Cross Keys Old Peterite Magazine 2017 by StPetersYork

A MAGAZINE FOR ALL OLD PETERITES

RUGBY 1st IV celebrate unbeaten season

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EVENTS Our 2017 OP events calendar is announced

GEORGE YELD The ‘Grand Old Man of St Peter’s’ tipped for recognition

SPRING 2017

www.stpetersyork.org.uk

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Welcome

I recently bumped into an Old Peterite in the Monkey Cage. He was returning to the School for the first time in a double-figure number of years. I asked him how he felt being back at the old School: his comment was both reassuring and energising.

e said that the School was the same in the right way, but had changed greatly, and for the better, since he was a pupil at St Peter’s. The classrooms were brighter and fresher; the sports facilities more diverse and well maintained; the boarding and day houses better kept; the tone and atmosphere of the School was friendly but orderly. And what about the current pupils, I asked? Still confident, polite, down-to-earth, and good with people. Our motto, Super Antiquas Vias, is one that points backwards, ‘over ancient ways’; but it also implies forward motion. If a school stands still, it moves backwards. It is a dynamic blend of respect for tradition and history allied to a healthy appetite for change and development that characterises the St Peter’s School of 2017. We are in excellent health with pupil numbers at record levels across our 3-18 foundation. We do not want to be any bigger than we are: there is an optimal size that allows diversity in the pupil community but also ensures that each individual is known in his or her own right. And our pupils, encouraged and nurtured by an excellent and highly dedicated staff, are achieving remarkable things together. The academic profile of the School is strong, but not because we have exam tunnel vision; rather, our pupils are well taught and willing to work – and play – hard. The results on the sports field speak volumes. We prefer to grow our own talent, rather than offering sports awards, and yet our performances are strong because pupils are well coached and play as a team. A win ratio in excess of 80% across girls’ and boys’ sports fixtures is a great achievement, but it is the fair-minded and well-disciplined way in which the children play that gives the greatest sense of accomplishment. Across the range of music, drama, outdoor education, CCF, debating and a myriad of other activities, our pupils like to get stuck in.

If that’s the present, what about the future? We are currently investing in an ambitious Campus Masterplan. Phase 1 will deliver a new classroom block of 16 teaching rooms for Maths and Modern Foreign Languages, open for use in Autumn 2018, as well as modern dining facilities for our pre-Prep school. While we are in good financial health, fundraising is crucial to the success of our forthcoming campus developments. The new Boathouse is our current project, and I hope that you will support this much-needed facility for our talented rowers. Further details on this exciting project are enclosed. Meanwhile, our ‘Help With Fees’ programme will continue to increase and widen access to a St Peter’s education. More than anyone else, the Old Peterite community knows how valuable this can be. Friendships for life are forged here, as the School aims to lay the foundations for each individual that sets out from St Peter’s to travel confidently and cheerfully over the ancient ways. Old Peterites are a treasured part of our vibrant community; in the past year, hundreds of you have returned to visit St Peter’s and we are always delighted to have you back. I hope that you will enjoy the programme of events we have planned for you here in 2017 – I very much look forward to welcoming you back to your old School. Best wishes

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

Cover image: OP Georgie Acons runs 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days (full article p.4)

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School news

Ann Widdecombe on a life of politics and celebrity As part of the recent York Literature Festival, which saw seven events take place at St Peter’s, Ann Widdecombe discussed her varied career, including her twenty years in politics, her early life travelling the world with her father in the Navy, and her more recent life as a TV personality and writer.

Exam results on the up again Pupils at St Peter’s passed more than three quarters of their GCSE exams at A* and A grade. Passes at the highest levels increased to 76%, up from 73% last year.

upils secured a 100% pass rate in all subjects. Mathematics was a particular success, with 99% of grades at A*– B. In A-Levels, 83.3% of all exams were passed at A*–B, an increase of 2% from 2015. More than one in five – 20.3% – of all exams were passed at A*. 38 pupils – more than a third of the year group - passed every exam at A* or A grade. Mathematics remains the most popular subject at St Peter’s for A-Level entries, studied by more than half the year group, and has once again achieved outstanding results. Of 57 candidates, 63% passed at A* or A. 89% passed Further Mathematics at the same grades.

We are all delighted for the pupils

Archbishop of York visits St Peter’s In January, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, visited the School.

