Avita ProFide
Exhibition Day 2024
A fantastic Day which was filled with exciting activities and events, alumni visits and prize giving.
Captain Neville Stack
A look at the extraordinary life of OE Neville Stack who was a test pilot, air racer and aviation pioneer
London Bus Reunion Drinks
Back in April we welcomed a fantastic mix of OEs at this new event at the old Bank of England on Fleet Street
A message from our Headmaster
I have greatly enjoyed meeting up with Old Edmundians in recent months, in particular over dinner at the Star Tavern and over drinks beside the London bus in the Old Bank of England pub. The latter event was attended by a good fifty or sixty alumni under the age of thirty, and it was tremendous for me to meet new faces as well as many Edmundians from my first five years here. The next event is St Edmund’s Sunday on 17th November, which will be all the more special this year as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Hugh’s, our prep school. Edmundians of all ages have said they will come, so do join us. Further details are available from our Alumni Officer, Megan Roberts, at alumni@stedmundscollege.org
Meanwhile, here at your Alma Mater, life has been as busy and fruitful as ever, as you will see from the pages of this latest edition of Avita Pro Fide. It has also been a year of inspections – like buses, they seem to come in threes! In addition to two glowing inspection reports from the Independent Schools Inspectorate and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, we are also delighted to have been accredited as a High Performance Learning World Class School. These three inspections, all by independent experts, should reassure us that in all that we are doing – spiritually, academically, in sport, in music and the arts and in every other area of life – we are positively thriving.
Who knows what the next academic year has in store? But I, for one, am looking forward to it with great excitement.
Avita Pro Fide.
Matthew Mostyn, HEADMASTER
Hong Kong Trip
Megan Roberts (Marketing and Alumni officer), Matthew Mostyn (Headmaster), and Barbara Tucker (International Registrar) recently travelled to Hong Kong for an admissions event that coincided with a reunion for alumni residing in the region.
We express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who joined us at the Hong Kong Reunion on February 19, 2024. It was a pleasure to host you all for a delightful cocktail reception.
The evening was filled with fond memories, reconnections, and updates on your endeavours since departing from St Edmund's. Witnessing your collective achievements and successes has been truly inspiring. The headmaster, Matthew Mostyn, thoroughly enjoyed meeting each of you and hearing about your experiences and accomplishments.
Recent alumnus offers great insights into degree apprenticeships
Rhetoric students welcomed Josh Demetriou, a recent alumnus who left college last year and is now thriving in a degree apprenticeship with JP Morgan. Josh, studying Applied Finance, is set to earn his degree in 2027.
Josh highlighted the benefits of degree apprenticeships, which combine full-time work with part-time study, allowing him to earn a salary and have his tuition fully funded by JP Morgan. He emphasised the importance of time management and the support systems provided by both the company and the university.
During his visit, Josh mostly helped students with the application process, sharing valuable tips and insights on securing a degree apprenticeship. By the time he graduates, Josh will have several years of industry experience, giving him a competitive edge in the job market. His visit inspired many to consider degree apprenticeships as a viable alternative to traditional university pathways.
Welcome to the latest edition of Avita Pro Fide!
Hello everyone,
I have just finished my first academic year at St Edmund's, and it has been both busy and enjoyable! Working on marketing and alumni relations has been a rewarding experience.
This year, St Edmund's has been vibrant with activity. We wrapped up the year with an exciting Enrichment Week, where students engaged in a variety of activities to build their skills. Our Exhibition Day was a standout event, with many alumni in attendance. This event will now be an annual tradition, held alongside our Prize Giving ceremony, so please mark your calendars for next year.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Hugh's. We have a series of events planned, with the main celebration on St Edmund's Sunday, 17th November. Please save the date for this significant occasion.
Throughout the year, we have welcomed numerous visitors to our beautiful campus and hosted several successful events, including the Hong Kong Reunion and the London Bus reunion drinks.
In this edition, you will find updates on alumni activities, significant events at the college, upcoming events, and more.
Thank you for your continued support. Here's to another fantastic year ahead!
ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE
CAREERS FAIR 2025
Calling all alumni, we need your help!
Our annual Careers Fair will take place at the beginning of 2025, and we're seeking alumni to participate and inspire our students.
