OU Magazine Issue 43 2015-2016

Issue 43 • 2015/2016

OU

WELCOME Ever fancied getting into a rowing boat and heading off across the Atlantic, facing all sorts of challenges and perils on a 3500-mile journey? No, neither have we. Remarkably, however, five OUs have seen fit to take on this epic journey and we feature them in this year’s magazine. It should be an amazing experience and we will follow their progress on social media with interest over the next few months.

This year’s front cover image links to the remarkable stories of two teams, Ocean Reunion and Row Like A Girl, taking on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in December 2015, read more on pages 11 and 12. Our thanks to team ‘Row Like A Girl’ for providing this great photo.

This issue is also the last one to include a message from the School’s Headmaster, Richard Harman.

Richard has had 10 highly successful years at Uppingham and he will leave a long and lasting legacy in the shape of the amazing Western Quad development. As Chairman of HMC over the last 12 months Richard has taken Uppingham’s profile to new heights and, on behalf of the OU community, we offer him our thanks for everything he has done for this great school. Our warmest wishes to Richard when he leaves in July 2016.

2015 has been a fantastic year for OU social media.

We now have more than 1,000 users on LinkedIn and Facebook and a growing presence on Twitter and Instagram. If you have something you would like to share, either personal or in the realms of business, please contact us and the OU network via the respective platform. If you haven’t already done so, follow us on Twitter @ouoffice and Instagram @old_uppinghamian.

Finally, our thanks once again to everyone who has contributed to this edition. We hope you enjoy reading OU and we look forward to receiving your comments and news in the coming months.

With best wishes, Patrick, Richard, Jo, Lisa and Caroline

OU COMMITTEE 2015/16 The Headmaster – Chairman Richard Boston (B 56) – Secretary Members: Mike Higgs (Fgh 69), David Gavins (LH 73), Peter Doleman (C 76), Dawn Wilson (Fd 80), Jim Reddy (Hf 89), Emma Way (J 91), Emma Cannings (L 93) and Ben Fry (F 96).

CONTENTS

OU is the magazine for the Old Boys and Girls of Uppingham School.

We send out an annual eNewsletter – please ensure your email address is up-to-date by emailing ou@uppingham.co.uk.

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2 Welcome 5 Who What Where 14 Announcements 16 Staff News 18 In Memoriam & Obituaries 24 40 Years of Girls 28 Photocall Events 38 Miscellaneous 39 Clubs & Societies 42 OU Charity Fund

Uppingham School Uppingham Rutland LE15 9QE Tel: +44 (0)1572 820616 Email: ou@uppingham.co.uk www.olduppinghamian.co.uk If you are receiving multiple copies of the OU Magazine to your household and would prefer only one copy, please get in touch.

02 Welcome

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38

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER It is hard to believe that this is the last time I shall write for this magazine as Headmaster of Uppingham. For me, this year will be a strange combination of ‘business as usual’ and saying farewell. I hope to see many of you at the various events put on by the OU team, especially the London Dinner on March 3rd, to be able to say goodbye in person.

figure in our history, and yet we all still fit into Chapel; the traditional pillars of Uppingham, such as the warm, friendly atmosphere, deep pastoral care and energetic congregational singing, are still as strong as ever; and, of course, house dining thrives. We are one of the few remaining truly full boarding schools in the country, fully committed to educating the whole person.

Thring’s legacy remains alive and vibrant in the 21st Century.

It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead this great school for a decade. When I look back and reflect on all that has been done in these years, it seems even more remarkable.

In the aftermath of the greatest financial crisis for a generation, we have consolidated the move to full co-education, grown our numbers, maintained excellent academic results and superb musical and other extra-curricular standards, and built the Western Quad. As I write, the School roll stands at 798, the highest

None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of so many people. The pupils, teachers and support staff here are wonderful and I shall miss them very much when I go. We know parents are deeply appreciative of all the hard work that goes into what we do. The Trustees, Foundation Board and OUs alike have been great; never afraid to give me feedback and ideas of all kinds, but always passionately engaged with what Uppingham is all about.

Thomas Hardy is alleged once to have said, “I have a horror of last things.”

As I write, the School roll stands at 798, the highest figure in our history, and yet... the traditional pillars of Uppingham... are still as strong as ever...

I have enjoyed their and your company and the School has benefited as a result.

Whilst I shall be sad when the removal van arrives at our house next summer, I look forward to this last year as Headmaster. After 32 years in teaching, half of them as a Head, I will be moving to a job that will involve working with governing bodies in independent schools across the country, helping them to do their work even more effectively; the example of the Trustees here has been inspirational.

And I shall be supporting my wife Karin as she pursues her vocation in the Anglican Church.

Who knows, we may even be coming to a parish near you!

I have no horror of the last things to come for me at Uppingham as I prepare for this next chapter, although I shall have very mixed feelings as I say farewell. I will be proud to bequeath to my successor a school that is at the top of its game in so many ways. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Richard Harman

Welcome 03

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Last year I had the pleasure of attending Captain Darby Kennedy’s (H 28) 100th birthday party in Spain and one of the gifts he appreciated the most was a cricket shirt signed by one of the pupils he generously funded through the School. Shiv Thakor (Fgh 07), now a professional cricketer with Derbyshire, gave me a shirt to pass to Darby with the simple message Thank you for changing my life.

This message was also present when Patrick Sun (Fgh 07) heard about the passing of his benefactor Colin Williams (L 55), whose tribute is featured later in this magazine. Patrick wrote the following words for Colin’s family: If there are people that can change the life of others,

Mr Williams was definitely one of them. If it wasn’t for him, I would not have had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and push myself to exceed my limits and certainly I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Changing lives is the underlying theme of the Foundation’s current appeal – The 1584 Fund.

Having spent the best part of the last decade transforming the bricks and mortar of Uppingham through the Western Quad development, we now want to open up opportunities to talented boys and girls to study at Uppingham who would not ordinarily have the chance to do so. Beneficiaries of The 1584 Fund will see their futures changed in ways which they could not have imagined.

Beneficiaries of The 1584 Fund will see their futures changed in ways which they could not have imagined.

Patrick Mulvihill, Development Director, with Caroline Steele, Acting Development Manager, and Anthony Smith (WB 81), Chairman of the Uppingham Foundation and Trustee, at the London Dinner.

I know that those who contribute towards bursaries, either through donations or via legacies, take great satisfaction knowing that their contributions will make a real difference to the lives of boys and girls joining Uppingham. This year we have received amazing support from several Uppingham families and I am delighted that

the first pupil to receive a bursary in the name of the late John Samworth (F 46) joined the School earlier this term.

If you would like to make a contribution to our appeal and play a part in opening up opportunities at Uppingham, please do get in touch.

SECRETARY’S MESSAGE A small French town on the Somme, Louvencourt, has honoured Roland Leighton who died of wounds there a hundred years ago in December 1915; Roland was engaged to be married to Vera Brittain of Testament of Youth fame. The town named a street after him, “l’allee Roland Leighton”, in a ceremony held on November 11th at which Uppingham was represented.

Richard Boston (B 56), OU Secretary, with Donald Fothergill (B 74), who hosted the Scottish Dinner at his home, Kinross House, in May.

04 Welcome

The occasion served as a continuing reminder of the sacrifices made by OUs and countless others over the past century in the cause of democracy and freedom. We still live in difficult and uncertain times and I am in awe of the distinguished contributions and sense of service that so many OUs bring to society both at home and overseas,

continuing in the traditions of previous generations.

On the one hand, we have OUs like Stephen Dorrell (M 65), Chairman of Trustees at Uppingham, who stepped down as a parliamentary MP at the last General Election after serving 36 years in the House of Commons.

Challenge, from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua, a distance of 3500 miles. Throughout this magazine are numerous examples of many other OUs who, in their own varied ways, are making contributions to communities and good causes throughout the world.

I am in awe of the distinguished contributions and sense of service that so many OUs bring to society...

This spirit of challenge and service is still very much alive in the current generation of Uppinghamians through their work in community service and further demonstrated by the steady stream of leavers who undertake voluntary work during their GAP year, often in unfamiliar and testing environments.

At the other end of the scale, we have five young OUs, in two teams, making their final preparations to undertake one of the world’s ultimate challenges, The Talisker Whisky Atlantic

I wish everyone a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year with family and friends.

WHO WHAT WHERE 1933 The School was delighted to receive a painting entitled Just Waiting donated by artist Dr Terence Leigh-Parry (B 33).

Dr Leigh-Parry qualified in medicine after leaving Uppingham and worked as a GP in Stamford at the time when Lord Exeter introduced the Horse Trials to Burghley. He was involved in offering medical cover during the first 10 years of the event, which gave him ample opportunity for observing the equestrian activities that became a prominent part of his artwork.

Dr Leigh-Parry works in oils, watercolours and pastels and has been exhibiting his artwork since 1953; many of his pictures hang in public and private collections. He is a Senior Member and Trustee of the Pastel Society UK and a member of both the Society of Equestrian Artists and the Royal Society of British Artists.

1939 Following the OU Entrepreneurs feature in the last issue of the OU Magazine, we were delighted to hear from Anthony James (WB 39) about Excelda - his new walking stick design. Anthony has always been a passionate inventor and has a book full of patents and designs which he has added to throughout his life. We wish him well with his latest invention. See www.exceldasticks.co.uk.

1942 The Portugalese Medallion in Silver has been conferred on Kenneth Stern (Fgh 42) by the

Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg to mark his years of service in promoting links between the Federal CityState and the City of London.

The rare award was presented to Kenneth on 30th October 2014 by Senator Jana Schiedek on behalf of the First Mayor of Hamburg.

(Note: The Medallion in Silver is awarded on average once in five years. It is the only distinction granted by Hamburg, which historically has never awarded orders or medals in spite of being formerly a Free Imperial City and now a constituent State of the Federal Republic of Germany.)

1947

1951

Richard Earlam (WD 47), retired Consultant Surgeon, The Royal London Hospital, has produced a website summarising surgical research carried out during his 30 years as a consultant surgeon. Original articles are made easily available to all students, young and old, medical or nonmedical and he acknowledges the work and expertise of previous generations in order to assist future cohorts of surgeons and medical practitioners. www.richardearlam.com.

John Vartan (LH 51), commissioned the book Vartan of Nazareth to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Nazareth Hospital, which was established by his great grandfather Pacradooni Kaloost Vartan.

1949 Anthony Edwards (WD 49) was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in May. As former Professor of Biometry at the University of Cambridge, he made fundamental contributions to statistical and population genetics, and to statistical theory. Anthony’s late brother Professor John H. Edwards (WD 42) was also FRS. Anthony says: “Uppingham should take much credit for this rare fraternal event.”

Written by journalist and broadcaster Malcolm Billings, it is a fascinating story recounting the history of the hospital, from the opening of the original eight-bed hospital in 1867, through World War I, the British Mandate, the founding of the State of Israel, right up to the present day. John maintains a close relationship with the hospital.

‘John is on the left, probably in the middle of one of his stories.’

L to R: Horst Melsheimer, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Kenneth Stern (Fgh 42) and Senator Jana Schiedek.

Who What Where 05

WHO WHAT WHERE 1956

1959 James Wooley (LH 59) appeared in Stop – The Play at the Trafalgar Theatre in Whitehall in June.

1960 After being made Vice-Chairman of the English Schools Cricket Association in December 2014, David Hill (L 56) took up the seat as Chairman in October 2015.

1957 Michael Harrison (WD 57) was artist-in-residence at Leicester Cathedral during the historic events of King Richard III’s reinternment and exhibited a commemorative series of paintings called Sanctuary for a King at The Cank Street Gallery in Leicester during May. In September 2014 John Suchet (Fgh 57) and his trombone joined the brass section of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and featured on his morning Classic FM radio show. Earlier in June, John also secured a Gold Award at the New York Festivals International Radio Programme Awards in the Best Radio Personality category.

British engineer, Dan Everard (H 60), working within his social enterprise, Dragonmobility, reached the milestone this year of 2,000 individual powerchairs made for disabled people. Dan’s career has spanned four decades and provided liberation and integration for disabled people worldwide. www.2000lives.org.

Ivor Morton (L 60) undertook the ‘Three Castles Walk’ in June, joining 15 other walkers from the Rotary Club of Claverhouse for which he is Vice President.

Ivor walked 24 miles in aid of Alzheimers and the team raised £13,500 in the process.

From Venice to Istanbul, Rick Stein’s (WD 60) new book and BBC Two series, takes you on a journey through the mythical heart of Greece, to the Black Sea flavours of Croatia and the Eastern influences of Turkish food in Istanbul, where his tour ends.

1964 Andrew Weiss (H 64) is President of the ‘Rainy Day Trust’, a charity for employees of the home improvement industry.

1965 1958 Stephen Lloyd’s (WD 58) musical biography Constant Lambert – Beyond The Rio Grande was included by The Spectator, The Guardian and the Times Ed in their Christmas 2014 ‘Best books of the year’ lists.

06 Who What Where

The Uppingham Science Society welcomed Lord Nigel Crisp (Hf 65) to the School in November. He talked about his experiences as Head of the NHS and problems with antibiotics, healthcare policy and risks in the 21st Century. He was delighted to be reacquainted with Peter and Mary Lloyd (Houseparents of Highfield when he was at Uppingham).

Christopher Jewitt (LH 65) is the current Chairman of the British Hallmarking Council, a public body of statute which oversees the hallmarking activities of the UK’s four assay offices. The origin of hallmarking dates back to circa 1300 making it the country’s oldest form of consumer protection.

1969 Jeremy Cotton (F 69) was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire in December 2014.

1967 After a long career in the NHS, rising to Chief Executive, Alistair Hopkinson (WB 67) set up a thriving photography business with his youngest son, boasting the largest twin studio set up in Yorkshire. He is delighted to offer OUs a free personal family shoot any time. www.portfoliostudios.co.uk.

1970 After years of touring around North America, Stephen Fry (F 70) set off south of the border in a three-part ITV series, Stephen Fry in Central America (aired September 2015). Also congratulations to Stephen on his marriage to Elliot Spencer on January 17th 2015.

Robin Johnson (H 67) received an unexpected invitation to join the Conservatives’ Battlebus tour in the final five days of the preelection campaign. Read Robin’s full story on the OU website.

Jonathan Naylor (L 67) sold his company in 2012 and now works as a consultant for Collins Seafoods Ltd. He was elected as Captain of Moortown Golf Club in February 2015, home of the 1929 Ryder Cup.

Tim Heilbronn (L 70) and his wife Jackie completed the 54-mile ‘Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp’ through the hills and glens of Perthshire in June, winning the ‘Fastest Mixed Team Cup’ for the fourth time in a row. Tim says he avoided exercise as much as he could whilst at school, so is quite amazed to find the words “that was an enjoyable run” passing his lips as he fast approaches his 60th year!

