OS Record 2024

OS RECORD 2024

Editors: Anne Macfarlane and John Harden

Photographs: Josie Sturges-Mills, Sarah Tobin, Rob Gosling (a 01), Kiran Patel, Fiona James, Anne Macfarlane, John Harden and others Front cover: Headmaster’s Christmas Card by Ben Tall (4f)

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am certain many Old Shirburnians will be well aware of the smart forward planning, long before the General Election, to secure the financial future of Sherborne School in anticipation of VAT being added to independent school fees. Without any significant impact on the daily life of Shirburnians’ education, we became a member of the Sherborne Schools Group, together with Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep and Hanford School. This merger achieves economies of scale, while continuing to provide award-winning all round academic and co-curricular opportunities. As the Headmaster said on OS Day in May, creating this group gives Sherborne School increased certainty in a rapidly changing world.

Following the announcement of Dr Luckett’s retirement, we welcome Simon Heard as Sherborne’s new Headmaster from September 2025. Dr Luckett has now stepped back to work on discrete projects for the new Joint Schools' Board, leaving the School in the very capable

hands of Interim Headmaster Matthew Jamieson.

Our outstanding music department, led by Jamie Henderson (whose genius as Director of Music for the last 19 years has afforded us OS so much pleasure in the School’s numerous brilliant performances) is now headed up by Alexander Eadon. On a personal note, and after speaking to many OS over the course of the last year, I very much hope that the new Headmaster will encourage Sherborne sport to reach the same level of excellence as its music and other co-curricular activities.

While writing, I’d like to mention how much I’m enjoying the wonderful new TV dramatization of Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light, featuring The Courts in many scenes. I fancy I spotted John Harden in the background, draped

in velvet and furs and a fetching Tudor bonnet, on his way to a starring role in Mastermind. John’s appearance in the semi-final, to be televised soon, will be amongst the more prominent of our countless brilliant Old Shirburnians, past and present. Many thanks to him and the amazing Anne (Macfarlane, not Boleyn) for the smooth running of the OSS. Keep checking Sherborne Connect for fun facts and news about our fellow Old Shirburnians – and fingers crossed for John.

VIVAT SHIRBURNIA!

JEFFREY CAREY (b 71)

FROM THE HEAD MASTER

Twelve months ago, I wrote of the increasing rapidity with which time appears to pass. I am, if anything, yet more aware of the phenomenon as I come to write my ninth and final article for the OS Record. Upon moving into Abbey Grange just before Christmas 2015, my avowed intent was to spend a decade at the School. At the time, that felt like a significant commitment. In retrospect, I can see it for what it was: but a slim chapter in the long and distinguished history of our great School.

That said, those years have not been without significance and, I hope, some success. The period immediately preceding my arrival had not been an easy one for Sherborne and there was much to do if we were to revive the School’s fortunes. I was, however, extraordinarily fortunate during my first years at Sherborne to work alongside an exceptional Chairman of Governors, Roger Fidgen (a 64), and an equally outstanding Vice-Chairman, Guy Hudson (m 80). Without their conspicuous kindness, sage counsel and unwavering support, we could not have achieved all that we did. Their contribution to the School’s resurgence was incalculable, and I shall always be deeply grateful to them.

The most obvious and immediate challenge we faced was to increase pupil numbers and thus return the School to a position of financial security. By 2016, there were fewer than 550 boys, numbers having fallen by more than a tenth since the end of Simon Elliot’s highly successful Headmastership in 2010. Central to this task was restoration of the School’s reputation among prep school Heads and prospective parents. This in turn required us to inspire a sense of institutional pride and self-belief by restating and reinvigorating those essential elements – of kindness, decency, hard work and commitment –that have characterised the School during its periods of greatest success and renown.

Another prerequisite of recovery was a highly effective Admissions Department, and we were hugely fortunate in 2016 to secure the services of Vanessa Hicks as Director of Admissions. Building around her a team of exceptional quality, Vanessa transformed our admissions operation into the envy of our competitors (work that has been taken further forward by her equally wonderful successor, Anne

Megdiche). The result was that, by 2020, the School was once again full, with just over 600 boys on the roll.

Sadly, 2020 was also the year when things became far more challenging. COVID-19 ushered in a period of worldwide emergency as countless families across the globe suffered the loss of loved ones and the brutal cessation of normal patterns of life and work. The pandemic posed particular challenges for boarding schools. Thanks, however, to the hard work and ingenuity of colleagues, the resilience of the boys and the forbearance of parents, we came through those terrible years in good shape. Particular credit goes to Matthew Jamieson who, as the then Director of Operations, masterminded our operational responses to the constantly changing government directives issued during and between the periods of lockdown.

Whilst the pandemic is over, we are still contending with its legacy. The financial cost was significant, both in terms of the fee reductions made necessary by the periods of school closure and the costs of the many practical precautions and mitigations required once we were permitted to reopen. A further consequence was the postponement of our plans to refurbish and reopen Westcott House, albeit that it remains the School’s intention to do so when circumstances allow. At least as significant were the effects upon pupils and staff, all of whom

lived through a time of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety. The toll upon many of the young was particularly heavy, the pandemic denying them not only many months of sports fixtures, music making, drama, CCF, outdoor education and socialising but also important and irreplaceable rites of passage ranging from public examinations to Carol Services and Leavers’ Balls.

The COVID clouds did, though, have some silver linings. Lockdowns required us, on both an institutional and individual level, to engage with digital technology in novel ways (albeit that establishing a healthy postpandemic relationship with our devices has been far from easy). Perhaps more significantly, by highlighting the essential fragility of post-industrial society, the pandemic has given us a greater appreciation of, and thankfulness for, the lives, conveniences and opportunities that we are so fortunate to enjoy.

In addition to COVID’s long shadow, we have also been dealing with the ramifications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing geopolitical and economic aftershocks. The School, its staff and boys have, however, once again shown great resilience and things are, in many ways, back to normal. Our recent academic results have been strong, and our music, sport and broader cocurricular programme have returned to rude health. In our 2023 ISI inspection we were

Shirburnia! Vivat

judged Excellent (the highest grade possible) in all areas of our provision. We have, at last, created a spacious, modern and superbly equipped Sports Centre to serve the needs of current and future generations of Shirburnians. And the mergers with Sherborne Prep (2021) and Sherborne Girls (2024) have created exciting possibilities for further growth, collaboration and development within the newly-established Sherborne Schools Group.

The past decade may have been something of a rollercoaster but the ride is far from over. Although we dodged the bullet of Jeremy Corbyn in 2019, Keir Starmer’s Labour government has lost no time in turning its guns upon the independent sector. The imposition of 20% VAT upon school fees and the removal of Mandatory Business Rate Relief may be ideologically driven and financially nonsensical but nonetheless presents a further challenge to a sector long beset by the issue of affordability. Demographics and changing social attitudes add further complication and uncertainty to the mix.

Yet I remain wholly confident in Sherborne’s ability not just to survive but

to adapt in whatever ways are necessary for it to scale new heights of success. Newly appointed Executive Chair Christopher Samler (a 75) brings to the role much needed intelligence, integrity, judgement and sensitivity. Meanwhile, I could not be more pleased that the Governors have appointed Simon Heard to succeed me as Headmaster in September 2025. His task will not be without challenge as he works to counter external headwinds whilst ensuring that Sherborne’s interests are never subordinated to those of the other schools in the Group. Fortunately, Simon brings with him great experience, abundant energy and an instinctive understanding of boarding schools. He will also be amply supported by Christopher Samler, the School’s Senior Leadership Team, the academic and support staff and, of course, the boys, as he prepares to take the helm in September 2025.

As I contemplate my departure from Sherborne next summer, it is perhaps inevitable that I have mixed feelings. I shall look back on some hard won successes, together with, the satisfaction of challenges overcome and the fulfilment of leading positive

change across the institution. That said, not everything has gone to plan and there have been times of frustration and disappointment, whether occasioned by major external shocks; the periodic dramas and crises that inevitably arise in a large, complex community; or the petty irritations that seem significant at the time but, with hindsight, assume their proper proportion. But, on balance, it has been a good and happy period for me and my family and I hope I have done reasonable justice to the School that, a decade ago, showed such faith as to appoint me Headmaster.

Above all, I shall leave Sherborne with a sense of profound gratitude for the privilege of leading this great School; of seeing hundreds of boys flourish and grow under its stewardship; and of getting to know so many wonderfully interesting, engaging and loyal Old Shirburnians. I shall miss this corner of Dorset more than I can say and will always be grateful to John Harden, Anne Macfarlane, the OSS committee and all those OS who have done so much, in so many ways, to make my years here so special and so memorable.

I look forward to seeing many of you before I leave in the summer. For now, please accept my thanks for your friendship, encouragement and support.

Headmaster and Chief Executive

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Sherborne continues to feel right. While the recent hike in fees, driven by VAT, inflation, and rising costs, is undeniably challenging, for those fortunate enough to afford it, the School provides an unparalleled education and a nurturing environment—a true home from home. It’s a foundation for life that many readers of this publication have been privileged to benefit from, both now and in years past.

The strengthening connections with Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep and Hanford are the icing on the cake, solidifying Sherborne’s reputation as both a flourishing School and a business with a global outlook. To be a Shirburnian is a privilege that lasts a lifetime. Life at Sherborne doesn’t just provide a fleeting surface polish; for most of us, it reaches the core of our being.

I’d like to remind you that your contributions over the years have created a substantial OS fund—a pot of gold—dedicated to supporting Shirburnians who might not otherwise have the financial means to send their sons, grandsons, or great-grandsons to the school they love. If financial help could make that dream a reality for your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out. More families have benefited from this fund than you might imagine.

Finally, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Headmaster for his outstanding leadership over the past almost ten years. Sherborne was in a strong position when he arrived, and it is even stronger as he departs. My gratitude also goes to John and his team at the OS office for their tireless enthusiasm and commitment. Whether through a phone call, an email, or simply reconnecting, they ensure that Shirburnians— past and present—remain a vital part of this extraordinary community.

STEPHEN REES-WILLIAMS (h 81)

SECRETARY’S LETTER

As a schoolboy, the Harden family holidays were usually spent in the remoter corners of these islands. Fishing hotels in Sutherland or the wilder parts of Wales were the norm. It became something of a family joke that my father never entered these establishments without meeting a fellow Old Shirburnian. I have now discovered that this type of encounter holds true to this day. Only last week, in transit between leaving an OS Event in London’s West End and catching a train home four hours later, I was the recipient of three of these types of encounter. I was hailed by an OS outside a hotel lift, another walking down the street in South Kensington and a third on the concourse of Waterloo station. Three chance but very warm encounters led me to be thankful for being part of such a tight knit and supportive community.

The togetherness of our network was demonstrated the next day when Anne worked out our engagement figures for events in 2024. We are at a record high and the appetite for events for both OS and parents seems undiminished. Whilst it is always terrific to see familiar faces, one of the joys of the past year has been meeting those coming to an OS event for the first time, often having left the School several decades ago. Please have a look through the calendar of events for next year on page 26. Hopefully there is enough variety there to provide events that will suit all tastes.

One of the major changes that we initiated in the past year was the decision to give members the choice of receiving a digital copy of the OS Record as opposed to a hard copy. Over the years costs of printing and mailing some 6,500 copies each year had risen considerably and we were also aware that in printing and

circulating so many copies, we were making scant contribution to reducing our carbon footprint. The financial saving in reducing the number of hard copies sent has been truly meaningful and has enabled us to increase our promotional activity. This is particularly helpful in attracting younger OS to our events where we can either nullify or, at the least, ease the cost to them personally.

You will have learned from recent email communications that change is taking place here. Firstly, Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep and Hanford have been merged to form the Sherborne Group. With an outstanding leadership team under the Chairmanship of Christopher Samler (a 75), the operational benefits of the creation of a larger group is already filtering through at a time when the political climate dictates that independent schools need to run to maximum efficiency.

