AUGUST 2013

Old Tauntonian Office details: Tel: (01823) 703158 Email: [email protected] Website: https://taunton.web-intouch.com

OT s, COME BACK! Photo: William Sykes (SYKESIMAGING) he recent annual reunion weekend was very special for me. I was enormously honoured to be installed as OTA President, feeling very T privileged, but very humble, to follow in the footsteps of so many highly distinguished OTs. However, it was meeting so many former WELCOME TO THE pupils, particularly from the 80s, that made it such a memorable weekend. I am just an ‘Honorary’ Old Tauntonian, but 34 years teaching at TJS and TS gives me some insight, I would hope, into the Association. CLASS OF 2013 Additionally, my wife, Selma, is an OT – Weirfield and TS – and our two Tamilore Adedoyin-Dada, Mosope Afolabi, Ahmed Al-Hameli, Gan Angkananukroh, Will Baldwin, children, Jonathan and Chloe, were both educated at the School, so in many ways Taunton School has been my life for a good while now. Connor Banks, Gus Bebbington, Max Bloomfield, Sam Bolland, Evie Bown, Henry Brigden, Kate Brown, Giorgio Busi, Toby Butters, Ivy Byaruhanga, Emily Carr, James Carter, Margherita Whilst tradition is important, the time is right for some changes Casale, Jenny Chan, Gabriel Chan, Kim Choong, Henry Coates, Chloe Coleman, Millie Corp, to our Association and, as part of those changes (outlined in Jack Crichton, Namir Dankaro, Lauren Davey, Alice David, Rob David, Liam Davies, Ali Dawha, David Bridges’ piece on page 10), I have been appointed President for Joe de Pass, Hannah Deasy, Nicholas Dibb, Jodie Dibble, Jordan Dunbar, Declan Dutfield, a two-year term. I have a very clear aim – to meet up with Anna East, Federico Escalar, Jamie Fear, Abidah Ferej, Callum Fiske, Zoe Flanagan, Jason Fok, those I had the pleasure to teach or coach during those 34 years, in addition to welcoming, of course, the many of Kirill Fotiiev, Alex Galley, Imogen Gray, Zoe Green, George Hallas, Charlotte Handyside, you of a slightly older generation who loyally support the Ashley Hansen, James Harris, Bella Hodgkinson, Ziyun Huang, Max Hufschlag, Georgina OTA. It is my intention to attend as many regional Huntridge, Owen Ip, Ellie Jackson, Jessica Jall, Ranulph Jameson, Mook Jinnovart, Will Jolley, functions as possible – I would love to go to meetings in Angela Kim, Jonna Klockenhoff, Anton Kraminkin, Oliver Lucas, Anna Mansfield, Edward McBride, Australia, Hong Kong, California and all those other far Georgi Morton, Leticia Muller, John Muravyev, Jacob Needham, Georgi Nenov, Rachel Nuttall, away venues, but I’m afraid I would need a beneficent Joko Odutola, Kenta Oshima, Daniil Osudin, Henry Payne, Leah Peatroy, Emma Perry, Bailey Petts, sponsor for such trips! John Pincock, Emily Pitman, Rocco Plessi, Benson Pocock, Heather Poulter, Maisie Powell-Jones, So, June 15th was a good start as, in addition to the splendid group who Maria Prest, Rozzie Price, Nora Puhala, Jasmine Pyman, Pia Pyrtek, Sebastian Ralph, came back to School as part of a 25th Reunion, there was also a large Matthew Roberts, Phillip Roberts, Billy Roden, Harriet Rogers, Camilla Santin, Riccardo Sattin, crowd of cricketers (I use the term loosely!) who left in the mid-to-late 80s Dusan Savicevic, Audrey Sebatindira, Giacomo Sertorio, Angela Shen, Nastya Sinitsyna, who played a match in memory of Matthew Compton. Charles Solanki, Jeremy Soper, James Spencer, Clara Spohrer, Maria Sukhareva, Shinara Sunderlal, Without exception, everyone I spoke to made two points: Mariya Ternovaya, Polly Thomas, Salim Turki, Polly Vincent, Neda Vysniauskaite, Georgina Walker, Tom White, Grace Whittingham, Kevin Wickman, Josh Williamson, Jeremy Wong, Livvy Woodhead, 1) How much they enjoyed coming back to the School, Mavis Yang, Jerry Yang, Indira Yerdenova, Tracy Yuan, Anita Zeng, Francesca Zhang, 2) Why hadn’t they done this more frequently (or, in many cases, at all)? Christine Zhao and Lisa Zhou. Therefore, my plea to the hundreds and hundreds of former pupils is to come back and see Taunton School as it is now – a vibrant, dynamic and ever-changing community. ‘Come back’ and support regional events and retain links to a School of which we are all so proud. The annual reunion will be held in May next year and will be a slightly more informal occasion, whilst still retaining some great traditions. At the last reunion weekend, I had the honour of speaking in Chapel on Sunday morning. I talked about the value of tradition in a fast changing world: we live in the present and look forward to the future, but remembering what has gone before is vital. So, gather groups of friends together to come and see the School in action, meet members of staff who taught you – maybe even go into class again – listen to music, play/watch some sport, but most importantly, reminisce with friends about the formative years you spent there. I look forward to Turn to page 7 to find out seeing you all! what’s in this location now... Hugh Todd – President TJS 1979-83, TS 1983-2012 G

