The Ronian - Issue 50 - Spring 2012 by Saint Ronan's School

The Ronian ISSUE 50 - Spring 2012

Inside:

Paradise Farm • Aladdin • Alumni News • ‘Sir Leon’ visits Tongswood • Book Week

w w w. s a i n t r o n a n s . c o . u k

The Headmaster writes... So much has been going on this term that we have had to increase the termly newsletter from its usual sixteen to twenty pages! I hope you will all enjoy reflecting with us on the huge amount that has been achieved since Christmas. Notable features of the term have been the variety of ‘speakers in’ and ‘trips out’; the very strong performance in the Cranbrook test; the number and variety of scholarships already won (twelve children have amassed thirteen awards!) and the involvement of so many children in sport on a daily basis. We have also had our largest ever number of candidates sitting their music grades, a quite remarkable concert on the eve of Half Term and a spectacular Egyptian Art Exhibition. Aladdin, too, was a great occasion which I watched with enormous pride. Summer 2012 will be one to remember as the nation celebrates the Diamond Jubilee and hosts the Olympic Games. Fortunately we have plenty of experience of both, having celebrated Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and the first two London Olympics! We will be marking both events in a traditional ‘Saint Ronansy’ way. More later. Enjoy the Ea(s)ter break!

Artwork by Hannah Pearson

In this issue...

Thirteen Scholarships won so far

Busy Bees in Reception

Top Year for Recorder Karate Black Belts

Friends of Saint Ronan’s

Class 4 go ‘gourmet’ a the George

BBC’s Merlin knight Sir Leon visits Tongswood

Paradise Farm

Upper Enjoy Some Heritage

Feline Frolics for Classes 3 & 4

iCan, iPad - Technology for the Tiniest

Aladdin

Running the Brodie - a diary entry

Pyjamas in the Snow - it must be Book Week

World Book Day

Spring Term Prize Giving

Art like an Egyptian

What a treet - 40 trees from Kew

Eastbourne Jazz Day

Orchestral Concert

Netball trip goes down a Storm

Sue’s trip to Canada

Headmasters’ Portraits Appeal

Alumni

Sport

17-20

Coming up... Summer Events Term begins

Thursday, 19th April

Class 4 Parents’ Evening

Thursday, 2nd May

Bank Holiday Exeat

Monday, 7th May

Class 3 Parents’ Evening

Tuesday, 15th May

Class 3 & 4 Parents’ Breakfast

Tuesday, 22nd May

Class 3 & 4 Drama Playlets

Friday, 25th May

The following scholarships have been won so far this year:

Nursery Parents’ Evening

Thursday, 31st May

JoJo Blick (Drama, Battle Abbey); Juno P-H, Emma Simpson

Diamond Jubilee Garden Party

(Drama, Sutton Valence); Digby Atherton, Will Simpson (Sport,

Half term

Sutton Valence); Michael Cotter (Music, Tonbridge); Roo W-S

Remove Leavers Programme begins

(Music, Bethany); Jago T-V (Music & Art, King’s); James

Informal Concert

Martin (Music, Eastbourne); Emily Ulmann (Academic,

Shell, Midway & Upper Parent’s Breakfast Tuesday, 19th June

Benenden); Kate Woodford (Sport, Sutton Valence).

Founder’s Day / Sports Day

Friday, 1st June Friday, 1st - Sunday, 10th June Thursday, 14th June Friday, 1th June

Saturday, 23rd June

Remove trip to Bude departs

Sunday, 24th June

Website Update

Upper trip to Brittany departs

Monday, 25th June

Sponsored Walk

Monday, 25th June

Keep an eye on the website in the coming weeks as we

Term ends

introduce a ‘refresh’, including a much improved Extranet

Remove Leavers’ Chapel & Lunch

Friday, 6th July Saturday, 7th July

Noticeboard, a photo gallery section and ‘The Wall’, an electronic version of the Parents’ Noticeboard.

Top Year for Recorder Karate Black Belts This has been a super year for Recorder Karate with over 60% of Class 4 children reaching Black Belt! Many patient, kind and loving families have endured a term of furious

Busy Bees in Reception!

practising and we are grateful to Mrs Lloyd and Mr Vassar-Smith for the encouragement

The Hedgehogs and Rabbits were treated to a very

they have given all the

informative talk all about bees as part of their ‘Food and

children.

Farming’ topic. Amanda Powell (Hector’s mum) came into Reception to tell the children about her collection of bees and even brought some bees in with her to show everyone. She wore a special suit with a net that helps to protect her from stings. She told the children why bees make honey, where they make it and how she collects it. The children were even treated to samples of different kinds of honey.

