The Ronian ISSUE 53 - Spring 2013
1883: Selden Road, the School’s first home
1883: Revd Crick founds the School
2003: William Trelawny-Vernon becomes the Scool’s seventh Headmaster
1998: Edward Yeats-Brown becomes the sixth Headmaster
1887: The purpose-built school in Mill Road
130
1904: The chapel was built; it was later moved to Hawkhurst
1909: Stanley Harris takes over as Headmaster until his death in 1926
years Founder’s Day: 22nd June 2013
1926: Dick Harris, the school’s third Headmaster, until 1957
1971: Sir John Vassar-Smith becomes the School’s fifth Headmaster, until 1997
1966: Four Old Ronians in NATO command: Generals Bray & Richardson and Vice-Admirals Gray & Hayes
Inside:
1957: Sir Richard Vassar-Smith takes over as Headmaster until 1971
1946: The School moves to Tongswood House, Hawkhurst, once the war is over
1940: World War II forces the School to evacuate to Bicton Park in Devon
Scholars • Forest School • Oliver! • Red Nose Day • Mountain Biking • Alumni
w w w. s a i n t r o n a n s . c o . u k
Fun in the snow - Saint Rona
The Headmaster writes...
As I sat in a rather damp, cold Church on the 20th March, surrounded by Saint Ronan’s Old Boys from the 1930s and 40s, it struck me that this group of boys was no different to the children at Saint Ronan’s today. Of course they are older, but they still chat excitedly and giggle and tell stories of their antics at School. They step back into their Prep School personas, adopt the nicknames they once had and become the children they once were. They set great store by the ethos of the School; its emphasis on family, the happiness of the individual and the importance of tackling whatever life throws at you. The idea of the School having a “beating heart”, not being merely a factory churning out education for children. These are all things we value at Saint Ronan’s today. It’s clear that these Octogenarians simply loved their time at Saint Ronan’s as much as we all do today and I look forward to us all joining together for the celebrations of 130 years of brilliance.
2
an’s Style!
In this issue... Revolting Rhymmes
4
Forest School
4
Scholarships news
5
Senior Schools
5
All the fun of the farm!
6
Geography... is all around us!
6
Music trips, Concerts, and the Hastings Festival
6
Design Technology competition winners
7
This term in Pembroke
7
Paradise Farm
8
Mountain Biking
8
Saint Ronan’s Bake Off for Comic Relief
9
Boarding
9
Inaugural Archery Competition
9
Olver!
10
Music notes
11
‘Art in Action’ opens annual Exhibition
11
Sprng Term Prizes
12
Armada! at Penshurst Place
13
Friends of Saint Ronan’s
13
A Portrait of Saint Ronan’s
14-15
Anniversary Appeal
16
Alumni
17
Sport
18-20
Coming up... Next Term Internet Safety talk for Parents
18th April
Class 3 trip to Dover
23rd April
Eastbourne Strings Day
25th April
Sizzling Strings Concert
26th April
May Day Exeat (no school)
6th May
Shell trip to Finchcocks
7th May
FOR Quiz Night
10th May
Midway trip to Dover
13th May
Year 1 trip to Drusillas
14th May
Class 3 trip to Hawkhurst
21st May
Class 3 trip to Kino
23th May
Half term
24th May-3rd June
Common Entrance Examinations Leavers’ BBQ with parents
3rd-6th June 7th June
School Exams
10th June
Reception trip to Bewl Water
10th June
Informal Concert
14th June
Founder’s Day (inc. Sports Day)
22nd June
Term Ends
5th June
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Revolting Rhymes delight a packed Great Space ‘The small girl smiled, one eyelid flickered, She whipped a pistol from her knickers…’ Two of arguably the best known lines from Roald Dahl’s Book of Revolting Rhymes were brought to life by Classes 3 and 4 in the Great Space on the afternoon of Friday 1st March. Forms 4AW, 3RT, 4EM, 3RB and 4RVS performed Goldilocks and the Three Bears; Snow White and the Seven Nine Dwarfs; Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf; The Three Little Pigs; Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk to a captivated audience of Prep School children, parents and teachers. Putting into practice many of the skills taught in their Drama lessons, the children projected, mimed, acted and improvised their way through the rhymes, making good use of the stage and clearly enjoying the amusement and laughter of the audience. The performance allowed every child to shine, revealing a wealth of talent for the future … well done Classes 3 and 4!
Jack and the Beanstalk poster by Cosima Longe
‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’ So says the mantra of any Forest School Leader! We have certainly had our fair share of bad weather this term, from torrential rain, ice, and snow to some hopeful spring sunshine. Nature really is a wonderful and peculiar thing. Despite these extremes, Forest School takes place in almost all weathers, except strong winds and electrical storms, and therefore suitable clothing is an important part of our personal kit. Most children seem oblivious to the cold as they make mud cakes, hunt for buried treasure, create a boat from a few sticks or slide down the mud slide - just some of the activities and games the children choose themselves. Encountering different types of weather is part of the Forest School experience and at least we’ve been able to appreciate the warmth of the campfire and the obligatory cup of hot chocolate.
