Avita Pro Fide

Musical

I have recently been conducting admissions interviews and when one particular ten year old grilled me in the interview about what I thought was the best thing about St Edmund’s. I was tempted to remind him that I was the one asking the questions, but I decided to indulge him. And then could not answer the question! Is it the setting? The buildings? The people? Four hundred and fifty four years of Catholic history? All of the above? But that does not answer the question. What is the best thing?

I think I finally hit upon the answer as I visited our new Elements pupils on their overnight induction camp and heard them laughing and singing loudly round the campfire as I walked across the field to join them: hundreds of happy children and teenagers learning to live their lives for others.

Once again we have started this year at full capacity, with just under seven hundred in the College and just under two hundred in the Prep School. Now that Covid is largely behind us and planning authorities are beginning to catch up with the backlog of applications, we hope to start building soon, thanks in no small part to some extremely generous

financial support from the Old Edmundians. And one facility we were able to refurbish this summer – also thanks to the generosity of an OE –was the Old Chapel. You may remember it as a gym or as squash courts. Now it houses a dance studio and table tennis – the professional grade, sprung dance floor a gift of the never tiring Friends of St Edmund’s. Then in August, in spite of two years of Covid disruption our Poets and Rhetoricians did themselves proud with outstanding A Level and GCSE results, and there is a tangible air of energy and positivity about the place. As we head once more into St Edmund’s tide (and we very hope to see you on St Edmund’s Sunday), I am proud to report that your Alma Mater is in very good shape.

With every best wish from all of us here. Avita Pro Fide.

Matthew Mostyn, HEADMASTER

Grand House Challenge Cup

The Edmundian Association generously donated £1000 to purchase a new Grand House Challenge Cup, sponsored by the Association. The first winners of this stunning trophy are Challoner House and the cup was presented to Challoner’s House Captains by David Kay, President Emeritus and Archivist who was representing the Edmundian Association. Challoner House last won the Grand House Challengein 2019, however due to the Covid pandemic and the resulting school ‘Covid Bubbles’ in both 2020 and 2021 it could be said that Challoner have won two in a row!

Prizes in the form of cheques for £200 were also awarded by the Association on Exhibition Day to Four Rhetoricians for their excellent contribution to their studies, Edmundian community and to help with University.

Photo above shows the Challoner House Captains with Head of House Mr Adam Cunnah.

Welcome to

my first

issue of Avita Pro Fide!

I have been the Alumni & Development Officer for 6 happy months and am excited to tell you that the Old Edmundian community continues to grow with almost 150 new registrations on the Alumni database during this time. This is a mix of former students, staff, parents and friends of the College. Writing for APF has been particularly enjoyable and I hope you find the features and news in this issue interesting and informative.

The numbers of Old Edmundians visiting the College are increasing post pandemic and we have recently given tours to OE's from Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands and Mexico. It has been a pleasure to meet so many of you and listening to your memories and stories. My knowledge on the history of the College is improving with every tour!

I have been working hard to expand our Alumni network and engage with as many OE’s as possible using our various social media platforms and I am delighted that more OE’s are now reconnecting with each other and making plans to reunite. We have reached 300 connections on Linked-In and the feedback is incredibly positive. I will also continue to keep you updated via email. This year marks the House Centenaries of Challoner, Douglass and Talbot and I am delighted to be able to support each House with their celebrations. It is important to us that our Old Edmundians participate in the anniversaries, and we are currently planning an Alumni event combining all three houses in March.

Our next Careers Fair will be on 10th March 2023 and we are grateful for the support of our OE community who have a wealth of experience, knowledge and career guidance to pass onto our students. Inside you will find details of how to get involved. Thank you to those of you who have already purchased tickets for St Edmund’s Sunday and I look forward to seeing you.

If you have any ideas on news or stories which could feature in Avita Pro Fide or have any suggestions for reunions or other Alumni events I would love to hear from you. Please contact me at Alumni@stedmundscollege.org or contact 01920 824283.

Introducing our new and Development Officer

After the hiatus that the pandemic inflicted on us all we are delighted that our Alumni office is back up and running. Our new Alumni & Development Officer, Nikki King who took over the role in April is busy connecting with our Alumni and planning some exciting events.

Our community website is a great way for you all to connect with each other and perhaps find old classmates, so if you haven’t registered, please do so now via www.stedmundscollegealumni.org. You can also connect via social media on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram so please follow us and keep up to date.

Rabbit Crest Mosaic

At the end of last term, Art teacher Donna Stringer presented us with a wonderful mosaic of the rabbit from our school crest.

Talented Mosaicist Donna created the beautiful piece for St Edmund’s to mark her many happy years with the College and it takes pride of place by the arch in the Ambulacrum looking down toward the Music School and Refectory.

Originally trained in Ravenna, Italy, Donna’s work reflects the earliest styles and techniques employed by Italian We wish Donna happiness and success as she leaves us to dedicate more time to her work designing and creating beautiful mosaics.

Email: drmosaics@hotmail.com Instagram: drmosaics.ceramics

The Newsletter of St Edmund’s College Alumni

keeping you up-to-date with the latest

OE News

third year. Charlie, who recently graduated from the University of Nottingham with a First class Master of Science degree in Natural Sciences (Biology & Physics), was awarded the Student Engagement Prize for the class of 2022, in recognition of contributions to the Natural Sciences Community. We are extremely proud of them both and wish them every success in their future careers.

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in June, we welcomed back another lovely group of Old Edmundians. Pat Lydon, Chris Jackson, David Pidgeon, John Conti, Kevin Zwolinski and Neil O'Brien, all day boys, attended St Edmund’s together and left between 1971-1974. A tour of the chapel & the college grounds was followed by a cream tea in the Douay Museum and an opportunity to catch up & share funny anecdotes. The group were particularly interested to hear from our Director of Admissions & Marketing, Melanie Burke, who talked about how the school operates all these years later. We received some wonderful feedback and we're delighted they enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce.

OE Beatrice Makulski (2001-2011) and Callum Godbold were married in the College Chapel on Thursday 18th August. We were delighted to welcome the happy couple back to the College, along with their family and friends on what was a beautiful and sunny day. We wish Beatrice and Callum a lifetime of happiness.

OE’s Fionnuala Marshall (Head Girl 2017-2018) and Charlie Ponting (2018) were both honoured to receive special awards from their universities this year. Fionnuala, currently studying at the University of Edinburgh School of Mathematics, was awarded the James Ward Prize for distinguished performance in Degree Examinations in Mathematics & Statistics in her

We were delighted to welcome back to the College OE Alvaro Matus Estrada who was visiting from Mexico. Now an Airline Pilot, Alvaro who was in Poynter House, was particularly keen to see the Chapel again and was accompanied by his friend and colleague who was particularly impressed with the history of the College. Alvaro has such fond memories of his time here as a boarder and wrote to us following his visit “St Edmund’s means so much to me. The people, the buildings, and the great teachers I had the honour to be with. I learnt so much in my time at the College, it defined me as a person.”

The ‘ground is the limit’ for Old Edmundian Alice Martin (2011-2018) who has become a British Skydiving ‘A’ Licence holder having completed the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course. This involved learning to exit an aircraft at 15,000ft, freefall at 120mph, and safely deploy and land your own canopy!

In 2017, the College ran a CCF trip to RAF Netheravon, where Cadets attended ‘ground school’ and did their first static line parachute jump. Alice told us “I would never have even thought of joining the York Skydiving Club without first having experienced it whilst at St Edmund’s – I’d enjoyed it so much.”

