The magnolia tree

“I t all happened quite by chance when Roger Newnham generously included a few of us at a delightful lunch party he gave at The Charterhouse in the autumn of 2018,” explains John Sichel. Such a catch-up wasn’t uncommon for this particular group of old school friends (early 60s Hodgsonites) as they try to meet up periodically, despite now being scattered across the country.

Following the lunch they were fortunate enough to enjoy a tour around The Charterhouse, led by Stephen McGee, one of the Brothers. As the group passed through Washhouse Court, they noticed the rather sad appearance of a cherry tree that looked as if it had been dead for some time.

“I enquired about it,” confirms John, “perhaps a little publicly, and there was a definite feeling that such an appearance of decay was not appropriate to such a plucky and venerable institution.” Upon hearing that there was no plan to remove the tree and replace it with something else, the group of Old Hodgsonites began to forge a plan. Stephen put them in touch with Dominic Tickell, Development Director,

A tree for our Old Carthusians

On 2 May 2019, a new addition arrived at The Charterhouse – a Magnolia sieboldii. Roger Newnham (H65) and John Sichel (H65) explain why a group of Old Hodgsonites decided to get involved

who immediately grasped the possibilities, and having obtained consent from the little group of contemporaries, John embarked on the project with Dominic.

Firstly, the dead tree was cut down. All the soil was removed from the area where the old diseased tree was, to make sure that the new tree would not get the same disease. Secondly, a conversation took place between Dominic, the Old Hodgsonites and The Charterhouse’s gardener as to the best sort of tree. The gardener was keen on Magnolia loebneri, a white flowered magnolia which flowers just briefly in May. The OHs were concerned that a magnolia might be too tender and not last long, and stated a preference for a traditional fruit tree that the Carthusian monks would have been familiar with, and which might survive in the Courtyard for many generations, such as fig, quince or medlar. As a compromise, keen gardener

Below: Charles Evans planting the tree. Below left: Roger Newnham with the plaque

John suggested Magnolia sieboldii. This particular magnolia has a longer flowering time, extending over the summer, and the scented flowers are a beautiful pure white with deep crimson red stamens; “a fitting tribute,” John explains, “to symbolise the blood spilt on the pure white habits of our Carthusian monks when they were hung, drawn and quartered on the orders of Thomas Cromwell.”

The plan was to purchase a fully grown tree with the expense partly defrayed by a contribution from The Metropolitan Gardens Association. Dominic and The Charterhouse were kind enough to arrange for the group to come up to The Charterhouse to plant the tree. “We were really rather flattered,” explains Roger, “as we had no idea that Dominic had organised a plaque to acknowledge our donation.” The Master of The Charterhouse, Ann Kenrick OBE, and several Brothers were also in attendance and kindly took the old friends for lunch after the planting ceremony.

“Of course, the sums involved were small,” admits John, “and I am certain that all of us are involved, one way or another, with contributing more significant philanthropic gestures to our community, but I think we all felt that we could not pass up such a good opportunity to make an original, useful and hopefully lasting gesture for our alma mater.”

John Sichel (H65), Roger Newnham (H65), Charles Evans (H65), Philip Jolly (H65) and Richard Tassell (H65). b

A Message from The Charterhouse

The charity, established by Thomas Sutton in 1611, still supports the care of the Brothers who enjoy the latter years of their lives in the almshouse at The Charterhouse. Despite Sutton’s munificence, we must attract enough income and investment to ensure this can continue whilst also upkeeping and future-proofing the conservation of our extraordinary buildings and grounds. With seven centuries of significant London history to preserve, we have a huge obligation to raise the necessary income every year.

A historic jewel at the heart of The Charterhouse is the Tudor Great Chamber, thought to be the last surviving Great Chamber of this period still in London. With its splendid proportions, striking fireplace, beautiful leaded windows and ornate ceiling, it has delighted visitors over the last three years since we opened formally to the public. Our visitors discover they are walking in the footsteps of a young Elizabeth I as she prepared for her coronation surrounded by her Privy Council. Later, James I also used the Chamber as his alternative throne room, and many of his nobles were knighted there.