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 1 UPDATES

Bob Hicks Edward Bryant (Somerset 1950) (Wills West 1958) [email protected] [email protected] In 1957 Bob was Edward is shown working for a with Richard UK firm, Ashworth Newman MEP, the Industries, guest speaker which made at a meeting, electric motors entitled for the Les Britanniques US market. ont-ils toujours He moved to Chicago in early 1959 tort? , of the political club and met his wife-to-be, Sharyn, at Réforme & Modernité in April an amateur theatre group where he at the Assemblée Nationale. had been asked to help with Scottish accents as they were Edward said: “I have always been a producing Brigadoon . great believer in a federal Europe and I helped create the Cambridge In 1967 he obtained a Private Pilot University European Society with license, a step up from the model the objective of enlarging the airplanes he would build and fly, European Union.” G just as he had earlier in Taunton. Tim Armstrong In 1971 he was moved west to (Wills West 1968) Seattle to head up a sales district [email protected] Tamsin Lambert that included three States and two Tim is currently (Murray 2000) Canadian Provinces. The travelling President of [email protected] increased and Bob was sent on an Aylesbury Currently working as 3rd mate on the fishery patrol vessel Pharos SG , extended trip that included the UK, Rugby based in the Falkland Islands and patrolling the waters of the sub- Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt and Football Club Antarctic, Tamsin has been working on the Pharos SG for over a year. Spain. The highlight of that was (ARFC). The Pharos’ main task is to carry out inspections of fishing vessels at climbing alone up inside the big The club plays sea and ensure that only licensed vessels are operating. pyramid in Egypt all the way to the in Southern It also provides logistic support to the British Antarctic Survey base King’s Chamber. Counties North which involves a wide variety of work – from deployment and (level 7) and has produced several recovery of sub-sea acoustic data buoys, to taking scientists to some After returning home, Bob was players who have represented of the more remote parts of the island to inspect the nesting sites of moved to the Los Angeles area as England, the most illustrious being wandering albatross, count the South Georgia pipit population Regional Sales Manager with a Gary Pearce, prop, from 1979 to (the only Antarctic songbird) or check on the colonies of penguins, responsibility for eleven States 1991. Tim extends a warm welcome fur seals and elephant seals. and three Canadian provinces. to the club to any OT, potential Again the travelling increased, player or otherwise, residing in or Tamsin’s career at sea was started by her love of Tall Ships; while at but one consolation was visiting visiting the Aylesbury area. TS she did the Tall Ships Race (Weymouth – Falmouth – Lisbon – reps and customers in Hawaii. Vigo – Dublin – Portsmouth – Weymouth). “This experience had a huge “I can recommend Mauii for a week's Tim is a cousin of Sarah Collier impact on my life and I spent the next few years wishing I could afford to vacation!” Bob quipped. (née Hyde) (Weirfield ’73 ), one of get back on the water. Eventually, in 2008, I had saved up enough to do the first Weirfield girls to start the another long trip on a Tall Ship and I joined the TS Pelican , a three-masted He eventually retired at the end of integration of the two schools, barque, as a trainee in the Caribbean,” she said. 1998 and moved to a new home and her brother, Edward outside Port Angeles, in (Goodland ‘80) . Tamsin is a Careers at Sea Ambassador (www.careersatsea.org) – Washington State, which is about a Merchant Navy Training Board programme which gets serving as far north and west you can go On leaving TS, Tim worked full- officers into schools, and other youth organizations, to promote and still be in Continental USA. time as an accountant until 2007. careers at sea. G “A lovely place with water to the north With the terminal illness of his and the mountains of Olympic wife, Carolyn, Tim took on a National Park to the south.” succession of part-time and Bob reports. temporary jobs, which allows him accomplished operatic talent Lucy Blaxland to travel the canals of England on in the country including (Bevan 1980) Sharyn passed away in 2010 and so his narrow boat. G singing waiters, paramedics [email protected] missed seeing their granddaughter, and policemen! Lucy’s trajectory Danielle, graduate from University. Ian Bloomfield from Taunton Bob’s retirement has focussed on (Foxcombe 1978) Ian is pictured here with Spencer School was family, Church, aviation and the [email protected] from Made in Chelsea at a recent University of airplane he built and then flew charity fundraising event for Manchester until he sold it recently. Classic FM. (History of Art), then Fine “I am currently in my last term as Ian said: “I grabbed Spencer for a Art Paper President of the local Chapter of the photo as he is my two sons’ hero Conservation at Experimental Aircraft Association. In (they watch MiC all the time!). Gateshead, followed by sixteen December I will turn eighty and slow He was a great bloke and very years at the Bodleian Library, down some!” joked Bob. charming. The celebs made various before a move in the direction of appearances for the charity that museums with an MSc at Oxford He is delighted that Danielle day and, best of all, I met in material anthropology and should have an interest in theatre. Mo Farrah….and then sang to museum ethnography. Lucy then Bob’s mother had a stage career Together with fellow director him: brilliant!” worked at the Pitt Rivers Museum with a ballet troupe in Paris and he Tim Armstrong-Taylor, Ian and finally joined the staff of the acted on a radio show in New York manages Opera on the Run which www.operaontherun.co.uk Ashmolean in 2005. and in both House and School has been entertaining at private plays and later with Taunton parties and corporate events for Ed: Another ‘star’ of MiC is “I live not far from Oxford with my Thespians. “I guess it must be in over eight years. The company ‘Binky’ aka Alexandra Felstead two daughters. One (shockingly) has the genes!” G has some of the most highly (Weirfield 2008) G just finished her degree and the other 2 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

moves into her second year in Ben Wellington Eliot Williams Jo Dowell (née Gibson) September. My father still lives (Marshall 1992) (Marshall 1997) (Besley 1996) near Taunton, so I am back and [email protected] [email protected] Jo was appointed forth to Somerset quite regularly,” Eliot works in Human Lucy said. the Computer Resources and ICT Director According to Lucy, the Ashmolean Department to the occupies a special position, both in at Millfield St Pancras the study of the history of science School. In Renaissance and in the development of Western addition to Hotel, London culture and collecting, extending running the in 2013. She began into subjects that would not be Somerset Hub of her career at the Grosvenor Square considered ‘scientific’ today, but Computing at School , he was Marriott and became the Human which represent past attempts to recently accepted as a Master Resources Manager for the understand and manipulate the Co-founder and Managing Teacher for the British Computing property before going on to open natural world. Director of Peak Performance, Society and DfE’s initiative to boost the West India Quay Marriott & Ben has been a professional coach the ability of schools to teach Executive Apartments as Director www.mhs.ox.ac.uk G for over ten years. Currently on the Computer Science. of Human Resources in 2004. She ECB Level IV Elite Coaching briefly left the company in 2008 to Anne Biddle (née Rubie) Programme, Ben has extensive Eliot said: “I will be running courses move overseas to Shanghai, but (Gloucester 1981) experience in designing and for teachers in Somerset and the then re-joined Marriott in 2010 [email protected] delivering effective coaching surrounding areas to ensure they can to coordinate the roll out of the After thirty programmes for individuals and deliver the proposed National Global Selection Program across years in the teams of all standards. Curriculum for Computing.” G Asia Pacific. recruitment industry and He has a proven coaching record Jeremy Wright MP Jo said: “In 2011 I secured the supplying of player development and he is (Marshall 1991) role of Senior Manager, Global Sales nursing and the lead coach at The Centre of Jeremy was & Marketing Human Resources – care staff to Excellence, one of the primary called to the Asia Pacific Division. I am the NHS, venues for Peak Performance Bar in 1996, delighted that I have now returned private patients coaching programs. specialising to London.” G and learning and disability care in criminal companies in Dorset, Anne recently Ben has coached Somerset 1st XI law in Patrick Graham sold her company and retired. fast bowlers as well as providing the West (Evans 2001) Currently living in East Devon, performance analysis for the Midlands area. [email protected] Anne will soon be relocating to 1st team. He is a regional fast He was elected Paddy is America where she plans to do bowling coach for the ECB and MP for Rugby & Kenilworth in currently in very little apart from horse the Somerset ECB Academy. May 2005, served as a member of talks to write riding, walking and generally Ben has also tutored for the the Constitutional Affairs (later and direct a enjoying life. ECB Coach Education Justice) Select Committee and, Bollywood movie Programme. Ben retired from in July 2007, became an and a TV series Anne says: “My youngest daughter is playing in 2004 having played at Opposition Whip. in Mumbai just about to start A Levels at Taunton minor county level, county 2nd XI where he’s been School in September as a boarder – and England schools. He founded, and now chairs, the living for three years. He also huge amounts of déjà vu on visiting All-Party Parliamentary Group on starred in an Indian comedy the boarding houses with her as www.peakperformance-acp.co.uk Dementia. In May 2010, Jeremy series entitled Bring On The Night I was one of the first girl boarders in became a Government Whip (http: // mtv.in.com/botn) that Gloucester House (as it was then) Natasha Welford (née Eales) and in September 2012 he was screened on MTV India last year. in 1979!” G (Gloucester 1996) appointed Parliamentary Under Paddy plays the creative member [email protected] Secretary of State at the Ministry of the bunch who is a hit with Jane Chate of Justice. G the ladies. G (Murray 1991) [email protected] Jane is the franchise owner of Kiddy Cook and Cookie Tots covering Stansted, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. Having worked in the City for ten years, Jane was ready for a lifestyle change, Natasha and her brother, James so when she found out about Eales (Wills West ’02) , recently Kiddy Cook she knew instantly completed the Sprint Triathlon at Luke Sutton it was exactly what she wanted Blenheim Palace. (Fairwater 2007) to do. [email protected] Natasha said: “I didn’t disgrace From a young age, Luke was scared of flying but, after getting Jane said: “Children have myself and completed it in 2 hours behind the controls for the first time at 14, that fear vanished. such inquisitive minds and 17 minutes (just a little behind Luke obtained his PPL & Night Rating by his 17th birthday whilst love making things in the James’ time of 1 hour 44 minutes). at TS. Transitioning from hobby to profession, he achieved a kitchen. Kiddy Cook and It was a great day and made Commercial Pilot Licence from Flight Training Europe, Jerez in Spain, Cookie Tots classes aren’t only even better by bumping into followed by an aviation degree from City University, London. about cooking – they’re about Ben Blackburn (Marshall ’96) Luke said: “I am delighted to share with OTs that I have gained my first having fun, learning about food whom I hadn’t seen since leaving flying job. I am thankful to have landed (excuse the pun!) a First Officer through games, stories and position with GlobeAir, a private jet airline based in Linz, Austria. If anyone Taunton School – you never know G experiments, and giving when you’ll bump into a fellow fancies flying privately, get in touch!” children lifelong skills.” G Old Tauntonian!” G