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A magnificent term for scholarships
Well done to all our scholars! From left to right: Harriet Cage (Sutton Valence Art), Hannah Eva (Sutton Valence Sport), Jess Hamilton (Sutton Valence Art), Millie Butler-Galle (King’s Academic, King’s Art Exhibition, Benenden Academic Exhibition, Benenden Art Exhibition), Annabelle Taylor (St Leonard’s Mayfield Art), Tia Curtis (King’s Sport), Eleanor Alexander (Benenden Music, King’s Music), Finley Plugge (Sutton Valence Art), Jamie Pryke (Eastbourne Sport), Josh Curtis (Claremont Sport).
A long tradition of Senior School preparation The 1925 prospectus states that ‘S.S Harris M.A (Cantab) and
worldwide, both in the maintained and private sector, with the
R.S Vinter M.A (Cantab), assisted by competent Staff, prepare
children amassing some ninety two awards on entry. Over the
boys from 7-14 for Scholarship and Entrance Examinations to
Easter holidays Leaver’s Boards for this period are going to be
the Public Schools and for Cadetships at the R.N. College,
put up in the Dining Room to continue the tradition in the
Dartmouth’.
Chapel.
Over the following ninety years, the senior school ‘plot’ has
The abilities of the 1925 staff are typically understated as
evolved somewhat reflecting changes in society, education
being just ‘competent’. Today I would have the adjective
and the way we all now live our lives. Over the past decade
‘exceptional’ more in mind!
we have ‘fed’ into a total of forty eight different schools 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
Aiglon College Ampleforth* Ashford Battle Abbey* Benenden* Bethany* Bryanston* Charterhouse* Claremont* Cobham Hall Codrington (Barbados) Cranbrook* Eastbourne College* Eton * Harrow* Heathfield, St Mary’s High Weald Academy Highworth Girls
19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.
Grammar Judd Kent College* King’s, Canterbury* King’s, Murcia (Spain) Maidstone Boys Grammar Millfield Milton Abbey Norton Knatchbull Boys Grammar Oratory, Reading Oundle Purcell* Radley* Repton (Dubai) Rugby Skinners
34. St Bede’s 35. St Edmund’s, Canterbury* 36. St Leonards-Mayfield* 37. St Mary’s, Ascot 38. Sevenoaks* 39. Sherborne 40. Stowe 41. Sutton Valence* 42. Tanglin (Singapore) 43. Tonbridge Girls Grammar 44. Tonbridge* 45. Tudor Hall 46. Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar 47. Wellington 48. Worth * Denotes scholarship(s)
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All the fun of the farm!
Geography... is all around us!
The Badgers and Otters visited Mr and Mrs Jones at Silcocks
On Friday 1st March the Nursery and Pre-Prep children had
Farm to investigate food production on a sun-drenched
their first ever Geography Day.
Tuesday. Our tour started with a trek across the fields to see ‘Pig City’ where the rare breed Gloucester Old Spot pigs are kept. We were lucky enough to see some week-old piglets, right up close. Then we walked back to the farm and stopped to see the Hereford beef cattle, also with their young. We saw the dairy herd, including Ayrshire and Fresian cows, and then the milking parlour - although we were too late to watch the milking! We were amazed that all the milk produced on the farm is used in the Silcock’s products, including milk,
The day started with a wonderful assembly. Members of the Prep School in Upper DB explained what Geography is all about. Mrs Hill led us in the singing of “The Wise Man Built his House upon the Rock” and then Mr Bright taught us a song called, “Peace Like a River”. After assembly each year group took part in a range of activities, including treasure hunts, experiments, clay modelling, map-making and river walks.
butter, cheese and ice-cream. We also learnt what it means to
It was great to see the children so enthused about Geography.
be an ‘organic’ farm.
Thank you to all the teachers for making it a super day!
We saw three breeds of sheep: Dorset, South Downs and Romney Marsh. There were many lambs in the barn and the children were fascinated by tail docking and why it is done. As it was so warm the children enjoyed the first picnic of the
Concerts, Music trips and the Hastings Festival
season in the courtyard. It was an interesting morning. Even for children brought up in the country, it’s important to see how food production starts and ends. Thank you to Jane and Ian Jones for another great day out.
We held hugely successful piano, drum and guitar Musical Breakfasts this term. The Wind section visited Eastbourne College for their annual
Book week in the Pre-Prep
Jazz Day and followed this up with an outstanding Wind Celebration Concert. The second half of term saw success for many of our pupils who entered the Hastings Brass Festival. We had a record entry for ABRSM exams and the week before candidates went through their pieces, either at the Lunchtime Concert or at the Informal Concert on Friday evening.
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Budding designers reach second round of DT competition
The term in... PEMBROKE
Since opening, DT has gone from strength to strength. This
In a series of four articles, each house will take it in turns to
term’s new brazing hearth and forge has been used to create
showcase what they’ve been up to this term.
enamelled jewellery, as well as forging steel for more traditional metal work. The wood turning lathe has enabled the children produce some fantastic pens, the laser cutter was used by Anik Moore to complete an incredible lamp.
