Cross Keys Old Peterite Magazine 2018 by StPetersYork

A MAGAZINE FOR ALL OLD PETERITES

HOCKEY U18 celebrate unbeaten season

100

years of The Rise

EVENTS Our 2018 OP events calendar is announced

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

SPRING 2018

www.stpetersyork.org.uk

Welcome CrossKeys a magazine for all Old Peterites

As I write, the roof of our new £5.1 million Maths and Modern Foreign Languages building is being installed and the structure looks more and more like the finished article each day. The project will provide 16 spacious classrooms, bringing both departments together in one purpose-built space, with departmental bases for teachers, and several break-out rooms.

n addition, pupil representatives from the School Council are helping to design an independent learning space within the new building. The contractor confidently expects the new building to complete in good time ahead of the new academic year with lessons starting in September 2018. As well as providing additional teaching space to replace and add to that of the old Scott and Grove Blocks, we will see a new Quad area with outdoor seating and landscaping. It should be a significant improvement to our campus - another step over the ancient ways. In this spirit of continuous improvement of the facilities we offer to our pupils, we recently launched the appeal to help build a new Boathouse. This will entail a modern boathouse with much better access to the river, as well as a boat store and separate dry training and ergo room, as well as facilities for the adjoining cricket pitch. We have been delighted with the enthusiastic response to the appeal so far. 2018 is a landmark year for The Rise. Nowadays home to 30 boarding girls, The Rise is 100 years old this year. We will be marking this occasion with an event on Sunday 13 May inviting former Rise residents back to reminisce together, meet current staff and pupils and spend some time touring the House. This occasion forms part of a vibrant programme of OP events this year. It has been terrific to see such high levels of engagement with many OPs getting back in touch with the School. One in six of you have attended events or been in touch with the School last year. You will be pleased to know that the School is in excellent health with record pupil numbers in the Senior School and a sparkling ISI Inspection report (available to download from the website) to put a real spring in everyone’s step. The 1st XI girls’ hockey had an unbeaten season and will be contesting the National Finals at the

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Olympic Park in March. The 1st XV rugby squad also went unbeaten in all friendly fixtures for the second time in four years. The School was shortlisted for no fewer than three TES Independent Schools Awards for 2018, with Clifton School and Nursery winning pre-Prep/ Prep school of the year. 10 pupils have received offers from Oxford or Cambridge this year, and there are many other pupil achievements and general signs of health that I could mention. It is people that make great schools. As I come towards the end of eight years at the helm of St Peter’s School, it will be a great wrench to say farewell to the pupils and staff who are simply wonderful company. As I move with my wife Jules and our three children to Shropshire, to take up the Headship of Shrewsbury School, I am thankful for eight years of huge enjoyment. My own children have travelled from Clifton pre-Prep, through St Olave’s and, in the case of our eldest, into St Peter’s. As a parent, I know that this is a very special school. As a Head Master, I hope that I have helped to make it a little bit better, and I wish my successor, when he or she is appointed at the end of March, the same happiness with which I have been blessed in my time here. Long may St Peter’s School continue to thrive. Super Antiquas Vias. Or, as I like to say, brown is good.

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

Cover image: The Rise celebrates its 100 year anniversary in 2018. More details on our Rise Anniversary event can be found on p. 07

School News F1 in Schools team reach national finals

Triple shortlisting for St Peter's 3-18 in national awards St Peter’s 3-18 was shortlisted three times in the prestigious TES Independent School Awards 2018 - with Clifton School and Nursery, for our youngest children, named as the UK’s best Prep or pre-Prep, and listed as one of the UK’s best three schools overall. St Peter’s 13 - 18 was shortlisted for the Independent-State School Partnership Award, in recognition of its ground-breaking scholarship project with the Archbishop Sentamu Academy in Hull, which works to increase aspiration by providing opportunities for pupils. St Olave’s was also shortlisted alongside Clifton, to reach the final eight nationally as pre-Prep / Prep School of The Year. The awards, founded by the Times Educational Supplement, celebrate excellence and innovation in independent schools, and provide a benchmark for the sector across the UK.