Congratulations also go to Alice who graduated from York with a First Class Honours Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Congratulations to Farah Omotosho (2005-2012) who got engaged in beautiful Greece over the Summer, they are planning to marry in the College Chapel next August. We wish them a lifetime of happiness. It’s looking like a good year for Farah who has also just been promoted to Marketing Executive just one day short of her first anniversary at BBC News.

Congratulations to Alice Hopkin (2015) who has joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as Special Advisor to the Foreign Secretary.

Old Edmundian Clara Barreda Gomez was one of our Gap Year staff from Madrid. She came for a year and ended up staying 3 as a much loved member of the Music Team in the Music School.

She married Carlos Suárez Menéndez on 26th February 2022 at the church ‘Nuestra Senora del Buen Suceso’ in Madrid. Amongst the guests were current and ex staff members including retired Deputy Head Kate McDonald and retired Director of Music Karen Salter-Kay. The exciting news continues as Clara and Carlos have just announced that they are expecting their first baby.

If you have some exciting news, whether it be a wedding or birth announcement, an exciting career move or even an impromptu get together with other OEs we would love to hear about it, please send details to: Alumni Officer

St Edmund's College, Old Hall Green, Ware, Herts SG11 1DS Telephone: 01920 824283 Email: alumni@stedmundscollege.org

Supporting Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has cast a shadow over Europe and its economic and geopolitical consequences are being felt all across the world. But no-one has suffered as much as the Ukrainian people themselves. As has been the case all over the UK, many families in our local area have taken Ukrainian refugees into their own homes as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives and, in many cases, putting down new roots. In early 2022, in support of these efforts, St Edmund’s College took the decision that any empty places in year groups would be made available free of charge for one year for refugees from Ukraine, irrespective of their academic qualifications, achievements or level of English.

Under this scheme it has been an absolute joy to welcome three Ukrainian pupils into the College. Their personal stories are as inspiring as they are harrowing, and the courage they are showing as they work on their English and try to master so much which is new to them has moved us all. My thanks go to all the pupils, staff and parents who have shown them such a warm welcome, and especially to our teachers of English as an Additional Language whose nurturing of their linguistic skills will be life changing.

Thanks must be given to the Edmundian Association for their wonderful support in providing new uniform, sports kit and equipment for each student.

Can you help?

In previous years our Alumni have been very generous with their time and support of our Careers Fair. Once again we are calling out to our Old Edmundiansto get in touch and get involved.

This years Fair will be taking place at the end of Careers Week on Friday 10th March 2023 and our students benefit greatly from talking to industry and business professionals.

Whatever business or industry you are in, whether Technology, Healthcare, Marketing, Medicine, an Arboriculturist or a Pilot, our Students would love to talk to you! If you do not wish to be one of our Exhibitors but feel you could give an interesting talk to the students about your chosen vocation or specialism and the roads taken to get there then we would be grateful for your time.

ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE

CAREERS FAIR 2023

Social Media

If you want to keep up to date with all the latest news and information from the College and Prep as well as details of any events, the best way to do that is to make sure you follow us on our social media channels.

We have detailed below what to search for on each of the platforms so we should be easy to find!

Facebook:

@StEdmundsCollegeandPrep

@stedmundscollegealumni

Instagram:

@StEdmundsCollegeandPrep

@alumnistedmunds

Twitter:

@StEdmundsWare and @StEdmundsPrep @Alumniedmunds

LinkedIn: Alumni Officer

If you are willing to give up your afternoon to help, or know of someone else that is, please contact Mr Bradley Snell, Head of Careers, bsnell@stedmundscollege.org or Nikki King, nking@stedmundscollege.org

We very much appreciate your support and engagement.

London Dinner 2022

Despite some restrictions due to a Pandemic AND a tube strike, we soldiered on and were lucky enough to be able to hold this year’s annual London Dinner at the beautiful Innholders Hall. The Innholders' are one of approximately 100 liveries in the square mile, which are formed under licence of the crown, to regulate their crafts, trades and services. Now the ‘home of hospitality’ in the City of London the venue has a reputation for fine food and wine.

OE Natalia Negri selected for England U19’s!

Old friends met up and new introductions were made as welcome drinks were served allowing everyone the opportunity to mingle and chat before dinner which was served in the Hall’s beautiful private dining room. The fantastic menu was provided by Herbert Berger, three times winner of the coveted Michelin Star, so we were all in for a real treat. The cost of the event was once again very generously subsidised by the Edmundian Association which reduced the ticket price considerably. The Headmaster gave a short speech to welcome everyone and updated guests on the latest news from the College, including some comparisons on the growing number of students attending St Edmund’s.

Tables were made up of groups of friends, familiar faces, current staff and some filled with people meeting other OE’s for the first time. Having been so restricted socially for such a long time due to Covid, everyone was delighted to be mixing once more and the mood was extremely joyous.

After finishing what was a sumptuous three-course meal with coffee and petit fours and not wanting such an enjoyable evening to end, a crowd then went onto a local bar to continue reminiscing and making new friends. We welcome all Old Edmundians to the London Dinner and would be delighted to see more of you for next year’s event. Gather together some of your OE friends, reserve a table and relive the good old days – it really is a fun night and not one to miss. An announcement will be made via the website and social media sites with the details of next year’s dinner once we have decided on the date and venue.

Just after turning Eighteen this year, Old Edmundian and talented footballer Natalia Negri signed her first professional contract with Crystal Palace women’s first team.

Natalia had been with Arsenal for five years with the last two in the Arsenal U21 Squad (she was also signed with Charlton as part of their first team at this point).

Throughout Natalia’s time at St Edmund’s, she always displayed her passion for sport and was a strong team player when representing the College and a great asset on the school hockey team. Natalia was able to transfer her football skills, in particular her goal keeping knowledge, onto the hockey field and her natural flair as a goalkeeper was often commented on by the staff from the opposing team.

Natalia has been with England for the last few years, starting with the U14’s but recently she has been selected to represent her country in the U19’s Euros tournament which is an amazing achievement. Seeing Natalia play against Slovakia, Head of Girls Games, Amy Robinson tells us she was “beaming from ear to ear” and is so proud that she is doing so well with her football and being recognised with international success.

Natalia has also represented England in the age group above and has travelled to Spain, Czech Republic, Belgium and Portugal. England now go forward to the next round.

Mrs Robinson has invited Natalia to come back to the College during the Trinity term and lead a football session as part of the Girls football games lessons. A positive and inspirational role model to our students, we are extremely proud of Natalia’s achievements.

Name: Nnkeka Akudolu KC

College... after the Life

When were you at St Edmund’s: 1987 - 1993

What are your lasting memories of your time at St Edmund’s?

The lasting memory I have of St Edmunds was that there was a strong sense of community; our week included Saturday school when I was a student and the school days were much longer. I was fortunate enough to create many strong friendships whilst a pupil, and those bonds continue to this day.

What is your favourite and least favourite memory from the College? My favourite memory was netball fixtures and being able to board after matches. I loved not having to get up early in the mornings to get on the coach! My least favourite memory was definitely cross country (especially in the rain), oh and Saturday detention!

What do you know now that you wish you knew during your time at St Edmund’s?

I wish I knew that those would be the best (and easiest) days of my life! I don’t think we, (as Old Edmundians) quite appreciated just how special college life was until it ended.

We were delighted to welcome you back recently to present the prizes as our Guest on Exhibition Day. How did it feel?

It felt amazing to be welcomed back; when I was handed the Exhibition Day programme and saw my name as ‘Guest of Honour’ I felt incredibly proud.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement career-wise has been being sworn in as a QC (now KC) earlier this year.