Passes at highest level increased to

76%

Choristers join the national stage Our Lead Boy Chorister, Sam, passed the rigorous audition process to be chosen as one of only 100 young people from across the country to be part of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain (aged 16-22), and one of just ten in his voice section, Bass 1. The NYCGB routinely participates in international festivals and competitions across the world, including the BBC Proms, and has previously performed at prominent sporting occasions such as the FA Cup Final. Two other choristers, Lower Sixth pupil Izzy and Fourth Former Carly, have also been selected for the National Youth Training Choir, with a view to joining the full choir in the future.

The day began at Clifton, where the children shared their latest artwork and stories. At St Olave’s, the Archbishop presented pupils with the Archbishop’s Young Leaders Award, which recognises children making a difference in their community. He was also taken on a tour of St Peter’s School, and led a confirmation service at Chapel in the evening.

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

Rugby 1st XV Celebrate unbeaten season The Rugby 1st XV completed a whole season unbeaten in regular Saturday fixtures – only the fourth time a St Peter’s team has done this since the 1940s. With seven wins from seven heading into half term, the team knew they still had a lot of work to do if they were to replicate this form in the second stage of the season. This determination was evident as play resumed in November with a well-deserved 17-15 victory over RGS Newcastle. A steely defence has been a hallmark of the team’s displays all season, and after repelling that persistent Newcastle frontline, the boys went on to keep clean sheets in impressive victories over Barnard Castle and Bradford Grammar. There was still plenty to play for against Pocklington though, and yet more strong defending and clinical attacking proved enough to hold on for the win, securing fourth place in the National Daily Mail Trophy League. Steve Williams, Director of Sport at St Peter’s, said “To go a whole season unbeaten is a rare and remarkable achievement, and the boys have done the School proud. The resilience and teamwork they’ve demonstrated throughout the season has been incredible, and they fully deserve this terrific success.”

Pupils look to the future at Careers Convention Every pupil across the Fifth and Lower Sixth Form year groups visited the Careers Convention to talk to more than 40 exhibitors about their respective industries. Across a broad variety of sectors, including accountancy, medicine, design, hospitality and even the emergency services, pupils benefitted from the range of knowledge, experience and inspiration available. Joy Loftus, Head of Careers at St Peter’s, said: “It was great to see so many professionals and organisations come together to support and enthuse our pupils. As always, pupils did themselves proud by asking relevant questions and developing their knowledge and communication skills. Many of our exhibitors are Old Peterites as well, which helps pupils to envisage a very real career journey after St Peter’s.”

Quiz team enjoys national success The St Peter’s quiz team reached the inter-regional final of the national Schools Challenge Competition, missing out on victory by the finest of margins. After defeating several teams from Yorkshire to be crowned regional champions in November, the team progressed to the inter-regional stage in Manchester, where they impressed with their knowledge of music, literature and politics, excelling particularly in a round on the middle names of American Presidents. They came up against an impressive Manchester Grammar School team in the final, and after a hard-fought contest, were beaten 570-510.

Grease is the word for pupils Pupils have staged a memorable production of one of the most successful musicals of all time, the 1971 classic Grease. For three sold-out nights in December, the pupils produced an exciting, colourful and seamless show, complete with snappy one-liners and foot-tapping tunes. Paul Miles-Kingston, Director of Music at St Peter’s, who led the band throughout the show, said: “There was a great energy about the performance – it was clear that all the pupil players involved were really enjoying the experience. The principal performances were all terrific, but this was very much a team effort on the part of all the pupils and staff, and the ovations earned at the end of each night were richly deserved.”

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OP news OP returns to School for his 90th charity challenge Old Peterite Richard Kirby (Grove 1977-82) is raising awareness for the mental health charity Time to Change, by completing a staggering list of unique challenges. Beginning in 2014, former St Peter’s cricket captain Richard’s mission began with one task - to raise £1,000 for Mind – but it has since evolved into an extensive and varied list of challenges, which has seen him meet pop stars, compete with athletes, complete a novel and perform stand-up comedy.

The London Transport Museum erects a memorial to commemorate OP Frank Pick

rank Pick joined St Peter’s School in 1893 as a Foundation Scholar, and was awarded both the Dean of York’s Prize for Mathematics and House Colours for rowing during his time here. Frank went on to be one of the most influential individuals in the history of modern British transport, as he rose through the ranks to become President of the Institute for Transport in 1932. In the course of his career he enjoyed what many consider to be his greatest achievements, in commissioning some of the most recognisable design icons in the world of transport, including the Johnston typeface and roundel that make up the London Underground logo. His achievements have long been acknowledged at St Peter’s, with a memorial plaque being unveiled here on 23 November 1951, and the London Transport Museum has now marked his contribution with a memorial – designed by BAFTA-winning and Turner Prize nominated artists Langlands & Bell - unveiled in Piccadilly Circus station on 7 November, 75 years after his death.

