The ronian issue 58 autumn 2014 by Saint Ronan's School

The Ronian ISSUE 58 - Autumn 2014

Inside:

HRH Duchess of Cornwall visit • Armistice & World War I • Nativities • All Weather Pitch

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

The Headmaster writes...

The highlight of our busy term was the royal visit, when we welcomed Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall, to dedicate the new all-weather pitch to the memory of her late brother, Mark Shand (OR 1959-64). ‘Shandy Ba’ is nearly finished and should be ready for play next term. The official opening will be on Brodie Day (Saturday 14th March), just before the senior Cross-Country races. Another special event was Armistice Day when the Rt Reverend Michael Whinney (OR 1939-44) opened Chapel Court. It is a beautiful and significant addition to the school. These events, and the Autumn Fayre, Bonfire Night and Carol Service, encouraged Old Ronians to come back and see what we’re up to. It’s heartening when previous generations applaud our progress and remark that we have kept alive what keeps the School so special. Over the summer, Cranbrook announced its Academic and Music scholarships and the

Following an Assembly given by Joy from fields of cancer care and research, the P the worthy cause. Mrs Hinchcliffe ran through the Pre-Prep

Hall. Louis and Amy, the Gappies, got up

‘The Best Song Ever’ by One Direction. A

go by, it’s an event we should repeat eve

final tally for 2013/14 was an unprecedented 35 awards, won by 23 children in 7 different disciplines. Of course it’s not all about scholarships, and we celebrate the fact that our children succeed and flourish in so many areas of School life. Some of this happens quietly, under the radar, and some of it is represented by some very personal battles! We are equally proud of everyone. The last few months have been something of a roller-coaster and I salute the staff who have rallied around with such grace and good humour. Someone once said that people are like tea bags - you find out what they are really like when you put them in hot water! Our people are certainly made of strong stuff! Emma and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. With kind regards, William Trelawny-Vernon Headmaster

Ceramic poppies made by Shell and

In this issue... HRH Duchess of Cornwall visit

Maths in Motion

In our Chapel this term

Harvest Produce and Carols

Saint Ronan’s has the cutest delegates

This term in... Bicton

Three Wise Men were followed by the Landlord’s Cat

A busy and festive term in the Music Department

Violet Vassar-Smith

We Will Remember Them

10-11

Stars in their Eyes

Class 3 visit Biddenden Vineyards

Paradise Farm

RE moves with the times

Armistice Service & Opening of Chapel Court

Armistice Announced

Spring Term Prizes

Pitch Perfect

Cross Country

Hockey & Netball

re-Prep and Prep Schools danced enthusiastically to raise money for

Football

moves with the children before their moment came in the Sports

Coming up... Next Term

Dancing for Macmillan

m Macmillan, who explained her company’s important work in the

p on stage in the Great Space and led the Prep School in a dance to

A total of £443 was raised and, if the happy faces were anything to

ery year.

d Midway, inspired by the River of Blood at the Tower of London

Term begins Class 4 trip to Rye Midway trips to Tunbridge Wells Mosque

8th January 20th January 21st/22nd January

Evensong

23rd January

Reception trip to Pizza Express

27th January

Childrens’ Burns Night

4th February

Shell trip to Portsmouth

5th February

Burns Night - FOR event

7th February

Music Department Open Week begins

9th February

Half Term

13th-23rd February

Evensong

27th February

Book Week begins

27th February

Prep School Book Fair

6th March

Prep School Exams (Upper & Remove)

9th March

Pre-Prep Parents Evening

10th March

Judo Grading

12th March

Red Nose Day

13th March

Informal Concert

13th March

FOR Quiz Night

13th March

Brodie Shield & Opening of ‘Shandy Ba’

14th March

ABRSM Exams

15th-17th March

The Wizard of Oz

25th/26th March

Term Ends

27th March

‘Shandy Ba’

Her Royal Highness pictured with the ‘Mark Shand Elephant’ donated by Professor Dacre

All images © Sarah Clark Photography

Duchess of Cornwall names All-Weather Pitch in her brother’s memory The children and staff of Saint Ronan’s were delighted and

Her Royal Highness met some of his contemporaries,

honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of

including one of his former teachers, David Duttson, and saw

Cornwall, when she came to dedicate the Astro to the memory

his name written in the Confirmation book in the School

of her brother. Shoes shined and flags waved as the Duchess

Chapel.

drove up the drive, lined with children, to be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle (OR), Mr and Mrs T-V and the Head and Second Prefects. Led by the Headmaster, the Duchess toured the school, which she had last visited over 50 years ago when her brother, Mark Shand, was a pupil here.