Secondly after nine years as Headmaster, Dominic Luckett is leaving Sherborne at the end of the current school year. Dominic stepped back at Michaelmas half-term to concentrate on projects for the Group Board. He will, of course, be present at major events including Commem. On behalf of the whole OS community and especially on a personal note, we have been so lucky to have Dominic’s support from the word go. He had an immediate understanding of the importance of a strong alumni base and has been steadfast in supportting us in all that we do.

Matthew Jamieson has assumed full responsibility as Interim Headmaster. He has been a senior member of the leadership team for many years and, as I write, it is clear that Sherborne is in very safe hands.

Simon Heard, currently Deputy Master at Haileybury, will be taking on the Headmastership in Michaelmas 2025. Via my rather far-reaching network of alumni contacts, I have heard very highly of Simon and have been assured that the Group has made an excellent choice and very much look forward to welcoming him to Sherborne.

Sherborne Connect continues to be a lynchpin of our operation. The mentoring arm is proving extremely successful especially as current sixthformers can now access the platform and take advantage of the help on offer. More and more OS are using the Events board and for those who just enjoy a browse, we have built up a comprehensive gallery of photographs. If you are not already a member of Sherborne Connect please join by signing up via www.sherborneconnect.org

The OSS Charitable Trust provides bursaries for sons and grandsons of OS and thanks to the careful stewardship of consecutive Honorary Treasurers, we have been able to provide a record amount of bursary support for the current school year.

Each year I fill this letter with cheery news of vibrant OSS and FOSS (Friends of Sherborne School) events. None of these however would be possible without the huge level of support that we receive from so many. Here at Sherborne, we may provide the broad brushstrokes but the all-important fine detail is provided by the School Events Team, the Caterers and the Grounds Team. Our events outside Sherborne are invariably dependant on volunteers providing venues and speakers. Our Careers Network would not thrive without the army of OS and parents who offer their time and expertise. All of you involved give the Society its heartbeat. We cannot thank you enough. Anne, Marie and I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2025.

JOHN HARDEN (g 70)

CHAPLAINCY

This was the year when the Old Shirburnian Quinquagesimal Reunion, or “Q” to give it its everyday name, came once again to the School. It is an event I always look forward to with great anticipation and eager expectation and it is not difficult when one meets them to tell that those who are the members of the Q family and community feel similarly.

My small part in the proceedings of the day is to conduct and preach at the Chapel Service with which the day traditionally begins. I must admit that to my way of thinking there is always something quite remarkable, yet given my own somewhat different educational background, slightly puzzling, going on that drives men of that most gracious vintage to return to Sherborne well in excess of fifty years after they first encountered the place as spritely and spirited teenagers.

Yes, it is slightly puzzling to me, but that does not make it less extraordinarily powerful, as well as deeply moving, to see these men of great distinction return to their alma mater endowed as they are with such deep wells of enthusiasm and fun. Memories of the members within a group such as this obviously go back a long way, right to an era before I was

Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame.

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one’s house, it would be utterly scorned.

SONG OF SONGS 8

born in fact. And how privileged I count myself to have been able to share in the listening to the recounting of just some of those reminiscences during my time serving here.

At the heart of the Q Chapel Service is the reading of the names of those who have died since the last gathering, followed by a poignant moment of silence for personal recollection and reflection. This simple act of remembrance is a reminder to all present of the belief in the continuity of the great mysteries of life and death, but also of the overarching power of a dynamic divine love by which those two realms of mysterious existence are so securely joined. For me as a Christian priest those words from the Song of Songs say all this so beautifully and far more eloquently.

Those who gather for the Q celebrations and thanksgivings know this instinctively. They are part of something larger than themselves and this visible and material realm in which they exist, the continuity of which is not broken away from the life that is still to come. And that is because, for me at any rate, love is indeed as strong as death and many waters cannot quench it.

THE REV DR DAVID CAMPBELL Chaplain

NEWS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE BY

one measure, Sherborne is over 1,300 years old making it potentially the 7th oldest school in the world still in existence today. That I can make this claim is due to the fact that the School has never stood still. Over those 1,300 years, the School has constantly evolved and stayed at the forefront of education.

This constant change has been led by visionary educators and visionary supporters. Sometimes these two attributes are in the same person but often not. At every stage of our development and adaptation, philanthropy has been the enabler of change and the enabler of the gold standard in education. Looking at the archives with our wonderful Archivist, Rachel Hassall, time and time again the development of a classroom, the library, the chapel, the boarding houses, right through to today’s Music School and Sports Centre, have all been made possible through the generosity of our supporters who joined the School on this journey.

It isn’t just buildings though. When King Edward VI refounded the School, he did so with sufficient lands to fund the teaching of Greek and Latin to local boys for free. As the School grew and our provision expanded beyond those two subjects, costs outstripped this endowment, and other philanthropists took up the cause of boys from less advantaged backgrounds.

We are once more at a crossroads in education. Sherborne has been here many times before. Economic and societal headwinds are pummelling the sector. Yet, the opportunity to lead the education world, to develop ground breaking approaches to individualised teaching and care, are in front of us. Visionary educators and visionary supporters will again come together to ensure that Sherborne meets these challenges head on and leads our sector forwards.

I look forward to sharing our vision with you as it is developed, and I look forward to working with you to make it a reality. Together we can enable Sherborne to continue to lead education into the future as it has done throughout its history.

RICHARD HUNT Head of the Sherborne School foundation

On 1 July 2024 the two charitable trusts that owned between them Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls School, Sherborne Prep and Hanford and a whole host of subsidiary trading companies, formally merged to create the Sherborne Schools Group.

For many years Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls have benefitted from a close relationship that more latterly has been described as “Separate yet Together”. Following the bringing together of Sherborne School and Sherborne Prep into a single charity in April 2021 and Sherborne Girls and Hanford doing likewise in September 2023, the opportunity presented itself to further formalise this relationship and bring with it not just the scope for greater collaboration to the benefit of our pupils, but also the opportunities and economies that scale would afford.

The four schools continue to operate as discrete entities (with Sherborne International still running short courses at Easter and Summer as the “fifth”), with their own names, identities, and ethos.

As I am sure you will appreciate, the combining of the charities was no small task and took almost two years to complete. Under the guidance of a small Steering Group, chaired by Robin Leach (b 73), the merger became a reality thanks in no small part to the efforts. determination and fortitude of the Chairs of the two charities, David Leakey (b 70) and Louise Hall, as well as their respective governing bodies.

Whilst the successful completion of the merger felt, to those of us who had been immersed in the project for so long, like a significant milestone in itself, it did of course, only mark the beginning of the “real” work of starting to realise the benefits that the merger afforded to not just enrich the educational offering and experience for pupils at all four schools but also to create the greater financial resilience necessary given the headwinds independent schools are currently having to endure.

Whilst Sherborne School, indeed all four schools, will and should never be measured by numbers, (being so much more than that to their pupils, staff and indeed the broader community), the sheer scale of the Group c. £55 million annual turnover; nearly 1300 pupils across four schools, supported by over 800 staff, will help ensure that it thrives into the future.

A single board of governors (drawn from both charitable groups) has been established and a new Executive Chair, Christopher Samler (a 75), appointed. As well as chairing the Board, Christopher will also directly manage the Headmaster of Sherborne School, the Head of Sherborne Girls School, and a newly created Chief Operating Officer role for the Group. As a result, David Leakey (b 70), after just over four years of service as Chairman of the Sherborne School board has decided it is time to hand over the baton. Those four years have seen two mergers; the completion of the School’s wonderful new Sports Centre (on cost and only a little bit late, but we blame that on the Bursar…) and the appointment of a new Headmaster to succeed Dr Luckett to name but just a few of his achievements – Vivat David!

On more mundane matters, many of the backoffice teams that support the running of the schools have already been brought together to achieve both efficiency as well as provide greater resilience to the schools. Cross team working is rife, and many new friendships are being created, though much shoe leather is being worn as we traverse, navigate and learn the nuances and ways of working across each other’s schools and their sites.

With all the well documented challenges being thrown not just the way of the School, but also towards our parents (current and future) who have increasingly difficult decisions to make as to the affordability and suitability of an independent education, the increased agility the merger allows will be essential in ensuring the enduring success of the schools for generations to come.

DAVID COLE Chief Operating Officer

SHERBORNE IN THE COMMUNITY

At our Charity Day held in October 2023, it was evident that many of the small and medium-sized charities we work with are experiencing unprecedented challenges in areas such as fundraising, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and outreach. It was not surprising therefore that we received a record number of applications for grants this year.

At our meeting in March, we decided to make grants totalling £30,000 to the following charities: Boxing Futures, Eat Club, Hackney Quest, LEAP, Literacy Pirates, Ministry of Stories, Sal’s Shoes, Welcare and YUAF. The charities encompass a wide range of activities, from nutrition and cooking to sports, holiday clubs, the creative arts and improving literacy.

In most cases, these grants are for specific projects supporting disadvantaged young people in London. We always request the charities provide a full report on the delivery of the projects, including measures of their impact and any lessons learned.

Our ability to make grants rests on the continued generosity of our supporters and our close relationship with Depaul International, which is the main tenant of our property in Decima Street, Bermondsey, London. Depaul has had a particularly busy year in its work supporting homeless young people, and the Decima Street property plays a vital role as a location for meetings, counselling and emergency support. It now includes a café, shower and laundry facilities as well as office space.

We recently agreed to invite applications for another round of grants and expect to receive applications and make decisions on recipients by March 2025.

Given the scale of the grant-making task and the importance of making fair and transparent decisions, we are very grateful for the hard work of all the SITC trustees. We are particularly pleased to welcome three new trustees this year: Lloyd Collier (d 90), William Salbaing (g 08) and John Shaw (f 93) They have already brought valuable insights and we look forward to their input over the next few years.

If you would like to know more about our work and how you can support it, please contact James Nurton at jimnurton@gmail.com

JAMES NURTON (m 92) and ANGUS CATER (c 70)

CAREERS

PREPARING SHIRBURNIANS FOR A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY: THE ROLE OF CAREERS AND PATHWAYS .

As the landscape of post18 education and careers continues to evolve, our Careers and Pathways department is committed to helping Sherborne’s students navigate the diverse pathways ahead. Whether aiming for university, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce, our mission remains the same: to inspire each student to pursue a life of purpose, positivity, and impact.

An essential component of this preparation is realworld experience. In a competitive postpandemic job market, practical exposure to the workplace can be transformative for young people, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional skills. Internships and work experience not only build confidence but also provide invaluable insight into specific sectors, helping our students make informed choices about their futures.

This year, we’re keen to expand work experience and internship opportunities for our students, especially during the long summer holidays. We are always grateful to hear from Old Shirburnians who are willing to offer placements

across various fields. For those considering helping, it would be very helpful for us to know the sector, duration, and preferred timing of these opportunities. While the summer break is ideal, the Christmas and Easter holidays also offer suitable windows for valuable work experiences.

To complement these hands-on experiences, we continue to host events like our Business Breakfasts, Gap Year Fairs, and Careers Conventions, bringing professionals and alumni together to share their insights. These initiatives are central to cultivating a global, forward-thinking mindset in our students, encouraging them to explore a world of opportunity beyond Sherborne.

The support of the OS community is invaluable in achieving this mission. We warmly invite any Old Shirburnians willing to provide internships, mentorship, or guidance to reach out. Your involvement can make a lasting impact, helping the next generation of Shirburnians enter the world with confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

MUSIC

It is wonderful to be able to write to all Old Shirburnians as I take over the reins from the indefatigably long-serving Jamie Henderson to usher in something of a new era in the Music School. I feel immensely privileged to inherit such a wonderful position surrounded by some thoroughly talented boys as well as an extremely dedicated team of colleagues, in a wonderful, purpose-built building. The collegiate atmosphere has been most welcoming indeed and, already, I have been fortunate to hear some incredible music-making – whether in rehearsals, concerts, or services.

At whatever their level, Sherborne boys are happy, nay enthusiastic, to engage with Music in the most wonderful ways –whether it is taking a rehearsal of one of the choral groups, hearing some of the Rock Music in a rehearsal room, sitting in with the Jazz Band or feeling the building reverberate as the Wind Band take flight, the musical culture that exists is as inspiring as it is excellent. One only has to sit in the Abbey during the singing of even a fairly humdrum hymn to feel shivers down one’s spine as the boys’ tutti voces takes over in the building that silently re-echoes with the hymn singing of many, many generations of previous Shirburnian voices.