Chris (L 70) and Sam Sharrock (M 04) completed The Gobi March 2015, placing in 47th and 52nd position respectively. Over the week-long ultramarathon they had to contend with snow blizzards, torrential rainstorms, 50-degree heat and sandstorms. It was an unforgettable experience and funds raised were for the ‘Katie Compson Foundation’.

2015 represents the 36th year Richard Spencer (WB 70) has been involved with the oil and gas industry, currently based in Singapore on offshore oil and gas construction developments. Over the course of his career, Richard has worked in different locations within the UK, Europe, Far East Russia, Middle East, India, Korea, Indonesia and now Singapore.

1971

1973 Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew (L 73), alongside Geoffrey Boycott, hit stages across the UK with An Evening with Boycott & Aggers in the summer/autumn of 2015. The events were run in affiliation with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) and once again were peppered with hilarious anecdotes, fiery commentary and a lot of laughs. All the proceeds went to PCA Benevolent Fund.

1974

Dominic Keating (WD 74), former star of Star Trek Enterprise, will play Paramedic Hacky in Unbelievable!!!!! a comedic sci-fi released in 2015.

1975 1972 Tim Halstead (Fgh 72) has been commissioned to write a book about the School’s involvement in the First World War. He is very interested in hearing from anyone who has material or recollections about all old boys, those who died and those who survived, who fought in the War as well as those who had civilian roles. In addition, it would be of great interest for him to learn of and view any private accounts and letters of boys who were at the School during the War. If you think you can help please contact Tim, tim@athalstead.co.uk.

Congratulations to Sir Dickson Poon (Hf 71), owner of Harvey Nichols, who was awarded a Knighthood in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to business and education.

Guy Look (SH 72) was awarded ‘Asia’s Best CFO (Investor Relations)’ by the Corporate Governance Asia Magazine for their Asian Excellence Award 2014.

Ammonite Corrosion Engineering, founded

by Alexander ‘Sandy’ Williamson (Hf 71), has been acquired by O’Rourke Engineering Projects of Calgary.

Sandy will continue as President of Ammonite and was also elected to the position of VicePresident of NACE International, becoming President in 20162017. The organisation is recognised globally as the premier authority for corrosion control solutions.

Anthony Trace (WB 72) is putting together a celebration of the life of former Classics and English Master Jeff Abbott (also his Housemaster in West Bank). Anthony would be pleased to hear from any OUs who have their own stories of Jeff during his 27 years at Uppingham which they would be happy to see published. All contributions to Anthony: atrace@maitlandchambers.com.

Charles Bowman (WD 75) has been elected as a Sheriff of the City of London. He officially took up the year-long post on 28th September, and will continue as Alderman for the City of London Corporation Ward of Lime Street – a position he has held since May 2013. Charles is a partner in PwC – a firm he joined postuniversity in 1983 – and, except for some time spent abroad, has worked in the firm’s London office throughout his career.

Key responsibilities as Sheriff include officiating at the sessions at the Central Criminal Court and attending and supporting the Lord Mayor as principal ambassador and key spokesperson on behalf of the City of London Corporation and the Business City. The Sheriffs’ jurisdiction covers the square mile of the City of London and, as part of the role, Charles will live at accommodation in the Old Bailey.

Mark Haddon (LH 75) was runner-up in the BBC National Short Story Award 2015 for his story Bunny. It was also selected as the Student Choice winner.

Also, Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Mark’s best-selling book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, took home five Tony Awards at the 69th annual awards ceremony held in New York in June.

In November 2014 Carl Islam (M 75) joined the Chambers of the Rt Hon Sir Tony Baldry MP as a practising Door Tenant.

Carl specialises in chancery and tax disputes, estate planning, and drafting wills, trusts and commercial contracts. The fifth edition of Carl’s book Tax-Efficient Wills Simplified 2014/2015 was published in October. www.carlislam.co.uk.

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WHO WHAT WHERE 1976

1977

The last ever series of Foyle’s War, with Tim McMullan (SH 76) as Arthur Valentine, aired earlier this year. Tim was also in Man and Superman at the National Theatre with Ralph Fiennes, has been in Granchester, and he is currently filming an adaptation of Trollope’s Dr Thorne (adapted

by Julian Fellowes), after which he will be in Hapgood by Tom Stoppard at Hampstead Theatre from the end of November.

After many years working for automotive manufacturers (Toyota and Mercedes) and in the construction sector as Sales Director for JCB, Simon Rodgers (B 76) decided to set up a kitchen and bathroom refurbishment business in his new adopted home of Derbyshire, selling granite and mosaics from Italy. He has also started producing bespoke corporate logos in mosaics, which has been well received. Simon lives in Ashbourne with his wife and two sons.

Mark Sutcliffe (LH 76) is one of over 26 registered OUs that we know of working in shipping throughout the world, serving with the Royal Navy, ship building, owning, broking and support services. His journey started with six years in the Royal Hussars (PWO), two years working on the docks of Hartlepool and Bristol and then 25 years working for three blue chip shipping companies, ending up as a director of a global ship owning company. He was then ready to try to create his own company and back his own instincts.

Five years of ups and downs have toughened him up and led to the development and launch of CSO Alliance (www.csoalliance.com), supported in the early days

by Chris Tapp (B 76).

08 Who What Where

Ian Smith (B 77) spent a year as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers from August 2014 to July 2015. The organisation provides a forum for meeting like-minded people whose interests centre on the automotive and aerospace industries, coachmaking and the armed forces.

1979

Briony Johnston (née Wheatley) (Fd 79) first set foot on New Zealand soil in 2004 to join Scotronic in Kerikeri as a Computer Network Engineer.

In 2008 she switched focus to teaching, and after training, began working at Bay of Islands College as Head of Department in Digital Technology. In 2014 she became Dean of Year 9 and continued into Year 10 with the age group for the new academic year. Briony is also the OU Ambassador in New Zealand, and kindly welcomed Richard Boston (B 56) on his recent ‘tour’.

The hugely successful artist, actor and fashion designer, Douglas Young (F 79) featured on the front cover of the March 2015 Hong Kong Tatler.

David Ross (C 78), founder of the David Ross Foundation and the David Ross Educational Trust, funded the construction of a subterranean vault at Lincoln Cathedral to house one of the remaining four copies of the 800-year-old Magna Carta. The charter was agreed on 15th June 1215 by King John of England at Runnymede and drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In early 2015, David Ross also donated funds to return the mortal remains of King Richard III to Leicester Cathedral in March.

Huw Morgan (B 81) completed the British London 10k run in July in just over an hour. The run took almost 14,000 participants past some of the most famous sites in central London, ending on Whitehall near Downing Street. Huw ran as part of a team raising money for cicsgroup.org.uk, a charity that helps profoundly deaf children who have cochlear implants and their families.

Congratulations to Philip Turner (B 81), who has opened a Smart Turnout store on Piccadilly with another planned for Westfield, London. With a name taken from the term used for soldiers looking their absolute best, Smart Turnout sells a range of quintessentially British accessories and clothing for men.

1978 Sir Charles Dunstone (LH 78) is Chairman of Ben Ainslie Racing Board as the team take part in the 35th America’s Cup Series, returning to its home for the first time since its conception in 1851.

Charles says This campaign is about righting a wrong. We have never won it. We have an amazing maritime history. The Cup has to come home, we have to do that. Ben Ainslie Racing won the first round in Portsmouth.

1981

Douglas is co-founder and creative force behind Hong Kong heritage brand Goods of Desire (G.O.D.) and has also been commissioned in the past few years to create interactive pieces for Art Basel, Hong Kong.

James Averdieck (F 79), founder of the well-known Gü desserts, reportedly felt guilty about adding more sugar to the nation’s diet so, together with Bessant & Drury, founded the Coconut Collaborative. Sugar-free and dairy-free, the coconut dessert company is feeding the 13 million people in the UK who are lactose intolerant. www.coconutco.co.uk.

1982 Toby Spence (Hf 82) took to the stage as a soloist (tenor) in his 17th Proms last September.

Conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, the audience were treated to Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius Op 38, arguably the greatest oratorio of them all on the penultimate night of the 2015 Proms season at the Royal Albert Hall.

1983

1988

1991

Phil Spencer (L 83) joined forces once again with Kirstie Allsopp for Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It that started on Channel 4 in April 2015.

The show helps homeowners decide to either sell or refurbish their homes.

Lt Col Marcus Mudd DSO (B 88) assumed command of a new regiment, The Royal Lancers, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of York, at the Amalgamation Parade of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and The Queen’s Royal Lancers. The CCF has been affiliated to the 9th/12th since 1978 and now becomes affiliated to the new Regiment, The Royal Lancers.

After coming across the NHS ‘Couch to 5k’ podcast three years ago, Rachel Hills (J 91) found herself hooked on running and this year completed the London Marathon, raising over £3,000 for the charity ‘Changing Faces’ which supports people with disfigurements.

1985 Johnny Hon (H 85) was awarded the Medal of Honour for his dedicated community service in Hong Kong, particularly for his contributions to the work of the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon.

Robert Thorogood (F 85) is creator, writer and producer of Death in Paradise, a BritishFrench BBC production set in the Caribbean. The show has just aired its fourth season and has been commissioned for a fifth in 2016.

1986 Mark Worrall (F 86) and Julian Sykes’ (SH 86) company ‘Givergy’, formerly known as ‘iBid’, won the 2013 and 2014 Institute of Fundraising, Best Digital/Technology Partner Charity Facing award. A leader in interactive silent auctions, pledging and mobile technology, the company has revolutionised live fundraising events. For more information please visit www.givergy-events.com.

1987

Adam Green (L 87) continues to sing on the operatic stage, more recently in Cities of Salt at the Royal Opera House, and has set up a charity called the Prison Choir Project that encourages inmates to sing. Adam’s company, Perfect Pitch Music, has had a busy summer providing professional musicians for weddings and events. Any OUs thinking of tying the knot and in need of musical advice, do get in touch. www.perfectpitchmusic.co.uk.

1989 Alexander Haslam (F 89) gave a Royal Geographical Society lecture in January entitled Hong Kong to London via the Ukraine Uprising, telling the story of how, in March 2014, he set off from Hong Kong by train bound for Beijing to London on the Trans-Siberian Express, a trip of 12,000km. In addition to many other adventures, he arrived in Kiev at the very moment armed separatists stormed police compounds in Donetsk and reignited the then simmering Ukrainian conflict by claiming Eastern-Ukraine as part of Russia. Alex was able to meet and photograph many of the protesters who were residing in the symbolic heart of Ukraine’s struggles, the Maidan Square.

Alex lives in Hong Kong, where he is a lawyer.

Ed Stafford’s (WB 89) most recent series Into the Unknown (aired in the autumn), saw him take on a mission to investigate the planet’s newest mysteries.

Photographs of Earth, taken by spy satellites and the International Space Station, showed strange and unexplained markings in some of the most remote and inaccessible places on the planet. Ed set out to find the targets and solve the riddles, using his expertise in extreme terrains and climates to uncover the truth.

1992

1994

1993

Blake Johnston (B 94) has set up HenryBLAKE CLOTHING, a lifestyle brand for the travel junkie.

With wanderlust in their hearts, all of the staff at HB are seasoned travellers and aim to provide an interactive platform for like-minded travellers to get involved with the brand. They are always on the lookout for Brand Ambassadors to blog for them and every year the company will be sponsoring a small number of Ambassadors and help to finance their gap year plans! www.henryblakeuk.com.

Hing Chao (SH 92), a Hong Kong Tatler columnist and martial artist, has devoted his time to keeping the heritage of Chinese martial culture present in the modern day. He has created Modo Boon, defined by both the spirit and functional requirements of the ‘sport’, striving to make clothing that can withstand the rigours of practice, while offering a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic. www.modoboon.com.

John Bower (B 93) took home the 2015 ‘Hickinbottom Award’ in May for contributions to Organic Chemistry awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The award is reserved for researchers under the age of 35.

Since leaving the School in 1998, Andy Hastings (SH 93) has competed in cycling at a high level for a number of years, winning medals in National Championships. He is currently racing for a second year with Richardsons Trek Professional Race Team, based in the east of England and racing all over the country as well as in Belgium, France and Spain. Andy races on the road, on the track and in time trials. His achievements include: two years running Regional Road Race Champion, winner of the 2013 Masters Tour of Majorca and 2nd in 2014, he also came 14th in the 2014 National TT to the winner Sir Bradley Wiggins. In June this year Andy became ‘National Masters Road Race Champion’.

1995 Polly Thompson (née Grimmer) (L 95) has launched a bridesmaids’ dress boutique in Wimbledon Park. NABBD (Not Another Boring Bridesmaid Dress) is both an online and retail shop and offers a wide range of stunning dresses from all over the world in all sizes and colours to suit everyone. www.nabbd.co.uk.

1996 After a six month posting in Singapore, Ben Fry (F 96) is now on the move to Shanghai where he will continue to work for Brunswick Group – an advisory firm specialising in critical issues and corporate relations. Ben would be delighted to hear from any other OUs who may be passing through China or are based there.

Ben Fry (F 96) with James Rogers (WD 98) and Anthony Couse (SH 79).

Who What Where 09

WHO WHAT WHERE 1996 James Peach (SH 96) left London on 4th August 2014 with a plan to cycle around the world. He started due west across Wales and Ireland before crossing the American continent, on to Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and all the way back home to the UK to a crowd of friendly faces and his mum. James learnt a lot along the way, from the nation with the worst drivers (Australia/Bosnia), to being able to eat, drink, pick his nose, apply sun cream, do the YMCA/ running man arms and change a t-shirt – all whilst staying in the saddle. James set off on this adventure to not only challenge himself but to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust. Read all about it on his blog www.thelifecycle.org.

1997 Having worked in commercial property for almost 10 years, Alex Duckett (C 97) made a career switch in December to become Operations Director for Twisted Automotive. The company takes the iconic Land Rover Defender, which ceases production at the end of this year, and can spend over 300 hours re-building a vehicle, enhancing every element from comfort to aesthetics and from power to durability. With three years’ new vehicle stock to get through, they are going to be busy until the new model is released in 2018! www.twistedautomotive.com.

1998

2000

Helena Jackson (L 98) established HJ Property Management after struggling for years with different high street agents and the management of her property portfolio. Turning her back on substandard service, a lack of value for money and an overall absence of transparency, Helena launched HJPM with the knowledge and skills gleaned from working for a well-known lifestyle management company. www.hjpm.co.uk.

Clare Brownlow (L 00) has developed a thriving business around beautiful animal and game portraits, which she paints in an unusual and unique way by using a pheasant tail feather and coloured inks. Her designs adorn homeware and stationery and she also takes commissions. Originals of Clare’s work are exhibited all over the world and have been sold in Singapore, Boston, LA, New York and London. www.clarebrownlow.co.uk

Congratulations to Captain Will Fry (F 98), The Royal Lancers, for a Mention in Dispatches (MiD) in the Afghanistan Operational Honours and Awards List for the Armed Forces. His actions prevented the catastrophic loss of a support helicopter and he led a troop of 30 soldiers through a rapid and daring assault under intense fire. His citation says: In those incidents Fry showed gallantry, leadership and speed of thought.