This term has been a great one for Pembroke. There have been many achievements and, as you may know, it’s the term of the dreaded Brodie! However, due to a great
To end the Term, Tilly Hastilow, Hannah Bluck, Kitty Jordan
effort from the House, we managed to clinch a victory over the
and Jessamy Coulson won the finals of the DT/Science ‘Risk
other Houses to win the shield. As I unfortunately could not be
It’ challenge held at BAE in Rochester. The competition was
there to receive the trophy, Oscar Miles – who had an
stiff, including Year 11 children from local grammar schools.
amazing race and stole 2nd place in the senior Brodie –
Their fantastic concept was an ocean floating machine to
rightfully took my place and lifted the trophy triumphantly.
collect plastic waste for recycling. A worthy victory!
We have had some success in the classroom, too, and have some Scholars amongst us! A special mention to Annabel
‘We get by with a little help from our Friends’ The Friends of Saint Ronan’s (FOR) have excelled themselves again and we’ve had a fantastic term for fun and funds.
Taylor for achieving an Art scholarship to Mayfield and to Millie Butler–Gallie, who was awarded an Academic scholarship to Benenden and another Academic scholarship, plus an Art exhibition, to King’s Canterbury. Amazing! And, finally, Harriet Cage achieved an Art scholarship to Sutton Valence. This is very impressive and very well done to all of them.
Money ‘in’ included £6500 from the Christmas Fayre, £600 from the ‘Phil the Bag’ sale and £500 from the Brodie. Money continues to come in from the sale of the second hand uniform. We also received several gifts, including bee-hives, fruit trees for the bees to pollinate, bee suits to stop the bees stinging and a defibrillator for those who find it all too much! Gifts like these are so generous, and, although the donors would like to remain anonymous, we would like to say a big ‘thank you’. All the pictured Pembrokians gave talks this term Fun events included a Restaurant evening; children’s reeling on Burns Night and the Studio 54 party for adults craving a bit
During our House Assemblies on Tuesdays we have had
of 1970’s glam!
some very interesting talks by some of the children - even the younger ones had a go! The topics varied from Endangered
Money ‘out’ has seen some very exciting purchases. A table tennis table, two art enlargers, bird feeders for the Island and an insect house for the Nursery. Sums have been set aside either for the development of the Nursery Garden or another
Animals to Obesity and have all been presented with a high level of accuracy and content. But, most importantly, the children have enjoyed producing and presenting these talks and have definitely gained something out of ‘having a go’.
piano and gym equipment for the Pre Prep. This has been a good term for Pembroke and I have There are various events for your calendar. These include the Quiz Night on 10th May, Founder’s Day on 22nd June and the 130th Anniversary Ball on 12th October. If you would be interested in serving on the Anniversary Ball Committee
thoroughly enjoyed being House Captain for the duration of it I just hope I have done a good job! Many thanks also to Dr Campbell for making our House what it is and for doing a terrific job of being Head of Pembroke these past few terms.
(ABC!), please contact either Katie Wyatt or Vicki Stewart. By Jamie Pryke (Head of House)
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Ducklings, lambs and guinea pigs arrive at Paradise Farm It has been another exciting year on the Farm, though poor weather has resulted in a lot of muddy boots but happy pigs. Over the Christmas holidays Lady Ronan and Lucky gave birth to healthy batches of young piglets. Our new baby ducklings took their first walk, having being raised by the PrePrep; they are three weeks old and are kept in the Wendy House. Finally, in the last week of term, we had the exciting arrival of two socks lambs, which will be raised by hand. Our new chicken coop is finally complete and we will fill it from eggs that are presently in the incubator. We should have chicks in a few weeks. The BBC came to visit, which was fun but a little scary, with seven children being interviewed. It was a great experience
and very adorable!! Unfortunately a couple died over the long winter, but we have our two survivors.
and good to see the Farm on television highlighting the
Many thanks to all those that have supported the Farm by
benefits of School farms.
buying our produce. We do hope you enjoyed the sausages!
We have had some new guinea-pigs. They are extremely fluffy
Come and visit our Farm! By Lucy Martin and Kitty Jordan
Mountain Biking Club outing to Bedgebury Pinetum On Saturday 16th March, Mr Bright took the Mountain Biking Club around Bedgebury. Everyone met at Quench Cycles and we set off. The climb at the beginning was tough. More experienced riders were at the front and the less experienced at the back. The weather was exciting: rain and blasts of winds strong enough to push some people off their bikes. The (red) single-track route started with ‘Genesis’ - a series of steps and drops which tested our bikes and us. We carried on all the way to Gloomy Wood and the Quarry. As our legs grew tired, spinning round and round, we started to make mistakes and Mr Bright decided we had to head back. After eight miles of adventure biking, our clothes were sodden
Meanwhile, back at School, the club had great fun this term tearing around Tongswood! New trails such as Adrenalin Alley and Forest Funtime were created.
from the rain and felt like they weighed a ton. We felt like champions!
After frost, snow, rain and strong winds we are now looking forward to zooming through the blue bells in the Summer
By Jamie Cubitt and Freddie Bonner-Davies
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sunshine.
The Great Saint Ronan’s Bake Off for Comic Relief A huge thank you to parents and children alike for their support of Comic Relief on Red Nose Day. It was a very colourful day and we will not forget Mr Outram’s (Housemaster at King’s Canturbury) Evensong, preaching to a sea of red! In the Forest School the children followed tracks of stick arrows and charcoal markings on trees to find two red noses that had lost their way home. The weekly house Bake-Offs and the Pre-Prep cake sale have also been huge successes with stalls, at their peak, trading at over £10 a minute. Early next term we will announce the winning house in the
we have raised £1200 and are hoping to break the £1500
Bake Off competition, as Bicton have yet to sell their produce
barrier for this most worthwhile charity.
at the time of going to press. Thank you for your efforts so far;
The Musketeers keep law and order in boarding
Fancy dress, Easter egg hunting, pancake races and dodge ball have all featured this term. The annual outing to the Benenden Panto provided much amusement, especially when Mr Hill had to get up and dance on stage! All boarders are now keeping their fingers crossed for some sunny weather so that they can play outside and use the pool and tennis courts.
Inaugural Archery Contest With just one term’s archery experience under their belts, our Archers took part in their first inter-school competition. They took on Sutton Valence and Vinehall in the Founder’s Hall. Well done to the team who were joint runners up with Sutton Valence, finishing just behind the winners. We look forward to many more competitions to come.
Please sir, I want some more!
A cast of 110, 7 musicians, 8 backstage crew and a 10 week term! This year’s musical was always going to be a challenge. Fortunately, a talented cast and band, a committed and supportive team (Emma Morrell, Ritchie, Mr Clarke, Miss Bennett, Holly Kerr and Matt DePoel-Wood), combined with the musical expertise of Mr Witham and Mrs Hill, meant that ‘Oliver!’ came together with some Oom-pah-pah. Our two wonderful Nancys, Jess Hamilton and Lucy Rose Stephenson, sang and acted superbly. Adam Hsuan as Dodger ducked and dived and George Campbell-Wilson philosophised as Fagin convincingly. Oli Chatterton sang sweetly as Oliver, getting the balance between innocence and feistiness just right. (And luckily we didn’t have to cut Oli’s rations to stop him growing taller than Fagin!) Dr Grimmwig had the audience laughing with his threats to eat his own head. Luke Goodacre also raised a laugh on the first night - that pesky stage block! - and more generally with his rueful observations on marriage as Mr Bumble. Tilly Hastilow menaced cast and audience alike with her ladle as Widow Corney and Finlay Carver as Bill Sykes glowered and bullied villainously. Findlay Carr also deserves a mention for his performance as Mr Brownlow, supported by Megan King as Mrs Bedwin. Fagin’s Gang charmed us, our Street Sellers and Chorus danced, acted and sang brilliantly and the backstage crew ensured that it all ran like clockwork. All the children worked incredibly hard and I am very proud of them. I’m also extremely grateful to the team of staff who were so supportive. Yes, with a cast of 110, 7 musicians and 8 backstage crew, this production was going to be a challenge – but everyone rose to it magnificently. My thanks to all!
Visting Conductors
I said Bassoon, not Bazooka!
Very early on this term we were lucky enough to have not one, but two, visiting conductors in quick succession - Robert Scamardella (Bede’s) and Nick Parrans-Smith (Eastbourne College). The orchestra was wellprepared and not only did they play beautifully for them but they also demonstrated excellent manners and made both men feel at ease. It did help that we had the theme to James Bond at our fingertips – always a winning number! Saint Ronan’s made history this term with their first ever Bassoon Quartet! Bassoon fever has
ABRSM Exams
hit the school and we now have four children learning to play. It was great to hear the quartet play the Theme from the Great Escape at the recent Celebrating Woodwind concert.
It’s been another bumper term for children sitting their ABRSM exams. Grades were
‘Art in Action’ opens annual exhibition
taken from Prep Test to Grade 6, in 12 different disciplines, reflecting the depth of musicality in the school. Over 40 children were successful at Grade 1 and upwards, with more than 40% achieving a merit or above.
The children had a whole term preparing art for an exhibition entitled ‘Winter’. Some classes made ceramic masks and many children made art specifically for the opening ceremony; an ‘art in action’ performance. They enjoyed making silver birch trees from carpet tubes and textured wallpaper; winter woodland mystical creature masks and giant icicles. The artwork was brought out in time to a modern mix of
Finbar Shanahan, Eugenie
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Winter. We had a snow
Dawlings and Emily Freeman
queen and her maidens wearing headdresses
earn Saint Ronan’s Music
and some of the younger girls, dressed as
Scholarships for reaching
snowflakes, danced into the scene, scattering
Grade 5.
snow and frost from bowls they had made.
These results reflect the
The exhibition was a great success. Parents
marvellous standard of
were impressed by the modernity of the
teaching – many thanks to
exhibition and the mulled wine and mince pies!
Lesley-Anne, Andrew and all
We used all twelve of our exhibition boards to
the Peripatetic staff.
display each child’s artwork, including, for the first time, Nursery and Pre-Prep.
