. To the rest of the team, Matt definitely still plays like one and is a huge asset to the side. Also, notably David Tonroe flew in yet again from Savannah, Georgia in America, where he plays off 1 handicap at Savannah Golf & Country Club. David remains a class act and with him and Matt in the side, we are an altogether much stronger team.

On the Thursday morning we played and beat Trent convincingly, 4-1. In the second round we were then up against a strong and experienced Marlborough team and again triumphed, 4-1. Later on Friday afternoon we then came up against our old rivals, Edinburgh Academy, who are formidable, this time Rossall winning 3½-1½. By now we had advanced to the quarter final and were very much looking forward to yet another encounter with Shrewsbury who we seemed to have drawn frequently over the years. At this stage no match is easy. We lost the top match but then won matches 2 and 3 to put us ahead. Shrewsbury took match 4 and levelled the battle. Our anchor 5th pair were two down with two to play at this point, and courageously won the 17th and 18th to take the deciding match into sudden death extra holes which Rossall sadly narrowly lost but it was a great effort and very memorable.

Old Rossallian Golf Society There have been, over the years, several attempts to establish an OR Golf Society. Jim Charnock used to organise a very genial meeting in October each year at Formby GC, but sadly this fell by the wayside a few years ago when Jim became unwell; there have been other events too, but none, so far as I know have survived. For many years, going back to the 1950’s, Rossall has entered strong teams into the Halford Hewitt Cup at Deal and Sandwich, and also into the Cyril Gray Tournament at Worplesdon. Both have been won by Rossall on several occasions. However, both these events really only involve low handicap players in the scratch- 5

h’cap range, and there hasn’t been much OR golf on offer for less serious players. I think this is a pity, and that a school of our size and standing, should have an active society open to all old boys and girls, who are active players, of any handicap, high or low, and interested in maintaining contact with the school. My idea would be, initially, to arrange two golf days- perhaps one in the Spring at Blackwell Golf Club near Bromsgrove and one at Fleetwood Golf Club in the autumn. Fleetwood is a good course, and probably needs no introduction to you but perhaps not many will have played at Blackwell. For those of you a treat lies in store! It has hosted

many major championships, and is among the finest inland courses in the UK, as well as being one of the most delightful places imaginable to play golf. The idea would be to have some kind of 18 hole competition (probably stableford) followed by an informal dinner in the clubhouse, arranged so that people could get away reasonably early. Obviously, to get this venture up and running will need strong support and, to help me gauge how strong that support might be, I would be most grateful if all those of you who are interested, and would genuinely support it, would please confirm your interest to Sharon as soon as possible. Arthur Stephenson (MC 54-61)

The Rossall campaign this year filled the team with confidence and optimism

Sports Round-Up Ross Hockey Dubai style Here’s proof that Ross Hockey doesn’t just take place on the shores of Fleetwood! ORs Zita Calvin, Richard Pickup Navid Naqvi, Jamie Partington and Ian Kitchen recently met up in Dubai and took our unique game to the beaches of Jumairah; we doubt there’s enough interest just yet to make it an international sport, although there may well be if the next fixture takes place in Dubai!

International Hockey Cap for David At the age of 67, David Eynon-Williams(R 60-66) is still playing hockey at International level, thanks to his passion for sports being discovered during his time at Rossall. David came to Rossall in 1960 and, although not particularly academic, he enjoyed most sports and was a member of the majority of teams including swimming, rugby, boxing and hockey. David won both the Junior and Senior Diving competitions whilst at Rossall, along with the Lancashire Schoolboys Diving Championship. On leaving Rossall, his sporting interest continued on the rugby pitch until, after a number of injuries, he returned to the hockey field. He joined Newport Hockey Club in 1978. David recently took part in the Masters World Cup in Sydney where over 840 players (all over 60) from 17 different countries and involved in 137 games over the fortnight. The Welsh Over 60’s team came a creditable 6th, the Over 65’s in a similar position, but the Over 70’s picked up the bronze medal. It is the first time that any Welsh Hockey team (men’s and ladies) has ever won a medal at any age group. David was delighted at winning the bronze medal and, at the same time, received his first cap (despite having to wait almost 70 years for it!)

Club sponsors Ladies Hockey Team away kit Rossall Ladies Hockey team finished a creditable third in the 1st Division of Central Lancashire Ladies Hockey League. They played 16 games winning 10, consoling themselves by having beaten both the promoted teams at home. The Captain, Alex Holden, was voted player of the season with Deb Wilson and Shona Henderson runners up; Lower 6th Rossall student Grace McKnight took the highest goal scorer award with 14 goals. The team appreciate the sponsorship given to them by the Rossallian Club.