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 3 UPDATES

Robert Forrest Rowena Cockett (Evans 1999) (Besley 2010) [email protected] [email protected] Robert graduated Rowena from the graduated Royal College this year of Art in with a 1st in 2005 with History with an MA proficiency in in Vehicle Spanish from Design, having Exeter, gaining previously the highest completed a degree in Transport mark in her year group. She was Design. He has since worked as awarded the university’s a car designer in Germany, Bertie Black Prize for the most England and Japan. Rob is outstanding academic performance now Design Specialist for in History as well as a Dean’s BMW’s electric i brand, Commendation for exceptional which launches this year as Georgina Miles performance at stage three of the first step towards (Besley 1998) her degree. sustainable mobility. [email protected] Earlier this year, Georgina graduated from Oxford with a DPhil in Rowena said: “I have been awarded a In his rôle, Rob continues the Atmospheric Physics for detecting novel ways to detect volcanic 4-year fully-funded postgraduate traditional technique of sketching, eruptions from space. Georgina said: “I finished my doctorate in my studentship to undertake a Masters and works with other departments spare time while working at the largest space research and technology facility and PhD in Medieval Studies at to create advanced design in the country, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory at Harwell Oxford, Exeter. My research, under the co- solutions. Rob lives in Munich developing satellite algorithms for detecting atmospheric composition for air supervision of Professor Simon Barton, with his wife, Mina, where they quality and climate applications. I will always be grateful to Mr Ian Piper and Professor Amy Remensnyder from are expecting their first child and Mr Trevor Hill for their scientific enthusiasm and support, which was Brown University in the US, will be in October. truly inspirational. As such I'm glad to hear that the science department has within the area of medieval Iberian G been invested in since I left in 1998.” G society and culture.” Rob states: “It is a very exciting time to be a car designer: new markets, Jamie Wilman new technologies and changing (Fairwater 2010) attitudes are driving us towards Sam Lupson with a Masters in [email protected] new solutions. I remember my (Fairwater 2000) and Computer Jamie has been Physics teacher, Richard Jowett, Rob Speakman Science. Prior elected challenging my decision to pursue (Marshall 2000) have recently to joining the President of car design, contending that launched a new company in team, he was Corpus there was no future in it. London called WKD Group. a freelance Christi However, there will always be a developer College, demand for mobility, personalised Having specialising in Cambridge, or otherwise, and I'm now in a recently customised sites, JCR (Student position to define which product arrived back graphic design and content Union) for 2013- fulfils that best.” G in the management systems. 14. The JCR represents all UK after student members of the College, Lucy Ratcliff (née Cole) spending ten www.wkdgroup.net G looks after their welfare and (Besley 2006) years living organises social events. Jamie said: [email protected] and working in Sophie Davis “My year as Head Boy at Taunton Lucy lives in the sun, Sam’s (Weirfield 2009) School taught me a lot about managing Doha and main rôle is in [email protected] young people.” G signed up to business Sophie began her training in run the Great development. January 2011 in Florida with Ethiopian Initially The Pilot Training College of Run to working in Ireland, where she achieved first support a the fashion time passes for her Private Pilots charity set up industry, Sam Licence, Single-Engine and OT BLAZERS by Sheikha Mosa saw the perfect Multi-Engine Commercial Licences, Roger Reed (Foxcombe 1975) Al Thani, who is heading an opportunity to build a core and achieved over a 90% average is co-ordinating the orders initiative in Qatar called Education team of in-house design and for the theory exams which form for bespoke City. Sheikha Mosa is literally marketing experts to replicate part of the Air Transport Pilots OT Blazers. building a city of universities the company he previously Licence (ATPL). and schools. owned in Spain. A minimum of Lucy said: “Ethiopiaid is probably A chance meeting with old school 16 are needed one of the most impressive charities friend, Rob Speakman, gave him to go ahead I have seen in a long time. It aims to the perfect working partner to with the order. relieve poverty and sickness and launch WKD Group. They took the The sizing to advance education amongst leap in early April to establish a is the same Ethiopians in need. Ethiopia is company that manages full digital as Marks one of the world's poorest countries, solutions based around online & Spencer. relying on overseas aid and charities presence and how their clients The blazers, to provide basic services. I am manage internal data. made by in the process of raising £2000 – www.blagattas.co.uk will cost and beginning to realise that Just a few weeks on, they were £165 , which includes delivery. training for the run may be the ready to take on their first Sophie said: “I continued my training easy part with this amount of employees and, completely in Bournemouth where I was issued a If you are interested, money to raise!” coincidently, found a bright young CAA flight Crew Licence this year. In please contact Roger Reed at: talent – Harry Bunting May, I completed a 2-week course at [email protected] G https://www.justgiving.com/ (Goodland 2007) ! Harry graduated Oxford Aviation Academy getting the Lucy-Ratcliff G from Imperial College London feel for a Boeing 737-400.” G 4 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

BACK TO SCHOOL An ever-increasing number of Old Tauntonians are sending their children to Taunton School

he graph below shows the Jonathan’s great-great-grandfather number of pupils at Taunton and has become a cornerstone of TSchool/Taunton Preparatory retailing in St Peter Port over the School who are children of Old past 110 years. Tauntonians at particular points over the past 12 years. As you Jonathan graduated can see, the faith that OTs have from Loughborough in the Headmaster and his Staff University with a is overwhelming! Business Management with Retail degree. Dr John Newton said: “I am After graduating, he went on delighted that we are looking to qualify as a Chartered after so many children of Old Accountant with KPMG where Tauntonians; they always add a real he worked for almost ten years L-R: Jonathan, Tony and Timothy Creasy flavour and sense of tradition to the before joining the family business. School. Their contribution to the whole of life at TS is huge and their Jonathan said: “I always wanted success is all the sweeter because it to come into the family business – have to keep moving forward to travelling before joining PwC in means so much to the whole family. it was just a case of when as update and reinvent the business, Guernsey, qualifying as a It is also a sign of a school with a opposed to if. This is a particularly something that each of the preceding Chartered Accountant and strong reputation when those who exciting time for the business, generations of the family has done.” working with them until 2010. know us best return to educate their which includes the M&S franchise. Tim is currently with a private children with us. Thank you for all I am aware of the many challenges Timothy (Wills West 1999) equity firm in Guernsey and is you do in spreading the good name facing today’s retailers; in spite graduated in Sports Science at very involved with hockey and of Taunton School.” of our heritage and reputation we Bath University. He then went tennis on the island. G

A perfect example of an Old Tauntonian deciding to send his children to TS is outlined below.

Tony Creasey (Wills West 1968) “After TS I moved into learning the retail trade, joining Beales (Bournemouth) and then Bentalls (Kingston upon Thames). In both towns I studied City and Guilds Retail Management Courses at the local colleges. I then travelled to Australia and spent over four years working for the Myer Group – Australia’s largest department store operator. I met and married Helen and in 1975 we returned to Guernsey to join the family retail business in St Peter Port. I have been involved with island tennis for many years and remain Chairman of one of the local clubs; I also enjoy playing golf.”

“Helen and I made the decision to send Jonathan to Taunton School and then, a couple of years later, Tim started in the junior school before joining his brother in Wills West.”

