My Trinity Autumn 2023 by trinityschoolcroydon

Issue 8: Autumn 2023

Newsletter for former students, staff and friends

Alumni in the News - page 4

Alumni in the Spotlight page 14

Memory Lane - page 30

In Memoriam - page 32

Greetings and welcome to the autumn edition of our newsletter! This season, we’re celebrating a milestone—30 incredible years of the Shaw Building, a hub for our Art and DT departments, as well as indoor sports. Opened on 22nd April 1994 by Dennis Silk, President of the MCC, this building was dedicated to Peter Shaw, a remarkable figure who served as a Governor of the Whitgift Foundation from 1957 to 1993 and later became Chairman from 1991 to 1993. For three decades now, the Shaw Building has been a haven for artists, designers, architects and accomplished sports stars alike. Delving into our archives, we’ve uncovered alumni who ventured into fields such as architecture, design and historical building restoration. Turn to our Alumni in the Spotlight section to read interviews with Stephen Bond (Class of 1973), Matt

Kemble (Class of 1990), Louis Downs (Class of 2005), Luke Yeulett (Class of 2020) and Zafirah Sadiq (Class of 2021). Eleven alumni paid their respects at our Remembrance Day service this year, with Chris Great from the Trinity Club laying a wreath, and you will find fascinating insights into the history of the Trinity War Memorial from Neil Mackenzie and Mark Gardiner (Class of 1981) in our Memory Lane section. This term saw a flurry of alumni returning to Trinity to share their expertise on a whole host of subjects – from life as Theresa May’s Chief of Staff to running the Monty Bojangles chocolate company to what it means to be black and British. Packed rooms of eager students absorbed every word shared. Our events calendar overflowed this term, with the stand-out being pub drinks at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese,

where a hundred alumni ushered in the festive season with flair! Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate a bustling year with the Founder’s Day Supper on 22 March, Golf Day on 22 May, and our Milestone Reunion for classes of years ending 4 and 9, together with those attending Trinity in the 1950s and 1960s, set for 29 June. Flip to our back page for more event details and booking information. We extend warm wishes for a joyous Christmas and a splendid New Year to all! Warm regards,

My Trinity

Contents 4

Alumni in the News

Events

Alumni Spotlight: Zafirah Sadiq

Alumni Spotlight: Luke Yeulett

Alumni Spotlight: Louis Downs

Alumni Spotlight: Matt Kember

Alumni Spotlight: Stephen Bond

Alumni Return

In Memoriam

Dates for your Diary

Trinity awarded Platinum in National Concert Band Festival Congratulations to our Symphonic Wind Orchestra for performing at the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF) Regionals in November at Wellington College, Crowthorne, and achieving a Platinum Award, the highest possible award.

Victor Ibberson cycles across Bulgaria

Congratulations to Lower Sixth student Victor, who completed an incredible personal challenge over the summer by cycling more than 750km across the northern border of Bulgaria. This was a test of endurance, as the 16 teenagers involved, with varying levels of cycling experience, cycled every day for two weeks, often in temperatures reaching 40 degrees!

Alyssa Firla represents Team GB in athletics

We were thrilled to hear of the success of new Lower Sixth athlete Alyssa Firla, who represented Great Britain for the first time at an event with her club, the Blackheath and Bromley Harriers.

CCF adventure in Cyprus In July, a group of 37 students from the Trinity Combined Cadets Force (CCF) travelled to Cyprus to visit the military base, alongside cadets from Alleyn’s and Judd. The trip was an educational journey, as well as an opportunity to bond with their fellow cadets and build leadership qualities. Despite high temperatures throughout the week, the students had many incredible experiences out in the field.

4 - Alumni in the news

Aarav Ganguli, Class of 2023, and Danny Casey, Class of 2011 Former head boys Aarav and Danny were joined by current students Pierre and Fred playing for the Invicta Water Polo Club in the British Water Polo League in November. They secured two wins with Pierre scoring an incredible 6 goals!

Kelechi Okeahialam, Class of 2015 Congratulations to Kelechi, who was recently appointed as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at The Football Association. Kelechi said “One of the aims of the FA is to create a game free from discrimination. In my role as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, I am responsible for operationalising the FA’s EDI strategy and I am really looking forward to supporting every part of the organisation to reach its aim”. We wish Kelechi every success in her new role and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will undoubtedly make.

Priya Patel, Class of 2017

Congratulations to Priya, who was recently nominated for a Rising Star award in two categories: Actuarial/ Advisory Trainee of the Year and Team of the Year at the Professional Pensions Rising Stars and Women in Pensions Awards. The Professional Pensions Rising Stars Awards are about celebrating and recognising the achievements of those at the beginning of their career in the sector – shining a light on their success and championing the organisations that do the most to develop young talent in the pensions industry. Although Priya was unsuccessful on this occasion, she was absolutely delighted to have been nominated and recognised in these categories at her first ever black-tie industry event.

Kathy Rogers, Class of 2017 Kathy received the Water Polo Athlete of the Year award at the British Swimming Awards held in Birmingham in September. Congratulations Kathy!

Harry Holland, Class of 2019 Harry is currently working as an Instrument and Control Technician for Wood, the global consulting and engineering company. He is based on an offshore installation off the coast of Norwich, which can only be reached by helicopter. Harry’s role consists of calibrating instruments such as pressure/temperature transmitters, calibrating gauges and other sensitive equipment and working with fire and gas suppression systems. He has been working with Wood for two and a half years and is loving it!

6 - Alumni in the News

Sam Wood, Class of 2015 Sam, a midfielder, joined Bromley Football Club this summer after leaving National League side Barnet FC. Sam began his career in the Crystal Palace Academy, making his senior debut in 2018 during an EFL Cup match against Middlesbrough when he came on as a substitute. Bromley FC have a great chance of promotion this season. In November, they faced Blackpool in the second round of the FA Cup. It was a challenging match that, unfortunately, ended in a 2-0 loss for Bromley. Best of luck to Sam and the Bromley team as they strive for promotion.

Jason Court, Class of 1986 Our very own Jason Court received the Freedom of the City of London back in August. This meant that he was able to participate in the annual London Sheep Drive in September, in which hundreds of the City of London’s Freemen get to exercise their ancient right to drive sheep over London Bridge – undoubtedly one of the major perks of the position. The day raises thousands of pounds for charitable causes through the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Cemal Ezel, Class of 2002 Congratulations to Cemal Ezel and everyone at Change Please on being awarded the Consumer Facing Social Enterprise of the Year award at the Social Enterprise UK Awards 2023. Cemal said “It was a huge honour to win this award and to be surrounded by amazing social enterprises doing good in so many different ways. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and all other social enterprises in the UK”.

Jaden Haynes, Class of 2017 Jaden studied Spanish and History at Edinburgh and completed a Masters in History at Manchester. Jaden was commissioned by the University of Manchester with the Emerging Scholars Programme and developed a project which looked to expose and highlight the legacies of slavery at the university, and how profits from the transatlantic slave trade directly contributed to what we now call the University of Manchester. In 2022, the emerging scholars led on the next stage of the research and exhibition curation, which is now on show at Manchester’s John Rylands Library.