After inspecting the construction site, Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque in the Sports Hall and named the pitch ‘Shandy-Ba’ (Mark Shand’s nickname at School). The Duchess was then whisked away by helicopter, waved off by the children.

Maths in Motion Challenge

In our Chapel this term

I met our teachers for the day sitting with Mrs Peacock on the

The Prep School gathers in the Chapel twice every week

sofas on the red sea carpet. They were as exited as I was for

for our “regular” services, but the Autumn Term is always

the day ahead!

rich in additional gatherings for special occasions. The first

We walked down to the DT workshop. We then logged on to the computers and then onto the Maths in Motion website. Our first task was to measure the size of the bends and straights of the track on the sheet we were given and then determine whether they were large bends, medium bends, tight bends, large straights medium straights or small straights - this puzzled some of us! This data was then transferred onto the computers. Our next task was to create and design our racecars, which was the theme of the day. After Mrs Lloyd had

one of these this term was the annual Dedication Service, on 12th September, whose order of service pretty much replicates that of the same service at Saint Ronan’s… in 1913. Two weeks later, we welcomed Reverend Craig Huxley, from Benenden School, who spoke in our Harvest Festival. Though the service itself was beautiful and uplifting, what made it even more memorable was the fact that pupils accessed the Chapel via the “new” corridor for the first time that night.

finally picked the colour of her car(!) we began the next task,

The most momentous event in the Chapel was, however,

which was to ‘create’ our engine by changing our engine

on Tuesday 11th November, when we held two Armistice

tuning, suspension adjustments and aerodynamic down force.

Services: one for pupils in Years 1 to 5, and one for the rest

Using this data and some original information we worked out

of the Prep School, as well as about 80 guests, most of

our safe speeds. This was put into each feature of the track.

whom were Old Ronians. Robin Griffith OR spoke in the service, very movingly, on the theme of remembrance. The Chapel Court was subsequently opened, with a further address by the Right Reverend Michael Whinney. Our sole Evensong Service of the term was on Friday 14th November, when Simon Davies, Headmaster at Eastbourne College and Trustee at Saint Ronan’s, visited us. The fire alarm slightly spoiled proceedings, as it rang minutes before the service was due to start; it was the first time that we had to evacuate the Chapel! Our next guest speaker, on 5th December, was Reverend David Commander, Rector of Benenden and Sandhurst – and our host for the Carol Service. Appropriately enough, he spoke in our Chapel on the topic of Carols and Christmas.

The fun really started when we started the practice laps. This

There were two high-profile “Chapel” gatherings in the final

really brought the competitive side out of everyone, Mr

week of term – though neither actually was in our Chapel.

Bennett and I especially! Everyone went over their safe

The first one was the termly Whole-School Assembly, in the

speeds by about 50%.

Great Space, which was led by Kathryn Bender, the Head

With the practice laps done we had to brief our pit crew. This involved measuring the track and working out how much fuel you needed and when to have a pit stop.

of Nursery and Pre-Prep. This was our own version of a Christingle Service, designed to appeal to children (and Staff) of all ages. Finally, to finish with a flourish, the term was concluded by the Prep School Carol Service, held for

Finally it was time for the race. It started and I was in the lead,

the first time this year at St George’s Church in Benenden.

I made it around one lap but my engine overheated! The race

Carols and choral pieces resounded, and the “usual”

carried on and Mr Bennett won.

readings were heard – with one addition this year, which

Overall it was a great day. I would certainly recommend the program to anyone with the opportunity.

probably was one of the highlights of the service, when two Class 4 pupils (William Durtnell and Jemima Spence) read as a poem the words of the song “Mary, did you know?”.

By Jamie Jordan, Upper GV

Harvest Produce and Carols

The term in... BICTON Each house takes a turn to showcase what they’ve been up during the course of a term. This term all the Houses competed in the House Shout. We were asked to choose a war song, a hymn and a soloist. The war song we chose was, ‘We’ll meet again’ and our hymn was, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God’. Well done to Orlando Copplestone, who played the recorder for our soloist part! We all sang well and worked very hard to sing our songs beautifully!