Old Peterite runs around the world in a week for charity

On the way, he’s played cricket with another St Peter’s alumnus, England’s Jonny Bairstow; boxed with up-and-coming super lightweight fighter Josh Leather, and met British Olympic legend Ann Packer. Challenge number 90 on Richard’s list was to recreate a favourite childhood/teenage photograph, for which he chose to return to the Rise steps at St Peter’s with his mother, Anna. You can find out more about Richard’s charity challenges at www.richardkirby.org.

In January, Georgie Acons (Temple 2002) embarked on a challenge to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. It was a journey that would see her running 183 miles around the world, travelling from Antarctica, to Chile, to Miami, to Madrid, to Marrakesh, then on to Dubai before finally finishing in Sydney. Georgie took on this remarkable endeavour in order to raise money and awareness for the Brain Tumour Charity, a cause very close to her heart, not least because a brain tumour took the life of a friend and fellow Peterite, Hannah Smith, shortly after they left school. Georgie has raised just over £17,000 and is very grateful for all the support she received and continue to receive. Georgie’s own report on her spectacular accomplishment is online in the Alumni News Section.

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Events

OP Club 58th East Riding Dinner Friday 19 May 2017 7.30pm for 8.15pm The Bell Hotel, Market Place, Driffield, YO25 6AN All Old Peterites and partners are welcome to attend. This event is being organised by David Atkinson (Manor 1967 – 1972). For tickets, contact David on 07889 845 028.

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.

OP Cricket Match

Thursday 6 and Friday 7 July 2017 1st XI Cricket pitch, St Peter’s School Every year our current School cricket team plays against an Old Peterite cricket team. This will be a two-day fixture with both teams having two innings each. Play will commence at 11am until 6pm on Thursday, recommencing on Friday at approximately 12 noon (after Commemoration) with close of play 6.30pm. If you are an OP wishing to play for the OP side, please contact Nick Kay on kaybo79@hotmail.com or 07815 809 596.

Wine and Strawberries Thursday 6 July 2017 6 – 8pm Commemoration Marquee, St Peter’s School

A Grand Day Out Friday 9 June 2017

At the close of the first day’s play in the OP Cricket match, wine and strawberries will be served in the Commemoration Marquee next to the first XI. All OPs and their guests are welcome. RSVP to alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk, or by calling 01904 527 322.

10.40am-5pm Greenwich, London All Old Peterites and their guests are warmly invited to join us at this year’s Grand Day Out in London. Attendees will embark upon a guided boat trip along the Thames from Westminster, alighting in Greenwich to enjoy a two-course lunch with wine at the historic Trafalgar Tavern. After lunch it’s all aboard the Cutty Sark, before returning to the tavern to enjoy afternoon coffee with cake. To secure your place, complete the enclosed booking form and return it to us with payment by Wednesday 31 May.

OP York Dinner Friday 7 July 2017 Memorial Hall, St Peter’s School After the resounding success of last year’s event we are once again showcasing St Peter’s latest musical talent in an after-dinner cabaret performance, starring young OPs and current School leavers. Tickets include a pre-dinner drinks reception, and a three-course dinner with drinks. Any profits from the dinner will help to support the OP Club Bursary. Please use the form enclosed to purchase your tickets.

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Class of 1977 Reunion

Saturday 7 October 2017 St Peter’s School The Class of ’77 Reunion will include a tour of the School, an opportunity to watch a School sports match, and dinner and drinks in York. To register your interest, contact Mike Willets on mikedwilletts@gmail.com.

Old Peterite Golf Fixtures

The Grafton Morrish Trophy regional qualifier

Old Giggleswickians Match – NEW FIXTURE

OP Day Golf Match

Sunday 14 May 2017

Thursday 15 June (tbc)

Friday 1 September

Fixby Golf Club, Huddersfield

Moor Allerton Golf Club

York Golf Club, Strensall

For all OP Golf fixtures please contact Andrew Miller at ajmiller1986@hotmail.co.uk if you would like to play. For more information, join their Facebook page, Old Peterite Golf Society.

OP Day Saturday 2 September 2017 11.30am-4.30pm St Peter’s School Old Peterites, parents and current pupils are all warmly invited to join us at School for a day of celebration and activities. The day begins with a Service in the Chapel, followed by tea and coffee in the Memorial Hall, where there will be a display from the School Archives. Tours of the School will be available, and the afternoon will see hockey, netball and rugby matches between the retiring captains’ teams and current School teams. A barbecue, cash bar, and entertainment for children will be available from lunchtime onwards. RSVP to alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk, or by calling 01904 527 322. from lunchtime onwards.