We are always on the look-out for more OR players to join our team, so if you are interested in finding out more, please contact Tizz Hall on e.hall02@rossall.org.uk

Ross Hockey doesn’t just take place on the shores of Fleetwood

Archives Many of you who joined us at the OR Weekend in April would have enjoyed the wonderful exhibition in the Museum Theatre, hosted by our School Archivist Claire Moore. Claire’s role has been funded by The Club in order to restore the archives so they are fit for purpose and ensure that a more permanent record can be made for future generations of Rossallians. Claire has been busy sorting through the vast number of boxes which have piled up over recent years so that their contents can be scanned, recorded and uploaded onto the new Rossall Archives web site. We are delighted to announce that the site is now live and, although it doesn’t yet include everything, it contains a wealth of material and artefacts, dating back as far as 1893. Claire says: “I hope you enjoy the new archive website, which will continue to grow as more items are discovered and catalogued. Rossall has such a rich and colourful past that I never know what I will uncover in the next box or receive in the post. The variety of resources in the archive is outstanding; from photographs, maps, Housemaster reports, trophies, to cricket caps and magazines. As ORs, your history is the very fabric of this archive and as such you are most welcome to visit or indeed volunteer your time to help identify dates and faces in photographs. Over the next year I will endeavour to catalogue what is buried in the boarding houses, you never know what I might find!” We hope that you will also dig out your old school photographs and memorabilia and upload them on to the site: at:

Some interesting finds include: Sports Photographs from 1893-4 of the school Football Eleven and Hockey Teams are a superb reminder of the history of sport played at the school which continues today. Photographic Society Medal 1911 - Rossall Photographic Society held annual competitions, including one which was open to other Public Schools. A medal awarded to a pupil from Wellington College was in fact returned to us this year by his family! Foreword by British Novelist – ‘New Voices’ was a collection of creative writing published by the Junior School in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 1968 edition was found in the archive and the foreword was written by celebrated novelist PG Wodehouse who ‘was amazed that boys so young should have been able to write so well’… and that ‘a publication like New Voices is invaluable’.

If you would like to discuss anything about the archives with Claire, please email c.moore@rossall.org.uk

archive.rossall.org.uk

We hope that you will also dig out your old school photos and memorabilia

An American boy’s year at Rossall

In my last year at the Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, I applied to spend a year in the UK under the auspices of the English Speaking Union. After being accepted for the scheme, I learned that the British Headmasters who made these decisions had determined that I would attend Rossall. I was assigned to the Maltese Cross House, known also as ‘Clayton’s’ after its housemaster. Upon my arrival, Mr Clayton showed me to a storage closet on the second floor; with apparent satisfaction he said that it would be my room for the year since it would offer more privacy than the dorms permitted. A little window on one end facing the Irish Sea let in fresh air on nice days. Otherwise, Matron would see that the window was kept shut so that cold germs were kept outside. I was placed in the middle sixth form, group 2A, meaning that I would spend the year studying English, French and History. My studies were more challenging than I’d found them at Choate, especially in French and History. The other boys in my form had received a more disciplined introduction to French grammar, so I struggled with translations and original compositions. My study-mate for the year was Giles Osborne, the House Captain who would become my mentor and friend. During the first of the three terms I had no leadership responsibilities, but Mr Clayton promoted me to House Monitor for the term following the Christmas holidays, and the Headmaster, Mr Sayle, made me a School Monitor for the term that began in April.

The time at Rossall and the holiday travel periods leave vivid memories - some far clearer than more recent events. I’ve wondered why that is and have reasoned that because the year was so different from anything already experienced, my mind remained especially receptive to all that took place. Also, I kept a diary, devoting 100-200 words each evening to the events of the day; perhaps that discipline helped forge greater attachment and recall. Whatever the reasons, the time at Rossall influenced the rest of my adult life more than I might have thought possible. The maturing process included the acquisition of new skills and a big lift in self-confidence. I also gained a clearer sense of who I was and what I could achieve. During the weeks of holiday time that spanned the Christmas and spring breaks I hitch hiked a couple of thousand miles in France, Spain and England. That amount of travel required accepting lifts from over a hundred drivers (when thumbing rides was still acceptable to Europeans). These adventures demanded that I learn how to plan, read maps, keep to a budget, speak a new language, avoid crises, and occasionally beg assistance. It meant relating politely to drivers and locating overnight stays. All this from a kid who had trouble finding his way around his hometown a few years earlier! Soon after arriving at Rossall I got to know Mr Hughes, the instrumental music teacher. He explained that the school orchestra, though a bit rag-tag, had fairly decent string and woodwind sections but lacked a French horn. Might I be interested in taking up the horn? The school owned an instrument so I began honking away, instructed by Mr. Hughes, himself a trumpeter. The following June, after diligent daily practice, I played one of the Mozart horn concerti with the orchestra. The effort brought satisfaction and a clear sense of accomplishment. In early July I sat for two of the three A-level exams, ultimately passing the one in English. The exams were tough and I hadn’t prepared for them seriously enough; my head was already turned toward New Haven, USA. I bade farewell to Rossall, regretfully leaving the many new friends I’d made there. Peter Sipple (MC 57-58)