After the very successful Orchestra Concert someone made the following observation: “We come to school every morning and hear those recorders being practised… now we

Samuel liked all the flavours and declared them to be ‘yummy,

understand why… they

yummy in my tummy’. I think all the Hedgehogs and Rabbits

are beginning the journey as

agreed.

instrumentalists and what a fantastic result to end up with a

A huge thank you to Amanda for coming in to talk to us.

great school Orchestra!”

It’s ‘Back to School’ for FOR to raise Fun and Funds The Friends of Saint Ronan’s organised two social events during the course of the term. Soon after we returned in January, parents and friends were digging out their old school unifoms for the ‘Back to School’ Party. Some of the costumes were especially impressive incriminating photographs can be downloaded from the ‘Useful Documents’ section of the Extranet! After half term was the annual FOR Quiz Night. As ever, Mr and Mrs TV were the question masters. The kitchens provided a delicious ploughman’s supper and a good time was had by all (the winning team was ‘Cookie Crisp’). Roo tries out one of the new outdoor table tennis tables Of course the aim of FOR is twofold - to raise both fun and funds. The funds raised are used to purchase all sorts of items

school farm, buying two outdoor table tennis tables and

(a long list of which can be found on the Extranet); the aim

helping with the kit-out of the new DT workshop.

being that they should be of primary benefit to the children. Two FOR meetings are held each term and anyone is Recent projects have included supporting the setting up of the

welcome to attend - new faces are always very welcome!

Class 4 go ‘gourmet’ at The George Inn, Rye Sampling tasty and very unusual French dishes at the George Inn was an eye-opener for Class 4. They all looked very classy walking up the High Street in Rye in their formal wear. The restaurant/hotel was very welcoming, with French greetings and tricolour flags decorating the room. The children took a real interest in the PowerPoint presentation on French traditions; especially typical regional dishes traditional at Christmas. Caspar Cubitt was happy to share his experiences of culinary life in France. After the presentation all the children sampled a delicious selection of unusual food. They all tried and tucked into the pâté, frogs’ legs, snails, mussels, pancakes and the famous ‘Galette de Rois.’ Surprisingly some children rated frogs’ legs and snails their top favourite. Pancakes were a hit, of course, most especially the aforementioned ‘Galette de Rois.’ Inside each galette a ‘fève’ can be found by a lucky child, who then becomes King or Queen for the day. Some of the boys who became King were excited to choose their Queen, which is also part of the French tradition. It was a lovely afternoon that will be cherished the children and staff for years to come.

BBC's Merlin knight Sir Leon comes to Tongswood It was a treat to welcome Rupert Young, who plays Sir Leon in BBC's Merlin, to speak to the Prep School children during the second half of term. We learnt about how he started acting and how he got the role of ‘Sir Leon’, as well as about how he receives scripts, the process of filming, the use of CGI and green screens and some of the places the cast and crew get to see on location. ‘Sir Leon’ was able to talk us through the process of scripting and storyboarding the episodes of Merlin and explained that every ten seconds of finished programme takes many, many hours of filming. The children had the opportunity to ask lots of questions and Sir Leon was lucky to escape back to Camelot at the end of the day!

First pure ‘rare breed’ piglets born on Paradise Farm As winter turned to spring the first set of piglets (‘The Bandits’) went to market and were sold to parents. Since then there have been new arrivals. Barbara had our first batch of ten rare breed black piglets around half-term. We also had ten pink and grey piglets in December. Unfortunately they were born on one of the coldest nights of winter, so we lost two to the cold and two because Truffles rolled on them!!! Now we also have six fat, healthy mixed-breed piglets. They have just been separated from their mother, which they

Barbra with her babies

weren’t happy about. Last week one of the piglets decided to slip under the electric fence, which was off, and go to find his mum. We made many attempts to herd the piglet into his pen but they didn’t work!! In the end Mrs Bright gave him a ‘little persuasion’ with a small nudge on his bottom with a pink bucket!!! You might know that we have a new shed to put our overalls and wellies in. This has given us a lot more space and is very useful. We have carefully numbered and named all the pegs. Blackberry is the only pig not to have had piglets; she is due at the end of March. She has moved to a less muddy pen, not just a nicer environment but because we have planted some parsnip seeds to grow food to feed the pigs. The chickens are lots of fun to look after as you can pick them up. Not all people enjoy looking after them as they are slightly smelly. They are giving us quite a lot of eggs, even though it

Ben and Tia prepare a tasty meal for the pigs

is winter. We started off with twenty three chickens but sold three to Mrs Lloyd. Two died because of the cold and one disappeared, so now we have only seventeen. We no longer have a cockerel (he was dispatched as he was vicious and attacked us too much when we went into his pen.) We have clipped the chickens’ wings to stop them from flying out of the pen. At Easter we will be buying some more chickens out of the money raised from selling the eggs, and Reception have said they will donate some of the chicks that have hatched in the incubator. By Lucy Martin, Kitty Jordan, Polly Hutton and Tilly Hastilow. Phoebe changing the straw in one of the chicken huts

