Cross Keys 2023

CrossKeys

FOR ALL OLD PETERITES

Paddy Stephen

Celebrating 40 years! Page 28

Page 14

Participate in our Art Competition Page 34

Summer 2023

Five minutes with Dom Shread Page 38

JEREMY WALKER

As we look forward to our 1400th anniversary in 2027, we are already in the planning phase of how to mark such a significant event in the long history of our school.

This important date is an excellent prompt for re-establishing and re-affirming the nature and purpose of the school, building on our heritage and looking with confidence to the future. This has given shape to the school’s strategic plan. As with any reasonably large and complex organisation, the detailed version becomes quite granular, but it can be summarised as falling into two areas: Educational Excellence and Future Affordability.

Under Educational Excellence, we are looking closely at the flow of education from the youngest children in the Nursery to those in the Upper Sixth and we are exploring practical ways in which pupils and colleagues can have a greater sense of overlap and discovery between the three sections of the school. There is much to celebrate but also the imperative to be the best we can in preparing pupils for happy and successful lives in a world which keeps on changing, while also ensuring they have lots of fun and many opportunities while at school.

Community Engagement and Partnership is one of our strategic goals and brings us greater diversity of experience. More information is included on this work later in the report. Being outward looking is something of a theme across school with field trips and expeditions to places as diverse as Borneo, Whitby and the Palace of Westminster and visits received from an array of guest speakers across subject areas.

Further engagement in the world beyond York was seen in the donation of key items for refugees from Ukraine, and the incredible generosity of parents donating over £12,000 to purchase three minibuses to transport the goods to Poland and then to remain, driving refugees out of Ukraine and into safety. I am glad also that we have been able to provide financial support to enable Ukrainian pupils to join St Peter’s.

As a school, we choose to live our lives in community, looking outwards and embracing difference. This makes pupils’ lives fun and full of interest and more importantly a rich and rounded experience which provides holistic development of their potential. A fundamental answer is that it sets up our pupils to make the most of all that lies ahead in life and to make a positive difference to their world.

We continue with our aim to equip the next generation with the skills and, crucially, values that will enable them to thrive and to show leadership in the years ahead. Skills such as those identified by the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report as being the most highly prized, regardless of which jobs they might do, including complex problemsolving, analytical thinking, creativity, social influence, emotional intelligence, resilience and an orientation towards service. Alongside these we focus on developing mindfulness, gratitude and kindness.

The second strand of our strategy addresses Future Affordability. Alongside a focus on cost control, we are looking to further increase our revenue away from school fees through areas such as expanding our external lettings programme. We are also in dialogue on various options for exporting our education overseas, whether that be in setting up schools or providing consultancy and considering other commercial ventures.

All of this is going to be crucial as we seek to mitigate against fee increases while having appropriate remuneration for colleagues and giving pupils access to the best possible facilities and opportunities.

A final area, and one that is very close to my heart, is fundraising to increase the number of pupils attending St Peter’s with financial assistance. Maintaining a wide demographic of families and pupils is of huge importance to St Peter’s and has been part of our core identity in this great city and region for centuries past. Rising school fees has challenged this and will continue to do so without a laser-eyed focus on affordability and access. We know from impact studies that pupils who attend St Peter’s on bursaries not only benefit a great deal but, as we select pupils with talent, spark and creativity, also contribute enormously to the life and success of the school.

None of this can be achieved without the contribution of everyone who makes up the St Peter’s family and sincere thanks go to the Old Peterite community for their support of the school.

Jeremy Walker Head Master of St Peter’s School

As a school, we choose to live our lives in community, looking outwards and embracing difference. This makes pupils’ lives fun and full of interest and more importantly a rich and rounded experience which provides holistic development of their potential.

In This Issue

The Alumni and Development Team

This year has been an exciting time for the Development and Alumni Office - You can find the Alumni and Development Office in the old school shop at the back of the Pavilion.

We are now well established in the centre of school and have a great viewpoint of Queen’s from our lovely window. It’s always wonderful to hear from OPs and recall trips to the tuck shop or to buy uniform!

As the newly appointed Head of Development and Alumni Relations, I am delighted to introduce our new colleagues who have recently joined the Department.

Rachel Whittaker joined the team in July 2022 and has already embraced the Old Peterite community and the organisation and delivery of our events programme during her time here. Rachel will be your point of contact for all our Old Peterite events, including reunions and tours of the school.

We have also welcomed Becky Nicholson as Development and Alumni Manager, Becky joined the team in April 2023. Becky will oversee our 627 Society, for donors who support the school on a regular basis and will also be a point of contact for people who have or are considering leaving a gift in their will to the school. Becky will also be working closely with the Old Peterite Club Committee and leading the Old Peterite Mentoring programme.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you all, as ever, for your continued support of the school and the Old Peterite Club. To everyone who volunteers to help with organising events or reunions, donates raffle prizes, gives gifts to support pupil experiences and bursaries, supports the OP Club Committee or takes the time to support our Mentoring programme, or complete our survey - thank you.

It has been a busy year as ever and it is wonderful to be part of this thriving community. We look forward to speaking with you and hopefully welcoming you back to school soon!

Update from St Peter’s 2-8

Over the past year there has been a tremendous amount of activity across all areas of St Peter’s 2-8. At the end of August we became aware that St Peter’s had been shortlisted for a Talk Education Award for Innovation in Education 2022. The categories were ‘Thinking Beyond the Curriculum’. How do schools inspire pupils to think beyond the core, and challenge themselves to take their interest in a subject further? We were honoured to have been shortlisted which resulted from a visit that took place in June.

During the school year we ran six weeks of holiday activity provision for 2-11 year olds. There has been increasingly high demand from parents to offer this service in the holidays to support childcare needs. Last academic year our school charity was the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund based at the Leeds General Infirmary. The school community raised £7,000 through fundraising activities at school and events initiated by the Friends of St Peter’s 2-8. This year our school charity is Zarach. The charities aim is ‘Every Bed a Head’, to address bed poverty through supporting families and raising the profile of this issue.

The School Leadership Team view the extension of our current nursery provision to cover a 50-week period as a key priority. Yearround childcare will offer a much-needed service to our parents, who currently have to seek out alternative providers for daycare during the school holidays. From January this year the nursery began to operate 50 weeks a year. It will close on bank holidays and for a week in the summer and a further week at Christmas.

In September 2022 we have the largest cohort in the schools’ history. The success is undoubtedly down to the strong reputation St Peter’s holds nationally, compounded by the inspiring teaching and learning delivered by our excellent teachers. Our success achieving not only the Pre-prep school of the year but also the Independent School of the Year at 2-8 further cemented interest from families wishing to join the school.

Philip Hardy - Head of 2-8

2-8 pupils celebrating Holi, the Festival of Colour

Eco-Club had lots of fun pulling up vegetables and picking pumpkins this harvest

The 2-8 council discuss their ideas on how we can help the environment

2-8 Pupils share in a beautiful Christingle service in York Minster

Year 3 pupils visit the Life Centre

Years 1,2 and 3 entertained with their performance of ‘Aladdin’

Philip Hardy

The twelve months since the last edition of the Cross Keys Magazine has seen a flurry of activity across the broad range the children are engaged with. Our swimmers won 18 medals in the inaugural World Schools Swimming Championships at the Olympic pool in London, following on from two national champion wins earlier in the term. There was much success with our sports teams in tournaments across all the main sports, however it is the huge number of fixtures played at all levels which is most pleasing. Last summer term saw the lifting of all remaining COVID restrictions and so our J5s were able to go on their residential as planned, and every other year group had a fun day offsite at places such as Lightwater Valley and the Yorkshire Water Park. We have also resumed the ski trip and rugby tour to Italy and netball tour to Barcelona.

Update from St Peter’s 8-13

This academic year saw the York Minster choristers singing in a special service to welcome the new Dean, followed by singing for the King and Queen when they came to York in November and again for the Maundy Thursday service in April. They headed off to the Netherlands on tour in the May Half Term. We held a special Eucharist service in York Minster for all pupils and staff from age 8 upwards – a wonderful addition to our school calendar. Our J3s produced an amazing ‘Aladdin the Musical’ and the J5s performed at the Leeds Carriageworks in the Shakespeare Schools Festival.

It was a lovely surprise to open ‘The Week’ magazine and see that we were chosen as “Great City Prep” school in their Independent Schools Guide. Music continues to go from strength to strength, with increased numbers of children learning an instrument and playing in ensembles. We even had 147 pupils playing in a ‘Baroque and Roll’ concert for parents. Walking around the school, the variety and quality of art which is displayed everywhere is truly remarkable.

A big focus for us this year has been making the most of the amazing opportunity of educating children from Nursery through to the Upper Sixth, ensuring that each transition point is as smooth as possible and that we build on what has gone on before whilst preparing them for the next stage, with the ultimate goal of producing amazing adults who have had fun at school.

We welcome applications throughout the year. For advice on all aspects of the Admission and Bursary process, or to arrange a visit please contactMrs Gillian Bland on 01904 527305, or by email at admissions@stpetersyork.org.uk

Andy Falconer - Head of 8-13

Head Boy and Head Girl

2022-2023

This year has been both a return to the St Peter’s of old, and a year of change and progression as a school and we are proud of all the school has achieved during our time as Heads of School (2022-2023).

Sport has returned to absolute normality this year with a full schedule for the first time since Covid, and we can proudly say that as a school we have embraced this with excitement and effort. Pupils have dived back into the exciting co-curricular opportunities available, thanks to the work of Mr Williams and Mrs Barnard, who are sadly leaving us at the end of the year. We have had good results all round, notably the Under 14 Girl’s hockey finishing eighth in the national hockey finals, and the squash 1st team, which is mixed for the first time, also reaching the national finals, being played later in the year. Since the newly-built boat house arrived, along with the new Head of Rowing, Mr Gunn, rowing has stepped up a level, with St Peter’s taking the highly coveted title of ‘Fastest Boat of the Day’ at a recent Yorkshire Head. It can’t be overstated how encouraging it is to see, on games afternoons, pupils enjoying sports, but more importantly having fun with their friends.

Much like with sport, life in the Music Department has been thriving this year. The Whole Foundation Concert was held in the York Barbican for the first time, which allowed us to showcase our efforts on a much larger scale. Highlights included Barbieshop and Barbershop from 13-18 and improvisations from the 8-13 Mini Jazz Band. The performance that will stay long in everyone’s memories, however, was a joint rendition of ‘Tequila’ by The Champs from the Swing Band, Mini Jazz Band and 2-8 (although audience participation was also highly encouraged!). The Chapel Choir are also looking forward to performing in Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, having already had a highly enjoyable trip to Lincoln Cathedral earlier this year. The Drama Department has also seen similar successes with the school’s production of Wendy & Peter Pan this year, which thanks to some technical wizardry from Ms Burns, saw students flying around the stage.