When Jonathan (Wills West 1996) joined Creasey’s , it established the family’s fifth generation in the business which was founded in 1899 by

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 5 OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

Secondly, the dividend that is supposedly gained by becoming an academy must inevitably diminish. We cannot afford to keep on FROM THE HEADMASTER giving extra to schools that seek this so-called independence. Resources are so stretched that in a desperate attempt to create WHAT WOULD MARGARET DO? educational progress, a forlorn appeal to independent schools to give their DNA was made. It has fallen on deaf ears for the ur current economic woes most part. will have an impact on our O national way of life for years However, there is other current thinking. The recently to come. Our position is so published proposals about education vouchers described parlous that we will need to in a book, ‘Incentivising Excellence ’, published by the Institute contemplate the unthinkable. of Economic Affairs and the Centre for Market Reform of So far the Government has Education, offer the prospects of a higher quality of education ring-fenced spending on health to those who most need it. and education. However, as these make up a large proportion of Our state education system is already riven with inequality GDP, at some point radical action of opportunity. Vouchers as described in this research with in these areas is inevitable if we more going to the less able on a sliding scale (because they are to climb out of the hole we are the most expensive to educate) will support the most have created. disadvantaged while providing greater access to the best schools in the world in We cannot our independent sector. Headmaster John Newton afford the education The joy of political autobiographies system to which we aspire. Regular comparisons is the revelation not just of what with the successes of other countries in international did happen, but what schemes league tables, and with the independent sector and ideas were contemplated. which, when looked at in isolation, leads the world The half-thought, semi-discussed, in educational progress and achievement, create part-researched ideas that never strong, but unaffordable, aspirations that Michael quite got there can often provide Gove is tapping into. the seed for a later major policy change or reform. The free schools and academies programme is one step, albeit tentative and flawed, in the direction of greater power for Vouchers were discussed by Margaret parents and greater possibilities for pupils. It has two weaknesses. Thatcher’s government towards the end of her time as Prime Minister. Today we endure Firstly, control has been wrested from local authorities, but replaced economic circumstances that more than ever before will make it by control from the centre. Research increasingly shows that devolved impossible to afford a well resourced education sector. systems of education are the most successful. We are going the other We need systematic thinking that will put power in the hands way. The cold dead hand of the state, long the factor in educational of parents, support the needy and provide access to excellence regress due to its shifting and changing ideologies, grips the processes for coming generations. and objectives too much. At a time when we must be radical, such schemes, already used in a “ number of countries around the world, may unlock the potential of our young and satisfy the hunger of parents to provide the very best She would be bold, take power away from for their children.

the state, and give parents and children their What would Margaret do? She would be bold, take power away “rightful place in the educational process. from the state, and give parents and children their rightful place in the educational process. She would choose vouchers. G

0T 200 CLUB CREATES TOTAL BLACKOUT...

The OT 200 Club Chairman, David Brighton (Fairwater 1949) , handed over a cheque for £1000 to Physics Teacher and Arts Centre Technical Co-ordinator, Luke Waller.

Luke said: “I am extremely grateful to the OT 200 Club for this generous donation towards blackout curtains and two microphones in the Arts Centre. For the first time since it was built we will be able to provide a total blackout for the growing number of excellent performances, and the microphones will enable better communication between the onstage action and backstage.”

David added: “Having thoroughly enjoyed recent school productions, like ‘Phantom of the Opera ’ and ‘The Crucible’ , the OT 200 Club is delighted to help the School in this way.” G

Photo:

6 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

AN ASTRO-NOMICAL CAPS OFF TO THE 1 st XI CHANGE!

What it is now! Former England cricketer country’s cricketers are On Sunday 13th October, Commonwealth office in a John Jameson MBE renowned for their ‘baggy England Hockey Coach Danny new post of Ministerial Security (Wills East 1959) visited green caps’. Kerry will officially open the Advisor in which he served in April to launch a new new £675,000 Durrant Astro . until 1989. This appointment initiative recognising Welcoming Mr Jameson, Kerry, 42, has been the Head encouraged his growing interest sporting achievement. Old Tauntonians, parents and Coach of the England and Great in seeing the world and players to the ceremony, the Britain women’s hockey teams travelling became something of John, a prolific batsman who Headmaster, Dr John Newton, since 2004 and has overseen the a retirement hobby. played in four Test Matches stated Taunton School was very most successful period in the and three One-Day proud of its cricketing tradition. teams’ history, most recently Peter was made a Freeman of Internationals in the 1970s, John replied that he was leading Great Britain to an the City of London in 1987 and later returned to the School as honoured to present the first Olympic bronze medal at appointed OBE in the New a cricket coach from 1977-84. set of caps and encouraged London 2012. Year’s Honours list in 1989 upon the players to “listen, learn his retirement from the Foreign He presented the first ‘baggy and adapt” . 12.00 noon Official Opening Office. It was often suggested blue caps’ to the 1st XI before 12.15 -1.30pm TS Girls v that he write an autobiography, their opening game of the new Taunton then capped an Wales U18 but his reply would always be season. The caps, to be excellent day by amassing 1.30 -2.45pm TS Boys v the same – he had given his awarded to all 1st XI players, 286 against Bristol Grammar – Recent OT word to Geoffrey Howe, the then were the idea of Taunton Max Kelly just missing out Leavers Foreign Secretary, that he would School’s new master-in-charge on a century with 95 –

2.45- 4.00pm OT Mixed Match never do so and he had no of cricket, David Jessep, who before bowling out the intention of breaking his word. hails from Australia where the visitors for 101. G

If you are interested in playing In 1991 he offered his services to in the Boys Match, please the Queen’s Royal Regiment contact David Tarr: Museum. He ultimately became “ [email protected] Chairman of Trustees. The caps, to be awarded to all 1st XI players, If you are interested in playing in the OT Mixed Match, In his final months he was were the idea of Taunton School’s new please contact Clive Large: affectionately known in “master-in-charge of cricket, David Jessep. [email protected] Teddington High Street as ‘the Colonel’ and regarded most The new Astro is named in warmly by the wide variety of memory of Old Tauntonian local people who had come to Colonel Peter Durrant OBE know him. (Senior Day Boys 1940-44) who left a substantial legacy to the We are extremely grateful to school. Peter was very happy at Col. Peter Durrant OBE, as well TS and always grateful for the as other Old Tauntonians and good start in life he felt it gave the school community, him, keeping in touch with the in providing funds for the new, school right into his last years. magnificent Astro.

In 1981 Peter was invited Neil Longstreet to join the Foreign and Foundation Director G “ L-R: David Jessep (Master i/c Cricket), The new Astro is named in memory of Jodie Dibble (Captain 1st XI), John Jameson MBE, Dr John Newton Old Tauntonian Colonel Peter Durrant OBE “who left a substantial legacy to the school.

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 7 OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

accompanied by the Chapel Organist, David Bridges. This was a wonderful occasion and a magnificent gift which will keep on A YEAR OF HIGHLIGHTS giving over the years. There is a professional recording available Jill Lisk reflects on her year as President (see page 24). We held a memorable Annual Dinner in February in the beautiful very much enjoyed my visits Clothworkers’ Hall in the City of London. My thanks to Dale Sutcliffe to the Cornish and Welsh and David Bridges for their hard work behind the scenes to make I Clubs as well as an informal events like this happen. We had a full house, splendid food and a gathering of the London Club in distinguished OT as our speaker: Tim Willcox, Marshall ’81 . Tim is a Mayfair recently. It was great to presenter of BBC News and he gave us a fascinating insight into his meet so many former pupils and extraordinary adventures around the world when he is dispatched to to catch up with their successes trouble spots with little notice. I am constantly impressed with the and varied careers. way Tim handles complex issues as he interviews great leaders of the world and experts in various fields with astute questioning and Huge thanks go to Phil Griffiths considerable charm. I thank him so much for coming and enlivening (Welsh Club) for his remarkable our evening. This occasion also saw the birth of the OTA Singers! achievement in creating an They were directed by Miranda Ashe (née Lisk) , Bevan ’85 , interactive OTA archive in the accompanied by her composer-husband Brendan, and included a Winterstoke Room. It’s soon group of impressive musical OTs, plus ex-Director of Music at to be available on-line… do take Taunton School, Michael Brown , as soloist. Many of the group had a look! not met for decades, but after about fifteen minutes of rehearsal performed a splendid Italian spoof opera excerpt! It was all great fun We began modernising the and much appreciated by the audience. I gather that there are plans structure of the OTA and also to reconvene in the future. Jill Lisk looked at establishing stronger links with the Parents and other I would like to thank the Headmaster and his staff for leading what is friends of Taunton School for mutual benefit. clearly a thriving and successful school in which the OTA takes immense pride. Dr Newton and David Bridges were a great support

We celebrated the centenary of the Wills’ Boarding Houses before to me during my time in office, despite the enormous demands on Christmas. A great landmark in the School's history and a well- their time. Over to you, Hugh! G supported event. “ It was very exciting to listen to the new Taunton School Anthem It was great to meet so many former pupils and to commissioned by four OTs. The Anthem was composed by the celebrated contemporary composer Howard Goodall and beautifully catch up with their successes and varied careers. sung by the Chapel Choir, conducted by Howard himself and “ SCHOOLDAYS – DON’T YOU JUST LOVE THEM?

earest Mama, I must leave at midsummer it is so awfully horrid here the boys are so nasty. I enclose a D letter from Sarah will tell me the answer. It is most horrid here, I can’t drink the tea, the meat is only half cooked I feel very lonely. I do wish I could come home. I’ve changed the bedroom and the boys are awful. Do let me leave, why couldn’t I be at school at home. I do feel miserable. It is a job writing letters, the fellows humbug you so. Do let me leave. With much love, I remain your ever affectionate son, Henry

David Bridges was extremely fortunate to come into possession of letters from a former pupil written in 1879. The letters were from Stuart Jack, a friend of Hon OTs L-R: Mike Marsh, Stuart Jack Mike and Tricia Marsh , whose great grandfather, and David Bridges Henry Jack , penned the letters. The letter shown is most poignant as it was written a few days after he had arrived at the school on 24th January 1879, just turned 13, and his father only dead three months. On top of this, he had spent all his life surrounded by his brothers, sisters, step-brothers and step-sisters. So Henry, who had never wanted for company, was suddenly thrust into a completely alien environment; no wonder he was so unhappy! G

8 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

THE CRUCIBLE...AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE rthur Miller’s play about the Salem witch hunts is a formidable undertaking for any theatre company, but Alastair Kirby’s A gripping production uncovered all of the petty jealousies, the passions and the soul-searching which led a small frontier town down the path to self-destruction and made for a memorable evening’s theatre for a packed audience. DRAMA SUCCESS This is a play with many demanding roles and the young actors, CONGRATuLATIONS are handed out to all who recently playing men and women aged from teenagers to seventy-year-olds, completed AS Drama performances as twelve were graded A and kept the emotional intensity high for the full two and a half hours two graded B. This is a record number of A grades. and showed that Taunton School drama can turn its hand to all kinds of productions, following the musical success of last year’s Phantom of 37 students from GCSE, AS and A2 have this year completed their the Opera with a heavyweight classic. Drama performances – 34 got top band, and 3 got band 2 which is another record result. There were some very impressive individual performances including a magnificent star turn from Ollie Lucas as John Proctor, the flawed The A2 piece Riot , based on the events of August 2011, used but honest farmer who tries to stand up for basic human values Berkoff’s Physical Theatre style to produce a spellbinding when everything around him is collapsing. Ollie was ably supported performance that received thunderous applause. GCSE drama by Clementine Odgers as his fragile, vulnerable wife Elizabeth, students were also record breakers for their GCSE Practical exam, Tegan Osborne-Brown as the vindictive Abigail Williams, niece of with 50% of students gaining full marks and 95% achieving A* the self-seeking Reverend Parris ( Ricky Parsons ) and Sam Dunn to B grades. as the self-important Judge Danforth. Outside of the Drama Studio, drama students have recorded a Special mention must also be made of two outstanding performances string of successes – culminating at the Four Counties Drama Final by Rosie Johnson as the Proctors’ weak-minded servant Mary, where they won the title. Four students – James Mear , Sam Dunn , bewildered as she tries to please everyone and no-one, and by Alex Hill and Ricky Parsons – performed Derek Bowskill’s Burn Up James Mear as the Reverend Hale, who led the audience through his at the Somerset County Drama Festival at the Edgar Hall, Somerton character’s change of heart as he realises that the truth is not as simple which received a wonderful adjudication describing their work as as he originally thought. ‘seamless, exciting, well executed, slick and a wonderful team effort’. Tom Dunn , who created a fantastic lighting plot, fully It can be difficult to play unpleasant or self-centred characters complemented their performance. They were well rewarded with without making them into pantomime villains but the cast deftly three accolades: the Audience Award for the play most enjoyed; the avoided this and created fully believable portrayals such as the Lydia Durston Trophy for best endeavour; and the Eyris Jones Youth neurotic, insecure Ann Putnam (a fine cameo performance by Memorial Shield for best youth production. Sophie Waller ). Further to this, the drama department was very excited to be invited Alastair Kirby and Luke Waller to compete in the British All Winners Final in Teignmouth in July. G added to the existing structures in the Taunton School Arts Centre to create a spare, flexible set based on scaffolds, staircases and galleries which, when Photo combined with some imaginative s courtesy of Ge lighting and flaming torches, could be raldine Harris used equally effectively for a farmhouse, a courtroom or a prison. The staging in Act Three, where the men and women of Salem are accused in court of witchcraft, was particularly impressive in using the different levels of the set to make the audience feel part of the trial and of the claustrophobic little town where everybody is turning on everybody else.

The costumes, supplied by Jane Harris, set the play in a neutral time period – modern in design, but retaining the black and white of Puritan Massachusetts and reflecting the morality of the people who lived there. Dr Aidan Cruttenden G https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 9

OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

for a drink with fellow OTs; these may be themed events for A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER career-networking purposes. Annual Dinner: The OT Secretary, David Bridges, The Annual Dinner (President’s Dinner), currently held in March, will be a bi-annual, formal event on the Friday/Saturday at the outlines changes to your Association beginning of the February half term, and held at a prestigious venue with a ‘celebrity’ speaker. Both current and former parents esponses from the recent OT Survey stimulated much discussion will be invited. amongst the OT Committee regarding Association events and R how we might foster a stronger relationship with current parents Reunion Weekend: (PTA) and former parents (Friends of TS). The Annual June Reunion Weekend is to be moved earlier in the Summer Term (for a variety of logistical reasons) so that I would like to thank the many people, across a wide pupils will be available for musical/ age-range, who got involved in these discussions. dramatic/sporting input, thereby allowing Change can be hard to accept, but we are OTs to see the school ‘in action’. forging an Association fit for the 21st In 2014 this will be the 10th Century and believe that it will and 11th May. The weekend become a stronger body, will begin on Saturday one worthy of its with the obligatory great past. Committee Meetings and AGM. There will be a BBQ at

lunchtime, to which current and

Change can be former parents are also invited. We aim to have a Cricket Match on Greenham (it’s the Prep School hard to accept, “ exeat weekend), together with “but we are forging bouncy castles and other activities for the younger family members. The an Association fit for evening event, an occasion restricted to OTs the 21st century... and spouses, is to be an informal buffet with musical entertainment provided by pupils.

OT President: In 2014 we will celebrate the following ‘Class of’ reunions; 10 year for Your President will serve for a 2-year term of office and there 2004, 25 year for 1989, 35 year for 1979 and 50 year for 1964. This does will be a change in the nominations process, with the Committee not exclude others from attending the reunion – all are welcome, considering those supported by a letter of recommendation. as usual – but designating specific years gives focus to the occasion. There will be a Chapel Service on the Sunday, followed by the Act of Regional Clubs: Remembrance at the Science Block War Memorial. Coffee will then be Regional Club dinners will, on the whole, be more informal served before the weekend draws to a close. occasions – possibly lunches on a bi-annual basis. Many regional clubs currently meet on an informal basis and the frequency We hope that these new arrangements offer OTs a more varied and format of these gatherings will be left to Club officials. programme of events – from informal gatherings to formal dinners – Following the success of a recent Networking Drinks Reception and will encourage greater participation. in London, the Headmaster will hold three of these each year around the country. These are occasions where one can ‘drop in’ [email protected] G

DEGREE SUCCESS 2013 BEDE CONSTANTINIDES Evans ’09 Bioinformatics 1st Manchester DAVID JAMES Evans ’09 Economics 1st Bath ALEX JONES Goodland ’09 International Relations & History 2:1 Christ Church Canterbury JOE MARSH Goodland ‘09 Sport & Materials Science 1st Birmingham CHRIS RAINFORD Evans ’09 Geography with Study Abroad 1st Exeter DIANA REVENCO Weirfield ’09 Modern Languages (French and Spanish) 2:1 Oxford – Exeter College CHANTELLE BOWRING Bevan ‘10 Criminology 2:1 Cardiff JONATHAN BLEWITT Wills East ’10 Architecture 2:1 Plymouth ROWENA COCKETT Besley ’10 History with proficiency in Spanish 1st Exeter NATALIE COLES Besley ’10 History 2:1 Birmingham AMY GARDNER Bevan ’10 Sociology 2:1 Bath GEORGINA HAKIN Jenkin ’10 Business management and marketing 2:1 Cardiff STEPHANIE MAY Weirfield ’10 Biochemistry 2:1 Cardiff JOHNATHON WAPLES Marshall ’10 Games Design with Film & TV Studies 2:1 Brunel University London

10 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

THE ITALIAN JOB

enny Brock (Bevan 2012) made a sixteen-week J work-experience trip to Lanciano and a Sketchbook: My Four Months in Italy the historical city of Lanciano, central Italy, he eight of us have almost convenient shops, but also only a tourism in the Lanciano area, organised through Wiltshire completed our sixteen-week thirty-second walk from the and useful for me because Council and the Leonardo TAdvantage Abruzzo for amazing panoramic views I learnt lots about the city and Mobility Project. This project Employment work-experience stretching from the mountains to its surroundings. provides opportunities for trip, and it’s certainly turned out the coast. young people, aged 18 to 24, to be quite an experience! My first task was to design a to increase their employable Despite the sudden transition and poster, featuring the city's main skills. Eight successful Four months ago I hadn’t met any our, at first, limited knowledge of interesting buildings, which was applicants shared a house of my travel companions (all of the Italian language, we settled used to advertise an important in Lanciano and immersed whom have now become good into our new surroundings very tourism convention taking place themselves in local culture friends) hadn’t heard of Lanciano quickly. Everyone we encountered in April. Lanciano is a perfect while completing (which we have now called our was very friendly and welcoming, location for someone who loves work placements. home for fifteen weeks) and had and we soon found ourselves drawing; it is a classic, traditional never been away from home for making a number of friends city whose old narrow streets are Jenny said: “It was a more than a few days at a time. and acquaintances. dotted with church towers and fantastic experience; we had to washing-draped balconies, with a learn intermediate Italian and Can you imagine my disbelief Our Italian hosts enhanced our backdrop of valleys, vineyards, were taken out of our back in November when my stay with cultural trips, which and a soundtrack of chiming bells comfort zones.” Jobcentre advisor asked me, included the Majella National and Italian chatter. completely out of the blue, Park, the Costa dei Trabocchi and The following is an extract “How do you fancy going to Italy Lake Bomba, where we could see As well as completing the from an article Jenny wrote for four months?” And yet, just a the sights of the Chieti region, itineraries, I ended up designing for Wiltshire Council about matter of weeks later, I found experience the delicious local more posters, which were used the trip... myself on the flight to Lanciano, food, and even meet the famous by the council to illustrate their where I would be living in a opera singer Aldo di Toro. official website. Through my time house with seven other young at the council, I realised that people whilst working in the Most of my work placement in drawing can be useful in many Tourism Office of the town the Tourism Office consisted of working environments, and council. Our house turned out to creating a series of itineraries for enjoyed the feeling that I was be not only idyllically situated in travel companies to use, covering doing an important job by

the city's beautiful historical a variety of topics, such as utilising it in this way. centre, just a few minutes from the religion, traditions and natural

main Piazza, with its impressive sights. This was important for the And so, today, sitting on the bus, cathedral, many cafés and council for the promotion of when Lucy, one of my seven “ companions, points out that my poster is displayed in one of the It was a fantastic experience; we had shop windows, the feeling that I have made an important to learn intermediate Italian and were contribution to the city and its “taken out of our comfort zones. tourism is confirmed; I see this as a fitting end to my time working in Lanciano. G

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 11 OUT AND ABOUT

LONDON CLUB NETWORKING DRINKS

From left: David Colley, Mair Lewis, Michael Colley, David Bridges, Judith Colley, (Derick Burlingham Johnson), Valene Colley, Michael Button, Graham Lewis WEST WALES

OTs from West Wales met at The Old Kings Arms Hotel, Pembroke in May. They warmly welcomed Michael Button and Derick Burlingham Johnson (hiding at the end of the table!) from the London Club together with Dr John Newton, Jill Lisk and Jonny Stocker David Bridges.

In May, The OT London Club hosted a networking drinks event at Ye Grapes, Mayfair. The presence of the Headmaster was greatly appreciated – particularly as he paid for the drinks! This event was the first of many similar ones to take place around the country. Forthcoming venues are likely to include Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

OT SOUTHERN CLUB Members enjoyed a midsummer lunch event at The Gins , Southampton Yacht Club. They were delighted that David Bridges and Dale Sutcliffe made the journey from FUTURE PLAYER Taunton to be with them.

Back row: Brian Verstage, Peter Favier, Nigel Wood, Malcolm Mecklenburgh, John MacIntyre, Grant Wilkinson, David Bridges, Peter Raw Front row: Helen Verstage, Helen Wood, Anthea Davis, Susan Mecklenburgh, Dale Sutcliffe, Chris Davis

Ricky Selway (Captain 1st XI in 1997) sent in the photo below of his son, William on the Front Cricket Square bowling his first delivery as a future Taunton School 1st XI player. The picture was taken at the presentation of the caps for the current Ist XI v Bristol Grammar.

12 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

REUNION WEEKEND 2013 ©

S i m o n

E v a n s - W h i t e L-R: Stephen Gullick, Chris Ainley, David Brighton, Tom Jameson, John Newton (Headmaster), John Jameson, Tony Sanders, Ian Allely, Keith Ingram, David Watson.

MIDLAND CLUB AT EDGBASTON Thanks to John Jameson , a member of the Warwickshire Committee, the Midland Club met at Edgbaston on 12th May to have lunch in the Committee Room and watch the 40-Over match between Warwickshire and Sussex. The Headmaster attended, together with OTs, spouses and guests, and a convivial lunch was had by all. Unfortunately, the weather had the last word as no play was possible on the day, but there was a guided tour of the impressive new facilities in the pavilion at Edgbaston. It was a shame that this new venture (instead of the usual Dinner) was spoiled by weather, but it was agreed that a splendid time was still had by all. Tom Jameson

© Simon Evans-White

IT’S ALL IN THE PREPARATION...

© Simon Evans-White ©

C a t h e r i n e

S t o Girls from 1989 having a ‘dry run’ for their c k 25-year reunion in 2014! e r (L to R): Jenny Shipton, Kate Mason-Strang (née Mason), Hanne Krohn, Lizzie Jones (née Rees), Caroline Smith (née Shipton), Jessica Errington (née Roberts), Kate Griffin (née Goodwin), Katie Cook (née Peace).

(L to R): Ian Irvin, Judith & Michael Colley

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 13 OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

extracts from notebooks. It has been endorsed by distinguished authors Jacqueline Wilson and Michael THE DRAFT Morpurgo – two of Jemima’s favourite writers.