The Class 3 children have been busy with our Community

I would like to congratulate our Bicton

programme this term and have done fantastically well. Early in

runners who did lots of races this term

the term we delivered a mountain of Harvest Festival goods to

against other schools, with some

the elderly in the village; some of which we were able to

excellent results! The runners

distribute in person, to the delight of the residents and the

competed in the Brenchley Relay

obvious pleasure of our pupils.

against lots of schools and the boys came second in their race (the girls

Last week the children returned to sing carols and to chat to

also did well).

the residents over tea and biscuits. The residents were in agreement about how delightful, polite and confident the Saint

This term we welcomed our new Year 3s to Bicton. I’m proud

Ronan’s children were when socialising outside of School and

to say that the old Bictonians did a very good job of welcoming

in a different environment.

them! We played lots of games to get to know each other and then ate ices together. I think Years 3 and 4 have done the

Saint Ronan’s has the cutest delegates

best job of earning most of our Shows and Show-ups this term. Well done to Rebecca Redmayne, who got 35 shows!

As in previous years, Saint Ronan’s sent five delegates to Benenden, to participate in the 7th Model United Nations

We have had a number of people from Bicton who have

conference. The pupils and the respective committees they

helped with charities this term. Sam King helped make lots of

sat on were: Alice Clapp (Health), Gus Statman (Human

cakes and sold them to make money for the Rhinos. Herbie

Rights), Fraser McConachie (Political), Sos Stevens

Stephenson and Finlay Carver did a 60 mile bike ride and

(Economic) and Sophie Charlesworth (Ecology and

earned £18,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity, set up in

Environment).

memory of their friend. A massive achievement!

Although the delegates were new to the MUN, all participated

We also had a number of House assemblies. Most of them

very well and made salient points in their respective

were spent practising for the House Shout and eating ice-

committees, Gus even making a point of information in the

creams! But after Half-Term, Mrs Morrell (our Housemistress)

General Assembly. Sophie spoke eloquently on the

handed out the Bicton Bear, Jeff, to the people who had the

importance of water in the Middle East, Fraser defended the

most shows. Olivia Hamilton and I also gave a talk on ‘the

rights of journalists working in conflict zones, Alice railed

beginning of Santa’! The children had to guess the names of

against animal testing, Gus condemned torture in sharper

Santa’s reindeer. Quite a few of them had forgotten!

tones and Sos convincingly pointed out that there are some jobs or even roles in entertainment that are gender-specific.

I have really enjoyed being House Captain of Bicton this term and everyone has been very supportive and encouraging.

Although Saint Ronan’s received no honourable mentions for

Bicton is always remembered for being the kindest House!

its debating skills, they were voted ‘cutest delegate’ in their

Also, thank you to Mrs Morrell, who has been an amazing

respective committees!

Housemistress! By Eva Sayers, House Captain.

The Three Wise Men were followed by the Landlord’s Cat! Whilst we don’t know for sure if there was a cat following the Wise Men, in this instance the title refers to the Nursery and Pre-Prep performances of the Nativity. The Frogs, Caterpillars, Hedgehogs and Rabbits performed ‘The Three Wise Men’ and opened the show with ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’. The audience was immediately captivated. It’s difficult to remember a Nativity when our youngest

with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in the stable, as well as

performers sang as clearly and sweetly, and spoke their words

Wise Men and The Shepherds, the cat sensed that something

at such volume. The Wise Men were very learned, being

very special was about to happen (cats know these things.)

skilled at astronomy, literature and exploring, but they did work

Naturally she was determined to find out exactly what it was

the poor camel very hard, to the delight of those watching. At

and the children in Owls, Squirrels, Badgers and Otters helped

the Dress Rehearsal Mary and Joseph had obviously had a

her in this quest, acting their parts confidently and

marital tiff prior to stepping on stage, but harmony was

competently. The narration was word-perfect and clear, as was

restored by Friday when the soloist Angel and the rest of the

the singing, which received rapturous applause from the

cast soothed them with their singing.

audience.

At a certain Bethlehem inn, the landlord's cat was so fed up

The children deserved their afternoon of parties and a visiting

with the hectic atmosphere and with being ignored by her

Father Christmas, which rounded off the term nicely, if rather

owner that she was on the verge of leaving town. However,

excitedly!