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Spring Term Prizes Senior Prefects
U11 Player of the Season
O. Addis
Head Prefect
A. Butler-Gallie
U11 Most Improved
G. Jones
Second Prefect
J. Hamilton & F. Shanahan
Half Colours
H. Roberts, A. Butler-Gallie, H. Wyatt
House Captains Full Colours
J. Pryke, O. Miles,
Bicton
E. Freeman
Pembroke
G. Kennedy
Selden
J. McDonald
Netball Prizes
Tongswood
I. Walker
U13 Player of the Season
H. Eva
U13 Most Improved
A. Butler-Gallie,
Headmaster’s Special Prizes
L. Goodacre, G. Kennedy
V. Honychurch
I. Walker, G. Campbell-Wilson, O. Addis, E. Richardson, R. Faulkner, E. Hues Term’s Effort
U11 Player of the Season
E. Hayden-Tubbs
U11 Most Improved
R. Faulkner
Half Colours
A. Butler-Gallie, H. Cage,
Remove
A. Butler-Gallie
E. Freeman, E. Dawlings,
Upper
L. Watson
V. Honychurch
Midway
Z. Thompson
Shell
I. Black
Class 4
C. Redmayne
Class 3
C. Milborne
Exams - Best Average
Full Colours
H. Eva, T. Curtis
Lacrosse Prizes U13 Player of the Season
T. Curtis, H. Eva
U13 Most Improved
F. Black
Remove
A. Russell
U11 Player of the Season
L. Marsh
Upper
A. Butler-Gallie
U11 Most Improved
E. Sayers
Half Colours
E. Freeman, E. Dawlings,
School Prizes School Colours
S. Pleavin, S. Knatchbull, J. Hamilton
L. Martin Full Colours
Music & Perfoming Arts Prizes
J. Pryke, O. Miles, L. Goodacre, G. Kennedy
Sight Reading
H. Cage
Acting Cup
L. Goodacre
Ross Cup for Performing Arts
G. Campbell-Wilson
Cross Country Prizes
Saint Ronan’s Music Scholars
E. Dawlings, E. Freeman,
Half Colours
F. Shanahan
S. Lund, O. Chatterton, M. Shaw, M. Dale
Full Colours Rugby Prizes
H. Eva, F. Plugge, O. Miles, A. Wooff
U13 Player of the Season
G. Kennedy
U13 Most Improved
P. Prince
House and Form Prizes
U11 Player of the Season
O. Chatterton
Senior Form
Remove KK
U11 Most Improved
F. Joarder-White
Junior Form
3 RB
Half Colours
J. McDonald, H. Roberts,
House Cup
Tongswood
Bicton Prize
E. Shaw
Pembroke Prize
S. Thompson
Selden Prize
T. Tweedie
Tongswood Prize
T. Pilkington
Remove GV
A. Butler-Gallie
Remove KK
F. Bonner-Davies
A, Wooff, Z. Thompson, O. Chatterton Full Colours
G. Kennedy
Boys Hockey Prizes U13 Player of the Season
J. Pryke
U13 Most Improved
A. Butler-Gallie
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Armada! at Penshurst Place The hedges were beautifully cut outside the entrance to
insight into life for the poor and for the rich under Good Queen
Penshurst Place as Shell waited to enter the Armada!
Bess. We learned some manners and some Tudor dances;
experience, shivering under a steely grey sky. It all felt very
we even found out how to cut an arm off with only brandy to
appropriate.
numb the pain and a tight grip to staunch the blood. I liked the
We were welcomed and warned that there were would be sharp blades and tricky staircases, so with some excitement we entered the courtyard to be greeted by Tudor men brandishing weapons. Lots of shouting and pointing of sticks and we were away on a wonderful morning, which gave a real
bowl of goat’s blood placed beside the bed to attract the fleas! No washing in Tudor times, and the story of the Spanish sailor gave us a good account of why the Spanish fleet didn’t stand a chance of converting England to Catholicism in the summer of 1559.
‘Friday Gatherings’
Prizes Continued... Upper DB
L. Vincendeau
Upper BC
G. Campbell-Wilson
Upper LL
L. Watson
It’s becoming something of a tradition that the Prep School
Midway PG
M. Kent
gathers in either the Chapel or the Great Space at the end of
Midway IP
O. Chatterton
the working week for an ‘event’. At the moment we call this the
Shell VC
C. Stewart
‘Friday Gathering’ but we are on the hunt for a more ‘Saint
Shell RH
J. Hamilton
Ronansy’ name. Suggestions, please, to
Shell SC
O. Hancock
info@saintronans.co.uk.
4 RVS
A. Rutter
4 EM
T. Tapper
This term, Christopher Lloyd took us through nearly 14 billion
4 AW
F. Connell
years of the world’s history, from Big Bang to Bombing
3 RB
L. Stewart
Baghdad (!) in 30 minutes. Thomas Harris (OR) gave a
3 RT
E. Marsh
breathtakingly good piano recital; Alec Synge and James Outram (King’s) spoke in Chapel about not judging others, and the importance of charity, respectively. Years 3 & 4 entertained us with their dramatisation of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and the wood wind and solo instrumentalists sitting their Music exams ‘wowed’ us with their playing. Unfortunately the snow forced us to postpone Cathy Miles’s talk on ‘The History of Poo’, but we have fixed this for the first gathering of next term.