As always, the school has continued the outstanding range of House competitions, driving House rivalries and a fun competitive spirit. Unfortunately for most, House cross country did go ahead this year, with Temple taking the overall win. The fan favourite of House Singing made its long-awaited return, with Hope taking the victory, but special mention to Manor for not being disqualified this time. New House events included House rowing and volleyball, which both added to the House’s competitive spirit and are sure to be good additions for the future. Other competitions included House debating which, as always, brings together a wide range of people and allows for current topics to be discussed with a competitive element to add excitement!

Charity fundraising has gone from strength to strength this year: we managed to raise £5,105 for ‘Movember’, with many of the Sixth Formers taking part (not that any of us could tell!), and after a positive home clothes day raising money for aid in Turkey, all eyes now turn to Red Nose Day…

One change in the Sixth Form this year is the uniform policy; long hair and jewellery for all is now allowed, although our campaign to allow the infamous ‘schoffel’ continues. We also have increased leadership roles in the Upper Sixth and look forward to next term when 51 trained Sixth Formers will begin their work helping and mentoring the Third Form.

We leave excited to see what the future holds and with fond and happy memories of our time at St Peter’s.

In 2019, the school embarked on an ambitious strategy to promote positive mental health and wellbeing alongside supporting pupils who were struggling. We were one of the first independent schools to implement a whole school approach to tackle mental health issues.

The mental health and wellbeing approach was formulated in response to an increase in mental health concerns which mirrored the national picture. Then, unexpectedly the Covid 19 pandemic came along which accelerated the volume and complexity of need with lockdowns having a significant impact on pupil mental health and wellbeing as evidenced when pupils returned to face-to-face school.

The whole-school approach was designed to be inclusive and engage all members of our school community in fostering positive mental health and wellbeing. One crucial aspect of this was reviewing and improving how we teach pupils about mental health and wellbeing, ensuring stigma is removed and our pupils feel empowered to know how to manage their own mental health successfully and how to seek support if they need it. This teaching programme that begins with our very youngest pupils to our oldest is the foundation of building a school community of mentally healthy and resilient pupils who can thrive during their time with us at St Peter’s and beyond into their adult lives.

A further key development has been the launch of The Wellbeing Hub at 13-18 which opened its doors in September 2022. It provides a calm and comfortable space that houses the school Mental Health Team, comprising a mental health nurse and two counsellors. They deliver one-to-one sessions for pupils referred for support and have had considerable success in supporting recovery and enabling some of our most vulnerable pupils to reengage in school life. The Hub also

A Year of Wellbeing

2022-2023

offers a drop-in listening service for any pupil who needs a moment of calm or a listening ear, which in a busy and bustling school is of great value and is additionally a source of advice and signposting for both pupils and staff. There are two further wellbeing spaces, The Wellbeing Treehouse at 2-8 and The Wellbeing Room at 8-13 which are used by staff to support pupils and carry out a variety of therapies including sand, drawing and Lego.

How to support pupils has been a common theme for staff across the school and to date over 60 staff have benefitted from completing ‘Place 2 Be’s’ Mental Health Champion Course which enhances knowledge and confidence as well as arming staff with a range of tools for supporting pupils. The interest and engagement of staff from 2-18 in the mental health strategy is testament to the quality of pastoral care and commitment to the personal development of the pupils.

As with any approach, we know that the voice and views of our pupils must be heard, valued and acted upon, so we set up a pupil mental health group.

Pupils from J3 to Upper Sixth meet twice a term and discuss what we can do to improve and enhance our mental health and wellbeing provision. They have organised events such as Children’s Mental Health Week and most notably produced a mental health and wellbeing survey that pupils from J3 to Upper Sixth completed. They are now using this data to inform future developments and identify any issues or barriers. One of these initiatives, already underway, is a programme of Sixth Form pupil mentors to support the transition for pupils from J5 to the Third Form, which has been suggested and organised by a member of the Lower Sixth.

Antonia Clark, Head of Wellbeing

Head of Wellbeing, Antonia Clark talks with students

Wellbeing Hub reception areas

The 2-8 treehouse wellbeing area

School News

Sixth Form Chemistry Olympiad

Our Sixth Form chemists enjoyed great success in the 2022 RSC Chemistry Olympiad recently, all achieving Bronze and Silvers. We are proud to have such fearless and talented chemists at St Peter’s School.

St Peter’s School raise £12,000 for Ukraine minibuses

At the start of the Ukrainian conflict, St Peter’s School took the decision that all fundraising in Chapel should be given to the Red Cross to assist their work in Ukraine and to local charities taking supplies out to those who have been displaced by the conflict.

Thanks to the support from the whole school community, St Peter’s raised well over £12,000 and purchased three minibuses for Canoe for Ukraine, a York-based charity which has been supporting people on the Polish border and helping those who wish to leave Ukraine.

St Peter’s Scoops 17 swim Golds

St Peter’s Sports Department is proud of its Swim Team who were awarded over 50 medals, including 17 Gold, at the World School Swimming Championships, held at The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.

Wendy and Peter Pan

There were an incredible three performances of ‘Wendy and Peter Pan’. A big congratulations to the Drama department, and the amazing cast and crew on such a fantastic show, enjoyed by audiences and their peers.

In the Net

Our U19s Netballers beat Caterham 40-34 to take the national title. This is a huge achievement and is testament to their relentless hard work and determination over many months - we are so proud of them!

Each Try Counts

The Senior Rugby squad had an outstanding group stage at Rosslyn Park, winning all 4 fixtures, scoring an impressive 148 points without conceding a single try.

Racing Star

One of our Upper Sixth pupils, Freddie, raced in a Ginetta at a one-off event called the Silverstone Classic; a prestigious event with over 100,000 people attending. Freddie’s race was the Silverstone Classic Masters GT4 Challenge - a two-race event over two days in which various famous manufacturers compete such as Porsche, Mercedes, McLaren, Toyota, Aston Martin and Ginetta (Freddie’s car).

Lucy, Excelled in Flight Training

After completing 18 hours of initial flight training, Lucy completed her first solo flight on Tuesday 25 October 2022 – a day that will stay with her for a very long time. This is a massive achievement, especially at the age of 16!

Things worth Celebrating!

Fran Walker

Fran Walker (nee Coleman, Rise 2007) and husband, Gareth, welcomed their son William (Willie) George Walker on 23 November, born at the Borders’ General Hospital at 8:40am weighing 9lbs 1oz. Perhaps Willie will be a future Peterite although there’s competition as his dad went to Glenalmond!

Helen Austin

Helen Austin (Temple 1999) and her husband, Alan, welcomed their daughter, Charlotte, in October 2022 and are enjoying family life in their new home city of Basel, Switzerland.

Chris McTurk

World Medal Holder Gymnast, Sophie

Sophie, is now a world Bronze medal holder after coming third in the Double Mini Trampoline (DMT) World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the end of November. Helen Barnard, Head of Girls’ Sport at St Peter’s said ‘These are consistently outstanding achievements, a testament to Sophie’s dedication and talent. She manages to train and compete, whilst significantly contributing to first team school sport and her academic studies. This level of accomplishment and commitment is excellent.’

St Peter’s is delighted to welcome Old Peterite Chris McTurk (2010) back as the school’s newly appointed Head of Sport. Chris leaves his role at Barnard Castle School and will be joining the Sports Department at St Peter’s for the 20232024 academic year. It is always so encouraging to see how OPs go on to thrive in a miscellany of careers and spheres of life, and even better when we can welcome them back, ready to shape the next generation of pupils here at St Peter’s. We hope you enjoy your new role Chris, see you in September!

Celebrating With You!

Dear Old Peterite, If you are soon to be celebrating a milestone birthday, you can expect to hear from the Alumni Team with our well-wishes. Be sure to update your contact details with us at alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk.

This year we have had the privilege of working alongside St Peter’s Young Enterprise Group ‘Plantling Paper’, who are going from strength to strength with their business idea of plant-able paper goods, to produce a Cross Keys branded card.

Once your card has outstayed its welcome on the mantel piece, don’t throw it away… plant it! Watch as flowers grow from the seeds embedded in the paper. We hope these brighten up your garden this year.

With best wishes always, The Alumni Team.

Fran Walker and Baby William

Helen, Alan and baby Charlotte.

Head of Sport Chris McTurk

Cross Keys Card

OP Past Events The OP Collection – Bursary Fundraiser

This year saw the launch of our new event, The OP Collection. A long time in the dreaming and planning phase, a vision was shared between the Alumni Team and OPs to host the first event of its kind for St Peter’s and our community. The idea was to launch something fun, fresh and feel good and the event certainly delivered!

The afternoon, hosted by Sarah J Thomas (2003) and in collaboration with Fenwicks, sought to bring together Old Peterites and their guests, current parents, staff and local businesses for a celebration of Old Peterite businesses, particularly, on this occasion, those centred around wellbeing, lifestyle and fashion. We saw the Memorial Hall transformed, with the help of school staff, into a fashion runway fit for our ‘real life’ female models, surrounded by an abundance of gorgeous produce from OP and local businesses. Throughout the afternoon the atmosphere resembled that of a busy indie market at times, whilst simultaneously managing to make guests feel as though they were at a wellbeing retreat, café bar and positivityfuelled fashion show all rolled into one!

Over £500 was raised for bursaries from the amazing raffle held on the day, which will allow more pupils to benefit from all that a St Peter’s education has to offer. Guests from across the whole school community enjoyed a stunning 28-outfit fashion show with trends for the coming spring and summer, modelled by some of our wonderful colleagues, who took to the catwalk for the very first time! Guests also enjoyed a variety of stalls for shopping throughout the afternoon, featuring a selection of local and Old Peterite businesses. The event showcased sessions on home décor tips from Old Peterite Charlotte Watson (1999), and a self-care workshop delivered by current parent Sabbi Martin, whilst enjoying delicious cakes supplied by MoodyMare Patisseries (Emma Walker, 2015).

The photos shown were taken by Old Peterite Bridget Torlesse (1992), who joined us to cover the afternoon with her fantastic photography. We look forward to planning the next event soon, thank you to everyone who made this wonderful event possible.

OP - Sarah Thomas OP - Charlotte Watson OP - Sabbi Martin

MoodyMare Patisseries

Nights in London

Visits to our London-based community have been good fun this year, with Old Peterites meeting for both London Drinks and a London Dinner. Held at the Oxford and Cambridge Club last November, The London Dinner was testament to the warm nature of our community. Seeing a range of individuals, different ages, backgrounds and life stages, come together to fill a room with laughter and storytelling, all with the shared experience of St Peter’s and the memories that withstand not only the test of time but are often shared across the generations.

We extend a big thank you to committee members Anthony Dixon (1981) and Ellie Binks (2011) for their fantastic efforts in hosting our London Events.

OP Day 2022

3 September 2022

“Rain Rain, Go Away, Come Again When it’s not OP Day”

On OP Day 2022, the rain did not stop many of you from returning to St Peter’s for the wide range of activities on offer. Kickstarted by the rowing, we hosted Old Peterites and the school community on site for food, children’s entertainment, Netball, Hockey, choir practice, chapel service and school tours. OP Day is the highlight of the calendar - the perfect balance of old school activities and the chance to enjoy what St Peter’s offers pupils today.

Families enjoyed the bouncy castle and children’s entertainment; including juggling workshops and face painting. The bar and food on offer from the school catering team, kept spirits high throughout the day while people cheered on the teams across the various pitches and courts.

OP Past Events continued...

Newcastle Dinner

Postponed to January 2023, our annual Newcastle Dinner was organised by Mike Jobling (1966). Even though Mike was unable to attend this year, he coordinated the event for us in the wonderful venue of Café 21, and we were reliably informed he was joining us in a toast to the Old Peterite Club and the School, albeit from afar. The evening brought together Old Peterites in the North for a fabulously extravagant menu.

61st East Riding Dinner

Organised by David Atkinson (1972) which after many years at The Bell returned to Highfield House. Another well-attended dinner with an update from OP President Harry Gration and a report from the Deputy Head, Maurice Walters.

It was wonderful to witness a very special moment as old friends Henry Ibberson and John Rowbotham were reunited after 60 years! Their table comprised of friends who all played together in the 1st XV Rugby team!

OP Current Parent Breakfast

“We welcomed Old Peterites who are current parents for breakfast after school drop off. There are so many fantastic young families in our OP Community. What better way to reconnect with classmates and make new acquaintances for the first time, than over breakfast rolls and coffee first thing on a Bank Holiday Monday.”

Pictured: Pictured: Henry Ibberson, Michael Anyan, John Rowbotham, Nick Blackford and Linden Richardson – from the Class of 1963 & 1964

OP Day Dinner

After a long day, the dressed tables and warm atmosphere in the Memorial Hall Foyer, were a welcome invitation to Old Peterites who were reuniting with friends, especially those who joined us from the Class of 1972 and 2012. The evening started with a musical performance from recent OP, Rachel Green (2022), and concluded with a captivating talk from our guest speaker, Hannah Storm (1995).

Hannah (1995), spoke powerfully of her career in journalism, travelling the world and finding herself in the heart of many world disasters. Old Peterites were not only engaged, but inspired, as she shared her memories. Hannah has gone on to write about her work and her journey with Mental Health throughout, particularly as a female in the media industry in her book ‘The Thin Line Between Everything and Nothing’.

Events

Coming Soon

July

6 July – David Kirby Cricket Afternoon Tea, St Peter’s School

6 & 7 July – OP Cricket, St Peter’s School

7 July – Commemoration Day

September

1 September – OP Golf Day, Strensall Golf Club

2 September – Class of 1972 reunion, St Peter’s School

2 September – OP Day

23 September – Reunions ending in ‘3’

October

London Drinks - date tbc

November

Newcastle Dinner - date tbc

The Winter Collection - date tbc

December

4 December - Advent Service, St Peter’s Chapel

15 December - Old Peterite

Christmas Lunch

- Nine Lessons and Carols, York Minster

- Mulled Wine for OPs at Eagle and Child

Class of 1972 Reunion

Reunions

Reunion Class of 1992

After 30 years away from St Peter’s the Class of 1992 came out in full force for an evening dinner and dance in October 2022. With a live band and ‘retro school dinner’ on the menu, the room was full of chat and laughter, that extended into the whole weekend as the group met again for drinks at The Exhibition!

With a messaging chat group that built the foundations for friendships to be rekindled, you would never have thought the Class of 1992 had spent any longer than one summer holiday apart, let alone three decades. With our thanks to Olly Gardner and Caroline Murphy for enthusing their year group and making plans with the Alumni Team, we felt privileged to host so many Old Peterites back at the school for such a good evening.

Welcome to the Class of 1992

Grace was written and read by Head Boy, Paul Reavley, for his classmates at the 1992 Reunion.

Welcome to the Class of 1992

From the then many, we have assembled the few It is clear that the friendship and love has not yet jaded, The excitement of youth has not yet faded We give thanks for the years and experiences we share We give thanks for this excellent bill of fare Raise a glass to Old Peterites future, present and past To absent friends, may we meet again at last The privilege is ours to be together again And for that, I will gladly say Amen.’

“A simply outstanding evening with my longest-standing friends. Often, much anticipated events don’t live up to expectations, but for me this one exceeded it. Thank you to the team of organisers and those who made the effort to come; hopefully those who were in the balance or even a little nervous about coming are as delighted as myself that they came. Those who couldn’t make the Reunion, I hope you enjoyed the wonderful pictures that Bridget took and I look forward to seeing you at the next one.” Olly

Gardner

“We thought bringing a year group back together after 30 years would be daunting, but Philippa and Rachel were there every step of the way. The result was an incredible evening allowing us to reminisce as well as create new memories. Given all the positive feedback from the alumni who attended, we are looking to organise another event in the near future. Watch this space!” Rebecca Richardson

Class of 2012

We welcomed the Class of 2012 to school in July 2022 for their 10-year reunion! The evening started with drinks in the Monkey Cage, a tour from Dom Shread - OP, current teacher and reunion organiser! Dinner was served in the Memorial Hall Foyer (a nice change from the traditional school dinners in the dining hall), and finished with a Signature OP Cocktail. We hope this has set the ball rolling for many more reunions to come.

Did you leave St Peter’s in a year that ended in ‘3’?

Conversations are underway with Emma Hargreaves (2013), Sarah Thomas (2003), Alan Hodgin (1993) for a reunion on 23 September 2023. Look out for your invitation to save the date and be in touch if you’d like to help plan for your reunion year. You can contact Rachel Whittaker on 01904 527322 or r.whittaker@stpetersyork.org.uk

Cross Keys

Paul Reavley - Head Boy Class of 1992

Remembering Her Late Majesty

Like many millions of our late Queen’s subjects, I caught myself shedding an unexpected tear as I watched the extraordinary outpouring of national grief unfold on my TV screen during the period of mourning following our Sovereign’s passing on 8 September 2022. This sudden and involuntary reaction was washed over with vividly remembered incidences of the recently departed.

Our Late Queen Remembered

Thoughts from Simon Fenwick (Alcuin 1970, Dronfield 1975)

It was at school that I first met and spoke to the late Queen. York was celebrating the 1,900th anniversary of its founding from the Roman city of Eboracum. The highlight of the year-long jamboree was the visit to the city by the Queen and Prince Philip on Monday, 28 June 1971.

On that day, the York schools mounted on the Knavesmire a pageant for the Royal visitors. St Peter’s, under the direction of the late Peter Gardner, staged a scene from Ben Jonson’s ‘Bartholomew Fair’. I played the part of a cheating costermonger and at the time the Royal Party arrived at our stand I was in the stocks. Prince Philip needed little persuasion to be encouraged to throw ripe tomatoes at me, the first hit me squarely on face, Her Majesty called out ‘Are you alright?’ ‘Yes, Your Majesty’ came the reply and there it was - She had spoken to me and I to Her. A fleeting moment, no doubt an easily forgotten one for Her Majesty, but one that has remained with me ever since.

The next occasion I was to meet her - well not so much meet, but be inspected by her, was seven years later in 1978. I was an Officer Cadet at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and fortunate to be in the intake (SMC 18) selected to receive a new

Sovereign’s Banner from Her Majesty on behalf of the Academy.

The day of the presentation, Friday, 27 October 1978, finally arrived and we travelled by coach up to Wellington Barracks, off Birdcage Walk, London. Once de-bussed we formed up and to the single beat of the big bass drum we marched out of Wellington Barracks along Spur Road round the Queen Victoria Memorial, through the gates of Buckingham Palace and with a final left wheel onto the forecourt, the gravel crunching under the soles of our boots, we came to a halt with our backs to the palace.

Accompanied by the Academy Commandant, Major General Sir Philip Ward, the Queen arrived through the entrance arch from behind, a Royal Salute was given before Her Majesty passed regally along our ranks inspecting us. She then presented her Banner to the chosen bearer, Corporal Cadet Tim Breitmeyer. The Banner was then held aloft by him and proudly trooped past her as we, the Guard of Honour, marched in review order behind it - going nowhere near the dais! - the line as straight as a die. All this was to the delight of the tourists gathered outside the palace railings, who were doubly drawn by the sound of the military band and all the

pomp and swagger we could muster - not to mention the unexpected opportunity to actually see the monarch.

Prince Charles, now King Charles III, took the salute at my commissioning parade held on 9 December 1978 - and yes, I did march up the steps into Old College, that iconoclastic white building with the portico entrance through which the Academy Adjutant rides his white charger at the end of the parade. I was granted a Short Service Commission in the Royal Engineers and served, at the time of the Cold War and the Irish Troubles, in West Germany, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Norway and finally the Ministry of Defence, London. After some of the best years of my life I left the Army in 1986.

Old College, Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst

Any obituaries submitted to us are always available in full on our website: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/obituaries

In Memoriam

Andrew J Hodges 1949- 2022 School, 1967

Colin Frank 1930- 2022 Manor, 1949

Richard R Stansfield 1950- 2022 Grove, 1969

Barrie B Wennington 1933- 2022 Temple, 1949

Philippa S Badger 1979 - 2022 School, 1997

Frederick J Chadwick 1928- 2022 Manor, 1947

Hugh G Brown

John N Ramsden

1927- 2022 School, 1944

1933- 2022 Grove, 1951

Harry J Gration 1950- 2022 Queen’s, 1969

Roger L High 1939- 2022 Alcuin, 1953

Peter Whitaker 1934- 2022 Former Staff

Stuart M Scott 1951- 2022 School, 1969

Nicholas G Pace 1945- 2022 Rise, 1964

Edward Sheriff 1926- 2022 Temple, 1944

Timothy E Giddings 1943- 2022 Queen’s, 1961

David A Lamb

Simon Robinson

1937- 2022 Temple, 1956

1954- 2022 Grove, 1972

Gordon E Grainger 1930- 2022 Rise, 1948

Ian R Fairweather 1940- 2022 Temple, 1958

Timothy C Harris 1947- 2022 Grove, 1965

Anna Kirby

1938- 2022 Former Staff

Brian MacDonald 1927- 2022 School, 1944

John M Dook

1929- 2022 Manor, 1946

Gary F Lee 1963 - 2022 Manor, 1982

Robert E Hudson 1957 - 2022 Rise, 1974

Erik Gamle 1950 - 2022 Queen’s, 1969

W M Howard 1940- 2023 Rise, 1959

George D Gardner 1936- 2023 School, 1954

Tom F Crawford 1950 - 2023 Queen’s, 1969

Maurice Kershaw 1932-2023 Temple, 1951

Shania (Ngo Man) Wong 2000-2023 Dronfield, 2019

David Plummer 1942 - 2023 Temple, 1959

Peter Baker

1931 - 2023 School 1950

Remembering Harry Gration “ 1950 - 2022

We are delighted to share some more memories including those of Old Peterite Mike Naylor who has written of his memories of Harry at school and the work they did together in Mike’s early career:

“I write to you as a former pupil of St Olave’s and St Peter’s until leaving in July 1973. In prep school I remember watching Harry play for the senior school cricket team. He was a very fine, fast bowler who always gave everything. We, as gobby adolescents, used to say “Come on Harry” when he was fielding on the boundary. I think he pointed out to us it was “Gration” not Harry. He was right of course, but everybody knew who he was because of his personality and performances.

All at St Peter’s were devastated to hear of the sudden death of Harry Gration on Friday 24 June 2022.

We were able to share a tribute, which included some of the many memories of Harry, the varied roles he undertook and all he was able to achieve in his lifetime. Those who knew Harry have fond memories of a kind, generous and thoughtful man who was devoted to his family and still found time for everyone he met. It was a great joy and privilege for all at St Peter’s that he maintained a lifelong connection with his school.

Harry was born on 22 October 1950, in Bradford. He joined St Peter’s from Leeds Grammar School in 1965, joining Queen’s House and leaving St Peter’s in 1969. Harry was President of the Old Peterite Club from 2020-2022.

When I moved into St Peter’s, I was - like Harry - in Queen’s House. According to your published dates Harry was there till 1969 - so we overlapped by a year. I must say I can’t remember too much about him then, though I do remember Harry having to point out to several new Juniors how to pronounce his surname - too many called him Gratt -i-on.

As I progressed through the school I played hockey for the school first team, so in my final year, started playing for the Pandas Club and I went on the annual Easter tour to Bridlington, so I played alongside Harry and he was always very encouraging to the younger players, even if things weren’t going too well for us.

Whilst he was a teacher, Harry started reporting on football matches for BBC Radio Leeds - as a freelancer. Mostly he was despatched to report on York City matches. If I didn’t always follow the games when in progress, I faithfully tuned in around 6pm for Harry’s post-match reports. This obviously was well before Radio York went on air. If he wasn’t covering City, he reported on Huddersfield Town, Halifax Town or Bradford City, with the occasional Leeds United game.

It was as a result of his flare and competency as a freelancer, that Harry was invited to join BBC Radio Leeds full time, and so he had to make the difficult decision to give up teaching in 1978. He was a full-time sports reporter/commentator as number two to the then sports editor David Campbell.

In August 1980, I started working as a freelancer for Radio Leeds, and my first few assignments were to drive the radio car to various Yorkshire league cricket grounds for the cricket show that went out between 5 and 9 pm every Saturday - where scores, reports and interviews took place on an unplanned basis, but it was cult listening.

Harry presented the show from the studio, some club secretaries would talk to him on the phone, and I would meet a reporter at the grounds who would update listeners. Then we would move to two or three other games and venues. I got to know the geography quickly in the days before mobile phones! Often, we would put a player on air via the radio car - I set up all the technical - and Harry would talk to them from the studio. One such guest was the late Davis Bairstowfather of Old Peterite Jonny.

One of the big controversies at this time was the decision by Yorkshire County Cricket Club to sack Geoffrey Boycott as captain in 1978.

Harry had great contacts with all the bosses of Yorkshire, he obviously knew Geoffrey and various members’ groups that lobbied for Boycott’s reinstatement. He attended loads of evening meetings, and always brought back interviews for the breakfast show, as well as sports bulletins. Harry was always thoroughly professional, committed and determined that the audience would hear the full story. I was struck by how quickly he could edit interviews on reel-to-reel tape, bash out a script on the typewriter and then record voice pieces, telling the story in 40 or 50 seconds.

Around 1981 the Radio Leeds sports editor then left - to join a new BBC station, Radio Cambridgeshire - so Harry was promoted. He got me to write and record trails for the station’s sports shows, I was sometimes studio technical operator for the Saturday and Sunday mainstream sports shows and drove the radio car to several Rugby League grounds, setting it up, so that commentaries could go ahead. Again, he was always very encouraging of my work and that of other freelancers, but not afraid to point out mistakes and areas for improvement.

Harry was also used as a presenter on some of the Radio Leeds daytime shows when regulars were ill or on leave. During a stint on afternoons, he would regularly play Paul McCartney’s Waterfalls, and lots of tracks from Barbra Streisand’s Guilty album. He could turn his hand to interviews about a wide range of subjects, and all this radio experience served him well when he moved into television.

Harry and I had been working in the studio on the Sunday Rugby League programme on January 2, 1981, when the police revealed they had caught the Yorkshire

Ripper. Suddenly Radio Leeds was the media outlet for the world, as country after country called us wanting to know more of the details of Peter Sutcliffe’s arrest. We got calls from Australia and New Zealand and the States and as Harry was the only journalist in the studio - until reinforcements arrived - he did something like 10 interviews for foreign radio stations.

Again, it was a real learning process for me, seeing Harry in action at very short notice, working off the cuff, drawing on his experience and working within legal requirements of not being in contempt of court or prejudicing the trial.

I left Radio Leeds to join the staff of the BBC at Radio Stoke in March 1982, then moved to Radio Shropshire and Three Counties Radio, before joining 5 Live Sport from 1997 till 2011. Our paths crossed several times at various sporting events, and at the end of July, I will have worked for the BBC for 42 years.

I would like to put on record that Harry Gration was hugely influential and helpful in getting me started in my radio my career, and I will always be indebted to him. When

Harry’s funeral took place on 1 August 2022, Yorkshire Day, a fitting tribute to Harry and all that he achieved in his lifetime.

visiting my family in York down the years, I always enjoyed seeing him on Look North - he was a terrific and tenacious journalist, always asking the right and sometimes tough questions, always very relaxed and warm and friendly on air. His commitment and dedication to good causes and charities was phenomenal - he must have been incredibly fit to pursue some of them.

Mike Naylor (1973) is currently a freelance presenter at BBC Three Counties Radio (Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire)

“That sums Harry up - a great communicator, always wanting to find the truth, and he led an amazingly full life.”

Photo courtesy of Cliff Dalton

Thanks to Your Support

Each year we receive donations from across the St Peter’s community, that help us to increase access to St Peter’s and enhance the range of opportunities and experiences we are able to provide pupils, that will help them grow and develop as they prepare for their next steps after St Peter’s. These opportunities are only made possible by our passionate donors. Thank you all.

We want to extend our sincere thanks to all our donors, and highlight some of the projects that have taken place in the last year:

A Gift to be Remembered

Old Peterite Andrew J E Hodges (1967) a Former Mayor and Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Guildford, died on 12 April 2022.

Andrew will be remembered for his involvement with local government and his voluntary contributions to many organisations and charities throughout Guildford.

Andrew was a long-standing supporter of St Peter’s and a founding member of the 627 Society, he made regular donations to support bursaries and the Boathouse Campaign in his lifetime. Andrew left a significant donation in his will to continue to support of the work of Independent Education following his death in 2022.

Andrew’s gift will be used to help support pupils who otherwise would be unable to attend St Peter’s as part of the school’s Help With Fees bursary programme.

Language Immersion Award

One family has created an annual award to encourage exposure to language for our pupils. The award was created to help support pupils in their ambitions to travel to ‘immerse’ themselves in language and culture. Last year pupil, Valentina, was able to travel to Peru and to practise and use the language. Valentina was also able to support local communities, providing information on dental hygiene and care during her trip.

This was the first time the award had been made since travel stopped due to covid. It was wonderful for Valentina to take advantage of this award and benefit from all the trip had to offer.

This year, the award has just been made for Summer 2023 and two pupils will be travelling by train across France and Germany to help them in preparation for their A Level studies, and exposure to European Politics and International Relations, in addition to the immersion in language and culture the trip will provide.

Mission Discovery Takes Off

Old Peterite Colin and Christine Lang wanted to offer pupils a unique experience driven by their love of space and interest in new discoveries, which they hope to foster in the next generation. Inspired by a childhood memory of watching the moon landings, Colin has been fascinated ever since. Colin and Christine funded the first Mission Discovery places for two St Peter’s pupils which took place last summer in 2022.

The programme is run by ISSET and is a weeklong residential course that gives pupils the chance to work in small groups, with talks from astronauts and NASA scientists to help them design and develop an experiment that could be chosen to go to space!

In September 2023 we were able to welcome Colin and Christine to school to hear from the first two pupils who attended Mission Discovery in July 2022 at King’s College, London.

Sophie and Roman presented to their peers and told them about the experiences they had and the fascinating experiments they created as part of the programme, resulting in Colin and Christine generously funding two further places for July 2023.

The aim in all we do is to strengthen the connections that the Old Peterite community have with each other and the school. This year with your help we have achieved:

576 Hours

Archive volunteering - around 576 hours each year from our 3 volunteers!

500 Events

14 OP and community events 2022-2023, attended by over 500 OPs and guests

£500

Raised

OP Collection Event - £500 raised for bursaries

40 Hours 16 Mentors 124 Pupils

Mentoring Hours May 2022 - April 2023 = 40

Number of Mentors = 16

Pupils Mentored = 124

Mentoring Kaeli Wishart

The Mentoring Programme has provided a unique experience for our pupils to engage with an incredible variety of professionals from our Alumni.

Forging professional relationships over a four week period, covering a breadth of topics during their Zoom

Acting Head of Careers -

86 Attendees

3 x Reunions organised with 86 OP attendees

meetings has equipped our young people with skills they need beyond the gates of St Peter’s. In addition to these symbiotic relationships, the Careers Department has also fulfilled two of the Gatsby Benchmarks; ‘Meaningful encounters with employers’ and ‘Experience of the workplace.’

We always welcome the opportunity to discuss ways in which you might consider supporting the school. If you have an idea you’d like to discuss please contact Philippa Dunford-Jeffs, Head of Development and Alumni p.dunfordjeffs@stpetersyork.org.uk 01904 527363

Kaeli Wishart

Old Peterite Club Committee Victoria Inness (1990)

OP President 2022-2025

We want to do more to help support and connect the Old Peterite community. We look forward to taking on board your feedback from the recent survey (you can read about the results on page 36) we will look to provide more informal opportunities for events and help provide opportunities for Old Peterites to reconnect for reunions and develop points of contact with year groups, and cities in mind.

I feel truly fortunate to have been a pupil at St Peter’s – the school opened up opportunities and fostered lifelong interests in sports and the arts that I wouldn’t otherwise have had, and gave me the grounding for what was to come in life. I have so many fond memories and am grateful to Ann Hodgson and John Ward, my rowing coaches, Ian ‘Billy’ Lowe, David Hughes, Revd. Steven Harvey and, of course, Robin Pitman.