Upper Enjoy Some Heritage: As soon as the last set of school exams were over Upper ‘hot footed it’ (well, took a coach!) down to King’s, Canterbury for a delicious roast lunch and then set to work again. A local guide began the afternoon by taking the children on a walking tour of the city centre, giving them an overview of the city’s history and pointing out plenty of gory details along the way (including the fact that Thomas More’s head was recovered from the Tower of London by his daughter and then buried in St Dunstan’s church!). The party then split into two groups and were given a bespoke tour of the Cathedral by two Cathedral staff. The tour included the breathtaking Chapter House and the site of Thomas a Beckett’s murder. The afternoon was rounded off with a visit to the Roman Museum in the gruesomely named ‘Butchery Lane’ for a workshop on Roman life styles and a Mrs Morrell ‘special’! All-in-all a most successful trip.

Feline Frolics for Classes Three and Four Move over Andrew Lloyd-Webber! Forget expensive London Musicals! One Friday evening saw TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats

with gravity. Mr Mistoffelees brought 3 AH tumbling and twisting onto the stage, zapping the audience with wands and producing magic from glittering top-hats and

recited, just as the poet would have

sparkling tinsel. 3 RB thrust

intended. Audacious, perhaps, but

their whiskers in the air and

Classes 3 and 4 did real justice to

reignited the trend for

the narrative style, rhythm and

walking canes, spats and

word-play of the poems in their

London Clubs with their

recital on 20th January. The children

rendition of Bustopher

had worked on the poems during the latter part of the Autumn Term, using them to learn about body language, expression,

Jones. Looks of alarm (and amusement!) flashed across the faces of the audience as 3 RT hailed The

rhythm, action, spacing and projection;

Pekes and The Pollicles with cries of ‘Fight! Fight! Fight!’

culminating in each class learning a

and 4 LL’s interpretation of Skimbleshanks, complete with

poem by heart and bringing their own

a golf-umbrella-inspired ‘train’, brought the

interpretation to its theme.

performance safely (and promptly) into the station!

4 RVS opened with Macavity, skulking onto the stage with cat-like suavity and delivering their lines

Well done to all the children and thanks to Mr Clarke for transforming a recital into a Great Space Production!

Interview with new gappy Tilly What have you enjoyed most since arriving at Saint Ronan’s? Getting to know so many new people, staff and children. I love the boarding nights too! What do you miss about home in Zimbabwe? The sun! And the African bush and the dust. And my family of course. What do you do outside of school? I play hockey for Tunbridge

iCan, iPad - technology for the tiniest

Wells Hockey Club and go running. Friends have taken me out and about to various local places.

The Nursery has been busy trialling two iPads. Mr Clarke wanted to see if he could improve the use of IT by younger children in the school and the Nursery was the ideal place to start. Why iPads? Like the rest of the school the Nursery already has an interactive whiteboard, used for group work as an aid to teaching literacy and numeracy, but not exclusively for improving IT skills. And you can’t really carry a whiteboard around! Laptops are not young-children-friendly; a keyboard is just too complicated for little fingers and brains. iPads are portable; you don’t have to wait to log on to learn about penguins or see where you went on holiday or listen to the tune of the ‘Grand Old Duke of York.’ Just lift the lid and you are there. iPads are so easy to use that even at the age of three the children can scroll through pages

What is the most exciting thing you have done since arriving in the UK? Gosh, there are many! Watching ‘Matilda’ in London

on their own and pick their favourite apps (chosen by the teachers). So they are not only learning excellent IT skills but are learning a host of other skills just by using the apps. One of the most surprising skills, and an added bonus, is that the children have to negotiate with each other and learn to share and take turns. They seem to have sorted this out themselves, with few disagreements.

was amazing, as was a Six

Some of the parents have even been so infected by their children’s enthusiasm that they

Nations Rugby Tournament at

have bought their own iPads!

Twickenham. Then Olly Murs in Brighton and my half-term trip to the Cotswolds. Tackling the London

Largest Ever Music Exam Entry

Underground on my own was

We have had a bumper entry of 52 candidates for the ABRSM and Trinity

exciting and nerve-wracking.

music exams this term ranging from Prep Test to Grade 5. The ABRSM results

And then the snow in

arrived just as we were going to press: all passed, with 65% gaining a merit or

February; night-sledging and

distinction! Well done to everyone for their hard work and to all the music staff

all!

to helping to prepare the children.