1999

Charlotte Morton-Haworth (L 99) is participating in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race – from leg 4 – Australia, round the Pacific to America and across the Atlantic, from November 2015.

In September, Harry Judd (F 99) ran on to the field at The Stoop for ‘Team England’ in Rugby Aid 2015.

The match saw the England team of celebrities and ex-professional rugby stars take on the ‘Rest of the World’ team to raise money for Rugby for Heroes, an organisation that helps military personnel make the transition back to civilian life.

Alex, complete with OU tie, presenting the award for Best Playing Pony to Pablo MacDonough’s ‘Davina’ at the Jaeger-Le Coutre Gold Cup Polo Championship, where Twisted were the Official Car Sponsor.

Harry Macqueen (B 97) launched his debut feature film Hinterland in February this year. Shot in 13 days, it took exactly a year to complete and cost just £10,000. Critics have described the film as a beautifully written piece, narrating a poetic journey of self-discovery and heartbreak in contemporary Britain; a very original and visually stunning road-trip film. www.hinterlandthefilm.com.

10 Who What Where

Charlie Simpson (M 99) was Singing in the Rainforest on UKTV’s channel Watch, in a new series broadcast in September. Charlie was filmed trying to musically collaborate with the San Bushmen of Grashoek Village, Namibia.

2000 Hugh Richardson (HF 00) and Tristan Burwell (SH 01), members of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers Marathon Des Sables Team, successfully completed the race across the Sahara in April.

2001

Caroline Oldham (L 01) launched an app and website, Biteappy, to help people with food allergies, intolerances, special and religious diets to locate places to eat around the world. The app allows users to review, add photos and share their experiences with others. Since launching, Caroline has now built a very popular blog for ‘free from’ recipes (blog. biteappy.com) as well as her own YouTube cooking channel. The app is available to download or visit www.biteappy.com.

OCEAN REUNION When attempting to cross the Atlantic in a rowing boat, it pays to prepare well. For two years, four OUs have been training their bodies and minds for this epic 3,500-mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua in a boat only slightly larger than a family car, raising £200,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Teenage Cancer Trust in the process.

In the photo, Hugh is on left (no.

75) and Tristan is on right (no. 72).

With 800 miles of on-the-water rowing under their belts, they hold their final fundraising push at a charity ball on 13th November before setting off into the great blue yonder.

They emailed to say: ‘It was a truly memorable experience. We were lucky enough to experience fantastic vistas and the variety of landscapes that the Sahara boasts and as a result spent time running over endless sand dunes, flat salt plains and some good hills. To date we have raised in the region of £5,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund.’

Harry Edmeades (Hf 00) has opened an exciting new restaurant, Señor Ceviche, in London’s West End based on the colonial and bohemian district of Lima, Barranco. Serving on-trend Peruvian, BBQ and Pisco cocktails, we’ve been, the food is fantastic. www.snrceviche.co.uk.

As a two-metre-wide craft powered only by human strength and grit, the Ocean Reunion team, made up of Jack Mayhew (Fgh 02), Gus Barton (Fgh 03), Angus Collins (WB 05) and Joe Barnett (B 03), have put in hours of practice together to prepare them for the trials of the open sea. The boys have had their share of testing moments, the most dramatic of which occurred when out on a training row a yacht made a solid attempt to sheer their boat in two!

Tom Warren (Hf 01) was enlisted by luxury UK fashion label Jaeger to be the face of the brand’s spring/summer collection for 2015 and starred in the company’s advertising campaign.

Now in the final month before their 14th December launch, the team are putting the finishing touches to the years of gruelling preparation and readying their minds for the expected 50-feet waves, hurricane-strength winds and, operating strict roundthe-clock shifts, no more than two hours’ sleep in one go.

2002

It will be a wild, unpredictable and deeply challenging 3,500 miles across the open seas, but the team is typically positive: “We know we can do this,” said Jack. “Who knows, we might even see dolphins along the way.” It is exactly that positivity that will be needed to get them over the finishing line. www.oceanreunion.co.uk.

Billy Campbell (M 02), Director of Blind Spot Gear, took home a 2015 Great British Entrepreneur Award for the company’s innovative approach to stage and set lighting. The Scorpion Light has received glowing reviews from his film industry peers and critics. www.blindspotgear.com

Fergus Oliver (Fgh 00) coaches The Kowloon Ladies Premiership RFC and coaches The Sai Kung Sting Rays for ages 5-19.

2002

Charles Henson (F 02) was commissioned into The Queen’s Royal Lancers (now The Royal Lancers) at the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst in April 2015.

A proud Uppingham parent, Patrick Peal, was delighted to share news of his three children, all of whom have passed through Uppingham on their way to getting First Class Honours at their respective universities. Andrew (B 02) graduated from Reading in 2011 with a First in Agriculture and went on to work in Sudan and Serbia before returning to Norfolk to become a Farm Manager responsible for some

7000 acres of arable land. Emma (Sa 05) finished at Nottingham University achieving a First in Veterinary Medicine. She has just started working as an intern in the Dubai Equine Hospital and hopes to go into the Army as a vet. Victoria (L 09) achieved a First in Landscape Architecture from Kingston University (the Leo worked its magic) and is planning her intern year before studying for a Masters.

Who What Where 11

WHO WHAT WHERE 2003 Thomas Bramah (Fgh 03) completed the Marathon Des Sables, raising over £11,000 for Hope for Children (HOPE).

2004 Jonny Bottomley (WD 04) is the founder of a political tech start-up company, WHIP. WHIP is a non-partisan organisation which makes engaging in the political sphere easy, providing users with tools to directly influence MPs and hold them to account. For more information visit www.whip.org.uk.

Alexander Conway (LH 04) has founded and is the Principal Conductor of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Orchestra, a professional symphony orchestra that was launched to fill the gap in the region. The orchestra provides an opportunity for those with a passion for music who want to further their career. www.yorkshirephilharmonic.co.uk.

Sophie Macrae (Fd 04), a professionally trained soprano, performed a ‘Late Summer Celebration Concert’ at St Gabriel’s Church, Warwick Square, London, in September. She raised a fantastic £8,719 for CLIC Sargent, a charity which supports young people, children and families that are affected by cancer. The concert was also supported by ‘The Harbour’ including OUs Ollie Kember (SH 07) and Andrew Mott (SH 10).

12 Who What Where

2005 William Hogarth-Jones (WB 05) was commissioned into The Scots Guards at the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst in August 2015. He is currently undertaking platoon commander training at the infantry battle school in Brecon.

2006 In October, Philip Barrett (B 06), Choral Scholar at King’s College, Cambridge, conducted three performances of Sir John Tavener’s Mary of Egypt with the Cambridge University Opera Society, staged in the stunning King’s College Chapel. Philip is also a member of The King’s Men, a close harmony group formed from the Choral Scholars at the College, and performs at many private functions and dinners, as well as public concerts and tours of England. www.kingsmencambridge.co.uk.

2006 Bella Collins (C 06), like her brother Angus (WB 05), will be competing in The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, taking on the cross-Atlantic rowing race in an allfemale team, ‘Row Like a Girl’. Raising money for Plan UK’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ campaign, supporting girls’ rights and those across the globe who are threatened by poverty, gender inequality, violence, poor education, unfair policies, ingrained attitudes, conflict and disasters. www.rowlikeagirl.uk.

Archie Myrtle, Ed Culham, Hamish Pearson and Max Ramsden (all F 06) undertook the National Three Peaks Challenge in June. They climbed the three highest peaks in mainland Britain, including Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafel Pike (978m) and Mt Snowdon (1,085m) in 23 hours and 20 minutes and have raised nearly £5,000 for The Stroke Association.

In November 2014, Henry Bowles (M 06) ran the Athens Marathon to raise funds for Worldwide Cancer Research.

After completing a BA in Architecture, Lucy Rymer (C 06) travelled to Cambodia with Orkidstudio, a humanitarian design practice, to construct new facilities for the charity to help Cambodian children. The constructions took place during July and August in one of the slum communities of Sihanoukville. In order to raise funds and awareness for the project, on 14th June, Lucy cycled 110 miles from Uppingham to Pocklington School (where she also studied).

Conrad Chen (B 06) graduated from Annapolis Naval Academy in May and selected to serve with the US Surface Navy. He is currently a division officer on board the USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) and on deployment in Europe, carrying out exercises in the Baltic.

Sally Meekins (L 06) is creator of Staple & Ford – a quality, customisable sunglasses company that fuses together classic design and contemporary style. Simply choose your frames, temples and lenses from a range of options to design your own handmade, unique pair.

Visit www.stapleandford.com.

2006 Luke Davenport (WD 06) and his team achieved a great result in the third round of the British GT Championship which took place at Rockingham in May, finishing fourth in the GT4 category and the first Ginetta home in their class.

2008

In late 2014, after an intensive and competitive trialling process, Anna Mackenzie (C 08) was selected for the ‘Senior Scottish Women’s National’ team for Lacrosse. In March this year she kitted up against England, Ireland and Wales in the Senior Home Internationals Tournament.

Anna is currently in her third year studying Engineering at Oxford University.

2009 2007 OU entrepreneur Joe Carnell (M 07) of ÜGOT fame has been named as a finalist in the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards for the ‘Duke of York New Entrepreneur of the Year’ award. The winners were announced on 10th November. Joe won ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the York Press Business Awards 2014, as well as being ‘Highly Commended’ in the Newcomer of the Year category at Investec Food & Drink Awards 2014.

Georgie Field (J 07) ran the 2015 London Marathon, raising money for Shelter, a charity which helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

Congratulations to all OUs and staff who took part in this year’s race.

We heard you finished in some rather spectacular times; Jake Yeomans (LH 08), Will Fry (F 98), Ashley Grote (Hf 95) and Lesley Allen, Housemistress of Johnson’s.

When Ben Davis (SH 09) isn’t engaged in a career in law he is hitting the race circuits across the country. Earlier this year he made the step up from BARC Michelin Clio Cup, to the Renault UK Clio Cup with a seat for European Team Rangoni Corse Clio in the BTCC at Silverstone. Ben is backed by #RacingforHeroes. www. racingforheroes.co.uk/r4h-academy

2010 Jess Richardson (L 10) recently returned from Australia after completing an internship at the Sydney Opera House, working to assist within the Production, Stage and Company management departments for the Sydney Winter Season 2015. Over the course of the season, Jess worked on several productions with Opera Australia, including Turandot (Puccini), La Traviata (Verdi), Don Carlos (Verdi) and Marriage of Figaro (Mozart), directed by Sir David McVicar. Being the first international Intern that Opera Australia, in conjunction with Sydney Opera House, has accepted, Jess took her fair share of Pommie jokes, and the Ashes was perfectly timed whilst she was working for the company, but she learnt a great deal about the opera and theatrical industry in equal measure. Adopting an Aussie lifestyle outside of work came as naturally as a kayak to water, a sport Jess spent a lot of her free time doing exploring the North Shore coves and spotting wild turtles and seals.

Jess completed the internship as part of her Guildhall Technical Theatre Arts BA Hons Degree course from which she has now graduated with First Class Honours.

2012 While studying Fine Art and History of Art at Reading University, Gilly Thorne (L 12) has set up a business taking on commissions for portrait drawings and paintings. Her work and additional contact details can be seen at www.gillythorne.wix.com/portraits.

2008 James Green (SH 08) as part of ‘Team Mong Direction’ has recently returned from the Mongol Rally, driving a 1.1 litre Nissan Micra, more affectionately known as the MICRAwave (due to the scorching temperatures and distinct lack of air conditioning). The challenge: to drive from London to Mongolia, a 10,000-mile journey with no support, no fancy GPS or set route, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. www.justgiving.com/James-Green36.

Who What Where 13

ANNOUNCEMENTS Weddings Nick Jenkins (Hf 97) and Louise Shelford were married on 11th July 2015 at Holy Cross Church, Burley-on-the-Hill, Rutland.

Rick Tatham (WB 77) married Alex Junge on 11th July in Berlin; their transport through the city was a London taxi. It was a glorious occasion with fabulous company and great food.

Charlie Richardson (Hf 98) married Anna Reynolds in Postling, Kent, on 15th August 2015. In attendance were OUs Hugh Richardson (Hf 00), George Moore (WB 03), Emily Moore (J 05), Jonny Sechiari-Mott (Hf 98), Artem Kosenko (Hf 98), Adam Robinson (Hf 01), Ella Reynolds (née Rodgers) (Sa 01), and Ben Goss, house tutor 1973-1977 and rugby coach.

Lucy Boyd (Fd 95) married Mathew Whittles on 13th September 2014 at Cranstoun Church and afterwards at Oxenfoord Castle, near Edinburgh.

Lucy’s mother, Pat Boyd, Matron at Highfield from 2001–2011 says: ‘it was an elegant and fun-packed day’. Lucy and Mathew now live in Galashiels where they run a graphic design business.

Robin Boyd (B 95), Lucy’s brother, got married as well this year to Susannah Moss at St Thomas a Becket Church, Bath, on 1st August 2015.

Theo Stocker (C 95) was a groomsman and gave a reading.

Nicholas Coupe (LH 99) married Anna Field on 13th September 2014.

Byron Fitzpatrick (LH 96) gave one of the readings and Charles Robertshaw (LH 99) also attended.

On 13th September 2014, Glyn Richards (B 95) married Laura Rowland at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire. They had a civil ceremony and celebrated with 80 close friends and family. Glyn’s brother, Alan (B 93), was best man and did an excellent job of treading the fine line in his speech!

14 Announcements

James Dixon (WD 99) married Georgina Pilbrow on 22nd August at St Peter’s Church, Nowton, Suffolk, and the reception was at Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham, Suffolk. In attendance were Jamie Sharrock (M 99), Georgina Asplin (J 02) and Sarah Mayhew (J 02).

Josie Corbett (Sa 01) married Captain Henry Freeman this summer.

OU couple William Wallace (Hf 01) and Olivia Wallis (J 04) were married on 30th May 2015 in the Parish Church of St Peter, Snailwell, Suffolk followed by a reception in a marquee in Olivia’s parents’ garden with lots of OUs present to help them celebrate.

Front row: Emily Wallis (J 02), Will Wallace (Hf 01) and Olivia Wallace (née Wallis) (J 04).

Second row: Holly Newman (L 04), Roisin Howard (L 01), Skye Marsden (L 04), Sophie Salisbury (L 04), Tom Warren (Hf 01) and Sophie Sleight (Sa 01).

Third row: Fred Village (Hf 01), Si Shaw (SH 01), Duncan Carew-Jones (B 01), George Furlonger (WB 01), Tom Hurst (SH 01), Harriet Lammie (J 04), Holly Widdowson (née Reed) (J 04), Ally Sandeman-Allen (J 04), Alicia Graham (J 04) and Zoe Horne (J 04).