“The maturing process included the acquisition of new skills and self confidence”

Visitors

Rita Lee (R 95-98)

Polly Clarke (Wr 89-91)

Eddie Fong (R 79-80)

Jere Gardner (J 70-72)

Michelle Greenhalgh (Wr 08-12) and Stephanie Greenhalgh(Wr 08-10) Andrew Millar (DC 73-75) and his dog Hank Tony Price (JS 68-71) Ian Swaine(MF 93-08)

Out and About

Spotted in Harryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New York Bar in Paris by OR Joshua Gartside (Pe 01-08), the school crest most definitely in the wrong place!

Stephen Kane (JS & SE98-14) is embarking on a 12-month industrial placement for a Chinese logistics firm E-HENG in Shanghai, aiming to establish western products into the Chinese market. This is part of his 4-year degree course at the University of Huddersfield. If any Shanghai ORs would like to get in touch with Stephen to give advice, then please do feel free to email him at Stephenkane14@hotmail.co.uk

OR Stuart Wicht (M 65-69) has been in the USA for the last five years as President and CEO of Rolex Watch USA Inc. One of the many events that Rolex sponsors is the Rolex24, an endurance race running Mans cars in Daytona Beach, Florida. Stuart was delighted to find out that Brian Redman (A 50-53), who is a regular at this event, was a fellow OR.

If you would like to visit, please call 01253 774288

Announcements – Congratulations to: Ashley Marsh (JS & Pe 95-12) on receiving his DofE Gold Award at St James’ Palace. Chris Metcalf (SE 04-11) who received the award for Best Masters Project on his MSc in Marine Biology, which he passed with Distinction. David Blakeney (DC 72-75), Development Director at House of Frazer, for winning Best Store Design at the Annual Draper Awards. Carmen Ngan(Pu 04-06) on the successful launch of her business Honey & Date, producing healthy cakes for those with food intolerances. Matthew Baldwin (Pe 08-14) on his successful audition and debut performance with the Halle Choir. Matthew has recently joined the RNCM to study for his BMus(Hons).

Jennie Cooper (Dn 00-08) on her recent marriage to Matthew Leopold. Keith Budge (JS & R 66-75), elected Chair of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference for 2017/8.

John McCarthy (Pe 91-96) and Colette Coulson (O 91-93) on their recent marriage. James Cross (MF 04-09) on his promotion to Head of English at Didcot School for Girls (James is the youngest Head of English in Oxfordshire).

Callum Clowes (MF 04-09) who graduated as an Officer in the RAF. Alessandra Smith (Dn 98-13) who graduated from Bangor University with BA (Honours) Class 2:1 in Primary Education with QTS. She starts a job as a Year 1 teacher at Blackpool Gateway Academy in Sept 2016.

Jenna Birch (Dn 07-09) on her recent marriage to Justin Wylie in the USA. Jane Smith (R 09-11) who graduated on 21st July with a 1st Class MSci in Chemistry from Queen Mary, University of London. She starts a 2 year graduate scheme at Queen Mary in October in Higher Education Management.

Jake Thompson (JS & MF 95-09) and Hannah Bennett (R 05-09) on their recent marriage at Warwick Castle. They were joined by a number of OR friends and school staff and their inspirational wedding cake must be a first for Rossall!