8 - Alumni in the News

Phoebe Hagon, Class of 2014 Phoebe joined the HSBC graduate programme in 2018 and has since progressed through various roles within the bank, predominantly in the sustainability space. Phoebe is currently managing the HSBC partnership with COP28, the annual UN Climate Change Conference. HSBC is an industry pathway partner and their presence at this year’s COP aimed to underscore the importance of working with clients and stakeholders to support the transition to net zero. Her role involves working closely with COP to build a client engagement programme that will drive the full value of their partnership. She plans to continue working in the Middle East for the next couple of years as the region establishes itself as a stable and attractive destination for international investment, particularly in existing and emergent sustainable energy sources.

Lucy Ellis-Keeler, Class of 2015 Congratulations to Lucy on her new appointment as Co-Chair of the Future Leaders’ Shadow Board at the organisation Women in Finance and Banking, a not-for-profit volunteer-led organisation to promote diversity and gender equality in financial services in the UK.

Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Class of 2016 “I’m not going to be a female Olympian, I’m just going to be an Olympian.” Imani was a guest on the first episode of Sporty AF (And Female), Team GB’s new YouTube channel. The videos are hosted by AJ Odudu and present a series of real and relatable conversations about what it really means to be Sporty and Female. Imani shares her insights and experiences in ‘Changing the Game – Celebrating the Rise of Women’s Sport’. Click here to watch

Andy Thompson, Class of 1972 Andy has been working for Fortnum & Mason for the past 20 years, alongside Mojo Creative Productions, on their shop window displays. He takes concept drawings designed by Mojo and turns them into computer models before cutting the wooden parts using his large home-built CNC (computer numerical control) router. Once assembled and painted, Andy then makes bespoke mechanisms to add movement to the scene. This year’s Christmas window displays incorporate lift doors that open and close, rotating cakes and bottles, ships rolling on the sea and jumping tea tins. They require 32 separate mechanisms and have taken six weeks to put together. Get in the festive spirit and head to F&M to see Andy’s fantastic work in action!

Tom Foreman, Class of 2018, and Graham Lamb, Class of 2001 Back in 2020, Tom contacted Graham via My Trinity, our alumni networking platform. Tom was applying for the graduate scheme at Sky and noticed that Graham worked there. He reached out for advice and Graham, very generously, engaged in several phone calls discussing the graduate scheme and life at Sky. There was a role open in Graham’s team. Tom applied, succeeded and has been an integral part for the past two years. Three promotions later, Graham and Tom attended the Promax UK Awards, where they took gold for Best Media Planning with ‘The Last of Us Launch’. The winning pitch and plan were both crafted by Tom. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it was Sky’s inaugural entry into the awards, which are judged by peers across the broadcast industry. Graham emphasised that without My Trinity, Tom would never have been able to make that initial connection. Sign up to My Trinity today www.mytrinity.org.uk and make that connection.

Henry Aldridge, Class of 2017 Henry left Trinity to study Architecture at Cambridge, where he gained a First. Henry is currently enrolled at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, one of the most influential, exciting and innovative architecture schools globally. We are delighted to announce that Henry is one of five national recipients of the RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarship, awarded to outstanding Part 2 students demonstrating the potential to make a significant contribution to architecture. Each student will receive £7,500 and the opportunity to be mentored by an architect member of the Wren Insurance Association. Henry Aldridge said “I am honoured to be selected as a RIBA Wren scholar; an opportunity that will surely advance both my academic and professional careers in architecture. “The scholarship will allow for ambitious physical and digital experimentation in the development of my final project and thesis. I hope to undertake comprehensive field studies in my research into equitable and exciting proposals surrounding sea level change, climate policy and resilient architecture. “After graduation, the funding and mentoring offered will be invaluable in furthering my ambitions, both in architectural practice and education.” Huge congratulations Henry!

11 - Events

An evening with the parents of our young alumni, Wednesday 16 August The summer sun shone and the prosecco flowed as we welcomed the parents of our young alumni to a drinks reception in the pavilion. Some parents came to the same event last year, others had not been back to the school since their son or daughter left, but everyone found the evening to be the perfect way to reconnect with the school and find out what we do within the alumni team to support their children once they have left Trinity. Donna Lewis, our Alumni Relations Manager, provided a detailed overview of the events we run for our under 25 alumni, including the Christmas drinks held every December, networking events for new graduates keen to connect with older alumni offering guidance and mentorship, and the university networks we started rolling out this year.

Reunion time for the Classes of 2017 and 2018, Friday 18 August The Classes of 2017 and 2018 came together for their much-anticipated five-year reunion at the Trinity Club. The event was a great success, and the laughter, memories, gratitude and inside jokes that filled the room were a real tribute to the efforts of the Trinity Club and the attendees.

Festival of Rugby, Saturday 9 September The pre-season showdown between the 1st XV leavers and the Trinity Mids has become a regular event in the Trinity calendar. This year, it took place in the scorching heat and was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for a substantial gathering of parents, alumni and Trinity staff.

12 - Events

Reception for supporters of the Trinity Bursary Fund at Stationers’ Hall, Wednesday 20 September We had the pleasure of hosting our community of Trinity Bursary Fund supporters at the historic Stationers’ Hall, a Grade I listed building situated next to St Paul’s Cathedral. This annual event serves as a gesture of appreciation extended to our supporters who, through one-time contributions and monthly donations to the Trinity Bursary Fund, make it possible for many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to benefit from an exceptional education at Trinity. Our keynote speaker this year was Michael McConnell (Class of 2012), who attended Trinity on a bursary from 2004 to 2012 and is a self-confessed football nut! He supports the Trinity Bursary Fund with a regular monthly subscription. Michael gave a powerful and moving speech, which was emblematic of the collective aspirations that we, as a community, hold for our bursary students. “Do you know what I think was the greatest achievement Trinity bestowed upon me? It was coming away as a balanced, well-rounded young man who was ready to embrace the world for its differences but also seek out the similarities that bind us.” In attendance were Trinity Bursary Fund Ambassadors, many of whom had themselves been beneficiaries of bursaries or had actively participated in the Telephone Fundraising Campaigns of 2021 and 2023. They had the opportunity to engage in personal conversations with our guests, sharing first-hand the profound impact of a bursary on their education at Trinity. To our incredible supporters, we extend our deepest thanks. We invite you to consider becoming a part of our community of regular contributors by visiting www.trinitygives.org.uk or getting in touch with Jason Court, Director of Development, at development@trinity.croydon.sch.uk.

Pre-Christmas Drinks at Ye Olde Cheshire, Wednesday 1 November What a night! While Storm Ciaran raged outside, inside the historic Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street, over 100 Trinity School alumni, spanning from the Class of 1968 to the Class of 2022, came together for an unforgettable evening of drinks, networking and reminiscing. Old friendships were rekindled, and we welcomed many new faces into the Trinity alumni community. The atmosphere in the Cheshire bar was electric, filled with warmth and laughter. You can relive the evening’s highlights by visiting My Trinity, our dedicated alumni networking platform, where photos from the event have been uploaded.

Remembrance Day assembly, Friday 10 November Trinity school students, staff and alumni came together at our Remembrance Day Assembly. Wreaths were laid at the War Memorial by the Headmaster, Mr Alasdair Kennedy, the Head Boy and Head Girl, and Chris Great (Class of 1960), representing the Trinity Club.