Fourth row: Toby Willis (F 01), Tom Wells (C 01), Hugo Davison (LH 01), George Rutherford-Jones (B 01), Charlie Beamish (C 01), Chloe Pemberton (J 04), Lucy Crossley (J 04), Holly Crossley (J 04), Charlie Hewetson (Sa 01), Alex Collins (B 01), Will Hughes (M 01), Alice Roper (J 04), Hugh Scott-Moncrieff (F 01) and Rik Campbell (Hf 01).

Lucy Hall (J 02) married Thomas Road on 6th June 2015 in the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul in Aldeburgh. The couple were taken to the reception by beautiful Suffolk Punches and set off by boat down the river during the dancing and fireworks.

Births Louise Hood (née Whitlock) (Fd 99) and husband Campbell are delighted to announce the birth of their son, George James Montgomery Richard, born on 16th January 2015.

George’s Christening – with two OU godparents James Mantle (WB 96) and Zoe Cairns (née Moore) (J 94), George, Louise Hood (née Whitlock) (Fd 99), Campbell Hood and Louise’s brother Ben Whitlock (WB 98).

Congratulations to Charlie Simpson (M 99) and his wife Anna who had their first baby, Arlo William Alexander Simpson this summer.

Alexi Bahraini (née Trenouth) (J 00) and her husband Kayvan are delighted to announce the birth of Papili Victoria Bahraini who was born on the 10th May 2015.

Tom Watson (M 90) and Cynthia, welcomed their second son Fletcher William in April this year, a younger brother to Woodrow.

Henry McDonald (WB 87) married Catriona Irens in April 2014 and they are delighted to announce the arrival of their first daughter, Alice Gillian Pamela, born on 18th September 2014.

Announcements 15

STAFF NEWS Uppingham said goodbye to a number of long-standing members of staff during the year.

Alastair McLachlan joined Uppingham in 1983 as Head of Strings and has devoted a great many years to the School through music, theatre and teaching English, constantly looking for ways in which to keep his approach fresh and experimental, always ready to try out new ideas rather than lapsing into the dullness of repetition. There have been many ways beyond his own classroom in which Alastair’s presence in the Department and in the School enhanced the lives of pupils. For example, in the yearly Book Fair and his invention of Live Poets Society, with an impressive roll call of visiting poets, some such as Matthew Sweeny, staying for extended visits with a focus on inspiring and developing the pupils’ own writing. In 1997 Alastair oversaw the birth of Uppstart and then later the revival of 1584, a professionally produced School Magazine and forum for pupils to exercise their literary and artistic skills. Many will know Alastair as Theatre Manager, the culmination of his many dedicated years of involvement in the Theatre. In addition to directing plays, he

wrote music for performances of Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and even took to the stage in Common Room productions.

In all that he did, he was always prepared to think and imagine on a large scale, take the plunge, and then begin to work out how on earth to pull it off, which he invariably did. We wish him a long and happy retirement.

By Casey O’Hanrahan.

In all that he did, he was always prepared to think and imagine on a large scale, take the plunge, and then begin to work out how on earth to pull it off, which he invariably did.

Other News

Andy Hunting, Head of Economics and Business Studies arrived at Uppingham in 2001. In his 15 years at Uppingham he has been a valuable tutor in Farleigh, West Deyne and West Bank, always ready to help out on trips, in addition to helping his wife Meriel run Johnson’s for five years.

He is a man of many enthusiasms,

from his passion for cars, his love of photography and is famous for his juggling and magic. Andy has made his mark at Uppingham in many different and memorable ways, running squash and cycling for many years and bringing humour and inspiring teaching.

Our best wishes to Andy for his retirement.

Our congratulations to Kurt Seecharan, Housemaster of Lorne House, who was appointed as Assistant Head (Pastoral) at Mill Hill School from September 2015. Kurt joined Uppingham as Head of Politics in 2004, and was appointed two years later in 2006 to take on the Housemastership of Lorne House in 2008. Kurt has a reputation as an accomplished

sportsman, accumulating an impressive batting average for the Common Room team, the Camels, he was also Master in Charge of Rugby in 2007.

His composed and seemingly unflappable approach to life and work will be sorely missed.

Andrew Huxter has succeeded Kurt as Housemaster of Lorne House.

Jim Peschek, former Director of Music from 1969-1978, celebrated his 90th birthday. He marked the occasion by discussing his life in music with Director of Music, Stephen Williams, at an evening event held on 22nd May. During a long and distinguished career in British music, he has made a significant impact on generations of young musicians.

John Suchet (Fgh 57) tweeted ‘Congratulations to Jim Peschek, who taught me piano @UppinghamSchool, on his 90th. Lovely man, fine musician.’

16 Staff News

We are delighted to announce that Lisa Gilman (Uppingham’s Development Manager) and husband Marcus welcomed Molly Eve Gilman into the world on New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2014. We look forward to welcoming Lisa back to the OU Office in December.

We were very sorry to receive news of former members of Staff who have passed away.

Hilary Macdonald, the widow of Coll Macdonald (Headmaster 1975-1982), passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday 15th of March in Portsmouth after several years of ill health.

RSM (WO1) Peter Warren MSM Rtd, was the RSM at Uppingham for 16 years and a long-standing member of the Uppingham Veterans Rifle Club (UVRC). He served in the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Vikings) and sadly passed away on 1st May 2015; he was 77. Simon Pattinson (WB 52) wrote…

‘As Master in Charge of Shooting, I will always be greatly appreciative of Peter’s enthusiasm, hard work and – above all – his ability to “fix” almost anything!

Uppingham’s shooting just could not have achieved all that it did during Peter’s time at the School. He was very quick to sum up a situation and put his finger on just the right way to contribute.

The School environment was very different to that of the army, but Peter managed to marry them together to the great benefit of the CCF and shooting fraternity.

There are so many things to say “Thank you” for. I shall mention just a few. Somehow we seemed to increase in priority; ladders, extra ammunition, range bookings, transport just “appeared”. Why was Uppingham able to get the first delivery of the GP rifle? Things happened when Peter was around.

Even more important was the way he encouraged and inspired all of us. This cannot be quantified, but it was there in abundance.’

Former colleague Tony Land contributed the following on his good friend, Robert Rust who passed away on 25th October 2014.

offered the choice of moving with him to temporary accommodation or being dispersed between other houses; they all chose to go with him.

Perhaps more than anything else, Imagine a Spring camp in the Lake Robert enjoyed the opportunities District: it’s after dark and staff available in a school like Uppingham returning from a night exercise at for joining in extrathe Dungeon Ghyll curricular activities.

Hotel find the School He did his stint of He did his stint of CCF cadets camped supervising games supervising games but along the side, but but his chief delight his chief delight was the officer in charge was in introducing in introducing young is in his tent unaware that flood water has young people to the people to the Great crept through the Great Outdoors. This Outdoors. This included site because he is included the major the major expedition to Sabah in 1984, ski isolated on a knoll in expedition to Sabah trips, CCF camps in the the middle, listening to in 1984, ski trips, wetter parts of Britain, Italian opera, reading CCF camps in the and Field Days leading a heavy book and taking the occasional wetter parts of Britain, hordes of pupils across the bogs of Kinder medicinal sip of a peatand Field Days Scout. coloured liquid. leading hordes of Guess who?! pupils across the bogs His great achievement of Kinder Scout. was perhaps the annual Following an unfulfilling walk for pupils, at the spell in engineering, end of their first year, from coast to Robert decided to teach Physics, first coast across Scotland, an activity where at Cheltenham and then at Uppingham. he could combine his enthusiasm for At Uppingham he was a valued tutor showing them the joys of walking with before being appointed Housemaster his ‘special subject’ – the Malt Whiskies of The Lodge. He was firm but of Scotland. fair though sometimes boys found interviews in his study made difficult He was hard-working, a dedicated through the noise of loud Italian opera. teacher, a reliable administrator and a In 1993 when the role of The Lodge generous friend to staff and pupils. was changed, his Sixth Form was

Just Visiting International visitors to Uppingham this year.

We were delighted to welcome Craig Cameron (B 69) visiting from Florida in June, pictured here outside Brooklands.

John Beven (M 62) visited from Georgia, USA in June for a tour of the School with his School friend Charles Pineles (M 61).

Zoe Cairns (née Moore) (J 94) and Louise Hood (née Whitlock) (Fd 99) also enjoyed a wander around Uppingham in July when Zoe was visiting the UK from Dubai.

Staff News 17

OBITUARIES

Richard ‘Peter’ Palmer (LH 25)

IN MEMORIAM

We are sorry to announce news of OUs who have passed away this year. Our condolences to their families and friends.

Richard ‘Peter’ Palmer* John Ferguson Peter Binns Arthur Dyson Ian McDougall Paul Ingle George Raine Ian Ashwell* Alan Mills Richard Ellingworth Michael Heywood Denis Whitehead Michael McGeagh Michael Westcott-White* John Tamplin Ronald Hayward John Yates Thomas McMullan* George Wright Douglas Collins John Chapple David Morrison* Ian Cumming* Anthony ‘George’ Hicks Alexander Campbell* Neil Roberts James Harkess David Boot Bruce Sturgess* Phillip Mason Keith Borer T Christopher Wright Peter Middleton John Nicholson Malcolm Robson Harry Wanty Chris Kenyon* Ian Vickery John Morley Colin Williams* Peter Cooch Peter Rice Peter Cropper* Richard Hughes R Phillip Riesco Richard Thwaites* Christopher Dowson William Nash David Middleton Farid Bakri*

18 In Memoriam

(LH 25) (L 30) (L 30) (R 32) (M 35) (L 37) (SH 37) (F 37) (LH 38) (M 39) (L 39) (C 40) (WB 40) (B 40) (Fgh 41) (M 41) (WB 42) (SH 42) (WD 43) (L 43) (C 43) (C 44) (B 44) (M 44) (L 45) (B 45) (LH 45) (Fgh 45) (Hf 46) (C 47) (H 47) (WD 48) (WD 48) (L 49) (LH 50) (H 52) (WD 52) (Fgh 53) (F 54) (L 55) (Hf 56) (B 59) (Hf 59) (B 61) (B 61) (WB 61) (Hf 63) (F 67) (Fgh 75) (WB 96)

Feb 2015 Oct 2014 May 2015 Nov 2014 Jan 2015 Jul 2014 Feb 2015 Jun 2016 Mar 2015 Mar 2015 Jun 2015 Oct 2014 Jan 2015 Jan 2015 Jan 2015 Apr 2015 Jan 2014 Feb 2015 Jan 2015 Mar 2015 Apr 2015 Feb 2015 Aug 2015 Jul 2015 Dec 2012 Feb 2014 May 2014 Nov 2014 Nov 2014 Mar 2015 Jun 2015 Oct 2014 Feb 2015 Dec 2014 May 2015 Nov 2014 Apr 2015 Oct 2014 Jan 2014 Jul 2015 May 2015 Feb 2015 May 2015 Nov 2014 Mar 2015 Mar 2015 Mar 2015 2014 May 2015 Aug 2015

Born Richard Augustus Palmer in Chapel Brampton, in March 1912, his dad began calling him Peter when he was young, although for no reason anyone could recall.

war he became more involved in golf and became Captain of the Northampton County GC, he was also founder and captain of the County Captains’ Association.

After Uppingham Peter studied law and economics at Jesus College, Cambridge, where his sporting talents shone, winning his blue at Cambridge in hockey, cricket and rugby.

In 1956 he became President of the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Society of Chartered Accountants, and of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a Magistrate for 27 years, and Chairman of the County Appointments Committee. He was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire in 1981, the year in which he was awarded an OBE for services to the judiciary.

While at university he played for Northampton Saints, following in his father’s footsteps, who captained the side in 1906 and his brother who played for them also.

He also played for the Leicester Tigers and was an England triallist. He continued playing for the Saints until 1939, scoring 13 tries in 38 appearances. Peter’s love of the Saints was life-long, becoming Treasurer, Committee Member and President. He was last seen attending a game in person when he was 97, and still enjoyed watching the team on the television after that. On the occasion of his 100th birthday, the Saints presented him with a team shirt with the number 100 on it, signed by the entire current squad.

After graduation, Peter joined his grandfather’s firm of Chartered Accountants, AC Palmer & Co, becoming a partner in 1938.

During the war he served in the Royal Artillery, demobilising in the rank of Major in 1946. After the

Peter had become a Freemason in 1937 and worked his way up the organisation, culminating in becoming the Grand Master of the Masonic Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire. During his tenure he was involved in many far-reaching developments for the lodges in those two counties and further afield.

As well as his love for rugby, he enjoyed gardening and fly-fishing, and was involved in his local church. He married twice, both wives predeceasing him. Peter died at a care home in Chapel Brampton just days before his 103rd birthday and leaves a daughter, Primrose, two grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

On the occasion of his 100th birthday, the Saints presented him with a team shirt with the number 100 on it, signed by the entire current squad.

Ian Ashwell (F 37)

By Brian Needham on behalf of the British Schools Exploring Society Ian Ashwell’s expeditioning for the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) spanned over 45 years. His name first appears in BSES literature when he was a leader on the 1956 expedition to Iceland, followed by many years of active expeditions to Iceland, Sweden and Finland, 16 of them in all, four as Chief Leader, three as Deputy Chief Leader, three as Chief Scientist, and 12 as Meteorology Fire Leader, a record unmatched in BSES history. His last was in 2000.

Lengthy expeditioning to tough and remote lands where expeditioners depended on their own self-reliance is what the British Schools Exploring Society was all about, but it must also be governed and managed. Ian was elected to join the Society’s governing council in 1962, and he remained in that position (apart from a short sojourn in Canada) until his retirement in 2004, a time of service of over four decades, and half the lifetime of the Society. For a year in 1982-83 he served as Vice-Chairman, and then took over the role of chairmanship in 1983, a post he was to hold for a decade. When finally he retired

was awarded his Doctorate in 1964. He spent much of his professional life as a lecturer at the University of Salford, and was appointed Member of Convocation of the University on account of his benefactions to it. He published a great deal, including Meteorology and Dust During his long tenure on Council, Ian Storms in Central Iceland, Glacial encouraged a widened intake of participants from During his long tenure Control of Wind and Soil Erosion in Iceland, The Sagas as Evidence disadvantaged backgrounds on Council, Ian of Early Deforestation in Iceland, and those physically disabled, encouraged a widened and Glacial and Late Glacial the introduction of girls and intake of participants Processes in Western Iceland. the commencement of arctic from disadvantaged winter expeditions.

Ian was a fine tenor singer Ian was a very private man backgrounds and and did not disclose many those physically disabled, and highly knowledgeable secrets of his life nor his the introduction of girls on baroque music. For two decades he was a member professional career. He may and the commencement of the Royal Naval College have appeared to outsiders of arctic winter Chapel Choir in Greenwich, as somewhat reserved expeditions. one of the most outstanding and shy, a perfect English sacred music ensembles gentleman, but in the field in London. When he moved to Bristol he he devilled in the dirt with his meteorological continued singing in a local church choir and a equipment, and he used his beautiful singing city choral society until his eyesight difficulties voice to good effect in camp entertainments. forced his retirement, with much sadness, in his mid-80s; he was truly a renaissance man. Ian He was born in the first quarter of 1923, was died in June 2015 aged 92, wracked with poor educated at Uppingham, took his BA in 1950, eyesight and ill health but with a mind as sharp his Postgraduate Certificate of Education in as ever.

