The Ronian ISSUE 54 - Summer 2013
Inside:
House Poetry • Bees • Paradise Farm • Leavers’ Programme • Upper Trip to Dinan • Alumni
w w w. s a i n t r o n a n s . c o . u k
The Headmaster writes...
Most of the year groups have enjoyed trips out and Year 7 came back enthused by their week in Dinan. Despite darkening skies, Years 3-6 completed the Sponsored Walk, raising £2,141 for the two hospitals chosen by the children at the Council Meeting earlier in the term (Great Ormond St and the Royal Marsden). This brings the total amount gifted in a ten year period, to charities other than the School, to just shy of £70,000. A figure to be justly proud of. The Art, DT and Music departments have all run or hosted training days for regional Prep Schools. The Artists are
Summer terms are always fun and the longer days packed full
celebrating their biggest ever haul of awards and are now
of activity and excitement. This summer has been no
busy preparing to host the National Art exhibition in both 2014
exception. It has, in short, been a magnificent term.
and 2015. This prestigious event was held at Malvern this year. The Musicians held several concerts and I was delighted
The School community as a whole has achieved a great deal
that so many of you came to support them at the two
since we reassembled in mid-April. Once again we had a
Founder’s Day performances and witness the exceptional
100% pass rate into Public Schools and Cranbrook and an
standards being achieved. Particular thanks to Mr Witham for
exceptionally high proportion of our candidates have won
composing the 1883 Overture and to Mrs Hill for teaching the
Scholarships or Exhibitions (14 across four different
orchestra how to play it.
disciplines; academic, art, music and sport). There have been regional or national awards won in Maths, Biology, DT and
Shortly before Half Term we had our first ever House Poetry
Photography. Our General Knowledge team triumphed in the
Recitation. It was won by Selden and is now an event with a
South East and competed in the national finals held at Harrow.
secure place in the annual calendar. The junior (Y3/4) actors
Over 50% of the forty-seven individual instrumentalists this
performed a delightful series of sketches, specially written by
term achieved a merit or distinction in the recent Associated
Miss Bennett and Mr Fagg, about the history of the School.
Board exams and all safely passed. Similar proportions
The seniors (Y7) managed to somehow relocate their Dad’s
triumphed in the LAMDA assessments.
Army version of Much Ado About Nothing from the Maples to the Great Space, due to high winds and rain, and still
Six school records were set on Sports Day. The U13
managed to pull off a memorable performance despite the
Rounders team won the Benenden tournament, which
loss of props and sound equipment. A great example of
attracted more entries than the national event held earlier in
triumph in adversity and the importance of a good old stiff
the term. The U11 Cricket team reached the finals of the
upper lip!
Summer Cup (Kent Prep Schools), the U13 sailing team won the national IAPS regatta held in Weymouth and the U11
It was a moving and very special experience to listen to the
Golfers the County Trophy. Not to be outdone, awards and
speeches on Founder’s Day, as the portraits of former
rankings were also achieved in national karate, fencing, judo
Headmasters were unveiled and memories of bygone days
and athletics competitions. Hannah Eva came a magnificent
made so vivid. As uplifting for me was the great pride the
second in the 200m National finals held at Birmingham in the
alumni had in today’s Saint Ronan’s and the fact that the
last week of term with a personal best.
family ethos has been preserved and the standards of decency and behaviour maintained. All this while the School
The School has recently become an accredited Forest School,
faces the challenges of the 21st Century.
with children in the Nursery and Pre-Prep regularly having lessons in Tongswood. The farm is as noisy as ever, but much
I wish everyone a refreshing and relaxing summer holiday and
loved by the children. Three orphaned lambs joined the
look forward to seeing everyone again in September, bar, of
menagerie for a while and we are busy preparing for the
course, the Leavers, who I wish all good things for the ‘next
arrival of several alpacas who need a new home! Meanwhile
step’.
the beehives placed in the newly-planted orchard have been populated with the queen and her courtiers, including Dr Kossuth! His Bee Blog on the Extranet is a must.
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Summer Postcards
In this issue...
Coming up... Next Term
House Poetry Competition
4
Remove trip to Harry Potter World
District & National Sailing Victories
4
Upper trip to Herstmonceaux
13th September
Friends of Saint Ronan’s
5
Autumn Fayre
21st September
Much Ado About Nothing
5
Year 2 trip to Maidstone Museum
25th September
Music News & 1883 Overture
6
Reception trip to Build-a-Bear
25th September
The School in the Community
6
Upper trip to Battle
30th September
Shiver me Timbers!
7
Class 3 trip to Biddenden Vineyards
1st October
The term in... Bicton
7
Open Morning
4th October
Upper trip to Dinan
8
Year 1 trip to Assembly Halls
15th October
Saint Ronan’s Bees
9
Remove trip to Cranbrook School
17th October
9th September
Paradise Farm
10
Bonfire Night
5th November
Class 4 visit Dulwich Picture Gallery
10
Armistice Service
8th November
Forest School
11
Grandparents’ Tea
13th November
Founder’s Day
11
Year 2 trip to Herstmonceux
14th November
Christmas Fair
15th November
Summer Term Prizes
12-13
Leavers’ Programme
14
Year 1 trip to Yesterday’s World
19th November
Sponsored Walk
15
Orchestral Concert
29th November
Coincidence, timing and chance led WBH to Tongswood
16
House Play
Alumni
17
The Feast
10th December
Nativity Plays, Carol Service
13th December
Sport
18-20
4th, 5th December
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Cameron Powell, Cows and Cannibals
Victories for our Sailing Teams at District and National Levels
The half term ended with a verse and a rhyme as the houses recited, cajoled and declaimed to win the inaugural House Poetry Competition. For each age group there was a set poem (junior: ‘Hector the Collector’ by Shel Silverstein, intermediate: ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ by Edward Lear and senior: ‘The Destruction of Sennacherib’ by Lord Byron) and one free choice poem. The trouble started with the pronunciation of the title of the senior set poem. But with the internet to hand, each house soon had this sorted out, except for Bicton, who had the wrong poem.
It’s been a busy term for our sailors. Two in particular must be
Most houses decided to present their poems in groups and
commended for their immense achievement: Freya Black and
this was used to good effect, especially in ‘The Owl and the
Harriet Cage, who won the IAPS Sailing Nationals at
Pussycat’. The most successful free choices were humorous
Weymouth in May, battling strong winds on an off-shore
poems and the judges – Mr V, Mrs Gibson and Dr K – had
regatta. This is a phenomenal achievement - well done girls!
great difficulty selecting a winner in each category.
This Summer, sailing has been re-introduced as a much-
Noteworthy readings came from
enjoyed Extra, with a contingent of 14 going to Bewl Water
Cameron Powell, whose delivery
every Friday after school. The season culminated in winning
of ‘The Armpit of Doom’ by Kenn
the IAPS District U13 Sailing Regatta, with the Saint Ronan’s
Nesbitt had the Great Space in
sailing team achieving third place over all age categories.
stitches, from Emmy Shaw and
The team consisted of Freya Black (first overall), Harriet Cage
Tilly Hastilow, whose
(third), Kitty Jordan (winner of her Topper class), Jamie Cubitt,
cannibalistic reading of
Rupert Flynn, Ella Hayden-Tubbs, Archie Plugge and Ruby
‘Dreadful’ by Shel Silverstein
Faulkner.
was gruesomely evocative and the Pembroke Class 4 boys
Cameron Powell recited ‘The Armpit of Doom’
(Solly Young, Sam Thompson and James Lee), whose relaxed ‘Cows’ by James Reeves really made the judges believe they were a herd of cows
Medals at IAPS Judo Tournament Judo continues to thrive, under the watchful eye of Sarah Burkett, and again a number of boys travelled to the IAPS tournament at High Wycombe. Zach Johnson only lost once,
chewing the cud.
gaining a silver medal, and John-Paul Shaw and Jackson Selden won with outstanding performances across the board,
Hamilton both lost whilst fighting for a bronze medal. Well
but it was a close call. We look forward to the competition next
done to Oliver Bartleet, Alex Butt and J-J Rose, who also
year.
fought at the event.
Alex rows for GB
King’s Officials
Baby Gossage
Deacon Richards
We’re delighted to hear that
Old Ronians rule the roost
Congratulations to Becky and
OR Mischa Richards (1995-
Alex Lindsay, OR (2003-10)
next term at King’s: Max
Matthew Gossage, who are
2001) was ordained Deacon
has been selected to row for
Luoma is Head of School
the proud parents of baby
at the Cathedral Church of
Great Britain Juniors in the
House, Sophie Brown is now
Madeleine Emilia, who was
the Holy Trinity, Chichester,
rd
Coxed Fours. His first outing
a King’s Scholar and Lizzie
born on 3 July. Mother and
by the Bishop of Chichester
will be against France.
TV is Vice Captain of School.
baby are doing well.
on 29th June.
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Busy Friends raise funds and prepare for Ball The Friends of Saint Ronan’s have been busy again and we are, as ever, hugely grateful to them. This term they purchased a new piano for the Music Department and Gym equipment suitable for the Pre-Prep. We also received gifts of beehives and bee suits. ‘Fun and funds’ have been raised by the steady sale of second hand clothes; AJ Powell’s restaurant night; the annual Quiz Night; refreshment stalls on Sports Day and a silent auction of the Pre-Prep ‘day’ books, which are a photo record of daily life at school. The ‘Phil the Bag’ charity was further supported and bags full of second hand clothes piled high in the Great Space for onward transfer. For a while it seemed as if we had a
Much Ado ...about the weather!
Brighton refuse non-collection problem! This year’s Year 7 Shakespeare transported us to the 1940s
130 years
as Benedick, Don Pedro and Claudio appeared in their bomber jackets, having stepped straight off their spitfires. The 40s theme continued with our musicians, The Andrews Sisters (Tilly Hastilow, Lucie Vincendeau and Megan King) who swung the party, with George Campbell-Wilson on trumpet and Mr Witham on the keyboard. Benedick (Cameron Powell) bickered beautifully with Beatrice (Lucy Rose Stephenson) and Kit McEvoy Gould wooed Lucy Martin as Hero. Jessamy Coulson played a convincing Don Pedro. The
THE 130 YEAR CELEBRATION BALL
comic eavesdropping scenes were made even more funny by Kitty Jordan and Jamie Cubitt, whilst our villain, Harry TV as Don John, plotted Hero’s downfall as an evil black-marketeer, supported by Georgie Crawley and Hannah O’Reilly. As this was the 1940s, the town watch took the form of ‘Dad’s
Plans are at an advanced stage for the 130th Anniversary Ball
Army’ and Sophie Butt, Tiggy Bonner-Davies, Sabina McNeish
on Saturday 12th October. Tickets are selling like proverbial
and Josh Gotts bumbled their way to the play’s happy ending,
hot cakes and we do urge anyone wanting to join the fun to
led by George Sternberg-Allen. Special mention should also
contact Katie Wyatt as soon as possible. The funds raised
go to Emmy Shaw.
from this event will be going towards the proposed new AllWeather pitch and the Royal National Children’s Foundation (RNCF).
All this took place in the Great Space, as the weather was too windy and damp for the outside performance we had planned. When the decision was finally made to re-locate indoors, the Maintenance Team rallied round and created a set within the hour. The cast rose to the occasion magnificently too. Emma Morrell, once again, costumed the cast wonderfully, with Mr Clarke on sound, assisted by Freddie Bonner-Davies. (It was a pity the vagaries of the weather meant we couldn’t use the microphones they had set up so carefully). My thanks to all who helped us to ‘keep calm and carry on’!