The Spring term saw the launch of the School’s official social media presence. If you haven’t already had a chance, do take a moment to ‘like’ us on Facebook and ‘follow’ us on Twitter. Both are proving to be highly popular ways of keeping up with all the events taking place at school.

/saintronans

@saintronans

A busy and festive term in the Music Department The Music Department has had a full and busy term. We

Our instrumentalists have been hard at work, with Ruairi

welcomed Glynnis Dickinson to the Piano Department. She is

Pringle and Orlando Copplestone entertaining Alumni and

an experienced teacher and

dignitaries at the Chapel

was Assistant Director of

Court Opening luncheon and

Music at Holmewood House

performing in the Chapel

for over ten years.

when we were visited by the Duchess of Cornwall.

As soon as term got underway, rehearsals began

Once again we had a bumper

in earnest for the annual

crop of Merits and

House Shout. This year the

Distinctions in the recent

theme was ‘Songs from the

ABRSM music exams.

World Wars’ and the shield

William Ashenden was

was won by Tongswood. Their

The House Shout

awarded a Saint Ronan’s

instrumental contribution was

music scholarship and tie for

Luc Doane, a Stanley Harris

attaining Grade 5 on the

Scholar, who stunned us all

Saxophone.

with his rendition of Rutter’s

The Music Department has

‘The Lord Bless you and keep

been assisted by Tim Daniell

you’.

(retired Director of Music at

The Orchestra began

Walthamstow Hall) and Arran

rehearsals for the Michaelmas

Keith, who stepped in to

Concert at the end of

accompany choirs, soloists

November. Mrs Effie Sparkhall

and exam pupils this term.

conducted a wonderful Concert, with music ranging

We look forward to the arrival The Michaelmas Concert

from the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ to ‘Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer’.

of our New Director of Music, Mr David Force, who comes

to us from Eastbourne College. David is a superb musician

Our Wind Band heralded Christmas with a set of Carols at

and an inspiring teacher. He takes up his post in September

pick up time and between the two Nativities. They were ably

2015.

led by Mr Jonathan Rutland.

Violet Vassar-Smith Right at the end of Half Term and, surprisingly, on time (which I suspect was her mother's influence), Violet Vassar-Smith was born at Pembury. This caused much rejoicing, not only for her parents but also for the pupils, who were glad to see the back of me for a week (particularly Midway RVS, who were treated to the kind offices of Mr Fox). Violet, who was 9 lbs when she was born, weighed in at the end of term at 10 lb 14 oz and is thriving, even if she is most active at about 3am. Thank you all for your kind thoughts, words, cards and presents. Lydia and I are so touched and grateful to be part of such a supportive community and we look forward to bringing Violet in at the beginning of next term to meet you all. RVS.

WE WILL REM The 4th August this year marked the centenary of the start of the country’s involvement in the First World War. The school was not in session at the time, but had resolved to remember the occasion in the course of the term. It seemed appropriate enough to do so around Remembrance Day (though, of course, November 11th was a significant date in 1918, not 1914) and two “cross-curricular days” were scheduled. The aim was learning rather than solely remembering, and a range of activities was planned for the pupils. In particular, the Pre-Prep focused on the lives of Charles and Norman Gunther, the sons of the Tongswood Estate owner who both dies in the war. Children also scattered poppy seeds around the War Memorial in the school grounds – and ended their cross-curricular days with a “street” party (in the Harris Building!) to celebrate the Armistice. In the Prep School, work on the Great War started on Friday 7th November with a fascinating Lecture by John GrahamHart, a journalist and former parent who has extensively researched the topic. His talk was not, however, designed to compile facts and figures, but rather to encourage the children

(even archives) about their relatives involved in WW1. Several

to find a personal connection with the era – as he put it in one

nationalities were represented, with men and women, civilians

of his articles on the subject: “So if you would like to give your

and soldiers of various ages and ranks. The effect

child an appreciation of this exceptional time in our history,

was not quite as stunning as the “Poppies at the

one way is to help them find a guide, someone to take them

Tower”, but nonetheless conveyed something of the

back and walk beside them through those extraordinary years. Step back a couple of generations and most families have an

multitude of connections that can still be traced from the present day to a century ago.