Exam Results

A Level exams have been overhauled, moving to a new linear structure in which pupils sit exams after two years of study, with less reliance on coursework. In 2017, more than three quarters of all A Levels were passed at A* - B. 27 pupils achieved at least three A*/A grades, while a highly impressive 77% of passes in Art were at A* or A, and 68% achieved the top grades in Maths. 93 pupils were accepted by their first or insurance choice of university.

“I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award”, said Phil Hardy, Head of Clifton.

“Our staff and pupils bring joy and enthusiasm to their learning every single day, and I am so proud of them. This award is a reflection of the spirit of our School community ”.

Lower Sixth Formers Georgina, Pierre, James, Jamie and Kieran have taken first place in the regional finals of one of the world’s biggest STEM competitions, beating engineering teams from dozens of schools and colleges to win a place at the National Final in Silverstone in March.

The project to date has not only involved the design and manufacture of a miniature car, but raising thousands of pounds of sponsorship and developing a full social media and marketing programme, including building their own website. The team, who compete as Ginetta Racing (EDU), roared to success in the F1 in Schools Challenge, not only placing first in the Yorkshire and Humberside region, but also winning first prize for Best Engineered Car, Team Sponsorship and Marketing and Professional Class Manufactured Car.

GCSE pupils once again achieved a record pass rate at A*, with 44% of all exams passed at the highest grade. The School’s extremely strong performance in recent years has continued, with 91% of all entries passed at A*-B - the grades crucial for entry to good universities, and most valued by employers.

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St Peter’s cricketer joins elite programme

After a hugely impressive season in the St Peter’s 1st XI and as Vice-Captain of the Yorkshire U15s, Chris earned a call-up to the North of England squad early last summer.

The squad went onto to compete at the prestigious Bunbury Cricket Festival at Stowe, playing against other talented teams from around the country. Chris’ performances at the festival have now earned him a call up to the England Schools U16s team and a place on the Yorkshire Elite Player Programme.

Sports round-up

U18 hockey team are northern champions and have unbeaten season

Gareth Sharp, Head of Cricket at St Peter’s, said: “We are incredibly proud of Chris’ accomplishments; he is an extremely diligent and highly driven cricketer and his success to date is testimony to his commitment and endeavour. His inclusion on the Yorkshire EPP is the icing on the cake and a platform from which he can continue to flourish and progress.”

he St Peter’s U18 hockey team have made history, winning the North Finals of the National Schools Competition, for a place among the country’s top five teams.

The St Peter’s team claimed the title of North Champions for the first time after a tense penalty flick shoot-out with Sedbergh, following a 0-0 draw in the final game. The National Finals in February were postponed due to the weather. These will now be taking place in half term, when the team will be competing against the other four regional winners at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, London. A full update on the final can be found on the website. The achievement of winning the North Finals is all the more remarkable, given that the 1st XI girls are also unbeaten in their school fixture list this season.

Successes keep coming for rugby stars

With the 1st XV making a big impression both locally and nationally, several St Peter’s rugby players have earned honours of their own. Upper Sixth Form pupil Adam has been offered a professional rugby contract with Yorkshire Carnegie, only the second such contract awarded to a St Peter’s pupil in the school’s long history of rugby achievements. Fellow Upper Sixth Formers Charlie and Alex have also enjoyed recent success, each scoring tries on their debuts for the Independent Schools RFC Lambs, a squad which brings together some of the most promising players from independent schools across the country.

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This was followed by two other Upper Sixth players, James and Angus, succeeding in their trials to be part of the North of England U18 XV. Each of the boys has been part of this year’s 1st XV, who have gone the full season unbeaten in school fixtures and finished sixth out of all the teams in the country in the Daily Mail National Trophy league. Steve Williams, Director of Sport at St Peter’s, said: “Our current rugby squad is blessed with some real talent, and for those of us who see the hard work and commitment these boys put in every week, it’s no surprise that their efforts are being recognised around the country. We’re all looking forward to seeing these young players’ exciting careers develop over the coming months.”

School News New build- Maths & MFL

The new building to house Modern Foreign Languages and Maths will be ready for the start of the academic year, opening in September 2018. Already half way through construction, the project will provide 16 spacious classrooms, bringing both departments together in one purpose-built space.

Public lectures at St Peter's

Our lecture series, open to the local community as well as Old Peterites, parents, visiting schools, neighbours and friends of St Peter’s School alike, has had some notable speakers since the start of the academic year. Terry Waite, who survived 1,763 days as a hostage in Lebanon, spoke to an audience of over 400 people about his capture in 1987, and how he managed to survive nearly five years in solitary confinement, which included torture and a mock execution. In his lecture, entitled Survival in Solitude, Terry shared his secrets to both physical and mental endurance under such unthinkable conditions, explaining that by keeping control of his emotions and writing what would become his first book in his head, he was able to keep his faith and sanity.

Drama...As You Like It

Ben Fuller, who hosted the evening, said: “I’m delighted that so many people were here tonight to hear a story of exceptional bravery and wisdom. With a remarkable combination of courage, honesty and humility, Terry brought his tale to life in a way that held the room in rapt attention. It was a real honour to have him here, and I’m sure everybody here will have taken away some invaluable wisdom.”

The Memorial Hall was transformed into the sixteenthcentury Forest of Arden for this year’s drama production, Shakespeare’s classic comedy As You Like It. A cast and crew of over 40 staged this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s 1599 work, complete with musical interludes and audience-assisting Lovespotters.

We regularly send news of speakers for our Lecture Series to Old Peterites by email. Alternatively you can visit: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/public_lectures

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Threes into 9’

A busy year for the Whitestone Gallery Numerous exhibitions have taken place in the Whitestone Gallery this academic year:

School News

Kind of Blue, a variety of pieces based around the colour blue; Proper Champion, an exhibition from all of York’s Independent State Schools Partnership schools, and Threes into 9, our current exhibition featuring the best of Third Form art.

Legless: Challenging Perceptions was hosted at the Whitestone Gallery in December. The exhibition had been created by a group exploring the experiences of youngsters with life-limiting condition. It was supported by Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People, and St Leonard’s Hospice in York.

Former Head of History returns to School

Author Richard Drysdale, a history teacher for many years at St Peter’s, has returned to the School to discuss topical issues with current pupils. Drysdale’s latest novel, State of Emergency, is a counter-factual account of what might happen should Scotland choose to leave the UK as part of an Independence Referendum. This, and other referenda, formed the basis of Drysdale’s talk to pupils of politics, history and English. Following his introductory talk, Drysdale spoke with pupils about the roots and effects of nationalism, the challenges of penning a novel set in an alternate near-future, and his twenty-eight years at St Peter’s, both as House Master of Temple and Head of History.

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St Peter’s comes together for Whole School Concert The start of February saw St Peter’s School coming together for a musical celebration in the Memorial Hall. There was a wide range of repertoire from Palestrina to coldplay; and the ensembles included four choirs, close harmony groups for boys and girls, string orchestra and quartet, clarinet choir, flute group and swing band. At the end of the concert, the pupils joined to sing a massed choir item, ‘America’ from West Side Story, marking the centenary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein, American composer and conductor.

Help with fees

Fee assistance is more vital than ever, enabling us to continue providing children with life-changing opportunity, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Your donations make it possible for us to support more young people who, in turn, make an outstanding contribution to our community.

Sponsor a brick

Don’t miss the opportunity to make your mark on St Peter’s School. As you may have seen, we have been working with members of the School Community, including Old Peterites, parents and former staff to share the opportunity to sponsor a brick and raise funds to replace the Boathouse. If you haven’t yet taken part but would like to do so, you can visit www.stpetersyork.org.uk/brick to personalise your brick, or complete and return the enclosed form. Thank you for your support and generosity - it is making a real difference.

You can join the 627 Society from just £6.27 per month. You can also make an individual gift online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/STPhelpwithfees

Get involved!

To find out more about the various ways you can get involved, please contact: Philippa Dunford-Jeffs Development and Alumni Manager T: 01904 527 363 E: development@stpetersyork.org.uk

Visits and volunteering

We’re delighted to welcome OPs back to School at any time. If you would like to visit us, arrange a reunion, or get back in touch with former classmates, please do contact us. We are also delighted to hear from OPs who are interested in volunteering with us - by helping with careers advice, supporting the archives, or assisting at OP events.

For further details on any aspect of alumni relations and our events, please contact: Sue Jenks Alumni and Development Officer T: 01904 527 322 E: alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk

For news, events and updates please like and follow: St Peter’s School OPs @StPetersOPs

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OP Club - West Riding Dinner Friday 20 April 2018 7.15pm for 8pm

The Bridge Hotel, Walshford, Wetherby LS22 5HS Tickets £30

All Old Peterites and their guests are welcome to attend. This event is being organised by Bill Hudson (Grove 1959 - 1964). Please contact Bill on 07766 550 753 to book. For accommodation contact the Bridge Hotel on 01937 580 115.

Events

OP Club - 59th East Riding Dinner Friday 18 May 2018 7.30pm

The Bell Hotel, Market Place, Driffield, YO25 6AN

All Old Peterites and their guests are welcome to attend. This event is being organised by David Atkinson (Manor 1967 - 1972). For tickets, contact David on 07889 845 028.

The Rise 100 Sunday 13 May 2018 2.30pm - 4.30pm

The Rise, St Peter’s School Free All Risites are warmly invited to return to St Peter’s to mark this historic occasion in School history. We hope you will join our current and former pupils, staff and parents of The Rise for tours, reminiscences, displays on the history of The Rise, and afternoon drinks and canapes on the lawn. And of course, no party is complete

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without birthday cake! If you are an Old Peterite of another House wishing to attend, you can do so as the guest of a Risite. We are hoping to collate as many memories and photographs as possible from everyone involved with The Rise over the years. We will share these on the day, and add them to our archives, which we hope will be a wonderful way to celebrate the history of the House.

Please keep us updated with any changes to your contact details, so we can make sure you don’t miss out on any events that might be of interest to you

Please do get in touch with Philippa Dunford-Jeffs, if you have any memories or photos you’d be willing to share.

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Art Exhibition

Wednesday 4 July

OP Club AGM

The Whitestone Gallery

Friday 6 July 2018, 6pm

Old School Office, St Peter’s School

All Old Peterites are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the OP Club.

Free

Wine and Strawberries

Thursday 5 July 2018 6-8pm St Peter’s School Free

All OPs and their guests are welcome to join us for this informal evening, which marks the end of the first day’s play in the OP Cricket match and brings together current and former pupils, staff and parents.

Commemoration Friday 6 July 2018 10am -12pm The Minster Free

Please let us know if you wish to attend, at alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk or on 01904 527 322.

OP Cricket Match

Thursday 5 & Friday 6 July 2018 1st XI Cricket pitch, St Peter’s School

A classic fixture in the OP calendar, our School cricket team plays the annual match against an Old Peterite side. If you are an OP wishing to play for the OP side, please contact Peter Rivis on peterrivis@hotmail.com or call him on 07816 938826.

York OP Dinner

Friday 6 July 2018, 7pm

All are welcome

Memorial Hall, St Peter’s School Cost £42.50

After the resounding success of last year’s event, we look forward to welcoming you back to School and the Memorial Hall. Tickets include a pre-dinner drinks reception, a three course dinner and all drinks. Any profits from the dinner will help to support the OP Club Bursary.

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Northern qualifier for the Grafton Morrish team competition

Sunday 20 May 2018

Fixby Hall Golf Club, Huddersfield

The Grafton Morrish is the major trophy of the Public School Old Boys’ Golf Association. This will involve six players in a team foursomes format. Players wishing to take part (preferably single handicappers) should contact Andrew Miller. (details below).

Old Peterite’s vs Old Giggleswickians match Thursday 31 May 2018 Fulford Golf Club, York

All are welcome to play and attend the evening meal.

Old Peterite Golf Fixtures Like and follow the ‘Old Peterite Golf Society’ page on Facebook for fixtures throughout the year.

OP Day

Saturday 1 September 2018 From 11.15am to 4pm at St Peter’s School

E Free

very member of our School community is warmly invited to join us for the biggest event in the OP calendar.

A day of celebration and activities, OP Day includes tours, a Chapel service, and an Art exhibition and archives display, before the annual hockey, netball and rugby matches between the retiring captains’ teams and current School teams. A free picnic lunch and BBQ, cash bar, and a play area for children, including a bouncy castle, will be available from lunchtime onwards.

Old Peterite Golf Day

Provisionally Friday 31 August 2018 Strensall Golf Club, York

The day will begin with coffee and bacon sandwiches, before 18 holes of golf, concluding with a two course meal and the prize giving.

Class of 1988 Reunion

Saturday 1 September 2018

Grafton Morrish finals Friday 5 - Sunday 7 October 2018

Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk Golf Club

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St Peter’s School

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: search Old Peterite Golf Society.

The Class of 1988 will be reuniting as part of OP day. To reconnect with Old Peterites from your year contact Sue Jenks, s.jenks@stpetersyork.org.uk Any other year groups who would like to arrange a reunion are warmly encouraged to get in touch.

OP Club Newcastle Dinner 2018

Events

Friday 12 October 7.30pm

Café 21 Trinity Gardens, Newcastle

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 646037 or email info@michaeljoblingwines.com

Fireworks

Monday 5 November 2018, 6pm prompt St Peter’s School, York Free

Join us for our annual fireworks display, marking the exploits of our most infamous OP, and enjoy complimentary parkin and toffee apples. Please note that there is no parking on site unless you require a disabled space. The display will last around 20 minutes.

Advent Service

Monday 3 December 2018, 6.30pm St Peter’s School Chapel Free

Our beautiful Advent service is the perfect start to the Christmas season. All welcome.

Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Friday 14 December 2018 2.30pm - 6pm

York Minster, then St Peter’s School Free / £15

Join us for the Carol Service in York Minster, before returning to School for a festive afternoon tea. Booking is essential for this popular event. Further details to follow.

Young OP Christmas Drinks (Class of 2018, 2017 and 2016)

Sunday 23 December 2018, 6pm - 8pm Monkey Cage, St Peter’s School Free

Calling all leavers from the last three years! This event is the best possible way to celebrate the end of term and catch up with friends and classmates. Join us for festive drinks and nibbles, before the now-traditional exodus to The Exhibition.

Coming soon...

We look forward to announcing the opening of the new Maths and Modern Foreign Languages Building in the Autumn term. Details of our popular Public Lectures and the York Literature Festival are posted on the School website: www.stpetersyork.org. uk/public_lectures All OPs are welcome to attend.

Booking for our

Booking for ourof programme programme of events events and reunions and reunions can be can be done in one done in one of the of the following following ways:

ways:

By cheque

Made payable to St Peter’s School, posted for the attention of Sue Jenks and including a note of the events you wish to attend.

By phone

We can take card payments and booking details by telephone.

Online

Clicking on the event link provided will take you straight to an online booking system, where you can pay online. (Please note there is a small fee payable for using this service) If you have any questions about booking events, please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office on 01904 527 322.

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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. Mr Allan John Darton 1915 - 2016 (The Rise 1932 - 1934, The Manor 1928 -1932 and St Olave’s 1924 - 1928) Mr Peter Garbett 1928 - 2016 (The Manor 1942 - 1946) Sqn Ldr James Eric Stuart 1930 - 2018 (The Rise 1943 -1948) Mr Anthony Barker 1934 - 2018 (The Manor 1947 - 1949) Captain J Michael Brook 1933 - 2016 (The Manor 1946 - 1949) Mr Donald Creighton Jack 1931 - 2017 (Temple 1944 - 1949) Mr Paul Nigel Bonnan Smith 1942 - 2017 (The Rise 1945 - 1951) Mr Peter Grant Taylor 1932 - 2017 (The Rise 1945 - 1951) Mr William James Horsley 1935 - 2018 (The Manor 1949 - 1953) Mr Michael Garbutt Kay 1937 - 2016 (The Manor 1950 - 1955) Mr Roy George Bean 1937 - 2016 (Queen’s 1952 - 1955) Mr Andrew Gordon Dixson Staines 1937 - 2016 (Temple 1947 - 1955) Mr Michael William Territt 1942 - 2017 (The Grove 1956 - 1960) Mr Anthony John Neal 1942 - 2017 (Queen’s 1957 - 1961)

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Mr Christopher John Territt 1942 - 2017 (The Grove 1956 - 1962)

Mr H Albert Tooms 1935 - 2017 (Former Staff)

Mr Robin Alfred Spencer 1944 - 2017 (Queen’s 1957 - 1962)

Mr John Kendall 2016 (Former Staff)

Father Jeremy J Cooper 1945 - 2018 (Queen's 1958 - 1964)

Mr Allan ER Dodds 1921 - 2016 (Former Staff)

Dr Antony Youle 1947 - 2017 (The Manor 1960 - 1965)

Mrs Sheila M Nix 2016 (Former Staff, St Olave's)

Mr John Christopher Cossins 1944 - 2017 (Queen’s 1957 - 1964 and St Olave’s 1953 - 1957) Mr Christopher Stanley Martinson 1949 - 2016 (Dronfield 1962 - 1966) Mr Ian Robert Gibson 1948 - 2016 (School 1959 - 1966) Mr Albert Alan Keech 1952 - 2017 (Manor 1965 - 1968) Mr Anthony Gray 1952 - 2017 (School 1966-1969) Mr John Arthur Graham Craven 1954 - 2016 (The Manor 1967 - 1972) Mr Timothy Barker 1957 - 2016 (Dronfield 1971 - 1976) Miss Clare Alexandra Wise 1964 - 2016 (Queen’s 1981 - 1983) Mr James Lee Scott 1976 - 2017 (The Manor 1990 - 1995) Mrs Marlene Sandor 1945 - 2017 (Staff 1988 - 2017)

David Phillip Coles 1942 - 2017 (School 1955 - 1959) David Coles was always an active part of the Old Peterite Community. A member of the OP Club, and its President from 2002-2004, David took on the role of Governor in 2006. David and his family have, for many years, supported pupils at St Peter’s through the provision of the Coles Family Bursary, giving access to pupils who otherwise would never have been able to attend St Peter’s School. David is survived by his loving wife Tilly, and daughters Clare and Sara-Jane. A Thanksgiving service held in Thorney Abbey, Peterborough, on June 15 2017 was extremely well supported by Old Peterites. David is much missed by all of us.

OP Club

An update from the OP Club President

Recently I have received two emails directly associated with the School. The first ‘thank you Grandma and Grandpa for sending us to such an amazing school’. This was sent from Oscar, aged six, and Martha, aged three, recognising that Clifton School and Nursery had come top, winning the national TES Independent Schools Award. The second was from my Fund Raising Chairman in the Rotary Club of York. A Japanese Drumming Concert held in the Memorial Hall at School had raised over £2,600. My thanks go to Leo for giving this superb facility entirely free of charge to help local charities and in particular ‘York Against Cancer’. My thanks also go to Rebecca Lee-Bursnall for all her arrangements in satisfying ‘demanding performers’ and making sure that the night went ahead without a hitch. It is very satisfying to know how professional the School is, not only in education but also in being part of the greater community of York. At the beginning of December I received the great news that John Coles has confirmed that he will take over from me as your President. John is very thorough in all his undertakings and will make an excellent President. On the sporting front you will see from Nick Kay’s report that the Pandas won the annual Boxing Day fixture against City of York Hockey Club. This game is played every year, weather permitting, on the Dick Hubbard pitch that the School provides. This leads me into the annual fixture against the School, which will have taken place on Friday 2 March, by the time this goes to print.

OP Hockey Pandas

As we look towards our annual Easter Festival, the Pandas Hockey Team remains one of the most active Old Peterite Clubs. We are fast approaching our 60 year anniversary and, all being well, are looking forward to another 60 years to come.

I do hope that some of you will have been able to come and cheer on the Pandas at School. In recent years this game together with the Boxing Day Rugby match at Clifton Park have been the highlights of the OP sporting year. In future, I think that it will be a close run thing with the sports on OP Day now that day is firmly in the calendar at the start of the School year in September. Your committee has discussed the various OP Dinners at length. East Riding, West Riding and North East will continue and more emphasis will be placed on the Commemoration Dinner which has been such a success the last two of years. The London Dinner will not take place this year following the drop off in numbers, in spite of Anthony Robinson’s efforts in arranging a great venue at The Royal Air Force Club.

Unfortunately the pre-Christmas game against Harrogate Hockey Club was lost to the weather but the annual Boxing Day Clash with City of York saw the Pandas run out convincing 4 - 1 winners. We will play the traditional School game on Friday 2 March and the last weekend in March will see our trip to Skegness for the Festival. The season will close with our annual Dinner at Bedern Hall in York, on Saturday 12 May. The Pandas run men’s, women’s and mixed teams. New players and supporters are warmly welcomed. Contact the Alumni Office on 01904 527 322 or email alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk to be put in touch with the Pandas. Nick Kay

The Editor will not let me say anymore other than I very much look forward to seeing old and new at some of the events I have mentioned. Graham Todd OP Club President

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Have you spotted OP Katherine Downes (Temple 1996-2001) or Sarah Richardson (Queens 1991-1996) presenting during the Winter Olympics?

OP news Old Peterite sets Lakeland Race record

Casper Kaars Sijpesteijn (School 2002) and his wife, Katie, made history this year, becoming the first husband and wife team to win the Lakeland 50 Long Distance Trail Race.

Casper and Katie each set a new course record, registering incredible times of 7h34m and 8h02m respectively. Recognised as one of the most testing running and walking challenges in Europe, the 50 mile course through the Lake District takes participants from Dalemain to Coniston via Haweswater and Langdale. This marks a particularly remarkable triumph for Casper, who previously had little sporting history to speak of before taking up running just a few years ago. Katie, on the other hand, has already met with success, having run the Bob Graham Round in 17 h57m, the second-fastest female time ever recorded, before representing Great Britain at the Ultra Trail World Championships in Italy.

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Here they are pictured the GB figure skaters past and present: Nick Buckland, Penny Coomes and Robin Cousins.

Where next Barney?

Old Peterite Ed Gill (Clifton 19932001), travelled back to School on 5 February 2018 to give his talk “Where next Barney” to the Sixth Form. Ed and his motorbike Barney, travelled through over twenty countries on his trip from London to Sydney. He hoped to cover the journey in six months but in the end it stretched to nearly a year. Ed gave a great insight into travelling, the excitement of meeting new people from different cultures and backgrounds and the highs and lows of his trip. Ed wanted to convey to the

How does it feel to be setting foot back in St Peter’s School?

We were delighted to be asked by the English Department to help the Fourth Form with their studies of “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles, which explores returning to school as an adult. We contacted a number of OPs who had recently been back to School for visits and reunions and asked them to share their feelings and memories. The wonderful responses we received prompted numerous discussions among the pupils, and was tremendously useful in their study of the book.

pupils how the world of work opens up many opportunities, including travel.

The Futures Fair

The annual Futures Fair is an opportunity for our pupils to chat with industry professionals, universities, training providers and gap year specialists to help them make informed decisions about their future. Thank you to all of you who responded to our request for help. Joy Loftus, Head of Careers, said: “The Old Peterite community is always so supportive and the pupils respond so well to the advice and knowledge they receive from OPs.”

Introducing the newest Old Peterites, Class of 2017

Life in Cambodia

om Dowdy (Grove 2012-2017) and last years' Head Boy, left the UK on the 4 January for Cambodia. Tom is living and working at Don Bosco Kep Technical School as a Project Trust Volunteer, during 2018. Part of Tom’s role is teaching children aged 4 to 23 English, sport (mainly football, though Tom has tried his hardest to encourage rugby) and other co-curricular activities.

Snow Day

St Peter’s remained open as usual during the recent snow fall. We were sent this lovely photo by Nick Wood, son of OP Hugh Wood (Manor 1962-1966, St Olave’s 1958- 1962), taken by chance whilst he was passing School during the snow on 2 March.

As well as teaching English, Tom’s other main role is to look after the Children of Brother Sun: girls and boys who live at the school because their families are unable to look after them, or who are at risk of child labour. Tom has embraced this new challenge, teaching English to 1st and 2nd year IT students, getting everyone involved with singing and dancing, and occasionally speaking English too. He has taken on the challenge of mending the School grand piano as so many of the children would love to learn to play. Based in the Kep Province, the smallest in Cambodia and on the south west coast near the border with Vietnam, Tom has been enjoying the scenery of the beach, mangrove forest and the national park during his downtime. Staying in a fishing town, famous for its crab market, Tom has enjoyed an array of seafood, mainly crab! Tom is delighted to be able to be making a difference and helping fight poverty in Cambodia, and we look forward to hearing more from Tom as his journey continues.

CCF Cap Badges - can you help?

We currently have three different CCF cap badges in the archives but we are looking for a bronze school crest cap badge from circa 2003. These school badges were withdrawn when the current issue Yorkshire Regiment were adopted. If you have a badges, of any vintage, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us at alumni@stpetersyork.org.uk

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