This year our musical transported us to the enchanted city of Agrabah, home to poor street rat Aladdin and the beautiful Princess Jasmine. The musical was based on the animated Disney cartoon and many of the tunes were familiar to the cast from the film. Fragments of the toe-tapping music could be heard in classrooms and corridors around the school, hummed by pupils and staff alike (even by our very own Mr Vincendeau) long before the performance, as the catchy melodies caught on. Mr Witham brilliantly adapted the music into parts for the band, who performed exceptionally well. Special mention goes to Sam Statman, whose snake-charming saxophone solo set the mood at the start. With such a large cast (75 on stage) chorus rehearsals at times resembled troop manoeuvres, but with good will, patience and humour from all sides, the large ensemble put on an excellent show, ably assisted by the backstage crew. Luke Goodacre charmed us as Aladdin. Jessamy Coulson sang beautifully. Ed Walker as Jafar made a convincing dastardly villain (despite a broken wrist) and Harry Trelawny-Vernon played the dry and amusing sidekick, Iago, very well. Hector Lancaster played the Sultan with a suitable benign gravitas. Antonia Hall, whom I’d been plotting to paint green since she played Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ finally realised that particular ambition as the Genie. Her outstanding performance in this role (as in the Shakespeare) earned her the Drama Cup. Such a large cast meant a large number of costumes and Mrs Morrell did a sterling job, with support from Mrs Lancaster and Mrs Dealtry. Mrs Gibson organised the props, some made by Mr Bennett from the DT department; whilst Mrs Rhodda and Mrs Stickney painted the beautiful, colourful set. Mr Hill ensured backstage ran smoothly whilst Richie Vassar-Smith lit the show effectively, even agreeing to string up fairy lights over the audience. Thanks to Ben Clarke and his team - the sound was faultless, no mean feat with 22 microphones in play. Many thanks to all involved for making the production such a success.

Running the Brodie - a diary entry

I woke up and then I remembered that it was the Brodie. I ran downstairs and had toast with butter and bacon. I went and brushed my teeth and washed my face, then I got dressed and went downstairs and jumped into my Dad’s car. I arrived. I was so excited about running. I couldn’t wait to get my legs pumping and shoot off. I registered myself and went down to the Chapel. After Chapel I went to the starting line, then suddenly Mr Fox had clapped the clapper and we were off! I sprinted down the hill with all my energy. I pushed myself up a hill and did a steady pace. I could feel pain but I kept going. My legs were killing me and my arms were pumping so fast it looked like I was punching the air. My body felt like it would collapse, my feet felt like they were going to fall off. I could see the finish line but there was a huge hill. My heart was pumping so much that I felt that I might have a heart attack. I finished the hill and I sprinted as hard as I could and I finished! By Sebbie Lund, Shell.

Pyjamas in the snow - it must be Book Week! It’s true to say that the children at Saint Ronan’s are a hardy bunch and maybe just a touch eccentric. When the Pre-Prep teachers said ‘Come to school in your pyjamas’ there was not a moment’s hesitation, despite the fact that fifteen centimeters of snow lay on the ground! It was the traditional start to Book Week. Stories were read by the teachers; children snuggled under the duvet and then had breakfast of juice and muffins. The visiting author this year, Paul Geraghty, used to travel on the school bus with Mr Hill as a child in South Africa, so as well as a big welcome from Saint Ronan’s he was able to catch up on old times. Paul is an inspirational writer and an amazing illustrator who kept the children entertained all day and then left the Pre-Prep with some more original art with which to adorn the walls of the

before a handsome prince on a hobby-horse came to claim

Harris Building.

her as his bride.

The Staff play is always enjoyed by the children, with the

The week ended with all the children coming dressed as their

terrifying wicked queen, played by Debbie, poisoning the

favourite book characters and having stories read to them by

beautiful (and for once raven-haired) Gemma as Snow White.

the Prep School children. Watching the interaction between

When the Dwarfs arrived, each with a different-coloured

the older and younger children, as they share a well-loved

beard, they looked bereft at their friend lying on the ground

book, is one of the highlights of the school year.