ancestor who died in the Great War.” Prep School pupils also took part in Drama workshops, One manifestation of this

listened to an enlightening talk by a Kent Community

approach was the display

Archaeologist, watched a live broadcast of a special School

that was put together

Assembly held at the Tower of London,

thanks to numerous

found out about different aspects of the

contributions from members of the whole school community – especially parents,

Great War, engaged in debates, wrote diaries or soldiers’ letters, made ceramic poppies, re-enacted the Christmas Truce of 1914, on the playground or on stage – among other things…

whom we warmly thank for their outstanding support with this. In the end, ninety

The Headmaster’s assessment at the end of the crosscurricular days was absolutely right when he wrote: “it’s been an exceptional couple of days – totally inspiring”!

pupils and Staff had their photos “on the wall”,

Kent archaeologist Richard Taylor shows Prep School children

alongside documents

a genuine World War 1 Lee-Enfield rifle.

MEMBER THEM

Saint Ronanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Remembers The Great War

War letter written by Midway pupil based on a scene from the trenches.

Stars in their Eyes The special entertainment at the Feast this year was a production of Stars in their Eyes. Pupils have auditioned throughout the term, pretending to be different musical acts, and seven made it through to the final night. On a night of high drama, Poppy Barker as Carly Rae Jepson won the prestigious trophy. Congratulations to all the contestants, who sang wonderfully well on the night - and thanks to Abba for their guest appearance! The finalists were: Emma Beart as Amy Winehouse Rosie Stickney as Kate Bush Catherine Redmayne as Adele Poppy Barker as Carly Rae Jepsen Lizzie Wooff as Lilly Allen Caitlin Milborne and Grace Easton as Ariana Grande and Iggy Anushka Ramyead and Asia Davies as The Glee Warblers

Class Three pay a visit to Biddenden Vineyards â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;On Tuesday the 7th October there was a buzz of excitement in Class 3. 3TT were wrapping up warm for their trip to Biddenden Vineyard. We clambered onto the mini buses, 3RB and 3EP trudging along with us. When we got there the geography trip began. We met a friendly man called Mr Knight who took us on a tour of the vast vineyard. 35 acres of grape trees lined liked soldiers in front of the Queen. After we saw the amazing vineyard we went and looked at the awesome machinery. The red one wrapped the bottles and the other put the apple juice in. There were containers as big as giants. The thing I liked the best was when we were allowed to taste the most delicious apple juices. We tried Russet, Cox, Early morning Windsor, Worcester and even pear! I really enjoyed the trip and hope to go back there soon.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The Farm has continued to grow. More hard areas have be laid in preparation for the winter and the arks have been arranged more systematically (very entertaining when it came to moving the pigs!) We now have a new member to the team, Debbie Dallaway, who runs the Farming extras. Debbie is a familiar face at School as she also works in the Kitchen. She keeps pigs herself and her local knowledge and animal husbandry know-how have been invaluable. We sold hundreds of pounds of delicious sausages and joints on the Red Sea Carpet and the money raised will be ploughed back into food and bedding for the Farm. The manure has rotted down and we are now the proud owners of enough rich compost to keep the School going for some time.

The chickens have gone from strength to strength and have been more confident in their sorties, including the Sports Hall! Time perhaps to have their wings clipped. As ever huge thanks to the children for their hard work and to our parents for supporting the Farm by buying the produce.

Religious Education moves with the times Almost every R.E. lesson in the Pre-Prep is “hands-on”; in Class 3, pupils are known to play with Lego or act out stories (in class!); in Class 4, one task this term involved leafing through a collection of Christmas cards – but by the time pupils get to Year 8, the “fun” element has to make way for questions such as “Outline some non-religious reasons for social justice”, or “Explain the relationship between human rights and punishment”. Still, this term, probably the most stimulating R.E. activities took place in Years 5 and 6. Without having to leave the Great Space, Shell enjoyed a colourful morning of discovery in October, when the annual Hinduism workshop took place. Very many wonderful artefacts were on show, as well as story-telling, facepainting, dressing up, dancing… and a wedding ceremony involving two of the pupils – which we understand is probably not legally binding! Pupils in Midway studied Judaism, and some of this was done somewhat inventively. The first highlight of the term was the Shabbat Demonstration, at dusk (more or less) on Friday 3rd October. As well as the actual ceremony (and eating!), some pupils also had to bake the bread – and the write-up for the whole event was done in the style of the pop song “Last Friday Night”! However, what seemed to catch the pupils’ imagination most was when they were asked to build synagogues – though not quite in the real world: the school purchased an educational licence for the well-known video game Minecraft, which enabled the children to get really creative… albeit virtually. 13

Armistice Service and Opening of Chapel Court

James Harris unveils the bust of WB Harris.