What excites you most about your work? What is the most rewarding? Every day is different in my job; invariably it involves me interacting with a diverse mix of people. What I find most rewarding is standing up in front of a jury and addressing them on why they should favour the particular case that I am advancing.

Did you always want to work within the legal system? How did you get into Law?

Having not really made the most of the opportunities at school, I left with some pretty unimpressive qualifications. When I was 21, I decided to go back to education and started an access course in legal studies. It was the interest in that course and the support of the tutors, that encouraged me to pursue a career in law. The access course ultimately secured me a place at Cardiff University where I studied an LLB in law and politics; thereafter I completed the Bar Vocational Course which enabled me to be called to the Bar.

What is the best and worst part of the day for you?

The best part of my day is actually the mornings; typically I’d squeeze in a gym session before going to work which makes me feel really energised for the day ahead. My worst part of the day is probably around 3:30pm when I get peckish and invariably start reaching for the chocolate!

What aspects of your work do you find most challenging?

The most challenging aspect of my work is probably the high volume of paperwork that I have to read and digest, often in a short space of time. Sometimes I receive case papers on a Friday for a trial that commences on the Monday. In that time I will have to get to grips with all of the issues and identify all areas of cross-examination for the witnesses. There is very little downtime during those particular weekends.

How do you balance family life and life in Chambers?

With difficulty! It is not so bad now as my daughter is 22. When she was younger however I had to heavily rely on family to assist with childcare because my work took me all around the country.

What keeps you motivated? I’m very motivated by the positive impact I know my work has on individual’s life, whether that be when I am prosecuting or defending.

If you could change one thing about the justice system what would it be? If I could change one thing about the justice system it would be that all trials should take place within a reasonable time-frame; victims and defendants routinely wait far too long for cases to be resolved which leads to increased anxiety and lives being put on hold for an inordinate period of time.

What advice would you give someone thinking of a Career in Law or any general life experience for our Edmundians?

For those considering a career in law my advice would be to work hard: getting good grades will be an obvious advantage when you apply to universities. Be prepared for some rejection as the law is extremely competitive, but don’t let that deter you. Ensure that you allow yourselves to see the possibilities beyond any obstacles in your way because it certainly is worth the struggle in the end.

What music do you listen to most & do you have a favourite song? I love a wide range of music from rap and hip hop to pop and classical. The artist I listen to the most by a country mile is Prince. I could listen to his music all day, everyday. My favourite song is Raspberry Beret.

How do you enjoy your time outside of work?

I enjoy travelling and eating great food that different cultures have to offer - consequently I also try my best to keep fit with circuit training and yoga. It may come as a surprise to some but my guilty pleasure is reality TV, I get massive FOMO if I haven’t seen the latest episode of Love Island or I’m a Celebrity!

Musical Talents...

Michael Stephens-Jones Organ Scholar – St Paul’s Cathedral

Michael Stephens-Jones began as a chorister at about age 7 at All Saints Church in Hertford, directed by our own College Organist Chris Benham who was then Director of Music at All Saints. He started piano lessons whilst at the prep school in addition to singing lessons with Chris and later with Singing Teacher Chris Royall. He started playing the organ having lessons in Hertford with the new Director of Music Martin Penny and became the Organ Scholar at All Saints supported by Soundbites, a series of

Daniel Garvin – Violinist

Whilst a Music Scholar at St Edmund’s, talented Daniel Garvin, a Violinist since the age of six, was a highly active member of the Music Department, taking piano lessons in school and violin lessons on a Saturday at London’s Guildhall. In addition to the College String Group, Orchestra and Schola Daniel led the National Schools Symphony Orchestra at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Daniel was studying for his GCSE’s in Poetry when he was invited to take part in an International Youth Orchestra as part of the Honours Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York. Daniel was the only participant from the UK, and amongst a handful of members invited from other countries. The rest were from all over the USA. Daniel loved the experience and the chance to perform in such a famous venue with so many other musicians. He credits Cathy Noble for this opportunity as she sent him the original link encouraging him to apply!

Daniel believes being part of a strong year group, surrounded by accessible performing opportunities contributed to his deep love of music. A student involved in music in and outside of school Daniel feels very privileged to have had access to such an all-encompassing musical environment during his formative years at St Edmund’s. A favourite memory whilst at school was participating in the Soundbites series of concerts, run by Chris Benham at All Saints Church where he performed as part of a duo with OE and former Head Boy Oliver Martin on Guitar.

When asked about his memories of the Music School at St Edmund’s, Daniel says “being in the Music School and various ensembles never felt like a chore or something a student ‘had to do’– it was just a fun place to be. Especially crammed into the Recital Room for Schola with Mrs Salter-Kay!”

lunchtime concerts & recitals held at the Church. Michael started playing in the St Edmund’s Chapel whilst in Syntax and increased his playing to include accompanying Schola on occasions. Throughout his time as a Rhetorician he also used to play the organ at College services and morning prayers.

Michael went to Cambridge University to study for an undergraduate degree in music, and to be the Organ Scholar at Selwyn College. He enjoyed working alongside a choir of students all a similar age and in addition to the regular chapel services was involved in various commercial music recordings including for the BBC. He also went on music tours including in the USA.

After graduating with a first-class honours degree, Michael gained a great deal of experience during a very enjoyable and busy year at Guildford Cathedral as Organ Scholar where he supported their various choirs.

Michael has now joined the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral as their Organ Scholar and we are extremely proud of his achievements. He is playing at choir rehearsals and for the daily cathedral services. Never a dull moment, after only two weeks in the job, Michael participated in the national service of remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, broadcast live on BBC1. Although he plays down his achievement, we are all extremely proud of Michael to have secured a position at such a famous and special place and wish him every success for whatever comes next.

Daniel has just started a degree in Music at the University of Manchester and felt he wanted to broaden his music experience. Playing is especially important to him, and Daniel is continuing with his violin teachers from Royal Northern College of Music whilst studying. He has a keen interest in the media & production side of music, hoping to arrange some work experience as part of his degree.

Daniel continues to be involved in external concerts with the University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber choirs and university ensembles. He also has some friends at Royal Northern who run their own student lead ensembles. What is next for Daniel? Still unsure about what he’d like to do once he finishes his degree, he is open to the idea of teaching and can see the appeal of passing on his musical knowledge to the younger generation.

Henry Stuckey – Producer and Musician

Henry Stuckey (2018) is a musician and producer based in London. A talented drummer who was taught whilst at St Edmund’s by peripatetic drum teacher Michael Miles, Henry dreamt of being able to play and perform when he left school.

By his own admission, Henry’s time at St Edmund’s wasn’t the most enjoyable for him academically although he surprised himself with his A Level grades, having been determined to revise properly the Easter before the summer exams!

Feeling sure the university route wasn’t for him, Henry went on to study at ELAM (East London Arts and Music), a full time Industry Academy for students wishing to pursue a career in Music, Film and Television, Production and Games Design. It suited Henry perfectly with every lesson focusing on a different aspect of music from song writing classes to music production and learning the business side of the industry. Two weeks into the course, Henry inadvertently stumbled on a rehearsal for Jazz and Soul Singer Akin Soul, picked up a bass guitar and joined in. It was at that moment he knew ELAM was the right place for him. Henry ended up playing Bass for Akin, then drums and has now played with him for the last 5 years.

Henry is making a living doing what he loves, regular gigs as the drummer in function bands, often playing in some of the big hotels in places like Mayfair, pay well and Henry supplements his income by teaching Drums (Mr Miles would be proud!). Henry has played at various festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude and as the drummer for Saint Joshua as part of the BBC Introducing initiative.