By Jemima Layzell Jacqueline said: “I think it’s the most beautiful, touching, heart-breaking book. It must be so devastating A new book featuring the diary to lose such a wonderful, talented child – but clearly of Taunton School student, this precious book is one way she will live on in Jemima Layzell , was published everyone’s hearts.” on her birthday. Jemima, born May 1998, died unexpectedly of a Michael added: “We all have our stories to tell. Some of brain aneurism in March 2012, aged 13. us live long enough to tell many of them. This is Jemima’s first and last and, because of that, so important to all of us Jemima had a flair for writing and who read it now. This is her life.” wanted to be an author, so when her family found her poems, songs, stories Fifty per cent of the profits from the book will go and thoughts, they decided to have them towards setting up a charitable trust in Jemima’s published. Her book, The Draft , contains memory to support existing charities helping family photos as well as diary entries and children with similar conditions and to assist

aspiring authors. The other half will be kept for Jemima’s younger sister, Amelia, aged 12.

The book is stocked by Jemima’s local Horton It must be so devastating to “ Post Office, Waterstones in Taunton and on-line via lose such a wonderful, talented Amazon. Waterstones’ manager, Phoebe Williams, said: “The book is a “ truly brilliant idea. She sounds like she was an amazing person. We’re child – but clearly this precious book is one delighted to have the book in store.” way she will live on in everyone’s hearts. Jemima’s school friends have held fund-raising events to provide a permanent memorial to her on Chapel Green. G

ECHOES FROM THE PAST 5 YEARS AGO: 2008 • Music School extension begun • End-of-year musical: Les Miserables • Pupils and OTs mourn the death of Lizzie Pincock (Weirfield ’07) on 12th April 25 YEARS AGO: 1988 • End-of-year musical: Grease • 1st XV Rugby: Played 12 Won 12 50 YEARS AGO: 1963 • Peter Thomas – the first black African to be appointed Head Boy of an HMC school. John Robert Whiting (Wills West 1936) was an English actor, • Somerset House: 10 day boys undertake a relay to dramatist and critic. He trained at RADA, then worked as an Land’s End and back actor in repertory, and while in the company at Bideford in • Basketball introduced as an additional sporting activity Devon, met the actress Asthore Lloyd Mawson (Jackie). • Memorial Gates opened on 1st May at the Somerset County At the start of the Second World War, as a lifelong pacifist, Cricket Ground, Taunton, to the memory of Somerset Captain he registered as a conscientious objector, but soon after and England test cricketer JC White (TS 1903-07) changed his mind and joined the anti-aircraft section of the • First OT Dinner in Nigeria Royal Artillery: his wartime experiences as a soldier were to 75 YEARS AGO: 1938 mark a profound change in his life and work. From 1946 till • His Majesty the King visits Taunton 1952, while writing, he again worked as an actor, including • Official opening of the Havelock Case Engineering & being in John Gielgud's company, and also, in 1951, winning Aeronautical Workshops first prize in the Festival of Britain play competition for • 38th Taunton (Thone) Scout Troop formally registered at Saint’s Day. He was drama critic for the London Magazine Imperial HQ and a very active member of the Arts Council in encouraging • Main School Corridor panelled in oak following a generous new writing for the theatre. gift from an Old Tauntonian Whiting died from cancer in London at the age of 45. 100 YEARS AGO: 1913 In 1965, the ‘John Whiting Award’ was established to • Senior School Fees are 21 guineas per term commemorate the writer's distinctive contribution to post-war • Formation of OTC (Officers’ Training Corps) British theatre. The first recipient was Tom Stoppard for • The West End Wills Window unveiled in the Chapel in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead in 1967. G memory of Lord Winterstoke

Photo:

14 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES THIRD CONSECUTIVE FLOCK BACK TO TS UNBEATEN SEASON

RESULTS King’s W 7-2 Wellington W 7-2 Blundell’s W 8-1 Queen’s W 8-1 Wells W 8-1 Millfield W 7-2

Congratulations to the Girls’ first pair Neda Vysniauskaite 1st team who completed their and Campbell Bradly not third consecutive unbeaten only remaining undefeated, tennis season with a 7-2 victory but returning an average over Millfield. score of 6-1 in the 18 sets they played. This followed convincing wins against King’s, Wellington, The squad included five of last Blundell’s, Queen’s and season’s unbeaten team and Over forty-five of the world’s world’s finest universities to the Wells. The team won 45 sets hopes are high for another top educational institutions, annual free fair. in total and lost only 9, with successful season in 2014. G not only from the USA but also American-style colleges in Over the past three years, Taunton Italy, the Netherlands, China students have gained offers to the and the UK, showcased their world’s top universities – not just wares at Taunton School’s second Oxford and Cambridge, but also ROUND THE WORLD American Universities Fair. Harvard, Chicago, Utrecht and Hamburg. Taunton School’s More than 250 students from students realise that the world is IN 25 YEARS over fifty schools across the much bigger than Somerset, bigger South West attended. than the UK.”

Head of Careers, David During the Fair, a group of Hawkins, said: “Tuition fees Lower 6th IB students ran a tuck and the abolition of number shop stall, raising money for The controls have had a seismic One Fund Boston. A magnificent effect on the UK’s educational £120 was raised to help the landscape.Taunton School proudly people most affected by the proclaimed its international tragic events that occurred at vision and brought some of the the Boston Marathon. G Taunton School’s students realise that “ the world is much bigger than Somerset, bigger than the UK.. Last year, Barry Smedley Trade Center and was the “ (Wills East ’55) was diagnosed US representative for the with colonic cancer. Following Principality of Wales. an operation and six months of chemotherapy, he and his wife, Barry’s website MICKEY HEADS Corinne, returned to Skagway, www.travelwithbarryand Alaska, to work the summer corinne.com depicts over 25 cruise ship season for a 12th years of their world travel. TO TWO MOORS year. Barry is a tour bus driver After two outstanding and guide, whilst Corinne Barry said: “You see on our performances in the Devon works in a speciality retail DVDs how beautiful, fascinating Regional heat, Mickey Li shop, The Loom . and exciting our world is. Our travelled to Chetham’s Music next big adventure is to drive School, Manchester on Sunday Barry went to the US in 1970 across Russia from Vladivostok to March 24th to compete in the with the British Foreign Service Moscow (a journey of 6,000 miles) National Final of the European as the British Consul in Los in our 1973 VW campervan. Piano Teachers’ Association Angeles. He left the Diplomatic competition. In the closely Service in 1975 to establish We would love to meet up with any contested Advanced II class, a marketing consultancy firm, OTs living in Russia.” Mickey achieved a fantastic assisting British companies. 3rd place. G He established the Wales [email protected] G

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 15 OT WEEKEND CRICKET MATCH

dogged resistance from Matt Adam playing the Tavare anchor role – HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT! lifted the side to 174 for 8 from their 3 ½ hours. That looked a tough target at the tea interval and even tougher during a testing opening spell from Adam Dowdney. But a strong The Rolling Stones XI second wicket partnership between Simon Church and Nick Walker (no relation) gave the Boyzone XI a chance. Church, batting freely with decisive stroke play (wholly lacking his entire school career!), vs Boyzone XI retired unbeaten on 50, and Walker made a good 30.