The Wizard of Oz, Friday 8 December This year’s musical extravaganza, The Wizard of Oz, pulled in some of our more theatrical alumni. The production was a grand affair, ambitiously performed in the round and starring an impressive cast of students. Prior to the show, our alumni were treated to a drinks reception before taking their front-row seats to watch the enchanting Land of Oz unfold before them. The performance was truly unforgettable, with Barney Sayburn (U6) stealing the show with his uproarious portrayal of the Wicked Witch. Dressed in patent boots and sporting bright red lipstick, Sayburn’s performance was a true showstopper. This remarkable production served as the perfect finale to the term, leaving everyone in high spirits ready for the festive season.

Welcome to the Trinity Sanderstead Sports and Social Club To find out more head to their website here

14 - Alumni Spotlight: Zafirah Sadiq

Zafirah Sadiq, Class of 2021 Despite a disrupted second year due to Covid-19, Zafirah loved her time at Trinity and has gone on to pursue a degree in architecture at Newcastle University. She talks here about how her experience at Trinity prepared her for her degree, the teachers who had most influence on her, the projects she is particularly proud of and her plans for the future in the field of disaster relief.

What were your most memorable experiences at Trinity? My time at Trinity was unfortunately shorter than I had hoped due to my second year being cut short by the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. When I reflect on my time there, it is filled with fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude to all the staff members who played a significant role in my personal and academic growth during those two years. I gained academic confidence, something I previously lacked, which pushed me to achieve things I didn’t think were possible. The most valuable lesson I learned was to have confidence in my own abilities, and this transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the teachers who provided the support and guidance. Were there any particular teachers who had a significant impact on your academic and career development in the field of architecture? It’s hard to narrow down those who had a significant impact because it wasn’t just one so I’m going to mention as many as I can! My art teacher, Mr Strange, gave so much meaning to the work I produced during my A levels – he pushed me to think in a way in which I had never been encouraged to do so before. It allowed me to create work that was rich in meaning and, to this

day, still influences the work I do. Mr Aldridge gave me so much of his valuable time and advice, helping with the process of applying to schools of architecture. My form tutor, Dr Asquith, always started our form times in the best possible way by getting our brains geared up in the mornings (arguably too early!) with thought provoking debates. How did your time at Trinity prepare you for your studies at Newcastle University and your future career in architecture? I don’t honestly think anything can quite prepare you for an architecture degree! However, there are important lessons and skills that aid the transition period that

I learnt during my time at Trinity. One of the most important is time management: balancing the time and effort requirements of four A levels has helped me cope with the demands of multiple architecture modules without ever feeling out of my depth. What influenced your decision to pursue a degree in Architecture at Newcastle University? Were there any specific aspects of the program or university that attracted you? I always knew that I wanted to pursue a creative career and was torn between fine art and architecture. I loved sculpture and during my art A level I realised that I could approach architecture from this angle: I loved the idea of creating huge sculptures that could be inhabitable. The course at Newcastle is especially creative, focusing heavily on experimental design processes ranging from 3D clay printed massing models to hanging sculptural site maps. A lot of courses can be very engineering based, which wasn’t the route I wanted, so it was perfect that I could go down the architecture route while maintaining artistic flair. Could you share some insights into your experience at Newcastle so far? How has the transition from school to university been for you? Right now, I couldn’t be happier

in Newcastle, but I didn’t always feel this way. I found the transition from school to university to be quite taxing. Being so far from home felt quite isolating. The working days were intense, right from the start – not quite how I imagined my first week to be! Looking back, I’m actually grateful that it wasn’t easy or plain sailing – the discomfort of feeling out of my depth pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to strive for better.

Which university projects or achievements are you particularly proud of? I have found technology projects to be particularly demanding, although they have yielded the best outcomes. These projects allow me to explore niche areas of design technology, such as my experiment with naturally weathering steel to create Corten steel. I took immense pride in an essay that I wrote on the significance of the pyramids of Giza and the glorification of life after death memorialised. These experiences allowed me to delve into broader aspects of architecture beyond design, enhancing my awareness and knowledge. What challenges have you faced while studying architecture, and how have you overcome them? Studying architecture comes with its fair share of challenges, with time management being a significant one. Balancing a heavy workload was initially overwhelming, but I learned to adapt and develop a higher threshold for work. It is essential to stay focused and not get stressed, as the work must be completed regardless. Over time, you naturally adjust to the workload and become more efficient in managing your time. What are your plans in the field of architecture? Do you have any specific career goals or aspirations you’d like to share? Looking ahead to my future in architecture, I plan to complete a year in industry after graduation and then pursue a master’s degree abroad. I am still highly motivated by the goal that inspired me to become

an architect: to specialise in the field of disaster relief architecture. This involves designing structures that can withstand natural and manmade disasters, which is a critical area of need in today’s world. What wisdom would you impart to others who may be considering studying architecture or pursuing a similar career path? First and foremost, realise that you are capable: self-confidence and self-belief are crucial. Embrace failure as a positive aspect of growth. It is important to be kind to yourself, as a career in architecture is very demanding but the hard work and dedication required are genuinely rewarding and the journey is well worth the effort.

16 - Alumni Spotlight: Luke Yeulett

Luke Yeulett, Class of 2020 Luke left Trinity to study architecture at Nottingham University. He has finished his undergraduate degree with an award-winning portfolio and will be spending a year in industry at Foster + Partners before returning to university to complete his master’s. We caught up to find out what inspired him to pursue a career in architecture and to hear more about his project ‘Underground Rhythms’. Could you share some of your memories or experiences from your time at Trinity, particularly those that influenced your academic and personal growth? One of my best memories of Trinity was spending time each morning in my form room before lessons. Form time was not usually jampacked full of activities but this

was perfect for me, as having that time in the morning to chat with friends and gather my thoughts before the school day started was really helpful. Chatting to Miss Upton about our lives in and out of school created strong relationships between her and members of our form, which allowed us all to feel more comfortable and put us in a good mood for the day ahead. Studying art at Trinity also had a significant influence on my academic growth. The way in which it was taught boosted my critical thinking skills, which allowed me to be far more inquisitive throughout my studies. Art built my selfconfidence and taught me not to shy away from difficult challenges. Were there any teachers or mentors at school who had a significant impact on your educational journey? If so, how did they inspire or guide you? In sixth form, Mr Aldridge mentored me and a few others who were thinking of studying Architecture, by taking time out of his busy schedule to put together packs and presentations. By giving us a

basic knowledge of architectural principles, he prepared us for university interviews and applications extremely well. I am tremendously grateful for this and all the time he spent reading over countless versions of my personal statement. Another teacher who had a profound impact on me was my art teacher, Mr Strange. I still can’t get the word ‘refinement’ out of my head and it’s been over three years! Whilst studying architecture, this term only became more and more relevant. Designers will make a multitude of changes to refine an idea resulting in thousands of iterations over the life of a project. I am grateful to have been taught this process early on, given how relevant it will remain throughout my career. Many people have one event that cements their decision to pursue a specific field of study. Can you pinpoint one moment or experience that inspired you to choose architecture? When I was unsure of what I wanted to study, I had a fairly good idea that I wanted to go down the path of design but, as there are so many variations, it was incredibly difficult to choose… That was until I went on a tour of Bloomberg’s European headquarters. At the time, I couldn’t exactly put into words why it had such an impact on me but I am now able to consciously appreciate the project: its careful consideration of

17 materiality, the provision of public space and its ability to improve its surroundings. The way it manages to be extremely sustainable without sacrificing any of its beauty continues to inspire me. Could you tell me more about your project, ‘Underground Rhythms’, and how you became inspired to explore Bristol’s underground music scene? It was by pure coincidence that, at university, the unit I resonated with the most had chosen Bristol as that year’s site. As I am a big fan of electronic music, I decided to design a building to explore and house Bristol’s famous underground music scene and its rich history. I based my project on a short, fourpart story I wrote, which followed a protagonist on a nocturnal excursion. With this story, not only was I able to explain the context of the project but it allowed me to split the building scheme into four parts: exhibition, creation, wayfinding and dance. Each part explores a different facet of the music scene from its multicultural history to its relationship with the dark, winding alleyways of Bristol’s urban fabric. Eventually they consolidate into a dance hall, which expresses itself as a synergy of the chapters before it through its composition of materials. Which experiences or insights, gained at the University of Nottingham, contributed to your success? It was during my second year of university that I discovered how I wanted to shape my degree and what I wanted to learn from it.

Architecture is an extremely diverse qualification and within it there are lots of opportunities to explore your own interests. I channelled my love for abstract art and sculpture, developed during my time at Trinity, into my studies. With the help of my forward-thinking tutor, my eyes were opened to a world of architectural speculation and the use of interdisciplinary skills to evolve architecture into narratives. I learned to draw inspiration from all types of sources, from movies and novels to fairytales and physics, and how to translate these seemingly unrelated ideas into schemes using my fundamental architectural skillset. How have you leveraged your First Class Honours and Third Year Portfolio Prize? My achievements at the University of Nottingham have led me to securing a position as an Architectural Assistant at Foster + Partners where I will be working for a year, honing my skills and learning about working in the industry. After being part of a team there for over a month now, I

have learned an incredible amount about how architects work and the huge variety in work stages and coordination of projects. What are your future plans and how do you envisage your university experience shaping your career and personal growth? After completing my year in industry, I plan to go back to university to complete a master’s in architecture. It can take seven years to become an architect and I won’t be rushing the process. Thus far, I have learned that I am fascinated by the artistic side of architecture and I enjoy finding value in the speculative representation of new ideas. The use of visualisation and animation software will most certainly drive my decision on where I place myself within the industry. The most important thing I have learned is that there is a broad range of architectural roles that exist, so as long as I keep an open mind, I will have varied and exciting experiences over the course of my career.

18 - Alumni Spotlight: Louis Downs

Louis Downs, Class of 2005 Louis left Trinity to study advertising and brand management at the University for the Creative Arts. His career has seen him specialise in product development, brand communication, web design and development, online strategy, branding, advertising, book publishing and marketing strategy. He also spent 14 years as both a board member and as Chair for Young Enterprise Croydon, a charity that motivates young people to succeed in the changing world of work by equipping them with the work skills, knowledge and confidence they need. He is now a Director at CMA Creative Solutions Ltd. We caught up with Louis to find out about life since Trinity. We’re celebrating 30 years of the Shaw building which houses the art and DT departments. How did the facilities there contribute to your creative and practical skills development during your time at Trinity? The Art and Design Technology departments were fantastic spaces. The access to resources and materials, the expertise of the staff, and the enthusiasm of the school as a whole towards the development of these creative skills encouraged me to embrace the various creative and design subjects that were taught to such a high level at Trinity. I still use many of the practical design and making skills I learned

when manufacturing scale models and miniatures. Which Trinity teachers shaped your interests and career aspirations and how did they inspire you? I have fond memories of so many strong positive characters, especially Miss Rogers, Mr Glyn, everyone in the Art and Photography department, Mr Chesney and the DT department. Mr Case, my tutor, was hugely patient and supportive. There were also many experienced maths, RS, English and sports department staff who championed students. The business and economics teachers

involved with Young Enterprise also played a significant role in directing my interest. Which experiences did you have at Trinity that shaped your outlook on life? Trinity offered me a huge breadth of unrestricted learning opportunities – you didn’t have to study history to get involved with the Model United Nations, or choose business A level to take part in Young Enterprise, or be a physics student to visit CERN. I did all three. I also took a hiking and canoeing trip to Yukon and Alaska, which was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What did you find most rewarding about your 10 years on the board of Young Enterprise Croydon? I met some amazing people who care very much about helping the next generation develop viable business ideas. The whole board were volunteers, and there were many healthy debates about keeping the business experiences as genuine as possible. The weekly meetings were held at different Croydon company premises – BT, Nestle, HSBC, the Home Office, Jury’s Inn, Matthew’s Yard and the Croydon Conference Centre – providing the unique experience of learning about business in a business environment. The Young Enterprise In-Business Company Programme aims to provide young people with reallife business experiences. How did you witness its impact on participants? I have watched many young people grow and flourish while taking part in Young Enterprise. Whether they start out shy and disengaged or loud and overconfident, they all become thoughtful and empathetic team builders. Learning how to manage costs, identify opportunities and develop a product into something they can sell are really useful life skills. As the Director of CMA Creative Solutions Limited, you’re an expert in negotiation, sales and project planning. Which strategies

have you found to be particularly effective to achieve this? Much of the success behind any negotiation and sales strategy comes down to really getting to know and understand markets and people. I also really need to believe in the inherent worth of the thing I am selling. It is important to make people feel valued to get the best out of them - it is important to be appreciative of their efforts. Our expectations should be clear and we should be flexible to people’s needs and circumstances. How has the marketing landscape evolved since your time at Trinity, and how have you adapted? The past 20 years have witnessed many changes, particularly around the fluctuating influence of social media, that have been fascinating to watch, if a little infuriating to manage from a business point of view. The key to marketing is to

identify your audience and then work out how best to engage with them. There will always be lifestyle and tech developments and you have to constantly be creative and intuitive. Word of mouth and reliable recommendation are critical and highly valuable marketing tools. Both the offering and the provider must have credibility. It isn’t always about being a runaway success, it is about people genuinely finding something good or great and spreading the word without pressure or reward. I take great pride in watching companies grow off the back of the work we do for them. If you could go back in time, what advice or guidance would you give your 18-year-old self? I think some of the guidance would have been a few years previous to that, at the stage when I was choosing my A levels. It is hard to choose subjects when you don’t yet know what you want to do with your life. A Level choice does influence university and career choice, and many of the onward opportunities. I would also advise 18-year-old me to work for other people for longer before going it alone. I had business mentors when I was growing up and for a number of years once I was working, but having a greater depth of actual experience working with really great business or marketing people would have been immensely beneficial. You learn a lot from other people, but the key is to embed the good, discard the bad and discern the difference. As time progresses, things change and every situation is different, but experiences build into layers of reference that give one the ability to manage whatever your professional life throws at you.

20 - Alumni Spotlight: Matt Kember

Matt Kember, Class of 1990 After his undergraduate degree, Matt studied for an MSc in Historic Building Conservation and learned about the evolution of architectural style through the ages, looking specifically at the works and influence of Palladio. He joined Paye Stonework & Restoration in 1994, was made a Director in 2008 and Managing Director in 2018. His experience includes the restoration, conservation and repair of many important historical buildings, including award-winning projects that include Battersea Power Station, St Pancras Station, The Mithras Temple, Eton College, Windsor Castle, The Old War Office, The National Gallery, Dover Castle, Reculver Fort, The Palace of Westminster and Pugin’s former home, The Grange, in Ramsgate. We caught up with Matt to hear

Temple of Mithras

about his journey from Trinity to where he is today. What are your memories from your time at Trinity back in the 1980s? How do you think your experiences there influenced your career choices? My overriding emotion when I look back at my time at Trinity is happiness! My first form class, 3P, was full of characters from a variety of backgrounds. We had lots of fun and it was great to see some of them at our recent reunion. Ian Jardine was my history teacher and form master, and it was his passion for history that sparked my love of the subject, resulting in me considering careers with historical links. I remember talking to archaeologists and antiquity companies at the Trinity careers evening.