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‘1883 Overture’ highlight of Founder’s Day Concert The Music Department has enjoyed yet another busy and fruitful term. Paul Harris, a leading music educator in the UK, gave an insightful masterclass to the Woodwind Department in the morning and then addressed music teachers from all over Kent and Sussex in the afternoon. It was a truly wonderful experience for our pupils to work with this master teacher. The String Department visited Eastbourne College for their annual String Day. Our newly-formed guitar group made their debut at the Sizzling concert held earlier in the term. We welcome Jane Dawson to the String department next year. She joins us from Sevenoaks School where she held the post of Head of Strings. We have hosted a series of musical breakfasts this term and it has been lovely to be able to welcome parents to the Music Department before they leave for work in the morning.
Shell’s trip to Finchcocks Music Museum Our term ended with two very successful concerts. The PrePrep based their programme on Forest Schools. Our Senior
Our Shell classes visited Finchcocks Music Museum and
Concert was a great success and it was a privilege to prepare
enjoyed learning about and playing keyboard instruments.
and play Mr Witham’s 1883 Overture, based on the school
This enriches their work on the history of the keyboard.
motto ‘Floreat Saint Ronan’s’!
The School in the Community Saint Ronan’s once again has played an active role in the local community. Sandhurst Primary School continues to join us each week for Games and DT, as well as using our minibuses for their weekly swimming lessons. Year on year the benefits of this interaction are highlighted by letters of thanks from Sandhurst parents, who have watched their children progress as a result. This term children in Year 4 enjoyed watching the film ‘Dolphin Tales’. This event forms part of a community ‘Flix ‘n Pix’ initiative on behalf of the Hawkhurst Parish Partnership. The ‘Schools’ aspect is organised by Saint Ronan’s and has
Imogen Macdonald’s winning photograph
enabled a number of local schools to attend and take part. Many children entered the photography competition and
category – a great achievement, given that there were over
Imogen Macdonald gained ‘Best in Show’ in the ‘Schools’
100 entries. Well done and thanks to all those who took part.
6
Shiver me timbers!
The term in... BICTON In a series of four articles, each house will take it in turns to showcase what they’ve been up to this term.
This term has been fantastic for Bicton. We took part in the poetry competition! Louisa and Daisy did an excellent job of learning their poem off by heart (with actions too!). Felix was also brilliant making everyone laugh with his Elephant poem. I would also like to congratulate Harvey and Sam for having a special mention from the judges, even Dr K was impressed! Well done to everyone who volunteered to take part. The Rabbits and the Hedgehogs had a fabulous trip to Bewl
During our house assemblies, we have had a variety of talks,
Water this term.
from Penguins (by Ollie and Rowena) to earthquakes (by Tilly
Dressed as pirates they arrived and set sail in the Jolly Roger
and Emmy). Everyone has gained knowledge from these but
with Captain Kellie and her crew. They spent an hour cruising
also it improves the children’s confidence to speak in public
the high seas and added hats, daggers and eye-patches to
and to have fun!
their outfits, not to mention face-painting, scars and
On Sports Day everyone enjoyed playing a variety of sports,
moustaches to really look the part. After a game of ‘Pin the
from swimming to long jump. And of course we all had our
Patch on the Pirate’ and a spot of decorating pirate masks,
new red T-shirts to wear! Congratulations to Hannah Eva,
each crew member had a go at steering the boat. Just before
who not only got a 200m track record on Sports Day but was
disembarking, Captain Kellie bought out the treasure and each
recently placed 2nd in the 200m National final!
child got to enjoy a piece! Welcome to all the new Year 3s coming into Bicton! Bicton is Back on dry land, after a pirate lunch (“fish sandwiches” said
definitely (as Mrs Morrell said) fun and everyone is very
Lizzie!), we set about solving the clues of the treasure hunt. ‘X’
friendly and enthusiastic. Enjoy the House Shout next term!
marked the spot on the beach and we dug until we found the chest full of yummy treasure. With time to let off steam in the
I will always remember Bicton for being supportive and
play areas and on the sand before climbing back on to the
encouraging to everyone. Many thanks to Mrs Morrell for
minibuses for our short journey back. “That was so great” said
being an excellent Housemistress - she has been enthusiastic
Serena, “I would fall asleep if it was longer back to school!”
and fun these past few terms. Thank you, Bicton! By Emily Freeman (House Captain)
ABRSM grades - another triumph From Grade 6 to the Prep Test, this has been another wonderful term of results. Forty-seven children have had grading success this term, not least two Grade 6 triumphs; for Lucy Rose in Upper (Singing) and Ethan in Midway (Piano). We have also had considerable success up to Grade 5. Three got their Grade 5 and seven their Grade 4. Over 50% of children were awarded Distinctions or Merits. We are equally proud of the 6 children who took their Prep Tests and it is clear that the musical talent of the School just grows and grows. Well done, one and all!
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Une Semaine en Bretagne avec les Upper To say that the prospect of taking forty five children abroad made me tense would be a slight understatement! It was not that I had any doubts about Upper’s behaviour (they are good eggs) but it was the dread of health and safety checks, as well as the long medical list and the military planning involved in having such a large group. On day one, however, I relaxed as I observed my operating team, comprising of Dr. Campbell, Mrs. Lloyd, Mr. Palmer and Ritchie. They proved, yet again, to be not just a cheerful bunch who had signed up for the fine food and evening wine, but a mighty helpful team too! Our stay in Brittany flew by; each day packed with fun, culture and adventure. Here are some extracts from some of the diaries, with the original spelling mistakes to prove their authenticity!” - Mme Carnell Le mardi vingt-cinq juin Je me suis leve à sept heures et demie. Pour ma petite dejeuner j’ai mangé des céréales et du pain avec du beurre. J’ai bu du chocolat chaud. Nous avons visité la grimpe d’arbre en car. Nous sommes arrivé à dix heures. J’ai fait un parcours noir c’était très difficile. Après ça j’ai fait un parcours vert c’était facile et très amusant. Je me suis douché à six heures et quart. J’ai mangé le diner à sept heures. - Archie B-G Le mercredi vingt-six juin Je me suis levee à sept heures et demie. Ensuite le groupe B est allé à la plage pour faire le catamaran. Quand nous
Le vendredi vingt-huit juin
sommes arrivé à La Villa St Clos nous avons mange le déjeuner – c’était délicieux! Apres ca J’ai un cours de francais
J’ai une grace matiné et je me lève à huit heures et demie.
c’était intéresant. Puis nous faisons la fabrication du pain.
Nous mangeons le petit déjeuner à neuf heures et c’est
C’était très drole. Je me suis couchée à neuf heures et demie.
délicieux ! Nous marchons à la Baie du Mont St Michel avec
- Tilly Hastillow
un guide qui s’appelle Nickola. Nous nous deguisons en français typique. Nous dancons (dansons) et c’est amusant.
Le jeudi vingt-sept juin
Je me couche à dix heures. - Jessamy Coulson
Je me lève à sept heures et demie. Je mange le petit
Le samedi vingt-neuf juin
déjeuner, des céréales au chocolat. Je bois le chocolat chaud. Il y a des nuages et il petit peu vent. Je vais en car à Dinan.
Je me lève à six heures et demie. Je prends mon petit
Nous allons au marché et j’achète du jambon et des fraises et
dejaneur (déjeuner) à sept heures. Nous voyagons en car
des nectarines et des pain (du pain) et des cerises. Je vais en
avec Manuel pour onze heures. Nous arrivons à six heures
car à Saint-Malo et fais magasins au souvernier (souvenir). Je
trente en Angleterre. C’est pas mal. - Edward de Winton
nage à la mer à Saint-Malo. - Savannah Knatchbull
8
Saint Ronan’s a-Buzz as the bees arrive After pigs, chicken, ducks and pupils, the latest addition to the
Higgins; the third with Harry TV and Emmy Shaw) has shown
Ronian menagerie is two hives of bees. Made possible by the
that the bees are doing well and are thriving in their new
generous donations of the Coopers and Shaws, the bees are
environment. The moon is doing better than the star (the bees
being looked after by Dr K, together with Mrs Gibson and Mrs
there are more orderly, too), which can have a number of
Shaw and as many pupils as will fit into a beesuit.
reasons.
The bees arrived on 6th June
The children are all hugely
and were welcomed by
enthusiastic about the bees
sunshine and Emily Cooper,
and are not afraid of standing
Herbie Stephenson and Alice
in the midst of a huge buzz,
Clapp. Looking stylish in their
as long as Dr K gets stung.
beesuits, the children stood
Among the things the
stoically in the middle of the
children have seen are: the
circling bees, watching as
queens, bees slurping honey
Patrick Murfet re-homed the
with their long tongues, bees
bees and their queens.
hatching, bees carrying pollen in sacks on their back
We have two hives: the moon
legs, larvae as well as pollen and honey stores.
and the star hive. The hives are situated up at the top end of the Children’s Gardens, close to a number of newly-planted
Saint Ronan’s honey will soon join eggs and pork on the list of
fruit tress that will hopefully make for some tasty honey!
produce the children can offer us all! Meanwhile, you can find out what’s going on at the hives (on a roughly weekly basis)
Since their arrival the bees have been busy building up their
by logging into the Extranet and checking out the bee blog.
stores and increasing their populations. Each hive inspection (the second with Finn Lewis, Oli Chatterton and Digby Platt-
9
Five Alpacas to be welcomed to Paradise Farm It’s been great to see so many children at the farm this term, across all year groups. The new hard standing for the pigs proved invaluable in the wet Spring. The chicken run is finished, providing a useful and safe enclosure for our newly hatched chicks and ducklings. Sales of pork were, once again, fantastic, with positive comments about the quality and flavour of the meat. You may have noticed a paddock being fashioned to the right of the Sports Hall. This will accommodate our latest additions – five alpacas! They have been kindly donated by Grace’s parents, Mr and Mrs Kent.
Lydia Watson, one of the senior members of the farming team, wrote about the term’s events: This has been a very exciting term at the farm. The bantam now has four chicks running around after her. We finished building the chicken coop and it looks very impressive. We also made a black ninja scarecrow to scare off the ravens that killed all the incubated chicks and a duckling that wasn’t able to swim. Next term we are getting some alpacas and we will have to learn how to manicure their nails because they need to be cut quarterly. We are saying goodbye to some pigs, which is sad to say, but we must remember that they are not our pets and that they are bred for yummy sausages!! Many thanks to Mrs Bright for teaching us all we know and for helping us to run the farm and look after us. And also a massive thank you and a well done to all the Paradise Farmers. You guys are superstars!!! Lydia Watson
Going up to Town: Class 4 visit Dulwich Picture Gallery The children had an exciting trip to the Picture Gallery. They
graphite and inks. They explored various ways of making
looked at various paintings and were told lovely stories about
marks with different tools, including sticks and ink pens. When
them. The children also took part in a specialist workshop
waiting for the coach to return to school the children spotted a
where they learnt to make books from scratch and then filled
baby owl in a tree by the roadside.