To place an announcement, please email s.potts@rossall.org.uk

In Memoriam George Begley (DC 56-60)

Harvey Bird (F53-56)

John Bourne (MC 44-48)

Peter Cain (DC 44-49)

David Carr (SE 62-67)

Donald Carton (DC 42-46)

Stephen Coucher (JS & SE 61-71) Michael Dicks (F 41-45)

Michael Henderson-Begg (R 50-54)

Group Capt. Geoffrey Howard-Jones (SE 34-37)

James Jolly (JS & A 57-65)

Howard King (R 57-61)

Keith Lysons (F 34-37)

Dr Geoffrey Mills (A 46-50)

Brian Oddy (M 45-49)

Nevill Phillips (SE 48-52)

John Ridehalgh (MC 44-48)

Anthony Ward (M 45-50)

David White (O & A 77-84)

Dr David Whittingham (M 46-51)

Eric Allsup MC (SE 33-38) was born in 1920. After leaving Rossall, he went up to Cambridge and read French and German at Magdalene College for two years until his time there was interrupted by the war. During his time as Captain in the Royal Tank Regiment, his squadron were under attack on the Urbani Ridge near Rimini, Italy. The Squadron Commander and Second in Command were both wounded, so Eric rallied the tanks and successfully attacked the enemy in the face of gun and mortar fire. He skillfully led the remaining tanks and, as a result of his inspiring leadership and determination, was largely responsible for the capture of the Urbani Ridge objective. For this he was awarded the MC. He was an assistant in the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. Ltd. (later to become BP) and on 12th September 1947, he was initiated into the OR Lodge aged 27 years. He was then posted to Iran. He became a Master Mason on 29th April 1952.In 1953, he was posted to Aden. It was in this period of time that he became a Lodge Secretary overseas. In 1957, he was posted on to Iran. In 1961, he returned to the UK and he was appointed Personnel Manager for BP. He became the Worshipful Master of the Lodge for the first time in 1964 and again in 1973 and became an Honorary Member in January 2011.

When asked about his MC, he replied that he hadn’t done anything particular to earn it which is often typical of those who earn such awards. His name was mis-spelt in a reference to his tank experience in a book called ‘Tank Men’. Eric said that of all things to remember, the first names of his tank crew he would never forget.

Graham Millard (A 43-47) passed away on the 4th March 2016. He had many happy memories from his time at Rossall and particularly enjoyed rugby and Ross Hockey. He also represented the school boxing team. He was a Justice of the Peace for 30 years, Chairman of the Bench from 1985-8 (Aldridge Magistrates Court). His career took him from van boy to Chairman of United Parcels PLC, which was later sold to Bunzl PLC. Graham attended many Midland OR Dinners. He lived in Little Aston Park, Sutton Coldfield for the last 53 years and leaves his wife Pat and children Carol, Peter ( J & A 72-79), Susan and Katie.

We aim to print all announcements as accurately as possible, based on the information provided. Any omissions or errors will be amended and re-printed in the next edition.

For this he was awarded the MC

Dates for your diary Date

Venue

Contact

2016 Friday 16th September

Late Summer BBQ Sharon Potts Oriental Club, London s.potts@rossall.org.uk Book online at: www.rossall.org.uk/ORSummerBBQ

Sunday 25th September

Manchester Lunch Stanneylands Hotel Wilmslow

Saturday 8th October

German Dinner Sharon Potts Restauraunt Franziskaner, Munich s.potts@rossall.org.uk Book online at: www.rossall.org.uk/deutschendinner

Roger Walker chrisandroger@metronet.co.uk

Sunday 16th October Isle of Man Lunch

Charles Crossley Charles@manx.net

Friday 18th November

Birmingham Dinner Copt Heath Golf Club

John Whitlock thewhitlocks@blueyonder.co.uk

Saturday 17th December* 6.00pm

OR Carol Service Rossall School

Sharon Potts s.potts@rossall.org.uk

*Please note that this event will be held on Saturday this year due to the availability of the organist

2017 Saturday 22nd April OR Weekend 2017

Sharon Potts s.potts@rossall.org.uk

Saturday 6th May Lakeland Lunch

Nick Hadfield nickhadfield24@gmail.com

Secretary

E: ian@prestonswelding.co.uk

T: 07831 862136

Sharon Potts

Alumni Officer

E: s.potts:rossall.org.uk

T: 01253 774288

Foundation Bursary Appeal Thanks to generous donations from a number of benefactors, the first Rossall Foundation Bursary place commenced at the start of the Michaelmas Term and was awarded to a local student who excelled as an all-rounder. The bursary will cover two years of school fees in Sixth Form. We would like to offer two further awards for September 2017 to students who would benefit from a Rossall School education.This award could change a young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and give them an opportunity they may well otherwise not have been able to afford. To find out more about the Rossall Foundation Bursary Appeal, visit:

rossall.org.uk/bursaryappeal