Christopher Lloyd
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A Portrait of Saint Ronan’s We have long been intrigued by a brilliant and extraordinary
‘The eye on the right depicts ‘The Feast’ in the Dining Room
drawing (pictured opposite) which hangs outside the library. It
(not in the Great Space, as now.) The eye on the left illustrates
depicts a face, etched into which, with minute and comical
'playground' games. Of course the Saint Ronan’s playground
detail, are various scenes of life at Saint Ronan’s in a different
included Tongswood, the Rockery, the Pinetum, 'Rhodies' (the
era. A little digging, helped by the inscription ‘R.J. Clutterbuck,
rhododendron and azalea thickets), as well as the field in front
1959 – 1965’ on the back, led us to its creator, Robin. He
of the school. There's Cowboys and Indians around the eye
kindly gave us this fascinating insight into what he was being
and 'Chain-He' beneath it.’
reminded of about the school when he put pen to paper in ‘The nose and the mouth (clockwise from top) show a dodgy
1977.
team photo; the shooting range (I have several shooting ‘I remember actually being commissioned to do the picture,
spoons from competitions I won with the school team, run by
along with other old boys who were also artists. It’s a self-
Tim Milling, who used to take us to events in his green
portrait of me at the time, when I had long, luxuriant dark hair!
Morgan); a fairground (I can't think why - perhaps to do with
I see the date under the chin is 7.6.1977, by which time I was
days out to places like Hastings); boys lining up to bet on the
a teacher in a Comprehensive School in Devon. I had done a
Grand National (this actually happened every year, with
'Gap Year' teaching placement at Saint Ronan’s for two terms
quantities of sweets changing hands in boys' tuck boxes in the
in 1971, before going to Cambridge, and I wanted to create
Great Space, while they listened to the race on the radio. A
something that the children would enjoy living with, and find
boy nick-named ‘Tosca’ Kwiatkowski was the bookie.) The
new things in, whenever they passed by. It's a mixture of
final figure right under the nose is me, about to perform brain
memories of being a boy at the school and some more
surgery on my teddy (Lady Vas wrote a very worried letter to
fantastical things. I love the work of H. M. Bateman and I
my mother about this, but I didn't turn out to be an axe-
would say he is the greatest influence in the style. The
murderer, just someone who was interested in finding out
technical challenge was to achieve the right level of tone in
more about things!).’
each area to make the whole thing work as a self-portrait.’ ‘The chin shows more fairground capers and the neck depicts ‘On the forehead is Sports Day with (clockwise from top) a
a Rugby game. Saint Ronan’s is being rather badly beaten,
terrifying Sisters' Race; Teas; Field Sports; Fathers' Race;
although the other team does have a lion.’
Mothers' and Sons' Race (yes there were some really frightening mums too!) and a Three Legged Race.’
We thank Robin for these fascinating insights.
Robin Clutterbuck Portrait Quiz - Can You Find These Items? Robin has devised a quiz based on his portrait. Find each of the items listed below; you need to say where you found it (forehead, under nose, etc) and then make a little sketch of the detail to convince him it’s the right thing. Clare in the office has A3 copies of the picture and quiz sheets. Robin will award a prize for every correct entry.
• The Women’s Liberation symbol • A man about to have his bottom bitten by a cobra
• Boys listening to a horse race on the radio
pantomime dog
• A wicket-keeper anticipating an injury • ‘Watch the birdie’ • A Homepride flour man • A cat watching two dogs fighting • A man from China who has come
• An ammonite through the centre of the earth to have • This picture hanging on a wall a cup of tea • A dad who is a pig • A pantomime horse being chased by a • The world is a football
• A Newcastle United football supporter running on to the rugby pitch
• A boy who didn’t like his Christmas dinner
• Napoleon in a greatcoat • A dog chasing a cat chasing a mouse • A Union Jack • A very cold wing threequarter • A sporty bishop
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130 Anniverary Appeal
years
Two significant anniversaries will fall during the forthcoming
In this anniversary year we seek to raise funds for a new
academic year (2013/14).
Chapel passage and Memorial Gardens. As you will see from
In September 2013 it will be exactly 130 years since The Rev Crick founded Saint Ronan’s in a rented house on the corner of Selden Road and Brighton Road in East Worthing in 1883.
initial sketches, the exterior appearance of the ‘link’ will echo the Chapel window and the gardens will run adjacent to the Chapel in the enclosed courtyard.
Four years later he had raised the finance to build the ’new
The Chapel was first built in West Worthing in 1904 and rebuilt
school’ a few miles away, on the seafront in West Worthing,
at Tongswood in 1957. It unites the Saint Ronan's generations
where the school would flourish for the next half century. The
physically and spiritually and will continue to do so in the years
original East Worthing house survives but the school buildings
ahead. ‘Dick’ Harris (HM 1926-57) was frustrated by the
in West Worthing were demolished to make way for a small
planners and always dissatisfied by the rather bleak Chapel
housing development along the newly laid ‘College Gardens’.
Passage they allowed to be built. He would have also been
On the 28th June 2014 it will, of course, be exactly 100 years since Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and activated
greatly saddened that the stone memorial to those that had fought in WWI had been somehow lost or destroyed in transit from Worthing.
a series of alliances that set off a chain reaction of war
By raising the £60K required, we have a great opportunity to
declarations. These ultimately led to the First World War and
rectify this and ‘do right’ by all and for posterity. If you would
the death and suffering of many millions. A total of a hundred
like to contribute to this project, please complete the enclosed
and thirty old boys saw active service in the War, and thirty of
form and return it to Clare O’Connell in the School Office.
them were killed (a proportion of just under 1 in 4).