the pages with drawings of insects which they coloured with
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Forest School Bluebell Glory Being in the Forest School all year round enables the children to witness the changes taking place in the woodland environment. Despite our very late spring, it was well worth the wait. ‘The lights have gone out,’ remarked one of the nursery children as we began our descent into a very dark, shady Tongswood. Looking up at the new leaves it was easy to understand why it had got so dark. The route to base camp takes us through some of our magnificent bluebell woods and it has been wonderful to watch the emerging leaves pushing through the ground, growing a little more each week, until finally the flower buds appear with an attendant explosion of colour. ‘Why are they called bluebells when they are purple?’ asked an observant member of one group and a chance for an impromptu lesson in botany followed. For those interested, native bluebells, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, are a deep violet-blue, while the
The bluebells are now gone, but not forgotten, and the
non-native, Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, are
children understand that they will return again next spring,
pale to mid blue, white or pink and the hybrid bluebell,
along with the delicate wood anemones and the wild garlic
Hyacinthoides x massartiana, range from dark to pale blue,
that appeared, unusually, at the same time as the bluebells
pink or white.
this year.
RIP Hattie
Headmasters’ Portraits unveiled on Founder’s Day
Just before half term, Hattie was taken ill and had to be put to sleep. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone.
What a magnificent day, and hardly a dry eye in the House! Two musical concerts showpieced the huge talent of the children. The Pre-Prep concert was inspired by being a Forest School. The Prep School concert combined the choir and the orchestra in some difficult, but excellent pieces. The highlight
Lying in the middle of the
for the Orchestra was the 1883 Overture, written especially for
drive, or in the middle of the
the School by Andrew Witham.
Red Sea Carpet, or in the middle of the sports pitches, and even snoozing on the sofa in Mr T-V’s office, she had the uncanny knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
After the concerts, all guests went to the Founder's Hall for the unveiling of the portraits of the first five Headmasters. With each unveiling came a speech from either family or Old Ronians. They were so often very moving and enjoyed by Old and New Ronians alike. The portraits, quite different from each other, were much appreciated and applauded. Then lunch, with the ubiquitous picnic in our beautiful grounds, before
She left a message for the
Sports Day.
children to say thanks for the all the cuddles.
We have posted a celebratory booklet on our website, including the text of the speeches. Simply visit www.saintronans.co.uk/anniversary to find it.
11
Summer Term Prizes Senior Prefects Head Prefect
H. Trelawny-Vernon
Second Prefects
M. King & H. Wyatt
Academic
Attainment
Contribution
Art
J. Hamilton
H. Jones
A. Taylor
E. Sayers
L. Stewart
S. Wood
A. Butler-Gallie
V. Honychurch
F. Campbell-Wilson
B. Booth-Clibborn
L. Vincendeau
A. Bartleet
E. Hayden-Tubbs
Z. Johnson
B. Bonner-Davies
E. Macdonald
M. Shaw
M. King
House Captains Bicton
M. Shaw
Pembroke
W. Booth-Clibborn
Selden
C. Chatterton
Tongswood
L. Stephenson
School Appointments
Classics
DT
English
Senior Chapel Chorister
H. Jones & L. Vincendeau
J. Hamilton
I. Black
Leader of Orchestra
L. Stephenson
M. Peacock
T. Tweedie
Captain of Rugby
M. Dale
E. Dawlings
A. Russell
Captain of Football
W. Honychurch
E. Wilmoth
F. Smith
Captain of Netball
C. Chatterton
E. Cooper
T. Tapper
Captain of Hockey
L. Martin
A. Butler-Gallie
M. Shaw
Senior Librarian
O. Hancock
Z. Barker
M. Clarke
Assistant Librarian
A. Cotter
M. Kirby/C. Nieto-Parr T. Tapper
Technical Prefect
J. Gotts
French
Geography
History
Headmaster’s Special Prizes M. King, N. Easton, L. Carnell, W. Sayers, M. Peacock
T. Curtis
F. Shanahan
M. Clarke
W. Fisher
S. Thompson
J. Pleavin
ICT
F. Bonner-Davies
Roxburgh Scholarship Prizes
R. Flynn
E. Alexander, A. Butler-Gallie, H. Cage, J. Curtis, T. Curtis,
M. Kirby
H. Eva, J. Hamilton, F. Plugge, J. Pryke, A. Taylor
Mathematics
Most Shows Remove
A. Russell
Upper
T. Hastilow
Midway
W. Ashenden
Shell
J. Jordan
Class 4
L. Hudson
Class 3
A. Macleod
Music
G. Crawley
A. Statman
J. Hamilton
D. Dent
H. Taggart
E. Alexander
A. Russell
R. Pringle
E. Richardson
B. Bonner-Davies RE
Science
Exams - Best Average
J. McDonald
A. Butler-Gallie
A. McDougall
E. Sayers
F. Campbell-Wilson
W. Powell
S. Thompson
F. Bonner-Davies
W. Booth-Clibborn
Upper
M. Shaw
F. Joarder-White
Z. Johnson
Midway
A. Hsuan
M. Kirby
A. MacLeod
Shell
J. Hamilton
Class 4
D. Dent / T. Tweedie
Class 3
M. Peacock
School Prizes School Colours
F. Bonner-Davies, H. Cage, A. Russell, A. Butler-Gallie, E. Shaw, C. Chatterton,
Exams - Most Improved Upper
G. Sternberg Allen
H. Trelawny-Vernon, F. Black,
Midway
O. Addis
T. Hastilow
Shell
O. Bartleet
Harris Cup
A. Butler-Gallie
Class 4
M. Deeney
All Rounder Cup
A. Russell
Langer ‘Good Egg’ Cup
F. Shanahan
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Summer Term Prizes Scales Cup for Fortitude
I. Walker
Table Tennis Prize
C. Cubitt
Langridge Prize for Ethos
L. Goodacre
Fishing Prize
D. Platt-Higgins
Potu Cup for Judo
J. Hamilton
Hutton Sword for Fencing
J.P. Shaw