This year’s Armistice Day Service was special for several reasons. As we always do, we remembered the Old Ronians who had given their lives so bravely in the service of their country. It was all the more poignant because it also marked the hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Our thanks to Robin Griffith (OR 51-56) for his insightful ‘numerical’ address during the service, which was thought-provoking and moving for adults and children alike. This year’s service also marked the opening of the new Chapel Court. WB Harris’ vision of a fitting link between the School and the Chapel has been realised at last, with the creation of a memorial garden, with War Memorial, to replace what was lost when the School moved from Worthing. We are hugely grateful not only to our generous donors but also to Stephen Langer, who designed the project and kindly gave so much of his time. Listed to the right are those who attended the ceremony.

Some of the Old Ronians who gave their lives during WW1 14

The bust of WB Harris Mr Brian Alexander Mrs Caroline Alexander Mr Johny Armstrong Mrs Jean Arnot Mr and Mrs Keith Arnot Mr and Mrs Roger Baden-Powell Mr and Mrs Nick Block Mr and Mrs Nick Bray Dr Sara Butler-Gallie Mr Ben Clarke Mrs Mary Cox Professor Kathy Dacre Mr and Mrs Robin Dalton Holmes Viscount Malcolm Davidson Mr and Mrs David Duttson Mr James Gough Mr Robin Griffith Mrs Mary Hale Mr and Mrs John Harrington Mr and Mrs James Harris Mrs Judy Harris Mr and Mrs Gos Home Mrs Arran Keith Mr John Kimpton Mr and Mrs Stephen Langer

Rt Revd Michael Whinney Mr and Mrs Jeremy Lucas Mr and Mrs Tim Milling Mr Timothy Monckton Miss Sue Morgan-Kirby Mr Christopher Page Mr Tony Pape Hon. Philip Remnant Mr and Mrs Graham Rhodda Mr and Mrs Andrew Russell Mr and Mrs Jeremy Russell Mr and Mrs Bruce Seton Mrs Merrill Shaw Mr Christopher Snell The Very Reverend Henry Stapleton Mr Michael Swiney Mr David Tennant Mr Richard Turner Mrs and Mrs James Underhill Miss Juliet Vassar-Smith Sir John and Lady Vassar-Smith Mr Richard Vassar-Smith Mr and Mrs Christopher Whinney The Right Revd Michael and Mrs Whinney Mr and Mrs Tim Whinney

Brigadier-General R.N. Bray 1872-1921

General Sir Robert Bray OR 1918-1921

Armistice Announced Letter to Ronian boy found at auction On 11th November 1918 Brigadier-General R.N. Bray (above right) wrote a letter to his son, Robert (above left), then at Saint Ronan’s, telling him that the Armistice had been signed. This letter has recently been bought at auction and the buyer has sent us a copy, which we reproduce. R.N. Bray died of wounds shortly after the end of the war and is commemorated by a window in our chapel as well as on our new war memorial. There is a nice quirk of history involving R.N. Bray. When war started he was commanding the Shanghai Volunteer Corps, a body funded and manned by the trading nations involved in business in China. He was recalled to fight in France but continued to be paid by the Corps for the first few months of the war. Hence, he started fighting the Germans with one third of his salary coming from Berlin. R.N. Bray’s son, Sir Robert, was the first of many Brays to attend St Ronan’s and went on to become the senior general in the Army. He retired in 1970 as NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, after 44 years service..

Autumn Term Prizes Senior Prefects

Football Prizes

Head Prefect

A. Erith

U13 Player of the Season

N. Easton

Second Prefects

O. Chatterton / M. Chesters

U13 Most Improved

D. Gorman

U11 Player of the Season

F. Kirkland

U11 Most Improved

E. Hues

Heads of Houses Bicton

L. Marsh

Pembroke

A. Stevens

Girls’ Hockey Prizes

Selden

F. Joarder-White

U13 Player of the Season

A. Erith

Tongswood

Z. Barker

U13 Most Improved

M. Clarke

U11 Player of the Season

R. Honychurch

U11 Most Improved

C. Redmayne

School Appointments Captain of Boys’ Hockey

O. Addis

Captain of Rugby

N. Easton

House and Form Prizes

Captain of Netball

S. Charlesworth

Senior Form

Midway RVS

Captain of Cross Country

S. Lund

Junior Form

3 RB

Captain of Lacrosse

C. Goodacre

House Cup

Pembroke

Headmaster’s Special Prizes

Bicton Prize

E. Sayers

O. de Winton, L. Doane, S. Lund

Pembroke Prize

J. Gotts

Selden Prize

B. Booth-Clibborn

Tongswood Prize

A. Erith

Most Shows Remove

A. Erith

Upper

J. Jordan

Form Tutors’ Prizes

Midway

D. Dent

Remove KK

A. Statman

Shell

G. Bartleet

Remove PG

S. Lund

Class 4

R. Redmayne

Upper DB

J. Beeching

Class 3

B. Wyatt

Upper BC

D. Gorman

Exams

Best Average

Upper GV

J. Funnell

Remove

Z. Barker

Midway SC

E. Balfour

Upper

F. McConachie

Midway RVS

G. Parsley

Midway

T. Tweedie

Midway IP

B. Lambert

Shell

C. Milborne

Shell RT

G. Wood

Shell RH

L. Stewart

Shell NH

E. Tapper

School Prizes Sight Reading

D. Dent

4 AW

P. Connell

Public Speaking

A. Stevens

4 EM

T. Hall

Harris Cup

O. Addis

4 LS

J. Heard

3 RB

R. Campbell

3 EP

R. Macleay

3 TT

M. Ramyead

The Great Space in November: below left: Children in exams; below right: Grandparents’ tea

Pitch Perfect in three months! All being well, the new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shandy-Baâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; All Weather Pitch will be completed in time for the beginning of the Spring term.

Sport Saint Ronan’s Let Saint Ronan’s Run! The Saint Ronan’s Cross Country squad has been out in force this term. Competing in six events, over some extremely challenging courses, we have achieved some superb results, making this arguably the best start to a season in recent years. Back in September when the ground was still hard, Years 2, 3 and 4 took part in the Rawlinson Run, hosted by DCPS. Notable performances over the fast, flat courses were recorded by Lotte Harrison, Ned Taggart , Bea Wyatt, Jack Kirkland, Hope Rutter and Charlie Ellison. They were supported well by their team mates, the fierce competition leaving us just out of the medals. The Brenchley Relays provide an opportunity for a select team to race at home in front of a vocal crowd, fresh from practice for the House Shout. Our girls’ teams put in some stoic performances, but the boys’ A team of Archie MacLeod, Fin Kirkland, James Crawley and Sebbie Lund really gave their supporters something to cheer about, finishing a fantastic

coming third overall with some superb running from the mud-

second. The Brenchley Shield was claimed by DCPS, with

caked athletes. Hope Rutter, Beatrix Wyatt, Joseph Fuller,

Sevenoaks Prep second and Saint Ronan’s and Marlborough

Carlie Ellison, Wilf Wyatt, Carlos Nieto-Parr and James

House sharing a hard-fought third place.

Crawley all finished in the top ten, both Carlos and James

Forty-one runners made the trip to Sevenoaks Prep for the

coming second – really fantastic running.

Thomas Trophy. Again, we were just out of the medal

Finally, at the Junior Knole Run, the Saint Ronan’s U13 Boys’

positions, but there were some wonderful performances: Bea

team recorded our best performance at the race in recent

Wyatt, Hope Rutter, Joseph Fuller, Charlie Ellison, Wilf Wyatt,

years. Finishing seventh out of sixty-four teams, our first four

Fin Kirkland, Sebbie Lund and Oli Milborne all finishing in the

runners home were all in the top fifty and there were some

top thirty.

superb sprint finishes from our second team, who came

With a well-attended early morning running cub taking place

twenty-second. The Saint Ronan’s girls - Lily Marsh, Sophie

every Thursday morning (the lure of Richard’s breakfast

Charlesworth, Jade Beeching, Alice Clapp and Olivia Hancock

enticing the children out of bed for a 7.15am start), the

persevered around the challenging 2km course, encouraged

training, effort and resolve finally bore fruit when both the U11

by the vociferous support team! Finishing 40th of 48, the girls

and the U13 Boys’ teams were rewarded with third place in the

are to be commended for their effort.