During WW2 the Great Chamber suffered severe bomb damage and

Above: Work in progress with the chandeliers removed. Below: The vision for the finished Great Chamber

the 1950s saw major renovation, based very closely on part of the room left untouched, by renowned architects and designers of the time.

The years since renovation have taken their toll on the Great Chamber, which now needs some more serious conservation work. To this end we applied for and won significant Heritage Lottery funding for a ‘Beautification and Refreshment’ project to refine and enhance the room. The project got under way in January 2020 and will last five months. We look forward to the grand reopening in summer and welcoming OCs to enjoy it for the next Founder’s Day Dinner!

F If you would like further information about the project or details on how you can help, please email development@thecharterhouse.org

RISING STARS

A profile of Fike Adebiyi, 2YS Chetwynd

With her natural empathy and passion for sustainability, budding engineer Fike Adebiyi has the potential to go far – and change the world for the better

‘‘Coming to Charterhouse was even better than I thought it would be,” says Fike. “My old school focused on drama and arts but I really like science and sports. I’m studying Pre-U Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and I’m hoping to study Materials and Engineering at either Loughborough or Imperial. I want to change the world with technological advancements, especially through solar and renewable energy. That’s why I joined the Sustainability Committee in my first year and am now Co-Chair in my second year.”

The Society was set up by Freddie Foulston (R19) and Margerita O'Connor (W19) and has gone from strength to strength. “With over 70 members, we’re now the biggest committee in School,” explains Fike. “It’s great! Everybody is interested in trying to create change at School, and we’re actually doing something and pushing things forward: meatfree breakfasts continue on Mondays; we have a page on the intranet Greyhound for sharing sustainable ideas; and in OQ we gave a talk in Chapel to highlight what we do.”

Of course, the Committee have had help and guidance along the way from both beaks and OCs. “OC Diana Almazova (F12) really helped when she came to talk to us,” enthuses Fike. “It’s thanks to her that we have sub-committees because she explained it would make the whole committee more effective. One looks at recycling, another at food, another at marketing, and so on.” This has given them more structure and allowed them to dream big: “One of our major goals right now,” says Fike, “is to reduce printing by 20% in every academic department. We’ve been posting league tables for each beak, and giving out commendations to departments that are printing less. Art, Sport and Biology have all been doing really well.”

Alongside her passion for sustainability, Fike is also a keen sportswoman, participating in House hockey and playing in the 1st XI netball squad. She’s also an

Building the future

enthusiastic footballer and participated in House football. Playing central midfield, Fike was part of the girls’ team that made it to the semi-finals at ISFA, a first for a Charterhouse girls’ team. “I have to say, Miss Edwards has helped a lot,” reflects Fike on the new Director of Girls’ Sport. “Girls’ sport is now being really pushed forward. We went on tour for netball to Dubai in February, and in the summer I hope to play tennis as well.”

Team sports and compassion are clearly both central to Charterhouse life for Fike, and nowhere is this more evident than Fike’s role as Head of House of Chetwynd. “I was sad to leave Pageites as they were my family for a year, but it’s great to have a fresh start in a girls’ House. Compared with last year, the girls have really come out of their shells. We now have a Head of House and girls' sports tournaments against other Houses. It feels like we have a voice now.”

As Head of Chetwynd, Fike feels a strong sense of responsibility to help the other girls settle in and suggest improvements. “I really enjoy that,” says Fike. “We have weekly meetings with the Housemistress to feed back on the girls and the structure, and she’s very open to our ideas. She’s probably the best Housemistress I’ve ever had in my five years of boarding! She’s very encouraging, always pushing us forward, not just watching from the sidelines.” Fike smiles broadly. “We’ve already won House hockey, House fives, swimming and singing!” With the School on track for full coeducation, it looks like the boys had better watch out! b

Fike photographed on Maniacs cricket pitch

RISING STARS

A profile of Gabriel Brown, 2YS Gownboys

Between campaigning for human rights and LGBTQ+ awareness, playing two musical instruments and singing in four choirs, Gabriel Brown is making the most of his time at Charterhouse

Gabriel photographed outside Gownboys

Gabriel is a Music Scholar in his final year at Gownboys. “I play piano and oboe, and sing, all to Grade 8. I’m also learning the organ. I’m in all four choirs, Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Music Society, which all adds up to a lot of evenings! I especially look forward to choir on Tuesdays as we do Evensong,” beams Gabriel.

Good time management seems key to Gabriel’s success, especially as he juggles four Pre-U subjects - Philosophy & Theology, Government & Politics, English and History. Gabriel’s love of debate has led him to be involved with the Model United Nations (MUN) this year. “I’ve done two conferences so far this year: at the last one I was on the Human Rights Council for Saudi Arabia – which didn’t really align with my personal opinions! But it was good and I really enjoyed it. There are so many ways of debating issues, and I generally like to take a legal standpoint. In a nutshell, you debate a resolution, such as a list of proposals, and you can amend them, debate the amendments and then debate the resolution as a whole. It’s a great way to develop public speaking skills,” concludes Gabriel.

The programme of MUN also links closely to Gabriel’s interests in human rights. “I’ve always been interested in human rights. A teacher at my last school told me about Amnesty International (AI) and I thought it was very exciting. In my first year here Mr Shepherd said he was running AI and I decided to join. In the Remove I became the Head of the Society and I’ve held this position quite

mindsOpening

a while now. The Society is really big at the moment – with some 40 members – and this year we’re trying to start a magazine about the work we do. This will include opinion pieces on feminism, digital authoritarianism and the recent events in Hong Kong. We also fundraise through the BTT interval refreshments and hold an AI Chapel service annually.

There is a lot of complacency here at Charterhouse. The privilege does get the better of us at times and it’s important to be aware of global issues. I was quite militant about human rights at first,” reflects Gabriel, “but pure belief in human rights isn’t enough. It’s about showing people different points of view, and allowing them to develop personally. There’s a huge range of opinions in AI and it’s good to have an open forum for discussion.”

Gabriel also takes the lead with Pride Society, formerly Equality Society. “We get 30 people attending at a time,” says Gabriel. “I don’t think this would have happened five years ago, and it’s a real testament to the students. We recently led a Chapel service on Pride, starting to break the taboo of speaking about LGBTQ+ rights. I think a lot of people found it controversial and political, and some were perhaps embarrassed. But we were only stating facts and raising awareness of the Society and our efforts. Our next objective is to develop a diversity awards programme, hopefully in conjunction with the Inclusivity Committee, to create a list of objectives for Houses. If the Houses complete them, they will get an awards stamp, which will be a wonderful way to celebrate inclusion and diversity.”

Gabriel hopes to study Theology at Cambridge, where he can continue his love of music and human rights. b

OC NEWS OC NEWS

A fond farewell to Margaret

After 35 years at the School as a much-loved point of contact for Old Carthusians, it’s the end of an era for Charterhouse with the retirement of Margaret Mardall

Margaret Mardall has worked for five Headmasters and seen many changes. She arrived at Charterhouse in 1985 and stepped up to the role of OC Recorder in 1990, co-ordinating parent tours for Admissions, keeping in touch with Old Carthusians worldwide, organising Carthusian Day and other OC reunions, and sending out news and information. She has ably supported the OC Club Committee as its calm and efficient minute-taker and administrator for many years.

Margaret was the first person that prospective young Carthusians and their parents would meet when they arrived for a tour of the School, and she would follow their progress through Charterhouse with interest. She also recorded and announced the births, marriages and deaths of Old Carthusians, liaising with bereaved families with great sensitivity and ensuring that notices and obituaries were published in accordance with their wishes. She has truly provided a ‘cradle to grave’ service, and her tremendous kindness and tact made her a much-loved figure.

In 2008, Margaret began sharing her time between her role as OC Recorder and archival work – a new challenge for which her detailed knowledge of the School was particularly useful.

Margaret is retiring at the end of LQ2020 to take a well-deserved rest and devote more time to her family – in particular, her new granddaughter. We wish her a long and very happy retirement. b

Happy exchanges and shared memories over food and drinks as OCs gather for their warmly anticipated reunions

50 1969 Leavers On 21 September 2019, a glorious – 1969 –LEAVERS lunch was shared by OCs in the Saunders Room, 50 years on from leaving the School in 1969. Some of the group took a few seconds to recognise faces, but before long they were chatting merrily, reliving details of the School in the late 60s and sharing anecdotes and stories.

The Headmaster welcomed all guests and to give an overview of the many changes that have taken place over the years. Tim Pyper (G70) said after the event, “It was great to catch up, over a very decent lunch, with people who I hadn’t met for half a century: the common experience of having been at the School together all those years ago means that there is always something to talk about and memories – both good and bad! – to be relived.” Charles Bennie (G69) agreed that “the day was a wonderful opportunity to meet with fellow ’69 leavers and recollect the many memories that we all had at Charterhouse”.

25 1994 Leavers 21 September also saw some 50 OCs – 1994 –LEAVERS catching up in London. Many of them hadn’t seen each other for 25 years so the night was a great excuse to catch up and reconnect.

Our thanks to Dan Cottam (g94) for coordinating this event.

10 2009 Leavers, pictured above “The 2009 leavers – 2009 –LEAVERS congregated in the basement of a London pub, numbering about 60 people. Some had flown in specifically for the event and everyone commented how pleasant it was to see each other after so many

HOUSE ASSOCIATIONS

OP The Old Pageite Association met for the latest of their dinners in the very special surroundings of the House of Commons. Around 50 OPs gathered in the Churchill Dining Room to hear Old Pageite Charles Miskin QC (P70) share stories of his time at Charterhouse. A highly respected barrister, known for his thoroughly entertaining after dinner speeches, Charles’s reminiscences were incredibly well received.

The evening, as ever, was a great success, with some fresh but familiar faces joining in for the first time in many years. This reinforces just what a vibrant old House association Pageites is becoming.

The event was hosted by Old Pageites Association chairman years. While a few carried on later than others, the night was a huge success, captured in this photo from the end of the event. Many thanks to everyone for their efforts in fitting it into their schedule.” Mark Garnier MP (P81), and guests included former Housemaster Timothy Lewis (BH63–94) and his wife Ruth.

Of course, these events are made a success by the diversity of the attendees and a range of nearly six decades was represented by those who came.

The committee of the Old Pageite Association is keen to ensure we continue as a vibrant association and are looking for more members to make sure the events we hold continue to be a great success. With biennial dinners, and drinks receptions in the intervening years, there are plenty of opportunities for OPs to get together, network and catch up on news. Our next event will be a drinks reception in central London in summer 2020.

Our thanks to Hugo Scheckter (P09) for coordinating this event. F For more information about all upcoming reunions please contact foundation@charterhouse.org.uk or

visit www.charterhouseconnect.org.uk OR The Old Robinites Association held its annual dinner at the East India Club on Tuesday 10 September 2019. The 103 attendees included former Housemasters Hugh Gammell (BH78–16) and Stephen Hearn (BH85–) (who retired as Housemaster at the end of CQ 2019), the new Housemaster Andrew Brinkley (BH19–) plus the joint heads of the House, Jamie Hollingworth and Tom Wainwright.

There were speeches by Stuart Bell (R76), acting Chairman, welcoming the new Housemaster and thanking Stephen Hearn for his many years of excellent service to the House, followed by Ollie Goode (R11) and Mat Pisk (R11) who shared selected memories of Stephen Hearn’s tenure as Housemaster. Stephen Hearn was made an honorary Old Robinite. b

The Biennial OCAS Exhibition

Artists and supporters filled Concert Hall for the Sixth OC Art Society Exhibition

More than 30 Carthusian artists showed their work at September’s exhibition, including notable OC artists such as the late Peter Hedegaard (P47) (by arrangement with Rocket Gallery, London), the Studio team and OCAS members. The show also included work by winners of the new OCAS Prize for Second Year Arts Specialists – Millie Vacher (V18), Clara Popescu (F19) and Raluca Baicu (F19).

The prizes were again generously sponsored by Levison Meltzer Pigott and, for the first time, the winners were decided by a people’s vote from a shortlist drawn up by distinguished OC sculptor William Pye (L56). It was wonderful to

Pieces on show at the exhibition

see so many people exploring and discussing the work as a result. First prize went to Peter Monkman (BH04–) for ‘Head Boy/Head Girl Abstracted’; second prize to Jane Allison (S77) for ‘Aspects of Abbott’s’; and third prize to Richard Brazier (H92) for ‘Study for The Two Men’.

On top of four exhibition days there were private views that filled Concert Hall and two days of pupil talks and activities led by OCAS artists Rob Dunt (B89) and Giles Angel (L95). Our thanks to the School, particularly Peter Monkman, the Art department and the Headmaster – who gave a passionate speech about the arts.

The other 2019 highlight was the OCAS Feast in May. After a tour of London’s Unknown Sculpture Garden, OCAS artists, collectors and guests enjoyed a magnificent meal on the South Bank Tower roof terrace. b

F Whether you’re an artist or just enjoy art, we’d love you to join us at our events. To receive information (and enjoy reduced rates) please contact ocas@hotmail.co.uk or the Foundation Office, foundation@charterhouse.org.uk

How Tessa ruffled a few feathers

This year the OC Media & Literary Society (OCMLS) Annual Dinner saw Tessa Boase (g86) reveal the extraordinary story behind the RSPB. Adam Coulter (S87), Chair of the OCMLS, reports

Our dinner this year took place at a new venue for the society – the House of St Barnabas in Soho. The dinner was attended by OCs from a number of different houses and years. Tessa Boase (g86) was the guest speaker, and proved a popular choice.

Tessa read English at Oxford, then worked in journalism for 20 years both as a commissioning editor for the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, and as a freelance features writer. More recently she’s written two social histories: The Housekeeper’s Tale and Mrs Pankhurst’s Purple Feather, which uncovers the untold women’s story of the early RSPB.

Members of the OCMLS gather at the House of St Barnabas to hear Tessa Boase give her fascinating talk

Tessa gave a fascinating talk encompassing the suffragette movement, the huge demand for feathers from exotic birds for hats in the early part of the last century, and the origins of the RSPB.

We learnt that the RSPB was in fact founded by Victorian women campaigning against feathered hats, largely airbrushed out of history – until this book came along and ruffled a few feathers.

Thanks to Tessa, the leading light of the original RSPB, Edith Lemon, has now won the recognition she deserves with a plaque commemorating her achievements.

The Annual Dinner is always a highlight of the year for the OCMLS, now in its 10th year, and is a great opportunity for networking and catching up. b

F The OCMLS is open to any OC who works in the media and arts. Anyone interested in attending an event or joining the club should do so via www.charterhouseconnect.org.uk

Will moves in

After many years coordinating the OC Property Club, Andrew Wilmot-Smith (H90) stood down from his position as Hon. Sec. in 2019. We’d like to thank him for all his work over the years.

Will Clark (g01) has now taken on the role. Will is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of MyHomeGroup Ltd, and how those women have been an online estate agency which is revolutionising how property across the UK is sold. Will has embraced the OC community with Harry Hopper (G04) and Robbie Hughes (W15) heading up the Ops and Sales respectively.

With such innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, we can expect some exciting events over the coming few years. The Club is open to anyone working in, or interested in, the property market.

F To join, please register via www. charterhouseconnect.org.uk

Will Clark, Hon. Sec. of the OC Property Club

Sailing high

Bessie’s Gallop rounded off a satisfying year for OC Yacht Club

The OC Yacht Club AGM was held in March at Brooke Hall with a fantastic dinner upstairs and a fascinating talk by Lord Wakeham (H49) about his outings on Frensham Pond.

April heralded the Belvidere Cup and, helmed by Tim Tolcher (P84), with Ed Britton (P82) and James Le Couilliard (H83) in the cockpit and Charlie Kitching (D14) on the foredeck, we came a respectable fourth.

June saw a marvellous handicap race from Yarmouth to Poole, easily won by the Commodore, David Aisher (S68), and followed by an excellent dinner hosted by David Macey (P72) at the Royal Motor YC.

June also saw us racing with School at the Royal Yacht Squadron in the J/70 fleet for the Baden-Powell Ship Trophy – a magnificent silver ship donated by our first commodore Lord Baden Powell for inter-house racing. Teams of pupils, OCs, beaks and parents took up the formal challenge issued by the New Houses to the Old with the New Houses narrowly pipping the Old Houses.

A fleet of 10 OCYC-skippered yachts competed in Round the Island but virtually all of these retired in the region of Ventnor to Ryde, having expected a much quicker rounding. Xara pressed on home to win the Cecil Donne Cup for OCYC yachts in IRC as well as the Beaumont Bowl for all OCYC yachts.

In September, a superb team racing match was held between School and OCYC at Frensham for the OCYC Sailing Challenge Trophy. The racing was extremely close: even with

Left: The Baden Powell

Sailing Trophy. Above:

Hon. Sec’s Eagle

30 seconds to go in the last race it seemed that School had the match in the bag but the OCYC crews knew not to sail up to ‘Dead Boat’s Head’ on the pond and just pipped School. The Headmaster and Mrs Henny Peterken joined us for match tea, with Henny presenting the prize.

After a small rally into Yarmouth in the summer, we sent our crew of 12 into the Arrow Trophy with high hopes. With almost no wind, some small races were held over the Bramble but we never got into our stride.

The season ended in November with a splendid pursuit race – Bessie’s Gallop (named for being held on the nearest Saturday to the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I forming her first Privy Council at the London Charterhouse). A total of six OCYC yachts pulled into Squadron Haven as our 29 crew celebrated at the Squadron’s Castle in Cowes. b

Our golfers lead the way

Nick Moore (R67) presenting Charlie Thomas (W14) with the Scratch Cup at Autumn Meeting

John Pearmund (B71), Honorary Secretary of the Old Carthusian Golfing Society, reflects on success from tee to green across 2019.

“Last year was a good one for the society, reaching the quarter finals in both of the major Old School competitions in the Halford Hewitt and Grafton Morrish. Many members of the Society enjoyed up-to-the-minute commentary via WhatsApp on the state of the matches, including our critical win at the second extra hole in the deciding match against Radley in the Hewitt, when Ryan McKinnia (L07) holed our second shot from 205 yards for an eagle two. The drama was just as intense in our match against Birkenhead at the Grafton but, unfortunately, we couldn’t win the critical point.

In June, we won the Senior Darwin at Woking represented by James Davis (V64), Giles Guthrie (L61), Nick Moore (R67, OCGS President), Michael Robinson (H68, OCGS Captain), Anthony Wreford (L70, then President of the MCC) and myself, beating Tonbridge in the final.

Debut victory for OC Netball

Saturday 18 January 2020 saw the first of what will hopefully be many OC netball matches. Playing against the School’s 1st VII, competition was fierce but the OCs eventually came out victorious, winning 26–19.

Our thanks to Alex Munns (R07) and Nicola Edwards, new Director of Girls’ Sport, for bringing life to this initiative.

F Anyone interested in playing or just keeping informed about netball and other OC Girls’ sports, please contact foundation@charterhouse.org.uk

Our spring meeting was played at Royal Cinque Ports in May, during which conditions were so windy that the OCGS flag could not be brought down from the Deal flagpole. Attendance at the Autumn Meeting in September at The Berkshire was up on last year, and in among the prizes again were Michael Robinson and Max Williams (V04), who won The Wreford Brown foursomes for a second year in a row. Nick Beck (V71) won the Kenya Cup, a knockout competition, during the summer and, in August, the annual Under 25/Over 25 match was played at the Berkshire and won by the Overs after a sudden-death play-off.

Congratulations also go to Mark Benka (W91), our Hewitt Captain, who won the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society’s President’s Putter competition at Rye in January for the second time.” b