Fifteen Minute Reading Alert - Everything Stops on World Book Day

Spring Term Prize Giving Senior Prefects

Half Colours

F. Allinson, N. Curtis,

Head Prefect

W. Chatterton

W. Simpson, T. Watson,

Second Prefect

F. Allinson / W. Simpson

W. Chatterton, H. Dakin, W. Kember, E. Walker

House Captains

Full Colours

M. Cotter, D. Atherton,

Bicton

T. Watson

Pembroke

H. Dakin

Selden

R. Davidson

Girls’ Hockey Prizes

Tongswood

T. Wyatt

Best U13 player

E. Ulmann

Most improved U13 player

E. Dawlings

Best U11 player

L. Martin

Most improved U11 player

G. Crawley

Headmaster’s Special Prizes

House Leagues

Selden

E. Hastilow, E. Wilmoth, F. Black, H. Bluck, H. Cage, F.

Half Colours

H. Ellis, M. Butler-Gallie,

School Colours F. Allinson, D. Atherton, J. Martin, L. Russell, E. Dewberry

R. Davidson

T. Curtis, E. Freeman,

Shanahan, R. Davidson, D. Duncombe

H. Cage, M. Reeves, Prizes

L. Russell, I. Charlesworth,

Drama Cup

A. Hall

Music - Name that tune

H. Cage

Harris Cup

L. Russell

K. Woodford, B. Vereker, L. Martin, C. Chatterton Full Colours

E. Ulmann, M. Joyce, C. Wallace, H. Eva

Art Prizes Remove

J. Trelawny-Vernon

Upper

V. Honychurch

Midway

H. Jones

Shell

E. Hayden-Tubbs

Class 4

B. Colley

Class 3

E. Cooper

Rugby Prizes

House and Form Prizes Senior Form

Midway SC

Junior Form

3 RT

House Cup

Tongswood

Bicton Prize

A. Russell

Pembroke Prize

E. Simpson

Selden Prize

H. Ellis

Tongswood Prize

L. Stephenson

Macintyre Cup for best 1st XV

D. Atherton

Waite Cup for most improved

A. Joarder-White / J. Dealtry

Farrow Cup for best Colt

J. Palmer / M. Dale

Remove GV

J. Trelawny-Vernon

1925 Cup for most improved

E. de Winton

Remove TF

H. Ellis

Half Colours

A. Joarder-White, J. Dealtry,

Remove KK

I. Charlesworth

G. Kennedy, A. Butler-Gallie,

Upper DB

I. Walker

J. Palmer, M. Dale

Upper BC

P. Prince

D. Atherton, T. Watson,

Midway SAS

M. Taylor

E. Walker, R. Davidson,

Midway SC

S. Knatchbull

M. Cotter, N. Curtis,

Midway IP

L. Watson

W. Simpson, W. Chatterton

Shell VC

E. Sayers

Shell RH

A. Hsuan

4 RVS

R. Faulkner

4 LL

O. Hancock

3 RB

E. Cooper

3 AH

R. Reeves

3 RT

M. Laughland

Full Colours

Boys’ Hockey Prizes Weston Cup for best 1st XI

M. Cotter

Fielding Cup for most improved R. Davidson Hunter Cup for best Colt

H. Wyatt

Most improved

G. Jones

Art like an Egyptian We held a successful art exhibition in the Great Space in February, showcasing work done in the Autumn Term by all the children in the Prep School. Our theme was Egyptian Art and featured collage, prints, drawings and some lovely ceramics. A special section was set aside for the work of our Scholarship Art group and another featured the work of Cathryn Kemp, our artist in residence. She displayed her project, ‘Relics’, based around items found in the school buildings. Alongside Cathryn’s own work, creative writing linked to these found objects and done by children in their English lessons and was also displayed. Earlier in the term the Scholarship Art pupils took part in a Batik workshop. They began by placing wax on their designs, over the areas they wanted to remain white. This was to ensure the colour underneath would be preserved. Then they added colour over the design. Once dry, they added more wax over the areas they wanted to remain that colour. The artists repeated this process over and over to create a wonderful picture of an allium, with layers of colours. This amazing experience resulted in some great artwork and an understanding of Batik history. Emily Ulmann applied for an art scholarship to Benenden School and was placed in the final three. Jago TV won an art scholarship to King’s, Canterbury and Fred Allinson was highly commended. Batik workshop write-up by Millie Butler-Gallie. Batik artwork, from top to bottom: Millie B-G, Harriet Cage, Emily Freeman.

What a treet - 40 trees from Kew Making good a promise made when the Senior Arborist came to talk to the children two years ago, Kew Gardens in London have

Toasty Chick!

kindly given us forty rare trees to plant around the school grounds. Some of our rescued battery hens have been suffering John Watson has already made a start but more will be

from the cold. Mrs Bender’s mum knitted a special

appearing!

Saint Ronan’s Chicken Vest to keep them warm!

Eastbourne Jazz Day

Netball trip goes down a Storm On Monday the 27th of February a very excited group of fortytwo netballers and six equally excited staff travelled to the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford to watch Surrey Storm take on the Celtic Dragons. Surrey Storm are the Netball Super League Franchise for London and the South East. The team is coached by England international and player-coach Tamsin Greenway. The team also includes England players Rachel Dunn and new signing Pamela Cookey, as well as other very experienced Superleague players.