OP Club Newcastle Dinner 2017 Friday 13 October 7.30pm Café 21, Trinity Gardens This event is being organised by Mike Jobling (Dronfield 1961 – 1966). All OPs and guests are very welcome to attend. For tickets, contact Mike on 07774 646 037 or email info@michaeljoblingwines.com.

All are welcome

OP Club London Dinner 2017 Friday 10 November 2017 The Royal Air Force Club, 128 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7PY Further details will be supplied in due course, but you can register your interest on the School website to ensure you have the opportunity to book tickets before they become widely available.

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OP news

OP poet published fourth book

OP takes on the English Channel Chris Bond (School 1986) is taking the plunge for the second time and swimming the Channel for charity.

hris first attempted the 21-mile stretch of water in October 2016 to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now in memory of his friend Shaunagh. Unfortunately, Chris was unable to complete the crossing and was very ill as a result of his extraordinary efforts, but is determined to complete the challenge and will be attempting it again in August or September 2017. The full report from his first attempt can be found in the OP News section of the website.

21 miles

Antony Dunn (Manor 1991) recently published a new collection of poems. Take This One to Bed is Antony’s fourth book of poetry to be published, following Pilots & Navigators, Flying Fish and Bugs. Take This One to Bed is published by Valley Press, with whom Antony had previously worked on Ex Libris, a posthumous book of poetry by former St Peter’s English teacher David Hughes. Antony is also Artistic Director of the Bridlington Poetry Festival, which ran in October 2016 and also featured another Old Peterite and recent winner of the prestigious Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, Penny Boxall (Temple 2005).

Chris to swim the full Channel for charity

Old Peterite joins World Class Triathlon Programme Sam Dickinson (Manor 2015) has taken another step closer to joining the ranks of the world’s best triathletes. After a highly successful 2016, including an 8th place finish at the Junior World Championships, Sam has begun 2017 by being one of only three young athletes to be included in the British Triathlon World Class Performance Programme. The Lottery-funded programme helps to develop the country’s most promising triathletes into world leaders in their sport, and Sam will be aiming to emulate his heroes and training partners, the Brownlee brothers, with whom he practices at the Leeds Triathlon Centre. Sam said: “I only became interested in Triathlon around four years ago when I was still at St Peter’s, so it’s a great honour to be part of this programme which has developed and continues to develop so many great talents. I’m really looking forward to getting started and hope that it can push me on to the next stage in my journey.” p 07

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OP Club

OP Hockey – Pandas The Pandas Hockey Club is as busy as ever. A match against the School 1st XI in March ended in 3-1 to the School, and was followed by curry and drinks in York, and the Skegness Easter Weekend Tour took place in mid-April, with an astro match on the Friday and a 7-a-side grass tournament on the Saturday. Forthcoming events include the Club Dinner in Bedern Hall on 20 May, a match against Harrogate Hockey Club and the traditional Boxing Day match. Full details will be published on the School website in due course. The Pandas run men’s, women’s and mixed teams. New players and supporters are warmly welcomed, and all Old Peterites interested in getting involved should contact the Alumni Office on 01904 527 322 or email alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk to be put in touch with the Pandas.

Introducing class of 2016, our newest Old Peterites…

An update from the OP Club President

am writing from Edinburgh, where I am checking out my latest grandson, George William, born three days ago to daughter Jane (School House 2001) and husband Andy. My visit here is hot on the heels of attending the West Riding dinner, another event well organised by my contemporary Bill Hudson. Bill has been secretary of the OP Club for the last 10 years and is as delighted as I am that the Club will be looked after by the Alumni Office in the future following the EGM ratifying our new constitution. Although presiding over the vote I did none of the hard work that went into bringing it to fruition. My thanks must go to Past President Mike Jobling, Bill Hudson, Anthony Robinson, Andy Tuck and other members of the Club who helped. Special thanks to Hannah Hamilton who assisted the sub-committee and who has agreed to continue as Secretary of the newly constituted Club. The Newcastle Dinner was excellent and my thanks go to Past President Mike for his organisation. The London Dinner moved to a new venue, The Royal Airforce Club, thanks to Anthony’s connection. Great surroundings that I am pleased to confirm we will be using again this year, and the Exeter boys and girls will be pleased that we have arranged the dinner for a Friday night. The York Dinner will follow the same format as last year. The musical entertainment by current pupils and recent leavers was absolutely brilliant. We hope that many will return and ‘new faces’ will be added.