Music & Perfoming Arts Prizes Sight Reading
O. De Winton
Kennedy/Vereker Equestrian
O. Miles
Acting Cup
J. Coulson
LAMDA Prize
A. Butt
Ross Cup for Performing Arts
L. Stephenson
Singing Prize
L. Stephenson
Sport Prizes Overall Contribution - Boys
J. Pryke
Overall Contribution - Girls
H. Eva
Cricket Prizes
House and Form Prizes Senior Form
Upper LL
Junior Form
4 RVS, 3 RB
House Cup
Selden
Bicton Prize
L. Hudson
Pembroke Prize
M. McDonald
U13 Player of the Season
J. Pryke
Selden Prize
E. Hastilow
U13 Most Improved
A. Wooff
Tongswood Prize
P. Bennie
2nd XI Player of the Season
E. Johnson, P. Prince
Bowling Prize
O. Miles
Remove GV
F. Plugge
Batting Prize
J. Pryke
Remove KK
J. Pryke
Fielding Prize
A. Butler-Gallie, H. Wyatt
Upper DB
H. Wyatt
U11 Player of the Season
Z. Barker
Upper BC
M. Dale
U11 Most Improved
A. Hsuan
Upper LL
T. Hastilow
Half Colours
F. Shanahan, F. Plugge,
Midway PG
B. Booth-Clibborn
Midway IP
A. Statman
Shell VC
A. Cotter
Shell RH
J. Jordan
Shell SC
D. Gorman
4 RVS
M. McDonald
P. Prince, A. Wooff, E. Johnson Full Colours
A. Bartleet, H. Wyatt
Rounders Prizes U13 Player of the Season
C. Chatterton
4 EM
T. Pilkington
U13 Most Improved
S. McNeish
4 AW
F. Kirkland
U11 Player of the Season
C. Goodacre
3 RB
K. Bottle
U11 Most Improved
A. Taylor
3 RT
L. Franklin
Half Colours
L. Stephenson, A. Russell, S. Pleavin, T. Hastilow, J. Coulson, I. Macdonald, S. McNeish, C. Goodacre, M. Shaw, D. Holden-Crauford
Full Colours
T. Curtis, L. Martin, H. Cage, H. Eva, F. Black, S. Knatchbull
Miscellaneous Prizes Aaron’s Cup for Chapel Choir
E. Freeman
Chapel Reading Prize
J. Hamilton
Clutterbuck Prize
E. Hayden-Tubbs
Farm Prize
R. Faulkner
Sailing Prize
F. Black
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The Leavers had great fun with their programme of events this
rogue and many thanks to Terry Stickney, who produced an
summer. The sun was shining in Bude, which made for a great
alternative version of Little Red Riding Hood. Well done to all
week. Dr K once again made Alan Sugar look like a loveable
the Leavers and we hope you all come to visit us often!
Class 4 with some of this term’s artwork
Come rain or shine: raising money with the Sponsored Walk For once this term we were grateful to see a few clouds in the sky as the children set off on their annual sponsored walk around Bewl Water.
batteries. By 3.00pm the Class 3 and 4s had reached their check point, successfully completing their part of the route, and headed
In keeping with the rest of the term it was more a question of
back to school. Julie Gillam and Robert Hill were positioned at
waterproofs than sun cream. This year the children chose to
additional check points along the way, laden with water and
raise money for two charities; the Royal Marsden and Great
plenty of encouragement as the Shells and Midways
Ormond Street hospitals.
continued their journey. They also made excellent time with Mr Clarke, Mr Bright, Mrs Gibson and Mr Andrew setting the
After a short assembly and gasps of horror from a few individuals as they glanced up at the map and digested the challenge ahead, the minibus shuttle commenced at 9.00am.
pace. Some finished the entire route by 3.30pm and were so quick they had a welcome and well deserved rest before the minibuses could get to them an hour later.
The first to head out were the Shell and Midway children who had the furthest to walk, all 12.5 miles around Bewl. Their
Everyone made it back to school safe and sound by 5.15pm,
starting point at Rosemary Lane was also to be their finish,
the staff now looking a little tired and weary but the children
which from certain points around the route often seemed
still bouncing with energy! How do they do it!
tantalisingly close, yet still so far. The Class 3 and 4 children were on their way by 10.30am, also starting from Rosemary Lane but walking 7 miles to their pick up point at Ward’s Lane. Despite a few showers the children marched on with high spirits, stopping for lunch at the visitors centre and the all important ice cream to recharge the
15
Coincidence, timing and chance led WBH to Tongswood
The Great Space with the magnificent Rothschild chandeliers in place
In 1940 the third Headmaster, WB (‘Harry’) Harris evacuated the School from West Worthing to Bicton Park, a few miles east of Exeter. There the Saint Ronan’s children and staff were Lord and Lady Clinton’s ‘house guests’ for the duration of the war. When hostilities ended in 1945, WBH decided not to
The Laundry List story: 1. During and after the war my mother had c.60 letters a day and posted getting on about the same number. Her secretary, Miss Doult, always used sticky economy labels on incoming envelopes to send them out again.
return the School to West Worthing but to sell up and start a fresh. It was clear to him that the ever ‘urbanising’ Worthing
2. She wrote Harry at Bicton three letters a term about pocket
was not what it once had been and the sea views had already
money or laundry, using this method.
been obscured by buildings. 3. She received one letter a year from Lena Gunther at WBH had been looking for a while for the right setting for the
Christmas.
School. Then coincidence, timing and chance led him to discover and purchase Tongswood. Viscount Davidson (OR 1943-48) provides us with a nutshell version of the ‘Laundry List’ story, in point mode: Background. My father was at Westminster with both Stanley and Dick Harris (Dick was always known as ‘Harry’ to the boys). Harry was one year senior and all were footballers.