Once again, this trip provided a wonderful opportunity for our

There was much excitement as

wind players to play in Eastbourne College’s beautiful new

we arrived at the venue, found

venue, The Birley Centre.

our seats and took in the

We are really grateful for the outreach our Senior Schools give us. The children come back exhausted but raring to go, full of inspiration and enthusiasm!

atmosphere. We were sitting just meters from the action, giving us a first class view of the match as it progressed. Surrey Storm got off to a great start, playing some fantastic netball. It was a pleasure to watch the game played with such skill and grace. The girls couldn’t get over the pace, agility and

Orchestral Concert

sheer athleticism of the players on the court. Quite something to aspire to! Surrey Storm led the first and second quarters (41-28) so spirits were high at half time as the girls jumped out of their seats to take part in a shooting competition down on the court. A number of our girls lined up to have a go. Tilly Hastilow was successful, earning herself a ticket for a draw for a Surrey Storm goodie bag. The match concluded with a very convincing win for Surrey Storm (74-50). The girls couldn’t believe the amount of goals scored! I hope everyone enjoyed the trip and the opportunity to watch professional female athletes at the top of their game. I certainly left feeling inspired by what I had seen and hope that they did too. Bring on the U13 IAPS netball tournament at

The musical highlight in the first half of the term was the orchestral concert. Our orchestra is growing and now consists of 40 members. The standard of excellence reached in that concert was superb. The concert featured the premiere performance of a work specially written for the Saint Ronan’s Orchestra by Mr Witham called The Ronian’s Guide to the Orchestra. This work is based on a famous hymn tune (A Monk’s Gate) and is similar in structure and intent to Benjamin Britten’s Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra. Other works played were an arrangement of Peter Warlock’s Mattachins from the Capriole Suite, a Strauss Waltz and Bizet’s Farandole from the L'Arlésienne Suite.

the end of this week!

Sue’s trip to Canada After thirty years of service as Matron, alumni, staff and parents clubbed together to send Sue on the trip of a lifetime to Canada. Here is her account of what she got up to: I had a wonderful trip over to Canada; I stayed 2 weeks with my Brother in Ottawa then flew across Canada to Vancouver for 10 days to stay with friends. While there we drove up to Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky Highway - amazing views with snow capped mountains - and saw the various sites of the Visiting the housematrons at St George’s School, Vancouver

2010 winter Olympic Games. On a trip over to Vancouver Island I visited Victoria and Butchart Gardens, then went to Duncan to visit someone I had not seen since we were teenagers. Then I took the ferry back from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay, and flew back to Ottawa for another 2 weeks with my brother. We took a boat trip down to the 1000 islands. I was there for the 10th October Canadian Thanksgiving - roast turkey and all the trimmings and pumpkin pie to follow. I arrived back in the UK on the 19th October after a truly amazing trip. Very many thanks. Sue.

Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island

Headmasters’ Portraits Appeal

PC 1883-1909

SSH 1909-1926

WBH 1926-1957

RRVS 1957-1971

JRVS 1971-1997

Earlier this term we launched an appeal to alumni who had

The response so far has been very positive and we are well

been at Saint Ronan’s under Dick Harris, Sir Richard Vassar-

on the way to reaching the target of £6,000. We offer our

Smith and Sir John Vassar-Smith in order to raise money to

heartfelt thanks to those who have already contributed so

have these Headmasters’ portraits painted. We already have

generously. If everything goes according to plan, the

a portrait of Stanley Harris, commissioned by his brother Dick.

unveiling ceremony will be held in our 130th Anniversary celebrations on Founder’s Day in the summer of 2013.

These remarkable Headmasters contributed a huge amount to the school. It is therefore fitting that as we celebrate our 130th

If you would still like to contribute, please complete your

anniversary next year we remember the lifelong contributions

donation form or email alumni@saintronans.co.uk for a new

that these men made to the school.

form.

The Cotterills of Tongswood 1868-1892 In 1868 the estate was bought by William Cotterill for £8,750. William Cotterill (1828-1898) was a successful tea broker and the son of a Birmingham millionaire, Thomas Cotterill (17801860), who had made a very considerable fortune (over £1m) from the ‘America trade’. This was one of the largest mid19th-century fortunes not deriving from land. The 1871 census records the name of his wife (Mary Anne Stapledon, married 1852) and their younger seven children (they had nine in all) together with their Governess, Cook, two Housemaids, Kitchen maid, Footman, Houseman and two Nursery Nurses! It also states that William’s income was derived from ‘dividends from the railways’ and from

1874

landowning. William Cotterill’s name remains on the census records for Tongswood in both 1881 and 1891. In 1874, he extended the main house adding a wing to the north which can be seen on the earliest photographs we have of the Tongswood. Two of their children (Annie and Clement) married into the Neame brewing family, who continue to have an association with Tongswood to this day. In 1891 the estate was sold in 1892 to ‘Misses Goldsmid of Portman Square’. Isabel, Flora and Emma were three of the daughters of Sir Julian Goldsmid Bt of Somerhill in Tonbridge. After the eighth daughter he gave up trying to have father a son and heir!

