Cross Keys Old Peterite Magazine 2016 by StPetersYork

A MAGAZINE FOR ALL OLD PETERITES

A LEVEL RESULTS 2015 was a vintage year for exam results

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THE CRUCIBLE Pupils take to the stage to perform Arthur Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic

YORK DINNER The centrepiece of our events calendar is announced

SPRING 2016

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Welcome It was so good to see a large number of Old Peterites of various vintages supporting our second annual OP Day on 29 August 2015. We want to build on this occasion as one of the focal events of the year for Old Peterites to keep in touch with one another and the School.

he day, which was blessed with lovely weather, began with a service in Chapel and was followed by buffet lunch and drinks in a marquee in front of the Queen’s Building. Our archivist had put together a fascinating display of Old Peterite memorabilia in the refurbished Memorial Hall. The afternoon centred around three sporting fixtures between the Retiring Captains’ teams and the new First Teams in hockey, rugby and netball. This provided a feast of sport and characteristically full commitment from all teams. School and OPs shared the cup as a win each in the rugby and hockey was followed by a draw in the netball. It was a good occasion for family, with a bouncy castle and other entertainments, and also for OPs to tour their former houses and catch up with developments at the School. I do hope that the event will grow with your support over the years to come. Meeting OPs at the various regional dinners and other events, it is always striking what a diverse range of careers are represented. Many OPs kindly give advice to current pupils through our annual Careers Convention (in March) and online forums such as LinkedIn. If you are able to add to this growing reservoir of expert advice, do please get in touch with Mrs Penny Bollands, who runs our full-time careers and higher education department at p.bollands@stpetersyork.org.uk.

I’m glad to report that your old school is in very good shape in its 1,388th year. We have an ambitious Campus Masterplan which will deliver a number of projects over the next ten years. The School has record pupil numbers (1,100 pupils from 3-18) and a growing range of academic and co-curricular opportunities. Recent academic additions include History of Art A Level and the Extended Project Qualification. Sports tours to Canada (Rugby) and Holland (Girls’ Hockey) and a Music Tour to France are just a few examples of our holiday activities. Sporting OPs will be particularly pleased to hear of clean sweeps in recent rugby fixtures against Ampleforth College and Durham School. Our girls’ teams have done similarly well, including a remarkable achievement for the 3rd XI of a third consecutive unbeaten season. Such achievements are great signs of health both in terms of participation levels and the competitive spirit of the school. I could go on, but space doesn’t allow – please see the school website for much, much more on the life of the school. In the meantime, please do keep in touch.

LEO WINKLEY Headmaster, St Peter’s School, 3–18

Cover image: St Peter’s rowers in action at the South Yorkshire Head in February 2016

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School news

Award for Swing Band St Peter’s has reached the final of the National Concert Band Festival, the country’s largest band festival. The Swing Band qualified with a Platinum award – the highest category available. The band had to perform a 20 minute set of four contrasting pieces, with adjudication by Bryan Allen, former Head of Brass at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Heather Nicoll, Head of Woodwind at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The pupils’ attention will now turn to the final, which will be held at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music in April 2016.

A*grades rise again at St Peter’s 2015 was a vintage year for exam results, with a quarter of all A Levels passed at A*, and 57% passed at A* or A grade.

ine pupils passed every exam at the highest grade, including: Francisca Anderson, Elizabeth Brown, Georgia Calvert, Laura Clark, Edward Cotter, Emily Mahon, James Sowerby, Helen Taylor and Emily Williams. Overall 39 pupils – 32% of the year group achieved straight A or A* grades. Fifth Form pupils performed equally impressively, passing 73% of all exams at A* or A. Leo Winkley, Head Master of St Peter’s said: “We are all delighted for the pupils who worked very hard to achieve this superb set of results. They have responded to the inspiration offered by their teachers and managed to deliver in the tough conditions of the exam hall, as well as enjoying the learning journey.”

We are all delighted for the pupils

57% passed at A or higher

Public lectures The public lecture series has gone from strength to strength, with speakers including astronaut Michael Foale, Sir Anthony Seldon, Holocaust survivor Iby Knill, and Dame Jenni Murray, among many others, appearing at St Peter’s during the past year. In addition to our own lectures, we work in partnership with the York Literature Festival, the York Festival of Ideas and the Aesthetica Short Film Festival to host a wide range of speakers and events throughout the year. OPs are very welcome to attend these events, and details of our programme will be circulated in the electronic mailing.

New Reception is People’s Favourite St Peter’s has triumphed in the York Design Awards for the creation of its new reception. The School won the People’s Press Award, which was decided by readers of York Press. After winning the Lord Mayor’s Architecture Prize in 2012 for the new swimming pool and the ‘Best Mixed Award’ for the new entrance to Clifton School and Nursery in 2014, this year the reception area overcame other entries from across York, including the redevelopments to The Manor boarding house.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

The Crucible Pupils have taken to the stage in an ambitious performance of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.

he production, which involved pupils from ages 14 to 18,follows a neighbourhood in unrest after a group of girls accuse townspeople of witchcraft. It is a dramatised and partially fictionalised story of the Salem witch trials that took place in Massachusetts during 1692 and 1693. Helen Lindley, Director of Drama at St Peter’s School, said: “This year marks the centenary of Arthur Miller’s birth, so it’s great to be doing one of his plays to mark this anniversary. It is a challenge for the actors and they have all risen to this fantastically.”

They have all risen to this fantastically

Paris trip Our Chapel Choir, Brass Ensemble, Wind and Swing Bands completed a highly successful tour of Paris and the surrounding area in August. The ensembles performed in a number of different locations, including singing and playing to a large audience in a formal concert in the beautiful cathedral at Chartres, and entertaining a large crowd as part of the Performing Arts programme on the Videopolis stage at Disneyland. The highlight of the tour came at Notre Dame, performing the Mozart Missa Brevis in F as part of the evening Mass with a congregation of around 1000 present. The pupils also enjoyed their sight-seeing, with visits to the Louvre, the palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tour and of course Disneyland during their week away.

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OP news OP Day 2015 Hundreds of Old Peterites were joined by pupils, staff and parents to celebrate OP Day on Saturday 5 September. This annual day of events, built around the traditional retiring captains’ rugby, hockey and netball matches, provided former pupils with a chance to catch up with fellow Old Peterites, enjoy some outstanding sporting contests, and explore the School and the changes that have been made over recent years. The day began with a Chapel service at 11.30am conducted by the School Chaplain, Daniel Jones, and was followed by light refreshments in the Memorial Hall. The new School archivist, Ian Lancaster, who taught chemistry at St Peter’s for 29 years, exhibited a wonderful collection of photographs, uniforms and notebooks reflecting elements of the School’s history on its current site. Following the formal opening of The Manor (see page 8) a BBQ lunch was served from a marquee on the bank overlooking the 1st XV pitch with a bar and ice-cream van also available. Clifton playground played host to a children’s bouncy castle for the day, to cater for those OPs with young children. After closely fought encounters, the retiring captains’ trophy was shared between the Old Peterites and the School with a 7-0 win for the School in the Hockey, a 22-20 win for the OPs in the rugby and a 23-23 draw in the netball.

Scholarship success for OP musicians Two recent Old Peterites have been awarded music scholarships by Birmingham University.

ally Hicks, who was Head Girl Chorister 2014-15, and Will Hartley, Leader of Swing Band and Brass Ensemble 2014-15, are reading Sports Science and History respectively. The scholarships, each worth £1000, have been awarded for singing and will fund their voice lessons. Sally and Will will also participate in at least one other music ensemble.

Cricket accolade for Jonny In September, England and Yorkshire cricketer Jonny Bairstow was named the County Championship Player of the Year by the Cricket Writers’ Club. The Old Peterite was in sensational form in the 2015 season, having scored 1108 runs in nine matches for Yorkshire at an average of 92.33. His batting helped the team reclaim the Championship title and earned himself a recall to the England side that beat Australia 3-2 to reclaim the Ashes. Jonny was named Young Cricketer of the Year in 2011, an award which this year went to Yorkshire player Jack Leaning.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Legacy Lunch

Events Details of all forthcoming events and information on how to book are posted on the School website. Please keep us informed of any changes to your contact details so that we can make you aware of events that might be of interest to you.

Tuesday 17 May 2016 Arrive from 12.15pm, lunch commences at 1pm The Regency Room, York & Albany, 127-129 Parkway, London, NW1 7PS Leaving a legacy is one of the greatest gifts you can make, and helps us to ensure the continuing development of the school for generations to come. It also creates a permanent testimony to your relationship with the School. This event brings together OPs who have pledged to support the School with a gift in their will, and gives us an opportunity to bring you up to date on developments at the School. We will be writing directly to those who have expressed their intention to leave us a gift, to invite them to this event. If you are considering leaving us a legacy, and would like to attend the lunch, please contact Hannah Hamilton on 01904 527363 for an informal, confidential discussion. To conserve funds for the benefit of our pupils, there is a charge of £40 to cover the cost of lunch plus one glass of house wine, beer or a soft drink.

London Drinks Tuesday 17 May 2016 6pm – 8pm The Wine Bar in the York & Albany, 127-129 Parkway, London, NW1 7PS

Cambridge Drinks Wednesday 4 May 2016 6pm – 8pm The Eagle, Benet Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QN This event is an opportunity for Old Peterites of all ages to join us for informal drinks and a catch up. All are welcome – the event is free to attend and your first drink is on us. Our regional drinks events are open to all Old Peterites, regardless of where they live, work or study.

This event is an opportunity for Old Peterites of all ages to join us for informal drinks and a catch up. All are welcome – the event is free to attend and your first drink is on us. Our regional drinks events are open to all Old Peterites, regardless of where they live, work or study.

All are welcome

OP Club – East Riding Dinner Friday 20 May 2016 The Bell Hotel, Market Place, Driffield YO25 6AN The annual East Riding Dinner will take place at The Bell Hotel, Driffield on Friday 20 May. All Old Peterites are welcome to attend. This event is being organised by David Atkinson (Manor 1967 – 1972). For tickets, contact David on 07889 845 028.

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Class of 1996 – Reunion Saturday 3 September 1996 St Peter’s School, York

ollowing on from OP Day, this Class reunion will celebrate twenty years since leaving St Peter’s. Invitations will be issued by email. We are delighted to support reunions and help with the organisation and running of events to suit your requirements. To discuss arranging a reunion, please contact Rebecca Lee-Bursnall in the Alumni Office on 01904 527362, or by email at r.lee-bursnall@stpetersyork.org.uk.

OP Club – York Dinner Friday 8 July 2016 Memorial Hall, St Peter’s School, York

aking place on the evening of Commemoration, this year’s York Dinner promises to be an event to remember. Following a three course meal with wine, past and current pupils will stage a musical performance that will entertain and delight, as well as showcasing the next generation of talent at St Peter’s. We expect this event to be extremely popular. Early booking is strongly advised.

OP Day 2016 Saturday 3 September 2016 St Peter’s School, York Now well-established as the perfect opportunity to revisit the school, OP Day has at its centrepiece the Retiring Captains’ matches, as part of a full programme that includes a Chapel Service, Archives displays and tours of the School, an exhibition of pupil artwork in the Whitestone gallery, a BBQ and picnic lunch, and a family play area and Bouncy Castle. Please see the website for further details.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

OP news Psychology publication

OP triathlete makes great strides Old Peterite Sam Dickinson (The Manor, 2010 – 2015) is making his mark in the in the world of athletics, with less than a year until the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

ollowing a win in the the British Triathlon Under 20’s Festival, Sam was hit by heatstroke in his first world championship race in Chicago in September, but fought back to secure the BUCS Men’s Duathlon Championship title in late November in a time of 42:03.2. Sam is training hard over the winter with the Yorkshire Triathlon Academy alongside studying for his degree in Sports Science and Psychology at the University of Leeds.

42:03.2 Sam’s winning time at the BUCS Men’s Duathlon Championship

A new lease of life for The Manor Former Manorites gathered on OP Day to mark the formal opening of The Manor after refurbishments to its entrance and public areas. Former House Masters present for the ceremony included John Bulcock and Paddy Stephen, with current House Parents Steve Gwilliam and Dori Lopez also in attendance. Head Master Leo Winkley welcomed all those present to celebrate the long history of The Manor and all those who have passed

through its doors. OPs John Raylor (Manor 1947 – 1952) and David Hunter (Manor 1947 – 1950) were invited to cut the ribbon. John and David have enjoyed a 68 year friendship after meeting as 13 year olds on the first day of term in September 1947. Following a champagne reception, OPs had an opportunity to explore The Manor and discover how much – and how little – it has changed over the years.

Edward Dale (Grove 1993-1999) has published a book on transpersonal psychology. Dedicated to St Peter’s Geography teacher Derek Patterson, who first inspired Ed’s interest in systems theory and in Christianity, Completing Piaget’s Project: Transpersonal Philosophy and the Future of Psychology, was published in 2015 by Paragon House, and has sold out on Amazon USA several times. The book is written for the fields of transpersonal psychology, which studies the highest levels of human performance and fulfilment, including religious experience and other forms of peak experience, and general psychology. After leaving school Ed studied psychology and philosophy at Warwick university. He worked in various jobs including door to door sales and then psychology. He is a qualified psychologist, a consulting editor for the Journal of Mind and Behaviour based at the University of Maine, and operates a web-based business that promotes psychological and spiritual growth. He runs the websites edwardjdale.com and tph.news.

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OP Club

An update from the OP Club President

am now past the half way mark of my Presidency and I must confess I am thoroughly enjoying myself. For a number of years I have been involved with organising the Tyneside OP Dinner and with taking on the Presidency I have been able to go to other area dinners, the most recent being the London dinner which epitomises a “good OP dinner” in that there was a great cross section of ages from recent leavers to old folk like myself. Any Society needs young blood to come through the ranks if that society is to continue to flourish. For myself being President has allowed me to reconnect with the School, something I must confess I have been a little remiss in the past, but it is never too late to make amends. I have enjoyed Commemoration, OP sports days, carol services and foundation events and hopefully will continue to do so in the future. 2016 is a significant year for me; my Presidency comes to an end but also it will be 50 years since I left St Peter’s School. It might be fun to have a bit of a reunion to celebrate this special anniversary. I have broached the subject with a few of my contemporaries and the response has been positive. I urge you to keep 8 July 2016 free and come back to your old school and reconnect. I will try and make contact with as many as possible, in the meantime I hope we will meet up in York in July – let’s do it before we get past our sell by date!

OP Club Committee The Old Peterite Club is run by a Committee which consists of Officers, four Elected Members and Co-Opted Members. The Head Master and a representative of the Alumni Office are invited to the Committee Meetings which are held at least twice a year. The Annual General Meeting is held on the day of Commemoration, just before the Annual York Dinner. We welcome new committee members – for more information, contact Bill Hudson on 01943 874504 or at maggieehudson@yahoo.co.uk.

Officers President: Michael Jobling (Jobbers) (Grove 1961-1966) arrived at St Olave’s in September 1958, boarding at Alcuin House with Peter Lanning. He followed his brothers to the Grove under Robert Harding, then got a free transfer to Dronfield House. Outside academia he enjoyed rugby and cricket – not achieving great heights but still thoroughly enjoying it. He also managed to collect a few O-Levels on the way which even surprised his parents. In recent years he has organised the Tyneside OP Dinner. Immediate Past President: Richard Harding (Grove 1959-1964) Secretary: William (Bill) Hudson arrived at Wentworth House in September 1955 when the Housemaster was David Blunt, and moved to The Grove in September 1959 when Robert Harding was in charge. His main interests outside the academic were Rugby, Hockey and Cricket, and music. An abortive attempt to play the piano (driving Keith Pemberton mad!) was followed by a more successful Trombone career culminating in performing, as second Trombone , in the 1964 production of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’. Bill was President of the Club from 1996 to 1998 and has been Secretary since 2007. Treasurer: Andy Tuck (Temple 1975-1980)

Elected Members 2015/16 Andrew Kay (Temple 1991-1996) started life in Elmet House at St Olave’s in 1986, before moving to Temple. Academia played very much second fiddle to sport during his time at school, and he represented St Peter’s at Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Squash. He loved his time at both Olave’s and Peter’s and is now enjoying being an active member of the

OP Club and serving on the OP Committee. Dr Fiona McCrimmon (Manor 1985-87) David Todd (Linton 1990 – 1995) started at Clifton Prep and went through the whole of his school career within a 0.5 mile radius, through Elmet House in Olave’s and then onto School House for all but U6, where he moved down the road to the newly formed Linton House under the legendary Housemaster Mr John Owen-Barnett. David loved Rugby and played 1st XV in Sixth Form, Hockey 1st XI in Fifth and L6 before Captaining in U6. He also played Tennis 1st VI after finding cricket took up too much of Saturday.

Co-Opted Members Mark Hepworth (Queens 1965-71) Peter Netherwood (Temple and Queens 1951-57) Linden Richardson (School House 1958-1964) attended St Olave’s from 1953 -1958 and moved to School House up until 1964. He was Captain of Cricket and Athletics and Chapel Monitor. As part of his long association with the School, Linden was President of the OP Club from 2010 - 2012 Wg Cdr Anthony Robinson CMgr FCMI (The Rise, 1970 – 1973) had interests in languages, music and fencing. A leadership career of 40 years continues in international relations, diplomacy, strategy, intelligence, aviation, management and training. His last full-time role in the UK delegation to NATO in Brussels involved leading international committees on cooperation including Russia and Ukraine relations. He is now an international election observer for the Foreign Office, a visiting lecturer in universities abroad, and a business mentor.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

OP news Tributes and passings

OP Cricket 2015 With a change to the start time for Commemoration, this year’s game saw a change of format to a 40 over game on Thursday, and a T20 contest on Friday morning. Batting first, the OPs were reduced to 20-2 very quickly, but fine batting by Charlie Elliot, Sam McCullagh and Will Booth saw the OPs post a respectable 211-9.

Sir Donald Barron Sir Donald Barron, who died recently aged 94, served as Governor of St Peter’s School from 1966-1978 and Vice Chairman from 1978-1981. He was awarded a Fellowship of the School in 1991 and went onto become a Foundation Trustee from 2000 to 2002. Sir Donald joined Rowntree & Co in 1952, becoming chairman in 1966. He took on the chairmanship of Midland Bank in 1982, and served on the Board of Banking Supervision until 1989. He was a leading member of the York Academic Trust, formed to work towards the creation of a university in the city. He later served as treasurer of the University, and as a pro-chancellor from 1982 to 1995. Always a man of great vigour and determination, Sir Donald kept fit into old age with tennis and golf. He married Gillian Saville in 1956; she survives him together with their three sons Alastair (Queen’s 1971-76), David (Queen’s 1972-77), Roderick (Queen’s 1974-79) and two daughters, Julia and Felicity. Sir Donald Barron, born March 17 1921, died December 30 2015. We are also very sorry to report the recent death of Beverley Jones (Queen’s, 1954-1958). Obituaries are given in full on the School website, where we have space to remember those we have lost and celebrate their lives. If you wish to submit an obituary for an Old Peterite, please contact us at alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk, or by post addressed to Alumni, St Peter’s School, York, YO30 6AB.

After a lively Thursday night, the team returned unfit for purpose on Friday

he School started well with Harry Contreras and Will Huffer striking some early boundaries, but Felix Adam’s spin brought three quick wickets, and with three more from Nick Kay after tea, the School collapsed to 170-9. Rain brought an early conclusion with six overs to spare, and although there was no official result the OPs were delighted with their win by Duckworth-Lewis.

After a lively Thursday night, the team returned unfit for purpose on Friday. The School scored 85 runs in the first five overs, with skipper Harry Stothard doing the damage. He was dismissed by Felix Adam, who brought the rate back down, but 194 in 20 overs would be a stiff test. A rapid 34 from Sam McCullagh and a half century from Nick Kay weren’t enough, and the School ran out the winners by 31 runs.

Ebola Medal for Theo Theo Grace (The Grove, 2002-2007) recently received the ‘Prime Minister’s Ebola Medal’ for his six months work in Sierra Leone with the World Health Organisation (WHO). Theo joined the staff just as the ebola epidemic broke and he became the link between the WHO ebola research and development team in Sierra Leone with WHO HQ in Geneva. He is now working at WHO in Geneva on protocols for research into other potential global epidemics.

The Old Peterite Club Golf Day 2015 An encouraging 28 players, representing all ages from those who left us in the 1950s to representatives of the class of 2015, competed for the Founder’s Trophy, for the player with the lowest gross score, and the Burnett trophy, for the player with the highest number of Stableford points. The Burnett Trophy went to Matthew Todd with a terrific 44 points, just one point ahead of Andy Kay. Kevin Miller took home the Founder’s Trophy with a commendable round of 69.

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Legacies We are honoured that an increasing number of Old Peterites, former staff and friends of the School are choosing to remember us with a gift in their Will. Legacies of any size can benefit our Bursary programme, support capital projects, or help to support and enrich the pupil experience. We run occasional events for those who have expressed their intention of leaving us a gift, as an additional way to stay in touch with the School and learn about the difference that these gifts are making. Please do contact us if you would like to find out more.

Help with Fees We are working hard to secure funding to assist pupils who could not otherwise benefit from a St Peter’s education. Your donations make it possible for us to offer this opportunity to individuals who will flourish here, and who will contribute to our wider community. The 627 Society, for our regular givers, currently supports four pupils. Regular donations from just £6.27 per month will help us to make a real difference. Individual donations are also extremely welcome. Please contact us for details if you would like to set up a regular donation by direct debit.

How you can help

Campus development In the near future, we hope to be able to support the further development of our beautiful campus and outstanding facilities, in line with the Campus masterplan. As recent generations of pupils have benefitted from the historic generosity of others, we hope that our community will help us to pay that generosity forward, and support projects for current and future generations. Further details will be published in due course.

Get in touch To find out about ways you can support the next generation of pupils at St Peter’s, or to get in touch with any alumni or events queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Hannah Hamilton Director of External Relations T: 01904 527 363 E: h.hamilton@stpetersyork.org.uk Rebecca Lee-Bursnall Alumni, Events & Lettings Officer T: 01904 527 362 E: r.lee-bursnall@stpetersyork.org.uk Sue Jenks Administrative Assistant T: 01904 527 322 E: s.jenks@stpetersyork.org.uk

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