As a current parent of two boys at the school I couldn’t be happier to see how the values and ethos continue. A St Peter’s education is about so much more than academic excellence.

When I look back through old copies of Cross Keys and the messages of past Presidents, I notice how many speak similarly of their time at school and what the appointment has meant to them.

Harry Gration, our immediate past President, who sadly passed away in June 2022, was so supportive of the OP Club and his aim was to do more to strengthen the bonds of our community. Following the election at the AGM in September 2022 I am now in the privileged position to be able to lead the club, which has now been established for nearly 137 years, in furtherance of this aim.

We have a varied and diverse network of people willing to give their time to support the club and the committee. It has been inspiring to try new events and the OP Collection event was a great example of this, bringing together Old Peterites, along with current and former parents for a wonderful afternoon celebrating some of the many Old Peterite businesses and connections we have for a totally new and creative event. We have also had a series of brilliant dinners in London, Newcastle and the West Riding, with more planned for the coming year.

Harry commented how Old Peterites have a life-long affinity and connection to the school and how special the St Peter’s community was to him, remarking on many an occasion ‘Once a Peterite, always a Peterite.’

This has always been true - this club and community is for you, and I look forward to meeting many more of you at our events in the coming year.

I follow in the footsteps of many Old Peterite Presidents who have gone before, and it is an incredible honour to be appointed as President of the OP Club.

Old Peterite Club - Update:

Thank you to Old Peterite Ellie Binks (2011) who has recently stepped down from the OP Club Committee. Ellie joined in 2020 and over the last three years has helped support with the relaunch of OP events in London. We appreciate the enthusiasm and contributions Ellie has made to Committee meetings all via Zoom, and her insight to engaging with younger OPs.

The Old Peterite Club Committee would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Peter Netherwood (1957) and Mark Hepworth (1970), who both took the decision to step down from the committee in December 2022.

Both Peter and Mark have both been involved in the committee in a variety of roles over the years and have both been Old President Presidents, Peter from 2006-2008 with Mark succeeding him from 2008-2010. They also both served as Governors to the school.

The committee and the Old Peterite Club would not be in the position it is today, without the work, dedication and time that both Peter and Mark have shown the club. Thank you to you both for all you have done for the club, the committee and the school.

The Old Peterite Club

All Old Peterites are members of the ‘Old Peterite Club’. The club is run by a committee which consists of Old Peterites, the Head Master and the school’s Development & Alumni Manager, who acts as the secretary to the club. The club holds three meetings a year, and it works with the school to support and advise on the annual programme of OP events and activities. Committee members also volunteer at events such as OP Day.

Robert Hudson served on the Old Peterite Club Committee from 2019-2022. He was actively involved in encouraging the development of the Old Peterite Mentoring Programme.

His brother John Hudson (1973) has shared words from the eulogy, given at Robert’s funeral in January 2023.

“Robert was my younger brother by 2 ½ years. We grew up in Yorkshire with two purposeful and hardworking parents, John, and Stella. Although Robert was cheeky, he was generally loved and encouraged to engage with life.

Although not academic at school, Robert was fully motivated in trying careers and vocational qualifications in catering, textiles, timber science and health and safety. The wealth of Robert’s wide experience was put to good use in leading the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS). One of his key successes in leading the NAS was developing a high standard of vocational courses. Robert was the main driver behind the setting up of the Shopfitting Independent Training Forum. He recognised that the shopfitting sector needed a

continuous supply of skilled young people whilst developments in information and materials technology were producing new challenges.

Robert decided to retire in 2018, aged 61, after more than forty years in the Construction Industry. He’d been Director of the NAS for 13 years, only the fifth Director since the organisation’s inception in 1919.”

Robert’s sudden passing was a shock, and we would like to recognise the support and dedication that Robert showed to the school and the Old Peterite Club.

Graham Todd (1964)

Anthony Dixon (1981)

Peter Emsley (1964)

Bill Hudson (1964)

Harry Cooke (2001)

Linden Richardson (1964)

Mark Hepworth (1971) Peter Netherwood (1957)

Old Peterite News

Sam Dickinson (2015) Wins Gold at Commonwealth Games

Tariq Shah (2002) Receives OBE for Services to Charity

“It was a privilege to receive the OBE for Services to Charity from His Majesty The King. The honour reflects the hard work and dedication of the many people who have volunteered and worked in the organisations I have supported. His Majesty and I spoke about the power of relatable role models and the importance of dialogue within and between groups. I am grateful to him for his leadership and guidance around this work over the last decade-and-a-half.

I am humbled to have been recognised in this way, but I am not at all unique. I hope that this demonstrates the impact that all of us can have on the communities we are part of and the places that are important to us.”

Tariq attended St Peter’s from 1996-2002, before heading to the University of Birmingham to study Economics & Politics, and graduating from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, with an MBA. This prestigious honour, awarded to Tariq for Philanthropy and Services to Charity, reflects his extensive work with the Prince’s Trust, The Sleep Charity, Mosaic, and other causes, and his commitment to continuously improving Doncaster, where he was born.

Jeremy Walker, Head Master, added: “Exactly twenty years since he left us, St Peter’s wholeheartedly congratulates

“I was so proud, stood on the podium, singing Jerusalem. We laughed as I was the only one who knew the words which was my St Peter’s education shining through!”

It is such an exciting time for sport at St Peter’s since Old Peterite, Sam Dickinson’s, huge triumph winning Gold in the Mixed Relay Triathlon at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Alumni and Development team had the pleasure of catching up with Sam, after his amazing win, and enjoyed congratulating him on behalf of the school. Choosing Sport from an early age, when he and his brother, Tom, were given the choice of sports gear or games consoles, Sam’s story is a lesson in commitment and selfdiscipline, in striving to be the best you can be at what you love.

Head of Manor in 2015, Sam’s success is testament to his hard work and the supportive community here at St Peter’s. He shared his huge appreciation for several staff members who saw his potential and encouraged him to excel at sport.

“I was lucky I had people on my side at school who were good to me. I was absolutely buzzing when I managed to achieve something like that. It makes you look back on everything you have done and everyone who helped you in the past.” Sam recalls teachers Steve and Justine Williams, and Helen Barnard, amongst others, who supported his extracurricular efforts. He particularly remembered the mighty Angela Tooby-Smith who inspired him to run, and Paddy Stephen who took a keen interest in his activities and has kept in touch over the years.

Tariq for this outstanding achievement, so thoroughly deserved. We are delighted this talented individual has rightly been recognised and rewarded in this special way. His many achievements, gained through his unswerving dedication to improving the lives of othersvalues we emphasise every day here at St Peter’s - will serve to inspire current pupils.”

Alongside their construction business, Tariq and his family also run the AHS Foundation, a charity which provides essential healthcare in Kashmir, Pakistan, for 600 people every month and is the only primary care provider for a community of around 10,000 people.

Sam specifically noted his special relationship with Manor housemaster Steve Gwilliams who gave him special permission to use his Wattbike in his dorm. With training taking priority, Sam made the school his own with schedules and arrangements that took him all over the city. Sam went on to study Sports Science at Leeds University where he has gone on to further gain momentum and win competitions for Team England.

Judith O’Reilly (1982) Brings

Her Fast Paced Thriller to York Literature Festival

St Peter’s welcomed OP Judith O’Reilly back to the school library, with the sequel in her Michael North series, set in a challenging, dystopian, political world. In the final night of the York Festival events, it was a privilege to hear Judith share her stories of writing and journalism.

As a female in the world of thriller fiction, a very male-dominated industry, Jude spoke engagingly about character development and how she can use this thoughtfully to challenge expectations and push boundaries in the mind of the reader. Her insight into the creative process of writing a fictional novel was inspiring for the audience at this special public lecture.

Tom Dowdy (2017) Rows the Atlantic for Charity

“35 days battling with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and the constant reminder of how small we are when faced with the physical extremes inflicted by the Atlantic Ocean… What could possibly go wrong?”

Three final year student paramedics are planning to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic to raise money for charity. The team known as Par-OAR-medics comprise Ken Bordt, Ethan Chapman and former Head Boy Tom Dowdy (Grove 2017). They decided to take on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, officially known as the worlds toughest row, to raise money for Yorkshire-based projects run by Macmillan Cancer Support, Stroke Association UK and the Ambulance Staff Charity. The trio, all of whom have worked on frontline ambulances throughout the pandemic, will commence their

challenge in December 2024 from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and end in Antigua. Between now and then, they have to canvas for support, find sponsors and raise enough money to buy a boat in which to compete. Rowing two hours on and two hours off for 35 days, unsupported, will test the determination and resilience of the rowers like nothing else. You can view the website at www.paroarmedics.com, email paroarmedics@gmail.com or follow on social media for further information.

Nicholas Hopton (1984) Joins St Peter’s on Remembrance Day

Nicholas Hopton (1984), British Ambassador to Qatar, joined St Peter’s to mark Remembrance Day. Nick spoke in Chapel of his wealth of experiences, his role as a Diplomat and ‘peace maker’ and the different ways we all have a responsibility to make a change in our everyday lives.

Politics pupils had the opportunity to share lunch with Nick. Chat flowed effortlessly as Nick quizzed pupils about their time at St Peter’s and their plans for future study and careers. Pupils made the most of in-depth discussions about current affairs and shared their thoughts on politics and law. What a brilliant opportunity for this lucky group of young people.

Tom Dowdy (Grove 2017) with ParOARmedics

Nick Hopton (1984) joins staff and pupils after the Remembrance Service to watch the CCF group.

Old Peterite Sports’ Reports

of York team, comprising a number of their first XI.

Panda’s Hockey

The 2022/2023 Pandas season saw a change in captaincy with Ed Marsden stepping down as Club Captain and Emily Gee stepping into the role. The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Ed for his commitment to the club over recent years.

The Pandas have already played two fixtures this season, including a recent battle with the current school Boys first XI. The usual Boxing Day fixture against City of York HC saw a narrow loss for the Pandas with York emerging 4-3 victors. Whilst the Pandas had some assistance from one or two of the current school Boys, the team was predominantly OPs who played some excellent hockey against an experienced City

OP Cricket

Old Peterite Cricket Report 2022

Another exciting year for OP Cricket with more fixtures and the first attempt at the David Kirby trophy – a multi-game format played against the school in an attempt not only to honour David’s memory but to strengthen links and to promote school cricket.

The three T20 games were sadly mostly affected by the weather. The first two games

OPCC Cricket

More recently, the Pandas faced off against a youthful and fast current school Boys first XI. A number of lapses in concentration from the Pandas in the first half saw the school boys finish the first half 4-0 up. The Pandas regrouped at half time and the second half was much more successful, with two goals apiece. Congratulations to the current first XI on their 6-2 victory. Thanks to Phil Hardy & JJ for stepping in to assist the Pandas.