1951, was advanced to MA status in 1956, and

from Council in 2003 there was no hesitation in Council electing him a Patron of the Society, which he remained in and graced to the day of his death.

Michael Westcott-White (B 40) By his son Nick

After leaving Uppingham, Michael joined the Fleet Air Arm very, very briefly before joining the Royal Garwhal Rifles (British Indian Army) and served in India during partition in 1947.

He then entered the oil industry and he retired in the mid-80s.

A keen sportsman, he played cricket, rugby for Rosslyn Park and hockey for Woking Hockey Club, where he was 1st team captain and their President, and later golf.

He was a member of West Hill Golf Club, Captain in 1986, and was President at the time of his death. He was also a member of Woking Golf Club.

Thomas McMullan (SH 42) By his son Tim (SH 76) Thomas McMullan, more commonly known as Bill, came from Belfast to Uppingham during the war. It was a complicated journey made more arduous by wartime restrictions. At the beginning of his very first term, he was teased on the Seaton to Uppingham train about the bowler hat he was wearing, whereupon he stamped on it and threw it out of the window, thereby making the first of many friends, several of whom, including Victor Blackburn (SH 42), he kept for life. His memories included being able to hear bombers on their way to Germany as he lay in bed, and hearing their return He was very happy at many hours later, and a first Uppingham, became deputy ever trip to London to head boy before reading celebrate VE Day with his English at Oxford (Wadham). brother Harry (Hf 43).

He was very happy at Uppingham, became deputy head boy before reading English at Oxford (Wadham). After working at Hatchards, and then the Ulverscroft Press in Leicester, he went to work at Pan Books where he eventually became Deputy Managing Director until his retirement in 1988 which he spent in Wales playing golf, making a beautiful garden, and enjoying family life with his seven grandchildren.

Obituaries 19

David Morrison (C 44) By his great friend Major General Michael Tillotson David joined 1st Battalion The East Yorkshire Regiment in the Austrian city of Graz, where it formed part of the Army of Occupation, in the late summer of 1950. Handsome and strong with Edwardian courtesy, he made an immediate impression. His devotion to the training and well-being of his soldiers was remarkable – setting an example to us all.

In 1951 he served a summer of relentless manoeuvres in Germany at a time when a Russian invasion seemed imminent, but it was three years later, with the East Yorkshires in Malaya fighting the communist terrorists, that his fine soldierly qualities shone through to greatest advantage.

It was a cat and mouse sort of campaign, hunting the terrorists in primary jungle and them waiting to catch us unawares in ambush. David trained his platoon of pale and often skinny Yorkshire National Servicemen to a point where the jungle held no fear for any of them. And it could be frightening. Returning from one patrol, David lost a soldier in a fast-flowing river in flood. Of course, he leapt in and swam to save the man, but, both weighed down with equipment, it was a hopeless struggle.

The soldier’s body was recovered but David could not have felt the loss more keenly had the man been his brother.

Advance information on the terrorists’ movements was key to success. One day we received intelligence of a route used by couriers carrying orders from their leaders to groups in the deep jungle. David found an abandoned rubber tappers’ hut, a hovel on a platform above ground, on this route. He and just two soldiers waited 72 hours with only chocolate to sustain them, until two terrorist couriers met with a third – 20 yards away. They killed them all, and even more usefully, gathered up the small satchels of instructions one was carrying for the other two. The value of the information on the terrorists’ plans led to the break-up or capture of two communist groups and the ending of the reign of terror they had imposed on local people. David was mentioned in dispatches and British operations won that campaign.

Some 20 years later, David was managing director of his family firm of Harlands. He took me round to introduce his workforce.

He knew every man and woman by their forenames and he asked after the children, also by name. Those skilled technicians looked at him as his soldiers had regarded him all those years before. He cared – really cared – for every one of them.

He was an exemplary officer, a fine soldier and a loving and generous friend.

Military operations in Malaya during the 1950s

Ian Cumming (B 44) Ian died on 21st August 2015 at the age of 84. Born in Beckenham in 1931 he was evacuated to Canada in 1940 and he liked to tell the story about how he and his sister were delayed on the trip from London to Liverpool, so missing the ship they were supposed to catch. A fortunate delay as that ship was sadly torpedoed. On returning to the

David’s wife Gillian added that, he was born on 5th October 1930, his father was a great supporter of Uppingham School. David was School Polly, House Captain, he was in the 1st Hockey XI, as well as being a crosscountry runner and fives player. His three children, Hamish (C 76), Alastair (C 78) and Rosalind (Fd 98), also attended Uppingham. David died peacefully on 5th February 2015.

UK he attended Uppingham and in 1949 Ian was the first person (so we believe) to walk around the boundary of Rutland within 24 hours.

After military service, Ian began a career with Gestetner Continental Audit which saw him posted to various countries across the world.

He met his wife Jane in Indonesia and after a posting in Singapore he finally moved to New York

in 1963. A dedicated runner, Ian founded the Singapore Hash House Harriers in 1962 and the New York Hash in 1978. He was very active with St James Episcopal Church, he served on the Yonkers YMCA Board of Directors and the St John’s Riverside Hospital Board of Trustees and was a lifelong member of Esher Rugby Club. Ian is survived by his wife, his sons, James and Ruaridh, and three grandchildren.

A dedicated runner, Ian founded the Singapore Hash House Harriers in 1962 and the New York Hash in 1978.

20 Obituaries

Alexander Campbell (L 45) John Watson (F 42) kindly sent in a belated tribute on the life and achievements of Alexander Campbell, who passed away in December 2012.

To many who knew him, including his family, the late Professor Alexander Campbell was an embodiment of many disciplines in social sciences: historian, anthropologist, archaeologist and a specialist in heritage.

On leaving Uppingham, Alec went to Rhodes University, where he received a BA in Ndebele and Social Anthropology, he spent much of his career in the Republic of Botswana. He was a founder of the Botswana Society in 1968 and a director of the Trust for African Rock Art (TARA), a non-profit organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya, which works throughout the continent of Africa. Alec was also founder of the National Museum and Art Gallery in the 1960s. He served in the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in the then Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Botswana in the 1960s and early 1970s, and became Director of Wildlife in 1971.

Alec began his career working in Southern Rhodesia as a member of the police and later worked there as a tsetse fly control officer. He travelled in western Zimbabwe and northern Botswana in the early 1950s and became deeply interested in San (Bushmen, Basarwa), about whom he wrote in the 1960s.

Alec later did extensive work on San issues, starting in the Central Kalahari in the early 1960s and later doing consulting work for the Accelerated Remote Area Development Programme (ARADP) and government of Botswana.

When he arrived in Botswana, Alec worked for the Bechuanaland Protectorate government as a district officer, was the director of the 1964 Bechuanaland Protectorate census, worked on the Bushman Survey in 1964 and helped run the Bechuanaland drought relief programme of 1965.

Alec was deeply interested in archaeology and prehistory. He carried out extensive research and development work in archaeology, national monuments, anthropology, and many other fields and wrote many publications about Botswana.

In many ways, Alec represented the best that Botswana has to offer as a government official, scholar, consultant and advocate.

He is survived by his wife Judy, sons Colin and Niall, and daughter Heather. He was laid to rest at his home in Crocodile Pools, Botswana, in December 2012.

Bruce Sturgess (Hf 46) By his son Nigel (Hf 79) Bruce Sturgess joined his brother Hugh (Hf 44) in Highfield in 1946 and throughout his life would recall how much he enjoyed his time at Uppingham, particularly on the sports field! He was a very keen tennis player, and encouraged by his school friends, reached the third round of Junior Wimbledon in 1950.

He was also a keen hockey player and after school was a regular player at Surbiton Hockey Club with several other OUs. He qualified as a FCA in 1957 articled with Coopers and after a brief spell in practice, followed a career in banking and investment management in the City. In 1977 he joined Charles Taylor PLC, a ship insurance mutual, and steadily worked his way up to the top working alongside a fellow OU, Peter Leader (C 44).

running of the Haberdashers’ Livery Company and became Master of the company in 1993.

He was a very keen tennis player, and encouraged by his school friends, reached the third round of Junior Wimbledon in 1950.

Through the Haberdashers he got to know Nicholas Bomford, Headmaster of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, and when Nicholas became Headmaster

at Uppingham in 1982, this connection helped smooth over any disciplinary matters thrown up by his two sons at Uppingham!

He stayed in touch with his old school friends through various OU dinners and golf meets and captained the OU Golfing Society in 1993. Bruce is predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Ruth, and survived by their three sons, Jeremy (Old Carthusian), Nigel (Hf 79) and Guy (L 83). Bruce’s younger brother, Peter (Hf 58), and nephew Michael (Hf 70), were also at Uppingham. Following Ruth’s death in 2003, Bruce married Joanna Whittome in 2004 and many new Uppinghamian friendships were kindled due to her local Uppingham connections.

During his years in the City he got involved in the Chris Kenyon (WD 52)

By David Gaine Chris died, surrounded by his family, on 3rd April in Cheltenham.

The funeral took place on 8th May, and a memorial service was held at Dean Close School in September.

The pavilion on Dean Close’s 1st X1 pitch has been named The Kenyon Pavilion in his memory.

As well as being teacher, Housemaster, and gifted games player, he was also a Diocesan

Reader, and after his retirement from schoolmastering at Dean Close he exercised his ministry at Ashchurch Parish Church, just outside Tewkesbury. He was also a talented painter.

I knew him well because in my fourth year, I shared digs with him in Cambridge, quite by chance, and it was also purely by chance that he, an Uppinghamian, should be heading for a teaching post at Dean Close School, while I, a Decanian, was scheduled for a life sentence at Uppingham.

Obituaries 21

Colin Williams (L 55), Chairman of Trustees 1999-2008

running Wogen Resources Ltd, and twice receiving The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade (Export).

Colin was always modest about his success in business, but proud of his local associations: he was an Honorary Steward of Westminster Abbey a Freeman of the City of London, and Vice President of the YMCA, founded by his great-great-grandfather, Sir George Williams, in 1844.

It was with great sadness that we learned the news that Colin Williams passed away on 30th June.

Colin had a lifelong association with Uppingham School. The son of Graham Williams (L 1926), he came to Uppingham as a pupil in September 1955, joining The Lodge, later sending his son Alex (Fgh 92) and daughter Sophie (L 97) to the School.

His achievements, both then and since, were numerous: he was a School Praepostor, achieved Rugby Colours, and in addition was a distinguished artist, thespian and a member of the Choir.

Colin went up to Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1960. After university he became a metal trader; subsequently founding and Peter Cropper (Hf 59) Peter Cropper, died on 30th May at the age of 69, following a heart attack.

A founding member of the internationally acclaimed Lindsay String Quartet, Peter was the group’s first violinist for its whole lifespan, from 1965 to 2005. The ensemble was formed at London’s Royal Academy of Music, where he had studied, and at first took his name. Two years later the Quartet were appointed Luverhulme Fellows at Keele University, where the group became the Lindsay Quartet in

22 Obituaries

In 1991 Colin was appointed a Trustee of Uppingham and was Chairman from 19992008. As Chairman, Colin presided over a period of great change and success at the School. He was a strong supporter of the move to co-education, which led directly or indirectly to the building of Samworths’, the Fairfield wing, the Language Centre, New House, the Paul David Music School, the Williams’ Studio Theatre, and the conversion of Constables. Plans for the Western Quad – in their infancy when he retired as Chairman – received his support immediately.

Special message from Richard Harman, Headmaster ‘Sometimes in life one comes across a truly transformative individual. Colin Williams, OU, former parent, Chairman of the Foundation Board and then Chairman of Trustees, was such a man. An Uppinghamian through and through, Colin was one of the greatest benefactors in the history of the School.

He was of course a major influence in my life since he appointed me as Headmaster here 10 years ago. He passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on June 30th. Colin’s loss will be deeply and widely felt by family and friends and the whole Uppingham community and, for me, this past summer has been tinged with sadness as a result. But he gave so much to the School, in so many ways, that his memory will live on for generations to come.’

Colin always led by example. Having been instrumental in setting up the Foundation in 1999, he continued to support the School with extraordinary generosity, including, most recently, the Western Quad. The naming of the Williams’ Studio Theatre and the redesigned Williams’ Pavilion on the Leicester playing fields were but a small recognition of Colin’s enormous contribution to the School.

Colin will be remembered always with deep affection and will be much missed at OU and School events. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gerlinda, Alex, and Sophie and the family.

honour of the University’s founder, Lord Lindsay.

Over the years, they made many acclaimed recordings, including those of Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Haydn, and performed around the world. Peter also continued to play as a soloist.

Following the retirement of the Lindsays after 39 years of performing with each other, Peter went on to perform as part of a trio alongside cellist, Moray Welsh, and pianist, Martin Roscoe. And his musical endeavours extended beyond the realm of performance: founding Sheffield’s Music in the Round festival and also teaching an MA in string quartet performance at Sheffield University. Born in Southport, Lancashire, Peter came from a musical family. His grandfather was leader of the

Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, while his uncle was principal viola in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Whilst at Uppingham, he was a member of the National Youth Orchestra. Peter took the prize for the best final year recital at the RAM, and continued to win awards during his career: he was awarded the Philharmonic Prize in 1994 for ‘consistently imaginative programming’ and a Creative Briton award in 2000.

John Suchet (Fgh 57), wrote the following tribute which featured on the Classic FM website: “I was at Uppingham School with Peter Cropper in the early 60s.

We both played the violin, but not quite to the same standard. He was two years junior to me, and a new boy, when the violin teacher

told me she was creating a School string quartet. Cropper was to be first violin, I was to be second. On the day of our first rehearsal, in walked a scruffy teenager, hair all over the place, tie askew, dandruff on his black jacket. I smiled secretly.

I’ll soon see him off, I thought.

Then we started to play. I was sacked after that first rehearsal. He went on to better things.

I have seen Peter many times over the last few years. I have given my Beethoven talk at Music in the Round, the festival he ran for many years in Sheffield. He will be remembered as the driving force of what I believe was the finest string quartet this country has ever produced, the Lindsay Quartet.

And we had many a chuckle over that first meeting.”

Richard Thwaites (WB 61)

By David Druitt (Fgh 59) After leaving Uppingham in 1965 and a brief spell as an Assistant Packer at Harrods, busking during his lunch hour on the streets of Knightsbridge, Richard was commissioned into the 10th Gurkhas and joined his regiment in the Far East.