Bumper Oxbridge Entry for 2007s Luca Bertoli-Mitchell (Cranbrook) has an offer to read Modern Languages at Queen's, Oxford, Thomas Harris (Eton) will be off to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to study Music, Hugh Granger (Tonbridge) has an offer to read Classics at Robinson College, Cambridge, Lucy Bates (Sevenoaks) is to read Biomedical Sciences at St Hughes, Oxford, and Olivia Honychurch (King's Canterbury) to Pembroke, Cambridge, to study Classics. Thomas, Hugh, Lucy and Olivia all won scholarships to their senior schools. We would be delighted to hear news of any of the destination universities of our Old Ronians. Meanwhile we will raise our glasses to toast the successes so far and wish candidates waiting for news every success!

1885

Name the Team Competition

Can you name all the members of this team? Do you know which year it is from? Answers on a postcard to the Alumni Secretary (or by e-mail to alumni@saintronans.co.uk). We’re all out of Saint Ronan’s umbrellas, so the new prize is to be confirmed.

School Farm nothing new for Bicton Ronians It turns out that the new school farm is not the first agricultural

young pullets which we have reared should be laying about

adventure the children of Saint Ronan’s have undertaken.

October.

During the Second World Was, during which the school was evacuated to Bicton Park in Devon, a chicken farm was established. The following is an extract from the September 1943 edition the school magazine:

The comic element of the term was provided by the ducks, who, with great pomp and ceremony, were taken down to the Otter Pond. When they were put in they immediately began to sink, and showed the greatest aversion to the water. In horror, Pon, Bill, etc., gave a first class exhibition of life-saving, and restored them safely to the land. They occasionally waddle

CHICKEN FARMING NOTES. The egg-production this term was very good, our total yield being 50 dozen. In addition, we have reared 60 chickens, one goose and twelve ducks. Most or these were hatched in an incubator, which we bought, and it has proved a great success. We have now killed off most of our old stock, and we

down the board into an inch or two of water, but have not shown the slightest desire to launch into the deep. Jack is in charge of the farm, and under him are Foreman Ponsonby, who is a great authortty, Shelley rna., Whinney rna., Knight, Tudor-Craig, Nourse rna., Lawson rna. and Russell.

had a great chicken lunch for the School as a result. The

Sport Saint Ronan’s

Racing away with it - Finley wins the Brodie Shield Conditions were perfect for both runners and spectators at the

Richards Trophy, completing the course in 8m03s. Matthew

annual Brodie Shield cross-country races.

Dale finished second and Lawrence Reeves was third. Sabina

The Nursery & Pre-Prep races took place in the Pinetum. The courses were slightly extended this year and everyone ran very well. The winners were: Oscar Bottle, Levi Routledge,

McNeish put in an outstanding performance and was the first girl home in 9m14s. She secured the Johnson Trophy, ahead of Emmy Shaw and her House mate Bindi Vereker.

Matthew Grierson Rickford, Esme Clarke, Ned Taggart, Archie

Nick Curtis set a cracking pace as the Under 13s surged

MacDonald, Jack Kirkland, Joseph Fuller, Tom Hall, Gus

forwards in their last Brodie. Will Chatterton challenged

Chatterton and Connor Gorman. Emma Marsh was the fastest

strongly, leading the field as they came back past the tennis

girl overall and Connor Gorman the fastest boy.

courts and round the First XV pitch, before Michael Cotter took

First up in the Prep School were the U8s & U9s. James Crawley held onto his lead to complete the 1600m in 6m58s, winning the MacIntyre Cup. Second and third were Freddie Dear and Barney Hall respectively. In the Girls’ race, Megan Hopper ran superbly to secure first position and the Bulow Trophy, in a time of 8m18s. Daisy Dent and Maddie MacDonald showed great potential for the Under 8s by being the second and third girls home.

over as they passed the Brodie Bush and disappeared towards the Dinosaur Bowl. Finley Plugge shadowed the older boys throughout and edged past Michael as the boys came up the hill and pulled away to win in a time of 10m02s. Will Chatterton fought strongly in second and Michael Cotter finished third. Hannah Eva celebrated a very strong crosscountry season with the Meyer Trophy, running the 2500m in 10m46s. Thomasina Wyatt ran well in second and Millie Butler-Gallie put in a characteristically stoical performance to

Seventy four athletes thundered past The Maples as the

cross the line in third place.