Musically, Henry absolutely loved his time at St Edmund’s and believes it gave him the foundation for his career so far. He says “we were allowed to do anything, and had so many different opportunities from Rock Band to Jazz Band and DJ Club and had the freedom to go into the Music School and just make noise”. Henry believes it is vital that you give everyone an opportunity to make music, whatever genre and whether you can read music or not. Inclusivity is so important. During his time here Henry says “it was a haven for all kids, whether you could read music or not”.

Henry lives and breathes music and is currently working making beats and tracks for a local Rapper, collaborating with other producers and artists including an R&B singer. He has just been on tour as Music Director for a new artist, recording guitars, horns and keyboards for him and helping with performances. A working day in the life of Henry Stuckey is extremely varied but everything revolves around making music – he really is living the dream.

George Salmon - Actor

George Salmon (2014) has been involved in music theatre, acting and performing from the age of 9. His West End credits include the ensemble in Oliver at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The London Palladium and his film credits include the world-famous Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

He joined St Edmund’s Sixth Form at the beginning of Rhetoric 1. He loved being at the College from the first day, throwing himself into everything we had to offer including Sport with George being on the senior football team. Heavily involved in Drama, which he had chosen to study at A Level, George performed in all the College and drama productions. He also sang with Schola. George was chosen to be Head Boy in Rhetoric 2, something he says was a very special moment for him. Still wanting to keep up his involvement

in Drama, Sport and Music whilst in his final year of A levels, George was able to balance it all due to the pastoral support at the school and the benefits of Head Boy boarding!

George went to the University of Kent to study for a Business Degree, he still managed to indulge his creative side and passion for acting by performing in several productions and cast as Leo Frank in Parade and Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde. After graduating, George began working in advertising, finding a company who advertised theatres and he enjoyed this link with the Arts. He then went onto train at the Royal Academy of Music, enrolling on a one year Post Graduate Course.

George now has a great career, doing what he loves and enjoying success in his current role in the extremely popular UK Tour of Jersey Boys. Playing Joe Pesci but also covering the iconic role of Frankie Valli, George has received some fantastic reviews, in particular for his second act performance as Frankie at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. When the lead actor had voice problems and could not go back on, George stepped in. One Critic wrote that his voice ‘shone’ as he channelled Valli in his prime and sounded ‘mesmerising.’ George finished the show earning rapturous applause in the finale.

The Newsletter of St Edmund’s College

Visit to Amsterdam

Memorial to Adreas Frohlich

Laying of the Stolpersteine

In April this year, Melanie Burke and Nikki King visited Amsterdam to attend the moving dedication of the Stolpersteine, which were laid in memory of Old Edmundian, Andreas Frohlich and family. Stolpersteine, or “Stumbling Stones,” are concrete memorial blocks, with an engraved brass plate on the top, which are then laid into the pavement in front of the last chosen places of residence of victims of the Nazi regime. The ceremony for Old Edmundian Andreas Frohlich and his family took place at Prins Hendriklaan, Amsterdam, the house where Andreas was taken by the Dutch Gestapo, who were working for the Nazi’s in 1941. It was an extremely moving ceremony with family & friends flying in from all over the world. Relatives of some of the people who bravely hid the Frohlich family during the war, were also in attendance and Nikki and Melanie felt truly honoured to be invited.

The Frohlich-Shipper Family were moved and delighted that St Edmund’s was represented at the ceremony and that Andreas’ attendance at the College is remembered. Since our visit the family has donated £5000 to the school to hopefully use toward another school production of Quarry in the future. We will remain in touch and keep sharing the story & memories of Andreas and the Frohlich Schipper family.

Andreas

Raised as a Catholic and thinking of becoming a Priest, Andreas attended St Edmunds in the summer of 1939 as a preseminarian (Andreas and his sister Sabine were unaware of his Jewish heritage until he was not allowed to join the popular Hitler Youth).

Concerned that they would be unsafe if they stayed in England, Andreas’ parents requested that he returned to Amsterdam. Tragically, it was this decision which cost Andreas his life, as in June 1941, he was discovered at the house in Prins Hendriklaan and taken away along with another three hundred boys of Jewish & mixed Jewish ancestry.

Transported to the brutal Mauthausen Concentration Camp, Andreas managed to write two heavily censored letters to his family, and it was clear at this point that Andreas knew his fate. The name Frohlich was on a Dutch list of ‘deportees’ with a date of death of 28th October 1941 – two weeks after Andreas’ 20th birthday.

College Role of Honour

Contact was made with the Frohlich-Schipper family following some detective work by the college and Andreas’ name was added to our Roll of Honour, which for the family was an extremely meaningful gesture as his sister Sabine believed it both commemorated and validated her brothers too short existence. The family kindly funded the new war memorial which was erected in 2013.

There are also several of Andreas’ personal items in the display cabinets in the Ambulacrum including his notebook and rosary beads (pictured below) which the Frohlich family entrusted to the College for safe keeping. In the leather-bound notebook, Andreas reflects on his circumstances as he travels to England to join the College. It also contains some goodwill messages from some of his classmates in Douglass House. Some pages have been removed and it is thought so that they would not be incriminating if they fell into enemy hands. Opposite is a letter received from Agnes Schipper thanking the College and giving some more information on Andreas’ history.

Top Left - The Stolpersteine. Top Right - The Schipper Family at the dedication ceremony

Middle - Melanie Burke and Nikki King with Chris and Agnes Schipper

Bottom Left - The House in Prins Hendriklaan. Bottom Right - Laying of the Stolpersteine

On behalf of the Fröhlich Schipper family, we wish to thank St Edmund’s College for adding the name of Andreas Fröhlich to the college Roll of Honour. A special thank you to David Kay and Mark Leslie, your former Alumni Relations director. We are here because of their incredible sleuthing. They researched the fate of your alumnus, Andreas Fröhlich, who perished in Mauthausen, a concentration camp in Austria, more than 70 years ago. Mr. Leslie then tracked down Andreas' only sibling, our mother, Sabine Fröhlich Schipper, in the United States.

Having Andreas' name inscribed on your Roll of Honour is extremely meaningful for our mother, who for health reasons was unable to travel here for this ceremony. It validates and commemorates her brother's all-too short existence. It is significant to my mother that your ceremony is so close her brother's birth date.

I'd like to share just a little of Andreas' history. He was born in Berlin on October 14, 1921. He was shy, sensitive and fiercely protective of his little sister. Andreas was raised Catholic and hoped to become a priest. Under Nazi racial theory, however, he was considered of mixed Jewish ancestry because his grandparents were of Jewish descent. Andreas' first inkling of that heritage came when he was not allowed to join the Hitler Youth because of that ancestry.

After Kristallnacht, our grandparents, Georg and Edith Fröhlich, evacuated their two children from Germany. Andreas, then age 17, left first. A Dutch priest arranged his transport to England to enter St Edmund’s College as a pre-seminarian. Our mother, then 12, came to England via the kindertransport. Meanwhile, the Fröhlich parents dismantled their home and business, booked a boat passage for the family to the United States, and then went to Holland to await their visas. After the English school term ended in 1939, the Fröhlich parents wanted their children to join them in Holland for the summer. Our grandparents decided not to send their children back to England because they thought Holland would be a safer place than England if war broke out. Their reasoning was that Holland would stay neutral, as it was in World War I, and that Germany would not dare to invade a neutral country. They also were concerned that they and their children would be interned as Germans if they lived in England and war broke out. Edith Frohlich, in particular, never forgave herself for these miscalculations, which she believed cost her son's life.

Andreas was enrolled in St Ignatius College, a Jesuit boys schools in Amsterdam. Our mother was 14 when she last saw her brother, then age 19, being led away by two Dutch policemen working for the Gestapo in Amsterdam. It was June 1941 during one of the first"razzias"in which 300 boys of Jewish and mixed Jewish ancestry were being rounded up in retaliation for a Dutch act of sabotage. The boys were sent to supposed work camps. None returned. We now know that they were transported to death camps, and that Mauthausen, in particular, was one of the most brutal, and gruesome of those camps. While at Mauthausen, Andreas wrote two letters to his family, both of which were heavily censored. His sister had written to him that she hoped he would come back soon to help her with her homework in Latin and Greek. In his last letter, Andreas responded that Sabine will have to do her school work herself. His family understood right away that Andreas knew he was going to die.

My mother does not know how Andreas died, nor exactly when for a long time. Decades later, she found the name Fröhlich on a list of deportees from Westerbork, a Dutch transit camp, with a date of death of 28 October 1941. This would have been exactly two weeks after Andreas’ 20th birthday.

Andreas' friends later placed my mother and her parents in contact with the Dutch underground Resistance which found hiding places for the Fröhlichs in the countryside of North Holland. After the war, my mother married Cornelis Schipper, a member of the Dutch Resistance who had safeguarded her family. Our mother is convinced that she and her parents would not have survived the German occupation in Holland without the underground connections made by Andreas' friends. So we Schipper children, in a sense, owe our existence to Andreas.

It's hard for us to relate to the massive scale of the insanity and inhumanity during World War II. But we can relate to individual stories, such as the toll of that war on our individual families. And each name on your memorial, now including Andreas Fröhlich, tells such a story. So thank you again, St Edmunds for acknowledging Andreas' existence and adding his name to your Roll of Honour.

Agnes Schipper

Quarry

In 2016, the

to write a play based on the story of Andreas and his sister. The play was called 'Quarry' and was performed in the Douay Hall. Paulo and Melanie flew to the US to interview Sabine Frohlich and her Husband Cor, and a recording of Sabine, in her ninety’s at the time and living in the USA, recalling the fateful words she spoke to the Dutch Gestapo when they came looking for Andreas – “His bike is here”. The family never saw him again.

Sabine’s Odyssey by Agnes Schipper

We have just taken delivery of the recently published book written by Agnes Schipper, Sabine’s Daughter and Andreas’ Niece, which details the harrowing experiences of the Froehlich family during the Nazi regime and mentions the College and his time here.

Should anyone wish to purchase a copy and support Agnes, you can order from Amazon.

Headmaster Paulo Durán commissioned playwright David Gooderson,

Thursday 5th May we were delighted to host a Memorial Lunch celebrating the life of Monsignor Fred Miles who sadly passed away on Monday 6th April 2022

Organised by Old Edmundian Jeremy Janion, the lunch was attended by OE's, friends, current students & staff, all sharing their personal memories and stories of Msgr Miles, a very special man. A huge rugby fan, it was a fitting tribute that Jeremy (himself an ex England & Bedford player) brought with him his friend 'Budge' Rogers OBE, who played for England, the British Lions and Bedford.

Monsignor Miles

Monsignor Fred Miles was in Douglass House between 1939 and 1944, and then Allen Hall until 1950 when he was ordained priest at the College. He was also a member of staff and had a legendary reputation as a centre three-quarter. From the first it was evident that the keynote of Fr Miles's teaching would be a policy of "thorough". Everything that he did, and his activities ranged wide, was done efficiently, whether it was marking preps, coaching rugger, mastering the bass line in the choir or training altar-servers. From 1949–1966 Fr Miles coached the 1st XV; never to be put off by lack of success due to a dearth of promising material, he maintained his enthusiasm to the end and inspired it in the boys. In the summer he transferred that enthusiasm first to junior cricket and in 1964, to tennis. When he took over the task of instructing altar servers he insisted on the highest standards and he can be said to have established a tradition, in this respect, which will live on. In 1960 Fr Miles took over Challoner House and showed the same industry and conscientiousness in this activity as in others. In December 1966 he was appointed Secretary to His Eminence the Cardinal (Heenan).

He served as a Governor of St Edmund’s between 1984 and 1989. Mgr Miles was a Patron of The Edmundian Association and was a regular attender at St Edmund’s Sunday and the 40s-50s-60s Reunions until recent years. He published his light-hearted memories entitled Milestones in 2007. Sadly, Monsignor Miles died on Monday 6th April 2020. Rest in Peace Monsignor Miles

St Edmund’s at times of important royal events

We thought it would be interesting to compare what happened at St Ed’s when monarchs acceded to the crown. This article is based upon narratives in The Edmundian magazine. It is noteworthy that the coronation was broadcast by radio for the first time in 1937 and by television in 1953, and also how the College granted varying lengths of holidays to mark the occasions. These were very different times: at the time of the last coronation in 1953 the school was entirely boarders and they didn’t really have half term breaks.

There have been nine British monarchs since the establishment of the College at Old Hall Green, in chronological order by date of accession as follows:

1820 King George IV

1830King William IV

1837Queen Victoria

1901King Edward VII

1911King George V

1936King Edward VIII

1936King George VI

1952Queen Elizabeth II 2022King Charles III

There has never been a known visit to the College by a member of the British royal family, but the geographically nearest recorded encounter was with Queen Victoria in 1843. Victoria acceded to the throne upon the death of her uncle King William IV on 20 June 1837. Her coronation was on 28 June 1838. There was much excitement at St Edmund’s on 25 October 1843 when the Queen and Prince Albert passed by the College on their way from Windsor to Cambridge. A triumphal arch was erected over the main road nearby and the College community assembled by the roadside, the professors and divines in their gowns.

So much energy was put into the cheering and waving of hats, that the College band forgot to strike up ‘God save the Queen’ as the cortège went by. They managed to remedy this upon the royal party’s return journey a few days later. Although a request to present the Queen with an Address was turned down, the Lord Chamberlain noted that the enthusiastic greeting had been “duly observed and much admired”.

Queen Victoria died on 22 January 1901 and was succeeded by her eldest son, who became King Edward VII. His coronation was originally scheduled for 26 June 1902, but was postponed at very short notice, because the King had been taken ill with an abdominal abscess that required immediate surgery.

In contrast to the previous coronation some 64 years previously, Edward's had been carefully planned as a spectacle reflecting

the influence and culture of the then British Empire and also as a meaningful religious occasion. At the College there was to have been High Mass in the morning, a cricket match, a concert followed by a bonfire in the evening, and two whole holidays.

Of all these proposed festivities, the only survivors were the cricket match and the concert, the latter having already been rehearsed. As soon as the concert was over, the school adjourned to the chapel to pray for the King’s recovery. The next morning it was classes as normal. The official College diarist writing in The Edmundian magazine described the situation as a “gigantic fiasco”. The coronation eventually took place on 9 August 1902, during school summer holidays.

King Edward VII died on 6 May 1910 and was replaced by his younger son George V, whose coronation was on 22 June 1911. The front page of the July 1911 issue of The Edmundian reproduces the text of the telegram despatched to the King on his coronation day in the name of the College.

To His Most Excellent Majesty GEORGE THE FIFTH KING AND EMPEROR upon the day of his crowning, St Edmund’s College with humble duty presents its loyal homage and true allegiance.

Later, on the same day, the following gracious reply was sent from Buckingham Palace by the King 's Private Secretary:

To St Edmund's College, Old Hall Green. The King desires me to thank you for your telegram and good wishes.

The celebration of the coronation at St Edmund's began at midday on the preceding day, when studies were suspended and about 25 boys, who had the opportunity of seeing the various processions, left for London. The programme for the day includedHigh Mass, aquatic sports and a picnic, a pastoral play, dinner and a bonfire. In order to celebrate the occasion, the start of the summer holidays was delayed, and the autumn term started four days later than normal.

George V died on 20 January 1936 and was succeeded by his elder son, who became King Edward VIII. However, Edward abdicated on 11 December 1936 and there was no formal coronation. George V’s younger son then became George VI, and his coronation took place on 12 May 1937. The Edmundian states that the occasion was an outstanding event of the summer term, and a three day long holiday was granted.

On coronation day there was High Mass, at the end of which the choir sang two verses of ‘God Save The King’. Staff and students gathered in the Douay Hall, where there was installed a wireless set (radio), a gift from the Archbishop of Westminster, and were able to listen to the coronation ceremony. Dinner was then served, after which a grand display of fireworks was held in the front field.

King George VI died on 6 February 1952 and was succeeded by his elder daughter who became Queen Elizabeth II. Her coronation was on 2 June 1953 and a week’s holiday was granted. For those remaining at the College, the day itself started with High Mass before breakfast and then throughout the rest of the day the progress of the coronation was watched on a single television set. It is not recorded where this was situated, but The Edmundian states that it was in a prominent position surrounded by a vast arrangement of raked seating. In the evening there was a dinner followed by a concert.

Queen Elizabeth died on 8 September 2022, having become the country’s longest reigning monarch. She was succeeded by her eldest son who became King Charles III. At the time of writing, the date of his coronation has not been announced, but it is likely to take place in the late spring of 2023.

Footnotes: 1) There are no records in The Edmundian as to whether the College celebrated the Silver (1977), Golden (2002) or Diamond (2012) Jubilees of Elizabeth II. From the author’s memory nothing happened in 1977; celebrations may have coincided with half term. 2) Publishers of part or all of this article may wish to include details of how the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II was celebrated in 2022.

100 Years of the House system

Up until 1922, the College was sub-divided differently from how it is recognised today. At that time it was an all-boys school and it would not be until 1974 that girls were admitted as full-time students.

Boys aged between eight and thirteen were in the prep school St Hugh’s, which was founded in 1874. Rudiments to Grammar were grouped into what was referred to as the Bounds, and Syntax to Rhetoric students were in First Division. Rudiments through to Rhetoric comprised both students who were destined for the priesthood - known as “Church Boys” - and the remainder who were lay students, though some of these did ultimately also become priests. From age eighteen, those who went on to their priestly studies were called Divines, and they occupied their own wing separate from the rest of the school.

In the early 1920s, Cardinal Francis Bourne, the Archbishop of Westminster, realised that the mixed nature of St Edmund’s had both strong advantages and disadvantages. It was good for Church Boys to mix with those who were destined for “the world” and for the lay students to benefit from a solidly ecclesiastical environment. According to his personal records now held in the Diocesan Archives, he recognised, however, that “parents undoubtedly often hesitated to send their boys to Old Hall (i.e. St Edmund’s) because they regarded it as too ecclesiastical, while those who were most concerned about the training of candidates for

ordination were at times anxious as to the sufficiently ecclesiastical character of the school.”

The Cardinal was also clear that the poor condition of many of the buildings and a debt of £15,000 (about £600,000 in today’s money) meant that some drastic reorganisation was needed, so that St Edmund’s could attract larger numbers of students.

A House system was something that had been established for centuries in many other institutions. Students destined for the priesthood could mix with lay boys, though at the same time they were kept separate through the House system.

Thus, in 1922 the College was reorganised into “Houses” named after three great Edmundian figures: Bishop Richard Challoner, Bishop James Talbot and Bishop John Douglass. The last of these was intended for Church Boys – effectively constituting a junior seminary - the previous two for those hoping to embark on a military or professional career.

The boys of Douglass enjoyed several privileges, much to the resentment of the other students.

Meanwhile, the Divines’ Wing for those studying theology was formally re-named “Allen Hall”, after the founder of Douay, Cardinal William Allen.

The Edmundian magazine at the time expressed the hope that the reorganised College would “offer the advantages of the English public school, with its insistence on manliness, initiative, character and responsibility, together with its old significant advantages of Catholic training and ancient tradition.”

Pope Pius XI himself wrote to Bourne saying that he was “specially anxious to express to you our warmest congratulations on the raising up of the Junior Seminary, where students who seek to become priests will receive a special training in harmony with their holy vocation.”

The recent centenary celebrations for Challoner House

Challoner House Centenary celebration dinner

However, not all the professors, parents and students were happy.

TALBOTHOUSE

CENTENARY STEDMUND’S COLLEGE

According to the VicePresident at the time, Fr John Vance, who privately opposed the scheme, the President Fr Edward Myers was so concerned with putting the College back on its feet that “he accepted passively the whole plan of the House system.” Fr Vance thought that “to run the place as a public school, it would need a new and effective staff, a new standard of equipment, and an overhaul which was far beyond the means of Cardinal Bourne. We also needed an experienced and efficient Bursar.”

It is said that many of the boys preferred the Bounds/First Division arrangements that they were used to.

It took time for the new House system to get established, but it finally came to fruition in September 1922. Each House now had its own housemaster, refectory, common room and dormitories. The former College refectory was transformed into a library, while the old library became the refectory for Douglass.

The House system led to much re-building work, including, perhaps most notably, the School Block, with its new classrooms, laboratories, music rooms, an armoury and exhibition hall, which were shared by the different Houses. The works necessitated the levelling of the Pleasure Grounds, the formal gardens laid out in the mid-nineteenth century for the use of professors. A pamphlet was produced setting out to explain the reasoning behind all the changes.

Each House had its own Housemaster and a senior pupil appointed each year as House Captain. Allen Hall was under the control of a Rector, who until 1968 was also President of the College, with a Senior Divine being the equivalent of house captain.

From 1945, Douglass was no longer exclusively for Church Boys. Junior House was opened the same year to accommodate eleven and twelve year olds; it was disbanded in 1953 but later reopened in 1960. As the school grew in the early 1970s, further Houses were established: Poynter in 1970 and Griffiths in 1972.

Some of the senior girls from the local school at Poles Convent (located at what is now as Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel) came to St Edmund's once a week to take part in General Studies classes, and from September 1974 five girls became full-time Rhetoric students at the College.

The students for the priesthood in Allen Hall moved away in 1975 when a new Allen Hall was

STEDMUND’S COLLEGE

OUGLASSHOUSE CENTENA

STEDMUND’S COLLEGE

established in Beaufort Street, Chelsea. This enabled the school to take over the space they occupied, and at that time Stapleton was established, together with a dedicated girls' House called Margaret Pole.

Subsequent organisational changes coinciding with the arrival of a new Headmaster saw the disbanding of Griffiths in 1984, with the students dispersed around the other Houses. Margaret Pole closed in 1990 and a new House called solely Pole was set up. The selection of the name Pole for the sixth House at the time may have made historical sense, but on a practical level it meant that both Poynter and Pole shared the same initial letter, which caused some administrative confusion.

From 1990, all Houses accommodated both girls and boys, but with Challoner and Poynter reserved exclusively for boarders, and Douglass, Pole, Stapleton and Talbot for day pupils.

This created another temporary anomaly. So that they did not have their studies too disrupted in their final year, twelve male boarders formerly in Douglass, Stapleton and Talbot were accommodated in what was then known as the Bickford Gallery (where English classrooms are now), overseen directly by the Deputy Headmaster, and were known as the Bickfordians.

So it could be said that for the academic year 1990-91 there was still a sixth House - called “Bickford”.

Junior House was disbanded in 1993, and Stapleton in 1996. Because of a reduction in the number of boarders, day pupils entered Challoner and Poynter from 2002.

St Hugh’s was renamed St Edmund’s Prep in 2010.

Chronology

1922-1975Allen Hall (moved to Chelsea) 1922-presentChalloner 1922-presentDouglass 1922-presentTalbot 1945-1953Junior House (disbanded; reopened 1960) 1960-1993Junior House (disbanded) 1970-presentPoynter 1975-1990Margaret Pole (disbanded) 1975-1996Stapleton (disbanded) 1990-presentPole 1990-1991Bickford (temporary House) 1972-1984Griffiths (disbanded)

Prepared by David J S Kay September 2022

Allen Hall

Years: 1922-1975 (the divinity students returned to the College in 1904; the Divines' Wing was completed in1905 and renamed Allen Hall in1922)

Patron: Cardinal William Allen, founder of the English College at Douay in 1568 House colours: none Challoner Years: 1922 to present Patron: Bishop Richard Challoner, founder of the school at Standon Lordship in 1749 House colours: blue and silver

Douglass

Years: 1922 to present Patron: Bishop John Douglass, who oversaw the construction of the main College building in 1795 House colours: cardinal & black

Griffiths Years: 1972-1984

Patron: Bishop Thomas Griffiths, President of the College responsible for building the present Chapel House colours: brown & silver

Junior House Years: 1945-1953 & 1960-1993 House colours: dark green Margaret Pole (girls only) Years: 1975-1990

Patron: Blessed Margaret Pole who was the Patron of Poles Convent House colours: none Pole Years: 1990 to present Patron: Blessed Margaret Pole House colours: dark blue & silver

Poynter Years: 1970 to present Patron: Bishop William Poynter, the second President of the College House colours: dark green & silver Stapleton Years: 1975-1996

Patron: Bishop Gregory Stapleton, the first President of the College House colours: purple & crimson

Talbot

Years: 1922 to present Patron: Bishop James Talbot, who transferred the school to Old Hall in 1769 House colours: red & yellow

The Newsletter of St Edmund’s College

&enterprising innovative Creative

NUSA Films Video Production

Local filmmaker and Old Edmundian Toby Hart (Talbot 2008 – 2015) showed a passion for photography and film throughout his time at St Edmund's and often supported the marketing team with photography around the College during his time here. Nusa Films was founded by Toby and his friend Peter Hutchinson who share a passion for making short form video content.

In 2017, they set off on an ambitious 2000 mile road/camping trip across Europe (despite never having met each other!). Toby forgot the tent poles and, forced to construct a makeshift shelter, using tripods as structural support (topical!) the situation became a great team building exercise and a firm friendship was made. A few months later, Toby and Peter were travelling across Europe, Asia and South America working and making content for some amazing brands including McLaren,Vodafone and Warner Bros. Nusa Films are now achieving considerable success with their social-first film company. We are extremely proud and privileged to have Toby come back to St Edmund’s and produce the film showing off our excellent school and we cannot wait to work with them again to produce our next film for the Prep school. www.nusafilms.com

Dolly ‘n’ Stan

In December 2020 OE Freddie McEwan decided to launch his own business while working full time for BT alongside studying for his degree as part of his Digital Marketing Apprenticeship.

DOLLY ‘N’ STAN is a British based luxury dog grooming product brand specialising in fragrances, shampoos & conditioners, balms and walkwear.All fragrances are vegan, crueltyfree and packed with vitamins B3, B5, B6, C &E.

Helped by BT via the BT Digital Marketing Hub, Freddie has learnt more about his customers increasing his sales by 150% and an increase in his average order value by 41%.

Freddie was recently approached by British Vogue to appear in three issues over the summer and his products can be ordered via the website www.dollynstan.co.uk

Following the social media of these young OE’s, the belief and passion they show for their individual brands, products and services is palpable. Hardworking and inspiring, the school and wider Edmundian community can be extremely proud of them.

Sliderfy

Starting at the Prep School at aged Three, Old Edmundian Euan Davies believes he is very lucky to have been educated at St Edmund’s, with the school being a huge part of his life. Graduating from Bristol University, Euan’s first job was leaning how to build and manage websites in a Digital Marketing Agency. This taught him many skills including how to develop online marketing strategies within a business. However, Euan had a real urge to set up his own business. In 2019 he launched Sliderfy, designing and manufacturing branded Sliders for sports clubs and businesses throughout the UK and Europe. Being an avid sportsman, and constantly wearing Sliders at University, he identified that the competition in customised sliders was incredibly limited and knew they could create a product better than anything else in the market.

The business was started with a very small investment, and in 3 years now has a revenue of £500,000 and has launched in France and Australia, working with huge brands including Honda, Amazon Prime, Netflix & professional sports clubs Brentford F.C. & Gloucester RFC as well as thousands of small grassroots clubs. Visit the website for further information www.sliderfy.co.uk

Study politics Platform

After being given months of ‘free time’ in March 2020 as the world locked down and A-Levels were cancelled, OE Leo Carr decided to use the skills he had learned whilst completing MOOCs as a student at St Edmund’s, to help future Politics students.

Whilst studying for his A Level in Politics, Leo found it difficult to find online revision resources and tools. When his A Level exams were cancelled due to the Pandemic he used the spare time to build a website (uploading revision notes, complete essays and worksheets), start a marketing campaign and began selling A-Level Politics resources online. Toby’s success with Study Politics continued when he was awarded funding through Exeter University’s Student Start-up programme. The Study Politics App is now available to download, helping to engage students and allow them to progress in the subject even further.

We are delighted that Leo is planning to come back to St Edmund’s to talk to our Politics students and is in the process of looking at how the platform can be utilised to help our current students. www.studypolitics.co.uk

Dance Studio - Then and Now

Then...

The Old Chapel is located along the line of the earliest buildings on the College site, alongside what was originally the main lane through the village of Old Hall Green.

It was built in 1818 to jointly serve the parish and the prep school. It stood on a new site, which had been part of a farm and farmyard before the College acquired it. An enclosed burial ground was formed between it and the road to the west. The Chapel was plainly treated, characteristically for the late Georgian period. It was paid for by Old Edmundians and friends of the College. The interior decorations were plain, and the whole was devoid of beauty, but it served its purpose.

It was embellished in the later nineteenth century, as recorded in the photograph below. At the north end was a raised altar and altar rail, flanked by figure sculpture, probably of the Virgin Mary and St Edmund, and surmounted by candles and pyx. The floor had pews, arranged not in college style but facing the altar. Its function ceased in 1911 when

the present parish church was erected in the burial ground adjacent to the west, on the edge of the present College site. It was subsequently extended northward in 1932 and used as a gymnasium, rifle range, and latterly squash courts.

Now...

The Friends of St Edmund’s recently handed over a cheque for £20,500 to the Musical Theatre Department to support the establishment of a dance studio. The ‘Old Chapel’ (Old Hall) next to the Health Centre has been extensively refurbished by the College and the funds have been used to buy a folding room divide, portable sprung dance floor, barres, mirrors and footwear storage. All items are portable so can be moved in future years should the need arise. The new dance studio is being used by both College and Prep pupils and has been up and running since the start of the Michaelmas term for ballet and jazz as well as table tennis.

Thanks must go to the St Edmund's community for the ongoing fundraising support.

Marketing and Admissions goes global

It has been a busy time for the College and Prep Admission and Marketing departments over the last few months. The priority for the College has been the international recruitment of new boarders to join our wonderful community as understandably the numbers had dropped slightly following the pandemic.