Whether you've ventured into tech, finance, healthcare, or any industry, your experiences can guide and motivate the next generation. If you're an alumnus interested in being part of this event, please email alumni@stedmunds.org for more details.
keeping you up-to-date with the latest
OE News
Old Edmundian Patrick Nunn (Poynter and Stapleton 1973-1978) was one of the Sound Supervisors who were responsible for the BBC output of HM King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation.
On the day they were responsible for ALL sound, from the moment they left Buckingham Palace to travel in their horse drawn carriage up Pall Mall to Westminster Abbey, the whole ceremony with music, and the return journey surrounded by all the guards and troops marching and playing alongside, many on horseback.
As well as the quality of all of the sound, keeping all the music in sync as they march past is one of the issues to be addressed.
Patrick (pictured 3rd from the left) was also part of Queen Elizabeth II funeral team who also won a BAFTA, previously.
Old Edmundian Cormac Georgiou (Douglass 2000-2015) went onto university to study biology focusing on toxicology and biochemistry. He can still remember the lessons taught in his science lessons from GCSE right through to Alevel which help him sometimes even today.
He is now a lead research scientist for a pharmaceutical/ agrochemical company which creates a diverse number of things from lipid delivery systems for vaccines/ cancer treatments, siRNA application techniques for fungicide/insecticide application right through to drone adjuvants for pesticide spraying on crops around the world. Cormac says ‘I am always proud to say I was educated at St Edmund’s College and can’t thank all my teachers enough for their hard work’.
John Hannah (Challoner 1965-1970)
I left school at 18 and didn't want to prolong my education by going to university. In 1970 it was much harder to get in so I began my insurance career in the City of London as a Marine Cargo broker at Lloyd's. After a number of years I transferred to account management for complex multi national risks. Many years after that I ended up in a brokerage specialising in housing associations which required a unique set of skills. After 47 years, I retired, just before Covid.
My leisure time has been spent in a sailing environment and I brought up three sons who now have successful lives of their own. However, as I've got older, I've had a change of direction and play golf as it's not so weather dependent.
I also grow vegetables on my allotment of many years. I took up beekeeping for 10 years and sold a lot of honey. I live in South East Essex and I'm happy looking after my grandchildren. I like to reminisce of the years in the latter sixties, the sound of which was filled by the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel and others on record decks brought in by other boys.
Old Edmundian Paul Bartlett (Pole 1997-2004) originally qualified as a Solicitor in 2009 having studied Law at the University of Kent. He then worked at Magic and Silver Circle law firms in London from 2010-16 practising in Banking and Commercial litigation. Thereafter, he changed careers moving into Government working in Strategy, Delivery and Policy roles along with being a Private Secretary to Rory Stewart. In 2021, Paul moved to Ernst and Young as a Management Consultant and currently supports the Government with strategic decision making.
Richard Vass (Stapleton 1973-1983) I am pleased to say that we (Burland Technology Solutions) were awarded our 4th King's Award for International Trade. I attended a reception at Windsor Castle hosted by HM King Charles. I also
recently co celebrated my 60th year and my daughters 21st at a bash for 180 at Priory Farm near Bury St Edmunds. Mike Holland (leaver '82) and his brood all attended.
Vincent Knight (Poynter 1971-1976)
I am a retired teacher now after 44 years in Catholic secondary education teaching Mathematics. I spent 2 years teaching in a English and Drama school in Bari, I met my wife as part of the University classes teaching English, we celebrate 37 years marriage this year. I’m living in Barnes now and luckily in contact with a number of the 1976 leavers
I loved my time at St Edmund’s, and remember a prank where we installed a firkin of Abbot Ale into our Rhetoric Poynter Corridor, removing wooden slats and having beer on tap for a week. The corridor had a distinct odour of beer for a while, and we in Poynter were extremely popular!
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
Remembering Paul Dewar
Halfway around the world, in a cemetery plot for American sailors, sit two graves unlike the others. The white marble headstones belong to two Royal Navy sailors who were buried there in 1952. One of them was an Old Edmundian named Paul Dewar.
Paul Lile Rosinus Dewar was born on 4 November 1931 and came to St Edmund’s from Cardinal Vaughan School in September 1944, aged 12, and was placed in Talbot house.