Under 10/11s race got under way. Again there were some impressive performances and superb sprint finishes at the end of the gruelling 2000m. Archie Butler-Gallie was awarded the

The House prize was won by Selden, although only three points separated the four Houses.

Sport Saint Ronan’s Girls net almost perfect results

The Spring term has been busy and productive for the girls,

Vinehall, Claremont, Bricklehurst, Skippers Hill, Beechwood,

with junior hockey and senior netball fixtures and more

Ashdown House, Kent College and MHS. The Cs and Ds also

recently Pop and Field Lacrosse. The arrival of our new match

made remarkable progress, earning well-deserved wins

shirts sparked lots of excitement, along with a netball trip to

against Vinehall, MHS and Claremont. There were memorable

watch Super League teams Surrey Storm v Celtic Dragons in

performances this season from Charlie Chatterton (A), Lucy

Guildford, and a day out for the Remove 1st VII to the south

Martin (A), Georgiana Crawley (B), Kitty Jordan (B), Jessamy

east regional IAPS netball tournament at Roedean.

Coulsen (C), Sabina McNeish (C), Hannah O’Reilly (D).

The U8 girls have been an exciting group to coach and really

The U13s have been at the top of their game this year as a

enjoy competitive sport. With some convincing wins to be

result of the years 7 and 8 girls joining forces. The richness of

proud of in netball and hockey, the A teams are almost

talent brought to the first and second teams has allowed the

unbeaten, demonstrating great talent and potential for the

girls to achieve our best set of results yet. The second team

future. Everyone is progressing in leaps and bounds; key

are unbeaten at netball. Wins included matches against MHS,

players to watch out for include Emily Cooper, Daisy Dent,

Skipper’s Hill, DCPS, Beechwood, Claremont, Holmewood

Maddie McDonald and Louisa Hudson.

House and a draw against Vinehall. The First VII were almost

With just the one team in Class 4 the U9 girls performed well considering the diverse range of abilities. To their credit they always play with great spirit and enthusiasm and really enjoy the experience of the match regardless of the final score. Their performance on court has been much stronger this year, achieving many wins against Opposition B team sides. Phoebe Bennie has been a great addition and made a fantastic contribution this season, alongside Beth Colley, Megan Hopper and Alice Durtnell.

as successful, achieving victories against Claremont, Skipper’s Hill and a draw against Holmewood House; missing out on other victories by only a goal or two and really closing the margin on results from previous years. Emily Ullman, Maddie Joyce, Hannah Eva, Eugenie Dawlings, Cecilia Wallace and Millie Butler-Gallie should all be congratulated for their outstanding contributions. The Cs and Ds also had tastes of success against Claremont, Vinehall and MHS. Harriet Cage, Leonie Russell, Emma Simpson and Hannah Pearson really stood out and made an impact on court.

The U11s remain a real strength, especially in their netball. The A and B teams really impressed with wins against DCPS,

It has been great to play a half term block of lacrosse fixtures for the first time. The girls have enjoyed a variety of fixtures,

Don’t Forget...

coaching afternoons, festivals and tournaments at local schools and achieved some great results.

Weekly match reports for the teams are posted on the Extranet.

Sport Saint Ronan’s

First XV kick the opposition into touch The Rugby season has not only produced some very exciting

season. Both teams played some expansive rugby and it was

matches but also saw a rise in the level of performance of all

good to see the wingers scoring a few tries.

the teams. The First XV set a fine example, winning all but one of their matches. In the first game they came from behind, showing wonderful character, to defeat Vinehall 24-19. This victory was the catalyst for an impressive season which culminated in both the First and 2nd V11’s taking the runnersup spot in their respective tournaments at the Ashdown House Sevens. Captain Digby Atherton led by example, making big hits and carrying the ball with determination and power. He was well-supported by Tom Watson, Robert Davidson, Charlie Brasnett, Jake Dealtry and Will Chatterton in the forwards, all

The hockey season was not as productive as the rugby in terms of matches won. However all the boys showed a willingness to learn and as a result the performances towards the end of the season were far superior to those at the start. Digby Atherton and Michael Cotter were the stars of the 1st XI. They showed impressive stick work, anticipation and positional play in all of the matches. Robert Davidson in goal improved with each game and made some wonderful saves. Well-played and well-persevered to all the boys.

battling hard to provide the backs with some great ball. Michael Cotter, Edward Walker, Nick Curtis and Will Simpson were grateful to receive the quick ball and were able to exploit gaps and space to run in some well-worked tries. The Second XV also showed great fighting spirit and it was nice to see the emergence of Arnie Joarder-White (who went on to play in the First XV) and Will Kember, who ran well with the ball in hand. The future also looks bright at Colts level with the Colts A (U11) and the Colts B (U10) both only losing once during the

The First XI Hockey Team