IAPs District 2 Cross Country meeting. Carlos Nieto-Parr and

Looking ahead, next term we will be competing at the Bracken

James Crawley, both returning to fitness, led the teams home

Cup / Woodmansee Shield at Somerhill; the Kent Schools at

in 3rd and 7th places, the forces of Wilf Wyatt, Fin Kirkland,

Wilmington; the U8/9 event at Hilden Grange; the Stevens

George Kidd, Archie Rutter, Archie MacLeod, Oli Milborne,

Cup / Wainman Cup at Northbourne Park and the IAPs

Sebbie Lund, Olly Addis, Guy Pryke and Freddie Dear

Nationals at Malvern College. And of course, our own in-

combining to put Saint Ronan’s up with the might of Yardley

house event, the Brodie Shield on 14th March.

Court and DCPS. Well done to all the runners who have worked so hard in Conditions couldn’t have been better (or worse) for this year’s

training, and competed so tenaciously in the races.

Dobson Trophy, as days of rain rendered parts of the course totally waterlogged. The girls’ and boys’ teams ‘podiumed’,

Curreat Saint Ronan’s!

Sport Saint Ronan’s Hockey Highlights If there was ever any doubt what a difference the new Astro turf pitch will make, just ask the Years 7 and 8 girls. With numbers stronger than ever, and C team representation for the first time in both years 5 and 6, the courts and Sports Hall were fully occupied by the juniors. This meant the seniors had to train on grass. We were extremely fortunate with the weather but couldn’t help but keep a watchful eye on the construction of the Astro and think……this time next year! The overall statistics shape up as follows: Matches played 46, matches won/drawn 23, goals scored 46. It was the U10 teams who stole the show this year. The U10Bs played fantastic hockey and were unbeaten, winning 5 and drawing 1 of their 6 matches. The As also played a convincing game and were the highest-scoring team, with 18 goals collectively. The U11 sides were also strong and will be teams to watch in the future. All of the girls should be congratulated for making great progress and there are many individual highlights. Not only those who have demonstrated outstanding skill and potential (Alexandra Erith, Daisy Holden-Craufurd, Rose Honychurch, Maddie McDonald, Grace Easton and Cailtin Milborne) but also those who have trained hard every week and improved tremendously over the course of the season (Olivia Hamilton, Charlotte Goodacre, Matilda Clarke, Megan Hopper, Harriet van Buer, Amelie Bottle, Catherine Redmayne, Maddie Spence, Ella Balfour, Grace Alexander, Molly Sanderson, Emily Hills, Sophie Ford, Georgina Wood, Saskia Wood and Alexandra Codd), with some earning promotion to the A teams. The Inter-House hockey league was, as always, an extremely enjoyable event with everyone doing their bit for their House. Tongswood won the U13 competition and Bicton the U11.

Netball Report The U8/U9 girls have just finished a fruitful Netball season, winning 17 of the 24 matches and scoring 107 goals (conceding only 30). The U9 girls are a super group with bags of potential. The A team were the highest scoring team (44 goals) winning 6 of 7 matches. The Bs also performed consistently winning 5 of 7 matches, scoring 42 goals. The U8 teams enjoyed their first taste of competitive netball with both A and B teams winning 3 of their 5 matches. Again, lots of potential here and exciting times ahead.

Sport Saint Ronan’s

Great team performances and individual successes After watching the 1st XI beat Ashdown House in a close 3-2 win, one of their parents said that it was like watching Arsenal v Hull City … and we were not Arsenal! That was a wonderful compliment which highlighted our ambition to play a beautiful game. This was not just confined to the 1st XI - all the teams have been encouraged to play in this way, developing their passing skills, close control and movement. Alongside some impressive team performances there has also been individual success. Nat Easton and Barney Hall have both made the 2nd trial for the South East U13 Prep School football team. Finn Kirkland has been selected for the final squad for the U11 South East Football Squad (this team will play in the World Youth Cup in Sweden next summer) and Tom Hall (U9) is attending a trial with Brighton and Hove Albion over Christmas.