Sport was my other passion. I represented the school at cricket, rugby and hockey, which I thoroughly enjoyed. After leaving school, I continued to play cricket and some rugby at The Trinity Old Boys Club, where I’ve made many friends over the years. The theme of our alumni magazine is architecture, design and construction, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Shaw Building. Could you tell us about a favourite architectural or design-related project that you’ve worked on? Battersea Power Station jumps out. After seven years of cleaning and repairing the external envelope of the façade, it’s fantastic to see this iconic building restored to its former glory and become a great destination to visit after sitting derelict for so long. Paye Stonework & Restoration is known for its work on historic buildings and iconic structures. Could you elaborate on a particular conservation and repair project? Perhaps our most unique project was the reconstruction of The Temple of Mithras in the City of London. Discovered in 1954 on a WWII bomb site, the Temple ruins are considered to be one of our most important Roman finds. We worked with the Museum of London Archaeology and conservation consultants to make

Battersea Power Station

reputation for high-quality projects? The skills gap is a hot topic. There is a shortage of craft skills, knowledge and competency to deliver the workmanship required to undertake specialist work. We are working hard to recruit, train and sponsor apprentice stonemasons and encourage young people to consider a career in stonemasonry.

drawings of each wall that recorded and identified the location of each stone, brick, tile and the mortar joint pattern. We then took each piece of masonry forming the ruin walls and dry laid them at our warehouse. We used the drawings to reconstruct the Temple in its original location, beneath the Bloomberg Building near Cannon Street Station. It is well worth a visit! Can you describe your journey to Managing Director? What were the key milestones? My opportunity came in 1994 following a conversation with Paye’s Estimating Director and fellow Trinity old boy Peter Lloyd. I had completed diplomas in building construction and building science and joined as a Contracts Manager, before working my way up to Senior Manager, Associate Director, Director and then Managing Director.

We have an internal training programme for graduate site, project and contract managers so that they can develop the talent, skills and expertise required to deliver the high-quality projects that we are involved with. The conservation of historic buildings requires a balance between preserving the past and meeting modern needs. Can you tell us about projects that demonstrate this?

I was the fifth member of a team that now numbers 130! I am very proud to be a big part of the growth and success of the business over 30 years. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to maintain the company’s

Matt inside at Smithfield General Market

The balance between preserving the old and adapting a building to suit a new use and meet modern standards and regulations is extremely challenging. The intent is always to retain as much of the building’s original fabric as possible. This has been a particular challenge at Smithfield General Market, which will become the new home of the Museum of London. Described as the last ruin in London to be saved, we’ve followed a process of evaluation, salvage, repair and reuse of existing materials. Despite major adaptations, we’ve retained 70% of the building’s existing fabric. What advice would you give current Trinity students about career choice? Choose a career in something you enjoy and have a passion for. I’ve been fortunate enough to land a career doing something I love. I recognise how important job satisfaction is – it has made getting up for work in the morning over the past 35 years much easier!

22 - Alumni Spotlight: Stephen Bond

Stephen Bond, Class of 1973 Stephen left Trinity to study archaeology at Bristol University, later gaining a Master’s in Environmental Archaeology at Sheffield University. He subsequently became a chartered building surveyor. He was a partner at property and construction consultants TFT for 21 years, including a seven-year secondment to the Management Team of Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). In 1998, De Montfort University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contribution to building surveying and conservation. He was Scholar in Residence at the Roger Williams University Architectural School in 2000 and at the University of Savannah in 2008. Later in 2008, he established his own practice, Heritage Places. Beyond the UK,

he has worked on architectural and historical projects in various countries, including Lebanon, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Mozambique, India, Sri Lanka, Bali and Vietnam. What are your fondest memories of your time at Trinity? Struggling not to laugh in class with Geoff Boulton over ‘Pork Chops the General’, a wonderfully ridiculous composite image created from a folding cereal packet amusement. An afternoon in the bars of Boulogne-Sur-Mer (a one-off daytrip masquerading as a special French class) and the less than smooth return crossing! I should also mention the then almost shiny new school building – a cornucopia for learning, as well as perhaps making me first consider architecture’s

potential to influence lives and life! Which teachers at Trinity played a role in shaping you, your aspirations and your career goals? Surprisingly, despite my career in heritage, I never actually studied history as a subject. I was determined to pursue astronomy at university, right up until my final year at school. Trinity played a significant role in my decision, because of its diverse range of highly skilled teachers actively encouraging inquisitive minds. Yet, some of the most valuable lessons came from the incidental wisdom imparted by certain staff members. I especially remember maths teacher Les Shaw’s frequently used and frustrated admonition to “show your workings”, a directive to always make the

It’s impressive that Heritage Places has been involved in projects both in the UK and internationally. Could you share some notable projects you’ve worked on and the challenges and successes you’ve encountered?

logic underlying one’s work clear to the reader. It has repeatedly served me well in crafting complex documents for demanding legal and international audiences. Tell us more about Heritage Places, and how your experience at TFT influenced the establishment of your consultancy? When I founded Heritage Places in 2008, I had 25 years of wideranging and enriching experience of the built environment at TFT, the majority of which were spent as a partner. I was fortunate enough to be seconded to HRP as its first Surveyor of the Fabric, caring for Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and other unoccupied palaces. That, in turn, led to opportunities for involvement in international projects run by UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, but balancing such work with my partnership in an increasingly commercial construction consultancy proved challenging. This prompted me to consider establishing my own heritage consultancy to provide specialised guidance to a diverse range of clients, including international, national and local government organisations, funding bodies, property management and institutional clients. Happily, the decision proved to be the right one and has led to great success.

My last two years at HRP involved directing the Tower Environs Scheme (TES). TES was a groundbreaking, multi-partner regeneration initiative for the area surrounding the Tower of London, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The TES master plan we produced was innovative for its early utilisation of significance as a tool for managing the changes that affect heritage, and it attracted international attention. It was, however, a challenging task, as it aimed to bring mixed uses to an area of the City that had, until then, been dominated by offices, leaving its 6 million annual visitors without adequate facilities. The TES was influential as an approach to heritage and prompted many changes, but we faced funding challenges in some of its more expensive elements, such as reflooding the Tower’s moat. It personally taught me the art of tailoring the presentation of proposals to appeal to the interests of specific audiences. In 2014, I was the heritage advisor to a World Bank project in the Baixa district, the historic core of Mozambique’s Maputo. The area

23 was under threat from extensive high-rise development. The World Bank commissioned an international team to create a significancedriven urban plan, recognising the importance to local people of built heritage in preserving their cultural roots, landmarks and community memories. As so little had previously been recorded, we had to start from scratch, conducting surveys and community discussions, and creating a legal protection framework to safeguard it for the future. As you reflect on your journey from Trinity to the establishment of Heritage Places, what advice would you offer to current students who aspire to follow a similar path in architecture, design or heritage? Cultivate the habit of being observant. Take a moment to consider the profound impact of architecture on our world. Don’t just focus on what’s at eye level; look up and around at buildings, old and new, in the streetscape. Explore your emotional responses to what you see, whether it’s outstanding, mediocre, influential or mundane. Recognise how design and materials play a fundamental role in shaping character and sense of place. Understand that both heritage and new architecture are vital for creating and maintaining sustainable, vibrant places.

24 - Alumni Return

Ellie Fisher (Class of 2021) inspires Physics Society with planetary insights. Ellie is currently studying Physics at Durham. Ellie gave an engaging and interactive talk titled ‘Planetary Temperatures and Atmospheres’ to an audience of over 50 students. Her presentation not only shed light on the mysteries of planetary science but also provided invaluable advice for aspiring physicists, encouraging them to think beyond the classroom. Ellie delved into the intricate dynamics of planetary climates. Her ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging was evident as she explained the factors influencing planetary temperatures and the critical role of atmospheres in shaping a planet’s climate. Beyond her scientific expertise, Ellie generously shared her university journey and offered valuable advice, emphasising the importance of a well-rounded education and encouraging students to explore diverse academic interests. Ellie’s practical advice on crafting a compelling personal statement will undoubtedly prove invaluable as students embark on their university application journeys. Her emphasis on the importance of work experience and the inclusion of podcasts in personal statements were insightful and innovative suggestions.

Blair Southerden (Class of 1966) – A trip down Memory Lane In October, the Alumni team and Anthony Muirhead (Class of 2004) Trinity CCF SSI, hosted Blair for lunch in the staff restaurant before Blair had a tour of the CCF offices and stock rooms, including the newly refurbished rifle range. Blair led the honour guard of the CCF back in 1966 when the school was opened by Lord Alexander of Tunis. “Of all the people I have met in my life, Lord Alexander was the most memorable and exciting,” he said. Blair presented the school with a limited edition of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, which he hopes will engage both English students and artists, who will no doubt admire the fantastic bindings and illustrations by artist Neil Packer. We are very grateful for this generous, thoughtful and inspiring gift and we were delighted to host him back at Trinity.

Dr Ben Moran (Class of 2016) - MDV Society talk After a demanding weekend on call, Dr Ben Moran generously took the time to join us at MDV Soc (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Society) to share his valuable insights and experiences as a Junior Doctor. His session, focused on effective communication in the medical field, proved to be truly enlightening for all in attendance. Ben’s journey in medicine began in 2016 when he departed Trinity with top grades in his A Level subjects, which included Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry. His academic excellence paved the way for him to pursue his passion for medicine at Southampton University and he is currently training at Croydon University Hospital. Ben’s impressive academic background and commitment to his profession make him a role model for our aspiring medical students and a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their communication skills in the medical field. His visit to MDV Soc provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn from his experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of junior doctors and the importance of effective communication in healthcare.

Ayo Onabolu (Class of 2020) – from internship to job offer. Ayo, a final-year student at Warwick University, captivated an audience of over 40 students at the Economics Society with his enlightening talk titled ‘Navigating a complex and challenging recruitment market’. Ayo’s journey from his academic pursuits to landing an internship at JP Morgan, which eventually led to a full-time job offer for 2024, serves as an inspiring testament to the possibilities that await driven individuals in today’s competitive job market. In addition to his personal journey, Ayo provided students with valuable insights into the graduate recruitment market. He highlighted the ten universities that are frequently targeted by top graduate employers, giving students a sense of the competitive landscape ahead. He also discussed the various student programmes available, ranging from work experience and insight days for current sixth form students to internships, Spring weeks for undergraduates and graduate schemes for final-year students. The impact of Ayo’s talk was evident by the long queues of students waiting to ask him questions after his presentation. His insights and personal anecdotes resonated with our current students, leaving them inspired and motivated to take charge of their own career paths.

26 - Alumni Return

Tobi Onabolu (Class of 2011) – Black History Month talk: shaping the zeitgeist As part of Trinity’s celebration of Black History Month, the artist and writer joined us to celebrate the profound influence of Black art and culture on mainstream culture over the past century. Tobi highlighted instances where African art had been appropriated by mainstream culture; for example, Picasso’s 1907 Demoiselles d’Avignon, worth an estimated $1.2 billion, featured African masks and drew direct inspiration from African culture. Another example is Big Mama Thornton, who debuted her R&B anthem ‘Hound Dog’ in 1953, three years before Elvis Presley released his hit cover. Rock ‘n’ roll owes much of its early definition to Black artists, predominantly women. Tobi also pointed out the historical roots of the banjo, which can be traced back to Kora, from the Mande Empire in modern-day Mali. Tobi concluded by celebrating the importance of Black culture within mainstream society. Against a backdrop of funding cuts affecting the creative industries, Tobi stressed the need for positive action to ensure a future for the next generation of Black artists. He encouraged students to be less passive, ask for contributions and consider how they can actively reclaim their heritage. Visit his website:

Lucas Rebato (Class of 2023) – Pursuing a degree apprenticeship in computer science Lucas took us on a journey from his successful application for a Flying Start Degree apprenticeship with PwC to leaving for the University of Birmingham in September. This unique opportunity not only secures him a degree in Computer Science but also guarantees a job at the conclusion of his four-year degree programme apprenticeship with PwC. Lucas’ journey began with a rigorous application process, featuring aptitude tests and a virtual interview. Having successfully navigated these challenges, he offered invaluable advice to students who are considering following in his footsteps. Many of our Upper Sixth students are currently preparing their personal statements, and Lucas emphasised the importance of not leaving this crucial task until the last minute, urging them to document all their academic achievements for inclusion. In response to a student’s query about potential drawbacks, Lucas candidly stated that he couldn’t think of any. Nevertheless, he cautioned that a successful outcome to this route requires unwavering dedication at every stage of the application process, alongside strong academic performance. Lucas’ inspirational journey and his valuable insights were welcomed by current students, and stand him in good stead for a thriving career with PwC.

Jaden Haynes (Class of 2017) – Black (and) British, Trinity alumnus talk to History Society Jaden presented a compelling and insightful talk, titled ‘Black (and) British’. He delved into thought-provoking subjects such as the concept of race as a social construct, the relevance of empire, the evolving definition of British identity, and the long history of multiculturalism in Britain. Jaden also turned the spotlight on the vilification and racist abuse heaped on Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho when they missed crucial penalties in the final of Euro 2020. The students and staff were engaged and intrigued, and asked many questions about identity. Jaden’s talk left a lasting impression, fostering a greater understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues.

Lord Gavin Barwell (Class of 1990) speaks to Politics Society Lord Gavin Barwell returned to speak to a packed classroom of Sixth Form Politics students in November. He gave a brief overview of his career, where he currently places himself on the political spectrum (homeless!) and what he thinks the next 12 months in global politics will bring. He was generous with his time when he opened the floor to questions from students and staff, and answered with gravitas and candour. He was proud to represent his hometown of Croydon as an MP from 2010-2017 and believes that the best things about this area are the diverse community, the green spaces and fantastic schools like Trinity! He said that he misses being an MP more than he misses being Chief of Staff. Gavin talked about politics as a team game and how important it is that everyone is a team player. He spoke about how much influence an MP can have at every level of government and explained the role of Chief of Staff. Being the Prime Minister’s right-hand man meant that Gavin was ‘in the room’ for all of the most important meetings with world leaders during that time. He said that although the job completely consumed his life for the two years he held the position, he felt very privileged to be a part of Theresa May’s government.