A huge thank you must go, as always, to the school for the use of the Hubbard astroturf, as well as Paddy and JJ for their support in organising both fixtures and players, as well as umpiring and playing when required!

The Pandas will once again be ‘touring’ Bridlington (the club’s second home) over the

were called off when both were in very exciting positions, the 3rd game being the only one to go the distance, and that it did with the OPs winning it on the last ball.

The two-day extravanganza was again well attended with the school putting on an amazing afternoon tea, but with the weather being so good it really was a batsman’s paradise! There were runs aplenty and the OPs left the school a very challenging but chaseable 284 and they did that with aplomb, reaching the target with 2 wickets to spare. Special mention goes to Chris Wood of the OPs getting 80 odd in the first innings and 152 not out in the second.

weekend of 15 & 16 April 2023, followed by the Annual Dinner on 4 May 2023 at Bedern Hall. The Annual Dinner will see the coming together of old and new, as current pupils of both the Girls and Boys first XI join the OPs for an evening of club celebration.

I would personally like to thank Matt Todd, David Todd, Andy Kay, Nick Kay and Andy Wilson for their help in organising all things Pandas and easing my transition into the captaincy.

Social Fixtures

Thurs

Wed

Off the field cricket continues to shine with more players joining the OP bandwagon, the kit continues to get bigger with the introduction of a T20 kit this season, but with the likelihood of more link up with other OP sports it really is an exciting season ahead!

Fixtures start on Friday 5 May at 5pm and for a full list of out fixtures can be seen below. Again with more members joining and fantastic news that the first lady has joined, it really is a great time to join even if you haven’t played for a long time and just fancy a game. Please do get in touch.

Emily Gee (OP Panda’s Captain)

Peter Rivis (Cricket Captain)

OP Golf

OPs vs OUs vs LUGS Triangular Match – 19 March 2022

In late March, St Peter’s were invited to New Zealand Golf Club in Surrey to play in a triangular match against Uppingham (OUs) and London University (LUGS). The format chosen was a foursomes match play over 2 rounds sandwiched between a substantial roast cooked up by the England Rugby team’s head chef!

The pairing of Matthew Roberts and James Lloyd scored big points in the morning round to beat both opponents and secure an amicable draw for the team. Also, congratulations to Joe Copley for a hole-inone on the Par 3 10th hole!

OP Golf Day – Friday 23 September 2022

The annual Old Peterite Golf Day was held at Strensall Golf Club on a day where the rain held off and we had bright sunshine and blue skies. The club was once again great hosts and we had great fun, with very competitive golf being played.

The team prize was won by a team with a mixture of youth and experience in James Bellinghall, Will Shaw, Toby McGill and Richard Gibbon.

The best stableford score on the day and the winner of The Burrnett Trophy was Jonty Routhwaite, who won the same trophy back in the 1970s!

The best gross score, with a highly competitive 73 and retaining the Founders Trophy for a second year, was Joe Copley.

Grafton Morrish Finals - 7-9 October 2022

St Peter’s qualified again for the Grafton Morrish Finals after a 5th place finish in the Northern qualifying round at Huddersfield Golf Club in May. The main tournament consists of 48 regionally qualifying schools, represented by six golfers, playing scratch match-

Fixtures 2023

Big thank-you to Tom, James and Stuart Lloyd for organising the event, this is likely to be a great addition to the OP calendar for years to come.

OPs vs OGs Match – 30th June

Over the summer, St Peter’s played Giggleswick (OGs) at Fulford Golf Club in York. All 4 games went up the 18th hole to be decided. Unfortunately, we didn’t win any of them, and the overall result was 3.5-0.5 to Giggleswick.

play foursomes in a knock-out format. This year St Peter’s had a buy into the 2nd round at Hunstanton Golf Club where they were drawn against George Heriot’s, six times winners of the event.

Joe Copley and Tom Lloyd, playing top, put up stout resistance against the Scots first pairing, which included David Campbell - who has played in all of George Heriot’s winning teams and holds the record of playing 104 rounds in the event! They succumbed on the 16th, losing 3&2.

Matthew Roberts and Charles Murray fought back from an early deficit to take the second match by a similar margin, following a run of par scores on a tough back 9.

The match then depended on Kevin Miller and Matthew Stephenson, who again fought back well from an early deficit to bring the match back, only to be thwarted by a putting masterclass in a howling gale around the turn from their opposition.

George Heriot’s were eventually knocked out in the Quarter Final by the eventual winners, Epsom, who beat Tonbridge in the Final. Birkenhead were the most successful Northern team, losing in the Semi-Finals

A loss in the second round resulted in entry into the stableford competition (The Solihull Salver) at Royal West Norfolk Golf Club. The pairings remained the same and as the conditions worsened, the team eventually finished in the middle of the pack.

The team gained great experience of the courses and foursomes format, which is notoriously unforgiving, and a young team should stand them in good stead for future years. Many thanks to the team members for playing and supporters of the school who followed the groupings over the weekend.

written by Bob Elliott (non- playing Captain)

St Peter’s vs Uppingham vs London University - New Zealand Golf Club - 11 March

Grafton Morrish (regional qualifying) - Huddersfield Golf Club - 7 May 2023

St Peter’s vs Giggleswick - Fulford Golf Club - 29 June 2023

OP Golf Day - Strensall Golf Club - 1 September 2023

Grafton Morrish (national finals) - Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk Golf Club - 5 - 8 October 2023

If there are any Old Peterites interested in joining any of the Golf events – please contact Andrew Miller, Joe Copley or Matthew Roberts for more information.

Celebrating 40 Years of Paddy Stephen at St Peter’s

We couldn’t miss this opportunity to recognise, in just a small way, the big impact Paddy has had within the St Peter’s community over the years and the long standing connections he has maintained with our Old Peterite’s. So many of you shared your kind words and stories of Mr Stephen, including a fair few that we certainly can’t put in print!

“Paddy was highly supportive of me from moving from Queen’s to the Manor in 4th & 5th year. Paddy was someone I looked up to, eternally grateful for the help he gave me, on and off the field. I count him as a true gentleman and a life and heartbeat of the school.”

Samuel Hitchenor

“Paddy is a legend - I will always remember how he made us do press ups in Biology for talking too much. I will never forget the respect that he had for us and us for him.”

Jack Williamson (2010)

“Paddy is a one of a kind. The amount of time he continually puts in outside of school helping with the Panda’s Hockey, OP Cricket and OP Rugby is priceless and pupils continually come back to play, because of him. Since leaving school, Paddy has always been there to listen and offer some words of wisdom regarding any situation.”

Chris McTurk,

(2010)

“I’ll always remember, in 1984, it was a Tuesday double Biology lesson when it was the Varsity match and both number 8s were OPs…we watched the whole game, no teaching. A great guy and a legend of St Peter’s”

Nigel Muirhead (1988)

“Paddy helped me and my daughter get an A in Biology A Level and my wife a B, such is his longevity and commitment across all aspects of school life. Outside school he is always a true friend.”

Nigel Durham (1988)

“At the end of our under-14 season I was presented with the scorecard in the picture. Paddy, took the effort to get the scorecard. replicate it by hand, get it framed and present it to me at the end of the year. Touches like that differentiate good teachers from exceptional ones and though I have many memories that are funny, embarrassing, etc. I will always remember Paddy for this one. On my wall in my office today still.”

Timothy Cooper (1989)

“My favourite memory of Paddy is of him hobbling around Rosslyn Park on a broken ankle to help coach the team and support us through the tournament, because that’s how much the school’s sport means to him.”

St Peter’s School Head

Boy

Congratulations and Thank You Paddy for 40 years at St Peter’s School!

now as for their dad 35 years ago (and hopefully with better results)!”

Charlie Roberts, Parent and Old Peterite (1993)

“A simply outstanding, teacher, mentor and friend. Paddy goes the extra mile for his students, be that giving them extra lessons at lunchtime or after school to help them achieve their academic potential, giving up school holiday time to take them away on tours and do pre-season rugby training, or the personal touches he does for individuals to celebrate important events/achievements. If there was an ‘all-time greatest teacher’ award, Paddy would get my vote. In sum, Paddy is a once-in-a-lifetime, cross-generational legend!”

Olly Gardner (1992)

“Thank you, Paddy for all the great memories, you are a true legend of the school. You were so kind, encouraging and supportive throughout my time at St Peter’s and I think the fact you took time out to have the scorecard made & framed for me when I scored my 1st century in 1984 which I still have fond memories of today, was an amazing gesture. Thank you again, you legend.”

GuyWilkinson(1987)

“It’s amazing to think I’ve know you for over 20 years, since my family moved to York and I joined St.Olaves aged 11. You went on to play a massive part in my life over the 7 years that followed. You taught me how to play rugby, hockey and cricket all for the first time (still can’t keep my bat straight!). We made great memories on rugby tours to Northern Ireland and South America. In Grove you created an environment that was rare, trusting us to have fun while getting the work done. Outside of school, your kindness and hospitality has always known no bounds. Congratulations on 40 stellar years of selfless dedication to teaching sport, your subjects and life lessons to the thousands of students that have been through St Peter’s. Look forward to our next pint, as always.”

Ed Parker (2011)

As a general testimony I would say that from the moment he joined the school, Paddy has shown commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication well beyond the norm. His encouragement of the pupils and selfless contribution to student sporting activities and wellbeing has been greatly appreciated by me and so many of my peers. To this day Paddy remains a friend and it is always a pleasure to catch up, even though he did describe me as ‘an amiable yet bumbling buffoon’ in one of my school reports!

Cheers! PhilBreirley(1986)

“40 Years… Blimey! As a student, I didn’t quite have the privilege of being taught by Paddy. The exceptions being on the games field, obviously, and also that one time he covered my 3rd Form art lesson. I would describe his artistic talent closer to that of Van Helsing than Van Gogh but hey, that didn’t stop him from giving out questionable tips to myself and my friends. As a son however, I have well and truly had the privilege of being taught by Paddy. His love for us and his belief in us never falters, and for that I will always be incredibly grateful. Here’s to the next 40…”

Eddy Stephen (2015)

“Paddy is an inspiration and a father figure to so many. I know this because former pupils tell me every time I see them. That said, he is my dad. He is an inspiration to me, a rock for our family, and someone who always has time for everyone. As a family we are so proud of his achievements over the last 40 years… and rumour has it there’s a few more years to come.”

Nick Stephen (2013)

“Having now gone into teaching, I need not look any further than you for the perfect role model”

Will Stephen (2011)

Where Are They Now?

Emma Hargreaves, Class of 2013

“I am living in York with my partner of six years, also a fellow Old Peterite.

I have taken on the role of Financial Director in our family business, a civil engineering firm based just down the road from St Peter’s School at No 90 Bootham. Together my partner and I run a Portuguese-inspired restaurant, Frango Eduardo, also based in York. We are currently looking to open two new outlets which is exciting and our annual pop-up will be returning to The Principal Hotel with Thor’s tipi over summer. I like to give some of my time as a trustee of the ‘Three Bears Foundation’, a charity founded by a group of Old Peterites, raising funds for both Pancreatic Cancer UK and York Against Cancer. In my spare time, you’ll usually find me with my friends, in the gym, or walking our puppy! When I think back to my time at St Peter’s, one of my fondest memories would have to be our art lessons with Mr Hall!”

Russell Broadbent, Class of 1982

My fondest memory of St Peter’s was playing rugby. My parents thought I was no good on the football pitch as I was too slow and sluggish and so, because my Dad played rugby at school, I tried that instead.

The coaches Mr Ratcliffe and Mr Scott thought I had certain qualities which were good for the game and I made friends. It was when I was playing that I found a force. It was an energy which came from the others around me which meant I could do things in the field that I could not have done elsewhere. It often took me a long time to recover afterwards. Even if I didn’t do well in the other areas I could shine on the rugby pitch and I was awarded my colours. To me, rugby is more than a sport, it’s a philosophy.

I honestly can’t remember what it felt like not to know what life looks like in the Netherlands as I’ve lived here for more than 30 years in the city of Haarlem. I’ve a beautiful 12 year old daughter Day, who’s fanatical about football and playing for the local team. I’m still very much involved in sport and education, working as an English teacher, giving golf lessons, fitness lessons and running my own self-defence business.

I love the Netherlands, offering a new perspective on tradition and culture, with stunning outdoors (but also great city life too) and often a more liberal approach to law. It took me only a couple of months to master the language.

My mum and my twin bother still live in the UK and I always make a point of visiting York with them, in particular the school…a trip down memory lane.

Emma Hargreaves (2013)

Russell enjoyed a walk down memory lane on the Rugby Pitch at St Peter’s in March.

In this issue of Cross Keys you will find a postcard on which you are invited to write how St Peter’s gave you the Keys for Life and the confidence to turn them.

Please use the stamped addressed envelope supplied to return your cards. We look forward to hearing how St Peter’s unlocked your potential.

Bursaries

John Mordue (1966)

Talk about not getting ‘round to it’. After leaving St Peter’s over 50 years ago I got round to reading a copy of Cross Keys (Spring 2021). I honed in on two articles. One by Brogan Grant about what she had achieved because of receiving a bursary to enable her to attend St Peter’s. This led on to a role for Brogan as a Lead Design Manager in one of the UK’s main construction contractors.

The other article was by Old Peterite Arthur Holmes about the 627 scheme and how this supports bursaries at St Peter’s. It was only recently that I learnt of the 627 Society. I am full of admiration for the way Old Peterites and supporters raise funds for places to pupils who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend St Peter’s.

This is a very worthy achievement! However, if ALL Old Peterites donated just £20 per year this would raise almost £100,000! Please think about donating, yes now! That’s what I did because I know if I say I’ll do that later, then I’ll forget!

Taken overall my time at St Peter’s was a very positive experience. The camaraderie amongst the pupils also contributed immeasurably towards this generally good experience. Most importantly, the school was run along very sensible lines. Rules were largely common sense with Head Master Mr Dronfield keeping a watchful eye to keep the school running smoothly.

I was very fortunate to win a scholarship to St Peter’s in 1961. Without it I would probably not have been able to take up a place. I have always had some

At what age can children apply?

The 627 Society was established for donors and supporters to support bursaries at St Peter’s School. New Donor and Old Peterite, John Mordue, has shared his motivations for giving and joining the 627 Society this year:

feelings of discomfort through having received a private and privileged education. Most of my friends now are state school educated, mostly ex-grammar schools.

But returning to Brogan and the 627 Society, I am inspired by what someone can achieve given the right opportunities. I also think it’s very important that St Peter’s has a social mix and with highly-motivated young people with aspiration and ability. This I think is good for all pupils and staff. It really is important that people from York are supported to benefit from what St Peter’s has to offer.

I have only just come to understand that this aim appears central to the philosophy of St Peter’s and as such I feel duty bound to support the 627 Society. I hope you too will give this some consideration.

City Scholars

St Peter’s has a long history of opening its doors to pupils who are talented but otherwise would be unable to attend the school.

The City Scholars’ Scheme was an example of this, introduced By York City Council. The scheme identified boys who were sitting and performing well in the 11+ Entrance Exam and subject to an interview with the Head Master, provided them with an opportunity to attend an independent school in York.

surrounding areas in York and pupils would also join the school as ‘East Riding’ or then ‘North Riding’ Scholars.

City Scholar Howard Gatiss (1976) shared his thoughts on being a City Scholar with us “St Peter’s – its culture, its ambiance and its staff – took what was there and helped me develop as a human being. I remained friends with Edmund Field and Peter Gardiner throughout their lives: a recognition, perhaps, of the profound effect they had on me –and of my respect for their abilities. The buildings have changed (well, not all of them …), and staff have come and gone, but I believe I can still recognise in the St Peter’s of today those essential elements

which were so vital to me fifty years ago.”

Howard has been helping the school reach out to the City Scholars we have contact with to ask them to share their stories and reconnect with the school. If you were a City Scholar and we haven’t yet been in contact, then we would love to hear from you, please contact usalumni@stpetersyork.org.uk

With these schemes no longer in existence, the support provided by our generous donors through the 627 Society is even more important to ensure that pupils who otherwise would be unable to attend the School can benefit from all a St Peter’s education can offer.

Year 7 Year 9 Sixth Form

The scheme ran from around 1948 to 1973 and around five pupils each year, would join St Peter’s as City Scholars. Thanks to recent research by our Archive Team we have been able to make contact with Old Peterites who attended the school under this scheme. Similar schemes existed from Help with fees is usually only available to pupils entering Year 7, Year 9 or Sixth Form.

The bursaries awarded range from 25%-120% - ensuring we cover those added extras including essentials such as uniform and funding for trips.

Giving a regular gift of £20.23 each month would pay for the uniform for a pupil to attend the Sixth Form for a year.

We are so thankful to our donors who have continued to support the 627 Society, and with your help we can do even more!

Simply complete and return the form on the following page to make your donation. When you make a regular donation you will receive annual updates on the progress of pupils who have benefitted directly as a result of your support, recognition on our 627 Society Donor board, invitations to donor events and a 627 Society pin badge.

Total gifts (with Gift Aid) donated by 627 Society 2021-2022

Help With Fees Your Gift

Thank you for choosing to support Help With Fees at St Peter’s School. Your donation can help transform the lives of pupils, who otherwise would not have access to a St Peter’s School education.

The 627 Society- making a regular donation

By giving a regular gift you become a member of the 627 Society, established in 2007 to recognise those donors who make an ongoing commitment to support fee assistance at St Peter’s School. 627 Society members receive annual updates on the progress of pupils who have benefited directly as a result of their support, recognition on our 627 Society donor board in School, and a 627 Society pin badge. Membership of the 627 society starts from £6.27 each month.

I would like to give a donation of £ Monthly/ Quarterly /Annually

First payment to be made on 1st of the Month 15th of the month

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit

Please complete the whole form in BLOCK CAPITALS and send to: St Peter’s School Foundation Clifton York YO30 6AB

Names(s) and address of account holder

Title

Name Address Postcode

Bank/Building Society Account Number

Branch sort code

Name and full postal address of your bank/building society

To The Manager Address Postcode

THIS GUARANTEE SHOULD BE DETACHED AND RETAINED BY THE PAYER

The Direct Debit Guarantee

This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. The efficiency and security of the Scheme is monitored and protected by your own bank or building society.

If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, CAF re St Peter’s School

Originators Identification Number

6 9 1 2 1 3

CAF, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4TA

Instruction to your bank or building society

Please pay CAF re St Peter’s School Foundation Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with CAF re St Peter’s School Foundation and if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/ building society.

Signature Date

Single gifts

I would like to gift £30 £50 £100 £200 other: £

I have enclosed a cheque payable to St Peter’s School

I will make a bank transfer - St Peter’s School, sort code: 05-09-94, account no. 25301968 (please use your surname as your reference)

Please call me to make my donation by card on:

Alternatively donate online at www.stpetersyork.org.uk/foundation

Are you a UK taxpayer? If so, every £1 you give could be worth an extra 25p to us, at no cost to you. (Please note if you are making a regular donation to St Peter’s School and would like to Gift Aid your donations- please tick both of the boxes below for us to apply Gift Aid to all your donations)

Yes, Gift Aid this donation

Please Gift Aid this donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

Please notify us if you want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address

I’d like more information on leaving a legacy

Please keep my donation anonymous

Foundation will notify you at least ten working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

If an error is made by CAF re St Peter’s School Foundation or your bank or building society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch or the amount paid.

You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your bank or building society. Please also send a copy of your letter to us.

St Peters School, York is a registered charity: number 1141329.

Art Competition

With the hope of launching our very own house wine in the coming year, St Peter’s looks to the Old Peterite Community for help in designing a unique wine label.

Entries can be submitted in draft form in the free post return envelope included or electronically via email: alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk. After a thorough elimination process, where all entries will be judged with the support of Chris Hall in the Art Department, you could end up being the lucky winner whose artwork will be made into a professional label for all St Peter’s wine.

The deadline for entries is 7th August 2023

Our wine label will be to the scale below. You can design something to fit the space or a larger scale piece of which we can take a section.

Art at St Peter’s Today

For those of you who found a sanctuary in the Art Department of St Peter’s School, you will be pleased to know that it continues to be a hub of activity and talent where wall-to-wall displays of art inspire anyone who has the pleasure of visiting. Annually on OP Day, the Art department opens their doors to the Old Peterite community, where you are invited to visit the studio and take in the most recent art exhibition from current pupils. If you plan to be with us for OP Day this year, be sure to visit.

100mm wide x 76mm high

Pictures from the most recent end of year show, ‘Imagine 2022’ showcasing pupil’s work from July 2022

Welcome to The Class of 2022

I’ve been a Peterite since the age of 4, therefore writing this now as an Old Peterite, entering into a completely new chapter of life, feels strange.

I am currently studying at the University of Sheffield; living in a city with noticeably more hills, resulting in some very tired legs during Freshers’ Week. For my degree, I chose to study Psychology, a subject that whilst entirely new to me, I find fascinating. It is this ability to expand my learning into a fresh area of interest that I have really enjoyed and for which St Peter’s prepared me so well.

University life has been full of excitement, presenting everyone with many new opportunities but also the ability for us to continue pursuing the passions we nurtured whilst still at school: for me this has been the ability to continue playing hockey, even if the away games are often a tad further away than we were used to, with the Sedbergh coach journeys no longer seeming so bad!