During his 12 years in the army, he served in Malaysia, Borneo, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and the UK and was renowned for his physical fitness, where, under his leadership, the 10th Gurkhas were unbeaten for several years in the gruelling ‘Khud’ race held in

the mountains of Hong Kong.

On leaving the army he worked for Save the Children Fund in Nepal as Field Director for five years and during this time was married and had three children, all born overseas.

He then moved to work with Plan International (another child-focused NGO) in America, Kenya and back in Nepal. He spoke eight languages and following a short spell at PLAN International’s HQ in Woking, he was posted to Quito, Ecuador.

Latterly he specialised in ‘postconflict relief ’ and he worked in various countries such as Bosnia, Afghanistan, Liberia, Tajikistan and Libya, and although he had retired, in the month he died he was due to be in South Sudan working with the Kenyan Army to deliver training in post-conflict humanitarian relief.

Farid Bakri (WB 96)

By James Mantle (WB 96) Born in North Wales, Farid was the youngest of five children for Mousbah and Isabel Bakri. A baby brother for Sophie (Fd 91), Karim (Hf 91), Rashed (Hf 93) and Ziad (Hf 93), he remained known as Baby and later Baban to his family for much of his life. Farid proudly told many of those he met that his name means unique, and that he most certainly was – truly one of a kind.

The majority of Farid’s early childhood was spent in Beirut where his two great loves were aeroplanes and cricket. Farid memorised the flight schedules over the family apartment and armed with his telescope used to regularly appear at the dinner table announcing that Flight AF32 from Paris was on time and about to fly overhead. He also tried to teach the local boys to play cricket, with limited success, and took his passion on with him to Packwood Haugh School where Farid started boarding in the early 90s.

In August 1996 Farid became the fifth and final of the Bakri children to start at Uppingham. To say he had big boots to fill is an understatement given the success that his siblings had enjoyed at

Remembering Uppingham Uppingham is deeply grateful to Phillip Mason (C 47) who remembered the School in his will with a very generous bequest to support music scholarships for pupils from disadvantaged homes. Legacies play a valuable role in helping to open up life-changing opportunities for children to attend the School and we appreciate the support of Phillip Mason, Peter Palmer, John Chapple and other OUs who have left a bequest this year.

the School. However, not to be put off by the weight of expectation, he arrived at West Bank with extraordinary levels of confidence. Buoyed

by Ziad’s presence in the Sixth Form at the time, Farid wasted no time in making friends, what with his cheeky grin and quite remarkable propensity for gossip. Farid epitomised the busy and successful pupil, and was actively involved with sport, both in a playing and scoring capacity, and also edited the School magazine, UppStart. In true Piers Morgan-style Farid turned the magazine into a must-read sensation, until his scandalous stories resulted in Sarah Thomas, deputy head at the time, suspending publication for about six months. Suffice to say he came back stronger than ever.

An ever-present support in Farid’s short life was his adoring family. Farid had the utmost of respect and love for his parents, and nothing but adulation for his four siblings. For them to say goodbye to the youngest member of the family is surely as sad a moment as any of them will ever experience. I can’t think of a happier and more unified family than at Farid’s wedding just over nine short months ago to Malinda, his rock, his best friend and the love of his life.

Farid went on to study at St. Andrew’s, graduating with a degree in Economics and Arabic in 2005 before embarking on a highly successful career as an investment banker.

Through ABN Amro, RBS, CIMB and Houlihan Lokey, Farid found himself firmly established in Sydney where it’s hard to imagine someone who got more out of the famously hedonistic Australian lifestyle. He seemed to quietly put up with 70-hour-weeks, yet still have time for more beers and dinners than anyone else.

Everyone that knew them together was unanimous in the view that their relationship together was something we should all aspire to.

In Sydney, Farid made and consolidated so many friendships. He was universally popular and even those who only met him a couple of times were won over by his boundless enthusiasm, genuine interest in others, infectious smile, and questionable sense of humour. It was widely agreed that Farid simply couldn’t have been any happier over the past couple of years.

Farid touched people’s lives all over the world: in Wales, Lebanon, England, Scotland, the US, Australia and New Zealand as well as, I’m sure, many other countries. He will be remembered with incredible love and affection by each and every person whose lives he touched. And so, on behalf of us all, Farid, sleep well, and know we will never forget you.

Obituaries 23

40 YEARS OF GIRLS

Girls are an integral part of Uppingham life, but it wasn’t always the case. With 2015 marking 40 years since the conversion of the Sanatorium to the first ever girls’ boarding house, we thought it a perfect opportunity for a feature on girls at the School…

By Tony Land, Housemaster of Fairfield 1975-1992

For some time girls, usually masters’ daughters, had occasionally attended lessons and in the early 1970s various schemes saw a few girls attached to boys’ houses. In the early 1970s the Headmaster, John Royds, initiated discussions about the desirability of admitting girls into a separate boarding house and, triggered by looming national inflation, it was agreed in February 1975 to develop the 120-bed 1934 Sanatorium as ‘Fairfield’: to open seven months later. This was a very tight schedule as many decisions about the use of existing rooms were made, building works (which continued filling the house with dust for several years) were started, equipment for a larger kitchen was installed and everything from teaspoons to furniture and bedding was ordered. So at the start of the Autumn Term we welcomed 23 Sixth Form girls and their parents: only moments after the teacups had been unpacked.

The first year had unusual challenges with the new Headmaster, Coll Macdonald, and his family living upstairs and a lot of work still in progress (picture flurries of snow blown through gaps settling on the Housemaster’s

desk). Most of the first girls were strong pioneering characters and could cope with some of the boys’ attitudes, which varied from the frightened to the macho, with the least sensitive awarding points as to the perceived attractiveness of the girls [of course the girls did the same for the boys but were much more discreet about it].

The influx of girls didn’t go unnoticed by the boys in the town and when one managed to get into the house he was chased off by the house tutor in her nightie waving an iron bar.

At other times, small cars would roar round the drive at night and a group of OU Sandhurst cadets went one better and threw thunder flashes up onto the balcony. These extensive balconies were a relic of the old Sanatorium and were much used for ‘revision’ [i.e. sunbathing].

For a time we were surprised by the occasional low-flying aeroplane which we later discovered was from the photo-reconnaissance unit of a nearby RAF station [luckily we had just managed to explain that the ‘one-piece swimsuit’ on the clothing list did not mean the bottom part of a bikini].

A ward in the old Sanitorium, now the Fairfield dining room

24 40 Years of Girls

After a year or two the initial excitement was over and problems became more practical: dead starlings in the drinking water tank, cheap furniture falling apart, an overloaded sewage system flooding the garden on Speech Day, power cuts leading to prep being done by candle light in the dining room and so on. Issues over laundry, girls visiting boys’ houses, and girls’ uniform were eventually resolved and it was good to enjoy the contributions the girls were making to the choir and theatre and to the general atmosphere of the School (although the desired ‘civilizing influence’ on the boys took a bit longer to work through). Other spin-offs included an enlarged Community Service, a house-based tutor system (later adopted throughout the School) and of course the Leavers’ Ball.

These few faltering steps now seem long ago with the first 23 increasing to 327 of all ages, six girls’ houses (three purpose-built), and now with sons and daughters of OU girls in the School.

Barbara Matthews (SH 73) was the very first girl to spend her Sixth Form at Uppingham and shares her memories of two life-changing years, 1973-1975.

In a letter dated 8th March 1973, the Headmaster, John Royds, wrote to my father (Bryan Matthews, Second Master at the time), “This is to confirm that the Trustees approve the offer of an ‘extraordinary’ place to Barbara with effect from September next. …. Precisely what she would do other than her Science would be largely her affair and yours… I should imagine she would be in demand for plays.”

Out of the blue, my father had asked if I would like to spend my Sixth Form years at Uppingham. I don’t know exactly why – he told me that the Trustees were considering co-education and needed a guinea pig and thought that I would benefit from better Science teaching and facilities at Uppingham than at my current girls’ school. I went through the motions of making a considered decision, but the excitement and the prospect of doing something no-one had done before were always going to win.

Uppingham was already in my blood, but as a community and a home - not a school.

Somewhere that I loved and knew really well – or thought I did. I had been born and lived my first 13 years on the private side of The Lodge, spent many hours in the swimming baths and the squash courts and my social life was with the children of members of staff. But now I had to get to know the staff as teachers, to learn arcane rules and to discriminate between the friendly and the prurient. I knew my ‘polly’ from my ‘buttery’ and my ‘fag’ from my ‘Middle’ but not the subtle yet important social rules nor how information was conveyed or friendships made. In fact I did not know much about boys at all and so there was much to fathom out.

The first few weeks were full of painful teenage gaucheness all round; my study was an unused staff bedroom on the second floor of School House and I went home after lessons. My sport was netball and there didn’t seem to be much call for that. At lunch I did not dare ask anyone to pass anything so sometimes went hungry. Groups of boys would fall silent as I passed and doorways were frequently the cause for jostling between me and masters – neither of us sure whether sex or status should grant the first passage.

James Hunter Johnston (SH 70) was House Captain and it was, I believe, him that suggested to Mike Gavins that I should be given a study for my second term, enabling me to build the much needed social relationships.

With building confidence, I asked Hilary Gavins if I could stay for tea and prep. She warned me that tea was a raucous affair with a high likelihood of flying food. She seemed shocked that I wanted to stay but not as shocked as my Mother when I told her that I finally felt accepted once a door had been allowed to swing in my face and a boy had sworn in my presence. She told me I was supposed to be a civilising influence.

It is all many years ago now, but I remember the two years with happiness and affection.

There were times, particularly at the beginning, of agonising embarrassment and awkwardness – but they faded pretty fast. I grew to enjoy the freedoms that being ‘extraordinary’ gave me and continue to be grateful for the excellent education that I received. I often wonder how things would have turned out if I had had other girls to share the experience with – and have to admit that I am glad I escaped competition about clothes and appearance.

A history of girls’ houses 1975

Fairfield – Tony and Pat Land

1986

Johnson’s – Julia Watson

1994

The Lodge – Helene Edwards

2001

Samworths’ – Liz Worthington

2004

New House – Fiona C. Buckley

2006

Constables – Nic and Anna Merrett

Guys & Dolls 1988 School productions were never the same after girls arrived at the School.

40 Years of Girls 25

Fairfield Girls Ros Barker (née Clarke) Emma Davis (née Selwyn) and Helen Macintosh (née Heyman) (all Fd 82).

L:R Lucie Burges-Lumsden (née Reynolds) (Fd 83) and Katie Kennedy (née Hilton) (Fd 83).

L:R Fiona Fox (née Fulford), Emma Davis (née Selwyn), Alexandra Hinton (all Fd 82).

Contribution from Fiona Walter (née Grey) (Fd 76) One of my strongest memories was the daunting morning of the first ever chapel walking in with 700 eyes upon us!

My lessons were between the main School and the Science block, so I was regularly invited in to The Lodge for coffee by my dear friend and now husband Giles (L 72) at the time there were no regulations in place to stop informal gatherings in boys’ studies!

I was a quiet child and just in awe of being in a boys’ school; the girls uniform was anything grey, black or navy and being Sixth Form, not particularly strict. However, I did not escape punishment; on one occasion I found myself shifting gravel on the direction of Mr Land, to this day I don’t know what I did to receive such a task.

Looking back at my time at Uppingham, I don’t think the School knew quite how to cope with girls and we just had to get on with it.

Our enormous thanks to Fiona who delved into her photo albums for us; Fiona and husband Giles (L 72) became the first ever OU couple to have children in the School, Lucy (L 03) and Camilla (L 04).

Fiona under the OSR with Edward Cooke (C 74) and Chris Metcalfe (WD 73).

Antonia ‘Boo’ Mellows (Fd 76) on Fairfield balcony.

26 40 Years of Girls

By Susie Mathieson (née Taylor) (Fd 75)

UPPINGHAM GOES CO-EDUCATIONAL –

Daughter of Stuart Taylor - Staff 1947-1981

A BOY’S PERSPECTIVE

By David Gavins (LH 73)

In September 1975, I arrived at Uppingham from an all-girls school, with some trepidation, to join Fairfield in the Lower Fifth. The School still didn’t take boarders until Sixth Form so I travelled home each day.

At my previous school we were obliged to stand when a member of staff entered the room; why would it be any different at Uppingham? Everyone thought I was leaving at the beginning of a class, much to the amusement of the boys. Mr Marshall finally said: ‘Sit down, Taylor’ and that was that.

We were arranged alphabetically in class.

Poor JWS Tice (H 74) had to put up with me sitting next to him. I spent the first term calling him Stice (until politely corrected – as I thought you could only have two Christian names!

Sorry, Bill).

I remember the facilities at Uppingham and how much better they were than I had experienced before, but it was all so spread out.

We knew they were coming. The traditionalists may have been against it; the modernists were definitely for it, but all were curious. How would it work – lacrosse on the Middle, netball on the Leicester, sopranos in the choir and actual females playing female roles in the theatre?

And then they arrived – and bravely walked into Chapel on that bright September morning in 1975 – and what a civilising and maturing influence they were. It appeared that the admissions team had set the bar high, and they were a very talented group who enhanced all that Uppingham was and would become – a great example to the boys of how to benefit from, and contribute to, an Uppingham education. The impact was immediate – the boys smartened up, and punctuality got better; the theatrical and musical repertoire expanded; the academic endeavour and debate increased and widened; and social events were definitely more fragrant and fun.

The friendships formed then; continue to this day. Introducing girls to Uppingham meant we could all benefit from an all-round education preparing us all for life in the real world – so thank you to those courageous pioneers from all us lads.

EXCERPTS FROM THE UPPINGHAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 1975 Under Editorial and the heading ‘Our Mustered Sisterhood’, the School Magazine recorded the arrival of girls as follows…

Sports-wise, team games for girls were very limited. Hockey and netball were a bit of a lark – if we could scratch together a team.

We were always trounced by any opposition.

The girls always appreciated sport even if they were not willing to participate, and so the first XV usually enjoyed a good crowd of Fairfield supporters!

‘Anyone who reads the local paper knows about it; boys in Uppingham certainly know about it; Mr and Mrs Land probably know considerably more about it by now than they would like. The School finally has something other than a few sick boys, some select staff families and the occasional headmaster to house in its enormous ex-sanatorium, or Fairfield as we must now learn to call it.

The music scene was a different story. So much available, and I loved it all, especially the choirs.

My poor father had to wait endlessly to take me home!

At this early stage with the actual House only halffinished, it is hard to assess what impact and what subtle changes of emphasis and direction 23 girls (to be 50 by next September) will impart to Uppingham.’

I have many happy memories of the School, staff and fellow pupils.

I met my husband, David (H 73), whilst I was at Uppingham and we were married in the School Chapel in 1984.

On how the new arrivals should be treated? The magazine didn’t hold back, and quoted a member of staff as commenting “Treat them like boys in drag”.

Thankfully attitudes have changed and we celebrate 40 wonderful years of girls at Uppingham.

Plans are underway for a

40th anniversary celebration at Fairfield to be held at

Uppingham on 11th June 2016 more details to be confirmed soon.