28 - Alumni Return

Temi Ladega (Class of 2010) – Social mobility: Trinity alumnus speaks at whole school assembly Temi has an impressive career in investment banking in the City and is currently an investment professional at one of the world’s largest hedge funds. His recent appointment as a Trinity School Governor further exemplifies his gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him as a student and his commitment to giving back whenever possible. Temi’s talk delved into the critical aspects of social mobility, addressing privilege, social mobility, inclusion, opportunity and responsibility. Addressing the entire school community on such an array of issues is no small undertaking; however, he more than did justice to the themes. Temi’s insightful talk marked a pivotal moment for our community: it encouraged everyone to step back, listen, absorb and reflect on the actions we can all take moving forward. Watch his talk here:

Kieran Moore (Class of 2018) – Physics Society Talk on ‘White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars: When Matter Gets Dense’ At Trinity, Kieran developed a passion for Physics and pursued further studies in the subject at Somerville College, Oxford. He was consequently a natural choice when we sought recent alumni to address students in our Physics Society. Even though he is not currently in a science-related role, he takes every opportunity to apply his knowledge of the subject. During his time at Oxford, one of his lecturers said “It’s easier to turn a physicist into a lawyer than a lawyer into a physicist”. Kieran was inclined to agree.

Andrew Newlands (Class of 1999) – Entrepreneur inspires Economics Society Andrew left Trinity in 1999, and instead of going to university, started his own online business targeting local bars and pubs. He reinvested his profit into new ventures and, spurred on by a new-found passion for graphic design, found work designing confectionery products. He soon realised that he was giving away all his best ideas to large food retailers and decided to start his own business so that he could reap the benefits himself. Shortly afterwards, Monty Bojangles was born, making original dusted truffles. His previous experience had given him good connections with manufacturers, enabling him to understand the whole process. There were pitfalls along the way, and many lessons to be learned, which nearly cost him his business at various points, but by sticking to three guiding principles, Andrew managed to build his brand into the successful, awardwinning business it is today. Andrew shared his principles with the Economics students: find your passion; do it for love, not money; and embrace the fear and be ready to take risks, but have some money in the bank as an insurance policy. Andrew has kindly given the Trinity community 15% off his 150g cubes on Amazon. Click here and use the code MBTRINITY15.

Joshua Bernard-Cooper (Class of 2017): Talk to Physics Society Joshua recently gave a talk to the Physics Society, sharing insights into his fascinating career as a Flight Dynamics Engineer in Satellite Operations at Eutelsat OneWeb. Matthew, a Lower Sixth student, was captivated by Joshua’s talk and shared his enthusiasm for Joshua’s presentation. “I really enjoyed the talk today. One of the main reasons I am interested in applying for Physics courses at university is that you can delve deeply into nuanced and intriguing topics, be it cosmology or quantum mechanics, while also improving your problemsolving skills.”

30 - Memory Lane

The History behind the Trinity War Memorial by Neil Mackenzie, Class of 1981 In 2007, Mark Gardiner (Class of 1981) and I embarked on a weeklong tour of the cemeteries within the Ypres Salient in Belgium, totalling approximately 170 sites. While preparing for this trip, we noticed that Whitgift School had a Roll of Honour for Old Boys who had perished in the Great War. Surprisingly, no equivalent record existed for Trinity, which was known as Whitgift Middle School in 1914. With invaluable assistance from the school’s archivist at the time, Annie Morley, we began compiling accounts of all the men listed on the War Memorial who had been interred or commemorated in the Ypres Salient. During our trip, we paid our respects at their graves and memorials, as well as those of approximately 300 other individuals, placing poppy crosses and remembering their sacrifice.

Upon our return, we initiated research on all the men and boys listed on the War Memorial, gathering information on their pre-war lives, their time at the school, their wartime service and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Researching those who served in the British army during WW1 was challenging because of the loss of many records during the Blitz of 1940-41. Nevertheless, the National Archive at Kew and the informative book ‘Croydon and the Great War,’ published in 1920, provided valuable insights. During our research, we discovered that there were Old Boys who had attended Whitgift Middle (WM) and lost their lives in the war who were not commemorated on the Memorial. This was partly because some of the boys transferred from WM to Whitgift Grammar School. Notable among

them was 2nd Lieutenant Lionel Morris, the first pilot to be shot down by Manfred von Richthofen, the ‘Red Baron’.

In total, we identified 36 Old Boys who had fallen in the Great War but were not commemorated. We collaborated with the school to address this issue, ultimately deciding to redesign the memorial. Although there was some concern about modifying an existing memorial, it had already undergone five relocations or alterations since its original unveiling in 1921. In addition to adding the new WW1 names, we wanted to enhance the visibility of the names of Old Boys who had perished in WW2. Their names had been added to a lower metal plaque on the Memorial, rendering them almost unreadable without bending over. The new Memorial was unveiled on November 7, 2018. Despite heavy rain for the duration of the rededication ceremony, led by the Bishop of Croydon, the sun emerged the moment it was over. The Colour Party from the School got soaked, but us oldies had umbrellas, so we were fine! The surrounding flowerbed featured

31 ceramic poppies, with two flowers per stem, one for each WW1 and WW2 man, and a three-flower stem for the Currie brothers. During the reception that followed, I chatted with former headmaster Robin Wilson, who resided in the same road, Beech House Road, where the Currie brothers – Gordon (15), Roy (14) and Brien (10) lost their lives in a Zeppelin raid in 1915. The new memorial now bears the names of 145 men and boys from WW1 and 88 men from WW2. Of the WW1 names, three were current pupils when they perished, two were masters (Stewart and Halley-Jones) and 140 were former pupils. As well as those of Morris and the Currie brothers, we encountered numerous intriguing stories about the individuals commemorated on the memorial. One particularly poignant story is that of Captain Frank Ridley Ingrams of the 9th Battalion East Surrey Regiment. He was the grandson of William Ingrams, the first-ever headmaster at Whitgift Middle, and attended both WM and Whitgift Grammar. He was 16 and therefore underage when he enlisted, but he had the consent of his parents and the Head of Whitgift school. Ingrams quickly rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, received the Military Cross for his work under fire, was promoted to Captain in August 1916 and was Mentioned in Dispatches. Tragically, he was killed just outside Delville Wood on the Somme on September 3, 1916, at the tender age of 18. His body was never identified, and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Throughout our endeavours, we received tremendous support from the Archive and Alumni teams at the School, as well as Bill Wood, archivist, at Whitgift. However, special recognition is owed to Robin McKinlay, the former Estates Manager, who offered significant assistance and coordinated various aspects, including securing additional stone for the Memorial from the same quarry that had supplied the original stone in 1937. Following the 2018 rededication, Mark devoted significant effort to finalising the articles on each individual. Over the years, we managed not only to visit their burial or commemoration sites but, for many, also the precise locations of their demise. Upon completion of these articles in 2021, we made them accessible to the school, believing our work had concluded. Just a few weeks later, however, Mark discovered a new source of information that led us to identify an additional 24 Old Boys who should be commemorated on the memorial. Our work continues…

Sadly, we lost dear friends from our Trinity community in recent months, and they have very much been in our thoughts. As we remember them here in this special In Memoriam tribute, we honour the unique contributions and lasting impact they made on our school, extending our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones. We invite you to join us in this tribute and celebration of their lives, as we keep their memory alive and honour the indelible mark they left on the Trinity School community in Croydon.