Amidst all the changes and experiences these last few months have brought, it fills me with nostalgia to reflect back upon my time at St Peter’s. I am grateful for the way that I miss school for it perfectly reflects my love for St Peter’s. Whilst it is bittersweet moving on, it is comforting to remember we can bring these memories forward with us, “over ancient ways”, as we continue on together as Old Peterites.

Lucy Falconer Head Girl (2022)

OP Survey Findings

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Old Peterite survey in March 2023.

This went out by email to all Old Peterites we held an address for and had permission to contact. The aim of the survey was to hear from Old Peterites about their time at school and how we can shape our activities in future to help Old Peterites keep in contact with the school and each other.

Your responses so far have helped us with planning for the

What you’ve helped us with so far:

386

Updating Your

We hear you

85 hours!

The great variety of roles and responsibilities our OP Community undertake including: Trustees, Treasurers, Chairs, Governors, Volunteers - Charities, PTA Youth leaders - e.g. Brownies, Cubs, Scouts

• Careers and mentoring - 92

• Organising reunions - 34

• Year group contacts - 46

• OP ambassadors - 91

44% of OPs who answered the survey have left a gift, or would consider leaving a gift in their will to the school.

The top events that appeal to you most are:

• Reunions - 74%

• Informal gatherings - 68%

• Watching sports events - 50%

• Dinners - 49%

• Careers and networking events - 35%

• Online events - 30%

The top places you’d prefer to meet in person are:

• School - 80%

• York - 77%

• London - 49%

• Online - 28%

DID YOU KNOW?

Over 50% of you would give or consider supporting bursaries, supporting facilities and buildings or where the school might need it most!

The first place you find out about OP events is by email - don’t forget you can follow us on social media to see details of OP news and events as they happen!

You can contact us anytime for a visit - just call us on 01904 527322. We always enjoy meeting Old Peterites and having the opportunity to show you round the school.

We really value your time and feedback, which helps us shape our activity. A huge thank you to everyone who took part. If you haven’t yet completed the survey- it is still open and we’d love to hear from you!

Meet our Alumni Team Link Monitors, Dylan and Louis

The Alumni and Development Office has been fortunate to add the newly appointed Link Monitors to our team.

Monitors, alongside their usual Monitor duties, have been attached to a department of the school to oversee and work alongside. Monitors were able to choose their roles, and we are delighted to have Dylan and Louis on board for the duration of this academic year. With the aim of engaging pupils in all areas of school life, this new partnership between Upper Sixth pupils and the Alumni and Development Office has given us the opportunity to gauge pupil perspective on everything from our calendar events to the merchandise on offer, with the soon-to-be newest OPs driving some interesting ideas and initiatives.

As a link monitor at school, my role involves monitoring the connections between various departments, teachers, students and OPs to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

I take pride in being an integral part of the school community and contributing to its overall success.

One of the most important aspects of my job is to keep track of how connected the school is with its alumni after they leave. By monitoring these connections, I can help ensure that the school maintains strong relationships with its former students and continues to provide support and resources to help them succeed in their future endeavours.

Aside from my duties as a link monitor, I also enjoy taking in the sporting events at school, particularly rugby, football and tennis. These sports provide an exciting and entertaining atmosphere for students, staff, and parents alike. It’s always a joy to see our athletes in action and witness their dedication and passion for their respective sports.

Overall, I feel privileged to be part of such a vibrant school community and am excited to continue contributing to its success in any way I can.

Playing hockey with the Pandas Old Peterite team allowed me to experience the amazing culture and connectedness that OP sport allows. As a link monitor, I plan to push sport as a platform to stay connected with the school. I am sure that when I leave at the end of this year, sport will be the main reason that I stay in touch with the school and keep up with old friends.

Hello, my name is Louis. I wanted to be a link monitor for the alumni department at school to input pupils’ voices about what they think they would want to do when they leave and all the years that follow.

5 Minutes with... Dom Shread (2012)

By Florry Wharton (Lower Sixth)

We would like to introduce, or re-introduce Mr Shread. A former pupil (1997 to 2012), Dom is now a teacher at St Peter’s. We discuss what makes being part of our school community so special, something Mr Shread will most certainly miss as he moves onto his next adventure in Dubai.

What is your role at St Peters?

At St Peter’s I teach Business and Economics. Currently, I am assistant house master in The Manor, however I have previously been an assistant in Clifton too! I also run Young Enterprise and enjoy coaching rugby and tennis.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching at St Peter’s?

Here, no day is ever the same! You never know what is going to be thrown in your direction, but also, I think just the people. The students are all so different, many quirky with their own ideas, it makes every day so interesting and completely different - in a good way that is.

How different is it being at school as a pupil and then as a teacher?

In some ways it’s very similar, but then again it is not. It is nice to be able to break down the so called ‘teacher barriers’ which I had with people who taught me who are now my colleagues. Mr White, for example taught me in my final year of Economics and is now my Head of Department. Of course, there is also Paddy Stephen who previously tackled me on a rugby pitch whilst coaching me, and Mr Edwards who taught me Physics. That is just to name a few of the inspirational characters who taught me who I now have the pleasure of working with, which is cool. With that said, teaching is still as hectic as my life as a student because there is no such thing as a break time or a lunch time, there is always something to do and something to be excited about.

What is your favourite thing about being involved with boarding at The Manor?

For sure, the best thing about boarding is the relationships you build with the pupils. You get to know everyone, and you know what makes them tick. This means you can have a real laugh and enjoy your time with them even more, whether it be taking them paint balling, playing a game of Ping Pong or simply helping them with their prep in the evening. I find it a lot more rewarding than just working in the day side of the school.

How has your involvement in the development of Young Enterprise helped pupils learn more about business?

Young enterprise is a business competition where Lower Sixth

pupils have a year to build their own business from start to finish. They come up with an idea and take it to market, I guide them through that process. The year that we got to the European Finals was exceptional, but it’s not just how far you get in the competition that matters the most, it’s the business skills you learn. In the future you are either going to run a business or work for a business, it is one of the only times at school you get to experience this. This gives pupils not only valuable business experience, but something tangible for their CVs. It’s also pretty good fun!

What inspired you to organise your 10-year reunion?

I guess it was out of curiosity to see what everyone else was up to. It was also just a fantastic event, the people at St. Peter’s are what make it. It was great to reconnect with friends that I hadn’t seen in a long time and also friends that I knew really well and see them in a familiar setting which we no longer regularly experience together. I think it was great for a lot of people who hadn’t seen the school in a long time, I took them on a tour so they could see the new stuff which has been developed, such as the new Maths block and swimming pool, it was exciting to show them that. It was a worthwhile experience, less so for me because I know the school backwards, but I think they gained a lot of experience.

What will you miss the most/least about St Peter’s?

Most and the least is a really difficult question. Genuinely what I will miss the most is the connections I have and the people here. I have loads of good memories here, it will be very sad to go leaving both the people and the memories behind. I have a very fond memory of when I was a student and my dad, who taught Chemistry, accidentally set fire to a fume cupboard in the lecture theatre, that was hilarious!

York is a lovely place to be, and Peter’s is one of the best schools in the UK, you never know I might be back at some point in the future.

It’s hard to think of something I’ll miss the least, it might have to be the school’s black coffee. The school’s black coffee is radioactive. It’s what all the teachers in the school run on, it has a very specific and not particularly nice taste, but everyone just drinks it anyway. I certainly will be thankful to rid myself of its taste.

Ties and Socks

1

Old Peterite Merchandise

2

Price List

Jewellery

9

It is also possible to purchase striped OP cloth which can be made into a blazer, or any other item requiring fabric. The fabric is available at £30.00 per metre

Mugs

16 Mug (Crossed Keys-

17 NEW - Mug £16.00 (China -’Mug Full of History’ of Our School)

10

11

12

13

14

15

Miscellaneous

18 Umbrella (Crossed Keys—Black) £20.00

19 Telescopic Umbrella £20.00

20 Hand-painted Old Peterite Crest £35.00

21 Limited Edition

22

23

To order please contact us on alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk or on 01904 527 363

OP Club Tie (Silk) £35.00

OP Club Tie (Polyester) £12.00

3 OP Club Bow Tie (Silk) £25.00

4 OP Club Bow Tie (Polyester) £12.00

5 Broad Stripe Tie (Silk) £32.00

6 Broad Stripe Tie (Polyester) £10.00

7 Broad Stripe Bow Tie (Silk) £25.00

8 OP Stripe Socks *Back In Stock* £13.00

OP Cufflinks £25.00

Signet Ring from £45.00 (silver, gold, rose gold)

Silver Tie Clip £25.00

Silver Charm Bracelet £25.00

Silver Charm Necklace £35.00

Crest Earrings £30.00 (silver stud or silver drop)

OP Lapel Pins £6.00

Black) £3.00

Print of St Peter’s School, York by Ken Howard R.A, R.W.S. (unframed) £25.00

St Peters Scarf £20.00

St Peters Bookmark £12

So many of you, our Alumni and Cross Keys readers, are spread out all over the country and in locations around the world.

Tag us or send us a photo of your view while you read your Cross Keys magazine – no matter how picturesque or tongue-in-cheek, be it at the beach, over a cup of tea, with the grandchildren or in your student dorm. We’d love to see how far the Cross Keys travels. You can see just how far the magazine travels around the school site from our entries below!

Send to: alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk or follow and tag us on social media #CrossKeys2023.

Where Do You Read Yours? Archives

As we try to build a complete catalogue of whole school and house photographs we would appreciate any contributions you are able to make. We would be very grateful for donations of any of the following photographs for our Archives. However, if you are able only to lend a photograph, we can scan it and return it.

1 Whole School Photographs

LinkedIn

2 St Peter’s House Photographs: Grove (1959, 1960, 1970, 1985, 1987, 1996, 2015. 2017) Linton (2007), The Manor (1929 to 1948), Queens (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1970, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2015-2021), The Rise (1920, years 1923 to 1928, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1941, 1942, 1944, 1947), School House (1937, 1984, 1991, 1994)

3 Any photographs of St Olave’s

4 Any Photographs of Clifton prep (Miss Meaby’s / Miss Singleton’s).

Please remove the photograph from any holder; we do not want frames, holders or glass. We look forward to seeing what treasure people can uncover. Please contact the archives team with contributions or for more information: archives@stpetersyork.org.uk

Did you know you can now officially add St Peter’s to your education history?

Go to your ‘Education’ and search ‘St Peter’s School, York’ You can also follow us at St Peter’s School, York.

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St Peter’s School, York

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Ella Mallard can be found in the school library reading her copy

Catching up on the sports reports during a hockey game Mr Stephen?

Even the grounds staff at St Peter’s can’t keep their hands off the latest issue!

1-year-old Hallie enjoys a little look while she waits for Mummy to finish work

Arthur likes to look at his copy with Grandad Anthony Robinson (1973).