Zoom meetings with families and overseas agents have been fantastic but now that international travel is open again, Melanie Burke, Director of Admissions and Marketing has been out representing the College in a recruitment drive.

Over the next few months Melanie will be visiting Bermuda, Thailand, Brazil and Hong Kong as well as many European countries so please do look out for emails and our social media platforms for details on Alumni drinks receptions we are planning. If you do want to learn more about our admissions and marketing work for day, boarding and summer students, please do not hesitate to contact her at mburke@stedmundscollege.org

News from the College

In October students and staff at the College collected food, toiletries, and baby products for the Hertford Food Bank. Thanks to the generosity of the students and their families we collected a tremendous 681.80 kg for the Hertford Food Bank.

https://hertforddistrict.foodbank.org.uk/

Introducing

Heads

Head Girl Whitney Udigwe

Head Boy Oliver Welsby

Deputies (Girls) Mayura Pusparajah and Brooke John Deputies (Boys) Barney O’Hara and Oliver Edmunds

Challoner Isabella Uzoka and Charlie Keeley

Douglass Mayode Ibironke and Joseph Roberts

Pole Honeysuckle Plummer and Joshua Jones Poynter Joseph Burke and Sarah Bonnell

Talbot Joshua Crook and Emma Leith

Garvey’s Trang Bui Ngoc Quynh

Allen Hall Sam Tang

Community Life Prefects

Shyanne Asante-Adjei Focus Religious Life Joseph Yagudaev Focus Co-Curricular Life Gabriel Lo

Faith in Action

The Faith In Action Award is a nationally recognised award run by CYMFED. It can be completed at bronze, silver or gold level and each level takes a year to achieve. The students have times of prayer and reflection throughout the year and complete a scrapbook showing the activities they have taken part in. Activities range from raising money for charity, sleepout for the homeless, picking litter, and running activities such as Fairtrade Fortnight. This year we achieved 5 gold and 7 bronze awards. A truly amazing achievement. https://faithinactionaward.co.uk

Exam success

Our GCSE and A level results were excellent in 2022. We are proud of how our students performed, both academically and as role models to our younger students.

Rhetoricians secured places at top universities including Brunel University London, University of Exeter, Kings College London, and Nottingham University.

A Level results 2022

Grades A* to A 36% Grades A* to B 74% Grades A* to C 88% Overall Pass Rate A* to E 100%

GCSE results 2022 Grade 9 – 8 26% Grade 9 – 7 45% Grade 9 – 6 70% Grade 9 – 5 87% Grade 9 – 4 95%

The Eco School Award

The Eco School Award is an international accreditation that has recognised and rewarded young people’s environmental actions for over 25 years.

Being awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag acknowledges, rewards and celebrates the ecological achievements of students at the College who are actively engaging with environmental issues and demonstrates that a school or college is forward thinking and actively engaged in protecting the planet.

Our Eco Club Period 7 activity has been running for the last 3 years and in that time over 50 students have actively been involved including the Faith in Action Group and the Sustainability Committee working on topics such as Biodiversity, Litter and Global citizenship.

Students have developed skills in Leadership, Activism, Campaigning, Marketing and selfpromotion and climate awareness.

Working with The Woodland Trust we now have upwards of 1400 trees planted on our site and students and staff are encouraged to water them whenever they pass.

A large contributor to the award was switching our whole school prospectus to a smaller, completely recyclable version. St Edmund’s achieved the award with Distinction in October and we are now a Green Flag School, something to be very proud of.

Teach the Teacher (TTT)

OE Jodie Bailey-Ho has always been passionate about climate change and works with Teach the Teacher, a global campaign focused on educating teachers about climate change, climate justice, equipping them with the resources and confidence they need to implement climate education in their classrooms.

70% of teachers don’t feel adequately equipped to teach their students about climate change - it’s time to ignite the climate conversation. TTT have successfully done sessions in 50 schools (including at St Edmund’s College) across 21 countries and counting. All in all, training hundreds of teachers. These workshops are done by students of their own school/university who are trained by TTT staff.

Teach the Teacher Phase 2 is up and running! Sign up via this link: https://lnkd.in/gQMUJ_sG

In Memoriam

We have learned of the deaths of the following Edmundians:

Richard Artesani-Lyons (Talbot 1946-49) died on 16 August 2022 aged 90

Fr Antony Brunning (Allen Hall 1958-64) died on 25 April 2022 aged 81

Michael Budd (St Hugh’s, Junior House & Talbot 1947-54) died on 27 September 2022 aged 85

Fr Vincent Crewe (Allen Hall 1963-69) died on 14 March 2021 aged 90

Canon Philip Cross (Allen Hall 1968-74) died on 3 May 2022 aged 86

Michael Dunne (Junior House, Douglass & Allen Hall 1956-65) died on 26 May 2022 aged 77

Paul Flack (Challoner 1953-57) died on 8 July 2019 aged 90

Peter Gibbons (Junior House & Poynter 1975-82) died on 17 June 2018 aged 54

Bruce Kent (Allen Hall 1952-58) died on 8 June 2022 aged 92

Fr Seamus McGeoghan (Allen Hall 1964-66) died on 10 February 2022 aged 76

William McSweeney (Allen Hall 1960-66) died on 15 March 2022 aged 88

David Peel (St Hugh’s & Talbot 1951-59) died on 7 February 2022 aged 81

John Tudor (Governor 1994-2002) died on 14 January 2022 aged 88

Michael Tuohy (Douglass 1957-64) died on 6 July 2020 aged 75

Fr David Wilson (Allen Hall 1964-70) died on 1 July 2022 aged 83

Charles Carey (1946-55) died on 5th November 2022 aged 85 May they rest in peace.

Newsletter of St Edmund’s College

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As mentioned in the last issue this means that you may have stopped receiving email communication from the College and Prep around the time of 2018.

If you would like to receive regular event invitations, digital newsletters and updates, please visit our website www.stedmundscollegealumni.org or email alumni@stedmundscollege.org

Centenary Dinner

On Saturday18th March 2023 we will be holding our House Centenary Dinner to celebrate 100 years of Talbot, Challoner and Douglass.

The dinner will be held at Hanbury Manor, Ware and will be open to everyone, not just people from the above houses..

Details of how to book tickets will be available soon - don’t forget to put it in your diaries.

Dates for your Diary

Sunday 20th November 2022

St Edmund’s Sunday - All welcome!

Saturday 10th December 2022 Pre-Christmas Rugby Festival

Friday 10th March 2023 College Careers Fair - All welcome!

Saturday 18th March 2023

House Anniversary Dinner & Dance

There will be various other reunions and gatherings throughout the year so please do keep an eye out for emails, the Alumni website and various social media platforms for further information.

All Edmundians are welcome to attend any of these events; it is important to book your place so please contact the Alumni Office for reservations or more details.

Nikki King, Alumni Officer - St Edmund's College, Old Hall Green, Herts SG111DS Telephone: 01920 824283 Email: alumni@stedmundscollege.org

College Production

We are very excited to announce that Legally Blonde will be our next College Production.

The audition process is now complete, the show cast and the young performers are now in the throes of rehearsals.

The show will be performed over 3 days in the Douay Hall (transformed into our very own theatre!) from Monday 27th to Wednesday 29th March 2023. Further information on how to book your tickets will be available in due course.

Avita ProFide

If you have some exciting news you would published in the next edition of Avita Pro Fide, please send details through to:

Alumni Officer

St Edmund's College, Old Hall Green, Herts SG111DS Tel: 01920 824283 alumni@stedmundscollege.org