Alan Tomsett, Class of 1938 Alan joined Whitgift Middle School in 1932 from Norbury Manor School. Alan was singing in the St John’s choir, Shirley when war was declared. After leaving school, and throughout the Blitz, he worked for a city firm of accountants. During this period, both the office where he worked and his home suffered significant bomb damage. On being called up for military service in 1941, he joined the Royal Air Force and worked at RAF Kenley airfield. In 1942, he was sent overseas to the Middle East and spent the remainder of the war protecting the Allied airfields in Egypt. It was during this period that he met his future wife, Joyce, who was serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. Alan qualified as a Chartered Accountant and was appointed Finance Director of the British Transport Docks Board and, later, Associated British Ports plc. In 1974, Alan was awarded an OBE for services to industry. Alan pursued his many interests during retirement and was a keen gardener. He was a freemason and continued supporting the Whitgift Lodge for many years. However, his overriding passion in retirement was to continue his connection with St John’s and he held various positions, including Church Warden and PCC Treasurer.

Robert Cooper, Class of 1950 Bob was very proud to be a pupil at Trinity and he frequently talked about his time at the school, the friends he made there and their careers after school. He was in the school athletics team and was a great all-rounder: at one time, he was the under-16 high jump record holder and in his last year at school he had a ‘Year Best’ in the 120 yards hurdles. When he retired, he returned to his early interest in internal combustion steam engines.

Peter Tugwell, Class of 1956 Peter came to Whitgift Middle School in 1950 from Collingwood Boys Prep School in Wallington. He was a member of Red House, which was to become Trinity (School) House in 1954. Peter loved his cricket and captained the Junior and Colts Cricket Xls before playing for the School 2nd Xl in 1955 and 1956. He was a member of the Army Section of the CCF and reached the rank of Corporal. He was also a member of the Scientific Society and loved music and cycling before leaving the Upper Sixth Science Class in 1956. In later life, Peter was a keen and straight-hitting golfer, a member of the Shirley Park Golf Club for many years. He also played Racquets every week to maintain fitness.

Oliver Tomlin, Class of 1942 Oliver joined Whitgift Middle School in 1933. He spent over four years in the school’s Cadet Corps, wherein he reached the rank of Corporal. When Oliver left school, he worked for a short time in the insurance department at Balfour Beatty in Queen’s Street in the City and then at Walron Scarman, a Lloyds broker, before being called up for National Service in 1942. He served in Italy in the war before being injured in an explosion and evacuated to Naples to recuperate. He continued to serve in the Army and then the Reserve Forces before retiring in 1978 with the rank of Major.

Chris Baverstock, Class of 1963 Chris came to Trinity in 1956 from Spring Park Junior School and was a member of Worcester House, becoming Junior House Captain. He proved to be a very useful fly-half in Junior Rugby School XV’s, and was particularly talented at cricket, playing for the School, the Old Boys and a local club. As well as being a keen sportsman, he was a member of the CCF from 1958-61, starting in the Army Section and ending up in the RAF section. He remained interested in sport, taking up golf and badminton later in life. On leaving school in 1961, he was employed by Brooke Bond and the Milk Marketing Board, and later established his own small company, importing fresh flowers, fruit and herbs from South America for 25 years. He lived in Sussex, and passed away in July 2023 after a long progressive illness. He is survived by his wife, two children and two step-children.

John Parish, Class of 1959 John Parish, who was Vice President of TMWA (Trinity MidWhitgiftian Association), could perhaps be described as the archetypal Mid-Whitgiftian. Born in 1940, during the war, his early years were spent sheltering from bombs. In 1952, he entered Whitgift Middle School, at the old site in North End. John was a talented all-round sportsman: a rampaging wing forward who doubled as scrum half, an athlete, a cross-country runner, a hockey player, a cricketer, and a badminton and squash player.

Dave Tutt, Class of 1979

Dave came to Trinity in 1971 and was immediately at home taking part in all the sports on offer with great enthusiasm. Junior Form Master Jack Griffin described him as “Quite good - a lively boy!” Water polo, swimming, rugby, hockey, football, basketball, badminton, squash, volleyball, tennis and cricket – he did the lot. Not only did he receive colours for rugby and water polo but also many, many plaudits from teachers, coaches and fellow students right across the year groups, for being a full action and fearless competitor. ‘Tutty’ also loved outdoor pursuits and spent many hours on trips helping blind or disabled children to learn new life skills and give them the confidence to overcome their difficulties. Alongside the formidable Dick Boetius (biology master and outdoor pursuits guru), Dave was often seen in mountaineering gear, with climbing ropes over his shoulder, loading up the old blue Ford Transit for an expedition to the Brecon Beacons or further afield. Dave went on to Exeter University after school and played rugby there to a high standard, alongside many players who were destined for international honours. He brought his skills and infectious energy back to the Old Mid-Whitgiftian rugby team and helped them to success in the 80s, which saw the Mids playing some of the best rugby in their history.

Ian Field, Class of 1981 Ian’s academic brilliance won him a scholarship to Trinity. He belonged to the Combined Cadet Force, and while most students went on one military camp visit a year, Ian went eight times, which is a true mark of how motivated he was to fulfil his ambition of becoming a naval officer. He went on to author Winter Vanquished Spring: An Anthology, a book of poems of which he said “These are my testimony to the invincible fortitude of the human spirit. I have seen it triumph over adversity, overcoming all obstacles to fulfil the purpose within. Life is difficult and it is easy to falter. May these poems stir you to action and awaken the courage to know that none of us stands alone”.

Dates for your diary Spring 2024

Summer 2024

Autumn 2024

Tuesday 30 January at 7pm

Saturday 6 April

September

Peter Donohoe and Karl Lutchmayer

Evensong

Festival of Rugby

Peterborough Cathedral

October

Reception for Supporters of the Trinity Bursary Fund

Recital and Drinks Reception Trinity Concert Hall Sign up here Wednesday 31 January at 4pm Nigel Clayton and Imma Setiadi Recital Hall

Thursday 18 April Charity lunch with Jeff Stelling Balls Brothers, Minster Exchange

Trinity Golf Day

Wednesday 28 February

Croham Hurst Golf Club

Alumni Drinks

The Horniman at Hays Sign up here

Pre-Christmas drinks for all alumni

Friday 8 November

For more information click here Wednesday 22 May

November

Remembrance Day Service Trinity School

Tuesday 17 December U25 Xmas Drinks Trinity School

Thursday 23 May Mitre Society Lunch

Friday 22 March

Savile Club

The Trinity Club Annual Reunion Dinner

Saturday 29 June

(Formerly Founder’s Day Supper)

Milestone Reunion for the Classes of

Trinity School Sign up here

1974 1979 1984 1989

1994 1999 2004 2009

and the 1950s and 1960s decades Trinity School Sign up here Wednesday 14 August Past Parents Drinks Artwork by Trinity Student

Trinity School

Contact Shirley Park

020 8662 5202

Croydon

trinity-school.org

CR9 7AT

alumni@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

My Trinity Autumn 2023

Articles inside

Alumni in the News

The History behind the Trinity War Memorial by Neil Mackenzie, Class of 1981

Stephen Bond, Class of 1973

Matt Kember, Class of 1990

Louis Downs, Class of 2005

Luke Yeulett, Class of 2020

Zafirah Sadiq, Class of 2021