I come to Sherborne with a little history with the town already – my parents have lived in one of Sherborne’s satellite villages for the last twenty years and before then I was in the habit of bringing visiting choirs down to sing in the Abbey during the Abbey Choir’s summer holidays. I started my musical career as a chorister in the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge before becoming a Music Scholar at a school atop a Hill in northwest London, where the present Sherborne Headmaster was a History teacher of mine. Following on from training as an organist at the Royal Academy of Music and Middlesex University, I was a freelance musician before turning to School-Mastering and have held roles at Dean Close, Cheltenham, Oundle School, Eastbourne College and King Edward VI

School, Southampton, as well as organist roles at places such as Christ Church Southgate, Tewkesbury Abbey and Arundel Cathedral.

At the time of writing the Michaelmas Term has already yielded many highlights: our weekly concerts in the Cheap Street Church, which serve as a wonderful way to engage with the town that so generously supports the School’s very existence, garner audiences of around eighty people – as well as allowing our boys to gain performance experience away from the pressure of playing or singing to their peers. Services in the Abbey and Chapel continue unabated with the over hundred-strong Choir (around one-fifth of the School) supplying music twice a week. The Chamber Choir has been to

Winchester Cathedral to sing Choral Evensong alongside their opposite numbers from Sherborne Girls and the preparations for the inevitably grand scale of Christmas have begun.

With over three hundred individual music lessons being taught every week, alongside around sixteen regularly rehearsing large-scale and chamber-sized groups, music seeps out of the fabric of the place. It is so heartening to hear the boys as they seek to engage their creativity or sate their musical hunger.

Do please check the School’s website to find out when we are performing at a time that suits you and absolutely join us – it is always exciting for us here to engage with our heritage in a tangible way! I was bowled over, while being

present to accompany the recent biennial Q Society service to chat to former members of our community with such vivid and happy memories – and always with a willingness to share their anecdotes and to help educate me in the way of all things Sherborne as I embark on my tenure of stewardship and growth of an already-thriving department as we head towards the middle of the twentyfirst century.

ALEXANDER EADON Director of Music

2024 HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A MILESTONE YEAR IN THE HISTORY OF SHERBORNE SPORT. ON 22 JUNE WE WELCOMED THE LORD LIEUTENANT OF DORSET, WHO OFFICIALLY OPENED THE NEW SPORTS CENTRE, FOLLOWING A LUNCH AND TOUR OF THE BUILDING FOR A NUMBER OF OS, DONORS, PARENTS AND OTHER VIPS. THE PROJECT HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR MANY YEARS BUT TO FINALLY SEE IT BEING FULLY OPENED AND UTILISED IS TRULY INSPIRING.

Sporting interests are seasonal and tend to be cyclical. We still base our external programmes of fixtures and tournaments on the models that have existed for decades; rugby is still the main sport in Michaelmas, followed by football and hockey in Lent, and cricket and tennis in the Trinity Term. Slight fluctuations in numbers and popularity do occur, but in the main, those are the mainstays of our seasons, and most boys remain committed to them.

However, fashions and flavours change over time and with the added spice of a shiny new Sports Centre we are seeing a growth in popularity of some indoor sports with an associated improvement in

standards. Since the Climbing Centre opened there has been a significant increase in the number of boys wishing to scale the heights and in Joshua and Gabriel, twins in L6e, we have two outstanding climbers who have already stood on the podium at the Independent Schools Climbing Championships. Badminton has leapt from being a recreational activity three years ago to a fully-fledged competitive sport. Having joined a local schools league this term, which we are currently leading, the plan is to also enter the national cup to further challenge our players outside of the Dorset bubble. Squash has battled through adversity in the past few years, initially relocating to Sherborne Girls and

then banished to the courts at Port Regis Prep School whilst our courts were completed. They are now fully in use and simply magnificent, and I am delighted to report that our boys have responded appropriately with victories so far this Michaelmas Term against Canford, Clayesmore, Monkton and King’s Taunton.

The fitness suite, with mezzanine, in the old sports centre was a popular location, particularly for those aspiring to gain selection for the 1st XV. In our new building, we have not one but two gyms, including a dedicated ‘Olympic Gym’ with racks, bands, balls, boxes and lots of other pieces of equipment designed to

help our boys become more athletic. A new Head of Strength and Conditioning designs programmes and supports the boys with prehab (to prevent injury), rehab (to recover from injury) and everything in between to make them faster and more powerful. All in all, a truly exciting year for the School and those boys who really love their sport. There will continue to be hurdles to face and success isn’t always measured in the win / loss column, but we continue to provide the boys with the challenges they relish and opportunities to develop as young men both on and off the sports field.

DAVID GUY Director of Sport

AMERICAN MYTHOS: A KERBSIDE VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES

HUGH WILLIS ( b 09)

…

reading the American landscape as we went along. Every bump, rise, and stretch in it mystified my longing. (Kerouac)

Since meeting Natasha, we have talked about a grand travelling adventure together. Five years later, now married, we planned the ultimate honeymoon, the great American road trip. Sabbatical secured at work and off we jetted. Ahead of us were four months on the road during which we discovered the unending natural beauty of that vast nation, the quirky allure of Americana, and the fascinating history and mythology that tells the story of those united states. Kicking things off in NYC. A caricature of a city with steam rising from drain covers and cars bouncing across busy

intersections, a businesswoman calling “nice walkin’!” in a thick NYC accent as I lazily strolled across her path. Despite its relative youth, NYC feels like it ages before your eyes, almost as if it is a living organism, the grid layout acting as connective tissue, energy pulsing all around. What a wonderous place.

Onto South Carolina. Charleston the standout with its historic streets and fascinating history. A trip to Boone Hall plantation opened our eyes to how much the history of slavery is still sanitised in the deep south.

From Savannah, Georgia, we cut inland to the Great Smoky Mountains, before honkey tonk’ing our way through Nashville. We next headed south down the Mississippi delta. An incredibly poor region seeming to represent in microcosm America’s social, cultural and

economic challenges, from slavery to the civil rights movement and beyond. There we are introduced to Delta Blues, a genre of music so entwined with these political issues. The legend that is B.B. King now has a regular spot on my Spotify playlist.

In Mississippi we came face-to-face with the MAGA fanbase. The type of characters seen storming the Capitol in the flesh, proudly pronouncing that civil war is coming. The old Confederacy propaganda machine still at work, we hear how the civil war wasn’t about slavery but states’ rights, no dishonour in the cause. The lie that America tells itself.

Next, the Big Easy, one-of-a-kind New Orleans. The wounds of Katrina still run deep, yet it is the most fabulous place. Onto Texas for BBQ, rodeo and some riding western style. Austin is a real gem.

Heading west through New Mexico, Arizona and Utah felt like voyaging into outer space. Wide open country, jaw dropping vistas, the unknown wilderness. It was as if we rounded a bend in the road and were suddenly greeted by seemingly unending plains. Around the next corner those plains would drop into giant gorges and great red rock sculptures rising from the desert floor like ancient sentinels guarding a forbidden world. Monument Valley, the Grand

Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon are simply otherworldly.

At Zion, our neighbour was of Lakota heritage. We talked late into the night with him whilst gazing at the stars. Among other things, we discussed the shocking history of the indigenous peoples. If the history of slavery is sanitised in the south, the plight of the Lakota, Cheyenne, Apache, Navajo and all other tribes is largely swept under the

rug, their past rather forgotten by most Americans.

Reaching the ocean, we picked up the fabled Pacific Coast Highway. The central Californian coast is an absolute delight, whilst Yosemite Valley could be Mother Nature’s magnum opus. Driving through the sky-scraping redwoods along the aptly named Avenue of the Giants was unforgettable. Further north, the landscape in Oregon became increasingly

MICHAEL BLAKE “ “

Everything was immense. The great, cloudless sky. The rolling ocean of grass. Nothing else, no matter where your eye falls. No road. No trace of human existence. Just sheer, empty spaces.

wild, its sparsely populated and rugged coastline feeling like the edge of the world. Into Washington, we hiked Mount Rainier before jumping on a plane to Glacier national park in Montana. From Glacier we drove to Yellowstone and then onto Wyoming to link up with a cowboy outfit who took us on horseback into the Teton wilderness. We spent five days riding and camping under the stars. The howl of wolves to lull us to sleep and even a grizzly in camp one night. This was the ultimate western experience and one that we’ll treasure forever.

Leaving the great outdoors, we finished our grand tour in Chi-Town. Deep-dish pizza, Cubs baseball and the fabulous community identity of being a Chicagoan. Americans certainly do city life right.

Words can’t adequately describe how immense this experience was. America has so much to offer beyond its faults. I came away with a profound appreciation for the positivity and friendliness of Americans. Their go-get attitude and sense of community. The fascinating history and mix of cultures. The variety and beauty of the country from mesmerising metropolises to every imaginable landscape. The grand human experiment, 500 years of colonialisation by anyone and everyone has created the greatest melting pot in human history. One nation under God, between the salt seas.

CYCLING OVER THE ANDES

MERLIN LEWIS ( c 77)

On 7 December 2023, Rupert Attlee (g 81) and I crossed the Andes from Argentina to Chile on our mountain bikes at Paso Roballos, the site of the fabled Golden City of the Caesars, feted by Bruce Chatwin in his iconic travel account In Patagonia. We did not strike gold, but we were treated to the majestic sight of Mount San Lorenzo towering above the Cordillera as we approached the pass.

We had been making our way south through Patagonia to reach Paso Roballos. Thirty years beforehand, Rupert and two cycling companions had been thwarted by illness from crossing by bike at the same pass. Rupert had vowed to return, and I agreed to join him as did David one of the original three man team who had all that time ago cycled from Tierra del Fuego to Lake Titicaca.

I travelled solo for a week, flying down with my bike from Santiago to Chilean Patagonia, a land of spectacular snow topped mountains, turquoise rivers and lakes, glaciers, pastures and forests. Its Pacific coast is made up of fjords and vast ice fields. There are few paved roads. Even the one main North/South route known as the Carretera Austral was only constructed in the last 30 to 40 years, and much of it is dirt or gravel, called “ripio”.

Patagonia though did not get off to a good start for me. Once I was on my way, I found myself fighting the notorious headwind of those parts and also broken gears. On my first night, I pitched my tent in the proverbial middle of nowhere sheltering from a fierce storm coming off the Andes. The following morning, I hitched a lift to the nearest bike shop 60

miles to the north to get my bike fixed before rejoining my route, this time in subzero temperatures.

I was overjoyed at being joined by Rupert and David at Lake Tamango. From there, we headed for Argentina and then up into the Andes. After crossing snow drifts, we had to race the 11 kilometres from the Argentinian border post along a dirt track to reach the Chilean border post at the pass before it closed for the night. We wild camped and lived off delicacies such as pilchard porridge. Rupert slept out in the open so that he could watch the stars. We came across magnificent wildlife: condors, rheas, flamingos, ibises and guanacos. From Paso Roballos, we cycled down the Chacabuco Valley to rejoin the Carretera Austral and finish in the southern pioneering town of Cochrane.

My last big cycle trip had been in 2007 when I had cycled with my cousin Jason Lewis (a 85) on a stretch of his 13-year global circumnavigation by human power alone expedition.

THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT SOMETHING IS TO DO IT

JOHNNY MOESEL (L6 c )

The best way to learn about something is to do it. But in the daunting landscape of career changes, where finance, future, and family hang in the balance, trial and error is rarely an option. In fact, according to the Holmes Rahe Stress Scale, the stress of changing career ranks just below the death of a close friend—an intimidating prospect indeed.

The next best way is to learn from someone who has done it. Fortunately, the OS community boasts a wealth of diverse career paths among its members. Among these are Rob, Rupert, and David, who have navigated radical career changes and achieved notable success along the way. After interviewing them, here is who they are, what they did, and, most importantly, the key lessons they shared.