4. Lena must have been the only person still to have her address engraved on the flap of the envelope, in this case TONGSWOOD. 5. Harry receives a reused example on his letter and writes to ask if my mother knows Lena Gunther as they are looking at the estate as a possible Saint Ronan’s.
They all went on to Pembroke Cambridge together and I have
6. The rest is more or less obvious except that Lena turned
photos of my father's 21st birthday party there with them all.
out to be my sister's godmother. Old Gunther was head of
All the cousins went to Saint Ronan’s: Davidsons, Butterwicks
Liebigs (Oxo, Bovril etc) and they used to go together to
and Dickinsons, plus later siblings Foxes and Chris Gale (my
Argentina every year.
father's ward). My father went to the Lords in 1936 and my mother took over the seat until 1959. They were 42 years there combined MPships.
7. My mother fixed the whole thing - 14 cottages for the staff and a decent price plus Aunt Lena at a lodge at Little Tongs. When we were there the Great Space still had the superb rock crystal Louis XV Rothschild chandeliers (originally purchased by Charles Gunther from 49 Piccadilly).
16
Visiting ORs The following Old Ronians visited the School on Founder’s Day: Baden-Powell, Roger & Anna Blick, JJ Bonham-Carter, Richard & Juliet Bridgeman, Charles Campbell, Martin & Michelle Charlesworth, Issy Clarke, Ben Coburn, Ptolemy Cobham, Ralph & Susan Cubitt, Johnny & Emma Louise Davidson, Malcolm de Bourbon-D’Orleans, Marion de Bourbon-D'Orleans, Robert Bennie, Simon & Sally Fletcher, Rodney Gadsby, Philip Gell, John & Barbara Goad, Geoff Gough, Ben Graham-Hart, Louis Gray, Richard & Gillian Gunning, Jo Harris, James Home, Gos & Diana Howe, Charles & Carole Joarder-White, Alfie Joyce, Maddie, James and Hadyn Katis, Debbie, Phoebe, George & Freddie Kindersley, Dickon, Victoria, Phoebe, Bertie & Harry Lancaster, Hector Langer, Will & Jonathan Lawford, Herry Leadsom, Johnnie Lindsay, Alex & Theo Lucas, Jeremy & Monica Macleay, Neill & Sally Macleay, Rory & Georgina Macpherson, Angus Martin, James McNeish, Freya Monckton, Tim Morgan-Kirby, Sue Neill, James & Venetia Owen, Sanne Raw, Hector Russell, Andrew & Elsbeth Scroggs, Tim & Heather Spence, Henry & Kirstie Titchener, Peter & Catriona Titchner, James Vassar-Smith, Johnny & Bobbie Vassar-Smith, Juliet Vassar-Smith, Richard Walton, Wesley & Angella Waters, Dominic & Kelley Watson, John & Alison Watts, Alex Whinney, Michael & Veronica Wotton, William Apologies to any missed out.
Roll of Honour - a plea for help A sobering seventy-six old boys’ names appear on the Roll of Honour spanning four periods of armed conflict. The details are posted on the Roll of Honour on the Alumni pages of the website and their names commemorated on panels in the Chapel. We have made a start at building up a digital archive with a short biography of each of those who died as we not only want to have a complete record for posterity but also see this as a valuable teaching resource, particularly as the centenary of the outbreak of WWI approaches. If any Old Ronian or friend of the School is wants to lend a hand with the research then please would they contact us on info@saintronans.co.uk? There is now so much information readily available on the internet and a number of senior schools have good archives.
The first School Photograph and the Crick Family
A great grandson of the School’s Founder, Philip Crick, recently gave us this photograph which depicts not just the members of the school but also of his family. We believe it was taken in 1907 and as such is the earliest School Photograph that we have. From left to right, the notable adults in the photograph are as follows: the lady in white with the hat is May Crick, who died of the Spanish ‘flu in 1918. The second lady, holding a small dog, is Kay Crick, who later in life married her first cousin Burton Plant. The third behatted lady is Antoinette Crick (nee Plant), wife of Revd. Philip Crick, who is seated beside her. To the Founder’s right is Stanley Harris. The lady with the pug is Dolly Crick, while the man with the terrier is Philip Crick. Finally, the man in the dark blazer is Douglas Crick.
17
Sport Saint Ronan’s A damp day for Sports
Hot on the track!
It was touch and go through the morning on Founder’s Day as
Saint Ronan’s sent teams to three events this summer, the
to whether Sports Day would go ahead or not.
athletes working hard and recording a number of personal
The rain finally stopped and in no time at all the house teams
bests.
were poised, in their new brightly coloured house shirts, to
On the 17th May we competed in a triangular fixture at
process around the track. The House Captains and
Dulwich Prep, competing against the hosts and Vinehall. For
Housemasters/ mistresses proudly led the way, carrying new
many of the children it was the first time they had run on a
house flags which waved jubilantly in the wind. The spirited
400m track and there were some excellent performances.
chanting of the house teams carried to all corners of the track.
Emily Freeman and Hannah Eva won the U14 girls’ 100m and
Once again this year, the children were involved in a host of events from traditional athletic track and field disciplines to netball, football, swimming, tennis, table tennis, badminton, judo, fencing and fishing. Archery, sadly, had to be withdrawn because of the windy conditions. In the athletics, six school records were broken. Congratulations go to:
200m respectively; Matthew Dale came third in his first ever 400m, as did James Crawley in the U12 event. The U14 girls 4 x 100m team of Emily, Hannah, Tia and Harriet ran superbly to come second in the relay. Twelve children made the journey to Skipper’s Hill Prep School in East Sussex on Thursday 6th June where they competed against the hosts and Ardingly School in a Pentathlon Challenge. Faced with stiff opposition (they had
U9 Girls 600m – Lizzie Wooff – 1m38.10
clearly been practising!), and competing mainly at the bottom
U9 Boys 150m – Archie Rutter – 25.03
of each age-group, the athletes rose to the challenge and put
U9 Girls Discus – Caitlin Milborne – 10m27
in some stoical performances. Of note were Daisy Dent who
U9 Boys Discus – Jed Pleavin – 12m68
won the U10 Shot-put (at her first ever attempt!), and came
U13 Boys 400m – Matthew Dale – 71.22
second overall after the five events. Lizzie Wooff came third in
U13 Boys Shot – Luke Goodacre – 6m25 (4kg)
the same age-group and Archie Butler-Gallie ran a well paced 800m to cross the line in second place.