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Tilford - thanking the Harris Family Some time ago, an Old Ronian, seeing the state of disrepair of the graves of Stanley and ‘Dick’ Harris, decided on some direct action! Backing the car up to the grave he, inadvisably but rather heroically, put the stones in the back of his car and took them home to repair. He then passed away, leaving the stones but no information on their whereabouts. With Poirotlike sleuthing, Gospatric Home and William TV managed to locate the grave and the stones were repaired, ready for replacing. So, on a rather wet and cold March morning, a group of Old Ronians, from the war years and the first years at Tongswood, met to celebrate, with gratitude, the lives of the Harris family and the huge debt that past, present and future Ronians owe to these inspirational and generous brothers. The service was led by the Revd Henry Stapleton (Head Prefect 1945) and fond memories of Prep School life were rekindled: WB reading Bulldog Drummond with knees covered in children; children eating rabbit and fresh fish; the night Exeter was bombed; devouring Ganges Mud (a chocolate pudding sauce); the move to Tongswood and, of course, the excellence of the teachers and the lifelong lessons learnt. “Saint Ronan’s shaped me and forged my character” was a common theme. These Old Boys, mostly octogenarians, were able to recall their days at Saint Ronan’s as if they were yesterday and their conversations about the ethos of the School echoed what we hold so dear about this magnificent School today.
Mrs M Whinney, Viscount Davidson, Mr P Collymore, Mr &
In attendance were: Mr & Mrs W Trelawny-Vernon, Mr & Mrs C Howe, Mr & Mrs G Home, Mr C Wade, The Very Revd & Founder’s Day 2013 will be held on Saturday, 22nd June.
Mrs W Twining, Sir M & Lady Nourse, Mr J Gell, Mr & Mrs J Harris, The Revd & Mrs H Stapleton, Mr & Mrs A Russell.
the official unveiling of the portaits of the school’s past
Founder’s Day 2013
Old Ronians are warmly welcomed to attend. The day will
Headmasters. Sports Day will take place in the afternoon.
include a concert in the Great Space, a drama production, and
Invitations will be sent at the beginning of the Summer term.
Obituary: Sir Richard Rodney Bennett CBE (1936-2012) We were sorry to learn of the death of Sir Richard Bennett on Christmas Eve. Sir Richard composed over 250 works, including 3 symphonies and many choral pieces. He was also a noted film composer whose credits include the scores to Far from the Madding Crowd, Doctor Who, Murder on the Orient Express and Four Weddings and a Funeral. His recent obituary in the Telegraph omitted to include that he had been educated at Saint Ronan’s. He progressed to Leighton Park, a Quaker school near Reading, and went on to win a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music.
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Sport Saint Ronan’s Cross Country Season finishes with a flourish
The Brodie Shield
The Saint Ronan’s Cross Country Team has continued to make strides this term, with some excellent individual and team performances. Archie Butler-Gallie ran for the school and Tunbridge Wells District in the Kent School Cross Country Championships at Danson Park, Bexley, in February. He more than surpassed his target of finishing in the top 20, to cross the line in 5th and earn himself a Kent vest. Archie will represent the County in Essex on March 23rd, before racing to join the school Ski trip en route to Italy! The combined Boys’ team ran superbly at Somerhill in
Karen’s 50th birthday got off to a wonderful start with the
January to finish 5th in the Bracken Cup. Notable
running of the Brodie Shield. Archie Butler-Gallie celebrated
performances came from Wilf Wyatt and Carlos Nieto-Parr in
his call-up to the Kent cross-country squad with an emphatic
the U9 age group; Oli Chatterton and Oli Milborne in the U11s
win in the U13 race; however it was a shame that an injury to
and Archie Butler-Gallie, Oscar Miles, Matt Dale and Archie
Finley Plugge meant that he was unable to defend his trophy.
Wooff in the U13s. In the Girls’ races, Rowena Sercombe, Lily
Hannah Eva was the 1st girl home in the U13 race and in
Marsh, Isabel Bolton-Ferret and Matilda Clarke ran bravely,
doing so manage to beat most of the boys, coming 5th overall.
whilst Hannah Eva ran from the front to finish stongly in 2nd
The U11 Girl’s race was closely fought, with Lily Marsh just
place, supported by a tenacious Georgiana Crawley.
pipping Rowena Sercombe and Sophie Charlesworth. The Boys race threw up a surprise as James Crawley (Year 5) ran
The Junior Running Squad brought the season to a close with a hatful of medals and a trophy at Hilden Grange at the end of February. Led by Lily Stewart in first place, the U8 girls’ team of Emma Marsh, Grace Easton, Caitlin Milborne and Tallulah Morris took home the Team trophy. The U9 team finished third, notable performances coming from Daisy Dent, Lizzie Wooff
an extremely good race to beat Freddie Joarder-White and Oli Milborne. The U9 races were both hard-fought, with Daisy Dent coming in 1st, just in front of Lizzie Wooff and Lily Stewart. Wilf Wyatt was victorious in a strong Boys race, just beating John-Paul Shaw. Ritchie re-homed numerous newts that had decided to watch the race from the start line!
and Lily Simpson. The Boys races were highly competitive; Connor Gorman and Archie MacLeod leading the U8 boys to
The N&PP children just had Hattie to avoid as they raced
second place and Wilf Wyatt, Carlos Nieto-Parr heading a
towards the finishing line. Oli Hinchcliffe won the Nursery race,
strong U9 team to also finish second.
with Aurelia Davis and William Bromley joint-second. Oscar
Trips Spring Term
e, Rye to The Georg Class 4 trip Wells to Tunbridge que Year 1 trip os M ips to local t Midway tr rs u kh w to Ha Year 1 trip le st a C m ia to Bod ss re Year 2 trip p x E ip to Pizza rm Reception tr a F to Silcocks Year 2 trip odrome eadcorn Aer H to ip tr 1 r Yea rry Farm ip to Blackbe Reception tr to Dover Class 3 trip arm ey School F gl n A ip to ce la P Nursery tr t rs u Pensh Shell trip to Pila, Italy to p ri T i Sk
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Bottle just beat Levi Routledge in the Caterpillars race and Ethan Hillman of Frogs was followed in by Iris Webb and Freddie Spence in joint-second. In Rabbits, Ned Taggart came first and Ben Bickerstaffe second, with Hugo Carnell first in Hedgehogs and Matthew Grierson Rickford second. Despite Charlotte Parker’s valiant efforts, Archie McDonald crossed the line first for Squirrels, with Jack Kirkland first for Owls and Oli Laughland second. Then came the Year 2 race. The fastest girl was Rebecca Redmayne, now the holder of the HanishOakes Shield, followed in by Georgie Andrew. The Barker Shield was awarded to Joseph Fuller, who just beat Tom Hall in the Year 2 Boys race.
Sport Saint Ronan’s A Positive Season for Senior Netball Teams The netball teams have had good results on the whole this year, and all girls have enjoyed matches on an almost weekly basis. The U13 1st and 2nd VIIs have played extremely well against the top schools in the area, and finished in third and fifth place respectively at the Hazelwood Versatility Tournament, to round the season off nicely. The U13 3rd and 4th teams won 6 of their 10 matches and every player reached a good standard. The U11A team came good in the last half of the season, winning 5 of their last 7 matches. The U11Bs and Cs played 21 games between them and benefitted hugely from the competition. The Year 5 girls who played learned good lessons for next year at this level. The Interhouse matches were keenly fought and the U11 tournament was won by Tongswood. Pembroke were victorious in the U13 Interhouse event. At junior level, both hockey training and matches fell victim to the snow and we only managed to play 10 matches. The U8A and U9A teams both won one match each and the U9B team drew one of their matches. Despite much effort and
Lacrosse
enthusiastic play from the girls, victories were elusive. However, we must take heart from the fact that all girls represented the school on at least two occasions in the short half term, and that the skill level in the Interhouse tournament was particularly good for U9 players. Pembroke just pipped Bicton to win the event.
The U13 1st Lacrosse team competed in the Kent Schools' U13 Field Lacrosse tournament held at DCPS. The standard of play was high and, in true Saint Ronan's spirit, the girls were determined, tenacious and sporting. One win, a draw and two losses resulted in the team finishing a very credible third overall, behind tournament winners Benenden A. The quality of Saint Ronan's playing prompted favourable comments from spectators and coaches. All the team should be proud of their performance. Their application during Lacrosse sessions since half term and their skills development in lacrosse 'extra' has really paid off. Particularly outstanding performances were put in by Millie Butler-Gallie, Tia Curtis, Hannah Eva, Freya Black and Charlie Chatterton. The goal keeper should never be forgotten and Imogen Macdonald put in a brave performance in goal. The senior House tournament was won by Tongswood. Very well done, girls!
Don’t Forget... Weekly match reports for the teams are posted on the Extranet.
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Sport Saint Ronan’s
The First XV
Saint Ronan’s Lions The 1st XV played some wonderful rugby this season and
The Hockey season was short and sweet due to an early Easter. All the boys are developing their skill levels and importantly becoming more aware of the tactics required.
were only defeated in their final game. A winning side needs a
The 1st XI found it hard going initially; however it all came
mix of players and we were lucky enough to have that. Giants
together towards the end of the season. Oscar Miles and
in the form of Guy Kennedy (captain), Josh Curtis and Jaz
Archie Butler-Gallie worked hard in midfield to provide scoring
McDonald dominated the contact areas and made big hits.
chances which Jamie Pryke was able to take advantage of.
The side also needed fast, small and nippy players to snipe
Luke Goodacre was as solid as a rock at the back, with Guy
and whip through gaps in the defence – step forward Archie
Kennedy making lots of wonderful saves.
Butler-Gaille, Oscar Miles, Herbie Wyatt, Finley Plugge and Matt Dale. Jamie Pryke used his experience to control the game whilst Patrick Prince, Archie Bunting, Theo Gadd, Archie Wooff, Findlay Carr, Will Booth-Clibborn and Henry Roberts provided the fire power to keep the ball moving forwards and create scoring chances. It was lovely to see expansive, running rugby which the boys clearly enjoyed playing. The Colts A also lost just one game and like the 1st XV looked to attack quickly and move the ball wide. Zach Thompson took advantage of good work by his forwards to provide fast ball to the backs. Nat Easton, at fly half, ran and dummied well and Oli Chatterton took full advantage to score numerous tries. They finished off a successful season by winning the plate at the Ashdown House Sevens. Well done to all the boys who played this season in very cold, wet and muddy conditions.
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© Saint Ronan’s School 2013. Editor: Ben Clarke.