ROB RYDON ( m 83)

Rob left Sherborne with almost every possible accolade: Head of School, captain of both rugby and cricket, and a member of the 1st XI hockey team. After a decadeslong career in the turbulent terrain of finance, Rob made a full-circle return to the classroom, swapping demanding investors for (potentially even more demanding) schoolchildren.

RUPERT LANE ( b 01)

A human ‘Swiss Army penknife’. After a military career (which included earning a Military Cross for ‘courage and inspiring leadership’ in Basra and a tour of Helmand), Rupert transitioned into finance with considerable success. He now creates and manages start-ups, focusing particularly on environmental building projects.

DAVID NICHOLLS ( g 05)

After serving as a Captain in the Army, including an operational tour of Afghanistan as a platoon commander, David discovered his passion for innovation whilst contracting at the UK’s secretive Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). What followed has been a globe-spanning career in software and hardware technology in the venture and private equity space.

Although each career change yielded unique insights, some common themes emerged in their advice, revealing a few key lessons:

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

“Maybe it is about the friends you make along the way.” In reality, it certainly is. All three interviewees emphasised the value of networking. Rob, a former President of the Sherborne Pilgrims, highlighted how connections formed in education—be it at school, university, or through courses—can help open doors. Rupert recounted how Sherborne connections led to a pivotal call from his future CEO and fellow Shirburnian, Rupert Jones (g 87).

Networks, however, extend beyond old schoolmates. Both Rupert and David praised the enduring value of military connections. While these examples underline the importance of established networks, it’s equally vital to seek out new opportunities. Jim Rohn famously stated, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Therefore, avoid relying solely on familiar networks; surround yourself with people who align with your future aspirations, even if you initially feel like an imposter.

2. BACK YOURSELF

Confidence is indispensable in the world of work and even more so when navigating a career change. This includes not just confidence in your abilities but also in trusting your instincts. Intuition can guide you towards choices that resonate, even if they defy logic.

It’s also worth reframing the idea of ‘pursuing your passion’. Rather than chasing an idealised dream, focus on areas where you feel energised—fields that engage your interests and strengths.

3. THINK LONG-TERM

If you know the destination, it’s easier to get there. Setting a long-term goal can help you stay focused, particularly when challenges arise. As Rupert said, “Don’t let someone or something take it away from you just because they put barriers in the way.”

Having a clear goal also helps define your boundaries. Before embarking on a career change, establish what matters most to you—whether that’s work-life balance, location, or salary. Knowing your limits will guide your decisions.

4. WORK ON YOURSELF

Experience and transferable skills are invaluable. All three interviewees stressed the importance of chasing opportunities and broadening your horizons. Rupert’s repeated advice—carpe diem—captures this well.

Rob pointed out that employers look for more than just grades, valuing the character shaped by varied experiences. For David, exploring new fields unearthed his passion for technology, which shaped the trajectory of his career.

Valuable experiences aren’t limited to traditional internships. Rupert described a transformative trip to Kenya during his fifth form year, which starkly revealed his privilege. Such moments, even if unrelated to your career, can provide powerful insights—so keep an open mind.

Career changes will always be challenging. There are no shortcuts or magic wands. But by embracing the right attitudes, approaches, and processes, you can make the journey more informed and rewarding.

FEEDBACK MADAGASCAR

Feedback Madagascar is a Conservation and Environmental Charity founded in 1995 by Jamie Spencer (c 86)

While at Oxford Brookes University, on the advice of his tutor, Jamie went to Madagascar to prepare his dissertation on Lemurs, man’s oldest ‘relative’. While there he was horrified to discover how poor the island was and how the destruction of the rainforest had resulted, not only in causing extinction and threatened extinction of unique species of animals but was destroying the livelihoods of the people who lived there. Jamie first of all worked on an oil rig off the coast of Aberdeen then bicycled from Land’s End to John O’ Groats and took the money raised to Ranomafana in the heart of the Madagascar rainforest hidden in his socks, and with the help of the village headman a new dam, to double the village rice production, and a primary school were built. In 1995 Feedback Madagascar became a Charitable Foundation.

Since then, Feedback has created over 70 Community Forest Management Groups; built over 120 schools; is feeding over 100,000 children a nourishing meal in their schools; has built over 300 clean water boreholes; created 3,000 Health Agents and much, much more. “If the forest can pay, the forest will stay.” Feedback has also planted over 2,000,000 trees. Amongst other people Sir David Attenborough has endorsed the Charity saying, “Feedback Madagascar’s Treemad project is the most realistic and ambitious treeplanting programme the island has ever seen. Please give it your support.”

Many fundraising events have taken place and in 2019, three brothers, Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan MacLean rowed the Atlantic to raise money for Feedback and in 2025 they will row, non-stop from Lima, Peru across the Pacific Ocean to Sydney Australia.

In 2018 Jamie was awarded an OBE for his work and HRH The Princess Royal visited several of the projects.

Jamie, who now has two sons aged 20 and 22 is the founder and CEO of the Charity. He lives in Argyll, Scotland but is frequently in Madagascar.

Much more information can be found on the website at www.feedbackmadagascar.org

THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

In July this year, I achieved a lifelong ambition of successfully swimming the English Channel solo in a time of 12 hours and 49 minutes raising £8,500 for Dementia Research UK. In doing so I became the 2,528th person to swim from England to France in nothing but Speedos, a swimming hat, goggles and lots of grease.

As strange as it may sound, I (still) don’t see myself as a swimmer. I have always enjoyed swimming but I was never in any swimming team either at School or University.

It started in 2017 when a colleague persuaded me to join him for a pre-work ‘dip’ in the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park. Before I knew it, I had been signed up to join him in a ‘relay swim’ with three others across the Channel which we completed in 2021.

From that point on, I wanted to try and undertake the Channel on my own. For the last 14 months I have been swimming almost every day in swimming pools, lidos and the sea. My ‘swim window’ arrived on Friday 19 July. I drove down to Dover from London at 4:15am after a night of very little sleep and nerves.

The rules of the Channel: To swim the channel you are only allowed to wear Speedos, a swimming hat and goggles (no wetsuit). From the moment you start your swim from Dover you are not allowed to touch the boat at any point. You are thrown a water bottle with warm carbohydrate shakes every 30 minutes for food and that’s it.

The swim: As the boat left the harbour to take me to the neighbouring beach my coach gave me the final briefing. He said we hardly had any tides but to keep the feeds quick just in case. I jumped from the boat and swam to the beach. You are then required to get out of the water entirely and wait for the klaxon. I set off at 7.30am. The sun was out, the water was 17 degrees and the sea was calm. After two hours, I was feeling fine, I had encountered a thousand blue jelly fish and been stung once or twice but it was vaguely entertaining to try

and dodge them. To be permitted a solo Channel attempt you are required to do a six hour supervised cold water swim - which I completed in 15 degrees in June. This helped me in the first few hours as I knew I could swim for six hours – albeit that was the longest I had ever swum before.

At about the seven hour mark despite the sun on my back I got cold, I was swimming with goosebumps for an hour or so. I tried to increase my stroke rate and kick my legs to warm up. I then started to feel a drag in my lower back. With the nerves of the swim, I hadn’t stretched for as long as I normally would, and I suspect the cold water caused my back to lock. My coach was putting painkillers in my drinks in any case but then he put some extra strength tablets to help. I hit a low - I wasn’t halfway, I was cold and still couldn’t see the French coastline.

My coach gave me some good old fashioned tough love and I managed to push on. France came into view shortly after and apparently my speed completely changed as I moved up through the gears. After 10 hours I could see the outline of houses, but I didn’t pay them any attention. I’d been told you’re not close to France until you see curtains (I couldn’t make out windows let alone curtains, so I stopped looking forward).

As we got into French in-shore waters, I came into another long patch of jelly fish. This time they were the mushroom barrel jelly fish which fortunately didn’t seem to sting. We finally reached the famous lighthouse at Cap Gris Nez and the dinghy was prepared. The tide pushed me back around the lighthouse prolonging the swim, but I didn’t mind. The water was warmer at 19 degrees, and I knew we were just trying to find the right landing point. My coach jumped into the water and guided me through the big rocks under the surface. The sun was setting, and it was 21:30 local time. I had finally reached France in under 13 hours. My goal was to be under 14/15 hours, so I was delighted. Reaching France and completing the swim was the realisation of a life-long ambition. The boat turned straight back to Dover and a journey that had taken me the entire day took just less than 60 minutes to return back to England.

Jos Simson (d 01)

EVENTS & REUNION

This year we hosted over 30 events and reunions, welcoming nearly 1,000 Old Shirburnians (OS), current and past parents. This figure excludes the many Sherborne Old Girls (SOG) who joined us at joint events.

In January, we launched the inaugural Sherborne Tech event, an idea by Charlie Cooke (f 07), graciously hosted by current parent Will Foster-Kemp at Colt Technologies. February saw John and Anne, alongside Fiona James from Sherborne Old Girls, embark on the annual university tour. This year’s itinerary included Edinburgh, Newcastle (featuring an enthusiastic rendition of Carmen), Oxford, and Cardiff, as well as a regional lunch in Marlborough. It’s always a delight to meet our youngest OS, treat them to food and drinks, and hear their latest news. In 2025, we’ll visit Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Bath, Bristol, and Exeter, culminating in a Young Alumni Drinks Evening in London for the last decade of leavers.

The Clarence in Dover Street remains a favourite, hosting nine year-group reunions this year. Back at Sherborne, highlights included the 150th anniversary of Harper House in May, coinciding with a stunning display of the Northern Lights, and OS Day, where OS reconnected with old friends and celebrated the School’s modern achievements. September saw the Q Reunion for OS who left over 50 years ago, while November closed with the Friends of Sherborne School (FOSS) Lunch for past parents.

Beyond Sherborne, May featured a popular drinks reception in Jersey for OS, current, past, and prospective parents. Overseas events included gatherings in Hong Kong, hosted by Graeme Still (d 65), in Dubai, South Korea, Kenya, the Bahamas, and Grand Cayman, hosted by Director of Admissions

Anne Megdiche, and dinners in New York, San

Francisco, and Los Angeles led by Head of Foundation Richard Hunt.

September was a busy month for careers and networking. A Property Event at Savills, hosted by James Higham (m 94), and another Tech Event at Colt Technologies provided invaluable opportunities for OS, SOG, and parents to network and mentor younger alumni exploring careers in these sectors. We also held the five-year reunion for the Class of 2019 at The Lockhouse in Paddington Basin, where the venue staff seemed to enjoy the evening as much as we did!

Our LGBTQ group held a successful evening in Soho (see page 48 for information about the group and how to get involved). The year concluded with a wellattended Business Breakfast hosted by Rob Coleridge (h 97) at SMB, featuring a fascinating talk by Peter Oborne (d 74). Unfortunately, the eagerly awaited Media Lunch had to be cancelled at the last moment due to the unexpected closure of the Groucho Club.

Finally, the festive season was marked by our London City Carol Service at St Olave, Hart Street—a fitting end to another vibrant year for the Sherborne community.

HONG KONG CURRY NIGHT

In March Graeme Still (d 65) organised a curry night for OS in Hong Kong. He wrote “18 OS (out of 33 living in Hong Kong) recently gathered at JO JO Indian restaurant for a very enjoyable evening. A wide selection of curries washed down by quantities of beer made for a great deal of fun and story swapping.“

FUTURE EVENTS

FEBRUARY

Monday 10 Manchester Uni Drinks Red Lion, Withington

Tuesday 11 Northern Lunch Westons, Yorkshire Sculpture Park Leeds Uni Drinks Browns, The Headrow

Wednesday 12 Nottingham Uni Lunch All Bar One

Thursday 13 Bristol Uni Drinks Brown’s

Thursday 20 Exeter Uni Drinks Cosy Club

Wednesday 26 London Young Alumni Drinks The Clarence

Thursday 27 Bath Uni Drinks All Bar One

MARCH

Wednesday 19 Volunteers’ Lunch Tuttons, 11/12 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ

MAY

Friday 9 Lyon House Dinner The Upper, Sherborne

SATURDAY 10 OS DAY THE UPPER

JUNE

Wednesday 11 10 Year Reunion (2015) The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB

Wednesday 18 15 Year Reunion (2010) The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB

Wednesday 25 20 Year Reunion (2005) The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB

SEPTEMBER

Tuesday 8 Law or City/Finance Drinks Networking & Careers Drinks

Wednesday 9 Law or City/Finance Networking & Careers Drinks

Saturday 13 5 Year Reunion (2020) The Lockhouse, 3 Merchant Square, W2 1JZ

Wednesday 17 25 Year Reunion (2000) The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB

OCTOBER

Wednesday 8 30 Year Reunion (1995) The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB

Wednesday 15 35 Year Reunion (1990) The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB

Thursday 16 Q London Lunch Cavalry & Guards, 127 Piccadilly, W1J 7PX

40 Year Reunion (1985) The Clarence, Dover Street, W1S 4LB

NOVEMBER

Thursday 27 Media Lunch TBC

DECEMBER

Monday 1 City Carol Service

St Olave’s, Hart Street, EC3R 7NA

PUBLICATIONS

CHRISTOPHER ASH (m 72)

The Psalms: A Christ-centred Commentary

Publisher: Crossway

LAURENCE BLAIR (b 09)

PATRIA

Publisher: Vintage Books

RICHARD BROOK (a 02)

Moonlight Between The Crossfire –part 2 of the The Middleton Saga

Available from Amazon

JAMES COLVIN (d 65)

Eighth Army versus Rommel

Publisher: Helion & Co

JONATHAN CONLIN (b 94)

The Met: A History of a Museum and its People

Publisher: Columbia University Press

GUY DEACON (a 80)

Running on Empty: 18,000 Miles Down Africa with Parkinson’s

Publisher: Ad Lib Publishers Ltd

MICHAEL GRAY (a 62)

Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell G.C.M.G. 1836 to 1899 – The Forgotten Colonial Governor

BEN JEAPES (h 83)

Ghostwriting Novels: A Guide for Ghostwriters and the Ghostwritten Publisher: Climbing Boy Productions

STANLEY JOHNSON (g 58)

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

Publisher: Telensky

HUGH MELLER (a 59)

London Cemeteries: An Illustrated Guide & Gazetteer

Publisher: History Press

Devon, Dead and Buried

Publisher: Black Dog Press

ED PITT FORD (m 05)

Risk Required: A Guide to Your Financial Success

Publisher: Tallis House, available from Amazon

TIM SPICER (a 71)

A Suspicion of Spies

Publisher: Barbreck

JONNIE TOLSON (a 57)

Puffball Paradox

Available from Amazon

OS MERCHANDISE

These items may be purchased from: THE OLD SHIRBURNIAN OFFICE, SHERBORNE SCHOOL, SHERBORNE, DORSET DT9 3AP 01935 810558

oss@sherborne.org

Prices exclude P and P

CUFFLINKS (town and country colours)

OS SOCKS (town and country colours)

OS TIE (town and country colours)

OS BOW TIES (town and country colours)

PILGRIMS TIE

MANYATTA.CO OSS BELTS

£35

£10

£22

£18

£22

£85 (town colours/Pilgrims/OSGS)

Order direct: https://manyatta.co/products/old-shirburnian

SEAGLIMPSE

LUXURY SEASIDE APARTMENT

Beautiful ground floor apartment, looking down to the sea. Perfect for a couple’s coastal getaway, just steps from Swanage Bay’s gently sloping white sand beach on the Jurassic Coast.

Dog permitted Beach - 100 yards

Easy walk into town Garden and parking

www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Seaglimpse-1120129.html

ARE YOU SITTING ON A STORY?

Do you need a hand telling it?

Ben Jeapes (h 83)

I am a professional ghostwriter and editor, and have helped clients with over 40 titles, both fiction and non-fiction.

Email benjeapes@gmail.com for a no-obligation, confidential chat about writing and editing services. www.benjeapes.com

OSS CHARITABLE TRUST

PRINTS OF THE SCHOOL AND COURTS

WILLIAM ANSTICE BROWN (g 47, Staff 53-67)

Port of Sherborne – Print: £10

FRANCIS PHILIP BARRAUD (1824-1901)

Small Print (watercolour) of the Courts:

£10 • Large Print: £15

JOHN WESTERN

Print (pen and ink) of the Courts (signed): £10

JOCELYN GALSWORTHY

The Upper - Sherborne v Winchester (Signed limited edition print unframed): £50

BOOKS

SHERBORNE REGISTER 8th Edition 1925-2015: £10

Patrick Francis’s books VIVAT SHIRBURNIA: SHERBORNE

SCHOOL AND THE GREAT WAR, 1914-18 and OLD YET EVER YOUNG, A NEW HISTORY OF SHERBORNE SCHOOL, as well as belts in House colours, Sherborne Penny cufflinks, Sherborne School umbrellas, mugs and other merchandise can be purchased from the School shop. https://sherborneschoolshop.com/collections/souvenirs

ADVENTUROUS APPETITES LTD

Extensive Fish & Shellfish, Farmyard and Wildlife designs on ceramics, textiles, boards and tablemats by artist Richard Bramble (h 86). These can be seen and purchased at his London Borough Market stall, Sherborne working studios or his website. 20% reduction (excludes existing offers) for all OS and family, just quote code: OS22 when ordering. All ceramics can be personalised by the artist making unique gifts. info@richardbramble.com www.richardbramble.com

HOUSE TO RENT NR ST TROPEZ

La Bergerie is a magical, 5 bedroom, with 5 ensuites, stone-built house, set in 11 acres, 2 kms, from La Garde Freinet, St Maxime and St Tropez are a short drive away. It has stunning views, overlooking the vineyards of St. Clement, and onto the Mediterranean, in the distance. A new swimming pool and pool house/bar have recently been built, with a fridge, ice making machine and BBQ, next to the boules court. We have our own website, https://villasinprovence.net. Please take a look as ‘pictures are better than words.’ Rental times are between early July and late August O.S./and friends will receive a discount.

Ali Holding-Parsons (g 70) on 07970 010 512 or hp@stocksandchairsantiques.com

Jock Fraser (c 94) runs a tourist service in Madrid taking people off the tourist track to experience the authentic, local ambience. Adventurous Appetites will take you to sample traditional Spanish cuisine in some of the hidden corners of central Madrid, helping with language difficulties, advising on local specialities and imparting interesting local facts about the tradition, history and myths of this beautiful city. Their Madrid Tapas tour was named the 12TH BEST FOOD EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD 2022 by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® Award series.

0034 639 331 073 adventurousappetites@yahoo.es www.adventurousappetites.com

SKI INSTRUCTION IN COURCHEVEL

Rob Sewell (g 72) has been living in the French Alps near Courchevel for over 30 years. He is an internationally qualified and much respected ski instructor who would be very happy to ski with or simply meet up with any OS who may be taking their winter holidays in the area.

0033 610144762 rob.sewell@orange.fr

The OSS Charitable Trust continues to award means-tested bursaries to the sons of Old Shirburnians. Details and application forms are available from the OSS Hon Treasurer Martin Humphrey at martin.humphrey@sherborne.org. The Trust has been greatly helped over the years by generous bequests and we remain indebted to our many supporters who have kindly left a legacy to the Trust thus enabling sons of OS to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. The OSS Committee advises that, if you would like to leave a legacy to this worthwhile cause, the following wording is suggested: “I give free of all tax and duty to the Old Shirburnian Society Charitable Trust 1975 (Charity No. 271592) the sum of £… (…..... pounds) and declare that a receipt from the Treasurer or other proper officer of the said charitable body for such gift shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees who shall not be bound to see the application thereof.”

AGM AND ACCOUNTS

The minutes of the OSS Annual General Meeting held on 11 May 2024 and the audited accounts are published on the website, www.oldshirburnian.org.uk and hard copies are available from the OSS office on request. The 128th AGM of the Society will be held in The Upper marquee on OS Day, Saturday 10 May 2025 at 3.30pm. All OS and their guests are most welcome.

PILGRIMS

AS

Pilgrims sport continues to build back after the dislocation of the Covid years, the challenges facing the Club in its second century can be easily summarised by two points from the past year. There was precious little Club squash played and the Londonderry Cup match was conceded owing to no available team; then place that alongside a recent note to the Committee from the School detailing the increased number of sports choices that boys can now make compared with bygone eras (and streets away from when the Pilgrims were founded).

It has been evident for some years that the Pilgrims can only exist in today’s timepoor world with the enthusiasm, energy and efficiency of a dedicated group, dispersed among a relatively small number of sports – in some cases, existing only for a few one-off fixtures. When that pool is very shallow, it is a big problem. Both the hockey and rugby teams have had issues with raising enough players for a full team, with similar commentary about an over-reliance on a generation that is only growing older.

The School is merely following a trend across independent schools to cater for a variety of different options rather than making the “major” sports broadly compulsory. A greater emphasis on safety across society has also been a factor. The implications for the Pilgrims may not be especially obvious for a few years but I suspect the Club will need to concentrate its resources where it can sustain regular teams in certain sports rather than expect to be able to put out teams across a broader range.

It is vital therefore that when Pilgrims do coalesce as a team, they enjoy the contest and the company. The good news is that

where Pilgrims have been playing, they have competed hard on and off the pitch. The footballers, after the setback of relegation the previous campaign, have regenerated strongly. The cricketers, despite more travails in the Cricketer Cup, played on and brought more players into the Club’s orbit. The last rugby season was positive, and the current season looks promising.

John Hargrove (h 66) retired as a trustee after a quarter of a century, which was merely the last act of signal service to his old school. He has been replaced in that capacity by Rob Rydon (m 83), who must probably now hold the record for length of time in active playing service for the Pilgrims. And it was particularly pleasing that the Club invited Anne Macfarlane to become an honourable member – and, of course, she accepted. Few have done more to nurture the link between the School and its old boys than Anne. As always, may I take this opportunity to

remind all readers of this Record that you are all welcome to join the Pilgrims (open to any OS, however limited your prowess at the School). Do get in touch with Jonathan Powe (h 76), the Hon Secretary, whose details can be obtained via the OSS office. My thanks also go to all those who sustain this proud Club across each and every sport, it is hugely appreciated.

ROBERT HANDS (b 92)

OSSS

Another busy year on and off the water for the sailors. Starting out with our shore based, London pub meet, we met in a convivial location for discussions of glorious summer based plans.

Events then moved to Sutton Bingham reservoir with the old boys and girls bringing together a team to take on the current crop at the School. The racing as ever proved close with the School team under the continued stewardship of Michael Ewart-Smith.

It was with great pleasure that I was once again able to jump in and help start the races at the now key calendar event of the Parents vs Pupils at Sutton Bingham. The competition is extremely tight with a mixture of very competitive and previously competitive parents taking on their offspring sailors from the boys’ and the girls’ schools. With fleets of single handers and double handers taking to the water it just demonstrates how sailing is not only a fantastic team sport but is also fun for the whole family.

In September our rally to Chichester harbour was somewhat curtailed by frankly, horrible weather. With a not particularly pleasant forecast we hunkered down on Nick Ware’s (e 85) boat in Gosport for a very civilised evening without the unpleasantness of having to don oilys and head out of the harbour.

October brought our racers out again for the Arrow Trophy under Will Eaton’s (d 14) leadership this season.

The close of the year was unfortunately marked by the loss of Simon Skinner, who had been a fantastic inspirational music teacher at the School but also a mentor and a key sailing master in his time. It was wonderful to hear from the sailors over the Whatsapp group how he had supported them and been there for

them while they were at the School. Sailing has been fortunate to have a strong line of sailing masters who have given up their time to support the boys and girls in a sport not partaken in many schools these days and we hope its strength continues.

Sherborne and Sherborne Girls do get all over the place from working on the J class yachts, racing in some of the top fleets, circumnavigating the globe, bimbling on the Solent, racing on local lakes or introducing their own children to being on the water. If you are one of those or would just like to get involved with the Old Shirburnians on or off the water, please do get in touch by joining our WhatsApp group - please scan the QR code

ROBERT GOSLING (a 01) Commodore Old Shirburnian Sailing Society

FOOTBALL

Another season begins for the Pilgrims Football Club. Back in Division 4, the team has set a target of promotion, and a deep cup run for the season.

It’s been a mixed start, losing the first three games of the season. Much like Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, the Grims always respond to a mini crisis. The resilience of the team shone through, winning the next two games, and I’m certain there are many more to come as we now

look up the table to the automatic promotion spots.

This uptick in form has undoubtedly been aided by a three day tour to Porto, organised by Henry Carr-Smith (a 17). Facing off against Oporto Lawn Tennis Club, the club unfortunately shipped our unbeaten abroad record due to some questionable defending, which may or may not have been a result of the night before!

The tour is always a highlight of our season, with around 20 of us, ranging from the ages 20 - 34 bunking down in a hostel for a few nights of ‘team building’. Kudos to Henry for his organisation and tenacity to bring this together.

If you’ve just left School, moved to London after university or simply want to get back into football, we’re always on the lookout for new players, so do get in touch!

jack.bridger@hotmail.co.uk

JACK BRIDGER (c 14) Football Match Manager

OS GOLFING SOCIETY

THE SOCIETY IS OPEN TO ALL OLD SHIRBURNIANS REGARDLESS OF AGE AND GOLFING HANDICAP. WE CATER FOR BOTH THE TOP-END GOLFERS LOOKING TO COMPETE IN SOME PRESTIGIOUS TOURNAMENTS AND THOSE LOOKING FOR FRIENDLY COMPETITION WITH OLD FRIENDS.

Founded in 1929, we approach our centenary in good health with nearly 300 playing members including 14 who joined the Society when they left School this July.

The Society provides generous subsidies to young members (U27 and U32s) which makes playing multiple fixtures highly affordable. As time and cost pressures continue to rise, we have plans for a wider variety of competitions and venues so there is something for everyone, whether or not you are a member at a golf club.

In 2024 we mourned the sad loss of our President, Martin Macpherson (b 63), who contributed a great deal to the Society alongside his many other achievements.

This year we played 12 fixtures against other Old Boys Golf Societies/Golf Clubs between March and October.

We held 2 Open Meetings: at The Berkshire in June and a weekend at Rye GC in September. These are popular events with sumptuous lunches, historic silver trophies and numerous other prizes. This year we had 36 players who enjoyed our premier event, The Berkshire Meeting in June. Sixteen players came down to Rye for the Autumn weekend meeting with many staying overnight.

We are lucky to play at some fabulous golf clubs including Aldeburgh, The Berkshire, Blackwell, Burnham & Berrow, Deal, Hunstanton, Huntercombe, New Zealand, Royal St George’s, Rye, Tidworth Garrison, West Hill, West Sussex, Woking, Woodbridge and Royal Wimbledon.

WE ENTERED A TEAM IN THE FOLLOWING PRESTIGE

GOLF TOURNAMENTS:

• Halford Hewitt (5 pairs) - played at Deal, we lost in the first round to Merchiston

• Grafton Morrish (3 pairs) - played at Brancaster, another first round exit

• Brent Knoll Bowl (3 pairs) - played at Burnham & Berrow, we lost to the RAF and The DUGS

• GL Mellin Salver (Over 55) - played at West Hill, we beat Downside and Shrewsbury, but lost to tournament winners Haileybury in the semi-final

• Peter Burles Salver (Over 65) - we beat Downside in round one, then lost to Shrewsbury in round two

• Bunny Millard Salver (Over 75) - we did not qualify out of the Stableford competition into the semi-finals

• Blackwell Foursomes (3 pairs) — we beat Royal Liverpool, but lost to The Moles GS and Foursomes Club of Holland

• Dick Watson Trophy (2 pairs) – played at Aldeburgh, Sherborne ‘A’ came 3rd and Sherborne ‘B’ 12th

• Muddyman Torpedo (1 pair) – played at BlackwellTotal: 152 (7th)

CLUB APPOINTMENTS AND OTHER NEWS

• Peter Martin (a 79) has taken over as President.

• Richard Parsons (e 91) was OSGS Captain 2023/24 and Stuart Gillett (m 92) has taken over for 2024/25.

• Alistair Hatch (h 87), Master in charge of golf, reports that golf remains strong at the school with 48 boys playing regularly, enjoying the new golf simulator and a series of matches.

• Theo Anderson Gannon (e 24) came an impressive 4th in the St Andrews Links Collegiate Tournament (representing St. Andrews University against a number of US Universities) televised on SKY. We look forward to Theo representing the Society in 2025.

For more information and our fixture list see the OSGS Website - where you can put your name forward to play in any matches/meetings you are available for.

W: https://osgs.wildapricot.org

E: nick.gavin-brown@pinsentmasons.com

M: 07825 381467

NICK GAVIN-BROWN (g 93) OSGS Hon Sec

CROSS COUNTRY

Another year of races down for the Pilgrims Cross Country Team. As always, we had our two early season “warm up” races in the calendar, the Hyde Park Relays, and the Sherborne Trophy on the old school cross-country course, before the big one – the Alumni Cross Country Race on Wimbledon Common, now firmly settled in it’s new slot in September.

Sadly, we were unable to field a team for the relays, but several members ventured down to represent the Pilgrims in the Sherborne Trophy.

With the Alumni Race determined to stay in September, our small but experienced team toed the line looking somewhat confused by the lack of mud, but overgrown hedges and fallen trees led to a course that was still interesting!

The Sherborne team put out strong showings at the pointy end of both the open and the V50 races.

The open team put in a strong showing to clinch 4th place – with Tom Hole (4th) on his injury comeback leading the team in, Charles Pitt Ford (7th, 1st V35), Harry Reynolds (8th), and Peter Woodburn (57th, 2nd V55) closing it out. Hopefully in 2025 we can take back the trophy we’ve been so close to for the past two years.

The V50 team of Peter Woodburn (6th), Andy Fyfe (25th, 6th V55), and Tim Love (28th , 6th V60) also managed 4th of over 20 teams, and looks to be some of the team’s most consistent members year on year.

Finally, congratulations to Tim Love, winner of the Chataway Cup for the most improved OS, who made it round a full minute faster than in 2023, despite an extra year in the legs!

Race dates for 2025 are yet to be announced, but please contact htgreynolds@gmail.com if you are interested, and we can add you to our whatsapp community to receive details of all races.

HARRY REYNOLDS (e 16) Cross Country Match Manager

DEATHS

ATTWOOD, John Antony (b 39) 12 June 2023

BENDY, Simon Richard (h 52) 15 February 2024

BERESFORD, John George de la Poer (d 44)

7 November 2024

BEVIS, Julian Michael (d 67) December 2023

BURNETT, Alexander Harvey (g 36) 24 April 2012

CLARKSON WEBB, Oscar Philip (h 47) 22 June 2024

COLE, Peter George Lamont (b 45) 8 January 2024

COOKE, David Anthony Durler (a 60) March 2024

DAVEY, Michael Charles Graham (g 63) 26 August 2024

DAWNAY, Richard William (b 48) 10 January 2024

DUSSEK, Bryan John (f 47) 30 July 2024

EASTERBROOK, Richard Laurence (f 67) 5 January 2023

EBERLIE, Richard Frere (a 50) 11 January 2024

FAIRBAIRN, Peter James (h 01) 28 October 2023

GALLOP, Christopher Hugh (b 48) 22 December 2018

GARRETT, Nicholas Young (a 54) 2 October 2024

GERVIS, Guy Rowsell (d 49) 11 January 2024

GILCHRIST, Graeme Elder (a 53) 13 December 2024

GRATTAN, John (h 52) 1 March 2024

HART, Michael (Staff 1951-56) 30 October 2023

HICKS, Ralph Alan Woodhams (g 44) 7 February 2024

HOLMAN, Jack Colin Frank (g 55) 4 March 2024

HYDE, John Anthony Wakeman (h 49) 23 October 2024

JOHN, Richard Stevens (f 51) 25 July 2024

KETLEY, Roger (Staff 1961-1997, Housemaster of Lyon House 1969-83, Second Master 1982-93 and 1995-97) 27 November 2024

LIARDET, Timothy William (b 54) 1 September 2024

LUSHER, Nicholas Crosson (b 81) 26 December 2024

MACPHERSON, Martin Douglas (b 63) 16 June 2024

MARTIN, Jeremy Tobin Wyatt (h 61) 11 June 2024

MILNER, Edward Robert Stent (f 16) 6 May 2024

MYERS, Rodney William (b 62) 6 August 2024

NOTT, Martin McNaughton, (a 58) 1 June 2024

O’BRIEN, Roderick David, (h 73) 23 September 2024

PARKER, Nicholas Robert Henry (b 60) 12 October 2024

PECK, Alan Charles Weston (g 67) 20 June 2024

PHILLIPS, Simon Jeremy (a 60) 14 February 2024

PITMAN, David Anthony (c 90) 29 September 2024

PRESTON, Richard (a 54) 21 November 2024

QUAINTON, Anthony Cecil Eden (d 52) 31 July 2023

REEVES, Donald St John (b 52) 31 October 2024

RENTOUL, Robert Wylie (g 48) 3 March 2024

ROBSON, Robert Michael (g 52) 29 December 2023

ROWLAND, James Moffat (c 58) 24 October 2024

SAMUEL, Jeffrey Alan (b 43) 21 December 2023

SHARMAN, Colin Patrick (f 47) 9 February 2024

SIMPSON, Hugh Charles Rowell (h 67) July 2024

SKINNER, Simon Michael (staff 1981-2006) 17 September 2024

SMART, David Anderson (a 45) 13 February 2024

SPARKS, Charles Pratt (h 60) 22 January 2024

STONE, Michael John (d 54) 28 March 2024

THOMSON, Ian Alexander Dorling (c 48) 7 February 2024

TORY, John Philip Lovelace (c 57) 25 June 2024

WHITE, James Goodwin Purcell (a 55) 22 May 2024

ENGAGEMENTS

BRIDGER, Joseph Luke (c 12) to Miss Anu Pathak

CONNOCK, Timothy Andrew (d 92) to Ms Hayley Neave-Howes

ISLES, Wilfred Hector Banks (m 12) to Miss Eleanor Tibbs

MARRIAGES

ATWELL, Thomas James (f 14) to Miss Katherine Davies 3 August 2024

COOMBE-TENNANT, Oliver William Serocold (e 12) to Miss Emily Louise 27 July 2024

DAMPNEY, Jonathan Nicholas (m 07) to Miss Rosebud Moir 29 July 2024 1.

GOULD-PORTER, James Marcel (a 09) to Miss Harriet Proud 14 September 2024

HOLDING-PARSONS, Nicholas Harry Mark (g 09) to Miss Rebecca Atkinson 22 June 2024 2.

POPE, Timothy Sinclair (f 12) to Miss Liana Bignall 23 October 2024

WELLER, Anthony Burton (f 81) to Ms Jenny Galloway on 5 July 2024 3.

BIRTHS

To Kerli and Ben Bourne (h 97), a daughter, Sofia Eva on 12 September 2024 4.

To Sarah and Edward Elgood (g 05), a daughter, Ottilie Linda Jane on 15 May 2024, a sister for Seraphina

To Charlotte and Alex Hammick (g 06), a daughter, Ottilie on 5 March 2023, a sister for Felix

To Anna and David Hitchings (m 02), a daughter, Tamsin Harriet on 2 February 2024

To Tattie and Fred Isles (g 04), a daughter, Hebe on 30 August 2024

To Phoebe and Beanie Isles (g 08), a son, Ralph on 29 March 2024

To Poppy Irving-Johns and Robin Irving (d 08), a daughter, Bonnie on 2 November 2024

To Heather Lockley and Max Hobbs (m 08), a daughter, Emmeline Audrey on 30 April 2023

To Becky and Charlie Lingard (a 09), a daughter Maisie Elizabeth on 2 June 2024

To Harriet and James MacDonald Watson (m 06), a daughter, Delphi Leonora on 14 June 2024 5.

To Val and Gash Mbizvo (g 06), a daughter, Raya Takova Mbizvo on 30 September 2024 6.

To Claire and James Trotman (b 09), a daughter, Norah Marie on 23 October 2024

To Lada and Jeremy Van Maercke (b 12), a daughter Maya Beatrice Tatiana on 9 December 2023

1.

VISITING THE SCHOOL

We love having visitors to the School, but please be sure to contact us in advance of your intended visit. This ensures a warm welcome and a guided tour. PLEASE NOTE THAT VISITORS MUST BE ESCORTED, so please sign in at Reception under the archway upon arrival.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

In our bid to cut costs, we're shifting OSS communications to email. Confirm your email at oss@sherborne.org for seamless updates!

PRIVACY POLICY AND DATA PROTECTION

Please refer to www.oldshirburnian.org.uk

THE OLD SHIRBURNIAN LODGE

As part of the United Grand Lodge of England and as a member of the Public School Lodges’ Council, The Old Shirburnian Lodge is open to Old Shirburnians and staff of Sherborne School who may be interested in becoming freemasons. We meet twice a year in London and twice in Sherborne, for masonic business, for fellowship and to dine well!

The Lodge supports Sherborne School by sponsoring the Foundation and Charity Prizes at Commem and by broadcasting the good name of the School.

The Lodge was founded in 1908 and receives a mention in A. B. Gourlay’s A History of Sherborne School.

If you are interested in joining or just interested in finding out about freemasonry, please email the lodge secretary via www.OSL3304.org.uk

Robin Price (a 83), Old Shirburnian Lodge secretary in masonic regalia

NEWS

MICHAEL DAVIES (h 52) I suppose the news is that I am still here! This photo really is a record my news as it was used to support a Blue Badge, which makes shopping so much easier, and for a new passport which should keep me going for another 10 years!

Being 90 has its problems but I can still cut the grass with a ride-on and cut the brambles as I walk around my fields. I hope still to be able to pick the blackberries as the blossom is very promising this year. 72 years since I left, I wonder how many of that era still remain?

PETER TAME (a 55): (editorial response (Ed: 64 we believe) From Sherborne, I continued to the RAF College, Cranwell. Thence, I graduated to Civil Aviation. Thirty-five years with Singapore Airlines, 23,000 flying hours scaring the **** out of tens of thousands of passengers. Then I practised psychology, trying to put it back again. Now I have become ‘an old dog’, I do what I can through the RSPCA.

STANLEY JOHNSON (g 58) On 3 July, I launched my 26th book In the Footsteps of Marco Polo and attended the Premiere of the film of the same name at the Curzon Cinema, Mayfair, London, accompanied by my fourth son, Max, who came with me on my latest trip to China. https://telenskyeditions.co.uk/inthe-footsteps-of-marco-polo/

CHRIS POOK (a 58) Over the past year we have done a bit of travelling - we chartered a 60’ Catamaran in the Greek Isles with friends and a Captain and Cook and had a wonderful time - this past Spring we cruised on a combination Freighter/Passenger ship throughout French Polynesia - Tahiti and The Marquesas - truly magnificent! In October we took the Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver, through the Canadian Rockies to Banff - another magnificent scenic trip, and we’re off to New York in December for a few nights of Theater and Xmas Shopping - ouch!

Next March the U.S. Motorsports Hall of Fame in Daytona Beach will present me with the Bob Russo Award for Outstanding Contribution to Motorsports in the USA - my buddy Emerson Fittipaldi will be introducing me! This is really a great honour for me, and I am most grateful to my good friend Mario Andretti for suggesting the award to Board of Governors.

April will bring the 50th Anniversary of the Long Beach Grand Prix, which as you know, I founded and built up with other Race Circuits in the US before selling the company. Immediately following the LBGP, we will be Cruising around Japan in late April and then in June to Australia and The Kimberley Coast. Kauai is scheduled for October! To keep busy on a daily basis, I work and raise money for the Foundation of one of our local Hospitals and in particular providing Nursing Scholarships for under-privileged kids of single parents who need a ‘break’ in life and want to make a career out of Nursing.

Oh and one really important thing - Ellen and I celebrated 40 years of Marriage this past September!

HUGH SPENCER (a 59) Retired in 2021 and he and his wife Hermione set off in their Swan 43.1 yacht, Susquehanna, to sail round the world. In 2022 Hugh literally ‘bumped’ into Gavin Barlow (h 62), and his wife Sukey while waiting to transit the Panama Canal. Hugh finished his circumnavigation in 2007, Gavin in 2006 but they sailed in company many times, including in Indonesia, the rather dangerous Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. In 2009 Hugh sailed Susquehanna across the North Sea to the Baltic. And this year, 2024, his Contessa 32, Seahorse, along the West and North Coasts of Scotland to the Orkney Islands.

Hugh is a trustee of Feedback Madagascar, a Conservation and Environmental Charity founded in 1995 by his son Jamie Spencer (c 86). See article on page 22.

1960s

BEN HOLT and RICHARD LOVELL (a 62)

Pictured with Max Coltart (g 22) (Richard’s great nephew) and Charlie Fairclough Wood (m 22). Richard and Ben have been skiing together for many years, are still at it and intend to keep it that way. See also 2020s Boxed news.

The Dreadful Bedful. All Rescues

JAMES KENNEDY (c 62) Still alive and functioning in Cyprus!!!!

ADRIAN WATNEY (c 62) now, having reached the age of eighty, I have finally retired from almost all my business and charity commitments.

Soon after leaving Sherborne and qualifying as a solicitor, I practised in London as a partner of the firm, Masons (now known as Pinsent Masons) Retiring from the Partnership I joined the well known entrepreneur/ philanthropist, Peder Wallenberg where I chaired various boards in Sweden, UK and USA. working with Property Investment, Information Technology and Education.

I then became a Trustee of the Portman Family Trusts, chairing the board of Portman Settled Estates Ltd, charged with the development and management of the Portman Estate comprising some 110 acres of the West End of London.

I was also Chairman of an off-shore investment company based in Geneva from which I formally retired earlier this year.

Since retiring from Pinsent Masons, I chaired the Advisory Board of the bank then known as Kleinwort Benson, from which I retired when the company was acquired ultimately by Société Générale in 2016. SG Kleinwort Hambros Private Bank

I remain a member of the Court of the Mercers Company, serving on the Court since I was Master in 1989/90.

I have been a Governor of 12 schools including Sherborne, St. Paul’s School, St. Paul’s Girls School in London, Thomas Telford School and Walsall City Academy. Six of these schools have been start-ups in London, the West Midlands and in Sweden.

I have served on many boards in the Charity sector in particular, Barts Foundation for Medical Research, and ARUK (Alzheimer’s Research UK) both of which I chaired for over ten years and other charities in the fields of Health, Education, and Music.

In 1967, I married Angela; we have four children now living in Essex, Recife in Brazil, Vancouver and Ealing in London and seven grandchildren! Angela and I love to visit them, and we love their visits to us.

NEIL KING (h 64) Having enjoyed a very satisfying teaching career, for the past eighteen years I have been a professional actor. Picture shows me as Polonius in a run of Hamlet

JAMES PEROWNE (a&m 65) I left being Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle in August 2022, just one month before the late Queen died. We were very privileged to join the congregation in St George’s Chapel for the Committal service with many members of the Household there.

We have returned to our own house in Leicestershire which had been rented for eight years and both house and garden needed extensive work to get back into shape. I am now fully retired and having had both knees replaced in 2023, am now much fitter and more mobile.

JACK STEER (f 65) After serving 43 years in an accounting capacity working for British Steel at four different locations in South Wales, the bulk of that time was served as Finance Accountant at the Port Talbot Works site. I have been retired since 2009, I am continuing to enjoy married life with my wife Gill, now in its 48th Year !

After sadly losing our son at an early age of 42, due to illness, our married daughter has produced two grandsons, now aged 11 and 9, all of whom we regularly see as they only live 60 miles away in Bristol. My spare time is largely spent on my allotment, out of which we enjoy a variety of freshly picked vegetables. I also help out in the running

of a local church fete, raising funds for its upkeep.

Although I am beginning to feel my age (77), I still participate on the hockey field for my local club Bridgend, encouraging the youngsters who do my running for me! May I continue to enjoy the fresh sea air in Porthcawl.

GEORGE LEHNER (f 67), In June 2024 the White House Correspondents’ Association gave its President’s Award for Exceptional Service to the WHCA to George Lehner. George who retired in July had been the association’s counsel for the last 18 years.

CHARLES PRICE (a 68) First of all I attach a copy of the photo from a previous OS magazine and if I am correct in thinking that this was taken in 1968 during the shooting of Goodbye Mr Chips then the small lad at the front right of the shot is yours truly!

As to my progress after filming, I first of all obtained various Business Studies diplomas and then decided to study Law. I qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and have only just (29 February 2024) fully retired. I am married to Jennie and between us (both married before) we have three children and six grandchildren.

KEVIN DESMOND (g 68)

In April 2024, Kevin launched a new and innovative competition for electric or hydrogen-hybrid passenger boats on inland or coastal waterways. It is called PolyBoatGlobal Challenge. Over the course of one year, each boatowning/boatbuilding competitor must make as many and as wide a variety of cruises as possible on their home waters - river or lake, anywhere in the world. To enrol, potential competitors need only visit the website www.polyboatglobal.com. Entries from India, England, France, and Slovenia have already started to log up their cruises.

JOHN STANGER-LEATHES (b 68) I have remarried to Jen, and we are now living happily together just North of Newcastle. I have two daughters (Kathryn and Elizabeth}, both of whom are married with children. On marriage both girls’ husbands decided to adopt the name Stanger-Leathes, which is a huge relief, as my dear brother Gordon (b 71) only has daughters, and it looked as if our name would die!

1970s

OLIVER PAYNE (d 70) has started an independent investigative journalism project with two partners. Wildlife Investigative Reporters & Editors (WIRE) is dedicated to covering global environmental crime and exploitation that harms wildlife. The website is at www.wireonline.org. Please share it around.

GORDON STANGER-LEATHES (b 71) the business I set up in 1983 manufacturing “Callerton” kitchens celebrated its 40th year last year and still requires some of my skills. The retail side of the business is run by my daughter, so I have a reducing work load but not retirement yet.

NIGEL HALL (h 72) I have started volunteering with Ironbridge Gorge

Museum Trust which is in South Telford and focuses on industrial archaeological history, Victorian life, smelting, mining, ceramics and family histories. A birthplace of large scale modern industry and everything to do with coal - all the good stuff!

Enjoying planning an expedition to the Okstindan mountain range near Mo I Rana, N Norway and on Swedish border, in 2025. An area of newish huts, treks and high mountains much less frequented by tourists and offering great escapes with ice and empty spaces.

STEPHEN NIKER (m 73) in September 1977 Stephen organised and played in a world record attempt for non stop playing of hockey at Tonbridge Hockey Club. They played for 28 hours and 10 minutes raising £5,000 for a new dressing room and showers. The current record set by Chelmsford Hockey Club in July 2016 is 56 hours and 18 minutes.

JOHN HUBBARD (a 75) was first introduced to the cottage which is Hardy’s birthplace by my much loved English teacher Lionel Bruce about fifty years ago.

It is an idyllic spot between woods and heath with a wonderful garden and I took various groups of pupils there during my career. It has been a particular pleasure therefore to start volunteering as a guide once a week this summer, sharing the story of the house and the author’s

professional life as architect and writer there before he was married.

RICHARD MADLEY (a 75) I’ve just been invited back to Cape Town to conduct the SA20 Player Auction on 1 October (2024). Following ten years as the IPL Auctioneer I now get to wield my gavel in another wonderful part of the world.

MYLES RIPLEY (b 75) Having just fully retired from Sedbergh School, I celebrated with a two month voyage on Bark Europa visiting the Falklands, South Georgia, Weddell Sea and the Antarctic peninsula. Fully involved as a watch keeping member of the voyage crew and some unforgettable memories.

HENRY KENDAL (c 77) In May 2024 I started a new post as vicar of St John’s Fareham, Hampshire. From this base, the plan is, God willing, to also plant a new congregation into St Peter and St Paul Fareham, and thereafter a new churchplant in Welborne Garden Village. henry.kendal@stjohnsfareham.org.uk

JOHN POCOCK (f 78) I have organised a sponsored bike ride on behalf of the Children’s Charity Honeypot who support young carers between the ages of 5 and 12. The ride started from one of Honeypot’s respite houses near Beaulieu in the New Forest and finished 225 miles and four days later at their mid-Wales house. I had a film crew following the ride. My great friend Mike Taylor (f 78), who captained the unbeaten 1st XV of 77/78, also took part.

RICHARD COWL (c 79) I retired four years ago having worked for, and then, as a director of two large chemical multinationals. Two years later sold our literary agency specialising in Middle Eastern languages and after 25 years in Dubai my wife and I relocated to Marbella, Spain. Last year we completed the 780km walking Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela from St Jean Pied de Port. Now enjoying the benefits of retirement - bad golf and lazy days!

1980s

STUART TURNBULL (g 80) After leaving my job as Head of Sales for Tivian US I have taken some time off to travel and recharge. This has allowed me more time to advance my musical career; I play

“Mick” in a leading Rolling Stones tribute band – STICKY FINGERS – Rolling Stones Experience based in Western Canada

I recall rock music was frowned upon by several of the housemasters at Sherborne in the 1970’s! Nevertheless, there were several bands, and we were allowed to perform several times a term. Our band was Jetlag: Andrew Bett (a&e 80), Charlie Watson (f 80), Adam Bickerton (m 80) and me. I’m glad to see the School now embraces many musical styles and has facilities to promote this avenue for creativity.

NICK WINFIELD (g 80) I returned to golf this year after a nine year gap joining The Warren near Exeter. Playing again I’ve realised I’d forgotten how good it is for your mental health – just staying in the present and focusing on the next shot, enjoying the competition and friendly banter with your fellow players. I played golf at Sherborne – here are a few excerpts from my 1980 diary -

Sunday 20/1/80

At 2pm cycle to golf course and play golf with Richard Paddy. Play the first 7 holes well only 6 over including a birdie. Well, eventually play 13, however lose a ball on the 18th and he wins the last on the last putt. Good close game, he plays well as I do which is good as we are the house comp. Back by 5:15 after cycling back… my hands were freezing.

Tuesday 29/1/80

Play golf, get Pete Currie to take us up and play with Richard Paddy and Bill Ashby. Pad wins on the last again & again play 13. Lose 20p thus. Well play better today, get 3-4 pars which is good.

Wednesday 13/2/80

Play – if you can call it play – 16 holes with Rich Paddy in a foursome against

TONY WELLER (f 81) I got married in July to Jenny Galloway (SGS 1981) at St Olave, Hart Street (well known to Shirburnians for the Christmas carols – but my local church). A lot of Shirburnians there and the bride was given away by Hugh Williams (d 81). Hugh, Jen and I have been friends for 45 years! It was a lovely day. This photo has all the boys and girls from Sherborne at the wedding: From left to right: Phil Johnstone (g), Hugh Williams (d), Andy Carey (d), Katie Price, Oliver Woolley (c), Jenny Galloway (now Weller!), Tony Weller (f), Alice Briggs (nee Fowler), James Huntington-Whiteley (f), Chris Grainger (f), Gavin Knight (a), Howard Gill (f). All from the Class of 1981.

Sandall & Prentice from the Green. They win 6 &5. It was the house competition, not a good display from us I’m afraid My memory of these games is faint, but I remember some of the holes, and cycling to and from the course.

JOHN ZEALLEY (a&e 80) After finishing a full time career in marketing and consulting with P&G, McKinsey and Accenture, John now acts as an advisor to a range of businesses, is a Warden of the Worshipful Company of Marketors and has recently been appointed Chair of the Board of Governors at Oxford Brookes University.

STEPHEN WHITE (a 81) Water is often taken for granted and we forget how many people in the world don’t have access to clean drinking water.

Veragon through its transformation of air into water and using solar is able to provide the alternative at a low cost and without the damaging impact of single use plastic.

This was the handover to a rural community in Cambodia demonstrating commitment to the environment and supporting economic growth in the community.

MARK NICHOLSON (g 83) After 25 years as a GP in Exmouth, I have spent the last four years working periodically as an island doctor in Shetland as well as continuing some part-time work at home in Devon. Retirement is probably beckoning in the next year or two. Hopefully I will be able to attend the Lyon House Dinner in May 2025.

JOHN REES (m 84) I have won the Institution of Structural Engineers’ Husband Prize with colleagues for our paper Hanger replacement for the Menai Suspension Bridge, Wales

JOE BURN (h 87) living in Aberdeen, Scotland. Teaching yoga for a living. Two children.

TIM WATKINS (g 87) This year has/will be a good bit of travel and music, often combined. We started off with a quick trip to Paris, and took in The Jesus and Mary Chain at the Elysée Montmartre, then I was lucky to be allowed out with the followers of the band The Mission (Bloody Brothers and Sisters) for a quick N America trip. Gigs were enjoyed in Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, a race to Pasadena to Cruel World Festival, then another race to LA to Vancouver (I was sat next to another OS on the flight…the gents name escapes me, he was a reinsurance broker (Digby House). At my age, I like a day off between gigs, back to back evenings with lots of travel/refreshment is…’challenging’!

The obsession with The Mission continued with a short jaunt around Europe, again back to back (via Luxembourg) to Arlon (Belgium), Utrecht,

Cologne and Berlin (any excuse to go to Berlin).

Jacqui and I are now gearing up for a trip in September/October to the ‘StansUzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrg yzstan, Kazakhstan, the last piece of the jigsaw is the visa for Turkmenistan, which is a little troublesome, but sure we will get there (no music!). More Mission obsession, we will fly back from Kyrgyzstan arrive at Heathrow then jet straight off to Rio, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Santiago for a few more gigs.

Finally a festival in Dubai (yes including The Mission!). Lots of UK gigs, mostly reliving the ‘80s…such as Echo & The Bunnymen, New Model Army x3, Gaye Bykers on Acid, The March Violets, Peter Hook, The Damned, The Cult x6 etc etc and a few festivals thrown in.

Guess I will have to keep working to pay for all this!

1990s

SAM RUTHERFORD (a 90) Has almost completed writing his book, Neophile, about life, love and finding true self (a work in progress). Sherborne receives several pages!

JONATHAN CONLIN (b 94) I was promoted to Professor of History at the University of Southampton last year. The National Gallery commissioned me to write their official bicentenary history and I will be publishing a history of the Metropolitan Museum of Art this October (2024).

DAVID FILTNESS (f 96) reached the 25 year milestone in the Royal Navy in September 2024. Currently in the rank of Commodore Royal Navy, he serves as the Deputy Commander of Global Operations, and the Commander of Submarine Operations. These responsibilities cover a huge range of activity by the staff of the Maritime Operations Centre in Northwood: everything from responses to crises across the Middle East, readiness for disaster relief in the Caribbean, the deployment of aircraft carrier strike groups, and the day in-day out operation of the national strategic deterrent and activity across the span of the EuroAtlantic maritime domain. The most extraordinary privilege this year was visiting Mombasa, Kenya, to represent the Royal Navy for the celebration of the Kenyan Navy’s 60th Anniversary.

David still lives near Totnes in South Devon with his family, loving beach life and the moors.

SERHIY KROKHMAL (e 99) my daughter, Alexandra Krokhmal became a Junior Rhythmic British Champion this year claiming all 5 titles. She is also English Junior Rhythmic Champion 2023 and 2024 in All around category.

2000s

DAVID HITCHINGS (m 02) Our baby daughter, Tamsin Harriet Hitchings, was born on 2nd February 2024. She’s been welcomed enthusiastically by her three older brothers, who treat her with varying degrees of care according to their ages.

I still work for automotive test equipment manufacturer AB Dynamics, and last year changed to a new role writing programs that analyse business data for live presentation in our ERP system.

ED SCOTT-CLARKE (f 03) I am going back to CNN as a Senior Producer after 2.5 years making documentary content about the health of our planet for CWP. My latest feature documentary on global fertility decline has secured distribution and will be going live towards the end of the year.

GASH MBIZVO (g 06) Val and I have our first baby on the way - a girl. We recently went on a Southwest babymoon to Cornwall, in fact, and broke the drive down with a visit to Sherborne for lunch and a walk [photo attached]. Both my wife and our dog didn’t seem to get too bored with all the colourful tales of my misspent youth.

I am now employed by both the NHS and University of Liverpool as an Academic Clinical Lecturer in Neurology, meaning I spend 50% of my time on the wards and the remaining 50% doing research. I was pleased to publish a

paper in The Lancet this year, on a rare but treatable cause of dizziness called vestibular paroxysmia.

UPDATE

Val and I are pleased to announce the birth of our baby girl Raya Takova Mbizvo - born exactly on her due date of 30th September 2024 at a whopping 9.7 pounds, with a full head of hair! Raya, pronounced like Maya, has been doing very well, and we are very much enjoying all her babbling at 10 weeks - much like her dad’s at 1,924 weeks. We think she is one of only a handful of ZimbabweanBulgarian individuals on this planet.

Four friends catching up on a weekend walk along the South Downs Way: Al Perowne (e 00) | Phil Walters (c 00)

Jonty Saunders (d 00) | Jim Habershon (c 00)

2010s

TOM JAMES (c 12) Congratulations to Tom on winning the Gallagher Premiership Final with Northampton Saints at Twickenham in a nail biting match against Bath. Final Score: Northampton Saints 25 – 21 Bath.

TOM LEUCHARS (c 12) founded Sub Sun — a global sunglasses brand with a strong connection to London’s underground music scene. The brand can be found in 25 stores — from London to Tokyo — as well as at http://subsun.com

2020s

CLASS OF 2020 GOLF REUNION DAY

Felix Connolly (e) masterminded and organised a golf day this summer for the class of 2020 at Pin Ridge Golf Club in Camberley. Oscar Chandler (c) was the champion and, said Robert Hoare (c), “it was a great day out and lovely to see some old faces!”

From bottom left and move back and along and down to front right: Tom Carr-Smith (m), Robert Hoare (c), Oscar Chandler (c), George Case (m), Lorcan Mcloughlin (g), Hugo Andrew (d), Alex Norton (b), Will Andrew (d), Charlie Culver (f), Tommy Boylan (c), Hal Little (a), Felix Connolly (e).

MACK RUTHERFORD (b 23) has just finished his first year at Stanford and qualified for his commercial pilot licence to fly his first ferry pilot missions. This photo in Greenland was taken by his father, Sam (a 90), and shows older sister Zara in the second aircraft whilst Mack is flying the third in the formation.

Left to Right: KIT ECCLES (b 22), Richard Lovell (a 62) (Max’s great-uncle), MAX COLTART (g 22), Ben Holt (a 62) and CHARLIE FAIRCLOUGH-WOOD (m 22) See also 1960s.

OSS COMMITTEE 2024/25

PRESIDENT

Jeffrey Carey

TRUSTEES

Richard Green, Michael French

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN

Stephen Rees-Williams

INTERIM

HEADMASTER

Matthew Jamieson

HON. TREASURER

Martin Humphrey

SECRETARY

John Harden

PILGRIMS

REPRESENTATIVE

Stephen Rees-Williams

OSGS

REPRESENTATIVE

Patrick Macintosh

OSSS REPRESENTATIVE

Angus Cater

SHERBORNE IN THE COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE

Angus Cater

CHAIRMAN OF FINANCE & BURSARY SUB-COMMITTEE

Angus Cater

CATEGORY A REPRESENTATIVE

Edward Bridges

CATEGORY C REPRESENTATIVE

George Densham

FINANCE AND BURSARY SUB-COMMITTEE

Angus Cater (Chairman)

David Cole (Bursar)

John Harden (Secretary)

Martin Humphrey (Hon. Treasurer)

Matthew Jamieson (Interim Headmaster)