Gold medals were presented throughout the afternoon to the winners as they rotated between their events. Just a few key
The IAPS Kent Championships took place on Friday 14th
presentations remained for the final prize giving at the close of
June, all eight athletes recording personal bests in their events
the day; with the Victor and Vixtrix Ludorum and much awaited
and Hannah Eva and Luke Goodacre qualifying for the
House results. Tongswood were victorious on this occasion.
National Championships in Birmingham on 2nd July. Emily Freeman reached the final of the 100m; Archie B-G recorded
Congratulations to all the children for their contributions in helping to make this year’s sports day such a success and to all the gold medal winners for their achievements. NB: a more complete list of results can be found in the special Sports Day edition of the new Sport Saint Ronan’s newsletter,
5.25 in his first ever 1500m and William Honychurch, Charlie Chatterton, Matthew Dale and Freddie Joarder-White put in excellent performances. Hannah went on to win Silver at National level, recording another personal best of 28.57s.
published on the Extranet. An excellent season; well done everybody!
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Sport Saint Ronan’s A smashing season at Rounders with unbeaten U9s Despite the often wet and windy weather, the girls scored a whopping 581 rounders this season. That’s an average of over 40 a week! They won 33 and drew 6 of the 58 matches played, with exceptional team performances from the U9As, who finish the season unbeaten; the U13 1st team, who only lost 2 of their 16 games; and the U13 2nd IX, who only lost 3 of their 12 matches. The U13 1st team were a joy to watch, scoring the most rounders (180 in total) with Tia Curtis and Charlie Chatterton taking the credit for over half of these. Out in the field, bowler, backstop and 1st base combinations have been superb; particularly Tia Curtis, Savannah Knatchbull, Lucy Martin and Harriet Cage for the U13 1st team, and Eugenie Dawlings, Allana Russell and Tilly Hastillow for the U13 2nd team. The U13 1st team beat tough opposition to finish fourth out of twelve in the IAPS rounders tournament and were placed 2nd in their group and then runners-up in the final of the Plate. They then finished the season in style by winning the Benenden tournament, coming 1st out of 20 teams. The 2nd IX also performed well in the same tournament, finishing 2nd in their group and equal 5th overall. Charlotte Goodacre and Daisy Holden-Craufurd have been outstanding all-rounders for the U11A team.
The 1st IX
Lower down the school, the unbeaten U9A team have had an exceptional season. Emily Cooper, Daisy Dent and Louisa Hudson stood out, both on the field and when in bat. In the U9Bs, Maisie Kirby, Rosie Honychurch and Amelie Bottle made excellent contributions. The U8 girls have made great progress as they learn more about the game, with Grace Easton, Caitlin Milborne and Grace Bartleet excelling in their positions. All the girls demonstrated great team spirit in the recent interhouse competitions, where Bicton were victorious again in all three age groups. A most wonderful and enjoyable season;
The unbeaten U9A team
well done to all.
Sports Newletter Have you seen our new weekly Sport Saint Ronan’s Newsletter? Check the Extranet.
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Sport Saint Ronan’s Cricket teams shine more than the Sun!
The 1st XI
The Colts As
Despite the cold and often very blustery weather, the cricket teams had a very successful season. If the 1st XI is playing well and winning matches, it tends to give all the teams a lift. They played nine matches and won six (a couple of these going down to the last over, which was exciting for the supporters.) Jamie Pryke scored two centuries and two fifties and averaged 147 for the season. This was impressive batting and he was well-supported by Luke Goodacre (who topscored with 79), Josh Curtis, Jaz McDonald and Theo Gadd. Archie Bunting led the bowling attack with Jamie and their quick opening spells unsettled the batsmen. Oscar Miles bowled a beautiful line and length all season and ended up as top wicket-taker. The team also fielded extremely well and it was their ability to hold on to catches and throw down the stumps that enabled them to gain some impressive victories. The 2nd X1 came into their own at the end of the season, when Elliot Johnson hit an unbeaten 52 in a good win against Hilden Grange. On the same day, Adam Hsuan scored 53 against the same opposition for the Colts Buccaneers. The Colts A also had a very successful season, winning 6, drawing 1 and losing just once in the final of the Summer Cup
good attacking shots and secured victory. During the season
against New Beacon. It was a fabulous achievement to get to
Zach Thompson, Nat Easton and Angus Balfour also bowled
our first ever final and the team opted to bat on a wonderful
extremely well and Angus scored an entertaining 52 not out
wicket at Rodmersham CC. Some nervous running between
against Claremont.
the wickets led to instant excitement. Zach Barker then played some excellent shots to top score in the match with 70, wellsupported by Teddy Wilmoth. They were eventually bowled out
More good news is that the U9 and U8 teams displayed some superb attacking play and tight bowling and won the majority of their matches.
for 139 and then enjoyed a wonderful tea! New Beacon started slowly, thanks to good opening spells from Zach
Many thanks to all the coaches and good luck to Dave Smith,
Barker and Olly Addis, but a number of their players played
who is heading to Australia.
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© Saint Ronan’s School 2013. Editor: Ben Clarke.