40 Years of Girls 27

EVENTS London Dinner March 2015 at the Mandarin Oriental.

The biggest OU event of the year – join us for another fantastic occasion on 3rd March 2016.

David Ashworth (L 58), Neil Kennedy (Hf 59) and David Scott (WD 58).

Liz Morgan ( J 11), Victoria Murphy ( J 11) and Rachel Sutton (J 07).

Martin Cardoe (Hf 74), Casey O’Hanrahan, Robert Ditcham (M 74), Fionah Rowland (Fd 78) and John Muncey (C 75).

Laura Seward-Smith (J 07), Katie Fieldman (J 07), Chris Symes (SH 04), Rachel Sutton (J 07) and Chloe Mallo (J 07).

Anthony Smith (WB 81), and Patrick Forinton (WB 82).

Ted De Haan (B 04), Laura Highton (Sa 04), Georgie Barr (J 07), Verity Hunter (J 07), Kathryn Leonard (J 07), Laura Seward-Smith (J 07), Chloe Mallo (J 07) and Georgie Field (J 07).

28 Photocall

Tom Glover (WD 93), Nick Wall (Fgh 92), Sarah Wall (Fd 92) and James Broome (WB 94).

Archie Wilkinson (Hf 03), Gus Barton (Fgh 03), Jack Mayhew (Fgh 02) and Joe Barnet (B 03).

Sam Holmes-Smith (SH 08), Rory Symes (SH 08) and James Murray (SH 08).

Middle East Dinner February 2015 at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, ‘Legends’ restaurant.

Sam Woodcock (F 76), Adrian Parkes (WB 78), Rick Tatham (WB 77) and Richard Boston (B 56).

Left to right: Scott Crosby (Fgh 00), Nick Farmer (WB 96), Lucy Queenborough (Fd 94), Sam Woodcock (F 76), Rodger Martin (H 67), Bella Parkes (Sa 10), Richard Boston (B 56), Adrian Parkes (WB 78), Joe Harrison (LH 92), James Barber-Lomax (F 97), Charlie Richardson (H 98) and Rick Tatham (WB 77).

Photocall 29

Scottish Dinner May 2015 at Kinross House, the home of Donald Fothergill (B 74).

Paul Millard (SH 48), Helga Millard, Robin Singer (SH 48), Rae Singer and Geoffrey Alderson (B 55).

Rupert Bruce (WD 62) and Donald Fothergill (B 74).

Richard Boston (B 56), Philip Upton (Fgh 71), Donald Fothergill (B 74), Henry Jacobs (SH 99) and Ivor Morton (L 60).

30 Photocall

Property Dinner May 2015 at Home House, London.

John Waters (WB 91), Oliver Saxby (M & L 89), and Philip Watson (M & L 89).

Richard Billington (B 83), Nick Jackson (WD 83), Rupert Wood (C 86) and Will Dickens (SH 90).

Richard Billington (B 83), Nick Jackson (WD 83), Rupert Wood (C 86) and Will Dickens (SH 90).

Ashley Marrison (H 86), John McRae (ORMS), Peter Davey (SH 04), Georgie Maud (Sa 04) and Oliver Mayes (LH 05).

Johnny Nettleton (SH 61) and his son Jonathan (SH 94).

1987 Leavers’ Get Together organised by Justin Greer, at Barbecoa, London

Neil Barley (B 82), Dominic Wallis (F 82), Toby Spence (Hf 82) and Alex Potts (Hf 82).

Vicki Murray (J & Fd 85), Henry Knowles (WB 83) and Iain Wakefield (WB 82).

Photocall 31

Speech Day and Founder’s Day May 2015 at Uppingham.

It was fantastic to see so many OUs and parents making the most of the new Western Quad on Speech Day, which offered the perfect location for the Jazz Orchestra to perform. Uppingham is tremendously proud that the Science Centre has been nationally recognised in the 2015 Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) awards as making a significant contribution to the country’s architecture, in addition to picking up four awards in the regional contest earlier in the year.

Ben Davis (SH 09), Alice Child and Tom Scowsill (SH 06).

32 Photocall

Barbara Parkes, Michael Parkes (WB 48), Stella Parkes, Adrian Parkes (WB 78) and Nick Hutchinson (L 68).

Samantha and Guy Green (SH 88).

Brooklands Reunion June 2015, organised by Derek Bunting (B 45), held at the RAF Club, Piccadilly.

Richard Dingley (B 45), Nick Sladden (B 48), Jim Morris (B 46), Sands Johnson (B 49), David O’Neil (B 44), Mick Brackenbury (B 46), John Sladden (B 42), George Ireland (B 44), John Billington (B 48), John Sharples (B 47), Derek Bunting (B 45) and Richard Boston (B 56) in the foreground.

Photocall 33

Norfolk Dinner June 2015 at the Hoste Arms, Burnham Market.

Sir Charles Dunstone (LH 78), Colin Hargreaves (LH 76), Tom Hindmarch (SH 77) and Johnny Vaughan (LH 79).

David Gaine (Ex-Housemaster of Lorne House and Second Master) with Johnny Vaughan (LH 79).

Perth Dinner July 2015 organised by John Bird (L 67) held at The Mission to Seafarers, Fremantle.

Front row: Neil Baird (LH 70), John Bird (L 67), Richard Boston (B 56), John Bennett (WD 58) and Phyu Phyu Bennett. Back row: Guy Moore (F 93), Roger Winwood (B 55), Caroline Winwood, David Baird (LH 66), Peter Wilshaw (C 53), Richard Wolskel (M 61), Rodney Pepper (WD 49) and Penny Pepper.

34 Photocall

Sydney Dinner July 2015 held at The Union Hotel and organised by Ed Watson (M 88).

Front: Todd Freedman (Hf 05), Jess Richardson (L 10), Tom Ray (Hf 00), Nick Fewkes (WD 00), Octavia Hurst (Fd 01), Amy France (Fd 00), Chris Chang (SH 95), Harry Wade (F 97) and Robin Schall (C 45). Middle row: Richard Boston (B 56), Tim Pool (Hf 88) Alan Marsden, Margie Marsden, Noriman Mak (B 75) and Alasdair Humberston (Hf 01). Back row: Charles Cousins (H 66), Ned Hall (F 91), Guy Reeve (B 74), Ed Watson (M 88), Emma West (Fd 77), Andrew Gardiner (Fgh 86), Adela Alexandra, Rachel Harris (L 99), Tom Marlay (SH 97) and Tony Smith (SH 49).

New Zealand Dinner July 2015 organised by Briony Johnson (née Wheatley) (Fd 79), held at Orbit 360° Restaurant, Auckland.

Front row: Briony Johnston (née Wheatley) (Fd 79) and Natalie Greenly (Fd 75). Middle row: Paul Johnston, Charlie Oscroft (F 79), Joss Hobson, Jeremy Whitwell (F 70), Eileen Whitwell and Stuart Grundy (B 48). Back row: Robert Grundy, Stephen Hobson (WD 75), William Grieve (SH 53), Jeremy Rothery (WD 86), Nadine Rothery.

Photocall 35

Singapore August 2015 held at The Padang Restaurant, Singapore Cricket Club. Organised by Alex Eggleton (B 94).

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 2016 THE LONDON DINNER 3rd March, the Mandarin Oriental OU MUSICIANS’ DRINKS PARTY 18th March, venue TBC HONG KONG DINNER 6th April, The Hong Kong Club CAMBRIDGE DINNER 12th May, Trinity College HEADMASTER’S FAREWELL RECEPTION 17th May, Mansion House SPEECH DAY & FOUNDER’S DAY 28th May, Uppingham WEST BANK 150th REUNION 28th May, Uppingham FAIRFIELD 40th ANNIVERSARY 11th June, Uppingham OVER 60s LUNCH 6th October, The Cavalry and Guards Club We are considering events in Nottingham and Lincoln and would be pleased to hear from OUs wishing to attend.

Front row: Tobi Menzies (C 90), Will Buck (F 90), Jodi Wood (Fgh 92), Richard Boston (B 56) and Andy Perkins (C 91). Back row: Ben Fry (F 96), Matt Bird (WD 88), Alice Harkness (J 02), Alex Eggleton (B 94), Shonagh Cousins, Charles Cousins (H 66) and Nick Hutton (SH 67).

Also, if you have a particular anniversary coming up such as 10 or 25 years since leaving Uppingham and you would like to organise an event to celebrate, please do get in touch, we are always happy to help.

OU MUSICIANS’ DRINKS PARTY The evening of Friday 18th March 2016 London – venue TBC. For those working in the music industry and those who sung or played in music at Uppingham.

If you are interested in receiving further details when available, please contact Jo Franklin at jsf@uppingham.co.uk.

Our thanks to all those OUs we have seen in the past 12 months and for helping to make OU events such fantastic occasions.

Please visit the OU website for up-to-date information and details of how to book forthcoming events or contact Jo Franklin.

36 Photocall

TRICKY’S WORLD TRAVELS Richard ‘Tricky’ Boston (B 56), has clocked up some air miles over the past few years, encouraging OUs all over the world to meet as part of a strong Uppingham community. He has been aided by OU Ambassadors, who have assisted in organising events and helped Richard to gather the troops wherever his travels take him.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 2006

New York 2013

Here are just a handful of the many overseas events which have taken place over the past few years. Please let us know if we can help to put you in touch with other OUs – wherever you may be.

This year has been no exception as OU events have taken place not only throughout the UK but also in Dubai, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Perth 2008

OU AMBASSADORS Our enormous thanks to all of the following OU Ambassadors in their roles as points of contact for OUs visiting a country or requiring advice. They can be contacted via the OU Office. If your country of residence is not listed and you would like to become an Ambassador, please do get in touch.

AUSTRALIA Perth/Freemantle John Bird (L 67) Sydney Amy France (Fd 00)

Dubai 2013

CANADA Vancouver Russell Smith (M 73) Toronto Charles Fogden (M 71) Montreal Francis Boston (B 46)

Toronto 2013

CHINA Hong Kong James Pearson (F 79) Shanghai Anthony Couse (SH 79) DUBAI

Patrick Smith (Fgh 89) LA 2012

FRANCE Paris Chris Lajtha (SH 68) INDIA

Pratapsingh Gaekwad (WD 85)

NEW ZEALAND

Briony Johnston (Fd 79)

SINGAPORE

Alex Eggleton (B 94)

SOUTH AMERICA Argentina

William Beckingsale (C 99)

UNITED STATES San Francisco William Cazalet (LH 81)

Los Angeles Harry Van Gorkum (Fgh 76)

Boston Keith Taylor (F 46)

New York Simon Prosser (F 72) and

Sarah Woodberry (Fd 82)

Hong Kong 2011

Photocall 37

MiscellaneOUs MILITARY MANOEUVRES

By Robbie Robotham (WD 73) I found this photo taken on Field Day 1978 when some members of the CCF were ‘hosted’ by the Sherwood Rangers Squadron from Nottingham. The picture was taken on the Uppingham to Oakham road near Rutland Water when we had the use of one of the Saracen Armoured Personnel Carriers for an exercise in the area. We were also allowed to go out on weekend exercises with them from time to time.

I went on to serve with the TA for 22 years and know Simon Oliver (WB 75) and Stuart Bruseth (L 74) went to the Scots Dragoon Guards and the 9th/12th Royal Lancers. Nic Weston (F 73) is still in the Australian Army Reserve.

Robert Robotham (WD 73) is sitting on the top with glasses and beret with Nic Weston (F 73) next to him. Also in the picture are Simon Oliver (WB 75), Stuart Bruseth (L 74), Mike Hawkes (WB 73), Tim Vaughan (WB 77), Nigel Green (WD 76) and Jonathan Bailey (WD 75).

John Allen (Hf 77) sent in these great photos – remarkable evidence on how technology has moved on since the 1970s!

We think that Richard Boston may still use one of these.

If you have any interesting memories or photos, please do send them in.

38 MiscellaneOUs

ROLAND LEIGHTON REMEMBERED Following the immortalisation of Vera Brittain’s relationship with Roland Leighton (L 1909) on the silver screen in ‘A Testament of Youth’, we have been notified that a road has been renamed after Roland in the town of Louvencourt, France where he was laid to rest after being killed during WW1. Locals say that his grave is covered with violets as a tribute to a poem he wrote for his fiancée, Vera. Uppingham School Archivist Jerry Rudman attended the unveiling with the OU Secretary, Richard Boston (B 56) and Tim Halstead (F 72) who is currently writing a book about Uppingham boys in the First World War.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES DO YOU REMEMBER ‘TISH CALLS’?

A ‘Tish’ got its name from the wooden partition that separated the bed spaces in the dormitories at Uppingham.

In 1973 across Uppingham all the new boys were finding out the finer intricacies of ‘fagging’ and just what it meant to be ‘Bottom Fag’, with punishments or ‘dots’ dished out by ‘Pollies’ for anything from running in corridors to having a mucky CCF kit. In Malcolm Bussey’s West Deyne, the Fag Captains or a Polly would hand out ‘dots’ for any transgression and five of these dots resulted in ‘Triple Tish Calls’ for a week.

So, at the crack of dawn the offending Fag presented himself to the Polly who handed out the punishment, shook him awake and was met with gruff words and more than likely some expletives. The Fag was handed a piece of paper with other House Pollies’ names on it, all of which he must receive signatures from, in the right order and deliver the paper back to the original Polly at breakfast. The worst journey was West Deyne to Brooklands, then The Hall and Meadhurst before heading back to West Deyne. Of course the Fags thought up ways to outsmart the Pollies, usually by borrowing a bike and then jogging around the block to work up a sweat.

As quickly as the Fags got used to these punishments, they were changed to things like “what is the distance to Oakham on the sign post in Ayston?”or “what is the telephone number in the box on The Upper”.

Some clever fag then spent a weekend finding out such information and circulating the answers around the 4th form. And what was the penalty for cheating?

More Tish Calls!

As time went on, punishments progressed to the more sophisticated ‘Coffee Call’, and delivering warm coffee and toast to the Pollies on the list; the recipients were either delighted at the breakfast in bed or annoyed at being fed cold toast. Once again the Fags thought up ways to outwit the Pollies and invested in a thermos for such an occasion.

Although a pain at the time, it taught the boys to be resourceful in trying to come up with alternative methods of trying to beat the system. Of course all such punishments at Uppingham have long been relegated to memories.

Sent in by Robbie Robotham (WD 73).

THE UPPINGHAM VETERANS RIFLE CLUB The 2015 season began in late January with the annual UVRC smallbore match against the School, held in the Simon Pattinson indoor range. There was a good turnout and some excellent scores, including an outstanding 100 from Sam Hunting (M 07). The OUs managed to achieve a score of 481, beating the School team by a small margin. Top scorer for the School was George Crane (WB) with 93. Following the match the annual dinner was preceded by drinks in the old library, with the Headmaster.