Recently, the fundraising dinner held by the Boat Club at The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall was a great success. I even managed to win a raffle prize! Those of you that are contactable via email will have already received details of this year’s Grand Day Out to Greenwich on Friday 9 June. I have put it in my diary and look forward to seeing many of you there. If the Alumni Office does not already contact you by email please forward your details to alumni@ stpetersyork.org.uk so that you are always aware of what is going on. Just in case you have not noticed, the 1st XV were undefeated this season; only the fourth time in their history. The 1st XI hockey are proving just as good, bad news for the current Pandas, but good for the future. I am looking forward to the game followed by the Pandas’ annual dinner at Bedern Hall. I am told that there will be a full complement of players and staff which is great. I look forward to seeing you at one of the many future Old Peterite events. Graham Todd OP Club President

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OP news UPDATE After a number of years in which it has proved extremely difficult to find anyone able to commit to the role of Club Secretary, the Club and the School worked together to propose a change to the structure of the Club to enable it to continue running smoothly.

he change, ratified at a General Meeting in January, retains the Club Committee and the vital roles of President and Treasurer, but the School takes over responsibility for administration. This will enable the very valuable time of our committee members and other volunteers to be spent in working with OPs and encouraging their involvement, rather than on administrative matters. We are always keen to hear from OPs interested in joining the Committee – please email us at alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk if you would like to find out more. If you’re interested in getting more involved in OP activities, but don’t want to commit to joining the committee, there are numerous opportunities to help at events and in our archives – please do get in touch on 01904 527 322; we will be delighted to hear from you!

Passings We are very sad to inform you of the passing of these members of our community. Obituaries are published on our website where available; we welcome your submissions and memories. Nona Blenkin

D. 13/03/2017 (Staff 1985 – 1994; Warden of Alcuin; Dronfield Assistant Housemistress; History Teacher)

Alexander McCallum

1940 – 2017 (The Manor 1954 – 1959)

Dr Peter Dench

1925 – 2017 (Temple, 1938 – 1943 and St Olave’s School from 1935 – 1938)

Mike Davies

1974 – 2016 (School 1993)

Matthew Coe

1998 – 2016 (The Manor 2016)

Philip Liversidge

1945 – 2016 (The Manor 1962)

Dr Robert Anthony Bowness Wood

1943 – 2016 (Alcuin 1952 – 1956, The Manor 1961)

Roger William Peacock 1940 – 2016 (School 1958)

Gordon Curtis Norris

1926 – 2016 (School 1939 – 1945)

Dr Godfrey Earlam Lester Graham 1919 – 2016 (School 1932 – 1937)

Thomas Boulton OBE

1925 – 2016 (The Rise 1940 – 1943)

Robert John Gibson

1931 – 2016 (St Olave’s 1938 – 1944, The Manor 1944 – 49)

J Peter Wheatley

1936 – 2017 (School 1949 – 1953)

Richard Bywater

1943 – 2016 (The Manor 1956 – 1961)

Robert Davridge

1928 – 2017 (Temple 1942 – 1944)

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Help with fees

Support us St Peter’s is built upon a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, and the School is enormously grateful for the support of Old Peterites, past and present. The generosity of our OP community not only funds new buildings, facilities and equipment, but provides vital fee assistance for pupils who would not otherwise be able to attend the School. With your help, together we can preserve this proud tradition and extend the same level of opportunity to current and future generations of pupils.

Fee assistance is more vital than ever, enabling us to continue providing children with the life-changing opportunity to attend St Peter’s, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Your donations make it possible for us to offer these chances to young people who will flourish here, and who make an invaluable contribution to the School community as a direct result of your generosity. You can join the 627 Society, our regular giving programme, from just £6.27 per month. You can also make an individual gift online at uk.virginmoneygiving. com/fund/STPhelpwithfees

How you can help

Our Campus The School is thriving, and is bigger than it has ever been. For this very reason, it is crucial that our facilities continue to improve and expand in order to match the aspirations and abilities of our pupils. Fees alone cannot cover the full cost of these developments, which is why the support of Old Peterites is key. Our current fundraising priority is to replace the School’s 60-year-old Boathouse, originally built to serve just 30 rowers. Over 200 pupils now take to the water each year, making a new facility essential. For further details on this exciting project see the enclosed leaflet, or contact us directly using the details adjacent.

Contact us To find out more about the various ways in which you can support the current and future pupils of St Peter’s, or to make a gift to the School, please contact: Caroline Howitt Development and Alumni Manager T: 01904 527 363 E: development@stpetersyork.org.uk For futher details on any aspect of our alumni relations and events, please contact: Sue Jenks Alumni and Development Officer T: 01904 527 322 E: alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk

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CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites