The Lavenham Press, Water Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9RN CONTACT THE ALUMNI TEAM [email protected]

Mary Hancox Alumni & Development Manager 01730 711695

Tanya Darlow Head of Development 01730 711662

Rob Reynolds Director of External Relations 01730 711577

STAY CONNECTED to your Old Bedalian community Facebook Twitter Like us: Follow us: @bedalesschool LinkedIn Instagram Join us: Bedales Alumni Follow us: @bedalesschool OB Bulletins Subscribe: [email protected] CONTENTS

WELCOME 2 HEAD’S REFLECTIONS ON 2020 3 OB EVENTS – REVIEW OF 2020 4 REUNIONS 6 A YEAR AT BEDALES 7 THE TRIALS OF COMRADE DUCH 11 HOME FOR MAKERS AND CREATORS 13 NEW AND IMPROVED MUSEUM 16 CLIMATE EMERGENCY CENTRES 18 MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER 20 CENTURY OF PLAYERS AROUND BEDALES 27 RETHINKING ASSESSMENT 30 ROLE OF OUTDOOR LEARNING 32 READING LIST – FRAMES OF REFERENCE 34 WHAT’S ON MR BADLEY’S BOOKSHELF? 37 THIS ENVELOPE CONTAINED A SECRET 40 BEDALES BUILDINGS UPDATE 43 JOHN BADLEY FOUNDATION 45 BEDALES GRANTS TRUST FUND 49 OB PROFILES 50 NEWS IN BRIEF 52 OBITUARIES 59 BIRTHS, ENGAGEMENTS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS 81 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2020 82

Thank you to Matthew Rice (1975-80) for the front cover drawing.

Contents • 1 WELCOME

Sylvia Kahn-Freund (1964-70), Chair of the Bedales Association Steering Group

his year has been different and Several OB events did actually unstinting in his contribution to T challenging. Our newsletter take place early in the year; there the Bedales Association, not only illustrates that even in 2020 life at was another successful Under 25s through his work for the Steering Bedales retained its usual inventiveness drinks gathering in January at Bar Group but also for his real and and positive approach which underpins Topolski in and two careers sympathetic individual interactions so much of the three schools’ ethos. events on Business/Consultancy during his many years as part of Spring term ended early with (see picture below) and Third Sector, the community. You can read his lockdown and a growing awareness whilst a third event in Fashion/Art/ obituary on page 70. of the potential dangers posed by the Design went ahead virtually. Beyond Communications with OBs and COVID-19 virus. Remote learning Bedales careers events went virtual the wider community are changing; was the order of the day during the but as ever the Bedales Association more communication through social Summer term, but students returned is so grateful to all those OBs who media and half-termly e-bulletins. for the Autumn term and school life give their time to help students in However, your emails, letters or calls and teaching continued suitably socially 6.1 and 6.2 find their way through to the Alumni Office are always very distanced. You can read more about the post-Bedales life choices. You welcome. There have also been some how this worked out on pages 7-10. can find out more on pages 4 and 5. changes to the personnel in the Regardless of lockdown and Parents’ Day was virtual and External Relations office; sadly Leana curtailed social interaction the school many of the music, dance and drama Seriau was furloughed shortly after has maintained its outward, global contributions can still be seen at returning from maternity leave and focus; a number of you will have been bedales.org.uk/parentsday. Reunions has since left. We are very grateful co-signatories on the letter to the in person did not happen and sadly for all her work over the years for Head (full text available in the June the Bedales Dog Show, OB Charity the BA. Alex Beckmann, who covered e-bulletin) about increasing critical Football Match, Stansted Players Leana’s maternity leave and left at assessment of equality, diversity production, and Stoner Week cricket the end of it, has returned to the and privilege across the curriculum, were cancelled. school in an admissions role. As ever and many of you will have joined The Steering Group did not on behalf of the BA membership I the fundraising effort for the Rural meet in person this year. The Group, would like to thank Rob and Mary in Refugee Network in a combination of and the wider Bedales community, the External Relations office for virtual and actual activity – find more suffered a huge loss in March holding the fort and keeping in touch on these events on pages 34 and 8. when Philip Parsons died. He was with the OB community.

2 • Welcome HEAD’S REFLECTIONS ON 2020

Magnus Bashaarat, Head between beds would have heralded something approaching privacy. But in 1913 ‘Health’ and ‘Freedom’ were first and second, and the students’ experience in 2020 has been that the primacy of the first has compromised the second. Joan King, who came to teach at Bedales in 1921, recalled rules about ‘when to get up, when to have cold baths, when to have meals, what shoes were worn… what and when to wear in the way of uniform, when to take a siesta (which had to be silent), when to do games, when to have showers, and even how to do your hair (Mrs Badley did not approve of side partings or slides) (Wake and Denton; 1993). We don’t do cold baths now, but we do have to manage mealtimes homas Hardy’s poem, In Time of of leaves like crooked hands reaching in COVID pods, and the games T ‘The Breaking of Nations’ was to a slate grey sky. programme too has had to happen written in 1915, one year into the war We managed to get to the end within year group pods and boarders to end all wars that the jingoists had of the Autumn term without closing and day students separate too. Our predicted would be over by Christmas. the school, with infection kept more later start to the academic day has For a gloomy old soul who had or less at the school gates, and not happened, but COVID restrictions have eschewed writing fiction after the death ripping through the student and staff meant that the full benefit across all of his first wife, Emma, in 1912, Hardy’s communities as many other schools the Blocks has yet to be fully felt. So we poem does quite a good job searching had experienced. In 1913, a year still decide when students get up, but at for reassurance, continuity and signs of before Hardy wrote his poem, Bedales least it’s later than used to be the case. life at home, against the background celebrated its 21st birthday, and Badley Bedales’ creative output in our of death and devastation abroad. had ‘rehearsed what he thought the remote learning term was extraordinary, school was about: Health, Freedom, with the end of term finale being “Only thin smoke without flame Comradeship, Service, Religion’ (Wake a brilliantly engineered Rock Show, From the heaps of couch-grass; and Denton; 1993). The 1923 Bedales’ bringing together past and present Yet this will go onward the same rules that we file past outside the performers from all over the world in Though Dynasties pass.” quad on our way to the dining room a wonderful evening of collaboration. are the closest thing I feel we have to The collective re-interpretation of The parochial, local and seasonal offer Moses’ tablets. The second rule shows Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain has become reassurance at a time of national and Badley’s awareness of how quickly one of my Bedales Vimeo go-to international conflict and rupture. This disease can be transmitted in a school highlights, made even more poignant has certainly been my experience over environment; perhaps he had recent this year as Peter Green, founder this past year, looking out over the recollections of ‘flu outbreaks at Rugby. member of the group died in July. orchard for hours, days and months, My own experience at prep school, The school’s full, busy life has continued from 18 March, when Gavin Williamson where we slept in dormitories of 45 unabated, following the Summer term managed to achieve what the Spanish with no curtains or carpets, was that of remote learning, and then socially ‘Flu and the Great War hadn’t, and close once patient zero went down with distanced from September, but the Bedales. Apple blossom, then trees in ‘flu, we tended to follow Kissinger’s output and enjoyment have been full leaf singed yellow by unrelenting domino theory in alphabetical order, undimmed. The richness and variety of sun, then apples growing small and which was how the beds were spaced, experience amongst the extended OB hard, then falling to the sodden ground with no deviation; Atkins, Barker, Barry, community is captured in these pages, in autumn, and now trees stripped bare Bashaarat, Beach, Brett, two metres and I you enjoy reading them.

Head’s Reflections on 2020 • 3 OB EVENTS – REVIEW OF 2020

Ann Donnelly talk on Oswald Powell – 16 January 2020

“It is never good for the governed or for the government that injustice should be tolerated without protest,” began Oswald Powell in his letter to the Hants & Sussex News in 1913. At the time he was fighting alongside Winifred Powell in solidarity with all women, in a society that took women’s work, money and lives whilst refusing them the right to be seen as people. The Powells would protest this injustice for five more years before any UK women had voting rights. They confronted the tax authorities, took local action in Petersfield and international action at a Budapest conference, and of course, tried to l to r: Magnus Bashaarat, Ann Donnelly and Bedales librarians Ian Douglas and Matilda McMorrow model social change in their work at Bedales. This collaborative, action-driven John Badley, whose name we might granddaughter, Ann Donnelly. Ann gave spirit seems to have been at the heart be more familiar with. This is why it a talk on this unique man in the Lupton of the man who co-founded Bedales, was a privilege to hear about Powell Hall with insight and detail nobody else and certainly put life into the ideas of from a who knew him – his could have. (See her article on page 20).

OB Drinks: Bar Topolski – 30 January 2020

We were pleased to catch up with 50 Old Bedalians in London at a reunion for 18-25 year olds. OBs gathered at Bar Topolski in Waterloo, where they shared post-school experiences with each other and caught up with some of their former teachers over drinks and tapas. Enjoying drinks with OBs were Gordon Dale and Nick Meigh in addition to Alex Beckmann and Rob Reynolds from the External Relations team.

Beyond Bedales: Business and Consultancy – 31 January 2020

The second Beyond Bedales career event took place for current students. OBs Charlotte Glass (2008-10), Robin Nuttall (1981-88) and Ollie Waterhouse (2005-08), were joined by a friend of the school and three current parents on the panel. Organisations represented included Google, IBM and McKinsey & Company and the event covered careers in consulting, marketing, law, finance, IT and research. The Q&A session involved students asking key questions about the importance of sustainability in business strategies and the future impact of Artificial Intelligence. The evening was a great success with OBs offering such inspiration and enthusiastic support for current students.

4 • OB Events – Review of 2020 OB EVENTS – REVIEW OF 2020

Beyond Bedales: Third Sector – Beyond Bedales: Art, Fashion and Design – 15 May 2020 28 February 2020 We held our first virtual Beyond had been a musician and worked in Speakers including Katie Schuster Bedales careers event, covering the healthcare; Matthew Shave (1984-86), (2000-10), Communications Executive fashion and design industries. Students an acclaimed photographer of at Ellen MacArthur Foundation, spent an hour and a half listening 25 years whose lucky break came and parent Alex Mayhook-Walker, to and engaging with our sector when he submitted his portfolio to Partner at Citrus Advisors; Special experts: Zoe Berman (1998-2003), a prestigious magazine; Alexander Advisor, Africa Oil Corp spoke on who is a founding director of UK Bond (1994-99) and Fraser Park the theme of sustainability, renewable based design group Studio Berman; (current parent), both of whom energy, responsibly sourcing gems Juliette Bigley (1991-96), who had work for The Business of Fashion and oil, fundraising and working in an interesting career path to her life and discussed the alternative roles communications for non-profits. now as a sculptor, before which she within the fashion world. There were questions on the change in demand for renewable energy, opportunities for apprenticeships Digital Rock Show – 2 July 2020 and how they think that has changed in recent years. The event was a On the penultimate night of term, the community was treated to a very great success and we were pleased special online Summer Rock Show, led by Head of Contemporary Music, Neil to have another fantastic range of Hornsby, and with a number of OB guest appearances for which the school OBs to share their knowledge and was hugely grateful. Do have a listen to the original Bedales talent… and some experiences with students. old favourites at vimeo.com/bedalesschool

Product Design collaboration with architect Patrick Lewis – November 2020

6.1 Product Design students started a new architecture-based project to design a new stand-alone learning space situated on the school estate. The project was kick-started in collaboration with architect Patrick Lewis (1992-97) who offered an authentic, professional and objective perspective. Head of Design, Alex McNaughton launched the project alongside Patrick via an online video conference where they set out the constraints of the task and allocated each of the students a prominent historical designer and two driving materials to focus research and to use as inspiration for the designs and concepts. Patrick later visited school for one-to-one COVID-safe critiques with each student where they presented him with their research, showed him initial material investigations and discussed some early design intentions. Students were very grateful for Patrick’s help and industry insights.

OB Events – Review of 2020 • 5 REUNIONS

e were very sad last year when reunion in September which was also cancelled events as well as this year’s W we realised the June 10, 25 unable to take place due to the COVID reunions. The years affected are: and 40 year reunions could not take restrictions. place due to the closure of all schools At the time of writing, Parents’ Day 2020 reunions: 2021 reunions: in the Summer term. The reunions is scheduled for Saturday 26 June 2021, n Class of 2010 n Class of 2011 would have traditionally taken place on but we are unable to confirm any n Class of 1995 n Class of 1996 Parents’ Day (which was a virtual event arrangements for the 2021 reunions. n Class of 1980 n Class of 1981 in 2020 – see page 8). In addition, we As soon as we can, we will put in place n Class of 1970 n Class of 1971 would have liked to host a 50 year the arrangements to re-instate last year’s

6 • Reunions A YEAR AT BEDALES A selection of stories to give a flavour of life at Bedales in 2020

MARCH – Singing Evensong at Queens’ College, Cambridge By Sampson Keung, 6.2 and Music Don The Bedales Choir had the opportunity to go to the and join the Choir from Queens’ College for their Evensong service in the college chapel. It was a wonderful experience to sing in a beautiful chapel with fantastic acoustics and such a rich history. Repertoires from the evening included Dyson’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in D, as well as Haydn’s Insanae et vanae curae and music by William Smith and Richard Farrant which was composed in the Elizabethan period. The service was conducted by Queens’ College Director of Music, Ralph Allwood MBE, who, some will remember, visited Bedales in October 2019 for JANUARY – Bedales joins Round Square; a sight-reading workshop. As well as the Evensong service, international network of like-minded schools we had the chance to take a tour around King’s College, By Al McConville, Director of Learning and Innovation Cambridge with Old Bedalian Josh Mazas (2007-15), who is studying Spanish and Portuguese there. We have received the very good news that Bedales has been accepted into the Round Square organisation. Round Square is an international network of schools inspired by the educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn, who had corresponded with John Badley, and who himself founded schools based on experiential learning principles. The Bedales ethos has a great deal of resonance with the six ‘IDEALS’ of Round Square, which are Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service, and we plan to use our membership of the network to learn from and teach other member schools about how to enact these ideals even more successfully than we (or they) currently do.

FEBRUARY – Why is life the way it is? – Professor Nick Lane at annual Eckersley Lecture By Richard Sinclair, Head of Science The annual Eckersley Lecture was given by Professor Nick Lane of University College London (UCL). Nick Lane is an evolutionary biochemist who tackles some of the most fundamental questions in biology, and his lecture explored the theme of Why is life the way it is? The underlying science was at times quite challenging, but Professor Lane adeptly APRIL – Supporting the local community presented it in clear and manageable portions, carrying From an essential supplies shop to a mobile library service, the audience through the work of many great scientists staff and students at Bedales have rallied to support the (including Peter Mitchell, Carl Woese and John Walker), as local community during the Coronavirus crisis. As the UK well as his own research at UCL. Professor Lane was keen entered lockdown on 23 March, Bedales’ Head of Catering, to stress just how much is not known in this field, and there Matt Potts responded to news that many members of the are many questions for which we simply do not have an local community and staff were having trouble getting hold of answer, yet – there is plenty of work for the biologists of household staples in their local supermarkets by opening up tomorrow to get to grips with! This was another outstanding the school’s larder to set up a supplies shop. Stocking a range Eckersley Lecture and we are very grateful to Professor of essentials – from dried pasta and tinned tomatoes to fresh Lane for taking the time to visit Bedales and deliver it. fruit and vegetables – as well as offering individually packed frozen meals prepared by the school’s Catering department,

A Year at Bedales • 7 A YEAR AT BEDALES

the shop predominantly serves residents in Steep and nearby raw materials to bring out their inner possibilities. We have Steep Marsh, making around 10 to 20 deliveries per day, six two dance performances: Household and Site-Specific Solos. days a week. The statistics speak for themselves – since the Both these films reflect the creativity and innovation that supplies shop launched on 24 March, 616 chicken breasts, our dancers have shown while being in the confines of their 5040 eggs, 312 loaves of bread and 460 frozen meals have homes and gardens. The Ash Girl (our Summer Production) been dispatched. will be shown, reimagined as a site-specific, animated radio play performed by Block 3 and 4 students. Our Music Concert showcases the skill and enthusiasm of our musicians, MAY – #SyriatoSteep – We’ve arrived! and the annual student-directed production is reinvented as By Rob Reynolds, Director of External Relations a film combining visuals, poetry, and performance. All of these Thank you so much to all who joined in our #SyriatoSteep performances are available on our school video channel challenge in this final week before the half term break. We vimeo.com/bedalesschool have been overwhelmed by the support and energy out there. All contributions helped us head closer to the target – we thought covering the 4,066 km distance from Idlib to Bedales in a week would be a big challenge, but with your help, we had it nailed on Wednesday. Today (Friday) is our final day and we have already surpassed 6,000 kms. At time of writing, £5,105 has been raised for the Rural Refugee Network and John Badley Foundation, two charities helping transform the lives of people who face severe challenges, and many of whom are in extremely vulnerable situations. Thank you to those who have already generously supported.

JUNE – New issue of Poet’s Stone poetry magazine By Berit Pill, 6.2 Every year a collection of beautiful original Bedalian writing is published in The Poet’s Stone magazine. This year is a little different: owing to the lockdown, we have put together the work online. We were able to create a great finished piece, thanks to the considerable efforts of all who contributed. As ever, the contributions from students across the school years created a variety of topics including some linked to our current circumstances. The written work is complemented by artwork from Georgie Du Boulay and photos by Alex Campbell. We would love for you to read the wonderful hard work that the students have put in. bedales.org.uk/parentsday

JULY – Virtual Parents’ Day Parents’ Day is our annual day of celebration of our students’ creativity and abilities. This year, however, we know we won’t be together on the Orchard. What we do have, are many of those events and opportunities students and parents have come to love. Students and staff have worked hard this term to create this year’s digital offering and that concerted industry has given rise to a wonderfully creative output. Throughout the day, you’ll be able to drop in on the art and design exhibition and marvel at the ways students have used

8 • A Year at Bedales A YEAR AT BEDALES

Gosport. The Independent Schools’ AMCIS Awards recognise and celebrate campaigns which have made a significant impact on schools and their communities. The aim of the collaboration with The Key has been to develop a mutually beneficial relationship. For Bedales students, the aim has been to broaden their understanding of different social and economic circumstances from their own and associated educational challenges. For students at The Key, the aim has been to give them experiences to which they would not ordinarily have access, developing their vocational skills and extending the range of future opportunities. Staff at The Key identified a group of young people to work with Bedales and develop vocational skills. Bedales Outdoor Work has been the site of weekly visits, with students from The Key taking part in activities including blacksmithing, animal husbandry, pizza baking, and woodwork – supervised by Bedales staff, and often alongside Bedales students.

AUGUST – Bedales students progress to top global universities – update OCTOBER – New courses update: Music Students at Bedales are celebrating securing places at Technology, Sport BTEC and Living with the some of the most prestigious educational institutions Land following the publication of A Level results this year with One of the most exciting things about the Music Technology 31 students set to study at QS World top 100 universities. A Level that we are now offering is that a significant amount This year’s high achievers include: Toby Fairs, who achieved of the course can be specifically tailored to each individual four A*s in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further student’s musical passions. Whilst the final practical projects Mathematics, as well as an A grade in his Extended Project in 6.2 are set to structured briefs, there is a lot of leeway Qualification (EPQ), and will now go on to study Chemistry within that structure to explore different genres of music. at the University of St Andrews; Head Student and So far this term we have listened to and analysed lots of academic scholar Norpell Wilberforce, who gained three music recorded by successful Old Bedalians who started A*s in Psychology, English Literature and Religious Studies, their musical journeys in the very studio our current plus a further A* in his EPQ; and Freya Leonard, who students have their lessons in. also achieved three A*s in Art, Mathematics and English Literature. An academic and art scholar, Freya was one of only two Bedales students selected to attend the Round Square International Conference in India last year. Other students achieving the highest grades include academic scholar Thomasina Rowntree, whose three A*s in Latin, English Literature and History have earned her an offer of a place to read English Literature at Newcastle University; and music scholar Mary Wang, who gained two A*s in Mathematics and History and a D1 in Music Pre-U and will read Music at Durham University. Read more: bedales.org.uk/news/bedales-students-progress- top-global-universities-update

SEPTEMBER – National award for partnership work By Rob Reynolds, Director of External Relations Bedales has won a national award for its partnership work with The Key Education Centre, a pupil referral unit in

A Year at Bedales • 9 A YEAR AT BEDALES

In the new Sport BTEC introduced in September, students are studying the sports coaching and development options and have started by looking at the roles and responsibilities of a sports coach and what legislation and school policy affects them as a coach. There have been some case studies of coaching in action at the top level as students learn about coaching theories before beginning to develop their own style through planning, preparation and delivery of coaching sessions after half term. The Living with the Land course aims to equip students with the necessary practical skills to live lightly off the land, and enable them to look at the issues surrounding the environment and our impact upon it. It is a natural progression from our Outdoor Work Bedales Assessed Course, however it goes into far greater depth and includes significant self-directed work, including a portfolio and a ‘major’ project in the final year.

NOVEMBER – Multidisciplinary performer kicks off new Sixth Form Wellbeing programme By Kirsten McLintock, Head of Wellbeing & PSHE The new Sixth Form Wellbeing programme has launched with a performance and Q&A in the Theatre with multidisciplinary writer and performer, Tanaka Mhishi. Showcasing current and past work, Tanaka’s visit gave students the opportunity to gain insight into a career which blends social activism, artistic practice and independent research. Touching on issues surrounding activism, masculinity and sexual violence, Tanaka shared stories designed to make the world a kinder place.

DECEMBER – Christmas cards for sale Congratulations to Block 5 student, Stella Miller, whose artwork has been chosen to feature on the Bedales Christmas card this year.

10 • A Year at Bedales THE TRIALS OF COMRADE DUCH

Nic Dunlop (1986-88) Photo by Nic Dunlop/Panos Nic by Photo

omrade Duch, Pol Pot’s chief if anyone recognised him. If there was Cambodia is a country plagued C executioner and former head of one man who could shed light on this by violence. Many saw the the Khmer Rouge secret police died period, I believed, it was Duch; he was UN-backed tribunal as a first step last September. He was 77. The first a key link between the Khmer Rouge toward ending Cambodia’s ‘culture former Khmer Rouge to be tried and leadership and the killing. I never of impunity’. Human rights workers convicted at the UN-backed court in expected I’d actually find him. have investigated hundreds of political Cambodia, he was serving a life term Then, in early 1999, I hitched a murders, but no one has ever been for his role as commandant of a prison ride with Canadian sappers into a convicted. Newspapers often carry known as S-21, where more than former Khmer Rouge zone. The war reports of ‘people’s courts’ where mobs 12,000 men, women and children were between the Cambodian government act as police, judge and executioner, tortured and killed. Between 1975 and and the Khmer Rouge had just ended. where suspected thieves are caught 1979 as many as two million people I wandered around taking photographs by angry mobs and killed. This rage is died under the Khmer Rouge. when a small, wiry man walked up a measure of the frustration of a Today the prison is a museum where to me and introduced himself. I was people who have never known any thousands of mug shots of prisoners stunned. It was Duch. form of justice – a lack of accountability adorn the walls as they arrived at S-21. I returned several times to meet many consider an enduring legacy It is these images that have come to him. Finally, with another journalist, we of Khmer Rouge rule. represent the horrors of Khmer Rouge confronted Duch and he confessed At his trial in 2009, Duch’s sentence rule in Cambodia. Ousted by Vietnam to his role as executioner, establishing was read out. He was found guilty in 1979, the Khmer Rouge fought a the chain of command and revealing of war crimes and crimes against guerrilla war that continued until 1998 that the Khmer Rouge had deliberately humanity and sentenced to 35 years when they were finally defeated by planned mass murder. A born-again in prison. Prosecutors had sought the Cambodian government. Those Christian, Duch expressed what a 40-year sentence but, because of responsible for the killings had never appeared to be genuine remorse saying, mitigating circumstances – time already faced international justice. ‘I feel very bad about the killings … served in prison, his willingness to assist Towards the end of the war, in 1998, there were many who were innocent’. the court, his stated remorse and I took to carrying Duch’s photograph As a result of his extraordinary his repeated apologies to the victims from the prison (taken when the confession, he was arrested and taken throughout the trial – his sentence Khmer Rouge were in power) to see to Phnom Penh to await trial. was reduced to 19 years.

The Trials of Comrade Duch • 11 THE TRIALS OF COMRADE DUCH

Photo by Nic Dunlop/Panos Nic by Photo In the West, the voice of the victim has come to be seen as the only authentic voice in times of extremity. It is only natural that we empathise with their pain and suffering – it is vital that we do. But this can blind us to other truths. The Duch trial was there to establish a precedent of due process; that those accused of the most heinous crimes have the right to a fair trial with both a defence and prosecution. To this background few remembered that S-21 was set up to purge the ranks of the Khmer Rouge itself. Like Stalin’s Soviet Union and Mao’s China, the Khmer Rouge were obsessed with internal enemies that had to be killed. Among the photographs of Duch’s victims at the museum are also those of former executioners who fell foul of the regime as it devoured its own, further complicating the history. The last time I saw Duch was at his trial in 2010. He peered through the glass of the court at the crowd that assembled to watch the proceedings. He looked directly at me. An amused expression came over his face as I returned his gaze. He slowly raised his hand and gave me an American military salute. I returned the gesture. With an approving nod Duch resumed his After the sentencing, the media ‘finally represents credible legal position to face the judges’ bench. rushed to get the responses of acknowledgement of the Khmer My identification of Duch all those survivors. Many saw the verdict as a Rouge’s criminal policies’. But the years ago was a small, accidental part betrayal. They were outraged that a acknowledgment of mitigating of something far larger. Today it is man who ordered the killing of so circumstances and unlawful detention Duch’s trial and our reaction to it that many thousands of people should in the sentence by Cambodian legal I struggle with. With his death, perhaps be sentenced to a mere 19 years. professionals set a legal precedent. the trial and the acknowledgement ‘He tricked everybody’, said Chum And this was lost in the media of the horrors inflicted by the Khmer Mey, a survivor of Duch’s prison, as coverage, which focussed almost Rouge can bring a measure of comfort he wiped tears from his eyes. ‘I was a entirely on the response of the victims. to the victims. But I can’t help thinking victim during the Khmer Rouge, and When Duch appealed, his term was that an attempt to render justice and now I’m a victim again.’ extended to life and I wondered if set a legal precedent reverted to the Nothing can compensate for we in the media had understood very thing the tribunal was set up as the misery people like Duch inflict. the purpose of the trial at all. To me, a response against; where public As one Judge said, ‘a sentence can the tribunal – which faced mounting reaction – not legal proceedings – only be symbolic’ but the judgement criticism – had caved to public opinion. dictated the outcome.

Nic Dunlop is a photographer and author of ‘The Lost Executioner, the story of Comrade Duch and the Khmer Rouge’. A version of this article appeared in The Globe and Mail in Canada. © Nic Dunlop 2020, all rights reserved.

12 • The Trials of Comrade Duch HOME FOR MAKERS AND CREATORS

Hugo Burge (1985-90) the last person in Britain making rush seat chairs for a living. He had been following his craft for 50 years, learning from his dad who made them for 60 years – in a lineage going back to Ernest Gimson, who designed the Bedales Memorial Library. Indeed, Lawrence and Neville made many of the chairs in the Library today. Lockdown meant Richard and Sam had no electricity and only a fraction of the tools from Lawrence’s workshop that they needed, many dating back to Gimson’s Daneway workshop. But over time they got going and it’s a joy to see this sixth-generation tradition alive and well in their new workshop. Orders for o start with the blindingly obvious, The focus has been to turn the these simple, beautiful, timeless chairs T it has been a strange, often painful unused and dilapidated old stables have grown and the waiting list has and discombobulating year. Plans have built by the leading Scottish Arts and gone from four months to over a year. been shattered, new realities thrust Crafts architect Sir Robert Lorimer in One of the most popular chairs is the upon us and where possible we have the early 20th century, into art studios, Bedales chair of course, now made been seeking silver linings. creative community and pop-up gallery in Marchmont ash or Scottish oak. It’s At Marchmont House, where space for open studios events. Some of been heart-warming to see the new we dream of making a home for the buildings have roots going back to makers grow in confidence, even passing makers and creators (perhaps with the 16th century, but they now form on their skills to Simon Worthington a subconscious, or even blatant, a charming Arts and Crafts courtyard, who came for a five-week residency manifestation and nurturing of the including what is probably an old tythe thanks to the Prince’s Foundation. They Bedalian creative purpose of head, barn converted into a squash court, also made a gloriously innovative and hand and heart) we had planned to a Gothic tower, and a line of stables. successful black Clissett No 2, with hold a series of events, hosting guests There is also one of the UK’s first gold finials, to donate to the QEST and celebrating creativity. All had to garages (as horses went rapidly out (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) be cancelled. of fashion in 1913). It is a wonderful 30th anniversary auction, to support However, our silver lining has been listed structure, combining Arts and ongoing excellence in British craft. the work done on our creative spaces. Crafts vernacular with bold concrete, Art historian and fresco painter Julia This focused on a re-purposing of old cantilevered beams supporting a glass Alexandra Mee joined our community estate buildings into art studios and on awning where cars could sit out of in the summer, taking a studio and a sculpture projects in the surrounding the rain. These buildings now form cottage in the makers’ village. She was landscape. This has flourished with the The Marchmont Workshop, four other well known to us all as she has been help of brilliant (mainly) local trades artists’ studios, a common room with our artist-in-residence and a beacon and craftspeople. In short, this is an kitchen, and a three-bedroom cottage. of cheeriness during lockdown. Right update on what we have achieved in a There are two versatile spaces that now, she is two years into a three-year challenging year. Plunged into a Scottish can be used for artists’ residencies or project to create The Marchmont Mural Borders bubble, we have put in place as pop-up galleries, plus a woodshed in Cycle in Marchmont’s Cupola Hall, in the foundations for the continued the Barnsley Workshop vernacular with the spirit of – transformation of this stately home and loos, for open studios and garden tours. one of our nation’s greatest treasures. estate. The house had been a nursing These spaces are already brimming It has five main panels lavishing attention home for many years (a noble but with creative talent. on the four seasons and our dream impractical idea for this kind of building) Richard Platt and Sam Cooper to be a home to makers and creators. and had deteriorated. We are now arrived at the start of lockdown, fresh Hot on Julia’s heels were four more transforming it into a retreat for those from graduating from their two-year artists including Michelle de Bruin – seeking creative inspiration. apprenticeships with Lawrence Neal, one of Scotland’s leading stone carvers,

Home for Makers and Creators • 13 HOME FOR MAKERS AND CREATORS

In it nestles a kitchen, long dining table, rush seating, log burner and a scattering of art to give a space for artists to get together, share food, hear talks and stage openings/exhibitions. Secondly, some key sculptures have been created to energise the landscape. Charlie Poulsen’s work was selected for two epic sculptures. Dancing Tree stands in the middle of the courtyard, standing five metres tall and is cast directly from an ash tree that was split in two and carved out. It’s constructed as a steel industrial pipe with flanges and held together by giant rivets; a comment on the relationship between humanity and nature. And the second sculpture deserves special mention on a few counts. Skyboat is a 10-metre wooden fishing boat from the Tyne valley – Girl Hannah – suspended five metres in the air on a wooden frame. The wood support design has a distinctly Bedales and Gimson vibe – wondrously chunky oak sections, pegged together to give strength and beauty. So, it is no coincidence that this creation was by someone known to you – Gabriel Langlands (1987-90), the enormously talented artist craftsman, who we have been lucky enough to have help us on a range of projects here at Marchmont. The key to the sculpture though, is five four-metre tall oak trees planted under who has done much inspiring work at the boat. Over the next hundred years Marchmont along with her graduate they will grow to envelope the boat, apprentice, Jo Crossland. Then came perhaps even carrying it above the Endellion Lycett Green and Annabel crest of the valley slope it is perched Wightman, both accomplished visual upon, like a wave. artists. The community of artists has a Future plans are now taking shape, heart-warming energy and is hopefully to complete the spaces available for the start of something special, akin to residencies by painters, poets, writers the Arts and Crafts communities of and composers starting in 2021. They yesteryear. While they sought to balance will be available for private hire and the industrial age, we seek balance and some as supported residencies in sustainability in a technology driven partnership with art organisations. We era that is gathering pace. are now plotting our next projects – Nurturing a creative community, likely to be a silversmiths’ and a print supporting makers and inspiring energy workshop, so if you know any rising are core parts of the project. These are stars who want to be part of a rural being done in several ways. Firstly, the creative community with a purpose common room is a large space opening to find inspiration in creativity, please onto the base of the gothic tower. spread the word.

14 • Home for Makers and Creators HOME FOR MAKERS AND CREATORS

And we look to your visits on future tours, for executive retreats or for our open studios. And – ahem – if you want a Bedales rush seat chair, Richard and Sam of The Marchmont Workshop, the last makers in the UK earning their living from making chairs – and soon Gimson tables – would be pleased to oblige. It’s a tradition going back hundreds of years that has a strong tie with Bedales. In a strange time, we have been lucky to keep hope and creativity alive – we are thankful for that and look forward to the next chapter of our adventure. In a post-script that I hope resonates with my Old Bedalian contemporaries, the one silver lining I will never have is 1963-92) what we have done here, as teaching that I was lucky enough to get to show our legendary woodwork and I think he would approve, as it feels to from him; I have to suffice with doing design teacher David Butcher (staff, be infused with the enthusiasm and this in my imagination.

For more information, see marchmonthouse.com and themarchmontworkshop.com Films of making of Skyboat, making of the Marchmont Mural Cycle and more vimeo.com/marchmont The Chair Maker – Lawrence Neal. The story of the Bedales chair vimeo.com/283958058 The Bedales Chair; reflections – addendum with David Linley, Matthew Rice, Ben Shaw, Jane Kirby & Bedales Students vimeo.com/325854141

Home for Makers and Creators • 15 NEW AND IMPROVED PETERSFIELD MUSEUM

Alice Shaw (née Sedgwick, 1992-99) social areas and stimulating learning spaces. It will be a family friendly space that will inspire visitors of all ages to investigate the region’s many historic and cultural assets and to explore the surrounding countryside. During the design development process, it was proposed that a map of the South Downs National Park be inlaid into the surface of the courtyard. This is made of granite slabs showing Petersfield and surrounding villages represented by brass and stainless steel icons. Some will be easily recognisable to those who know the area but some are more obscure so accompanying Alice and Lead Trustee Bill Gosney (far left) and the construction Directors, July 2019 interpretation will be used as a guide to explore this striking artwork and fter spending most of my time My job was to engage and lead a the local area. This was all designed A in the Bedales Art Block, I left design team to deliver the museum’s pre-COVID, but now offers a safe way in 1999 to study Art History at the vision of being at the heart of local to access the museum in an outdoor University of York followed by a life and also offer a compelling setting. Visitors can enter the cosy Masters in Museum Studies at the attraction for visitors from further courtyard for a coffee and enjoy the University of Essex. I always knew afield. The historic Victorian buildings wide-ranging, engaging collections I wanted to be around art but was combined with striking contemporary and diverse educational and events realistic about my own abilities not architecture will create welcoming programmes. to rely on making a living from it! After graduating I worked at The and V&A in temporary exhibitions then, at the Science Museum on permanent galleries and capital projects. In 2015 my family and I left London and moved back to Steep in search of space and fresh air for our two young boys. At this point it felt inevitable that my career in museums would be put on hold while our family grew up. Soon after, however, I heard that the local Petersfield Museum, which opened the year I left Bedales, had recently purchased the adjoining Police Station. It also received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to renovate its existing building in the Old Courthouse, and design and build new galleries, collections facilities, exhibition and learning spaces and a courtyard café. I felt strongly that this project and I shared a destiny and was delighted to be appointed as Project Manager in December 2016. Poet’s Stone

16 • New and Improved Petersfield Museum NEW AND IMPROVED PETERSFIELD MUSEUM

first his work and then the wonderful landscape around us that inspired him, and many others, so much – and continues to do so. Edward Thomas is amongst the War Poets commemorated in Westminster Abbey. The Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes considered Thomas to be, “the Father of us all”, and his life and work is included in the National Curriculum. Thomas’ time living in Steep coincides with a critical phase in his life when he made the transition from literary critic to poet. Thomas’ connections to Petersfield are important to understanding his life and work which features and interprets the countryside of , the South Downs and the south of The team celebrate the end of construction in November 2020 . Amongst items on display, or available to view, in the Edward Thomas The new and improved Petersfield Of the dresses, an aesthetic, Liberty Study Centre is a copy of one of his Museum will tell the story of this style, cream silk dress from the mid-1890s daughter’s Bedales exercise books in ancient market town and surrounding is particularly rare, as are comparable which he has drafted three poems. villages through objects, art, literature Arts and Crafts garments from the In the museum’s final gallery, and dress produced or collected by its early 1900s. Such ‘countercultural visitors can see a film of original residents. The collection includes the garments’ survive in small numbers, footage shot on location in Petersfield work of local artist, Flora Twort and with the V&A, Museum of London and the surrounding area, capturing the archaeology from prehistoric barrows and Platt Hall, Manchester holding most local diversity of architecture, history, on Petersfield Heath. Forming a of the few surviving examples. landscape, wildlife and culture. This significant part of the collection is The The museum also holds a nationally includes shots of both the Harrow Inn Bedales Collection of Historic Dress important collection of some 2,000 and views from the Poet’s Stone, which donated to the museum in 2007. This books by and about the renowned many of you will be familiar with. The includes over 1,000 items from the poet, writer and Steep resident, stone is a memorial to Edward Thomas 18th century to modern day and was Edward Thomas (1878-1917). Like so which is still the subject of regular built up over a 50-year period by the many others, and this is still so true walks from both the main school and school, and particularly by music today, the Thomas family were Dunhurst and Dunnanie. and drama teacher Rachel attracted to this area by three What makes this film so special, Cary Field (staff, 1941-75). things: its direct rail link to emotive and rooted in the area, is that The collection mirrors London, its countryside and, it is overlaid with a recording of Daniel 250 years of social and of course, Bedales which Day-Lewis (1970-75) reading Thomas’ cultural change and Edward’s wife Helen knew poetry, the use of which was kindly includes rare and nationally of before it relocated from permitted by the Poetry Archive. significant pieces including Haywards Heath in the Like so many things, the pandemic an item recently loaned early 20th century. has delayed the opening of the to the Design Museum for The collection is held museum, but we very much hope that the ‘Women Fashion Power’ within a new Edward Thomas doors will open to the public later this exhibition. A number of Study Centre which is open, year. Working at the London national garments have strong local by appointment, to students, museums was infinitely inspiring, provenance and the great readers, researchers and exciting and challenging, but having majority of the collection visitors who can explore the chance to be part of the team to formed part of Bedales Image courtesy of Michel Focard create a museum in my hometown, Wardrobe. de Fontefiguieres is a dream come true.

New and Improved Petersfield Museum • 17 CLIMATE EMERGENCY CENTRES

Ruth Allen (1981-90)

s my time at Bedales has moved and all its living things. This pandemic we are not helpless within it, and our A further into the rear-view is one of the consequences of the actions are the change we need. mirror of my life, I am becoming harm we are doing to this planet, I met Phoenix through my more aware and appreciative of the and a timely reminder that we are involvement with Extinction Rebellion. unique experience my time there interdependent with Earth, we cannot Phoenix is a lifelong community/ was. I attended Bedales as a boarder, survive without her. We are facing environmental activist. His focus is initially at Dunhurst in 1981, through multiple crises from climate change, building the solutions needed and he to graduation after A levels in 1990. ecological destruction, ever worsening has been doing this with some success Going out into the world I see, in social injustice and inequality and the for 30 years, setting up eco-centres and sharp relief, the essential and invaluable impacts of COVID. These have arisen supporting local, national and global differences of a Bedales education. due to a socio-economic system that movements. He now runs a charity, The times we are living in, and the values growth and financial prosperity spacegenerators.org that developed momentous changes occurring, over life, both human and non-human. from his work. Our conversations led has deepened that appreciation. There is a chronic lack of community to the development of the Climate I am now keenly aware of the space as ‘austerity’ has closed an Emergency Centre project that started flexibility of thinking and emotional untold number of spaces, such as last year. Over 300 councils have afforded to me by the youth centres and libraries. This leaves declared a climate emergency yet do philosophy and values espoused by us struggling to come together to not have the funds or resources to take the school and those who live, learn respond to these crises. the next step. It needs the cooperation and work in it. I accept all this without judgement of the local community, local business This resilience has enabled me to but with a determination to act for and councils to work together on feel the despair for the deepening systemic change. Humanity acts as it the next steps to create a sustainable social inequalities, divisions and does because of the systems we are future for all. We have the solutions, injustices, and the horrific damage in. However, Bedales has taught me to but we need the spaces to build a fair, being done to our only home, Earth, recognise that humanity is the system, just and sustainable future.

18 • Climate Emergency Centres CLIMATE EMERGENCY CENTRES

Our vision is a network of via the website and through a social and networks in media, arts, politics, autonomous community-led centres media group that teams join. We also business, technology. These skills can that, while focused on meeting local meet online on a weekly basis to be the rising seas that lift all ships. needs and building local resilience, provide mutual support and advice. That feeds communities and provides are strengthened by the coordination, Our project has also aligned the spaces and resources needed support and skill/resource sharing with the Trust the People project to build anew. Now is the time. provided by a broader web of centres (trustthepeople.earth) so the spaces can If you have anything you would like across the country. We have a business be used to activate communities and to share or contribute, we would all model that enables the property owner link in with local politics, to re-energise be immensely grateful. Let’s use to save up to 100% on business rates our local democratic systems to better the skills and strengths we have to while temporarily giving a community reflect the priorities and needs of the build a new system of empowered a space on a ‘meanwhile lease’, and communities they serve. communities and a sustainable, ethical donating some of the savings they make All those involved with the CEC and just future. You can contact us on to support the Centre. The Centres project are running on free time and [email protected]. We look forward are focused on building solutions, positive energy. However, the project to hearing from you! adaptation and resilience to the multiple is growing and may be able to move environmental and social crises created internationally. We were recently by our current system. The East London interviewed by Facing Futures TV and Wish-list for inspiration centre is working on an eco-solutions discussed that the issues are global in n Property industry connections – exhibition with practical working nature, and require a globally connected empty building addresses examples of energy, housing, transport response. As Phoenix states: “we need a n Media connections and social and agriculture solutions. The vision is global eco-solutions Marshall plan for a media skills held in the knowledge that people hold sustainable future”. And Greta Thunberg n Art and tech skills the answers, within us and between us, says: “our house is on fire”. Now is n Funding to where we need to evolve in order the time for action – we are reaching n Graphics and marketing skills not just to survive, but to thrive. several environmental tipping points. n Volunteers This vision has energised people. We I decided to write this article n Renewable energy equipment now have approximately 20 teams across as there comes a time when the n Donations of equipment or tools the country at various stages of setting privileges I have gained from being n Trees and plants up their local CEC, and three Centres able to attend a school like Bedales n Land for projects, communities are already open – in East London, can be of most use. Old Bedalians are or tree planting Staines and Lewes. We have a website an amazing bunch of creative, strong, [email protected] – climateemergencycentre.co.uk – and forceful and successful people with a climateemergencycentre.co.uk the first draft of a handbook available wealth of resources, skills, connections

Climate Emergency Centres • 19 MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER

Ann Donnelly Let me introduce you to the man who has been described as “the hand and heart of Bedales” and his journey to it. Oswald was the sixth and last son of the 10 surviving children of The Rev. Thomas E Powell, (Vicar of Bisham near Marlow from 1848-1900) and Emma. When Thomas E was appointed Vicar by the Vansittart family, one of his duties was the supervision of the village school, which was in an area where poverty and crime were still rampant; it was badly run by two ‘ladies’ who clearly hit the children on the head; they were sacked. He started the task of reforming it, making it co-educational, with the infants separate. Early in his endeavours, whilst out walking nearby, Oswald Byrom Powell, 30 August 1867 – 26 March 1967, aka OBP, Osbos and Granddad he met The Rev. Edward Thring, who was recovering from overwork in the “ ot? No names?” Remember the School? shows a delightful summary of slums of Gloucester. They formed a W Mr Chad of the “Wot no …?” the Powell family activities at Bedales. friendship which, ‘with vicissitudes’, had cartoon? Those of us in our 80s or It seemed as if OBP had previously a lifelong reciprocal influence for both 90s do. We also remember the two faded from Bedales’ collective memory, of them and, indirectly, for Bedales. oil portraits that hung on the chimney but was now returning. As he had Three years later, Thring refounded breast in the Bedales dining room. They written very little detail about how Uppingham as a public school. Cormac were together, as in their life’s work. closely he had been involved in its Rigby stated in his PhD, “In the Vicar of Will they be titled asked my father foundation, it’s not surprising. In Wake Bisham… Thring found a man after his and mother, Roger and Rita Powell, in and Denton’s book on Bedales, there own heart. Thomas Powell (had) set the 1950s or 60s or even 70s? Sadly, is a short, inaccurate reference to him out to raise the educational level of they waited in vain. Then in the 1990s, as joining Badley in 1893, [it was 1892]. his parish, and naturally he found an one granddaughter, Jill Thompson-Lewis There is also a totally fictitious account ally in Edward Thring.” (my sister), wrote to a Headmaster: of his death, amongst other mistakes. Thring, in a speech to the they remained unnamed. Then oldest Alas, there is no biography of him. Education Society: “…how on earth granddaughter by seven minutes, Ann My short article is insufficient to cover the Cambridge Honour Man, with (that’s me) made louder noises at a a lifetime, but it’s a start. However, luck his success and his brain-world, was fortuitous time at Bedales. was on my side for gathering material. to get at the minds of those little I was asked by Fran Box of Steep My talk and this article are based on labourers’ sons with their unfurnished History Group to give a talk about accounts taken from family diaries, heads, and no time to give…” Granddad’s house Little Hawsted in letters (transcribed by Jill), photograph “Everything that I most value of Church Lane, but I knew practically albums and notes, the latter sometimes teaching thought and teaching practice, nothing about it. That was the catalyst written on scraps of paper. Through and teaching experience came from to finding out more of what my brother, them, I’ve been able to extract the that… [work in the slums] …” sister and I had somehow always narrative of how Granddad became “They gave me the great axiom, known: that Granddad or OBP was the co-founder of Bedales. This work ‘the worse the material, the greater co-founder of Bedales. culminated in an initial mini account of the skill of the worker’. Bedales was about to celebrate its OBP’s life for the Steep History Group, They bred in me a supreme contempt 125th anniversary, but I found not one then blossomed into a longer talk on for knowledge in lumps, for emptying out single word about him in any notice of 16 January 2020. I’m immensely thankful knowledge lumps in a heap like stones this forthcoming event. However, such to Magnus and all others involved, for at a roadside, and calling it teaching…” an omission was rectified on Parents’ giving me the chance to add missing All six Bisham sons were sent to Day in 2018! The placard A Badley-Run facts to the history of Bedales. Uppingham School. All 10 children

20 • My Grandfather – Bedales Co-Founder MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER

learnt to watercolour, make things with their hands, play an instrument and sing. Forget the von Trapps! The South Bucks Free Press named them the ‘Bisham Family Singers’. During family concerts on the vicarage lawn, passing rowers would stop, blocking the Thames from side to side to listen. The garden was unfenced; none of them drowned. But one nearly did – it was Oswald, fi shed out by passing rowers who gave him a few hearty shakes, his brothers’ cries diminished. A sense of duty to others was also instilled. Aged 11, Oswald notes in his 1878 diary of the times he had to serve the family at table, dressed in his best clothes if there were visitors, but excused from the duty on his bath night! This last was a worry to him – he told me once that he felt it quite wrong that a maid should carry hot water upstairs to pour into the zinc bath in front of his fi re; that it should be he who did it. Another time, he said to me with a twinkle in his eyes, looking up from reading the Collects one Sunday morning: “You know, Ann, the Church would be all right if it wasn’t for the clergy!” Unlikely to have absorbed Thring’s theories before being sent to Uppingham, the young Oswald certainly experienced the unusual attitudes of a Victorian reformer who On Parents’ Day 2018 this placard was placed in the main entrance and was read with great pleasure saw the boys in his care ‘in the round’. by family members Flogging remained, but Thring was the only person permitted to do it: no The ‘Classics’ of Victorian times village ladies. Then there was the masters, no prefects allowed to. OBP continued at Uppingham, the basis question of sport. Thring was very wrote later that he was disappointed of education in that era. However, much in favour of it but did not want not to have been on the receiving Thring added: Music, practice under it to dominate to such an extent that end of the cane; he was also aware Paul David (son of Ferdinand David); the boys felt the world was coming to that a fl ogging started and/or ended Modern languages; Singing, including an end if they lost cricket or football in a talk with the culprit, not at him. a choir; Carpentry; A school garden; matches against other schools. But what A letter from Thring tells how oldest A love of Nature; Athletics, tennis – about inter-house prizes and trophies? brother Edgar had been chastised, even teaching it himself; A gymnasium; Each of the ‘Houses’ consisted of about but then spoken to. Edgar wept. In his A swimming pool; Country walks, 30 boys of mixed ages, “the essential diary of 1882, Oswald describes the with no masters; Private study rooms, infl uence was that of a happy house”. defacement of a portrait of Horace “where a boy could cry”; Works of Art The Housemasters were encouraged by an unknown culprit. It seems clear to inspire the boys. to marry and have children of their that Thring wanted to avoid caning the Away from the school, there were own, so imitating family life. Trophies? vandal, who was never found. supervised cookery lessons for the Well…First Prize: A whole goose, to be

My Grandfather – Bedales Co-Founder • 21 MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER

Goldie advised him to contact borrowed £20 from brother Malcolm “…one Badley who is just leaving and took “58s & 6d in French cash”. Abbotsholme to start a school of his After cramming French, as well as own”. In spite of an MGS colleague having much fun driving the owner’s thinking that Badley sounded like four-in-hand at weekends, OBP then a crank, Oswald arranged to go went to Paris from 1 November until to to meet him. OBP also just after Christmas in order to learn remembered seeing him in the Great new methods of language teaching Court at Trinity and had thought, from Prof François Gouin, which “His face was very beautiful”. Wearing Oswald later introduced to Bedales. plimsolls, an old pair of dress trousers From letters to his mother it seems and a ‘cad cap’ [?], JHB took OBP up a that Oswald paid for this himself. He hill where they had a long talk before says in his diary that he returned to continuing to the Badley home. It England on 29 December 1892 was not an auspicious visit; Dr Badley [In later years he recalled it as before Amy Badley, 1939, with Rita Powell, David, commented later to his son that he Christmas]. On arrival at ‘Bedales’ in Ann (l), Jill (r) hoped he wasn’t “going to take on Lindfield, the house found by Badley, that lackadaisical young man”. On the Oswald recalled that “my firm resolve shared by all. Second Prize: A very large advice of the MGS colleague, OBP to join the family party […] at Bisham pork pie, to be shared by all. Third Prize: arrived “well dressed, [and] if occasion seemed strange to the Badleys”. A huge pot of jam, to be shared by all. offers show that you smoke and are OBP wrote to RP [son Roger] on The word ‘progressive’ had not yet not anti-alcohol”. Social gaffes in a 15 November 1949 “It all recalls all been attached to education: Thring very strict rather abstemious and the strange atmosphere of the ‘Old just got on with anything that he felt cheerless, household ensued! Bedales’ – we were out not only to to be correct. Boys and masters joined However, OBP had been impressed introduce a new sort of school with in games together, with Thring a fierce by Badley’s prospectus. On that very a new sort of curriculum ‘learning by competitor. He felt sport enabled the day the two pioneers decided to go doing’ – but also to break down class less intelligent “to attain some position forward together. So JHB set about distinctions – to respect honest work among their fellows”. This led to The finding a suitable house, while OBP and workers however menial the job Schools Inquiry Commissioners being set off to Montreux for about two – we were looked on as bolshies – a surprised that he considered games months of intensive lessons to perfect widely current rumour said we were a as educational. his French. The travel and course were home for mentally deficients – having On leaving Uppingham, OBP paid for by JHB: the journey, 37 shillings: our own Sunday services was alone obtained a modest degree from Trinity Sillig Crammer, £7.14s. Oswald also sufficient to exclude us from society College, Cambridge, then seemed to drift into teaching in Manchester. His “teaching work [had been] with huge classes in the fog and stench of an unwieldy Grammar School” where it was hard to see the boys at the back. He said the aim was to tutor the boys who might be destined for Oxford or Cambridge, but the remainder were 40 or 50 to a class, lumped together for Oswald and his colleagues to try to teach. Hardly satisfactory. Wishing to find a better placement, perhaps in the Pestalozzi style or even one similar to Uppingham, in 1892 he wrote to a family friend, the philosopher and political commentator, ‘Goldie’ Lowes-Dickinson, for advice. Malcolm Powell teaching woodwork at Bedales

22 • My Grandfather – Bedales Co-Founder MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER

– and our clothes! Open shirts, shorts, So, with staff outnumbering the wet runs!!! even on Sundays. I don’t think pupils, Bedales was founded. Apart anybody (who was anybody) called on from the traditional subjects, the us – and of course like most reformers following were gradually introduced: we felt superior to them all… And Woodworking. OBP’s talented when we entertained, our guests were cabinet-maker brother Malcolm taught all tradesmen and their families who this. He later became science master, served us in any way; the doctor was probably May 1897 when Rice left. the nearest approach to ‘gentry’ as far as He also set up the new laboratories OBP aged about 10, with Edgar and his friend I can remember – Edward Carpenter… in Steep. He had previously taught John Bonham Carter used to come and stay and play science (BA, Trinity College Cambridge, Beethoven in the evenings – he was one Nat. Science Tripos 1891) in Sunderland Before WMP [Winifred Marion Powell of the sponsors or whatever our backers and Mill Hill. (née Cobb, Bedales staff)] and I had were called – and Olive Schreiner Beekeeping. OBP, knowing nothing become engaged, I had…” [This is used to come – and Ed C of course in about them, found that two of the where the extract ended. Date unclear.] those days was considered very very boys’ families kept bees so were able The arrival of girl pupils. ‘leftist’ – (he was turned out of the to assist him. Oswald was no stranger to women British Museum, because he was wearing Sewing classes for both boys and girls. in education; his oldest sister, having sandals on bare feet!). JHB had turned Bookbinding. He had to give up part helped bring up her siblings, then left long before I did and his home had of his bedroom for this. Oldest brother, went on to obtain a 1st class degree been terribly narrow and drab… There Edgar (friend of John Bonham Carter) at Newnham in 1887, aged 40. Family is no doubt that I felt at first at the house was an accomplished binder, so is the rumour always said that Aunt Amy on Bedales Hill that life was losing a bit probable source of OBP’s knowledge (my siblings and I always called her of colour – I don’t think JHB approved of the craft. that) would not marry John Badley when I went to see, near Haywards Choir. With an impressive singing unless he agreed to girls being admitted Heath, Lord Bowen (distinguished voice but no experience in leading into his planned school! Oswald’s lawyer and translator of Virgil into a choir, OBP recalls that he “was sister-in-law, Octavia Lewin Cobb, was verse) the maternal grandfather of the bold enough to ask the organist at certainly involved in some way; on present Jos Wedgwood – It seems to Westminster Abbey who had a great 26 June 1898 she cycled several miles me at this distance that drama, music reputation as a choirmaster, to let me over The Downs in the pouring rain and cricket gradually broke down or at watch him at work”. The ensuing choir to see Helen Yorke Stanger “who is least weakened the social barriers. was small. At Lindfield, the choir had coming next term we hope […] the Mrs Badley had a card index containing been augmented by the maids who felt girl is quite the right sort”. (OBP) the names of all the ‘common’ people – that this was not part of their job! OBP showed how forward-thinking and different coloured cards for those ‘Learning by doing’ also included he was in his attitude to women who were invited, when parents came the earth closets. These were used by in a letter to brother Edgar, dated down… When we moved to Steep all and emptied by all, including JHB 14 July 1897: “I think it is your duty to the social atmosphere we felt at once and OBP. your country and yourself [to marry]. to be different though feudal landlords As can be seen, much of the above Families will obviously tend to grow Bonham Carter and such like and Tories ‘curriculum’ had shades of Uppingham smaller as woman becomes something wished we hadn’t come… During those for OBP. more than a child-bearing machine…” early years at Lindfield JHB’s financial Space does not allow for details of Numbers increased, the lease was position was truly perilous but he was the arrival of three Bedales babies in ending, a new place had to be found. adamant against receiving money help the two families. It seems not to have OBP wrote to his father on that might in any way limit his freedom been all plain sailing, however, as can be 3 November 1898 for a loan. “Badley of action – I suppose it is not reasonable seen from this comment: is going to Dudley on Monday to to expect headmasters appointed by “It was about this time that JHB consult his father about the matter.” governors and who are not founders felt moved to let me know that I was What Wake & Denton wrote in to face the risks with the courage JHB attempting to live a double life, that my their book about Bedales is a different had … From every point of view it is position on the staff of Bedales was account. Both men asked their fathers desirable for the school to be free to suffering from our ‘having a home of for money in the same week, according experiment & pioneer…” our own and the beginning of a family’. to my Grandfather.

My Grandfather – Bedales Co-Founder • 23 MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER

Full text of letter from OBP to his father: Osbos, as he was named 1913. Letter in The Hampshire & “I am writing today about a matter affectionately, was well aware Sussex News about “the iniquitous which I have always been loath to that a school should never be absurdity” of the law concerning bother you with in any way – money. cocooned, separated from the married women and income tax. I am very anxious to know whether wider world. It was natural for him you would feel willing to advance to be involved in the community, 1913. He and Winifred attended me any money to put into the new away from Bedales, with all The Women’s International Bedales. I should very much like to its trials and tribulations. The Congress in Budapest. Millicent have a share in it and Badley would following list of activities clearly Fawcett, Amy Badley’s cousin was be willing I think to have my help. illustrates this. He didn’t expound there. Also there was Kate Harvey, by written word on his ethics a well-known deaf Suffragist, The place near Petersfield seems to and philosophy, he lived it. coincidentally my father’s future be the most suitable and an offer has (NB. I have intermingled other mother-in-law. been made for the present house important events in the list) and 80 acres – but there will be much 1913. In December, Amy and Osbos to be built. 1898/9. Probably as early as this, supported a Miss Cummins of Edmund Demolins offered OBP Froxfield by attending the sale of Badley is going to Dudley on Monday the headship of the former’s goods that had been impounded for to consult with his father about the new school in France, L’Ecole des non-payment of tax. This incident matter. I should very much like to know, Roches. He recalled this in later ended as a farce; the report is quite if possible so that I might speak to writings, but he said he had felt comical! [see: the December 19, Badley on Monday, whether you feel at unready for such a post. 1913 issue of “The Vote”] all inclined to consider the advancing to 1913/4? Unfortunately lost, there me of £1,000 or £1,500 at whatever 1903, circa. Pollution? Sons Roger was a family photo of Amy, Winifred interest you consider proper. and Oliver instructed to jump & Oswald marching with a banner into the ditch and hold noses as spanning the entire road, with “Votes I feel very strongly that the work we cars passed. for Women” emblazoned on it. are trying to do here is good. We certainly receive great encouragement 1904. Gave lecture to The 1915. Osbos was now Chairman and backing up from the parents. I have Petersfield Literary & Debating of Steep Parish Council. During his made a poor return though I trust it Society. time in office there was “The Great will not seem so always. Steep Election Controversy”. [See Approx 1904-14. The Powell Steep & Stroud Newsletter, No 571, If you feel able and quite willing to Family walked all the local by Fran Box.] invest something in me and my work footpaths, “with two goats which at this time, I shall be immensely followed […] like dogs”. (Roger 1917. In May an appeal from the glad of it.” Powell) wartime Food Controller OHMS had been circulated, pleading with The final sum borrowed was £1,017. 1912. Gave lecture in Petersfield the public to eat less bread. Osbos on the Songs of Brahms. took up the challenge to do so. On 28 January 1899, Malcolm Powell He cut parsnips into thin rounds, wrote to their mother that “the place 1912-1914 circa. The Petersfield put them into the oven early in is bought now, and all hands are turned Woman’s [sic] Society; the morning and declared them on in the architects [sic] office…” Mrs O B Powell [Winifred], was the delicious to eat with butter and By rail and horse and cart, the school Hon Treasurer. A Mr G H Hooper honey by breakfast time. moved house. The Powell family moved was the Hon Secretary. Mrs J H into ‘Burnt Ash’ on the Road Badley was on the Committee, 1917. Little Hawsted, lawns and rented from the Bonham Carters. as was Oswald. Winifred’s sister rose bushes were converted Octavia Lewin Cobb was also into vegetable plots during the Bedales came to its final home in Steep actively involved. 1914-18 War. …and the rest is history. Or is it?

24 • My Grandfather – Bedales Co-Founder MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER

people of Petersfield. He noted in his 1919 diary, “Too many grown-ups [attended]”.

1925. He gave a speech at a conference in Heidelberg, Germany about Bedales which “was very well received […] and all sorts of people said very pretty things”.

1927. Petersfield Operatic Society. “…our people [Bedales] having a good deal to do with it also.”

1927. Letter from OBP May reporting the school Inspector’s visit.

“never in our experience have we come across such a school spirit… Mr Badley’s dedication of his Little Hawsted, lawns and rose bushes were converted into vegetable plots during the 1914-18 War whole life and fortune to produce a work should be of greatest 1916-19. Winifred and Oswald 1919. In a letter, OBP publicly criticised service to education etc.” (OBP: received regular letters from son The Urban District council in their ‘not omitting a little scratch on the Roger, stationed in Egypt, Sudan and choice of a possible war memorial back for his “right hand” through Palestine. These are bound, now in Petersfield. all these years, ahem!’) forming part of the Powell Archive in The British Library. 1919. He gave a stirring speech for 1928. JHB went on holiday from the Workers’ Educational Association March – June. Oswald took over the 1918. Oswald presided over a in St Peter’s Hall, aimed at the young headship temporarily. He called it meeting to choose the Labour Candidate for East Hampshire. He stated in later writings that Badley had “turned left” long before he, Oswald, had.

Quote from the newspaper report: (OBP) “expressed distrust of all political parties”.

1919. Recently come to light is a very full diary by Osbos of his activities in 1919, as well as notes about his work during the war. There has been no time to transcribe it. However, it seems as if much of his time during WW1 was devoted to being the Estate Manager of Bedales rather than as a teacher. Coal supply was a huge problem. Little Hawsted’s last apple crop

My Grandfather – Bedales Co-Founder • 25 MY GRANDFATHER – BEDALES CO-FOUNDER

“being on the Bridge.” [From other 1967, 7 January. John Badley extracts, JHB seems to have been dictated and signed, his last letter prone to breakdowns quite early to OBP in readiness for his, OBP’s, in the 1900s and having to go away 100th birthday. to recuperate.] “… it was one of the happiest 1928, 2 July. Oswald and Winifred things in my life that you joined me drove Amy to Lady Astor’s Garden at Bedales and helped to shape it Party in Cliveden “in honour of into what it has become. One of Dame Millicent [Fawcett] and the the many pieces of good fortune passing of the Bill [granting of the was in having you, for which I have Vote to all women]”. to be thankful… warmest thanks for all that you have done for me 1929. Oswald gave a speech on and been to me all my working life Bedales at a conference of – It is one of the many things that The New Education Fellowship I have so much cause to be in Elsinore, Denmark, attended by thankful for…” about 2000 delegates. Goldsworthy Lowes-Dickinson (“Goldie”) Sadly, they both died before that 1933/34. Leaving home, leaving event. Grandfather died a few Bedales, leaving Steep… “I quite thought all this fuss about the months too soon for a telegram birthday would make an end of me, from the Queen. Little Hawsted’s last apple crop. but I just managed to survive… 1967 in March. Roger and Rita I do not know Grandfather’s thoughts I hope you realized from the greeting came to Little Hawsted, Kiln Lane, or feelings about retiring. However, for that I sent to the luncheon party how Headington to relate the events him time was something to be filled much I feel that Bedales owes to you. of restoring books in Florence with ‘doing’. The new Little Hawsted People ought always to speak of it after the flooding of the Arno, was in Headington, near Oxford. as our work (yours and Winifred’s as with the subsequent severe much as Amy’s and mine); and I can damage and destruction of He kept bees. He kept goats. never adequately thank you for all thousands of volumes. That was He planted an orchard and built you did in helping to make it what on Easter Saturday; Granddad was an apple store. He started his it was – and is. entranced. The following morning, Orchard Service, tending others’ Easter Sunday 26 March 1967, fruit trees. He sang in the Oxford To Goldie Dickinson [Goldsworthy he greeted my parents with “What Bach Choir until well over 80 years Lowes-Dickinson] in the first place a beautiful Easter Morning!”, went old. He remarried a few years with all his wisdom and loving-kindness, into his downstairs bathroom after Winifred died of appendicitis. and introduction first of me to and quietly died. A man loved not Margaret Donington was a musician, Reddy [sic] [Cecil Reddie] and then only by his family but by the very playing the viola da gamba with the of you to me, I owe an immeasurable many who were touched by Dolmetschs, some of whom lived debt of thankfulness and I hope that the “hands and heart of Bedales”, in Headington a few doors away. all who know Bedales know how reaching well beyond those 80 much it owes to him as well as to acres in Hampshire. 1950s-1960s. There are signs in notes its actual founders. and letters that he was attempting Postscript: “…I have a memory an autobiography. A failure, not … the wealth of loving remembrances that consistently refuses to record enough time! that scores of birthday letters brought unpleasant events of which, no me this year, in so much of which, doubt, there were many.” (Words 1965, 22 June. Badley, shortly after I hope you realise that you share to from Grandfather, ‘Osbos.’ Published his 100th birthday, wrote to Oswald: the full.” (sic) in the ‘Bedales Society’.)

26 • My Grandfather – Bedales Co-Founder CENTURY OF PLAYERS AROUND BEDALES

Alastair Langlands (staff, 1973-2001)

oger Fry (later to become a R Bedales parent) painted the backcloth for Macbeth, the first annual play. “From its earliest days, Bedales paid much attention to dramatic activities and the Chief’s productions of Shakespeare’s plays were memorable events for participants and audience alike. Though he had no theatrical experience he created and maintained an interest in plays and everyone became keen and fond of it.” (A Journey in My Head, Geoffrey Crump, staff, 1919-45) Twelfth Night in the grounds of Bedales, 1923 Geoffrey came to Bedales in 1919, was appointed senior English master was magnificent, the lavish costumes by Harry Platts (staff, 1937-46) and in 1922 becoming the first head of a by Henriette Sturge Moore (1919-25) Roland Biggs (staff at various times fully-fledged English department in a and a princely cast fitted neatly into between 1923 and 1967). school the size and status of Bedales. Shakespeare’s roles which had been An archive of large albums (12 x 16 He insisted that if possible, at least one hallowed for centuries. inches), lovingly assembled to survive Shakespeare play should be acted by Players appeared from all over the Players, stylishly portrays spectacular the older children every year, preferably the land. Donald Beves, Vice-provost scenes and actors. It would (of course) with some of the staff acting with them. of King’s College, Cambridge (often take Geoffrey two whole years to His enthusiasm led in the summer of spoken of as the finest amateur prepare such handsome shows (where 1923, with the permission of the Chief, comedian in the country), lauded by interval tea was provided by the to a production of Twelfth Night on the George Rylands of The Marlowe Society, ‘Petersfield Tea Shop’, price 9d). lower lawn of the garden at Steephurst; starred as Malvolio and Friar Lawrence The ambition and success of the cast consisted chiefly of local and Geoffrey himself as Capulet Steep Shakespeare Players and the people, Bedales staff and Old Bedalians. and Falstaff. Starring was something splendidly designed and extensive stage The triple arch of Steephurst porch, Geoffrey promoted and here something structures, by Gigi Meo (1923-40) with a balcony facing south, appealed conspicuous occurred: performances and then Christopher Cash (1950-78), to Geoffrey as a suitable setting for attracted The Times Theatre Critic with were swamped by post-war restrictions Romeo and Juliet and there in 1926 he sometimes a half page photograph of and finances. established Steep Shakespeare Players. the cast or a star, Tatler, Telegraph, Sketch, They made an annual loss. Geoffrey He needed two years to prepare Sphere, Petersfield Post, Hampshire and had targeted Shakespeare and from properly and to secure an adequate Sussex News, Hampshire Chronicle 1923 managed 23 productions finishing cast. He decided on Much Ado about and Portsmouth Evening News. There in Ashford Chace with The Tempest in Nothing for 1928. were players from OUDS in Oxford 1961. He saw the play as Shakespeare’s “An incursion, however, in the month and ADC in Cambridge and the Royal farewell to the stage and his own of June of a quantity of handsome young of Music. Joanna Dunham regretful farewell to Ashford Chace. men in magnificent costumes was too (1949-52) and Tessa Mayor (1929-34) He was no longer able to fund these much for some of the girls and the scale were among pupils who starred. sumptuous productions. of the production as a whole caused an They were accompanied by Harold Local press headline ‘Find a home undue amount of disorganisation in the Gardiner (staff, 1952-68), Basil Gimson for them on the heath’ badgered the life of the school.” So, after Henry IVth, (1896-1904; staff, 1911-1947), John council to action but it was Mary More Part One in 1930, the Players moved Slater (staff, 1952-67), Anthony Gordon (Bedales parent) picking up a mile away, down to the gardens Gillingham (staff, 1946-70), Robin Murray the threads in 1964 who approached of Lord Horder’s Ashford Chace (1953-59), Christopher Weisselberg Arthur Gill, the owner of the beautiful with his lordship as cordial president: (1954-61), Bert Upton (estate staff), Ecclesiastical Court House in East Twelfth Night in 1932. These became E L Grant Watson (1895-1904) and Meon. She inquired if he were willing monumental productions. The stage set Roger Powell (1907-1915) with music for his 14th century hall to be used

Century of Players Around Bedales • 27 CENTURY OF PLAYERS AROUND BEDALES

of the National Theatre. In Stansted Park, Bessborough had recently installed a theatre in the stables replacing one of the 1920s destroyed during the war. Here, at Bessborough’s invitation, the Court Players performed three of Chekhov’s short plays. Chekhov was followed at Stansted by Simon Gray’s Quartermaine’s Terms. Bessborough was extremely eager to have one of his own several plays Romeo and Juliet, Ashford Chace Garden Theatre, 1953 performed in his new theatre (designed by Peter Rice, parent) which seated 100; as a small theatre. He was content to George Colman’s Clandestine Marriage, he asked me to produce a dramatic have his vast hall filled with a massive Pirandello’s Henry lV, Ibsen’s Enemy of reading of his King of Gods. I employed structure of tiered seats. The Players the People (with music by Philip Young) Bedales pupils Georgia Malden had found a fine new interior site. and Turgenev’s A Month in the Country. (1985-90), Esther Godfrey (1989-91), Now called The Court Players they After Arthur left the Court House, Helen Isaac (1986-91), Jossy Best introduced variety. Geoffrey’s last we left too to lodge in Mill Court, (1989-91), Emma Jenkins (1986-90) show was Everyman and A Phoenix Binsted, a fine malmstone barn with and staff and the professional Tony Too Frequent in 1965; then followed a queen-strut roof which could be Britten who was a friend of the Bae Lubbock’s assistance in Anouilh’s cold and audiences were encouraged Bessboroughs. This was in 1990 to an Antigone, Peacock’s Nightmare Abbey, to arrive with a blanket. Twelfth Night audience invited by the host. As a Strindberg’s Creditors, Shaw’s Arms and was first in 1988 with OBsPhyllida result, I was invited to take the name the Man and finally Chekhov’s Uncle Hancock (1973-80) and Nick Tier of the company The Stansted Players, Vanya, Paul Townsend (staff, 1957-64) (1982-86). To avoid royalties Kate put founded by the ninth earl in 1929 but and Kate Slack (staff, 1962-74), wife of on a revue We’re Court on the Hop, eclipsed by the outbreak of war. the headmaster appearing. followed by William Douglas Hume’s The Stansted Players’ productions Bedales staff at this time put on David and Jonathan, Stephen Poliakoff’s have differed from the reverent canon frequent staff plays with Ruth Whiting Breaking the Silence. Isobel Ballantine followed by predecessors: I have (1963-2000), Geoffrey Robinson Dykes (staff, 1983-89), Paul Townsend endeavoured to find plays which have (1949-80), William Agnew (1967-78), and John Batstone, Victoria Chester, never before been performed Tim Slack (1962-74), George Smith Will Rye (1987-89), Kate Day (née (The Noble Jilt, by Anthony Trollope) or (1959-81), Anne Archer (1971-77, Fairweather, 1978-85), Polly Wreford have once been popular but fallen into 1986-2008), Philip Young (1971-74 (1973-80), Richard Quine (1981-86), desuetude (George Lillo’s The London and 1977-2007) and John Batstone Caroline Rye (1983-85), Christian Merchant: it was performed annually (1968-93) and others involved. Taylor (1981-86), Lucia Gahlin (1986-88) for 100 years until c1850). These plays But it was the extra mural playing and Sarah Hulbert (1984-86) with cannot be desecrated by reducing the which would not cease: active and musicians Hannah Rogers (1979-86), length to One Act of 90 minutes and valuable members of the company, Kate Alexandra Harwood (1970-84) and including four-part songs. We meet Slack and Mary More Gordon, assumed Kristina von der Becke (1978-85) at Sparrow’s Hanger in Selborne for organisation in 1978. Still at the Court appeared. On each occasion it was 10 days of rehearsal in the theatre. House, with Arthur Gill’s keen interest, necessary to construct a stage and We played at Stansted Park until they put on John O’Keeffe’s Wild Oats audience seating. It was clear to Kate that theatre, following the death of (1791) which had been revived by that the Players were looking for a Eric Bessborough, was converted into the RSC in 1976. Jane Bevan (staff, permanent playhouse. offices in 2000, our last choice being 1977-83), Nicholas Wood (1974-81), Lord Bessborough had been a Shakespeare’s Hamlet the bad quarto. Jessica Cecil (1980-82) and Victoria semi-professional actor during his A theatre group ETC, for OBs to Chester (1978-80) and players time in Canada. He was chairman of meet at school and perform, managed from the erstwhile Court Players’ the Chichester Festival Theatre which two productions: in April Barney productions, took part with local under the directorship of Laurence Powell’s (1991-96) The Cherry Orchard amateurs in East Meon. There followed Olivier was to become the foundation and then in September 1999 with

28 • Century of Players Around Bedales CENTURY OF PLAYERS AROUND BEDALES

Daisy Parente (1997-99) directing (1997-2002), Simon The Memory of Water with Lisa Jackson Gallear (1991-96), (1992-97), Lydia Leonard (1995-99) Jo Horsley (1994-99), and Georgina Hutchinson (1994-99) Sofia Larsson (2001-06), and some 40 other former pupils. Katie Manning Support was not, however, forthcoming (2000-05), Beth in the following year. Murray (1986-89), This collapse of ETC bereft the school Jo Tomlinson (1997-99), of OBs returning to play and consequently Bart Warshaw (1996-01), the Stansted Players were invited to the William Wollen newly erected theatre drawing an (1987-92), Olivia Brett Dan Wheeler and Natasha Ruiz Barrero in Two Noble Kinsmen, audience shortly before the start of (2006-14). The plays Bedales Theatre, 2004 the Autumn term. Since 2001 we have have included more been made welcome and comfortable. than 100 four-part songs dating from n 2007 World Première Barchester When the theatre was under repair C14 to popular music of the present Revisited by Simon Raven, 2000 we were invited to use the Lupton Hall, day and it is this playing-and-singing n 2006 (first staged production) A Noble before its recent refurbishment as a that attracts audiences. An essential Jilt by Anthony Trollope, 1850 concert hall, with St John Hankin’s part of every production has been n 2005 The West Indian by Richard The Cassilis Engagement; the last of four the musical arrangements of Nicholas Cumberland, 1730 performances was fully booked for a Gleed (staff, 1990-2017) and lighting n 2004 Two Noble Kinsmen by William 60th wedding anniversary. by Janet Auty (staff, 1990-2015). Each Shakespeare and John Fletcher, 1612 The Stansted Players have never year, towards the end of August, the n 2003 Vortigern and Rowena by sought stars but rather have given Stansted Players return to the school, W H Ireland, 1790 Bedalians opportunity to enjoy lying in the orchard and rehearsing in n 2002 The Princess Zoubaroff by themselves for a fortnight during the the theatre. Ronald Firbank, 1920 summer. Staff took part in early plays: n 2001 The Tender Husband by Richard Geoffrey Robinson, Paul Townsend, n 2020 p l a g u e Steele, 1720 Caroline Walmsley (1981 and n 2019 The Watched Pot (or The Mistress n 2000 Hamlet (the bad quarto), 1600 1990s), Graham Banks (1980-2013) of Briony) by Saki, 1911 n 1999 Daisy Miller by Henry James, and Jonathan Taylor (Deputy Head, n 2018 Green Stockings by A E W Mason, 1900 1996-2004) but it is pupils who have 1911 n 1998 Pygmalion and Galatea by peopled the productions. The now n 2017 Speed the Plough by Thomas W S Gilbert, 1885 familiar singing began with Amanda Morton, 1798 n 1997 The Frozen Deep by Wilkie Boyd (1987-89) as soloist marking n 2016 The Princess Zoubaroff by Collins and Charles Dickens, 1850 the intervals of Lady Audley’s Secret Ronald Firbank, 1920 n 1996 Our American Cousin by a performance which began with the n 2015 The Master of Mrs Chilvers by , 1860 National Anthem in the days when an Jerome K Jerome, 1911 n 1995 The Lady of Lyons by audience was perfectly tuned to stand n 2014 The Good-natured Man by Lord Lytton, 1850 respectfully. Thereafter the Players have Oliver Goldsmith, 1750 n 1994 The Frantic Stockjobbers by been included for their singing qualities. n 2013 The Cassilis Engagement by William Taverner, 1750 Over the three decades about 75 St John Hankin, 1907 n 1993 Lovers’ Vows by Kotzbue, 1798 Bedalians have appeared on stage and n 2012 Gretchen by W S Gilbert n 1992 The London Merchant by some have proceeded to a professional n 2011 The Foresters by Lord Tennyson, George Lillo, 1745 career in music or drama: Johnny 1881 n 1991 Lady Audley’s Secret by Flynn (1996-2001), Dan Wheeler n 2010 A Double Falsehood or the CH Hazelwood, 1850 (1995-2000), Jack Finch (2003-08), Distressed Lovers by William Esther Biddle (1994-99), Elizabeth Shakespeare and John Fletcher, 1727 2023 will be the 100th anniversary Bichard (1996-98), Natasha Ruiz n 2009 The Bells by Leopold Lewis of the Players descending directly Barrero (1996-2001), Grace Banks 1871 & (world première) Jack o’ the from the Steep Shakespeare Players (1998-2003), Gabriel Bruce (2002-07), Cudgel by William McGonagall, 1870 via the Court Players which Kate Slack Stephen Davidson (2000-05), Anna n 2008 A Fair Quarrel by Middleton bequeathed (with a cheque for £74) Dennis (1994-96), Dominic Floyd and Rowley, 1616 to the Stansted Players.

Century of Players Around Bedales • 29 RETHINKING ASSESSMENT

Alistair McConville, Director of Learning and Innovation

ven before the first lockdown group of head teachers from the state E struck last March, conversations and independent sectors, professors, had begun behind closed doors and in a former education secretary and the back room of The Harrow about others to start a campaign. You can how Bedales might use its independence read below the ‘kick-off’ letter of and experience of curricular adventure Rethinking Assessment, and you can to impact on the wider educational see more about us on our website community. The work of the Futures (see web link below). Since this letter, and Innovation Group had identified the we have built a community of over need to push forward even more boldly 1,000 supporters, published 25 blogs, on the curriculum front, and in my role received coverage in all the major as Director of Learning and Innovation newspapers, and had audiences with I set about building a coalition of fellow major politicians. The case for reform would-be reformers to challenge the is building strongly. We are currently dreary status quo of an exam-obsessed running working groups to develop education culture. Lockdown afforded concrete proposals for a broader, more a chance to connect with all sorts of relevant way of valuing the learning people virtually, and we established a and strengths of young people.

Rethinking Assessment: Mutant exam system is failing our children

In this letter, leading educators key figures from the state sector, are Thirty or more GCSEs in one demand urgent action as they launch joining neuroscientists and business month; intense high stakes written a group aiming to overhaul the people, universities and others to make exams couldn’t be designed better testing regime in schools. the argument for change and to provide to induce anxiety. The UK has the “We were told this summer that workable solutions and practical ideas lowest happiness levels in Europe, it was a “mutant algorithm” that had that we will pilot in our schools and according to OECD statistics. caused the anguish of the exam offer as real alternatives. More than that, all pupils, however fiasco. COVID may have exposed Two things unite us. We believe that successful they are at exams, leave the failings, but in truth, something the purpose of education is to develop school with only a partial record more profound is going on, and it the full and diverse range of strengths of their strengths. No credit is has been brewing for years: we have of every child. given to those who are skilled a mutant exam system. We are also doers and not just communicators, thoughtful team Created with good intentions – thinkers; deeply worried at the impact players, clever problem solvers or “to raise standards” – it has mutated the current system has on the lives creative thinkers; in short the stuff into something that neither measures of the children we teach, and we are that helps you thrive in life, and the right things nor is very reliable, determined to make lasting change. makes you invaluable to employers. and leaves in its wake a trail of stress We are sick of talk without action. That is why, though some and unfairness. The case for change is becoming companies still use traditional Many of those who are involved more compelling by the day. Many qualifications as a way of sifting in the exams merry-go-round are young people find the relentless candidates, increasing numbers, reaching the same conclusion – it’s not practice for exams increasingly stressful; including accounting firms PwC, fit for purpose and needs to change. depression and self-harm statistics KPMG and EY, are developing their This week a new group – confirm this. The over-crammed own assessment processes to recruit Rethinking Assessment – is being curriculum on which tests are premised the employees they are looking for. launched to do something about it. ensures “covering content” matters We can learn a lot from their work. Independent schools, together more than a love for the richness Perhaps worst of all, each year – with a range of head teachers and of a subject. not just in these exceptional COVID

30 • Rethinking Assessment RETHINKING ASSESSMENT

times – there is an algorithm that and emotional learning, not just drama, art, music, and languages at is designed to ration the number English and Maths. The principles from GCSEs and A levels. who pass exams. these assessments could be applied All of this is achievable, and post Unlike most other countries, here in order to measure and value COVID there is a growing appetite a young person in the UK does not more than subjects. for change. Please join us in our quest get a qualification if they meet the Technology is providing new to make this a reality; add your voice required level, but only if they are possibilities. Portfolios and electronic and ideas. better than enough of their peers. badging enable recognition for broad Just as students marched for The result is that after 12 years of accomplishments. The Mastery Transcript fairer assessment this summer, all education, a third leave with nothing. Consortium in America brings together of us have it within us to make this We are passionate about social a range of schools to do just that. generation and the next feel valued mobility and believe this is wrong. Every child could leave school with and well prepared for a complex and GCSEs are in many ways a good a portfolio that could be used in a challenging world beyond school.” starting point for reform. They were range of different ways. This letter was first published in the introduced to bring O-levels and Many countries rely more on teacher Sunday Times on 26 September. CSEs together in a fairer way at a judgment, and for those worried about © Rethinking Assessment, 2020. time when the school leaving age inflated results, these can be moderated was 16. Now that the school leaving in skilled ways as already happens for rethinkingassessment.com age is 18, and the exam has become less fair, the vast majority of school Signatories leaders, and politicians including the Peter Hyman former Education Secretary, Lord , Co-Director, Big Education, co-founder and first headteacher, Baker, who brought them in, believe School 21 they are no longer needed. Simon Henderson, Head Master, Eton College To those who say GCSEs may be Sarah Fletcher, High Mistress, St Paul’s Girls’ School flawed but they’re the most reliable Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, thing we’ve got, look at Ofqual’s own Cambridge University 2018 research which shows that Kenneth Baker, Baron Baker of Dorking, former Secretary of State for around 50% of grades may have been Education wrongly awarded in some subjects. Geoff Barton, General Secretary, Association of School and College Leaders Dame Glenys Stacey, who heads Ofqual, the exams regulator, told Neil Strowger, CEO, Bohunt Education Trust and Headteacher, MPs that exams “are reliable to one Julian Drinkall, Chief Executive, Academies Enterprise Trust grade either way”. In other words if Robert Lebatto, Headmaster, The King Alfred School, London you get a B grade at A level, it could Tamsin Ford, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of equally have been an A or a C. This Cambridge is the system we are meant to have Magnus Bashaarat, Head of Bedales Schools so much faith in. Alistair McConville For us, it is not enough for the , Director of Learning and Innovation, Bedales case for change to be strong. Moving Will Goldsmith, Director of Teaching and Learning, Latymer Upper School to a better system takes time Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching and needs skill; there are no easy Leanne Forde-Nassey, Headteacher, The Key Education Centre, Gosport answers. But what we do know is Gwyn ap Harri, CEO, XP School, Doncaster that across the world there are great Bill Lucas, Professor of Learning, University of Winchester examples of assessment practices that we could learn from. Olly , Executive Director of the Edge Foundation The OECD’s Pisa programme Sally Dicketts, Chief Executive, Activate Learning has drawn on worldwide expertise Meeta Vouk, Director, IBM Singapore Lab to devise assessments that measure Rachel Macfarlane, Director of Education Services, Herts for Learning problem solving, creativity, and social

Rethinking Assessment • 31 ROLE OF OUTDOOR LEARNING

Colin Baty, Head of Bedales Prep, Dunhurst Dunhurst teaches an educationally demanding curriculum in the most interesting and imaginative ways we can conceive. This means getting out into the school grounds for Outdoor Work which is a core weekly curriculum subject all year round, and is designed to be both greatly enjoyed by the boys and girls and also a learning experience. We are fortunate to have a working farm at school. Welly boots and a hardy cagoule are as essential as a pencil case and a calculator. Learning is led by the seasons – investigating Daddy longlegs, hibernating hedgehogs, growing vegetables, blackberry picking, apple pressing and lambing, for example. Without them ever having to think about it, our pupils are physically active throughout their school day and beyond. We believe a good and interesting education should be an ike all headteachers across the We have held a ‘Living Together’ day absorbing one, and that it is perfectly L country, I am occupied 24/7 with of outdoor activities, encouraged a possible to combine all manner of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tech detox, and our COVID Recovery personal and educational benefits the children and staff in my care. This is Plan through our Wellbeing curriculum when pupils are suitably distracted no small undertaking, and the job does and across the school has involved by having fun. not end with ensuring that we keep lots of discussion about mental health, This is particularly important when the Coronavirus at bay. self-esteem and coping strategies. times are fraught, and of course when No less important, so far as is The re-opening of schools has seen the virus remains a risk to us all we possible, is that our children get to a renewed appeal for government to are safer outdoors than in. enjoy the benefits of school – learning, support the use of outdoor learning in Whilst our commitment to outdoor of course, but also feeling secure, response to the pandemic. In a letter learning might make us unusual having fun and developing a sense to the Chair of the Education Select amongst our contemporaries in the of themselves. Committee, the group ‘Our Bright UK, a little research shows that it None of these things are easy Future’, which includes representatives has a long and important history. when whatever we do is framed by from The Wildlife Trusts, The National As long ago as 1904, government physical constraints, and a sense that Youth Agency, the Centre for Sustainable regulations for elementary schools the world is beyond our control. Our Energy and Friends of the Earth, has stressed the value of practical work efforts to keep the show on the road identified recovery from the pandemic as part of a wider emphasis on have seen us develop new ways of as an opportunity to reassess “how we educating the ‘total being’ rather than doing things that, pandemic or not, socialise, work and learn”. simply imparting knowledge. will be useful to us in the future. Research shows that time spent A quarter of a century later, the In the spring, our online learning learning outdoors and interacting with 1931 Hadow Report proposed platform allowed us to maintain the the natural world can raise children’s that the curriculum school’s connection with our children, educational attainment, resilience, and be thought of in terms of ‘activity and so continue to offer routine and wellbeing. The group says this should and experience’. Thus, what is now pastoral care. Since returning to school be the subject of a government inquiry, understood by some to be a woolly [in the Autumn term] we have been with a view to making outdoor learning 1960s permissive educational able to ensure pupil wellbeing is once part of the regular curriculum. I strongly orthodoxy – that of learning at one’s again at the heart of everything we do. add my voice to this cause. own pace through discovery rather

32 • Role of Outdoor Learning ROLE OF OUTDOOR LEARNING

than the mechanical transmission as they work out what education, A key component of this is getting of facts through instruction – was and indeed the world, means for our hands dirty outside, and on a welcomed by policy makers half a them. If educators do our work well, regular basis. If it keeps us healthier and century earlier. We must trust young we will help them to develop the happier, and better able to thrive, it is people, working with their teachers, wherewithal to do this. hard to see a downside.

This article was first published on the Telegraph website on 17 November 2020 during the Autumn term when schools were open and we are grateful for their permission to reproduce it here.

telegraph.co.uk/education-and-careers/2020/11/17/need-wellies-cagoules-much-pencils-calculator-school

Role of Outdoor Learning • 33 READING LIST – FRAMES OF REFERENCE

Daniel Alexander (1976-82)

he death of George Floyd, the T man suffocated to death by the police in the US, and the publicity surrounding the recent deaths of a number of other African-American men and women has promoted an outpouring of sadness, solidarity and anger. Among the many horrific aspects of the event, one of the most striking is that it was filmed. That footage, and the consequences that flowed from it, have made aspects of the daily lived experience of particularly many African-Americans manifest and has made certain truths undeniable and certain stances untenable. The impact on educational institutions both in the UK and in the Daniel Alexander US has been profound. One example: as recently as 2016, one of the great Miller – like many other great works They have been looking more intently Ivy League colleges in the US, Princeton of the literature of transformative at what has been overlooked. Bedales University, voted to retain the name of recognition – know that truths, like is no exception. I was a student at its school of international relations: the misfortunes, never come singly. The Bedales and later a Governor. My family Woodrow Wilson School. Woodrow fact of seeing – and being seen to is partly Ghanaian and partly German Wilson was a revered President of have seen – previously unrecognised Jewish. By and large, I think the staff Princeton who transformed it from things changes the perception of (and some students) do a good job – a sleepy second-rate college into much else. The German word for and increasingly so in recent years – one of the leading universities in the ‘perception’ is wahrnehmung – literally in encouraging those at the school to world. Wilson became President of taking something to be true. At such look outwards and take a real interest the United States, was a key figure in moments of perception, the truth has in a range of cultural perspectives. the founding of the League of Nations not changed but what is taken to be However, it is not easy to turn every and won a Nobel Prize. Who could true has. Certain facts, certain kinds Bedalian head in that direction. be worthier of having a school of of lives and ways of being which have Students are largely from affluent international relations named after been less recognised, less entitled are families. Some have a correlate belief in him? Yet last year, Princeton decided to suddenly in sharper relief and can no their own entitlement. The school is less remove his name from one its most longer be overlooked. Part of doing ethnically and socially mixed than some prominent institutions. Woodrow justice involves truthful recognition and many staff and students are – as Wilson had been resolutely opposed of aspects of culture and community I was – from an untroubled and leafy to African-American attendance at present but unseen. It requires a corner of the South East. Aspects of Princeton and played a large role dispassionate understanding of the the daily experience of many in the UK, in actively re-segregating parts of lives of families and communities let alone minority communities here or the US Government that had been unjustly dispossessed of freedom further afield, do not impinge greatly. de-segregated. All these facts were and prosperity and of families and This gives rise to a risk of insularity. known four years ago. So what communities unjustly enriched from However, recent events have changed changed? The public and filmed killing the lives of others. the extent to which certain kinds of of George Floyd, witnessed and whose Many educational institutions have perception – or lack of perception – witnessing was in turn witnessed been realising that their frames of are acceptable and, among other things, around the world has released a reference need some adjustment correspondence from some past and flood of recognition – or perception. to take in truths about culture and current students suggests an increasing Those familiar with the plays of Arthur cultures not universally acknowledged. appetite for a broader view.

34 • Reading List – Frames of Reference READING LIST – FRAMES OF REFERENCE

Small Island National Theatre

Having been locked in, this is a good Edward Saïd, has at its heart an analysis created a magnifi cent Arab-Israeli moment to look out. That is where of how the exotic in ‘foreign’ cultures orchestra with his close friend, the this reading list comes in. It is not are represented and perceived in Jewish conductor Daniel Barenboim, comprehensive but it has a number of arts and humanities. Saïd was, among as a way of bridging (or rendering different, largely historical, windows into other things, a pianist and passionate irrelevant) by music apparently some areas of lives less often explored. supporter of Palestinian rights. He irreconcilable territorial and cultural They provide ways of understanding some background, since aspects of this history are often neither dead nor even past. Understanding them is no less important than having a grip on the core canon of (say) French or Russian literature. The list starts with Magnus Bashaarat’s choice of Derek Walcott’s poems. It is particularly fi tting since, as well as being a poet of international standing, Walcott was an accomplished painter. Although more of a successor to the later modernists, one of his longer poems was infl uenced by Greek epic and lyrical verse and makes a good comparative read for those studying (say) Virgil and Catullan epics. Orientalism, by one of the most famous literary critics of the last century, Syria-Harbour – painted by John Badley

Reading List – Frames of Reference • 35 READING LIST – FRAMES OF REFERENCE

of other lists. As to the latter, at Bedales, I tended to sciences and took a degree in Physics and Philosophy at Oxford. I later studied law at Harvard and am now a barrister and part-time judge. So it seems fitting to end with something from a celebrated African-American mathematician who died in 2010 aged 91. Professor David Blackwell, was born to a poor family in Illinois where his father was a railroad worker. He had finished his first maths degree claims. Barenboim described it as and subject matter. There has also at 19, an age when most people “a project against ignorance”. One been an increasing focus on the are just starting theirs – and had to might say that Orientalism is that too British Caribbean, African and South work part-time to pay for it. As an in its own way – and in the words of Asian diaspora. Two very different indication of what academics like him Tony Just, the historian, it continues works, Andrea Levy’s Small Island and were up against at that time, he was to generate “irritation, veneration Monica Ali’s Brick Lane combine the invited as a researcher to the Institute and imitation” many years after its two perspectives and are great places of Advanced Study, where Einstein publication. Things Fall Apart is one to start with this. Levy’s work focusses – another person excluded from of the classics of the colonial novel on the experience of Caribbean educational institutions in his home written in the 1950s by one of the families coming to the UK – and Brick country to preserve their racial purity masters of Nigerian literature, Lane on the Bangladeshi community – later worked. The IAS was affiliated Chinua Achebe. It is not only a in London. Since I have been asked to with Princeton and researchers could great novel in itself but is a sort of write a foreword I will exercise droit use its facilities and go to its lectures. counterpoint to the “imperial gaze” d’auteur and add another suggestion But not if one was African-American criticised by Saïd. One of Achebe’s to create a trio of modern diasporic – thanks to those who shared successors said of it that it is “the first female perspectives: Chimamanda Woodrow Wilson’s approach. Many novel in English which spoke from Ngozi Adichie, Americanah (2013) years later, Blackwell became Chair of the interior of the African character, about a Nigerian student in the the Department at the University of rather than portraying the African as United States and Lagos and the California at Berkley where he had an exotic, as the white man would difficulties of the coming to terms previously been refused a post, it is see him”. That characterisation, by a with what has become an alien and reported, because the wife of the famous African writer, now seems imagined ‘home’. faculty head did not want to have a anachronistic with its presumption Some suggestions may be “darkie” for dinner. He had words of that there is or ever was such a thing controversial. Please don’t blame advice which apply just as much to a as an “African character”. those who have provided these reading list as to scientific research: The Battle for Algiers and Xala suggestions if your favourite is not keep trying different things, try to find (Sembène) in some ways go together here – or pet hates are. Instead, write something you like and don’t worry – since they are both about elements in to [email protected] about its overall importance: “there’s a of Francophone colonial experience – with ideas for the next one. Don’t sufficient correlation between interest but they could not be more different. blame them for omitting history, politics and importance.” I hope you will find The Battle is a documentary style of or economics, art, architecture, design something to interest you on this list. the minutiae – street by street – of or science. They will be the subject Happy reading. the independence war in a French North African colony directed by an Italian director. Xala is also a fictional Daniel Alexander kindly wrote this foreword to a reading list circulated to Bedales account of the state of another nation, students and families by the school in Summer 2020. The full document with reviews Senegal, but after independence. of each book recommendation can be seen here: More recently, women’s voices have bedales.org.uk/news/wide-range-cultural-perspectives-summer-reading-list reflected both a changed perception

36 • Reading List – Frames of Reference WHAT’S ON MR BADLEY’S BOOKSHELF?

Ian Douglas, Librarian

ew of us can resist the temptation to peek at a friend’s bookcases, looking for insights into their character F and preoccupations. Many relics of Mr Badley’s personal library survive in the school. Shall we permit ourselves to be a little nosy?

Mr Badley himself was always One such influence was John Locke. Mr Badley owned a 1772 edition of his generous in acknowledging Thoughts Concerning Education. his inspirations. It’s no disrespect to his towering importance in the history of that we should recognise his influences. At the same time, JHB stressed that experience and pragmatism were, for him, the highest authorities.

There are numerous books by and about the Swiss educational reformer Pestalozzi, including his 1781 novel Leonard and Gertrude, in which a teacher sets out to remake his school after the model of a loving family home. Among our debts to Pestalozzi is our adaptation of his slogan ‘Learning by head, hand and heart’. Also well represented are Pestalozzi’s disciple Froebel, inventor of the Kindergarten, and pioneer of learning through play, as is Maria Montessori, whose ideas did so much to shape early education at Bedales, especially through her student Amy Clarke (1904-1909; staff, 1918-54), later Head of Dunhurst.

George Meredith by George Frederic Watts Each of the Badleys – both John and Amy – left behind a well-used copy of ’s 1859 Other books tell of the novel The Ordeal of Richard Feverel. fascinating mixture of progressive The hero of the story is the victim causes that clustered around of his father’s austere educational the New School movement. doctrines, not least his determination They remind us that Bedales to shield young Richard from any was founded not only to change contact with girls of his own age. education but to change the I wonder if this cautionary tale world. ‘Any philosophy of influenced the Badleys’ commitment education’, wrote Badley, ‘implies to co-education. a whole philosophy of life’.

What’s on Mr Badley’s Bookshelf? • 37 WHAT’S ON MR BADLEY’S BOOKSHELF?

Mr Badley has left us many books by his friend Edward Carpenter. Carpenter was a utopian socialist and back-to-the-land pioneer, but is probably best remembered today as a fearless champion of gay rights, living openly with his partner George Merill from 1898 until the latter’s death 30 years later, in defi ance of the repressive climate following the Oscar Wilde scandal. Mr Badley’s copy of Carpenter’s The Intermediate Sex is inscribed to him ‘with hearty regard from EC’. This fascinating book remains a moving and impressive monument to a pioneering generation. ‘Anyone who realises what Love is, the dedication of the heart, so profound, so absorbing, so imperative, and always just in the noblest natures so strong, cannot fail to see how diffi cult, how tragic even, must often be the fate of those whose deepest feelings are destined to be a riddle and a stumbling block, unexplained to themselves, passed over in silence by others.’ It is interesting, too, to see which of his ideas have not stood the test of time. To many 21st century readers, Carpenter seems to confl ate quite separate issues of gender and sexuality, as the title of the book suggests.

This book deserves to be held sacred by all Bedalians. It is the biography of one important Bloomsbury fi gure by another: Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson, by E M Forster. It was ‘Goldie’ who suggested that Badley join Cecil Reddie in launching the fi rst of The New Schools at Abbotsholme. Even more important, two years later it was Goldie who fi rst brought together Badley and Oswald Powell – the yin Henry S Salt – the ‘father of and yang of Bedales – two men of animal rights’ and colleague of very different gifts and temperaments, Gandhi – also takes his place to whose complementary partnership on the shelf. we owe so much. Nearby are many books by or about members of the Garrett family. There are works by the Suffragist leader Millicent Garrett Fawcett, who was Amy’s Fydell Edmund Garrett cousin and guardian. Here too are many mementoes of Edmund Garrett, Amy’s brother and JHB’s closest friend, who died tragically young following a literary and political career in the Cape Colony. Edmund is just one of many links between Bedales and the liberal tradition in South Africa. John Molteno, the fi rst Prime Minister of the Cape Colony who, like Edmund Garrett fought to preserve the colour-blind franchise, was the grandfather of numerous Bedalians. The fact that this dream of racial equality in South Africa was later defeated by the likes of , shouldn’t prevent us remembering it with respect.

38 • What’s on Mr Badley’s Bookshelf? WHAT’S ON MR BADLEY’S BOOKSHELF?

There are books which speak of the impact of Bedales on the wider world. These include many works by Badley disciples, such as Joseph H Wicksteed and Laurin Zilliacus, who have transplanted off-shoots of Bedales in other soils. There are books by admirers such as Edmond Demolins, whose À quoi tient la supériorité des Anglo-Saxons did so much to bring pupils to Bedales from all round the world. The book pictured here is one of those which show Bedales at the heart of movements for peace and international friendship, in a world still recovering from the disillusionment of the First World War.

Some books speak of the private side of the Badleys’ life. An exquisitely bound copy of Wagner’s Parsifal – with watered silk doublures – was Amy’s birthday present to John in 1892, during their engagement. Quoting Act III, she has inscribed it to one ‘pure of heart. Pitying sufferer, enlightened healer.’ A gift from John to Amy is inscribed ‘in memory of August Someone – Amy? – has pressed a flower next to the verse: and September 1888’, which must refer to a holiday spent in Not I, not anyone else can travel that road for you, Norway during their courtship. You must travel it for yourself. The gift was Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, which for John If this strikes you as a fitting motto for John Badley, and for the school he founded, was ‘a sacred book … it seemed you are not alone. A special presentation copy of JHB’s Memories and Reflections, to open a great shining window bound by Roger Powell for the Chief’s 90th birthday, has the same line discreetly in my narrow house of life’. worked into the gilt tooling of the binding.

What’s on Mr Badley’s Bookshelf? • 39 THIS ENVELOPE CONTAINED A SECRET

Ian Douglas, Librarian

fficials working in the War Office sealed envelope. For the sake of those be doubly lost. I think this is one of the O in 1907 were surely accustomed not privy to the secret, a note on the reasons why a library is such a fitting to dealing with top secret information. outside of the envelope told them war memorial. It’s not just a place Their files must have bulged with secret all they were entitled to know: that where their names are recorded, it’s a intelligence about troop strengths, the army officer known to them as place where their stories are re-told, contingency plans for attack or defence, Lieutenant Cyril Holland had been born and passed on. So if we re-member and cutting-edge weapons technology. in London in 1885. The document inside someone, we’re trying to recall And yet in this particular War Office – had they been allowed to see it – something of who they were when file, one document was considered would have told them his real name. they were whole. To get a sense of the so sensitive that it had to remain in a But this was considered so sensitive, real person whose life was brought to so shameful, that even War Office civil a sudden and premature end. And the servants were not allowed to know possible futures that came to nothing. the truth. As the Old Bedalian poet Ferenc What is remembrance? What are Békássy (1905-11) put it, shortly before we trying to do when we remember his own death in the First World War: the dead? Well, perhaps it will help to think about an antonym. To be Not blood, but the beautiful years of dis-membered – is to be torn apart, his coming life have been spilled, broken up. In a literal sense that’s The days that should have followed exactly what happened to many of the Bedalians honoured in the Memorial At last year’s Remembrance Jaw, Library. They were torn apart by we made a change to the way we bombs or bullets, or smashed into read out the names of our war dead. pieces when their planes fell from the Previously, we have named them quite sky. Their friends and families wanted formally, the way the names appear to prevent them being dismembered on the war memorial. Last year, we in another way too: if everything that decided to use their first names, and they had been was forgotten, scattered we did a lot of work to make sure Cyril and mother by the winds of time, then they would we used the name, or sometimes the

40 • This Envelope Contained a Secret THIS ENVELOPE CONTAINED A SECRET

nickname, by which they were actually was a friend of Cyril’s father, who was would ever return. As they were known to their friends and family. one of the greatest celebrities of the driven through London they could see So H M Procter became Harry Procter day. Not long after this photo was that every newspaper headline began (1909-12). G W R Mapplebeck became taken, Cyril’s father was convicted of with their father’s name, but no one Gib Mapplebeck (1904). His first “gross indecency” with other men, told them what had happened to him, name was actually Gilbert – but Gib and sent to prison. That was only the and they didn’t dare to ask. is what he was always called by those beginning of the punishment that Cyril’s brother Vyvyan remembered close to him. We felt that this was a society expected. There was also an that they used to cry for the toys better fit for the informal way we do attempt to ensure that his name which they had left behind – their things at Bedales, and also a better was completely forgotten. The Echo train set and toy soldiers. Vyvyan later reminder that there’s a real person, (one of the main London newspapers found out this was because their a real story, behind every name in at the time) wrote, “Let him go into toys had been seized by the bailiffs that long, long list. But having looked silence, and be heard no more”. to pay their father’s debts, along with at the first names, there was one predicted – or everything else they owned. Their person who gave us a difficult dilemma perhaps hoped for, “The grave of crying particularly upset their mother, about his surname. What should we contemptuous oblivion”. The night so they learned to bury their feelings, call Cyril Holland? that their father was sent to prison, and keep silent. It’s little wonder that, Cyril was one of the very earliest Cyril and his brother were smuggled as Vyvyan said of his brother, “the iron Bedalians. At the age of nine, he can out of the country by their governess. entered into his soul”. be seen in one of the first school They weren’t told where they were He ended up a professional soldier photographs, when the whole going, or for how long. They didn’t in India, rather a solitary figure who Bedales community, staff and students, know why they were being spirited kept himself aloof from the social life numbered just 33 people. Mr Badley out of the country, or whether they of the officers’ mess. He took part in

This Envelope Contained a Secret • 41 THIS ENVELOPE CONTAINED A SECRET

various expeditions in remote parts of front. Many really did believe it would Central Asia, completely alone, in fact “all be over by Christmas”. So when there’s some suggestion he may have Cyril learned that his regiment was to been a spy. In June 1914, he summed remain in India he moved heaven and himself up in a letter to his brother. earth to get a transfer. In fact he said he would give up his rank as Captain and his nine years’ seniority, in order Gradually, I became obsessed with to become the most junior subaltern the idea that I must retrieve what in any regiment going to France. had been lost. On 9 May 1915, in the trenches, he All these years my great incentive got involved in a sort of duel with a has been to wipe that stain away; German sniper, and was shot dead. to retrieve, if may be, by some action The former poet laureate, Carol of mine, a name no longer honoured Ann Duffy, in her war poem The Last in the land. For that I have laboured; Post asks us to imagine Cyril and parents for that I have toiled … over difficult country in dangerous times, If poetry could tell it backwards … destruction that we human beings This has been my purpose for visit on one another. sixteen years. It is so still. I ask nothing … watch bled bad blood In the case of Cyril, we certainly better than to end in honourable run upwards from the slime into its wounds; can’t give him back the years of life he battle for my King and Country. see lines and lines of British boys rewind back to their trenches … might have lived. We can’t undo the savage process that, because his father His wish was soon granted. The same I think that part of what she’s doing was gay, turned him from a happy month in which he wrote that letter, in this poem is reminding us that our little boy into a young man who only June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand acts of remembrance cannot ever wanted to die. We can never give was assassinated in Sarejevo. Far away undo the destruction and the loss. him back his happy home, or the lost in India, his brother officers didn’t give Maybe I was wrong in what I said toys that he cried for. it much thought, but Cyril bet his CO earlier about remembering. Perhaps But there’s one thing we can undo. fifty pounds that within six weeks the it’s wrong, as well as futile, to imagine We can undo what Cyril called the world would be at war. we can recapture what is lost. Perhaps stain on his real surname. And we At the time, no one foresaw the it’s more important to come to can name him with pride, Cyril Wilde years of stalemate on the Western terms with the irreversibility of the (1894-95), the son of Oscar Wilde.

Note on sources The words attributed to Cyril above are taken – in a much abbreviated form – from a letter written to his brother in June 1914, and published in Son of Oscar Wilde by Vyvyan Holland (London: Rupert Hart-Davis, 1954), p.140. The same book is the source for the details of the young brothers’ flight and exile in 1895, and for Cyril’s military career and war service. The image of the confidential envelope is from Cyril’s service record (TNA: WO 339/6404) and is reproduced here courtesy of The National Archives. All rights reserved. The Ferenc Békássy lines are from his poem 1914. This appeared in Adriatica and Other Poems, a posthumous collection of his poetry, published in a small edition by Leonard and ’s Hogarth Press in 1925. The Bedales Memorial Library is fortunate to hold a copy of this rather rare book, given by a fellow Cambridge Apostle, the poet R C Trevelyan, when the latter was a Bedales parent. Carol Ann Duffy’s The Last Post was commissioned by the BBC and first performed on the Radio 4 Today programme on 30 July 2009. It is published in her collection The Bees (London: Picador, 2011). The 1894 whole school photograph is from the Bedales Archive. The photographs of Cyril and his mother c.1889, and with both parents a year or two later, are understood to be in the public domain.

42 • This Envelope Contained a Secret BEDALES BUILDINGS UPDATE

Anna Keay (1987-92)

mell is the best time machine. about Bedales buildings and, for reasons laptop use became commonplace S The elderflower and wild garlic of environmental sustainability as well the Bedales Library finally has power lanes of Steep; the sweet, fermenting as nostalgia, pursuing a plan of sorts sockets in every bay – long regarded apples of the orchard in autumn; the to make them better. Treating the as something impossible to achieve vinegary tang of the dining room; the best with the reverence they deserve, because of the building’s listed status booky, oakish, rush-matting air of the making better places of the decent but now carefully and discreetly done. Library; frosty night air your fingertips ones which have become a bit grim, When the late great Ruth Whiting sharp with cigarettes and oranges. avoiding putting buildings where there (staff, 1963-2000) was spotted in a When you start summoning up the were none before, and getting rid of remote rear bay clackering away on smells of Bedales they keep on coming. the shocking ones that frankly should her keyboard, it was clear this had not Wet footprints on brick steps up to have gone years ago. Key to doing this been an innovation too far. the Lupton Hall; the rubber and plastic, well has been Richard Griffiths, the The Lupton Hall has had a full roller-skates and shuttlecocks of the brilliant conservation architect behind, renaissance. After over 20 years of sports hall; the dry, husky sweet-stale among other things, the revival of being rarely used, a comprehensive air of the cricket pavilion; the warm fug St Pancras Station, who has been our repair project has brought the building of Steephurst, all Alberto VO5, Loulou architectural guru throughout. back to life. Major interventions have perfume and toast. All these smells have The Lupton Hall, Library and made this possible: the back of the been in my mind recently. How much Covered Way are Bedales’ brightest stage has been dropped to achieve an experience and memory is formed by gems. Work in these Grade I listed almost level surface usable for music the physical qualities of a place, what buildings has been about ensuring and performance without everyone they feel and smell and sound like. they are repaired with the right rolling slowly to the front or becoming Over my last five years as the expertise and materials, and that they seasick. The heavy stage curtains have buildings rep on the Board of are then properly used, and not left been taken down to reveal the great Governors I have been thinking a lot as empty hulks. Twenty years after round east window, now repaired, and

Bedales Buildings Update • 43 BEDALES BUILDINGS UPDATE

leaded lights have replaced 1960s plate glass in the windows overlooking the Orchard. The final part of this work will come this summer with the repair of the Covered Way, legendary look-out point and place of rendezvous. Its lovely timber gutters and downpipes will be repaired, and in places remade entirely, and the shockingly neglected tile roof taken off and carefully reinstated. Moving beyond these gems much else has been happening. At Dunhurst an awful pair of prefabs in which languages were taught, forming the grimmest imaginable sight at the far end of the lower carpark, have been removed. In their place we have built Bees’ Barn. Designed in the style of Dunhurst’s two vernacular barns – the Workshop and the Crèche (or ‘Barn’ as it was when home to the weaving being reborn, and largely rebuilt, as long will disappear and grass and trees looms) – it is a timber framed and ‘the Studies’, a complex of Sixth Form will take its place. boarded structure with casement Study Units, communal workspaces and But it does not end there. Two windows and a roof of handmade tiles, staff offices. The Old Reading Room more projects are planned. Ever all nestling under the great branches is being replaced with a new sixth since the school became too big to of a Dunhurst oak. form bar and common room opening hold assemblies in the Lupton Hall, At Bedales, the new Art and Design directly onto the Orchard. I hope yoga the Quad has been filled with a Building masterminded by Matthew will happen here again when the work mountain of utilitarian tiered seating. Rice (Chairman of Governors) left is complete. Meanwhile the miserable This towering hulk of metal and plastic the complex of old art and design black excrescence known as the fills two-thirds of the space making it buildings on the north side of the ‘Academic Village’ which has squatted unlovely and unloved, and creating a Orchard redundant. These are now like a toad on Steephurst Lawn for too claustrophobic, oppressive space at the heart of the school. The plan is to form a light, airy new assembly space on the south side of the Orchard by adapting and extending to the rear the former gym. This in turn will liberate the Quad. With its tiered seating gone, it can be repaired and improved to bring out its character as a handsome brick-arcaded internal courtyard, with casement windows and a new lightweight roof. Once again, we hope, such core Bedales activities as mooching about, waiting to go into lunch, dancing, discussing the fall of the patriarchy, plaiting your friends’ hair and hanging-about-with-your-mates will return to this terrific and rejuvenated space. After a year of facemasks and social distancing, it will not come a moment too soon.

44 • Bedales Buildings Update JOHN BADLEY FOUNDATION

Mark Hanson (1977-84), JBF Chair me to think and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. Since 2011, together with the school, JBF has enabled 17 students to have a full Bedales education. With thanks to some of those JBF scholars, there are now some wonderful stories to tell (see weblink below for more details) and it has been brilliant to welcome one JBF alumna, Esme Allman (2013-15) onto the JBF board where she’ll make a great contribution. Meeting Esme recently was very special, because it confirmed that my own modest contribution has helped some exceptional young people to flourish. y the time you read this, the Over the last year, I’ve served This space in the OB Newsletter allows B COVID crisis will be 12 months as a Bedales governor and as the me to thank those OBs, parents and old. Thanks to the scientists at Pfizer chair of trustees for the John Badley friends of Bedales for their generous and elsewhere, we can now see an Foundation (JBF), the charity that contributions to the JBF. You have end to this bleakest of periods but the gives children facing severe challenges directly and demonstrably changed world has been much changed. at home or school, the life-changing people’s lives through Bedales. Here in the US, where my wife opportunity of a Bedales education At JBF, we’ve recently raised our and I live, we’ve seen some of the that they could not normally sights higher and would like to double best and worst of it. A bitter and access. And what has struck me the number of students we can support divisive presidential campaign has most positively over this period is from what is still a small financial underscored the deep divisions in that those same ‘traditions’ that I base. This year has been economically American society and a sense that this remember, cherish and have given challenging for so many people across country still needs a fuller reckoning me so much personally, are alive and the UK and that makes it more difficult for the racial injustices of the past well at Bedales but in a more modern to reach out to people for their in order to move forward. It’s also a context. My own self-memory is of a support. But at the same time, the need year in which critical issues, whether student who was industrious rather is even greater and the gift of a Bedales on the environment, racial injustice or than gifted but who was blessed to education never so empowering. gender identity are being addressed be taught by, amongst other very If you’d like to learn more, then Tanya more openly and constructively. In good teachers, Ruth Whiting (staff, Darlow ([email protected]) that context, it has been interesting 1963-2000). She inspired in me a love or I would welcome that. to observe in the media how more of History and wouldn’t accept idle traditional schools than Bedales have thought. Ever! In short, Ruth taught bedales.org.uk/support-us/impact been unable to bring these issues into debate without questioning their very identities. And as I reflect on that, it strikes me that the Bedalian ‘traditions’ of tolerance, daring to think differently, innovation and healthy debate have never been as valuable as they are today. It’s not what you know but what you think and do about it that matters. It’s also not surprising to me that faced with the challenges of COVID, Bedales has adapted nimbly, creatively and thoughtfully to deliver the best educational experience it can.

John Badley Foundation • 45 JOHN BADLEY FOUNDATION

Jessica Cross, JBF Trustee

grew up in me. And we were the fortunate ones The former I can answer having watched I Johannesburg – the segregated education system my son flourish during his intervening during the 1960s ensured that the vast majority of my Bedales years and as for the latter, I have and 70s. These were fellow South Africans fared a lot worse personal first-hand experience. the height of the than I did, and hence the origin of the As a Trustee, I get to see this apartheid years term ‘the lost generations’ and its wide transformation take place and this has and my education usage by historians. inspired me to support the John Badley reflected the status quo. At secondary So attending an open day at Bedales, Foundation by volunteering my time school, as a teenager, I had exactly many years later with my son, was a since its inception, and with a pledged two art lessons. Art was considered game-changer for me and I vividly recall legacy. For me, it’s important to give frivolous. The only music lessons I had coming away from the tour feeling back to the school that allowed my son were private, financed and encouraged wistful and thinking: how different to become more of who he already was. by my parents. Furthermore, since the would my life have turned out if I had My relationship with the school, therefore, Government deemed it undesirable benefitted from a Bedales education? continues in this way and this feels very that we were exposed to the outside And that is exactly my starting right. It’s a unique community and one world, television was banned and point in acting as a Trustee of the John that I’m humbly proud to be a part of. therefore access to news was tightly Badley Foundation as we consider each I hope that your time at Bedales was controlled by the state. I first saw TV and every application from the lists of in some way transformative too. And when I was 17 (1976) and even then, potential beneficiaries. I ask myself: how I hope that you will consider joining the content was strictly limited. will a Bedales education transform the me in affording this opportunity to My only access to the real world life of this particular student? And then others. My fellow trustees and I are was historical with a 12 month time lag of course, I ask the same question but hugely grateful for the support of the via a set of Encyclopaedia Britannica the other way round: what will be the OB community, but most importantly that my mother bought in hard copy fate of this applicant if they don’t get – so are the kids. And that’s what it’s all on a monthly basis for my sisters and the opportunity to attend Bedales? about – it’s just the Bedales way.

Valerie Saint-Pierre (1982-90)

f you are reading I finished my schooling that I realised it is to enable the same opportunities I this then you exactly how lucky I was to have had for other children. I have been must already these opportunities, rather than being supporting the JBF since its foundation understand that encouraged only into those areas for over 10 years ago regardless of Bedales is not an which I had a natural inclination or whether I have been employed or not, ordinary school. The which were rated as ‘more important’ because I continue to believe every environment that is by career services or government penny extremely well spent if it allows fostered there is one which encourages bodies. In fact, ironically, my first ever even one child to access the breadth independent thinking, self-reliance and job in publishing came about precisely of knowledge that I was given access creativity, all within a nurturing and because I had a wide breadth of to – which I believe is the foundation supportive environment. This is a place knowledge rather than simply a degree of a true education. I have no children that gives its students the opportunity in English Literature; as my employer of my own, but it gives me enormous to explore a wide breadth of new later told me, he hired me because satisfaction to know that I, even in experiences alongside the traditional I could hold a conversation about a very small way, am enabling the ‘core’ subjects, discover what they love pretty much anything! broadening of young and curious minds and expand their horizons safely. In the intervening 30-odd years I through my monthly donations. I hope For me, an independent, creative have become more and more aware you will consider donating as well. thinker, this was an environment I could of how important my schooling was to flourish in. However, it was only after me, and subsequently how important bedales.org.uk/support-us

46 • John Badley Foundation JOHN BADLEY FOUNDATION

n the 2020 Newsletter, we forms found in the landscape”. John’s collection to the school as a token I featured an interview with artist most recent work, including ‘Wooden of appreciation. The painting by John Hitchens (1952-57). Among Blades’, is now represented by Felix Ivon Hitchens was auctioned by the Bedalian influences on John’s and Spear Gallery in Ealing. Christie’s on 2 March 2021 with all life, he recalled that Mr Messingham We are delighted that John’s proceeds going to the John Badley (staff, 1923-63), the woodwork relationship with Bedales continues in Foundation. We would like to thank teacher at Dunhurst gave him a many ways: through his own art and his John for this most generous and love of working with tools. This willingness to share this with the school thoughtful gift. Our thanks also love was apparent at John’s recent community; through his family, with go to Jonathan Clark Fine Art for exhibition Aspects of Landscape his two sons and now grandchildren facilitating this donation. at Southampton City Art Gallery attending the school; and most recently when we took a group of Bedales by donating a painting from his father’s southamptoncityartgallery.com parents to meet John during the Autumn term. The Gallery have created a virtual tour of the exhibition along with an interview with John about his life and work (see weblink below). John writes on his Instagram account @jhitchens “the 1990s saw the beginning of a move away from painting on canvas only. Many of the new paintings were influenced by works in 3-dimensional form that were done at the same time. This led to pictures on irregular, layered canvases or on shaped wooden logs. All of them represent

John Hitchens’ Aspects of Landscape exhibition, Southampton City Art Gallery

John Badley Foundation • 47 JOHN BADLEY FOUNDATION

Tanya Darlow, Head of Development There are so many ways you can help. You can donate or set up a regular ver the last year, many of you mentioned by Mark Hanson in his gift online (see weblink below), email O have generously donated to the piece (page 45), is to increase the [email protected] or call me John Badley Foundation. Some of you number of children supported each to discuss legacy giving or to speak to supported the charity with a monthly year from nine to fourteen over the me about our major donor programme. gift, many of you remembered Bedales next four years. This is a huge step for You could also donate an item or in your will and a wonderfully large the charity and will only be possible experience for the summer auction. number of you bought mugs, plates if we double annual donations from This must be COVID safe so we will and puzzles from our fundraising shop. £250,000 to £500,000 by 2025. need to be creative! It could be a holiday Thank you for sticking with us during We cannot do this without you. home in the UK, a painting, a writing this diffi cult year. You appreciate the value of a Bedales retreat, a year’s supply of chocolate, With your support, we have opened education. You understand why a boy or a sheep shearing workshop. The our doors to 17 children who faced who joined the school with JBF funding more Bedalian the better. severe challenges at home or at school. last year felt like he was ‘coming home’. Not all our donations come directly Nine of these children are still at the You can imagine why, for a child like from individuals. If you, or a member school and at the time of writing, are this, it is the fi rst time he has ever felt of your family serve as a trustee for receiving extra pastoral support during truly accepted. a charitable trust or foundation, your this second school lockdown. For our For the younger generations reading employer offers a company giving leavers, the experience has been this, it may be your fi rst foray into scheme, or you want to offer a venue transformational; Roly Botha (2010-15) philanthropy. You may be wondering or location for a fundraising event, and Albie Waterton (2012-14) have how your small contribution can make please let me know. explained why in two short fi lms a difference. Collectively, I promise you When I talk to bursary students on the school website (see weblink that you can. Your gift, combined with about their fi rst impressions of below). Please do take a look. others, is match-funded by the school the school, they often say that it As this newsletter lands on your and directly funds a place for a child. feels like a very open and giving doorstep, we will be meeting applicants The more we raise, the more places community. I hope that together, for 2021 bursary places. We continue we can offer. Some donors choose to we can keep it that way. Thank you to work closely with Royal SpringBoard fund a full place. Others choose to give for your support. and Buttle UK to ensure we are giving a monthly amount. Every pound counts places to children most likely to benefi t and the programme would not exist bedales.org.uk/support-us/impact from a Bedales boarding education. Our without your support. bedales.org.uk/support-us partnership with these charities also means we can be part of a focus on impact and learning. Royal SpringBoard can now demonstrate evidence that bursary placements, including those at Bedales, for disadvantaged and vulnerable young people lead to – improved academic performance; improvements to pupils’ emotional and social wellbeing; improved chances of securing places at university or competitive apprenticeships; and a ripple effect of rising aspirations in home communities. So, we know that the programme works and we know that we want to continue. But crucially, given the signifi cant learning loss for disadvantaged pupils over the last year, our mission is even more urgent. Our target, as Albie Waterton in the Art and Design building

48 • John Badley Foundation BEDALES GRANTS TRUST FUND

Cathy Baxandall (1970-76), Chair of Trustees, BGTF the Rathbone Greenbank ethical fund (£3.6m) and cash or cash-equivalents he Bedales Grants Trust Fund he has been an incredible force for of £3.1 million. T (BGTF) is now in its ninth decade! change and we will not forget his In 2020, we were also very grateful Founded in 1927 by John Badley (and willingness to challenge, his enthusiasm to receive legacies amounting in a group of close friends, colleagues and for Bedales and his amazing positive aggregate to £66,000. It is very touching supporters of the Bedales’ ethos) its energy, providing inspiration throughout that Bedalian roots and loyalties remain purpose is to provide financial support his tenure as a trustee. so strong, and rewarding to know through bursaries for students at With the fund currently standing that the generous spirit of those who Bedales, particularly (but not exclusively) at £6.7 million, the BGTF Trustees’ leave legacies to BGTF will be carried those with Old Bedalian connections. aim is to generate sufficient returns through to the next generation. Our Over its long existence it has, through through investment, without depleting deepest thanks go to those who have a combination of generous lifetime capital but retaining flexibility to seen fit to donate in this way. New giving and some magnificent legacies, respond to particular student needs, donations to BGTF, whether lifetime particularly in the last 10 years, been so that we can sustainably continue or by means of a legacy in a will, are able to award a significant number of to pay bursaries for many years to always welcomed. bursaries for students in need of fee come. The funds are independently Thanks go to Richard Lushington, support during their time at Bedales. and ethically managed, overseen by Bedales Bursar, who acts as BGTF’s On average, we support between an Investment Committee, currently Bursar and Secretary, and to Magnus 20-25 students by funding a third of comprising Lynn Pearcy, Josephine Bashaarat and the rest of the annual fees over their school career at Jonathan and Dennis Archer. administrative team for their help and Bedales. In 2020 we made means-tested In 2018, the trustees resolved that support. Whatever the circumstances, bursary awards in aggregate of around its share portfolio should include only through the award of new bursaries £267,000, helping 24 current students ethical investments, with the remainder we expect to continue sustainably to pursue their education at Bedales. in cash or cash equivalents. BGTF’s supporting as many pupils as possible The BGTF is a registered charity investment assets are divided between to experience a Bedales education. (No 1036179) which is independent from the school and governed by independent trustees. The current trustees are myself as Chair (since 2016), Dennis Archer (staff, 1974-2008), Camilla Church (1989-1992), Stephen Davies (1989-1994), Josephine Jonathan (2006-2008) and Lynn Pearcy (1972-1977). Peter Hall (1975-79) retired as a trustee after the 2020 AGM. Peter, who has had a stellar career covering investment, journalism and publishing, and also latterly conservation and political activism, gave a massive boost to BGTF through his generous donation of £250,000 back in 2005-06. Becoming a trustee shortly after, over the next seven years he used his expertise in investment to enable this fund to grow exponentially and it is thanks to his exceptional generosity, coupled with his talented investment record, that the BGTF today can make such a difference. I would like to record huge thanks to him for his dedication:

Bedales Grants Trust Fund • 49 OB PROFILES

Mark Bromley (1992-99) ethos of the place,” says Mark. “It was Mick Csáky (1951-63) something different, a mixture of all kinds of people, and although I was initially taken aback by sharing space with so many other kids, some of whom were quite home-sick in the early days, I never looked back after the first couple of weeks.” “Adapting quickly had never been a problem for me,” Mark continues. “I had obviously travelled a fair bit by then, which had given me a degree of openness to other people, and I embraced the new challenge. Bedales is very much about extending a family feeling, I always felt a natural part of that and I was quickly able to build new hen people think about the relationships. When you have a place We thank Mick for kindly writing up W careers and professions of Old with such supportive teachers and so the following account of his life, which Bedalians, their thoughts tend to run many people who shared the same kind includes 50 years of documentary towards the arts and crafts, perhaps of overseas-based background that I had, film-making. towards media or journalism. The it was comparatively easy for me.” commercial world is not always top of At school, Mark found his extra- uelled by the optimism and mind and yet there are a number of curricular activities to be chiefly F arrogance of youth, back in 1971, OBs who have not only thrived in that occupied by sport. “I wasn’t the most after eight years of arena but ascribe their success to the artistic person,” he cheerfully admits. (five years of and three lessons that they learned at Bedales. “There were a couple of shining drama years of film school), I felt very ready Such a case is Mark Bromley, who stars among my contemporaries but to enter the world of work. The big takes us through his life in procurement while I gave both art and drama a go, question in my mind was: “How am I at home and abroad after leaving I excelled at neither. On the other hand, going to earn a living?” Bedales and looks back fondly on I absolutely loved sport and the feeling With one or two detours along school days that were filled with a of being a part of the team, which the way, I eventually decided that my competitive ethos, a great deal of Bedales was very good at emphasising. chosen career was to be a writer, sport and an environment in which We were an extremely competitive producer and director of documentary encouragement to succeed in any bunch, both within the group and films for television. However, nobody field was ever-present. against other school opposition, and warned me that life as a documentary His father was a diplomat and for as I remember, our win/loss ratio film maker was going to be fraught the formative years of his life, Mark across most sports was pretty good with financial insecurity, but that became accustomed to adapting to at the time. I have fond memories was the last thing on my mind. very different environments at more of always being outdoors at the Nevertheless, in spite of numerous or less regular intervals. “I was born in weekends, sometimes doing the odd ups and downs during the following the UK but then we moved to Norway bit of outdoor work, but mostly playing half century, I have had a lot of fun when I was two, to Dubai a couple of matches and not being ashamed of making more than 50 documentary years later and then to Malawi when the fact that we wanted to win them! films as a director, and a further 600 I was around seven”, he explains. “That I knew where my strengths lay and one as a producer. It has not proved to kind of travelling life wasn’t the best of the great things about Bedales was be very enriching financially, but very for a settled education and my parents that wherever that happened to be, rewarding in so many different ways. recognised the need to find a good you were encouraged to go and make I have no regrets and would not have back in England for the most of those strengths.” had it any other way. It has given me my brother and me.” Read more: bedales.org.uk/alumni/ the chance to tell the stories of an The family choice fell on Bedales. mark-bromley extraordinary range of people in more “I think that my parents just loved the than 100 countries, and to stick my

50 • OB Profiles OB PROFILES

nose into so many different subject 1930s. He was studying agriculture. Although I never progressed areas of personal interest, in the fields She was studying botany. They married beyond Grade 5, I enjoyed playing the of politics, science, economics, history, during WW2. trumpet in the second school orchestra. religion and the arts. Truly, I feel very From the age of 6 to 18, I attended However, I would have preferred blessed to have had the chance to the preparatory and senior schools to have been playing in a jazz band experience so much of the world of Bedales. What with Bedales being alongside Louis Armstrong. during the past 50 years. Equally, I feel the UK’s very first “progressive From my early teens I developed very blessed to have had the generous co-educational boarding school”, a keen interest in following national and support of my inspirational wife Jean girls inevitably played a significant international news by reading the daily and our three adorable children Leo, role in my life. However, one of my newspapers in the Common Room for Corinna and Tim (along with their own fondest memories of the fairer sex is an hour every morning before lessons. eight wonderful children), plus our being rewarded with a kiss from the This interest was brought into sharp circle of close friends. Headmaster’s very glamorous young focus when one of the staff was kind I was born in August 1945, just wife (Kate Slack) after I won the annual enough to give me a copy of a newly after the end of WW2, along with Le Mans cycle race in 1963. published book called The Anatomy my twin brother John. My second Learning drawing and painting in of Britain by Anthony Sampson brother Adrian arrived three years The Studio under the guidance of (a journalist and historian who was later. Initially, we all grew up on a farm the Art Master Christopher Cash to play a significant role in my future in Shropshire, not far from Ironbridge. (1950-78) was a valuable experience, career as a documentary film maker). My mother (Mary Baker) was English, as was making things from metal and Sampson’s subsequent books ignited the daughter of a tenant farmer near wood in The Workshop under the a life-long interest in modern history, Oxford. My father (Alexander Csáky) stern instruction of “Bif” Barker (staff, eventually prompting me to make was Hungarian. In the late 20s he was 1930-64). I was able to bring these two numerous documentary programmes sent to England to receive an English strands together when designing and about the historical context surrounding education, initially in London and building several stage sets for plays in several of the major events that have then at Clayesmore School in Dorset. The Lupton Hall Theatre. Productions occurred within my own lifetime. My parents met as students at the included ‘Tiger At The Gates’ and Read more: bedales.org.uk/alumni/ University of Reading during the late ‘Pelléas & Mélisande’. mick-csaky

Mick Csáky passing the workshop on his way to winning Le Mans in 1963

OB Profiles • 51 NEWS IN BRIEF

Claudia Arney (1982-89) has been He is also the Treasurer of the British equality with the charity, GLI. The appointed the new Chair of food Branch of the International Arthurian initiative involves speaking to boys delivery service Deliveroo. Described Society (a seed perhaps sown when and university students and discussing in the Evening Standard as: “One of he was Treasurer of the Bedales gender stereotypes and roles, as well the UK’s top businesspeople, Arney has Wargaming Society and on the as covering topics such as racism and held senior positions at the Treasury Finance Committee). bullying. goodladinitiative.com/our-team and Goldman Sachs, and comes with board-level experience at Ocado Group, the property developer Derwent Congratulations to George McMenemy London, and Kingfisher.” Tied in with (2014-17) who we were delighted this announcement, Claudia steps to see featured in this year’s Sports down from the board of the Premier Personality of the Year Awards after League whose Chair, Gary Hoffman, his ‘greatest sporting moment’ was said: “In her role as Interim Chair, she selected by the BBC. The Sussex final guided the organisation and our clubs year student explains: “This year, I got through the most challenging and my first-ever wicket in village cricket. unprecedented time in Premier League I have dyspraxia; a mild condition history as a result of the pandemic.” meaning I have poor co-ordination. Rebecca Fossett (née Langton, (Not very suited to cricket!) My 1971-81) runs a company, ‘Joseph’s mother passed away suddenly two Having been to summer music courses Amazing Camels’, with her husband. years ago, which affected me more as a child in Winchester, when John They offer a range of camel trekking than anything else in my life. She was Bush (1936-46) emigrated to Australia and experiences from their home in my biggest supporter, always telling in 1969 as a farmer and music teacher, Warwickshire, and are also diversifying me to believe in myself and prove he sought out such camps for his family. into camel milk. jacamels.co.uk the doubters wrong. I was bullied at At the (non-residential) State Music school for a while [prior to coming Camp in Perth in 1973, he talked to to Bedales] and told I would never various people about starting a camp Joanna Hardman (1980-82) has worked achieve anything in sport, but I joined for amateur musicians of all ages to for 30 years as a highly specialist my local cricket club after my mum play together for pleasure and people speech and language therapist in early passed away, and the rest is history. were encouraging. Having heard of a childhood communication. She is now Playing has helped me overcome my new site near Albany, 30 miles south Deputy Head of Children’s Therapies grief and I love the spirit of cricket. of his home near Mt. Barker, he took at St George’s Hospital and has Above all else, it has given me the the plunge and established a new recently become the communication opportunity to turn my life around residential music camp there. The first advisor for JoJo Maman Bebe mother and try to make my darling mummy one was attended by 50 people which and baby brand. instagram.com/tv/ proud, which is all I ever want to grew over the years. 2018 was the CGrw1xCgW8q do!” George is fully immersed in the 45th annual camp. In his 90s, John has sporting life at Sussex as Vice President now stepped down as President. He of the Cricket Club, Third Team Captain, reports: “I learnt music at school from Marcus Johns (1946-49) has been President of the University Darts Club Tom Holding (staff 1926-44), who had in touch with school, reminiscing and elected as student council member played in the Grenadier Guards Band about his time at Dunhurst and he in charge of sport. Go George! at ’s funeral!” would love to hear from any old Dunhurstians who remember him. Marcus went into medicine and Corin Corley (1970-74), having retired became a psychoanalyst. He can be from the Civil Service, has become an emailed at [email protected] honorary Fellow at Bristol University and returned to his first love, Old French Arthurian romance. He is Michael Jones (2005-12) has been currently assisting postgraduates and volunteering in schools and facilitating working on his own research projects. workshops on positive gender

52 • News in Brief NEWS IN BRIEF

Congratulations to Clare Murphy he will once again be competing from Illumina, that employs the (1990-94) who has taken over as Chief nationally and internationally. Andrew technique of super-resolution imaging. Executive of the British Pregnancy has also been selected to receive an Gary used to work for the company Advisory Service (BPAS). She was elite sports grant from Hampshire and is pleased to share that this new previously a Deputy Chief Executive County Council. He is now fundraising machine has a much higher data output, at BPAS where she oversaw the to top up his LTA grant, install gym which reduces cost, making DNA development of BPAS’ highly successful equipment at home to support his sequencing more affordable for a range advocacy and campaigning activities, training and looking for companies that of medical applications. Gary led the including the expansion of its remit would like to support his elite journey. concept phase of this project and is to champion women’s rights across co-inventor of a number of the patents the reproductive spectrum. BPAS is covering the technology. He is currently widely recognised for its commitment working on a machine that will create to advocating for women’s choice in synthetic DNA at a Cambridge-based pregnancy while providing high-quality startup, Evonetix. services, and with the launch of its IVF service, BPAS fertility, it will be able to help women and couples who wish to Joseph Smith (1995-97) has launched start pregnancies. an independent coffee roastery in Lewes. He says: “We may be small and local, but we’ve big ambitions to do Congratulations to Andrew Penney things right ethically and environmentally. (2007-2015) for his selection for the Drinking our coffee means growers Lawn Tennis Association’s Wheelchair get a fair and sustainable income. National Age Group Programme – And we think seriously about how to the governing body’s wide-ranging minimise our environmental impact.” package of support designed to help tigermothroastery.co.uk high potential wheelchair players After over 10 years as an Interior progress towards future international Designer working for the most success. As part of the programme, well-known companies in the business, Claire Whalley (1980-85) is running Alice Scott (2000-05) now designs a Community Interest Not for and manufactures Linen Fabric & Matt Profit Company which, working with Wallpaper in abstract designs. She highly qualified yoga teachers and uses sustainable materials and these yoga therapists, aims to bring the are ethically printed in the North of well-researched, mental and physical England. chelseagem.com health benefits of yoga into the NHS and to a more diverse community. During lockdown, she created 20 Gary M Skinner (1987-92) is working classes online across the week to on a new DNA sequencing machine support people’s mental and physical wellbeing, including a ‘Breathing through COVID’ class to support people with players have access to training and Coronavirus, or others who want to tournament guidance from LTA strengthen their respiratory system. coaches, international competitions, She has received funding to provide training camps, home training visits therapeutic yoga to metastatic breast from LTA coaches and support to cancer patients at Barts Hospital, maintain a sport/life balance. After two BME staff at St George’s Mental years of illness and only six months Health Trust and to run a teacher of competing pre-COVID, Andrew is training programme for young BME currently ranked number 3 UK boys yoga students to become teachers. junior and in the top 20 wheelchair theyogaforlifeproject.co.uk tennis juniors worldwide. In 2021,

News in Brief • 53 NEWS IN BRIEF

HAVE YOU HEARD? Leah Mason (2002-09) (Minke) has bit of expert joke advice, so you can collaborated with producer Tyzo Bloom show others just how funny you can to release Bedroom. Chilli Chilton be! “Collected by jokesmith Gyles are (2009-18) worked with Isaac Gracie some of the best and worst jokes ever on a new track, written and produced (plus a few riddles to keep you on by Elbow frontman Guy Garvey for your toes).” Apple TV+ series Trying soundtrack. Congratulations to all!

Blossom Gottleib (2017-19) has launched a self-care podcast Tea with HB. It started in March 2020 and over six months it reached 1000 listeners and she was interviewed about it on BBC Radio 4 Extra. teawithhb.com – also available Spotify and Apple podcasts.

HAVE YOU READ? Barty Brereton (1946-50) was Design Correspondent for The Observer Having founded from 1968 to 1983, and has written The Good Country around 30 books on various aspects of Index, Simon gardening and the home. She is also a Anholt (1974-79) gardener, garden designer and garden – advisor to historian. Barty says: “I live on my own Presidents, Prime and decided I needed a serious focus Ministers and for the periods of isolation this year OB musicians have been impressively monarchs – has and started a gardening blog which productive. Emma-Lee Moss (1998-02) written The Good has kept me very busy and focussed. (Emmy the Great) has released a Country Equation In case other people relying on their new album, April/ . Following her – How We Can Repair the World in gardens might be entertained, the link is first releaseVersion of Me, singer One Generation. The book tackles the bartysgarden.blogspot.com” songwriter Delilah Montagu (2009-16) big questions of why the world doesn’t released a new single, Loud. work like it should, and how to make it better. goodcountry.org/book Jane Corbett (1953-1958) has written a new What’s Black and novel, The Last White and Red Musketeer. It is a All Over? Penguin story that is both Books encourages a psychological us to “laugh thriller and a Leah Mason ourselves silly love story, set in in this fantastic Dublin’s rapidly collection of jokes expanding business community during and riddles from the time of the 2008 financial crisis. master of funny It is not so much a whodunnit as an ” (1961-66) in his exploration of what gives rise to an book published in August. From ‘Knock, increasingly violent series of events, the knock’ to ‘Waiter waiter’, with some choices each character makes and their funny elephants and giraffes thrown consequences in a growing climate of Chilli Chilton in for good measure, there’s also a fear and suspicion. Jane also has two

54 • News in Brief NEWS IN BRIEF

previous titles, Looking for Home, a novel Brooke Bond: The Story of a Great the immense kingdom of Theoderic the set primarily in Berlin and Paris and Family Enterprise – This new book tells Goth and fi nally the centre of Byzantine spanning a period from 1904 to 2001, the story of how Arthur Brooke laid power in Italy. and a volume of short stories, Beasts the foundations of a global tea business and Lovers, which are modern fairy tales. from the time he opened his fi rst shop “The Last Musketeer is a pacey, intelligent in Manchester in 1869 to the take-over Millions of people and very topical thriller about trust and by Unilever in 1985. From the beginning, were fascinated betrayal within a group of friends, with Brooke Bond was a family run business by Jenny Lee’s a rattling, high-stakes plot that tantalises whose members played a decisive role adventures as a until the very end,” says Kate Saunders, in its remarkable growth and success young midwife Costa prize-winning novelist and encompassing brand leading packet teas in the East End Sunday Times book reviewer. throughout the world and tea estates of London in the in India, Africa and Sri Lanka in support. 1950s, as told in The 96-page hardback book is a private Call the Midwife. At exactly the same In time for her publication which emerged from the time and in the same place, Jenny Hilton Charity’s Choice 90thTwitter users birthdaymight not be so ready with their 150th Anniversary Exhibition held at (1948-54) was starting as a young police tweets had they risked the drastic punishments meted out to pamphlet publishers in the 1640s. Here is gossip for the nation, while in Farnham, harity’s AlexineSurrey, gossip fuels rivalries Crawford and domestic conflicts. C Brooke Bond’s Reunion Luncheon in constable. Patrolling the streets with And into this arrives Charity, an unwilling new- comer. Who, the gossips ask, is she? Why has she Choice (1944-48)come? Which young man is she attracting? What October 2019. The book is the work only a whistle for backup, and at a time will her choices be? Charity’s David Harris (1951-57) publishedAfter 20 years following the flag as an Army wife, with spells of who was when the police were also de facto in Germany and Belgium, Alexine settled as third generation in the family home. She has written diverse articles and two

books, e Challenge of Caring (2001) and Comely Grace CRAWFORD

Choice ALEXINE (2011). She has an Oxford, which BA in history, and is a trustee of employed by Brooke Bond as a writer social workers, huge responsibility rested Woodlarks Camp Site where disabled adults and children tellscome for holidays. of ordinary and photographer for 30 years. The on her young shoulders. At the start of

THE £9.99 CONRAD PRESS peopleUS $13.00 caught up historic Luncheon and Exhibition, both her career, women made up less than one €15.00 Alexine Crawford in Fictionextraordinary of which David organised, was attended percent of the Metropolitan Police, and times around 1648. by 100+ former Brooke Bond retired were considered specialists at dealing with “Levellers” campaigning for democracy staff and 30 members of the Brooke women, children and family problems. and local tradesmen vying for advantage family. Proceeds from sales will go to Her new autobiography, Copper Lady, tells come alive, while orphan Charity the David Brooke Charity which makes the story of how she smashed through faces choices amidst the kindness grants to institutions concerned with one glass ceiling after another, and and betrayals of strangers. A prequel the relief of children and young persons helped open all ranks and specialisms to Comely Grace was published in 2011. in need. Sixteen members of the women offi cers. She has also dedicated Brooke family were students at Bedales a chapter to her time at Bedales. Since (of which eight attended Dunhurst) with retiring from the police with the rank Patricia Duncker Aline (1903-05), daughter of Arthur of Commander, she has continued (1964-69), Brooke being the fi rst to join in 1903. her work for justice and equality, as a Professor Emeritus, member of the House of Lords, and Department of as an international election monitor.

English, American Judith Herrin. . $. A RIVETING HISTORY OF THE CITY THAT LED THE WEST OUT (1957-61)OF THE RUINS OF Studies and THE ROMAN EMPIRE has

“Magisterial—an outstanding book that “This brilliant biography of Ravenna is At the end of the fourth century, as the shines a bright light on one of the most essential reading for anyone who would power of Rome faded and Constantinople became the seat of empire, a new capital Jo Horsley (1994-99) important,Creative interesting, and under-studied understandWriting the transformation of the excavated in has written cities in European history. A masterpiece.” Roman world.” JUDITH HERRIN city was rising in the West. Here, in Ravenna on the coast of Italy, Arian P F   , author of The Silk P G, author of The Myth of Goths and Catholic Romans competed Roads: A New History of the World Nations: The Medieval Origins of Europe AUTHOR OF BYZANTIUM to produce an unrivaled concentration JUDITH HERRIN of buildings and astonishing mosaics. “A meticulous guide to a fascinating “A wonderful new history of the For three centuries, the city attracted historicalat period. the Particularly impressive University Mediterranean from the fth to eighth Greece, Cyprus a children’s picture book about a scholars, lawyers, craftsmen, and religious is Herrin’s treatment of some of the great century through a lens focused on luminaries, becoming a true cultural characters associated with Ravenna, whose Ravenna, gracefully and clearly written, and political capital. Bringing this lives she examines with insight, empathy, which reconceptualizes what was ‘East’ extraordinary history marvelously to life, and an eye for revealing detail.” and what was ‘West.’” Judith Herrin rewrites the history of East T. S. B , author of Gentlemen C  G  , author of and West in the Mediterranean world andof Of cers: ImperialManchester Administration and The Rome of Pope Paschal I has and Turkey, and is humpback whale who cannot sing. She before the rise of Islam and shows how, Aristocratic Power in Byzantine Italy, thanks to Byzantine in uence, Ravenna J H is professor emeritus AD – “This is a masterful study as splendid as played a crucial role in the development in the Department of Classics at King’s Ravenna’s mosaics. Bringing to new life of medieval Christendom. College London. Her books include “A masterwork by one of our greatest the city and the people who shaped it, Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a historians of Byzantium and early Herrin explores Ravenna’s role as a rival Drawing on deep, original research, Medieval Empire, Women in Purple: Christianity.won Judith Herrin tellsa a story prestigious of Rome, a Byzantine outpost in the West, the Constantine has written, illustrated and recorded Herrin tells the personal stories of Ravenna Rulers of Medieval Byzantium, and that is at once gripping and authoritative and a model for Charlemagne’s imperial while setting them in a sweeping synthesis The Formation of Christendom (all and full of wonderful detail about aspirations—in short, as a crucible OF of Mediterranean and Christian history. Princeton). She lives in Oxford, England. CAPITAL EMPIRE, every element in the life of Ravenna. of Europe.” She narrates the lives of the Empress Galla Impossible to put down.” C R , author of Brother-Making Placidia and the Gothic king Theoderic D  F, author of in Late Antiquity and Byzantium: Monks, CRUCIBLE OF EUROPE and describes the achievements of an Russian prize for the best foreign fi ction Leventisamazing cosmographer and a doctor who Visiting the audio song book with original The Power of Images Laymen, and Christian Ritual revived Greek medical knowledge in Italy, demolishing the idea that the West just descended into the medieval “Dark Ages.”

Beautifully illustrated and drawing on in Russian translation. This is one of Seniorthe latest archaeological ndings, thisResearch songs recorded and written by her too.   Alfredo Dagli Orti / Art Resource, NY monumental book provides a bold      new interpretation of Ravenna’s lasting . $ To receive emails about new books in your area of interest, in uence on the culture of Europe and their majorsign up at  .   .awards, and she won it . . Fellowthe West. in the for her second novel James Miranda Department of Barry. She couldn’t go to Moscow in Classics at King’s College London. After person due to the COVID lockdown, nine years of research, her new book, but managed to fi lm her acceptance Ravenna – Capital of Empire, Crucible of speech in the ruins of the castle at Europe, has been published to enthusiastic Aberystwyth. patriciaduncker.com reviews. Ravenna was fi rst the capital of the Western Roman Empire, then that of

News in Brief • 55 NEWS IN BRIEF

As her usual job in producing events charged and topical The production was nominated for and festivals in Sydney, Australia has debate about whether the Olivier Award for Outstanding been put on pause due to COVID, she they, and other pieces Achievement in An Affi liate Theatre. used the time wisely and rekindled the of art looted in talents and skills that she learnt during the colonial period, her time at Bedales… She says “I have should be returned. Carmela Corbett really loved every minute of it!” All the Celebrated Scottish (2002-07) has profi ts from her Kickstarter will be novelist William Boyd co-created and split between Alzheimer’s Research, said of his book: “a brilliant model of co-written a short THE WORLD’S FIRST BOOK whale conservation and to TOthe FOCUS Tongan ON OURexpertly GLOBAL marshalled historical research fi lm, Daughterhood, School where the lovely humpbackEMPATHY DEFICIT ANDand compellingITS narrative.” alongside the TRAGIC IMPACT ON OUR PEOPLE Shepherds, Sheep, Hirelings and Wolves whale lives! kickstarter.com/projects/AND OUR WORKPLACES. An Anthology of Christian Currentsdirector in English Cecilia Life since 550 AD whalewhocantsing/the-whale-who-SOFTENING THE EDGE BRAVELY BREAKS THE Albertini, which CONVERSATION ABOUT OUR WORRYINGLY could-not-sing LOW EMPATHY LEVELS WIDE OPEN.Unicorn has Timpremièred Williams at published Shepherds, Publicationthe HollyShorts date: October 2020 Sheep, Hirelings and ProductFestival format: inHardback November 2020. It’s a Price: £30.00 WrittenWritten by a byfemale Mimi millennial Nicklin leader, the book takesWolves: inspiration from An Anthology ISBN:dark9781912690992 comedy that chronicles the some of the world’s most powerful opinion leaders - President Barack Extent: 512 pp (1996-99)Obama, Jacinda ,Ardern, Softening Oprah Winfrey – and createsof a compellingChristian Currents Format:dysfunctional196 x 240 mm relationship between a case for an empathy intervention, amid the tumultuous true story of Thema Codes: D thebusiness Edge turned is around a book by doing onexactly this. in English Life since BICnarcissistic Codes: , DS mother (Carolyn Hennesy) Imprint: Unicorn By 2021, estimates suggest 46% of the workforce willAD be compris550ed of Tim empatheticand be led by millennials. leadership, By failing to proactively nurture empathy byin and her 30 year-old daughter, an our future leaders, we are failing to protect our future. Today, takingmost of usinspiration do not enjoy our work, from burn out is at all-timeWilliams high, (staff, aspiring actress (Carmela). The pilot depression is impacting over 33,000,000 people and the younger Sales & Marketing Points somegeneration of is theleaving world’sthe corporate workplace in droves.1966-93). This anthology• A fresh, wide-ranginghas assembled and occasionally mischievousfeatures collection. a hilarious performance from • Showcases the often surprising links in a chain of Englishness. mostWe need powerful an intervention. Softeningopinion The Edge looksa to crowdbe exactly that. of witnesses,• The starting unfolding of thefrom history as brought aliveEvan through theHandler, words and storieswhich of those will who be were there.hard to

leaders – Barack christianity’s rugged,About pioneering the Book times forget! linktr.ee/DAUGHTERHOOD ENDORSED BY For many today the Church stands picturesquely in the background of modern life, but its time-honoured place has always been Obama, Jacinda Ardern, Oprah Winfrey when its role in thefirmly shaping in the foreground; of England it has been intimately woven into the unfolding fabric of English society and culture for one and a half Elana Afrika Bredenkamp Laurie Ruitteman thousand years. This may be largely lost to view, but the legacy is everywhere. The people ideally placed to bring this past to life One of the EMEA region’s Laurie Ruettimann is a globally influential – what it stood for, what it achieved, as well as the upheavals it has caused – are those whose first-hand stories speak directly to – and createsleading a faces, compelling Elana is a case for speaker, writerwas and social so media infl expert uential, continuing through highly influential entrepreneur, focused on HR, careers, and the human us. popular radio broadcaster, capital management industry with over This anthology has assembled a crowd of witnesses, starting from Christianity’s rugged, pioneering times when its role in the an empathytelevision intervention, presenter, actress, amid the 110,000 followers.the She createdgreat Punk Rockfl owerings of enlightenment online content producer and HR, which was recognized by Forbes as shaping of England was so influential, continuing through the great flowerings of enlightenment and times of turbulence, right up businesswoman, with over one of the Top 100 blogs for women. to this present, less certain age. These are the voices of saints and sinners, dignitaries and dissidents, shrewd observers and tumultuous 500,000true followers. story of businesses Laurie is listedand as one of timesthe Top 5 career of turbulence, right up to https://elanaafrika.com/ advisors by CareerBuilder and CNN. ordinary parishioners. turned around by doing exactly this. https://laurieruettimann.com/this present, less certain age. These About the Author By 2021, estimates suggest 46% of the are the voices of saintsTim Williams and grew sinners, up in and around Cambridge, where he went on to study Classics and English at Trinity College. His teaching FEATURED IN career started in York and was largely spent at Bedales School in Hampshire, where he became housemaster. He subsequently workforce will be comprised and be dignitaries and dissidents,had a psychotherapy shrewd practice in London for fifteen years. His main interests are literature, cultural history, music and the countryside. He is married, has one son and a fine spread of stepchildren and grandchildren; he now lives between the West led by millennials. By failing to nurture observers and ordinaryCountry andparishioners. London. empathy in our future leaders, Mimi unicornpublishing.org claims we are failing to protect our future. “Today, most of us do not enjoy HAVE YOU SEEN? our work, burnout is at all-time high, Every school day at 12pm during the depression is impacting over 33,000,000 Warheads is a play about a solider fi rst lockdown, Jack Deane (2004-09), people and the younger generation returning home from war, directed a chef from the Jamie Oliver Cookery is leaving the corporate workplace in by Toby Clarke and written by Taz School, volunteered his time to show droves. We need an intervention.” Skylar which ran at the Park Theatre children how to prepare quick, tasty Publisher UK Distribution European Distribution Unicorn Simon Perks, Sales director Marston Book Services 160 Eastern Avenue Durnell Marketing in London. Roly Botha5 Newburgh (2010-15) Street T +44was (0)7775 891738 and affordableT +44 (0)1235 465500 lunchesMilton Park,through Tthe +44 (0)1892 544272 London [email protected] Orders: [email protected] Oxfordshire [email protected] the composer and soundW1F 7RG designer.www.unicornpublishing.org BiteBack2030Enquiries: [email protected] charity,OX14 which 4SB haswww.durnell.co.uk been In his new book, Loot – Britain and turned into a cookbook. biteback2030. the Benin Bronzes, former BBC Africa com/our-campaigns correspondent, (1982-86) tells the story of the Benin Bronzes – glorious bronze, brass and Anna Dickerson (1985-91) has joined ivory carvings from a West African the #artistsupportpledge initiative set kingdom, how the British looted them in up by artist Matthew Burrows, which 1897, their subsequent dispersal across is an opportunity to involve OBs both museums and private collections in as artists and purchasers. It is providing the western world, and the now highly thousands of artists worldwide –

56 • News in Brief NEWS IN BRIEF

Congratulations to Georgia Green Clare Smith (1970-77) showed 18 (2010-13) for her nomination for a chemo day drawings at Sheffield debut ‘best director’ award by The Northern General Hospital at the turn Stage for The Mikvah Project at the of the year. You can read more about Orange Tree Theatre. the background and Clare’s artistic response to her own chemotherapy treatment on her website. She is the first artist in the hospital’s new gallery space and the exhibition was initially including painter Anna and tapestry scheduled for May. Sadly, due to the weaver and printmaker Jacy Wall (née changed circumstances brought about Davies, 1960-68) – a means to earn a by the pandemic, the exhibition will living during the pandemic and is based not be open to the public. She hopes entirely on trust, which Anna says staff, patients and visitors will enjoy the “is very much part of the Bedalian work. claresmith.uk ethos”. The movement is one operated in the main through Instagram. Every time an artist has made £1,000 of sales, with each artwork retailing for £200 or less, the artist in turn pledges to spend £200 on art. So a great way to build Evie Jacobs (2010-15) is opening and add to your collection and support an art gallery in West Meon and is artists! artistsupportpledge.com interested to hear from potential artists and exhibitors. Having exhibited her own work in ‘The Stable Gallery’ last summer, she has decided to open it as a public gallery from end of April – September. The summer exhibition will take place from 6-11 July. Instagram: @thestable_ gallery

Johnny Flynn (1996-2001) has had a busy year of film-making. He stars as David Bowie in Stardust, a new British-Canadian biographical film Last year’s newsletter featured an about the English singer-songwriter and image of a mural of racing cars by his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust. The film Mark Wickham (1949-56). We are centres on Bowie’s first tour in the US delighted to update that Mark has in 1971 and his creation of the Ziggy completed a renovation of the Stardust persona following this visit, painting and has kindly donated it whilst also showing Bowie’s origins. back to school for the enjoyment Stardust premièred at the San Diego Congratulations also to Raff Law of students, staff and visitors. The International Film Festival and was (2007-13) who starred in the film school’s Director of External Relations, released in November 2020 by IFC Films. The Hat which won Spirit of the Festival Rob Reynolds, and wife Catherine Congratulations to Johnny for his Best Award at Raindance. His first feature enjoyed a visit to Mark’s home/studio Performance Award at the Raindance film alongside Michael Caine and in Devizes to collect the mural. Film Festival. Johnny has also starred in Rita Ora was released in January 2021: Mark explains: “Painted during my last period drama The Dig, comedy drama Sky Cinema’s Twist is billed as a modern term at Bedales in 1956, the mural Emma and in noir thriller Cordelia. take on Dickens’ classic. recorded the intense interest that a small group of my male peers and

News in Brief • 57 NEWS IN BRIEF Photo by Christopher Jelf Photography Jelf Christopher by Photo

I took in cars, and the stars of that time who raced them… In the early 1980s I took it back to my studio for restoration; other work took over and it is only in the last two years that I have made a partial restoration which leaves it looking a bit less old and battered; the blue number 28 Maserati was completely missing and had to be repainted from the colour photographs which I amazingly still have, taken at the time of completion. I am so delighted that it has come back home to the school to which I owe so much for its tolerance of ‘difficult eccentrics’ and the encouragement of the arts through our much-loved Art Master Christopher Cash (1950-78), who must have despaired at our obsession with the car.” Many thanks Mark.

Jacy Wall (née Davies, 1960-68) tapestry weaver and printmaker, is represented in an Congratulations to Xavier White extensive new craft show at Soshiro gallery (2008-12) whose piece of work titled in Welbeck Street, London, along with nearly Transitions: Female to Mattel was 100 international makers. ‘Crafting a Difference’ runs from 21 January – 2 April, displayed at the Royal Academy as currently online due to COVID restrictions, and will also be streaming a selection part of last year’s Summer Exhibition. of work to the Crafts Council annual big show ‘Collect’ (also this year online) The work is a lenticular print of two in February. craftingadifference.com photographs, and it transitions from one to the other as you walk past it.

58 • News in Brief OBITUARIES

Nicholas Mark Yinka Bevan (1974-79) of jobs to do with natural resources in England and in various African ick died peacefully during a the river at Olokomeji, where his love countries before landing a fascinating N midday rest, a month after of fish and fishing began. position starting a trout fish hatchery his 60th birthday. He had had After primary schooling in Cardiff on the shores of Loch Awe in Argyll some problems with arrhythmia in he went to Bedales, following in the & Bute in 2000. He and his partner recent years, but these were under footsteps of his three elder brothers. Sandie bought a small bungalow with observation and control according He much enjoyed his time at Bedales a small shore-line frontage on the loch, to his doctor. where he made many life-long friends from where he spent many happy Nick spent his early years in and developed a rare talent in jewellery hours fishing for trout. His cheeky grin and was proud that he had a Nigerian design and making. This was followed by and sense of humour will be much name. Throughout his life he kept in a degree in Biological Sciences at Cardiff missed by many. touch with Nigerian friends and hoped University, building on his deep love that his ashes would be sprinkled in of nature and wildlife. He had a series Charles Bevan (1961-66), brother

Simon Brooke (1965-71) Simon’s parents moved from Petersfield in the late 1970s. We had edales was a 10-minute walk well as in his formal schoolwork. He a family gathering in East Hampshire B from Simon’s childhood home acted in The Crucible by Arthur Miller, in 2002 and visited Bedales, admiring in Petersfield so he and his sisters for which he had to remove the glasses the beautiful Memorial Library Catherine and Liz were day pupils, he had worn since he was a small boy. and other buildings. More recently, as they had been at Dunhurst and In one performance he went on stage Simon and I spent two delightful Dunannie. Their days at school and realised, ‘Oh no, I can see!’ With holidays walking The Hangers and stretched to evenings and weekends, characteristic aplomb, he turned away talking about his Bedales years as and Simon immersed himself happily from the audience, slipped the offending we supped at The Harrow Inn in in drama, music and socialising as glasses into his pocket and carried on. Steep. Following his untimely death in November 2019, our son Conall and I decided to scatter some of his ashes near Petersfield as well as in Dublin, the city in which he shared his life with me for the last 30 years. Simon is remembered with great love and sadness by our families, friends and former colleagues in Britain and Ireland; he is also to be honoured in spring 2021 by a public lecture in Dublin organised by Clúid, Ireland’s largest housing association, at which the first recipient of the Simon Brooke Award will be announced. The award notice pays tribute to his lifetime’s work in both countries as a tireless champion of social housing and those who live in it, saying that his work had a tangible and lasting influence on the development of Irish housing policy. Leaving Bedales, Simon was set for a career in engineering, not

Obituaries • 59 OBITUARIES

housing, doing a sandwich course our Victorian home and to make a my first language, Irish. We walked divided between GEC in Rugby kitchen, fireplace and furniture with the in many scenic parts of Ireland and his degree studies at St John’s benefit of wonderful woodwork skills and Britain as well as holidaying in College. Cambridge. But after his learned at Bedales. He also wrote memorable places in Greece, Italy finals, three months as a volunteer radio plays, two of which were aired and France. Our son Conall joined at a night shelter for homeless by Ireland’s national broadcaster. In in our frequent dinner table debates people in Cambridge ignited the the following years he managed a day on politics; he and Simon shared spark of social justice and a deep centre for homeless young people a love of maths and physics; and I commitment to secure and safe and was editor of a national housing was the active parent on the sports housing rather than shelters; and magazine. After a research fellowship front, Simon caring as little as he had having completed his time with GEC, in 2000, he became a freelance in childhood for a ball being kicked he returned to a newly opened consultant evaluating many projects around a field. house run by Cambridge Cyrenians. and services, and became known as a He was looking forward to I worked in the same house four lively media commentator on housing retirement when he learned he years later and heard stories of his issues. He taught an undergraduate had cancer in spring 2019; and less quick wit, sense of fun and calm course on social policy at Trinity than nine months later we said our decisiveness. By then, Simon had a College Dublin; and as voluntary heartbreaking goodbyes to him at Diploma in Social Administration chair of Clúid over many years of his hospice bedside. He was quite from the LSE and was a community expansion, he helped improve the modest about his own achievements development worker at Tower lives of thousands of people. Later and would have been amazed that Hamlets Law Centre in East still as Head of Policy with Clúid, he tributes were paid to him in Ireland’s London. He was also on the board used his considerable persuasive parliament, the Dáil. We hope very of National Cyrenians, and when abilities with senior civil servants, local much to have a memorial gathering I got a paid job with them as a authority officials, parliamentarians for him in London as soon as regional organiser we found we and housing ministers. COVID allows. had more in common than our He enjoyed life to the brim all the volunteering experience. while: his cooking was renowned, he Anna Heussaff, wife, with many This led in due course to Simon’s loved a pint or three in good company, thanks to sisters, Catherine Brooke move to Dublin in 1989, where his read voraciously, delighted in theatre (1961-66) and Liz Doorbar (née first housing job was to renovate and classical concerts, and learned Brooke, 1967-73)

Thea Clark (1959-64)

hea was brought up in Hampstead, projects. However her illness made T and lived in London all her life. She her life very difficult. She distanced our attended Bedales where we all met friendship and sadly died alone without in the late 1950s. On leaving school our knowledge in a care home. she did an art foundation course, then From Viv: There are many memories. went to the University of Sussex. She Our strong friendship which developed was original and multitalented, always at school. Our wild teenage holiday interested in art and performance. She in Holland when we had so few performed dance, mime and puppetry cares to worry us. You made many at many festivals, including Knebworth visits to Oxford, with lots of vigorous in 1976 where the Rolling Stones were discussions, and your great enthusiasm playing, and a European tour. She was for our local pantomime. Or the much also a keen gardener. Later in life, Thea more sedate visits to the London art developed schizophrenia. This thwarted galleries. I forget which exhibitions, but many of her ambitions but she tried to your extensive knowledge of art always continue with various art and dance made them more interesting. They

60 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

were lovely occasions and you made a London. Through your wide knowledge we walked through traffic-free streets huge impression on my son Jack, who of art, these talks opened my eyes to from Kings Cross to the floodlit also sends you his love. I know your whole areas of culture I had not had St Paul’s and the fireworks on the illness sometimes kept you apart from access to before. Later we crossed Thames. Two beautiful memories me, but I hope you always knew I was paths occasionally and there was much and so many others, often funny or thinking of you. concern about your illness, but meeting unrepeatable. Sorry I didn’t manage From Wendy: My strongest you at an interesting happening at the better as all your many talents and memories of our friendship come Modern reminded me of all your creativity got so muddled up into from our time at school together. We strengths and abilities. such painful knots so impossible to used to hitch-hike out on afternoons From Miranda: 1968 somewhere disentangle. Rest in peace Thea. to walk on The Downs, where we had in wild Wales you and I and a So Dear Thea, all we can do now is extensive heated discussions about art steeplejack who’d given us a lift from say goodbye to you, and you will not and nature; it being very clear that my Snowdon watched a flight of geese be forgotten. Love from Viv, Wendy background was rural and yours was in against a sunset sky. At the Millennium and Miranda.

This was written for Thea’s funeral by Viv Peto (née Soper, 1959-63), Wendy Nicholls (née Hough, 1959-64), and Miranda Martin (née Robinson, 1959-64)

Erlend Amond Copeley-Williams (1944-50)

and cricket, and became a particularly Erlend Joined the family firm, strong swimmer, holding the school Copeley-Williams Walpole & Co record for the butterfly for decades! He in the City, thus beginning a long was a lifelong supporter of Chelsea FC career in life assurance and later as and a member of the MCC from the an underwriter at Lloyds. He built up age of 18, never missing a Test Match. a client base all over the UK, many After Bedales he did his National of whom became lifelong friends, Service, conscripted to the Royal grateful for his wise advice. Sussex Regiment, and found himself in He met Clare Rayner, a student at Egypt guarding the Suez Canal. He was the Central School of Art & Design awarded a medal for his service which in 1958, and they married on he wore with pride on Remembrance 5 December 1959, with Paddy Sundays marching with The Royal as best man. Their life was full of British Legion. During his service he wonderful friendships, many of which met Patrick Godfrey (actor), who were made in the early years while know that my father loved his became his best friend. Upon leaving in London, but also after moving to I years at Bedales, he would light the Army they shared a flat in London, Thaxted, Essex in 1962 and then up at any mention of it or link to with Richard Newnham (1943-50), Shaftesbury, Dorset in 2001. it, such as the beautiful Barnsley writer, and Roger Birnstingl (1943-50) His passion for the arts enriched furniture. After reunions he seemed who was studying the bassoon at The our lives with many a trip to the to have an extra glow, buzzing with Royal College of Music. Paddy attended West End, The Royal Opera, stories from his peers and friends, the Royal Central School of Speech Glyndebourne and numerous local reminiscing on the happy years. He & Drama, and it was at this time they concerts. He had a wonderful attended Bedales at a time when became firm friends with Jeremy Kemp baritone voice and sang with local enrolment was somewhere around and Judi Dench, who went on to choral societies when he was able. 150 students between the ages become our godparents. When I called Another important part of his life of 7 and 18. Consequently sports Judi with the sad news she said, “Oh was his faith, which before meeting were limited by the small numbers, darling I’m so sorry. He was a beautiful my mother was something that he however he enjoyed playing soccer man to know”. had little connection to. In quick

Obituaries • 61 OBITUARIES

succession he was baptised and people could not resist his charm and foreign students who had no place confirmed at Grosvenor Chapel, the vessels he held filled up quickly. to stay during the Christmas and Westminster. He turned to Christ One day he met a man not long out Easter holidays. I can see him now, in such a way that it infused his life of jail, in his hometown of Shaftesbury. wine bottle in hand and corkscrew with a commitment to contribute The first thing he did was listen. Then at the ready with his warm smile. what he could to make the world he offered funds, support and a place I saw with clarity, how his faith, a better place. He regularly served to rest his head. The man camped loyalty and friendships had touched them as Treasurer, Church Warden in my parents’ garden whilst more so many, as I read letter after letter and on The Vestry. permanent accommodations could be of condolence, and how in turn, they Helping people was very much at found. More than anything my father had shaped the man. the core of his life. He was involved gave him a chance to be heard and to He died peacefully at home, with many charities over the years, reconnect to life outside. leaving a legacy for his wife Clare, most often as treasurer, including the He was a wonderfully generous children, Oliver, Briony and Loveday, RNLI, Save The Children Fund and man and loved to entertain at home. and his grandson Asher. The Royal British Legion. He was Through the Victoria League (another especially good at fundraising, charity he supported), he hosted many Loveday Copeley-Williams, daughter

Malcolm Evans (1941-48) Many years later, when we were farming in Wales, Chimp brought his Sunday walk, once going nearly to dinghy ‘Lively’ at least once to join us Midhurst. I remember Chimp would set sailing at Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, a cracking pace at first which I could where I took a photo of her, later not match, but coming home he would wrongly attributed to some other be the one lagging behind. place and photographer. One season, as we both hated On another occasion I joined the regulation cold plunge, we took him sailing her from Southampton to getting up before we were called Water to the Isle of Wight. He did to escape it. One morning he found get struck by a migraine just before the dorm full of light, dressed hastily we arrived, leaving me to sail up the and shot downstairs to be greeted river to find a camping spot for the by a brilliant full moon and the clock night. I hope it was not caused by showing 1:30! Not to be beaten, he my presence. He was fine next day t Bedales, he was never called carried on with his usual activities, but for the sail back. A anything but Chimp, and I never was good for nothing by evening. Not long after we emigrated to heard him complain. My family and I With the weapons testing and Australia in 1969, he and Gretta did still use that unflattering name. Nearly training area at Butser Hill temptingly so too, but to a different state. Then four months older than I, he first came within cycling distance from Bedales, around 1980 we bought a yacht and to Bedales in a summer term, I came Chimp with various friends (but rarely took to living aboard for two months a term later, putting us into different me), took to collecting souvenirs, in each year, sailing in and around the years. From the lists in the back of my the shape of unexploded grenades and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, south of Bedales psalm book, I know that our anti-tank bombs and their fragments. Hobart, Tasmania. Chimp and Gretta friendship would have started when He showed me diagrams of their visited us there, and soon bought a we were in dorms together for four mechanism, some of which I copied. plot of land where they built their consecutive terms from spring 1943, I don’t know the source of this wide holiday house. They often came and again in summer 1945, often after knowledge, but that hobby ended aboard my yacht, sailing around the requesting this. when the boys’ matron (Miss Ball) Channel for a few days, all recorded From the age of 15, we were allowed found, while distributing clean clothes in my vessel’s log-book. bicycles at Bedales, we often went back from the laundry, part of his cycling together for our prescribed collection in his chest of drawers. John Bush (1941-46)

62 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

David Robin Fisher (1940-45) as a climber is long, but includes a dashing Cambridge University and climbing excursions, such as an Mountaineering Club expedition to elaborate expedition by float plane Mount Rakaposhi in Pakistan, the drive into a Northwest Territories mountain from London to Rawalpindi being an range; and joyful weekends boating in expedition in itself; his leading of the the timeless landscape of Georgian Bay. first climbs at Mazinaw Rock in Following retirement, David and Bon Echo Provincial Park, Ontario, Marnie moved to Vancouver Island, now considered one of the most from where they continued their life of beautiful climbers’ cliffs in North adventure and enjoyed the company America; and his influential membership of good lifelong friends. Memorable in the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), trips included paddling down the Yukon serving on the board for eight years River, a lengthy visit to New Zealand, and as president from 1970-72, during canal barging journeys in the UK, which time he developed policy that and annual hiking excursions to Lake notably modernized the club. David O’Hara, a place that holds a special led the ACC’s Yukon Alpine Centennial affection for the Fisher family. Expedition in 1967, a massive (over ied peacefully on 1 July 2020 at In his later years, David and Jane 250 climbers) expedition in the D his home in North Vancouver, shared a love of classical music, remote St Elias Mountains that put BC, predeceased by Marnie Fisher regularly attending Victoria Symphony his extraordinary organizational skills (1928-2005), with whom he enjoyed concerts. Continuously involved in on full display and remains a legendary 48 years of wonderful marriage. professional and community service, chapter in the annals of Canadian Eldest son of Bar and Robin Fisher David was awarded for his distinguished mountaineering. of London, England. Loving father of contributions in the water supply David is remembered as a kind Lynne, Richard (Shelley Fisher), and field by the American Water Works and sensitive soul, attentive family Andy (Jill Dunkley), and devoted Association, and otherwise recognized man, ardent mountaineer, and upright grandfather of Gwyneth Fisher. Loyal for the many ways he made the world person all round. Cremation has taken partner of Jane Mason (Sidney, BC) in a better place with his thoughtfulness place and a family memorial will be the final decade of his life. Leaving his and exceptional attention to detail. held at a later date. brother, Tim (Leigh-on-Sea, England) Without a doubt, David’s personal and other dear family and friends on passion was mountaineering. His record Dr Andy Fisher, son both sides of the Atlantic. David had a remarkably full life. He was an energetic and adventurous child who thrived at the progressive school Nick Green (1973-77) Bedales, which he attended during WW II along with Tim and three close wo weeks before he died, infectious smile, and the sense of fun cousins. Following his military service T Nick phoned me from his that he brought to any conversation. after the war and studies at University home in Downpatrick, Northern He was enthusiastic, curious, generous of Cambridge, he immigrated to Ireland to say that he had just and supremely kind. Canada, where he began his 34 years had a wonderful game of golf and Nick was tall, good looking and of dedicated employment in Toronto reminded me that a visit was long had eclectic passions – top amongst with Procter & Redfern Consulting overdue. As usual, he would be them, the songs of Bob Dylan: Engineers. A caring and generous father, prepared to give me one shot per ‘My fantasy’ he told me ‘is that the he and Marnie introduced the children hole. I promised to come to visit headmaster asks me to show around to their love of travel, mountains, and him as soon as the travel restrictions a parent – Robert Zimmerman’ the outdoors. This included treasured were lifted. Sadly I was never able (that’s Bob Dylan’s real name, he holidays to every corner of Canada to make good that promise. had to explain). ‘Dylan is God’ he (listening to 8-track tapes in the Those who were at Bedales in the added passionately. Sadly that never station wagon) and to the beloved mid 70s will remember Nick Green’s came to pass. family cottage in North Wales; hiking

Obituaries • 63 OBITUARIES Photo by Mark Prizeman Mark by Photo

from Bedales to The Harrow, and the Nick latterly lived in Downpatrick joy of his enthusiasm, conviviality and with his beloved cat Boris. I visited infectious bonhomie. him regularly, the last time with Nick lived most of his life in Harry Pearson. He loved playing Northern Ireland. Whilst still at the golf, watching cricket at the height of the ‘troubles’, he took me Downpatrick ground where he for a pint of Guinness in Belfast. After was very popular, and remained emerging from The Crown, opposite an ardent West Ham fan all his the notorious Europa Hotel, the life. Towards the end of his life, he world’s most bombed hotel, Nick kindly renewed friendships with people reassured me that whilst, of course, from UC Santa Barbara, where he bombs did sometimes go off, he had had spent a year reading American never experienced one. At which Studies, and was very pleased when point, on perfect cue, a Royal Ulster Polly Whyte (1970-77), his girlfriend Constabulary Landrover screeched at Bedales whom he had adored around the corner and a burly officer and never forgot, was able to meet shouted “You better run for cover, him when he made a trip to watch lads – there’s a bomb”. We ran, thrilled, cricket at Lords. She remembers Nick was an enthusiastic and exhilarated, afraid, away from the “Nick was a beautiful boy and a talented sportsman – and his gentle bomb site – until we felt that we were lovely man, and he never lost that demeanour changed completely safe enough to seek sanctuary in a slow walk; his body slightly tipped once he stepped onto a cricket field backstreet pub. forward and down as he moved. or football pitch. I was honoured to have Nick as I first knew him at 16 and when we Harry Pearson (staff, 1977-2006), the best man at my wedding in 1991. met again at 60 the wit, enthusiasm who taught Chemistry, remembers I was mildly nervous when he didn’t and gentleness of the 16-year-old first seeing Nick play football for the arrive at the church at the agreed was still there.” Bedales 1st Xl on a wet afternoon time. The delay, it turned out, was that After contracting cancer, he died in in October 1977. “His strength, skill after worrying about all the important his sleep of heart failure in June 2020. and commitment were phenomenal: things, he’d forgotten to bring a white For those who have had the honour and his enjoyment clear. His defensive shirt for himself. In a panic he had of counting Nick as a dear friend, understanding with Matt Evans scoured the shops of Notting Hill – we shall remember his wicked sense (1971-78) was awesome and I think eventually pleading with a dry cleaner of humour, his loyalty, intelligence, theirs was the best defensive pairing who offered him a lady’s shirt that generosity, and the kindness that I saw in school football.” was much, much too small. Afterwards gave confidence to those around Nick was also an excellent we all roared with laughter as – one him. He will be greatly missed. and fearless cricketer. I don’t ever by one – the buttons popped off the remember him without a missing front of the poor lady’s shirt. Charles Cecil (1975-80) front tooth – with a grin, he would recount how he faced up to a batsman at sillymid on (fielding crazily close in a time before Richard Hartree (1944-50) anyone wore helmets) and had had a ball smashed at his face. ichard Hartree had an international his thorough study of John Penn and Nick stayed on for 6iii (an R career in the metals industry, Sons of Greenwich (2011), the great extra term for those studying for working for Alcan, which translated 19th century marine engineers for Oxbridge). One of the privileges into a long interest in the history of whom his great-great grandfather, was being allowed to go to the engineering, including as a member William Hartree, first worked and then pub twice a week. Harry fondly of the Association of Industrial became a partner in the firm after remembers walking down the Archaeologists (AIA) and a member of marrying John Penn senior’s daughter, dark, tree-canopied road with Nick its Council. Late in life – and originally Charlotte. Despite contact with for family reasons – this resulted in other Penn descendants, the research

64 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

was a considerable achievement given In 1954, attracted by the possibility that no Penn business papers survive. of returning to Canada, Hartree joined The outcome – a handsome Northern Aluminium (part of Alcan) as paperback with over 900 illustrations a metallurgist and management trainee. – was a well-referenced model of His first full job was as an engineer in self-publication, as the only way he a depot at Rogerstone near Newport, could produce it. He deservedly Monmouthshire. On the strength of recouped the costs, mainly from sales that, he and Ann married in Christ’s at or through the many talks on the College chapel on 1 September subject that he later gave, and it is likely 1956, and their elder daughter Rachel to remain a standard and increasingly was born at Newport in 1958. The collectable work. following year saw a move to Banbury Hartree was born on 13 February where a son (Justin) was born in 1960 1931 in Didsbury, Manchester, younger and the family accompanied Hartree son of Professor Douglas Hartree FRS when he was sent to the International (1897–1958) and his wife Elaine (née Business School in Geneva in 1961-62. Charlton). She came from Keswick A second daughter (Alexandra) Janeiro, where his role was to ensure and family holidays there gave Richard followed after their return in 1965 and that South American company interests a lifelong love of the Lake District. His the family again went abroad when he were making the best use of technology. father – a distinguished mathematician was posted to Montreal in 1968-72, After Richard met a new partner, latterly involved in the early development returning when he became Alcan’s Maria Clara Costa Dias de Figureido, of computers – held the Beyer Chair of Banbury works manager. in Rio in 1983, the Hartrees divorced in Applied Mathematics at The University of From 1959 the Hartrees had a 1985 and Richard remarried (thereby Manchester from 1929 and from 1946 cottage at Cropredy near Banbury and acquiring a stepdaughter, Sofia). He to his death was Plummer Professor made early friends there. They included and Clara then moved to Vancouver of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge. the politician Richard Crossman and when he became Alcan’s Vice-President On evacuation in 1940 to Canada, his wife Anne, who owned historic Technology for the Pacific Region. which began a long relationship with Prescote Manor, and the painter Terry This involved further travel, including that country, Richard and other children Frost and his family. Both of them to China where, in 1989, Alcan was became guests of staff at the University also became players in the Banbury finalising agreement to open a sheet- of Toronto, until his return in a vast Symphony Orchestra and Warwickshire rolling plant on the coast at Bohai. convoy three years later. Symphony Orchestra and, after return In Beijing that June, Hartree walked In 1944 he went to Bedales where from Canada, moved to a larger and through the democracy demonstrations he enjoyed drama and began lasting historic Elizabethan house at Hornton in Tiananmen Square and recalled proficiency as a French-horn player. in 1973. Three years after Richard a large number of troops looking Leaving as head boy he went on to Crossman’s death in 1974, Ann Hartree ‘sheepish’ when faced by chants of Christ’s College, Cambridge, where set up the Prescote Gallery at the ‘the People’s Army against the People’. his father was by then a fellow, to Manor, renting the space from Anne The next morning tanks rolled in, the read natural sciences with physics and Crossman, who ran the related buttery. Alcan project was cancelled and he geology as main subjects. At university Both aspects were a success and, with took early retirement when the Pacific he continued to play the horn and Ann Hartree’s drive and inspiration, the office closed later in the year. met John Gilham, a fellow science gallery became a flagship enterprise In 1992 his second marriage also student and lifelong friend (including (until 1994) in the developing field of came to an amicable end and he later in the AIA) with whom he made British crafts, including glass, ceramics, returned to England, settled at Sibford a motorbike sidecar trip to Europe in fabrics, silver, bookbinding, toymaking and Ferris near Banbury, re-established 1952. It was through John’s brother furniture. Owing to its launch, however, contact with his children and enjoyed – a Royal Academy of Music student and with children at school, Richard’s the company of eight grandchildren who brought a string quartet up to next postings abroad were on his own, as they appeared. He rejoined the Cambridge – that Richard met its viola the first back to Montreal in 1979. He Banbury orchestra, became a business player, Ann Eddy, who subsequently and Ann also separated in 1980 on his counsellor in a local support office taught music briefly at Gresham’s subsequent move to be Area Technical and also made a number of treks to School in Norfolk. Officer for Alcan Allatina in Rio de the Himalayas, with further visits to

Obituaries • 65 OBITUARIES

Kathmandu as treasurer of a small brother and sister. Founded by the Richard Hartree was intelligent, charity working there. Golfing trips Science and Technology Facilities Council musical, practically able, kind and very took him to France and family ones with a £37.5-million government good company. He and Ann (who back to Canada to see Clara, Sofia and grant, and others following, the Centre moved to Edinburgh in 1983 and died in the latter’s son (they too often visited focuses on the development of 2017) were both talented individualists him). He also joined the AIA, relishing super-computing in support of academia who, despite their divorce, rebuilt an its excursions in company with John and British industry. affectionate late-life friendship, aided by Gilham, and served as its treasurer for In 2014, when early signs of dementia mutual devotion to and from their family. four years in the 1990s. Apart from appeared, Richard moved to a flat All recall him as an ever-encouraging his later Penn researches, he helped closer to family in Cheltenham where father and grandfather, and greatly Fischer Charlotte Froese with her he continued to enjoy walks, concerts missed: others who knew him will no scientific biography of his father and family visits until an incapacitating doubt feel the same. (2003) and in 2012, was at the opening stroke in June 2019 necessitated of the Hartree Centre named after sheltered care. He died peacefully there Pieter van der Merwe, based on him at Daresbury, Cheshire, with his on 16 March 2020, aged 89. family notes

Guy Johnston (1957-62)

y brother Guy was born As so often at Bedales, success in one M on 8 July 1944, some three field was repeated in another. He joined years after me. He followed me in the craze for ‘keen’ racing bikes, played to Bedales in 1957. Basically a for the school hockey team, and was disorganised, dreamy boy, easily led, one of the handful of pupils selected he got in with a group united by for the Hampshire Schools Athletics their sense of fun and irreverence championships. From being a shy, rather for authority. They included David diffident boy, with a self-deprecating ‘Sporus’ Osler (1956-61), Alastair sense of humour, Guy blossomed ‘Fred’ Britten (1957-62) and into something of a favourite with a Richard Moseley-Williams (1956-62). whole group of pretty girls. He had a a copyist for music publishers Nicknamed ‘Bonzo’, he drew basic ‘niceness’ about him, an absence Universal Edition. While deciphering distinctive cartoons, which became of malice, which women seemed and hand-copying the hieroglyphic known as Bomoids. A particularly particularly to appreciate. scribblings of avant-garde composers, close friend was actor Roger He went up to Trinity, Cambridge, he applied unsuccessfully for a series Lloyd Pack (1957-62), whom Guy in 1964 to read music, with Raymond of orchestral jobs. He was on the continued to visit and stay on close Leppard as his Director of Studies. point of giving up when Jill came terms with until Roger’s premature He found the course excessively on the scene. death in 2014. academic, but managed to do a lot of Jill Fuller, cellist – energetic, It was ex-orchestral player and playing, both with the Trinity College ambitious, American. She took Guy brass bandsman George Holley Orchestra and with the prestigious in hand, talked him into applying for (staff) who set Guy on the first CUMS (Cambridge University Musical a job with the Siegerland-Orchester steps to a musical career. Guy’s Society). Playing in the second desk (now the Philharmonie Sudwestfalen), chosen instrument was a demanding of cellos of the TCO was HRH Prince a band based in central Germany one – the French horn. Under Charles. Guy’s roommate and best with a young, international George’s tuition, Guy practised friend at Trinity was the composer and membership, and gave up her own endlessly: he had finally found an musicologist, Giles Swaine. job with a Swiss orchestra in all-consuming interest. High-point In 1968, Guy suffered a nervous Lucerne in order to move to of his musical career at Bedales was breakdown. My parents sent him Germany with him. as soloist in Richard Strauss’ Horn to Vienna, our mother’s home city, Concerto No 1. to recuperate. There he worked as Tim Johnston (1954-59), brother

66 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

David Lovell (1946-54)

avid was born in Leicester in It gave him more time to enjoy being D 1935 and went first to Dunhurst with his family. He delighted in the and on to Bedales where he and lives of our daughter, Shauna, and son, his middle brother, Graham, formed Jonathan, which included concerts at lasting friendships. After taking his A the Wigmore Hall and theatre outings. levels at Leicester Technical College, He was never bored and enjoyed David entered Cardiff Medical School tackling The Times crossword, studying at the tender age of 17 following in the horse racing odds and playing his father’s footsteps. He qualified as a competitive bridge at the Acol Club. Roger Laughlin doctor aged 21, having won a prize for He was also a skilled poker player. pathology and bacteriology and a gold David loved musicals particularly (1939-45) medal for surgery. His medical career anything with tap dancing and he once included working in his father’s general ditched a girlfriend because she made oger was at Bedales from practice and house jobs in Cardiff disparaging remarks about Charles R 1939 to 1945 when he then and Leicester. When his mother was Trenet’s La Mer – his favourite song – went to Cambridge until 1948. He admitted as an emergency with a fish which was played at his funeral. Theatre moved to Newcastle upon Tyne to bone stuck in her throat, David was the trips with Shauna and Jonathan and later the Agricultural Research Council casualty officer on duty to with grandchildren, James, until 1965. His PhD (Dunelm) the slight consternation of Holly and Jenny created was from Durham University. We both of them. memories to be cherished. married in 1957 and moved to I met David aboard the Family lunch gatherings got Adelaide, South Australia, with Artsa, a boat bound for better and better when three children (one daughter, Israel in the summer of Holly’s fiancé, Nic, and two sons) in 1965 where he was 1959 when we were both James’ fiancée, Kate, joined a senior lecturer at the Waite on working holidays. We the gang. Sadly, he did not Research Institute, the Agriculture hitch hiked together and live to see their weddings Dept of the University of Adelaide. were married in January but was remembered in We had another daughter in 1960 with his brother, the speeches and toasts. 1967 and our elder son, Michael, Graham, as best man. David was his own died in 2018. The family now His medical career included a PhD man and was the most loyal friend has been added to by seven researching white cell metabolism in always interested in other people’s lives grandchildren with six partners leukaemic and non-leukaemic patients – a good listener. The greatest sorrow and six great grandchildren. at UCH. He worked at St Thomas’ was the death of our youngest child, At Bedales he kept bantams, Hospital, spent four years in Canada Tamsin Jane. He was a loving brother to I believe, and started up a (Windsor, Ont and Toronto) and was Graham, who pre-deceased him, and to newsletter with two friends, appointed Consultant Pathologist at Robin. Robin flew over from New York Michael Caine (1939-45) and Central Hospital in 1973 many times to spend precious time Peter H Davies (1938-43) after back in London. Jonathan Miller invited with him before he died. they discovered a printing press him to appear on the final episode He died with courage and aplomb. somewhere. He also started to of The Body in Question where he During the last months of his life play the cello at Bedales which performed the first-ever postmortem facing a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, he continued with in Newcastle on television creating quite a stir in which he understood only too well, he upon Tyne and Adelaide for many 1977 (available on YouTube). looked at his much-loved family and years, going to a rehearsal with a In spite of having MS, he was able said ‘I am blessed’. We were the lucky small group three weeks before to carry on working until he opted ones, blessed to love and be loved by he died on 24 December 2019 for early retirement. He relished his such a fine man. in Flinders Medical Centre. new career as a hands-on grandfather travelling to Kent for babysitting duties. Alice Lovell, wife Catherine Laughlin, wife

Obituaries • 67 OBITUARIES

Richard Meade (1958-64)

y twin brother John and I were the young Richard – possibly more of M in the same class as Richard at an influence than anything else while both Dunhurst and Bedales from the attending Dunhurst and Bedales. early 50s to the mid-60s. We shared In truth, I was fascinated by Richard’s many interests with him including exotic memories of growing up in Iraq astronomy which involved carrying an but the thing that interested me most old mahogany and brass telescope out was his father’s photographic dark onto the cricket pitch to observe the room where I learnt to develop 35 mm moon on clear nights. black and white negatives and to make We often saw Richard, and his prints using a huge old-fashioned younger brother James, during the enlarger and trays of the necessary school holidays as they lived less than chemicals. This was very exciting for me five miles away from us in a large and led directly to my own interest in Edwardian house with a croquet lawn photography and eventually a career in and a summer house. Richard’s mother documentary film making. and her two sisters who also lived I have vivid memories of doing many in the house, would invariably spend enjoyable things with Richard while at several hours talking about what school, including a week-long holiday Richard’s absent father was doing in on the Norfolk Broads in the spring of Festival in 1970 – see photograph of the remote . 1962, just before taking our “O” levels. Richard taken by John high up on one However, in spite of Richard’s father Richard and I shared one of three of the two lighting towers. being absent during all of Richard’s 2-berth sailing boats which we used Both the stage and lighting towers school years, he was somehow for racing during the day. Several of our were well-constructed but the event ever-present in the family home. classmates were part of this supervised was both chaotic and spectacular, with Several of his motorbikes cluttered adventure. Two very pretty faces stand a crowd of approaching 700,000. The the inside and the outside of the out in my memory – Felicity Sherwood musical line-up included Jimi Hendrix, house, including a Vincent Black and Vivian Kemp. Jim Morrison and The Doors, The Shadow, the first motorbike capable Richard left Bedales in 1964 having Who, Sly and the Family Stone, Miles of doing more than 150 mph. secured a place to study engineering Davis, Joan Baez, Tiny Tim, Leonard There were many photographs at the University of Manchester from Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Jethro Tull, around the house, prompting Richard 1965. Before going up to Manchester, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Richie Havens to explain that both he and his he took a gap year, and travelled overland to mention but a few. brother James were born in Baghdad in a Ford Cortina estate car for several As a film student at the Royal College when their father was carrying out months through Yugoslavia, Greece, of Art, I was lucky to get a ringside view a Hydrological Survey of Iraq before Turkey, Persia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. as a cameraman hired to film much of becoming a senior consulting civil Fellow Bedalians included Tim Rink the festival. engineer on many large-scale dam and (1958-64), Nick Jelly (1959-64), and Soon after Richard joined Kent canal projects in Iraq and subsequently Adrian Langinger (1958-64). Apparently, County Council as a highways engineer. Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Richard played a crucially important role Initially his job was to update the From what I remember, during during the trip – mending 17 punctures Ordnance Survey maps of the county Richard’s pre-school years his father and resolving numerous mechanical before becoming a member of the had taken the whole family along with mishaps, no doubt drawing on his team that designed the ring-roads him, often sleeping in tents alongside childhood experiences in Iraq. around the Medway towns. In later the Euphrates and Tigris. Much of their Perhaps one of the most colourful years he oversaw the design and travelling was undertaken in a 1922 events in Richard’s life occurred while installation of a computer system for all Silver Ghost Rolls Royce, converted for he was still a student in Manchester. of the Kent County Council offices. desert use with space in the back for He worked alongside my brother John, In 1974 Richard met and married surveying equipment, tents and all the who was responsible for the designing his wife Rose (née Brunning). Together family. These early childhood experiences and building of the stage and the they had three daughters – Charlotte, were to have a lasting influence on lighting towers at the Isle of Wight Pop Josephine and Alice.

68 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

Clearly, Richard was not a typical contemporaries, prioritising the building that gave immense pleasure to Richard, Bedalian of the 50s and 60s, when the of roads and bridges and dams over especially during his final years of failing emphasis for most of us was more on the making music in one of the school health. Richard developed prostate the arts than on civil engineering. Having orchestras, the performing in plays in the cancer in his early 70s and sadly been born in Baghdad and raised in a Lupton Hall, painting in the studio, or contracted COVID-19 during a visit to series of tents along the banks of the making furniture in the workshop. hospital. He died on 9 May 2020 and Tigris and Euphrates he had a much In 2015, Richard and Rose’s eldest was buried in Faversham, Kent. more down-to-earth and practical daughter Charlotte had a son who was approach to life than many of his christened James Richard – something Mick Csáky (1951-63)

Joseph Mercier (1975-80) Difficult to sum up 31 years of our journey through calm and rough seas t four years sitting on the driveway which was fairly together. It started with long walks, A covered with oil, was little Joe, silently sorting out music, academic pursuits, a lot of which piece of Lego went where and why. Another memory, travelling, filled with laughter and friends, his Christmas present from Grandma which was, in the followed by professional pursuits and beginning anyway, a very large aeroplane, now in many pieces later a quieter life in Greece. Joe was which had to be reassembled. These are clues to Joseph’s at his happiest with his friends from mind. Just how did things work? Joseph was a very thoughtful thinking person. university, walking on the mountain I have cherished memories of him always questioning me. Favourite topics: 1st and by the beach, being a tender and World War and young men who fought – why and how did people manage? proud father to Ari. Joe loved to help He was interested in history and loved his lessons and the beautiful library people and animals in need, even if he at Bedales. A final treasured memory, sitting beside Joseph on the shore of was not always very good at looking the Mediterranean Sea in Athens looking at the huge red sun on the water after himself. A passenger with lust for opposite. His reflective personality, for me, is an incomparable loss. life … and a dreamer. There were so Valerie Sarah Mercier, mother many things still on his to do list … Katerina Stefanou Memories of kite flying on The Downs overlooking Winchester, and visits to London. His taste for computation began early, and grew when I gave him a Playing with Joe in rivers & woods, copy of Learn C Now. At Imperial College, London, he undertook research on building dens. Sitting with him making solid state lasers. He worked, to begin with, for his master’s degree, with the radio sets and it’s thanks to him I can thesis ‘Geometrical Optics Expressed in the Language of Differential Geometry’ wire a plug. Fun together in Camden obtained in 1992, and then for his PhD, graduating in 2000. His thesis was entitled when he was at Birkbeck. Visiting in ‘Static and Dynamic Properties of Semiconductor Laser Arrays’. He worked Athens where he’d made a new life under the direction of Dr Martin McCall. The work was on the theoretical analysis for himself and his family. Our family of the radiation from such an array, requiring of course heavy calculation. jigsaw is now altered. Dr Raymond Mercier, father Harriet Titcomb

My favourite memories of Joe centre on the wonderful time we had when all To sum up Joe: infinite numbers, four of us played together as young children. Our family home had access to a (especially prime) discussions and river and some fields. Joe used to build dens for us in the trees, splash around in questions. Curiosity, perseverance, faith, the mill pond, engage with the local wildlife to the extent that the ducks from the integrity, humour, courage, concentration, river came into our house regularly, and generally be the naughty little brother music. Letting the sea carry him, always looking to play tricks on his sisters (I can recall a plant-growing competition dissolving into a sunset, climbing his where he snipped the flowers off my sunflower because it was doing better than mountain. Seeking truths, unravelling his!) I believe his love of cats later on in his life stemmed from this early period himself, striving to be there for himself where our home had a constant flow of pets ranging from guinea pigs, goats, dogs and his family. Optimism, up until the and of course, cats. Joe, we lost you way too early and you are missed every day. end, he fought and was winning. Catherine Mercier (1973-80), sister Jenny Mercier (1977-82), sister

Obituaries • 69 OBITUARIES

Mary Elspeth Milford (M E) (1959-67) from her coaching include Julian Farrell (1957-62), Ann Wordsworth (née the boarding school environment she Barber 1958-64), Jane Hyland (1960-64) nurtured her pupils and took an interest and Diana Ambache (1960-66). in the whole music department. M E tired eventually of violin teaching As her pupil for five years, I remember and went to work in Watkins book lessons that were full of copious chat shop in Covent Garden. It was there about anything and everything. She had that she met Dick whom she married a little statue of Voltaire on the piano to in 1978. They moved to Malmesbury keep us inspired. Her enthusiasm about where they had their own secondhand all genres of music was infectious and book shop. Dick had been were very she would scream with delight when involved in Auroville, a ‘universal’ town amused or entertained. I found that I in Southern India before they met, and was not the only pupil who went for they remained involved with it together walks with her during fiddle lessons after they married. E was a very lively, inspirational on sunny days; it was most fortunate After losing her husband in 2016 M member of the Bedales music that the music school had large ground M E turned to painting. Her niece has teaching staff. floor windows. collated a collection of her artworks After attending Downe House Violin pupils of hers who went into (see weblink below). school she went to Newnham College, the music profession include Roddy She was a gifted lady with a wonderful Cambridge where she read music Skeaping (1960-63), David Millman personality and I was privileged to and English. She then studied the violin (1959-65), Amanda Lipman (1961-64), know her for nearly 60 years. in Paris. Nicola Cleminson (1961-66), Jinny When she came to Bedales M E Fisher (1961-66) and Ali Hunka youtube.com/watch?v=JfclH5frTag fitted ideally into the musical scene. She (née Hyland 1962-67). Other OB was not a typical fiddle pedagogue. In professional musicians who benefitted Alison Hunka (née Hyland, 1962-67)

Philip Parsons (staff, 1979-2016) he was appointed housemaster joining Harry Pearson (1977-2006) Gloucester. In 1960 the family moved and Graham Banks (1980-2013) to Montacute in Somerset and he on Boys’ Flat. This was a particularly completed his secondary education happy time for Philip when he at Yeovil Grammar School. After established himself as a dedicated graduating from housemaster and was part of a with a degree in history, he spent a year team which worked especially well. doing VSO in Malawi teaching English; In 1994 he moved to New Boys’ this was to shape his future career. Flat where he worked with Keir On his return home he completed Rowe until 2004 and then joined a PGCE and spent the next seven me on 6.2 Flat where we worked years teaching history at King’s College together for the next five years – School in Wimbledon. a very enjoyable and rewarding Philip came to Bedales in 1979 time for us both. Philip remained to work in the History department as 6.2 housemaster working with hilip was born in the winter with Ruth Whiting. Philip taught the Jo Alldridge until 2016. He worked P of 1947 and spent the first European history part of the A level tirelessly for the good of boarding 13 years of his life in Brockworth, syllabus and had a particular interest in at Bedales, breaking all records for Gloucestershire, attending first the Reformation and Martin Luther. His longevity. Towards the end of his the village school before going to aim was to become a housemaster and time at Bedales Philip took on the The Crypt Grammar School in after assisting in the boarding house, role of voluntary Alumni Officer

70 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

Philip’s speeches were legendary, brilliantly witty and so carefully constructed and delivered, that the jokes came as a subtle sequence of surprises leaving those present laughing out loud. In 2016 Philip retired due in part to deteriorating health but also because, nearing 70, he wanted to pursue his interests in travel and music. He found a perfect house in Woodstock, near his sister Angela and family and much to my delight this enabled us to meet regularly for lunch in Oxford. We met at using his wealth of knowledge about gatherings but enjoyed coming to talks at the Oxford Literary Festival past students to help organise supper and was good company. He and often for Sunday concerts at internal and external events for OBs. appeared to need very little sleep the Holywell Room. Philip engaged Philip was a very private man, and could always be found working his academic interest in Latin and quiet and unassuming to many at midnight. Philip was a wonderful Ancient Greek attending classes at of his colleagues. However, those teacher, endlessly patient with the the University until December 2019. who had the privilege of working most difficult students. I experienced He indulged his love of train travel closely with him know that he his classroom firsthand when we were and found joy in proximity to family had many outstanding qualities. required to ‘observe’ each other for our and the new friends he made in He had a towering reputation as annual staff review. I’m not sure what Woodstock. He died peacefully in a housemaster as generations of Philip made of his time in my Design March this year, thankfully before the Bedalians will attest. He took his lesson but I enjoyed every minute of worst of COVID, and is much missed pastoral role most seriously giving his lesson on Elizabeth 1. Perhaps the by his family – his sister Angela and the welfare of those in his care his occasion when Philip revealed himself her husband Dennis, his niece and full attention at all times. In addition more than any other was when a nephew, four great nieces and two he had a profound grasp of what staff member had the great honour great nephews – and Me. was going on in school and Philip’s of having Philip do their valedictory wisdom and intelligent comment address. I was one such lucky recipient. Suzie Oliver (staff, 1977-2009) informed decisions made by Heads and house staff alike. His loyalty, good sense and sound advice were the bedrock of our working relationship on 6.2 Flat alongside his friendship and support. Both students and parents were the beneficiaries of Philip’s considerable care and understanding over the years. I worked closely with Philip for the last five years of my time at Bedales, though we met soon after he arrived – he living in the front of Dunhill Dene and we living at the back – and our friendship evolved over 40 years. He was not comfortable at parties and large

Obituaries • 71 OBITUARIES

Jennifer Willow Prizeman (née Bentley, 1942-49)

life. She studied design at The Bartlett young woman under the influence of School of Architecture, University Dior’s New Look in the 1950s, she was College London and then worked always perfectly presented. She would briefly in interior decoration at continue to apply her lipstick at the Greene and Abbott in Conduit Street, same steady pace before leaving the before marrying John Prizeman and house whether or not it was ablaze. setting up home above his architectural She always took an afternoon nap and practice in . There they did Canadian airforce XBX exercises raised all three children to also every morning from 1964 until she become architects. died. This unflappable steadiness often She had a great fondness for drove her lively twin to distraction London, though often critical of the but also proved a fantastic antidote to degree to which it had changed during the irrepressible gregariousness of her her lifetime recounting details such as husband. She admired his drive as much “Mary the Milk Horse”, who served as he cherished her elegance. However the streets of Kensington and watching he was challenged by repeated serious the incendiary bomb wedged under illness throughout his 50s and she their conservatory be removed. Whilst was widowed age 60. incorporating great admiration and flair Having moved to Albourne, Sussex in terms of modern design and fashion, in 1989, she provided a wonderful she took a keen interest in Georgian second home to each of her seven architecture. She began to actively grandchildren. In leading the Parochial campaign against the commercial Church Council, she continued to development of Westminster that she champion building conservation saw to be threatening to destroy its and to derail unscrupulous building 18th century character in the 1980s. developments there. As she became She was before her time in valuing progressively deaf, by focusing on what many deemed irretrievable. She gardening, reading would identify Coade stone heads and from cover to cover every day and fireplaces in skips as they were stripped becoming extremely adept on the illow, twin sister of Valerie, out of houses in neighbouring streets. computer, she maintained calm and W frequently referred to their As chairman of the Marylebone Village purpose. She moved to live with her wartime childhood at Bedales, praising Residents’ Association, she led a group younger daughter in Wales in 2014 staff who cared for them as if they who often won successful campaigns and continued a lengthy project were their own, prompting her to to amend or reject predatory local tracing family histories. send her son Mark there. Practising planning applications. Her greatest Her definite critical perspective, crawling downstairs wearing gas masks achievement was perhaps orchestrating independence of thought, wry humour and shaking boxes to make butter the pedestrianisation and paving of the and personal possession never left her. as well as witnessing Portsmouth precinct around St Mary’s Church in One would never challenge patently burn on the horizon were amongst York stone which remains a rare piece untrue maxims such as “Bedalians don’t many vivid recollections. In 1943 their of accessible public space in the area. dye their hair” because the inference parents, both in active service, arranged Her eye for detail and colour was was not that it was a statement of fact, simultaneous leave at Sidmouth. The as sharp as her criticism and quiet wit. rather an indication of important critical unaccompanied girls aged 11 were Her verbal guillotine of, for example, values. She died suddenly but peacefully booked on the train to Axminster and more or less all that was Victorian one afternoon. Her characteristically to stay at a farm before cycling 20 miles or Gothic, fell at such speed many quiet and swift exit leaves us at a great to join them the next day. failed to notice. As twins, Valerie and loss but grateful for its lack of suffering Partly as a consequence of being a Willow were consistently critical of on her part. Bedalian, she cherished craftsmanship one another’s appearance, even into and traditional skills of making all her their 80s. Having emerged as an elegant Oriel Rhode (née Prizeman), daughter

72 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

Juliet Christina Quicke (née Ricketts, 1953-54)

uliet died peacefully at the she taught in London at the Pimlico assistant with Operation Smile in J Sentara Virginia Beach Hospice School, in Bangkok at the English Prep China, India, and Brazil. She on 25 July 2019 after an 11-year School, in Jerusalem at the Anglican spoke fluent Italian and French, and struggle with breast cancer. She School and in Virginia, first at Cape spent many months in Italy where and her twin sister Francesca were Henry Collegiate School and then she loved buying and restoring born in England at Paignton in for 14 years at Hampton University 12th century buildings in Anghiari, Devon, then moved to Jerusalem as Assistant Professor of English. She Tuscany. In Portsmouth she was an where her father was Minister co-authored five books with her active member of the American of Agriculture under the British husband Andrew, who is Professor Association of University Women, Mandate. Returning to England of Film at Regent University. Her son the Students Club, Trinity Episcopal when Israel became an independent Matthew, graduate of Cornell and Church, the Torch Club and the Olde state, she was educated at Bedales Columbia, is a telecom management Towne Good Friends Coffee Club. and the . Juliet system consultant in London where Her hobbies included Shakespearian was awarded an Honours BA and he lives with daughter-in-law Rosy and theatre, Jane Austen novels and MA in English Literature. During grandson Rufus. independent cinema. her 40-year English Language In her retirement Juliet travelled and Literature teaching career worldwide as a medical records Andrew Quicke, husband

Andrew Routh (staff, 1955-84) he arrived, given to all new male staff, about being surrounded by attractive his encyclopedic biological knowledge, young girls: “I say to myself, ‘Steady on, to those who moved on after O levels Hector’.” There was also a twinkle in but were imbued with the love of the his eye as he explained that he had natural world which he passed on to abandoned gentlemanly etiquette and them. His teaching covered a time went ahead of me upstairs because when Biologists were trying to establish my miniskirts were so short. He was Biology as a ‘proper science’ at the able to revert to his usual punctilious expense of ‘nature study’, but he saw politeness when the Head allowed the the nonsense of this and was able to female staff to wear trousers. blend the two seamlessly. I came to Since I worked with Andrew for Bedales in the middle of this, brand a relatively short time in his Bedales new to teaching and disappointed by existence I have necessarily asked his the dry lecturing I experienced during children Hugh and Emma to fill in the my degree. His example renewed my gaps in my knowledge of Andrew’s love for our subject and showed me long and busy life. He went up to how to teach it to get the best out of Magdalen College, Oxford in 1943 after my pupils. Andrew, by his example, got a childhood as the youngest of four in the best out of me too, yet another of a Rectory near Cambridge, surrounded ndrew worked at Bedales for his grateful ‘pupils’. by a religious faith that would sustain A 29 years and for much of it was His lessons were fun. I will always him throughout his life. At first he known as ‘Daddy’ Routh, a response remember his rich bass-baritone read classics. After three years in the to his gentle demeanour, his nurturing wafting up to the office as he sang RAF he returned to finish his degree, teaching and his care for everyone. ‘On Ilkley Moor Baht’at’ to illustrate food but switched to botany, which was This care extended from those who chains. He had a quietly wicked sense lucky for us. We are also lucky that his would go out into the world, literally of humour. There was a twinkle and training finished in June 1945 and no in several cases, to become doctors, that lovely rich chuckle as he told me earlier, even luckier that he survived an conservationists, vets, ever grateful for about the Head’s warning soon after ‘interesting’ afternoon over Birmingham.

Obituaries • 73 OBITUARIES

He had met Marianne at a ‘hop’ for remained involved with Steep Church, and their families, proud to have lived nurses and the local RAF boys, when both bellringing and as church warden. to see great-grandchildren. More she pulled his name out of a flower He continued to live down a quiet strokes and Alzheimer’s during COVID vase. Very botanical. When he was lane in Steep at Oakley Cottage, which were not the end he deserved, but posted away he decided to borrow a they moved to in 1974 and which he returned to Steep Church to be Tiger Moth (plane, not arthropod) and surrounded him with nature as he buried alongside Marianne, his coffin do a few aerobatics over her hospital. planted trees and tended the vegetable heaped with the autumn colours of his The engine stalled… I have asked Hugh patch. There was always a riot of birds beloved nature. and Emma to supply a photo in RAF at the feeders outside the French I conclude with granddaughter uniform to prove that I am writing about windows and visits from badgers at Flo’s remark, aged three, “Grandpa the right person. As I read about it in dusk. There were four haughty Siamese Bear knows everything” and Emma’s astonishment an old pop song came who were completely soppy with summary at the funeral. “He had an into my head: That’s What Love Will Do. him. [Robert A Heinlein comes to amazing, holistic, all encompassing take It also perfectly describes his mind: ‘How you behave toward cats on the world. Science and religion were retirement. His love for people here below determines your status in not polar opposites to him. Rather he furthered his involvement with care Heaven.’] When the large house and saw Teilhard de Chardin’s philosophy of homes, which had started at Bedales garden became too much, he moved in theistic evolution as quite obvious. His when he ran Voluntary Service. He 2014 to a flat in Farnham, near Emma, faith in a God of love and creation, and ran Petersfield Voluntary Care. He was continuing his lifelong involvement with his profound love of nature and her a carer for his mother, his sisters and bellringing, taking walks by the River sciences were his life.” How lucky we Marianne, both before and after she Wey. He kept his mind sharp, not with have been to know him. moved into sheltered accommodation crosswords but by reading the Bible because of Alzheimer’s, and trained so in Greek. After a stroke he chose a Anne Archer (staff, 1971-77 and that he could give the bulk of her care, home where he was happy – his carer 1986-2008), with grateful thanks using that training afterwards to go on called him ‘Baba’, wise father – with to Hugh Routh (1963-69) and working voluntarily at the home. He much visiting by Emma and Hugh Emma Smith (née Routh, 1972-79)

Priscilla Ann Siebert (née Thornycroft, 1930-34)

riscilla Ann Thornycroft was born siblings before and after her. She kept she faced police officers on horses. P on 21 April 1917 in Golders in touch with the school until last year. Her drawings recount this. Green, London. She was the middle Her English teacher, Geoffrey Crump At the age of 19 she was already one of five siblings. Kate and Chris (staff, 1919-45), and Gigi Meo (staff, a member of the Communist Party. were born before her; Olli and 1923-40), her drawing teacher, were In 1936 she received an order to Bill were the younger two. the people who would influence her meet a communist who had just They spent their childhood life significantly. One brought her close fled Germany and was seeking on the south coast of England in to Shakespeare; the other promoted contact with the Communist Party Lancing and Worthing. She stayed her talent for drawing and supported of England. In front of her was a man connected to the sea all her life. her admission to the Slade School of no taller than she was, of slim build, We all know the story of the circus Fine Art, London that is to this day dark-haired and marked by spells in standing in front of the sea, which, highly regarded internationally. prison. Hans Siebert fled to England on the morning they went to visit She was a creative student who, with the help of Adam von Trott. it, was blown away by the storm. in accordance with her intentions, Previously he was imprisoned as a Her painting, The Last Performance, pursued her studies very intensively, communist in Kassel prison and in painted in old age, recalls it. It was won competitions and did not care Lichtenburg concentration camp. a carefree life, full of adventure about awards. She was very active Six years later, in October 1942, and challenges. in the international left-wing student she married Hans, a German From 1930-34 she attended movement and found herself in bombed in England by the Germans! Bedales boarding school, like all her demonstrations in the streets, where For a short time, she lost her English

74 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

citizenship because she married a foreigner whose country was at war with the kingdom. In December 1942 she signed a declaration of loyalty to the UK and was naturalised again. She supported her husband in his work with Spanish refugee children in London. She designed posters which called for help for starving people in Spain and she painted with the children, whom she liked very much. Until her old age, she kept in contact with the International Brigade Memorial Trust – keeping those memories alive. My sister Helga was born in Petersfield in 1943, and you may perhaps ask, why not in London, as I was in 1946? The young family lived in London, my mother working as a freelance artist. But during the constant air raids by German bombers, all the windowpanes had broken. So Hans and Priscilla moved to live with our crossing. In 1948 we departed for in large numbers and were sold in her parents Oliver and Dorothy Berlin – I was two years old. I never saw part as schoolbooks. Some of my Thornycroft, who had found refuge my grandfather again. My grandmother, school friends treasure them to this in the grounds of Bedales. Dorothy Thornycroft, visited us every day. With these books she became Some of her paintings and two years in the GDR. known as Ann Siebert in the GDR. illustrations originate in the memory Kleinmachnow – No one can still say In 1952 we had to leave our of this time during the war in today why this place has become the beloved Kleinmachnow near Berlin. England. The picture Evening in the meeting place for so many emigrants We gained Dresden. My father Subway from 1940, has now found who have returned from all over the became director of the pedagogical a permanent place in the New world. We lived here from 1950 to institute, Karl-Friedrich-Wilhelm Masters Gallery of the Dresden 1952. And it was such an enriching -Wander, later a university, where State Art Collection. She would be life, for the philosophers, painters, I also studied. It no longer exists. very proud of that. It is sad that this sculptors, musicians and musicologists, Our home was a fantastic villa news can no longer reach her. who connected and inspired everyone with grounds in Bühlau. My mother In 1945 the war was over and in a spirit of optimism. We children worked as a proof-reader for the there was only one duty for my were right in the middle of it, and made magazine GDR-Revue. A magazine father and mother: go to Germany friendships that remain to this day as that was sold in England. and help to rebuild this country. strong as those of siblings. My mother is In 1970 we all left Bühlau. Mother In 1947 he returned to Berlin – the last of those, who were as mothers was able to help shape the new of course to the Soviet zone of to us all, that we have lost. house at 7 Ewald-Schönberg-Straße occupation – and took on important In Berlin-Pankow and Kleinmachnow according to her vision and lived positions in national education. she worked as an author and illustrator there for 50 years. Priscilla worked on the children’s of children’s books. The books The Frog, She was happy in Dresden. She book Whiskers the Cat in England Our Chicks, Butterflies and The Bunny was warmly included in the large in order to earn the money for Rabbit and The Fountain were printed circle of painters, in recognition

Obituaries • 75 OBITUARIES

of her wholly individual style of the GDR. She never spoke about body and mind, but always to keep painting. In the 1980s she received how much it pained her when this a watchful eye on life. a commission to capture the life cooperative was destroyed after the She was the dependable centre of the Sorbs (a Slavic ethnic unification of Germany. for the family. She always helped in group) in a series of pictures. Her Her pictures and illustrations a very practical manner: tackling, encounter with these people in are held in many public and private solving. It was important to her Sorbia, and their tradition of Easter collections, including the Imperial to know exactly which grandson, riding, captivated her repeatedly War Museum in London. In 2010, which great grandson was doing and found expression in many there was a major retrospective of what. Holiday destinations had to pictures and lithographs. her work at Dresden’s Neuen be named precisely, the departure For decades she was a member Sächsischen Kunstverein. and arrival times recorded in her of the board of Kunst der Zeit, If, during the last few years, she small notebook. a cooperative of artists living in always had a pencil to hand, drawing In conversation with her one felt solidarity. With her contacts in all the people, the birds, the squirrels, that encouraged to think about nature, levels of politics and in the world, was an expression of her endless love art or politics. Let us remember she helped to clear away some of for nature, her attentiveness towards her like this. Perhaps we will also the difficulties that such an artists’ the people who moved around her, succeed in doing something good cooperative could also have in and also her endeavour not to spare on her behalf today.

Eulogy by Jennifer Horeni, daughter. Adapted by Dennis Archer (staff, 1974-2008) from translation by Louise Brimicombe (née Archer, 1992-97)

Ian Simpson (1938-43)

an Simpson died in November 2020. three friends from Bedales, despite the I He was born in May 1926 during war. After Bedales, he studied agriculture the General Strike in Dulwich, London. at the University of Reading. He first In 1932 he moved to Havant when his became interested in agriculture at father became a head teacher. Frederic Bedales through the school farm and Meier (staff, 1935-46), the headmaster war time food cultivation. of Bedales, was a childhood friend of In 1948 he joined the University of Ian’s father. Leeds as Agricultural Economist. The Most of Ian’s time at Bedales was work involved visiting Yorkshire farms during the Second World War. He to collect data, which was then used recalled being involved in building by the Ministry of Agriculture to set trenches for air raid shelters. However, food prices. He produced reports on after a time, it was decided it would topics, such as the costs and returns of be simpler if everybody slept in the keeping pigs. In 1952 he married Morag school cellars rather than going out to Mathieson, a work colleague. Frederic From 1963 to 1966, Ian was the shelters during raids. As the cellars Meier as a family friend came to the seconded to the Sudan on a project were very warm, eventually pupils were wedding. They had three children. In the looking at the future of the Gezira, a allowed to remain in dormitories subject late 1950s he became an early pioneer 2 million acre (40% the size of Wales) to parental permission. After the war he in linear programming and a user of irrigated area south of Khartoum went to an Old Bedalian camping trip to the university’s first computer. Linear between the Blue and White Niles, set Pembrokeshire, where he remembered programming was used to predict how up in 1920s by British to grow cotton. that the headteacher read a story each farms could increase their profits. For Partly as result of the study, groundnuts night to the camp. In summer 1943 example, by cutting back on livestock and wheat were added to the crop he went on a punting trip down the and switching to wheat, one farm was rotation. The Sudan at the time was Thames from Oxford to Reading with predicted to increase profits by 20%. newly independent.

76 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

Returning to Leeds, he was involved in setting up a MSc in Jessica Smart (née Birnstingl, 1951-55) Agricultural Economics aimed at overseas students. essica was the last of four siblings Building on his experience in the J all educated at Bedales. She Sudan, Ian did a lot of consultancy came from a very musical family and work abroad. In 1969 and 1970, he like her three brothers took music visited Botswana to look at land and seriously at school, learning the cello. water planning. In 1972 he helped Another family trait was love of organise a conference in Cairo on travel. This took her in 1956 to Paris rural development in the Middle East, for a year, repeatedly over decades visiting Pakistan, Iran and Lebanon. to her aunt’s home and summer In 1979 he was briefly a visiting school on the Italian Ligurian coast professor at a university in Baghdad and in 2000 she completed a section giving two lectures there. A lecture of the Camino with OBs Richard in Mosul in the north of Iraq had to Newnham (1943-50), Rodric be cancelled due to snow. Links with Braithwaite (1942-50) and myself. the Sudan were maintained. He did a In the last ten years of her life it further eight projects in the country. was to India (four times), US, Turkey, so at breakfast on opening the He contributed several chapters to France, Switzerland and Italy. The last morning paper and after glancing a book on the agriculture of Sudan. was probably her favourite with the at the headlines, would start on it, Taking early retirement in 1983 he sun, the food the language and the continuing on her car journey to continued to work for the university beautiful cities. However, Scotland work and if some clues were still not supervising MBA students doing was very special to her too and she solved, would phone very special project work in their home countries must have visited it almost every friends and complete it before including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, year of her adult life. starting the day in the office. Kenya and Tanzania. In 1959 she married Basil Smart, Jessica was diagnosed with Following the death of his first wife who was a violinist in the London cancer in January 2020 and suffered in 1998, he married Dorothea Leser, Symphony Orchestra and to whom a brief illness supported by her the widow of a work colleague. After she was very happily married for family and friends before dying Dorothea died in 2005, he had two 47 years until his death in 2006. peacefully in the care of a local further companions. Sonja Bermudez They had two children, Tanya and hospice. She died only days before and Joyce Burton. Dominic, who survive them. the COVID pandemic and the When he was in his 80s Ian Although never a professional country’s shut-down so that only attended a Bedales reunion, meeting musician, she loved to work with her children were able to be at up with a surprising number of his them. She became manager of the the funeral. I would say that this contemporaries. Versuvius Ensemble and personal inability to experience a normal In good health into his 90s Ian assistant to the clarinetist, Thea bereavement has been felt by the lived independently until summer King. Players valued her efficiency entire family. 2020, when he moved into a care and musical knowledge. In her mid Jessica loved her family, loved home due to deteriorating eyesight 40s she was called as member reading, giving dinner parties, talking and mobility. With increasing of a jury at the Old Bailey and and laughing. Recently someone said blindness, he found isolation imposed became very interested in the to me, “Jessica did friends”. This was by COVID restrictions difficult to legal profession. Too late to get indeed true and her good humour, cope with. He died on 11 November. qualifications, she became a legal her frequent smile and jolly laugh At his funeral a piece by Gervase de secretary to a firm in Tunbridge assured that she had so many in Peyer (1939-43), principal clarinet Wells specialising in personal injury Lewes, where she lived and much player of the London Symphony cases and almost certainly was further afield. She is very much Orchestra, who was at Bedales at the consulted by the solicitors before missed by all of us. same time as Ian, was played. any important decision was taken. One thing she loved was crosswords, Roger Birnstingl (1943-50), brother Alasdair Simpson, son

Obituaries • 77 OBITUARIES

Paul John Rackham Soper (1955-61)

aul was highly qualified. After in the UK and supporting children’s P leaving Bedales, Paul did an education in . undergraduate physics degree at New Paul thrived on new experiences. College, Oxford, followed by a PhD He was widely travelled, loved anything from the University of entitled tech especially artificial intelligence ‘A 3-body model of deuteron-nucleus (AI) and robotics. He also enjoyed elastic scattering’. Later while he was chess, sailing, skiing, and tennis, and he teaching at the Open University, he loved dogs. obtained a further degree in computer Paul was also a family man. He intelligence. married Kate Soper in 1968 and had a Paul started his academic career as daughter Leonie (1969). Paul and Kate a physics professor at the University of divorced in 1974 and he later married Surrey in Guilford, and later switched Nyasha Gwatidzo, and they had three to logic programming linguistics first children; Chido (1986 from Nyasha’s as a lecturer at Imperial College, previous marriage), Yemurai (1994) and London and then as a professor at the Edzai (1995). Paul had two grandsons; University of Southampton. He had Justin (2009) and Ezra (2019). Paul was a very much loved husband, several teaching sabbaticals including In 2017, Paul had an accident which father, brother and uncle. He had a at Trieste, Italy; , Zimbabwe; left him quadriplegic. However he huge intellect and was a loyal friend to and Los Angeles, US. found a way to adapt, and continued many people. He retired early from academia to travel with his family to Guernsey, We will all miss him. to join his wife, Nyasha in various Finland, and Zimbabwe, as well as social enterprises including a foster continuing to grow his mind, go on Viv Peto (née Soper, 1959-63), care company and many charitable sailing trips, and be there for others as sister and Leonie Fedel (née Soper), activities including a therapeutic farm best he could. daughter

Richard Trevor Turner Warwick (1938-42)

ichard was the oldest surviving been a motorcycle dispatch rider and Theodore (friend of J H Badley), R son of Dr Joan Warwick died of wounds in France 1916. dentist, silversmith and clockmaker (née Harris, 1907-13) and William Joan was also a keen motorcyclist had a profound influence upon Warwick (staff, 1909-1911) who and taught Richard how to build and Richard encouraging him to make went to become senior surgeon repair machines. Equally her father and understand. at the Middlesex hospital (d 1949). They had met at Bedales while William, just out of Cambridge (High Jump Blue) was teacher of maths, Joan was captain of cricket and ¼ miler, and heading for The London School of Medicine for Women to study medicine. (The only medical school available to girls in England in 1912.) Joan later lost her younger brother Trevor Harris (b 1896 remembered upstairs in the library on the boards over a south facing bay). He had

78 • Obituaries OBITUARIES

He joined the home guard outside have been highly unlikely to have been the school, whereby he could obtain successful at the interview today; this both fuel and a gun. He kept his he frequently, and ruefully, admitted. motorcycle at the garage opposite Still more impressive for Bedales The Cricketers. There is a story that was his being selected to represent he encountered a member of staff Oxford row in the boat race (1944-46). ‘nose to nose’ in a lane near school, This among the majority of candidates when he was recognised without from ‘rowing’ schools. his goggles on. He was summoned In those years the boat race was a to the HM study where, after some national event akin to the Grand National. discussion, he was handed a cider The fact that he went on to captain bottle in which to store his petrol! the winning crew and to engineer the This obsessive and determined race’s return to the Thames tideway boy thrived at Bedales (despite (which had been abandoned during being very homesick), under the the war and necessitated the annual successor in the workshop. (David benign headship of Freddie Meier cessation of shipping). It became an later recalled their offering enormous (1935-46). At the age of 14 he early indication of his leadership and support and encouragement was progressing so poorly in class strategic qualities. backed up with fi nance set aside that they presented him with the He proudly recalled revisiting for the development. So many challenge of having to stay down a school (when he was accustomed generations went on to benefi t from year unless he ‘bucked up’ his effort. to being recognised as the rower) his inspirational teaching of design Suddenly he discovered that and being introduced as ‘The Twins’ and genuine craftsmanship in the he had the capacity to learn and brother Richard’. Barnsley tradition.) During their time produce the results. From then on his They were both SEN but Bedales the Simon Lecture Theatre and the science studies, at least, fl ourished. He offered individual niches where science labs were built. Margaret later gained a place to study medicine they blossomed in engineering and went on to become Chairman of at Oxford. The limited success of his horticulture. They were apparently the Bedales governors (1966-72) education at school was refl ected in highly effi cient school black-out when it became fi nancially necessary his Oxford interview. He was asked wardens. He was reassured to fi nd to increase the pupil numbers from to tell them about various poets and how appreciated and admired the 250 to 350. The temporary “terrapin was unable to answer any of the little brothers were. classrooms were only expected to open-ended questions nor did he He later became a governor at last 10 years”, she remarked when know signifi cant history. With his Bedales for the allowed three terms of visiting her grandchildren, Michael poor eyesight he didn’t play team offi ce followed by Margaret his wife. (1989-96) and Helen Sanders games. “Well what can you tell During her fi rst years, with Tim Slack (1991-97) at Bedales for a concert us about?” they asked somewhat (1962-74) as Headmaster and Jack and discovered that the buildings despairingly, so he explained how to Walesby (1947-72) as Bursar, they were still in use! accurately fell a tree and to plough were able to appoint David Butcher a fi eld on a slope. Clearly he would (1963-92) to be Bif Barker’s (1930-64) Gillian Bathe (1965-71), daughter

Robert Winnicott (1948-56) gardening meant that the business thrived from the start. His many obert was born in Portsmouth he also set up a hardware shop hobbies included membership of R but lived all his life in Rowlands in Rowlands, now run by his elder the Havant Rotary Club and also a Castle. From 1971 he ran RJ son Adrian and his nephew David, lifelong interest in music and the fi ne Winnicott Ltd, a construction business with seven stores in and around arts, a legacy from his education at founded by his grandfather in 1904. Hampshire and West Sussex. His Dunhurst and Bedales. This is now run successfully by his unfailing charm and wide-reaching younger son Paul. Around that time, knowledge of all things domestic and Matthew Rice (1975-80)

Obituaries • 79 OBITUARIES

Nina Wedderburn (née Salaman, 1942-44)

y mother Nina Wedderburn, There she met Bill Wedderburn; M who died on 4th August 2020 returning to Cambridge to marry him aged 91, attended Bedales from 1942 in 1951 meant giving up the PhD that to 1944, a time she remembered she had started in London. Nina and with huge fondness. Nina was born in Bill had three children: Sarah, David and London in 1928, first of four children of myself. They divorced in 1961, and Nina Dr Myer Head Salaman, pathologist and set up a new life in London with us, cancer scientist, and Esther Salaman supported by her parents, sister Thalia (née Polianowsky), a physicist and and brother-in-law Dolf. Once we were writer who had studied with Einstein all at school, she restarted her scientific before coming to England. Nina career, initially working part-time to was the first grandchild to Redcliffe obtain her PhD. That period cannot Nathan Salaman FRS, physician and have been easy: women starting their scientist and Hebrew Scholar Nina PhD at 38, with three small children at Salaman (née Davis). Her childhood home, were very unusual at the time, provided powerful influences from this and she faced significant barriers. large Anglo-Jewish family, with early Her work was truly interdisciplinary, holidays spent with cousins at their asking key questions about how grandparents’ country house. malaria and viruses interact with our Nina was always very close to her immune system: she developed a sister Thalia: they attended school model to understand the influence of together, first Channing in Highgate, malaria on the link between Epstein and then the Perse, Cambridge, where Barr virus and Burkitt’s lymphoma. the family moved during the war. Many of her PhD students and fellows But she said that her fondest school went on to successful careers all immense integrity: she was determined, memories were of her time at Bedales: over the world, and remained friends courageous, kind, deeply loyal, well she loved its philosophy and freedoms, for life. They all commented on her informed, and rather direct. as well as the science lessons. Her scientific integrity and fairness in In later life she cared for both her own father Myer, as well as her uncles, leading her group. She rose to become parents until their death, and was a aunts, and later cousin Jane Collett and Dean of the Hunterian Institute at the regular visitor to her aunt Miriam. sister Thalia were all Bedalians. She Royal College of Surgeons and was In retirement she joined both the remembered that as she was growing awarded the Sir Arthur Keith Medal University of the 3rd Age and London’s so rapidly, she was often hungry: luckily in 1994 for her services there. Many Liberal Jewish Synagogue, where she there was always bread and jam to eat, years later, when health troubles took loved to study and discuss Hebrew late in the evening! After Bedales she her into hospital, she was frequently texts. She lived with severe asthma for returned to Cambridge, spending a recognised by the surgeons she met, most of her life but never let this stop happy final school year living with the who vividly remembered her pathology her enjoying regular outings: to hear artist Gwen Raverat when her parents teaching sessions. classical music, or see an exhibition at moved back to London after the war. Nina was a lifelong member of one of her favourite galleries, the Royal Gaining a place to study natural the Labour party and our house in Academy. In her final months, failing sciences at Newnham College, Highgate was often full of people, health and then the challenges imposed Cambridge, she started as an including on polling day when we by the COVID-19 pandemic brought undergraduate in 1947, the last year acted as canvassing headquarters. huge frustration, but she loved every before the university granted women She was however never afraid to family visit and good conversation, full admission. In 1998, going back to comment when she felt the Labour to the end. She is survived by her Newnham with a friend she had met party went astray. She was a source of three children, 10 grandchildren, two in their first term, she was one of over support and mentor to many, including great-grandchildren, siblings, wider 800 women who returned to collect children, grandchildren, her siblings, family and many friends. their full degree. The friends she made nieces, nephews, and numerous good in Cambridge remained close for life. friends throughout her life. Nina had Lucy Wedderburn, daughter

80 • Obituaries BIRTHS, ENGAGEMENTS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS

Births Deaths

Clare Jarmy (staff) and Ian Douglas (staff), a daughter, Henry Crallan (1962-67) on 22 March 2015 Flora, on 10 January 2021 Malcolm Evans (1941-48) on 1 December 2019 Berni Johnen-Baxter (1991-96) and Karl Baxter, a son, Maximilian Lukas, on 21 October 2020 David Fisher (1940-45) on 1 July 2020

Minty Nicholson (2003-08) and Will Nott (2007-10), Jon Goddard Watts (1941-47) on 23 February 2020 a daughter, Juno, on 3 February 2021 Nick Green (1973-77) on 23 June 2020 Alexa Reid Matthews (née Reid) (1995-2000) and David Matthews, a son, Ivan Robert, on 23 September 2020 Richard Hartree (1944-50) on 16 March 2020 Clea Whitley (2000-03) and Martyn Williams, a son, Bryn, Guy Anthony Johnston (1957-62) on 12 December 2020 on 4 February 2020 David Lovell (1946-54) on 23 December 2018

Richard Meade (1958-64) Engagements on 9 May 2020 Joseph Mercier (1975-80) on 6 December 2020 Richard Howson (1996-2001) and Eimear Fee Mary Elspeth Milford (M E) (staff, 1959-67) on 27 March 2020 Josephine Jonathan (2006-08) and Cornelius Halladay-Garrett

Emily Whitley (2000-06) and Luke Hallett Gordon Murphy (1933-40) on 26 May 2020

Sophie Nelson (née Burn) (1968-74) 19 July 2020

Marriages Philip Parsons (staff, 1979-2016) on 25 March 2020

Coco Conran (2006-14) and Alex Vardaxoglou Jennifer Willow Prizeman (née Bentley) (1942-49) on 20 December 2020 on 27 May 2019

Louise Collison (staff, 1998-01) and Martin Dixon Juliet Christina Quicke (née Ricketts) (1953-54) on 20 February 2020 on 25 July 2019

Sofia Larsson (2001-06) and Robin Ticciati Andrew Routh (staff, 1955-84) on 21 October 2020 on 24 October 2020 Priscilla Ann Siebert (née Thornycroft) (1930-34) on 13 April 2020

Deaths Ian Simpson (1938-43) on 11 November 2020

Norman Bellis (staff, 1956-63) on 11 August 2020 Jessica Smart (née Birnstingl) (1951-55) on 16 March 2020 Nicholas Mark Yinka Bevan (1974-79) on 4 November 2020 Paul John Rackham Soper (1955-61) on 12 April 2020 Simon Brooke (1965-71) on 26 November 2019 David N Stephenson (1942-53) on 10 July 2020 Janice Butcher (visiting music staff, 1983-2018) Richard Trevor Turner Warwick (1938-42) on 6 December 2020 on 19 September 2020 Thea Clark (1959-64) on 30 March 2020 Nina Wedderburn (née Salaman) (1942-44) on 4 August 2020 Erlend Amond Copeley-Williams (1944-50) on 11 January 2020 Robert Winnicott (1948-56) on 4 November 2020

Births, Engagements, Marriages & Deaths • 81 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2020

Class of 2020

Name Destination Course

Helena Alexander University of York Politics with International Relations

Kitty Atherton Camberwell Art Foundation

Louis Beecham Loughborough University Automotive Engineering (with placement year)

Milo Best AUB Bournemouth Art Foundation

Jamie Bland University of Birmingham Materials Science & Engineering (following an enrichment year at Principia College, Illinois, USA)

Lev Borisovets King’s College London Religion, Philosophy & Ethics

Marcus Bugge University of Oxford French & Beginners’ Russian

Jacqueline Cavagnari King’s College London Religion, Politics & Society

Daisy Chadwick Kingston University Art Foundation

Oscar Clark University of Edinburgh English Literature

Clara Coencas University of Westminster Television Production

Mack Cowling Oxford Brookes Business & Management

Louis Davies-Kidel Coventry University Automotive & Transport Design

Sofia Draper UCL History

Saskia Duke University of Leeds Religion, Politics & Society

Hanna Dunleavy University of Bristol Social Policy with Criminology

Anton Ellis SOAS Japanese

Toby Fairs University of St Andrews Chemistry

Charlotte Ford Newcastle University Biology

Douglas Fox University of Manchester Management (International Business Economics)

Sophia Fuchs King’s College London Classics (Greek & Latin)

Leanne Ghesquiere Erasmus University College Rotterdam International Arts & Culture Studies

Connie Gillies UCL Politics & International Relations

Benedict Gooderham Oxford Brookes Social Anthropology

Jonathan Greenfield Durham University Music

Annia Grey University of Bristol Music

Dan Hall Central St Martins Art Foundation

Max Harris Bournemouth University Film

Dylan Hayes University of Groningen Netherlands Liberal Arts & Sciences

82 • University Destinations 2020 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2020

Class of 2020

Name Destination Course

Madison Jeffreys Newcastle University Sociology Safia Kazim BIMM Institute Popular Music Performance & Songwriting

Ho Keung CU Hong Kong Music

Cannden Lawer-Barnes BIMM Institute Music & Sound Production

Joshua Lawson University of Manchester Management, Leadership & Leisure

Thea Levine Central St Martins Art Foundation

Max Lobbenberg Oxford Brookes Architecture

Mimi Lomax Kingston University Art Foundation

Alexander Lunn University of York English Zedeng Luo China Post A level course in Fine Arts

Eleanor Mardlin University of York Politics with International Relations Hannah Mazas University of Exeter Economics with Year Abroad

Flora McFarlane Fashion Design

Lily McGregor University of Cambridge Modern & Medieval Languages

Lydia Morris UCA Farnham Art Foundation

Amber Pearson Camberwell Art Foundation

Rosie Phillips Kingston University Art Foundation

Ella Piddiu University of Nottingham Classical Civilisation & Philosophy

Imogen Pike University of the Arts London Costume for Theatre & Screen

Lola Pilkington Royal Drawing School Art Foundation

Lok Radcliffe University of Manchester Economics

Meadow Ridley Camberwell Art Foundation

Serge Samarine Trinity College Dublin Russian & French

Theo Sheridan University of Manchester Philosophy & Politics

Joseph Sieghart Queen Mary University of London Politics & International Relations

Morgan Tasker University of Edinburgh History

Sofia Testino Central St Martins Art Foundation

Ziqing Wang Durham University Music

Anthony White University of Bath Physics

George Wright University of Nottingham Mathematics & Economics

Tomer Ziv University of Bath Computer Science with Placement

University Destinations 2020 • 83 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2020

Class of 2019 Name Destination Course Maximillian Berger University of Brighton Film Jack Cecil Loughborough University Bioengineering Liberty Chant City & Guilds Art Foundation Charlotte Cohu King’s College London Religion, Philosophy & Ethics Josephine-Lea Edery University of Bristol Biology Bella Evershed SOAS University of London Social Anthropology Fleur Fincham University of Leeds History Noah Golding Trinity Laban Voice Joseph Goldring University of Sussex American Studies (with a study abroad year) Tess-Alexandra Goulandris Newcastle University Computer Science Skye Hurwitz University of Sussex Psychology Cassius Kay Welsh College of Music & Drama Music with Classical Singing Agnes Levingston SOAS Global Liberal Arts Taran Llewelyn Bradford University of Exeter Liberal Arts Angus Milton Durham University General Engineering Oliver Nicpon University of Buckingham Certificate Medical Foundation Studies Trumble Outhwaite University of Manchester History & Russian Samuel Pemberton University of Bath Biomedical Sciences Maisy Redmayne University of Cambridge Veterinary Medicine Kate Sampson University of Buckingham Certificate Medical Foundation Studies Max Simmons University of Manchester Modern Language & Business & Management (French) Charlie Sutton Manchester Metropolitan University International Relations Sophie Turner University of St Andrews/TCD English Allietta Verdon-Roe University of Manchester International Disaster Management & Humanitarian Response Samuel Vernor-Miles University of Essex Acting Lola Vogel BIMM Institute Music Business Charlotte Whiteside Marine & Natural History Photography

Class of 2018 Jasper Oltmanns Bard College USA Liberal Arts

Class of 2017 Bernard Allez Nottingham Trent University Psychology (Mental Health) Louis Jacobs ACM Electronic Music Production

Class of 2016 Flora Shaw University of Birmingham Liberal Arts & Sciences

84 • University Destinations 2020 CONTACT THE ALUMNI TEAM [email protected]

Mary Hancox Alumni & Development Manager 01730 711695

Tanya Darlow Head of Development 01730 711662

Rob Reynolds Director of External Relations 01730 711577

STAY CONNECTED to your Old Bedalian community Facebook Twitter Like us: Bedales School Follow us: @bedalesschool LinkedIn Instagram Join us: Bedales Alumni Follow us: @bedalesschool OB Bulletins Subscribe: [email protected] The Lavenham Press, Water Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9RN