The Imperial Meeting at Bisley in July was well attended as ever with OUs putting out three teams for the Veterans’ Match. The UVRC ‘B’ team actually beat the ‘A’ team by a point (which doesn’t happen very often), and came a creditable 4th in their group.

Jonathan Hull (F 74) won the Simon Pattinson Trophy and Harriet Walker (Fd 08) the Donegall Badge. The AGM saw Ben Yates (WB 99) elected as Hon Secretary after three years’ excellent service in this role by Henry Ives (M 02).

Individually, Gaz Morris (LH 89) (5th), Simon Belither (L 71) (10th), Chris Watson (M 92) (27th), Emma Cannings (L 95) (54th), Jonathan Hull (F 74) (58th) and James Watson (L 88) (76th) appeared in the top 100 of the Grand Aggregate with John Webster (C 70) (138th) and Ant Ringer (B 79) (197th) making the top 200.

It should be noted that Simon Osmond

(WB 85) was leading the Grand after the Sunday with only two points dropped.

Unfortunately he had to leave Bisley at that point, and we can only wonder what might have been! Gaz Morris came 15th in the final of the St Georges and in the Queen’s Final, Uppingham Veterans had three members shooting: Gaz Morris came 19th, Simon Belither 51st and Chris Watson 79th.

In the National Match, Emma Cannings won her first England badge and was joined in the victorious England Team by James Watson, Jonathan Hull and Simon Belither. Chris Watson and Gaz Morris represented Wales. Gaz and Chris also shot for the winning GB Team in the Kolopore.

In the Mackinnon, Nick Hinchliffe (Fgh 71) was main coach for England, with James Watson shooting, and Gaz Morris and Chris Watson again shot for Wales.

Following the meeting, the World Championships were held in Ohio at Camp Perry. The Palma Match is held every four years and is shot for over two days. The Watson brothers were both shooting in the GB Team that retained the Palma Trophy, with a new record score to take the Gold.

Chris Watson (M 92), Simon Belither (L 71) and Emma Cannings (L 95) with some of the silverware won this year.

Report by Jonathan Hull (F 74), Club Captain.

James Watson (L 88) and Chris Watson (M 92) with the GB Team and Palma Trophy at the World Championships.

THE ANNUAL DINNER AND SHOOT AT UPPINGHAM IS PLANNED FOR 19TH MARCH 2016, DETAILS TO FOLLOW.

Clubs & Societies 39

CLUBS & SOCIETIES OU CROSS COUNTRY

THE UPPINGHAM ROVERS CRICKET CLUB

The weather conditions were perfect on 24th January for the annual event, although the course remains as challenging as ever!

The OUs finished 4th equal in the five school race, with Shrewsbury winning. Richard Wade (WB 79) was the first OU home, in a highly creditable 10th place overall.

Iona Blayney (Fairfield L6th) won ‘Georgie’s Trophy’ for the first girl home.

The Rovers have enjoyed another successful summer of cricket with more and more players turning out for the club, which is very positive.

Despite an early exit to the Old Bedfordians in the Cricketer Cup, wins followed against Repton Pilgrims, Lancing Rovers, Old Eastbournians, and the Old Malvernians. There was however a draw and a loss to the Old Carthusians in two nail-biters!

The tour continues to be an enjoyable success and anyone who is interested in playing should contact the club at uppinghamroverscc@gmail.com.

Picture from left to right: Richard Wade (C 87), Logan Mair, Charles Bond (C 82), Iain Wakefield (WB 82), Tom Barton (WB 87), George Meek (WB 90), Christian Wakefield (WB 88), Sam Barton (WB 90), Phil Maw (WD 75).

If you would like to run in 2016, please contact Iain Wakefield: iain.wakefield@btconnect. com or 07831 122799.

OU HOCKEY

OU SHOOT

Floreat!

Stuart Peters (WB 00)

OU SQUASH The OU Squash Club’s annual fixture against the School will take place on Saturday 5th December 2015 starting at 2pm at the Uppingham School Sports Centre.

Other fixtures in 2015-16 include a match against the Queen’s Club Under 35s on Thursday 24th March starting at 7pm (with the Queen’s side organised

by Jamie Thomson (B 98)), and at least two matches against other old school sides in the 2015-16 Londonderry Cup competition, in which in recent years the OUs have revived rivalries against the Old Oundelians.

Regular players are Dom Holden (WB 95), Jamie Thomson (B 98), Charlie Richardson (Hf 98), Tom Nias (F 01), Ben Barnett (B 01), Simon Wallis (F 76), Bill Simcox (WB 76) and James Gunton (SH 97).

Please contact club secretary Charlie Richardson (Hf 98), at charles.h.richardson@gmail.com, if you would like to participate in any of the fixtures.

24 Clubs 40 Focus & onSocieties Girls

Ben Kennedy (B 09), James Cotton (B 09), Arthur Dawe (LH 90), Mark Lewis (LH 90), David Barrow (Hf 74), Jeremy Andrews (M 88), Max Darby (Fgh 78), Charlie Lewis (LH 88), Duncan Kennedy (B 79), James Matthews (M 88), Hamilton Remes (M 88), James Fowler (SH 88), James Beaumont (WD 88) and Archie Maxwell (B L5).

The latest outing for OU hockey saw three sides take to the Middle on 22nd March. A youthful OU side took on the School 1st XI; an organised-looking outfit with a draw to Repton and wins against Bromsgrove, Stowe, Rugby and Oundle under their belt. With play underway, flamboyant keeping from Thomas Dodds (B 07) kept the OUs in it whilst chance after chance was made by the School in the first half. Strong midfield play from Otto Esse (WB 08) and the Collins brothers, Alex (B 01) and William (B 04), sent penetrative moves forward in response, asking much of Grafton in the School XI goal. At half time the OUs were ahead, and whilst the School XI showed more energy and played a more complete passing game in the second half, their failure to convert chances was the difference. A set of clinical penalty corners eventually gave the OUs an unassailable lead, the match finishing 4-1 to the OUs. The next OU hockey day will take place on the Middle on 20th March 2016. Please contact Nick de Wet by email: NKD@uppingham.co.uk if you would like to be involved.

The annual OU Shoot took place at Sir William Proby’s Elton Estate on 7th October, with dining the night before at the Haycock in Wansford. If any OUs would be interested in receiving information about future OU shoots please contact David Edward (WD 88) djmedward@googlemail.com or John Vartan (LH 51) jbr.vartan@btinternet.com.

OU SAILING The OU Sailing Team once again participated in the annual Arrow Trophy competition between independent schools on the weekend of 3rd and 4th October.

The regatta took place on the challenging waters of the Solent, aboard Sunsail’s fleet of F40 yachts.

A full write-up is available to read on the OU website.

OU GOLFING SOCIETY The OUGS continues to be an incredibly well supported club with over 300 members and an annual fixture list that is the envy of many other Public School Golfing Societies running to as many as 35 events during the year.

This year’s meetings have seen some great golfing successes, including winning the Northern Public Schools’ competition for the fourth year running, wins in The Bernard Darwin for the Senior Darwin team and some very close results in many of the fixtures. The annual match against the School was played at Luffenham Heath on 17th May when Keven Johnstone, the master in charge of golf, raised a team of eight boys to play the OUGS. Match of the day featured Captain Anthony Flather (M 70) and Guy Muir (L 78) playing against their respective sons, Edward and Joss. The

two boys showed their fathers little respect by winning their match but the OUGS won the overall match 3-1. The OUGS players were greatly impressed by some tremendous striking by the boys and it was pleasing to see what a good prospect Charles Petrie is, playing off 5 handicap and recent runner-up in the Leicestershire County boys’ championship.

The Flathers and the Muirs at Luffenham Heath.

At the last Captain’s meeting, David Goodale (B 54) was elected President for 2015, Anthony Flather (M 70) was elected Captain and Hugh Smith (WB 64) Vice-Captain.

Peter Marsh (Merseyside Meeting Organiser), David Goodale (B 54), President and winner David Arthur (SH 63).

Eddy Allingham (H 81), David Downes (L 59), Anthony Flather (M 70) and Chris Symes (SH 04) on the winning team at the Northern Public Schools’ competition.

More OUGS news and full details of all results and participating players from matches throughout the past 12 months are available on the OUGS page of the OU website.

Calling all OU golfers The OU Golf Society (OUGS) holds inter-school matches and regional events at great golf courses near you every year.

All ages and handicap levels welcome.

Annual sub just £10.

To join, please call the OUGS Secretary, Martin Walker (L 67) on 01142 368912 or email him at martin.walker53@sky.com.

More details at www.olduppinghamian.co.uk > Societies > Golf Society.

Clubs & Societies 41

OU CHARITY FUND In the OU Office we are frequently astounded when hearing of the incredible challenges and pursuits that OUs around the world are involved with to raise money for good causes.

Basil Frost in his school days.

We are delighted that the OU Charity Fund (formerly known as The Uppingham Society), run by Basil Frost (M 45), has supported many OUs throughout the past 12 months, here are a few of their stories…

The Charity has raised over £420,000 in eight years...

Erol Elson (WB 89) raced 220km across Cambodia to raise money for the Adam Cole Foundation, a charity named after Adam Cole (F 89) who died in a motor accident in 2006. The Charity has raised over £420,000 in eight years which has made a huge difference to disadvantaged children’s lives and education in Cambodia and the UK. With money raised from this challenge, the charity aims to build a new club for children to use in the Cambodian province in which they are working – children who would otherwise have no safe place to play and learn.

At the age of 76, Peter Owthwaite (M 52) cycled 500 miles round the Yorkshire boundary and did a threemile-high parachute jump in aid of two charities, Martin House, a children’s Hospice near Wetherby, and St Peter’s Church, located in his village.

Peter is no stranger to long distance cycle rides.

In 1992 he cycled 4,106 miles round the coast of England, Scotland and Wales, but as this is now a distant memory he decided it was time for another challenge.

As an adopted Yorkshire man (born in Finchley and evacuated to Wetherby in 1939), it seemed sensible to do a tour of Yorkshire’s boundaries – 500 miles of flat and hilly cycling to test his aged legs.

Completing the challenge in style, Peter undertook a parachute jump in Lincolnshire on 11th August. He said: ‘Never in my wildest dreams did I envisage that I would be volunteering to fall out of an aeroplane at three miles high, and freefall for two miles at 120mph. I made this crazy exit to land safely, sliding to a halt on my bottom, phew!’

Jack Campbell (B 01) set himself a mountain of a fundraising challenge this summer, scaling all 282 Munro peaks across Scotland. The Munros are Scottish mountains all with a height over 3000ft, named after Sir Hugh Munro, who produced the first list of such hills.

Guy Banham (Hf 95) and Will Parry.

In September, Guy Banham (Hf 95) and his friend, Will Parry, completed Le Raid Pyrénées, a timed bicycle challenge from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, a distance of 470 miles over 4.5 days and with 11,000m of climbing in the middle. They cycled over 100 miles per day, climbing some of the largest mountains in the Pyrenees and pedalling in the wheel tracks of Tour de France

42 OU Charity Fund

legends. They raised funds for Macmillan and Take Heart (a heart patient charity in Leeds General Hospital). Guy said: “It was by far the hardest thing that either of us have ever done and the feeling of elation at the end of it was incomparable.” Since its inception in 1950 the Raid has only been completed by a small number of people and they were numbers 7,940 and 7,941 to attempt it.

Jack scaled up to 10 Munros a day during one of the worst summers in memory and faced a mixture of weather, including a 40ft snow drift and a storm I was looking for a new of arctic proportions. All of this challenge. I wanted to was to raise money for two give something back to charities close to his heart, the National Parkinson Foundation my old regiment to help and the Household Cavalry with the rehabilitation of Foundation. Jack says: “Having injured soldiers. recently left the army, I was looking for a new challenge. I wanted to give something back to my old regiment to help with the rehabilitation of injured soldiers. I also have a number of family and friends who have worked hard over their careers, looking forward to retiring and fulfilling a lifetime of ambitions. Many of these people have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s very soon after retirement and therefore have been unable to complete their dreams.” www.themunrohunter.org.

followed by advice (with the help At Easter, Rosie Johnson (Fd 09) of translators) on dental health. went to Honduras to work with the charity Global Brigades along Honduras is notorious for its high with a number of other dental murder rate (one an hour), caused students from Cardiff University. by the drug trade, so security She writes: ‘While there, we were was an issue for us based in a rural with our supplies of hillside town called drugs and needles.

Chichicaste. Our Because of this, we aim was to offer worked out of a dental care to school and stayed people who had in a compound two very limited access hours’ drive away, by providing advice both continually and treatments. patrolled by armed Only expensive guards and we were bottled water not allowed outside is safe to drink of either. and the local Only expensive population drink bottled water It was hot, tiring Coca Cola as a is safe to drink work but really cheaper alternative. and the local rewarding as those Coupled with this, we treated were population few could afford very grateful. The toothbrushes and drink Coca Cola experience improved toothpaste so the as a cheaper my self-confidence in dental hygiene alternative. performing numerous was poor and quite difficult dental procedures many teeth were badly decayed. and hopefully my Spanish! Special We worked long hours assessing thanks to the OU Charity Fund everyone, then providing them for sponsoring me for this trip. with fillings or extractions, If you would like to apply for an OU Charity Fund grant, contact Jo Franklin at jsf@uppingham.co.uk.

Sam (M 04) and Chris Sharrock (L 70) The OU Charity Fund was also delighted to support Ivor Morton (L 60) who undertook the Three Castles’ Walk in June; Tim Heilbronn (L 70) and his wife Jackie who were the Fastest Mixed Team in the 54-mile Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp; Chris (L 70) and Sam Sharrock (M 04) who undertook The Gobi March 2015 and Huw Morgan (B 81) who successfully completed the British London 10k run in July.

Also supported were Jim Figgis (F 49) for his work with The Society for the Protection of African Children (S.P.A.C.); London Marathon runners Rachel Hills (J 91) and Georgie Field (J 07) and Henry Bowles (M 06) who completed the Athens Marathon.

Tristan Burwell (SH 01) and Hugh Richardson (Hf 00), 9th/12th Royal Lancers Marathon Des Sables Team, successfully completed the race across the Sahara in April raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund and Thomas Bramah (Fgh 03) also completed the event raising over £11,000 for Hope for Children (HOPE). The OU Charity Fund was also able to provide a small grant to Lucy Rymer (C 06) who travelled to Cambodia with Orkidstudio, a humanitarian design practice, to construct new facilities for the charity to help Cambodian children and to Sophie Macrae (Fd 04), a wonderful soprano who took to the stage in aid of CLIC Sargent in September.

See the OU website for further information about the OU Charity Fund and more stories from those who have been supported.

OU Charity Fund 43

London The

Dinner

Thursday 3rd March Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge ÂŁ85.00 per person (ÂŁ65.00 for OUs aged 29 and under) Includes: Pre-dinner drink Three course meal Half a bottle of wine.

Tickets are available from Jo Franklin 01572 820616 jsf@uppingham.co.uk