He achieved a high academic standard, played Rugby in the 1st XV, and was in the CCF. As a pianist he showed considerable promise, and was remembered for his concert performances.
He left in July 1948 to begin his studies as an electrical engineer. After completing his period of National Service in the Royal Navy, he again took up engineering, but at the beginning of 1952 he decided to make the Navy his career and joined the Fleet Air Arm as an aviation cadet. He undertook his initial training on HMS Implacable, and then went to Pensacola in Florida, USA, to be taught how to fly.
NAS Pensacola was a significant military flying school where aspiring aviators from the NATO countries were trained. Some six thousand aviators were produced there between 1950 and 1953 alone.
Midshipman Paul Dewar was part of a consignment of thirty young sailors who travelled across the Atlantic to attend this United Nations training programme in
2023-2024 Edmundian Association Committee
President Michael Mason
President Emeritus and Archivist
David Kay
Treasurer Peter Antram
Alumni Officer Megan Roberts
College Liaison Officer
Emma-Louise Harvey
Representative Henryk Klocek
Representative Kishan Patel
Representative Fionnuala Marshall
Headmaster Matthew Mostyn
Prep Headmaster
Steven Cartwright
We would welcome more representatives, so if you are interested in joining the committee please email alumni@stedmundscollege.org
the USA. The idea for a UN combined training programme came about following heavy losses among naval air squadrons at the start of the Korean War in the early 1950s.
He and a fellow sailor, Sub-Lieutenant Donald Smith, tragically died in a motorcycle accident on 1 November 1952 at Navy Air Station Milton Field, outside Pensacola. He was just 20 years old.
With transatlantic flights in their infancy, it was decided to bury the pair in Key West rather than to repatriate them. He was buried with full military honours at the Maine Winslow Military Cemetery.
Now we go fast forward by sixty years to 2012. A man who once served with the two sailors, Sub-Lieutenant Michael Inkpen, was by now the father-in-law of the chief stoker of HMS Lancaster, Neil Halsey. The ship was being deployed for six months in the Caribbean and north Atlantic to stand by in readiness for the hurricane season. When he heard that the ship was visiting Key West, he asked Neil to seek out and tend to the graves of his fallen colleagues. Nine crew members from HMS Lancaster took part in the visit to the graves, laid flowers and took part in a small remembrance ceremony.
Paul Dewar is also commemorated on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
If you are ever passing through Key West in Florida, please do try to visit the grave of Paul Dewar OE.
Introducing our new Marketing Manager
Well hello Old Edmundians! I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting a few of you at the recent AGM in London, a very pleasant evening spent in a lovely location, with lovely company!
Having joined St Ed’s in May, I’m definitely getting an introduction into the school and school life at its best – the peaceful, calm, cool buildings during May half term, the energy filled, frenetic pace of end of school year, and the slightly more fun-filled exuberance of the summer clubs who have joined us over the summer break.
With a varied background in print, school product catalogues and generalist marketing, but being new to education, I’m enjoying the new environment, learning about academic structure and meeting a lot of new people both in and around the school, along with our outside contacts. It has been a very large learning curve in the last three months for sure!
We’re very busy planning the next academic years’ events and activities both in school and for our Alumni – so if you have any comments or suggestions now is a great time to get in touch! Megan and myself would love to hear from you, and we’re always on the look-out for new topics, stories and activities to engage with Old Edmundians.
I look forward to meeting many of you at future events, please do feel free to say hi if we haven’t been introduced.
How can you help?
Sustaining the enriching environment and providing such an excellent standard of education as we do at St Edmund's College & Prep School is a huge financial commitment which fee income alone cannot cover.
Charitable donations from like-minded people who understand our vision provide vital funds to allow us to offer, among other things, stimulating education to talented pupils through our bursary fund. You can make a difference with a one-off or regular donation. For more information please contact our Marketing and Alumni Officer, Megan Roberts, mroberts@stedmundscollege.org
Calling all Old Edmundians!
We’d love to hear from you about your educational and career journeys, cherished memories from your time at St Edmund’s College, and the stories of your reunions with fellow alumni. Email us on alumni@stedmundscollege.org or send us a message on social media to share your experiences and inspire others. Your stories hold a special place in our legacy.
If you’re in touch with any Alumni who aren’t on social media, please spread the word so we can connect and hear their stories. In addition to this please get them to sign up to our alumni website to stay in the loop with everything St Edmund’s.
In 1963, Fr Peter Bourne, a Physics teacher at the College, led a select group of boys in making a film about St Edmund’s. It is now available to view online, having previously been for sale on DVD.
It is named Carry on St Edmund’s after the Carry On series, a long-running collection of lowbudget British comedy films most popular in the 1960s. The scenes are marvellously redolent of that era. It is a gem and essential viewing not just for those who were at the school in the 1950s and 1960s, but anyone interested in seeing life at the College at that time.
The film lasts 49 minutes and chronicles the summer term of 1963 starting with the departure of the Standon Flyer from Liverpool Street Station on the first day of May. There is cricket, a lot of time spent on athletics and swimming sports (organised by the Garvey brothers with clipboards). The CCF and the Prep School also get good coverage.
We see Fr Bertie Westbrook, the former Housemaster of Challoner, who had a glass eye, bustling in the Tuck Shop. The wash block by the swimming pool, which is now the girls’ changing rooms, looks particularly spartan. The Headmaster, Fr Denis Britt-Compton, and boys mess around with a boat on the Bath Pond, and the President, Mgr Reginald Butcher, presents the prizes.
There is a musical accompaniment and a voice commentary that was originally on a separate tape and the two do not always synchronise perfectly, but that is the way it was at the time.
The film can be viewed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/_A-T85PP95k!
Summer visit to share fond memories of the College
Kishan Patel (Poynter 2009-2016) recently visited over the summer holiday to show the College to a long time university friend who was visiting from Germany.
The tour comprised of the Museum, Chapel and class rooms which allowed Kishan to reminisce and share his fond memories of the College. It was also an opportunity for his friend to see what independent schools look like here in England as they are not common in Germany.
Since leaving the College, Kishan studied Medicine in Bulgaria and now works at a University Hospital in London. He continues to regularly visit and support the College through the Edmundian Association as a committee member.
London Bus Reunion Drinks...
In April we hosted a new event, the London Bus Reunion Drinks. Held on an evening after work at the Old Bank of England on Fleet Street, this gathering provided a great opportunity for reconnecting and networking.
We were over the moon to see so many young alumni in attendance, alongside a mix of ages that highlighted the diversity of our community. The headmaster also attended and was excited to see some
familiar faces of students who have recently left the College.
Given the success of the London Bus Reunion Drinks, we are excited to plan similar events in the future. We look forward to hosting another enjoyable gathering next year, building on the momentum of this successful evening.
If you have any suggestions for events you would like to attend, please email us at alumni@stedmundscollege.org.
We welcome your input!
Exhibition Day
Exhibition Day on June 22nd was filled with exciting activities and events. The day began with Prizegiving in Butler Hall, followed by a drinks reception for the prize winners and their families.
Despite some early concerns about rain during the morning's Prizegiving, the skies cleared by the afternoon, and the day turned out beautifully. In the afternoon, the atmosphere was fantastic with funfair rides, an ice cream van, food trucks, inflatable football, and various other attractions.
Attendees varied in age from our nursery students up to our alumni and students grandparents. There were live music performances, including some songs from the Made in Dagenham Production. A highlight of the day was the staff versus students cricket match, where the students claimed victory. It was lovely to see some alumni on the day, and we hope to see you all at Exhibition Day next year!
Welcome back!
During our recent Exhibition Day, we were pleased to welcome back alumni from the class of 1976. Vincent Knight, Christopher Collins, Nick Vincent, Nick Nesbitt-Larkin, Peter Hanlon, John Kearney, and Michael Shevlane returned to St Edmund’s after completing their O levels 50 years ago.
In an email following their visit, Vincent Knight expressed gratitude: "Thank you for showing our group around the College today. We had a marvellous tour and it was wonderful to see how St Edmund’s has grown in so many ways." The alumni appreciated the positive atmosphere and enjoyed their conversation with the Head of Human Resources.
Their visit included a tour of the grounds, a look inside the chapel, and a chance to watch a staff vs. student cricket match. Reflecting on their time at St Edmund’s, the alumni remembered the first cohort of girls arriving in 1975 and noted their courage. "They should be recognised here as being extremely brave," they remarked.
The visit also allowed them to see how St Edmund’s continues to shape character and impact young people’s lives. "It was lovely to see how St Edmund’s moulds character and continues to have a huge impact on young people’s lives," Vincent Knight shared.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Vincent Knight, Christopher Collins, Nick Vincent, Nick Nesbitt-Larkin, Peter Hanlon, John Kearney, and Michael Shevlane for returning and sharing their experiences with us. Their presence and reflections during Exhibition Day highlighted the enduring spirit and community bond at St Edmund’s.
Congratulations to Benjamin Thomas and George Keogh who were awarded the Edmundian Association Award during Prize Giving on Exhibition Day. See them both pictured with the chairman of the Edmundian Association, Michael Mason.
Captain Neville Stack - Air pioneer
Captain Neville Stack was a test pilot, air racer and aviation pioneer. He served in both the First and Second World Wars and in all three services. His son, also called Neville, became an Air Chief-Marshal in the Royal Air Force.
Thomas Neville Stack was born on 1 April 1896 and was a student at St Edmund’s between 1908 and 1911, leaving at the age of 15. There are a few minor references to his participation in athletics and cricket in The Edmundian magazine. Otherwise he left little impression, in contrast to what he was to achieve in later years. There is nothing held on record to suggest why he was sent to study at the College.
The school magazines in 1915 and 1916 mention that he was a Corporal in the motor cyclist section of the 8th Signal Company, Royal Engineers.
Neville Stack left the Army to join the Royal Flying Corps in 1917, and at the end of the war he became a flying instructor. In 1921 he re-joined the Royal Air Force and served in Iraq, leaving in 1925 to become chief flying instructor with the Lancashire Aero Club.
On 15 November 1926
Stack left England in an attempt to reach India in a De Havilland DH60, he was accompanied by Bernard Leete in another Moth, and they reached India on 8 January 1927. On 3 June 1927, Stack and Leete were each awarded the Air Force Cross, Air Ministry. The citation read:
The King had been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Air Force Cross to Mr. Thomas Neville Stack (Flying Officer, Reserve of Air Force Officers), in recognition of the distinguished service
rendered to aviation by his recent flight in a light aeroplane from London to Delhi.
After becoming internationally famous in 1927, he was invited to Speech Day the following year, and arrived with his wife by plane, landing on the playing fields! This is depicted in a rather grainy photograph.
The Edmundian magazine describes Stack’s visit that day:
Captain Stack came, and gyrated, and did all sorts of delightful things on Speech Day. Here we may perhaps be allowed to tell how, on the day before, he came along on a sort of trial trip, and excited the boys beyond measure by doing all the known and several unknown stunts, and by being revealed later as really Captain Stack. The boys were unanimous in declaring it "frightfully sporting" of him to come and give them this show, just for themselves.
Captain Stack had spent April and May of that year on a 4,000-mile trip around the Mediterranean. In July, he took part in the King’s Cup air race, finishing eleventh. In October, he claimed a world record after flying from Croydon to Berlin in under five hours.
The latter two feats were accomplished in a De Havilland DH60X ‘Cirrus’ Moth (so named because of the Cirrus engine with which it was fitted). That plane - registration mark G-EBUF - is the one in which he flew to the College. It was supplied to Stack by ADC Aircraft Limited, which manufactured the Cirrus engine, and for whom Stack was now chief test pilot. The company’s ‘ADC’ logo is visible inside a dark oval on the fuselage.
His sons Thomas Neville Stack (junior) and Anthony Lyster Neville Stack also attended St Edmund’s in the early 1930s.
In the 1940s, he was chief test pilot at Austin Motors, where he flew new aircraft straight from the production lines. He later joined the Fleet Air Arm and commanded 742 Naval Air Squadron in Southern India.
Stack was a manager at Orient Airways when he died near Karachi, Pakistan, on 22 February 1949. Newspapers reported that he was killed when he was run over by a lorry. The police alleged he threw himself under the vehicle. The inquest requested by his sons, who flew to Pakistan after the local authorities alleged their father had committed suicide, concluded that he had suffered a heart attack. He was just 53 years old.
News from the College Romero Award
College Production of Made in Dagenham
In March the Douay Hall was once again transformed into a theatre for the College production of Made in Dagenham, which ran over four nights leading up to Easter.
This full-scale production captivated audiences with its poignant narrative and outstanding performances by our talented students.
The cast of 46 students brought to life the inspiring story of the 1968 Ford sewing machinists' strike in Dagenham, showcasing the resilience and determination of the women who fought for equal pay and recognition. Through powerful storytelling and dynamic musical numbers, our students and behind-the-scenes team beautifully brought this important chapter of history to the stage.
Mr Tom Veasey, our former Head of Musical Theatre, shared, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to our production of Made in Dagenham. It has been a tremendous journey bringing this story to the stage, and we are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication our students have shown throughout the process. Well done to everyone involved.”
The Romero Award recognises the application of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in the college. A couple of years ago we achieved the award at Participator Level, this year we have been awarded “Developer Level”.
In order to achieve the award we had to submit evidence showing how CST informed College polices, the curriculum and also show practical application. After we submitted our application there was a validation visit during which staff and students were interviewed. The assessor was very complimentary and urged us to keep up our hard work. Our certificate is now proudly displayed in the college.
Colour Run
A vibrant splash of colour filled the grounds of the College in June, as students participated in our annual charity Colour Run in support of Cancer Research UK.
As students navigated an obstacle course through our historic school grounds, they were joyfully covered in clouds of coloured powder from head to toe. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by everyone made for an unforgettable experience, with students’ white t-shirts transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours by the finish line.
This lively event is a cherished part of our ongoing charity efforts, and proceeds from the Colour Run will contribute to the impressive total raised so far.
The Star Tavern annual dinner...
On Thursday 6th June, we hosted our annual dinner at The Star Tavern in Belgravia. It was a delightful gathering where we welcomed both seasoned alumni who attend every year and some new faces, including the new Director of External Relations and Marketing Manager.
The evening was filled with warmth and laughter as everyone enjoyed catching up with old acquaintances, some of whom they hadn’t seen or spoken to in years.
The festivities began with a toast of prosecco, setting a cheerful tone for the evening. We then settled down to savour a fantastic three-course meal together.
As tradition holds, we will continue to gather at The Star Tavern in Belgravia for as long as the Old Edmundians cherish these annual reunions. We look forward to seeing many of you again next year!
Remote working, quite literally!
It was early 2018 that OE Fernando Latorre finally decided to do what he had been doing for the past 10 years, but on the move; keep working as a translator while he travelled the world.
He moved out from his 50 sqm rental flat in Barcelona, dropped his stuff at his parents’ house and chased his dream. He decided it was best to pack light, as he could buy anything he needed in most of the countries he was planning to visit. So, he took his laptop, some all-weather clothes, a few toiletries and his passport. After some weeks of planning, Fernando took a plane to the furthest corner of the globe he could get to, Auckland, New Zealand, since he departed from Valencia, Spain.
Fernando explains, “What was originally planned as a “couple-of-months” trip, became a full-year experience. I visited over 15 countries, learned to appreciate different cultures, food and languages, met strangers who are now friends and even found love!”
Fernando says anyone planning to travel and work remotely should:
• Make sure you have a reliable laptop with a good battery.
• Buy a local SIM card, so that you are able to share the connection with your laptop.
• When working in different time zones, make sure you have your Out Of Office reply on.
• Make weekly hard/cloud copies of your files, this includes all your photos from the trip.
• Improvisation is the key to happiness: be flexible and don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone.
In Memoriam
We have learned of the deaths of the following Edmundians:
Bernard Ayers (Challoner 1953-58) died on 28 March 2023 aged 84
Stanley Balanda (Talbot 1942-45) died on 16 November 2022 aged 94
David Crawcour (St Hugh’s 1939-41) died on 14 August 2023 aged 95
James Davies (Junior House & Talbot 1980-87)
died on 6 February 2024 aged 55
Oliver Elphick (Academic Staff 1954-59) died on 26 April 2024 aged 94
Professor James Fitzsimons (Talbot 1941-46)
died on 27 December 2023 aged 95
Dr Stanley Godwin (St Hugh’s, Junior House & Talbot 1944-52) died on 16 September 2022 aged 87
Joseph Griffiths (Junior House & Challoner 1949-55) died on 8 February 2023 aged 84
Margaret Hollington-Sawyer (née McMillan) (Music Staff 1974-78) died on 13 March 2024 aged 80
Patrick Knight (St Hugh’s & Talbot 1949-55) died on 16 November 2023 aged 84
Eric New (St Hugh’s 1936-40) died on 2 October 2022 aged 94
Ann Purcell (Infirmary Sister 1973-80) died on 9 June 2022 aged 79
Martin Ratcliff (Junior House & Griffiths 1970-73)
died on 23 February 2024 aged 65
Fr Cedric Stanley (St Hugh’s, Junior House, Talbot & Allen Hall 1942-60) died on 26 June 2024 aged 88
Fr John Taylor (Allen Hall 1962-68) died on 20 February 2024 aged 94
Graham Wilding (Allen Hall 1948-52) died on 19 March 2023 aged 93
Fr David Williamson (Allen Hall 1969-74) died on 17 April 2024 aged 78
Bill Wright (St Hugh’s & Talbot 1943-51) died on 3 February 2024 aged 89 May they rest in peace.
Celebrate150 Years ofSt Hugh’s A Special Invitation
As we approach the 150th anniversary of the founding of St Hugh’s, we are thrilled to announce a series of special events to commemorate this milestone. This year, the Feast of St Hugh of Lincoln, traditionally celebrated on November 17th, aligns perfectly with St Edmund’s Day Mass, offering a unique opportunity to honour our shared heritage.
Current Headmaster Steven Cartwright invites all alumni and friends of St Hugh’s (now St Edmund’s Prep School) to join in the celebrations. Under Mr Cartwright’s leadership over the past 15 years, the school has grown and evolved, now serving around 180 co-educational children from ages 3 to 11, with many going on to St Edmund’s College. The school continues to thrive as a nurturing environment, with a strong emphasis on academic, artistic, and spiritual development.
Anniversary Events
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Old Hugonian Dinner
Join us for a special dinner at St Edmund’s College. Details will be confirmed based on interest.
Sunday, November 17, 2024
9.30-10.15am Private Prayer, St Hugh’s Chapel, St Edmund’s Prep 11.00am Feast Day Mass, St Edmund’s College Chapel 12.30pm Feast Day Lunch, St Edmund’s College
Friday, December 6th, 2024
Dates for your Diary
We would love for you to join us at our upcoming alumni events –with a variety of options and different dates to choose from, it presents a wonderful opportunity for you to reconnect with everyone and reminisce.
Save the date!
Sunday 17th November 2024
St Edmund’s Sunday - All welcome!
This year’s event is being held on Sunday 17 November 2024, which is the Feast Day of St Hugh, patron saint of the Prep School. Coincidentally this will also be the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Prep.
We expect that a larger number of OEs than normal will want to visit to mark the occasion, so ensure you book your place early.
Date to be confirmed in March 2025 College Careers Fair - All welcome!
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.
The day will include a lunch with the Headmaster, House Captains, and selected students, as well as a Service of Readings and Carols in the College Chapel. Throughout the weekend, we will also offer private tours of St Hugh’s (by request) and St Edmund’s Prep School. To register your interest please scan the QR code to fill out a form:
Looking Ahead
We are also planning a cricket match between staff and students in the summer term of 2025 and exploring ways to collect and share memories from alumni. If you’re interested in contributing to these reflections or wish to participate in any events, please let us know.
To RSVP, please complete the online form by September 2, 2024. For individual tours or any queries, contact Mrs. Kerry Pugsley at kpugsley@stedmundscollege.org
We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with you and cherishing the rich history of St Hugh’s and St Edmund’s together.
All Edmundians are welcome to attend any of these events. For more information or to book your place at any of our upcoming alumni events, simply scan the QR code and it will take you to the alumni events page. Alternatively, login to the alumni portal and look at the events section or email alumni@stedmundscollege.org
Follow us on Social Media
Keep up to date with all the latest news and information from the College and Prep as well as details of any events, by following our social media channels.
Facebook: @StEdmundsCollegeandPrep & @stedmundscollegealumni
Instagram: @StEdmundsCollegeandPrep & @alumnistedmunds
X: @StEdmundsWare, @StEdmundsPrep & @Alumniedmunds
LinkedIn: Alumni Officer
If you have some exciting news you would like 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