A flurry of middle order wickets gave the bowling side a sniff of n mid-June a group of friends of the late Matthew ‘Dennis’ victory, but captain Hunt top-edged his side to victory by ‘skilfully’ Compton (Wills West ’87) took to a windswept Uppers to play a placing a number of airy shots just out of reach of the tiring elder I cricket match in his memory. A team of aging superstars from the fielding side. The younger team made its target with four wickets Class of 1987 and previous, captained by Taunton School cricket to spare. legend Charlie Walker, took on a youthful team from the Class of 1988 and later, led by 2nd XI journeyman Ben Hunt. We believe there was much in the match that our great mate Dennis would have enjoyed – Hunt won the toss and inserted the opposition, who not least a great deal of comedy gold fielding, started brightly with some good hitting from top scorer and the fact that Charlie Walker was Rob Marshall, ably supported by son, Jamie, making his denied a hat-trick opportunity by the TS debut. The Marshall double-act sustained the ‘can’t-be-out-first-ball’ rule negotiated by innings until the moment the his nervous opening batsmen pre-match. crowd was waiting for – the entrance of the maestro We remembered Dennis fondly and Walker (who once scored look forward to doing so again as we have a ton at County Ground). made the match a regular fixture. Walker showed the Sincere thanks to the School for its generous excellent technique that hospitality on the day. served him so well the last time Ben Hunt (School House ‘85) G he had played cricket in the late 1980s and expectations rose of another memorable knock. Perhaps disoriented by being on humble Standing (l to r): James Watson, Mike Gibb, Alastair Stewart, Uppers rather than his natural habitat of Nick Walker, Huw Rees, Adam Dowdney, Mark Lecompte, The Front, Walker was dismissed for 17 by Al Stewart with the help Ian Acheson, Charlie Walker, Rob Marshall, Rob Macintyre, of a catch from Mike Gibb. Chris Hankins ( and in front in the helmet: Jamie Marshall); Kneeling: Jonny Miles, Rob Howarth, Matt Adam, Ben Hunt, The Rolling Stones XI rallied from this setback and some terrific late Simon Cobban order hitting from Huw Rees, Rob Macintyre and Ian Acheson – and

16 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

Old Tauntonian Lodge No 5735. PRESIDENT Hugh Todd [email protected] Freemasons’ Hall, London President-Elect Vice Presidents Michael Button [email protected] Master – Christopher Redgrove (October 2012) Michael Willacy CBE [email protected] Senior Warden – David Noble Junior Warden – Peter Blacow David Jenkins [email protected] The Headmaster [email protected] It’s been a busy year carrying out ceremonies at the request of the Master of Taunton School (ex officio) Lodge. David Webber, Gary Chaffey and Trustees Michael Colley [email protected] Jason Raikes were Raised in December (2012), Jonathan Stocker [email protected] Feb and March (2013) respectively. The 75th Anniversary of the Lodge will take place at Freemasons’ Hall on Friday 4th October Henry Keeling [email protected] when David Noble will be installed as the 75th Master. The Asst Hon Assoc Secretary David Bridges [email protected] MGM Richard Reagan will be present. Dinner will follow at Hon Assoc Treasurer Simon Smart [email protected] Kingsway Hall Hotel, Great Queen Street. ALL OT FREEMASONS Old Weirfieldian Rep Jan Nuttall [email protected] ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND . Please contact the Lodge Secretary for details. The Lodge will in future be dining at Publications Secretary Bev Cox [email protected] Kingsway Hall Hotel. Congratulations to David Hughes appointed Younger OT Representatives Ed Gauntlett [email protected] to Grand Rank (AGDC), and Graham Bowerman, promoted to PJSD, Will Pickard [email protected] by Grand Master HRH The Duke of Kent in April 2013. LONDON CLUB Chair: Robin Birtwistle [email protected] Taunton School Lodge No 8215. Hon Sec.: Julian Pike [email protected] WELSH CLUB Chairman: John Ryland [email protected] Masonic Hall, Taunton Hon Sec.: Philip Griffiths [email protected] Master – Michael Griffin (May 2013) WEST WALES CLUB Hon Sec.: Michael Colley [email protected] Senior Warden – David Noble WESTERN CLUB Chairman: Judith Dawson [email protected] Junior Warden – Richard Giles Hon Sec.: David Bridges [email protected] Three new members were welcomed into the SOUTHERN CLUB Lunch Secretary: Chris Davis [email protected] Lodge through 2012/13: Dominic Bryant (son of Geoff) in February 2012, Nick Cowling, a parent, in SCOTTISH CLUB Chairman: Jo George [email protected] September 2012 and James Bacon in February 2013. A busy year MIDLANDS CLUB Chairman: Tom Jameson [email protected] ahead! Congratulations to Derick Burlingham-Johnson who achieved Hon Sec.: Chris Ainley [email protected] his 60th anniversary in February and to Richard Taylor who achieves CORNISH CLUB Chairman: Bruce Jeffares [email protected] his 50th anniversary in September 2013. AUSTRALIA (EAST) CLUB Chairman: Mark Slee [email protected] Old Tauntonian Royal Arch Chapter AUSTRALIA (WEST) CLUB Chairman: Andy Griffiths [email protected] No 5735. Mark Masons’ Hall, London CANADIAN CLUB Chairman: Chris Loat [email protected] USA (WEST) CLUB Chairman: Dr Alan Morgan [email protected] Z. Roger Jago HONG KONG CLUB Chairman: Sabrina Leung [email protected] H. Peter Blacow FRENCH CLUB Chairman: Allan Green [email protected] J. Nigel Wood Social Secs: Matt Forrester [email protected] The Chapter welcomed Alan Watkins, a member of Taunton School Mark Bootherstone [email protected] Lodge, in April 2013 and looks forward to Gary Chaffey becoming a member in November. At the same meeting, Peter Blacow will be SPANISH CLUB Chairman: John Edwards [email protected] installed as 1st Principal, Nigel Wood 2nd Principal and Julian Frost NEW ZEALAND CLUB Chair: Simon Guilliver [email protected] 3rd Principal. Congratulations to Graham Bowerman on his DUBAI CLUB Chairman: Jonathan Skittrall [email protected] appointment to Metropolitan Grand Chapter Rank. OLD TAUNTONIAN TRUST (Reg Charity No. 1060388) Public School Lodges’ Council Festival Charitable purposes connected with Taunton School Trustees: Michael Colley, The 80th Public School Lodges’ Council Festival was held Jonathan Stocker, Henry Keeling at Felsted School on 1st June 2013 under the banner of the Old Felstedian Lodge No. 3662. The Deputy Grand Master SPORTS CLUB Chairman: Will Osmond [email protected] Jonathan Spence was in attendance together with some 250 Brethren Hon Sec.: Katie Riseley [email protected] and their guests. The Chapel Service, Ladies Event, Lodge Meeting, GOLFING SOCIETY President: Terry Davidge [email protected] Champagne Reception and Luncheon (prepared by the school Hon Sec.: Richard Jowett [email protected] catering department) were all first class. The OT Lodge was represented by David Jenkins, Derick Burlingham-Johnson, 200 CLUB Chairman: David Brighton [email protected] Gordon Cooper and Michael and Gill Ramsbotham. Mike Button, a Hon Sec.: Jonathan Stocker [email protected] regular attendee at these gatherings, was forced to miss the event OT FREEMASONRY through illness. The next Festival will be held at Repton on 10th May Old Tauntonian Lodge No. 5735 WM: Chris Redgrove [email protected] 2014. Both Lodges and the Chapter would be delighted to welcome any OT Freemason to their meetings. Secretary: Graham Bowerman [email protected] OTL – FMH Great Queen Street, London – 1st Fri. 2,3, 10 ,12 Taunton School Lodge No. 8215 WM: Mark Coray [email protected] TSL – MH The Crescent, Taunton 2nd Tues 2; 3rd Fri 5; Fri b 4th Sat 9; 4th Fri 11 Secretary: Chris Harding [email protected] Old Tauntonian Chapter No. 5735 MEZ: Dr Roger Jago [email protected] OTC – MMH 86 St James’s Street, London – 1st Tues 4, 11 Scribe E: Graham Bowerman Graham Bowerman: 01275 855293, mob: 07885 461579 Chris Harding: 01202 733694 G [email protected] https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 17 OBITUARY

John Malcolm Collins David and his brother, Simon, were establishment of the GP Obstetrics Shaun Russell Holman (Head of Design & evacuated to Nova Scotia, Canada. Unit at St. Mary's Hospital. (Goodland 1959-69) He went to Phillips Academy in Technology 1967-99) 17 August 1950 – 24 March 2013 Andover, Massachusetts, where Married to Elizabeth (née Steer) 6 October 1943 – 2 April 2013 fellow students included George in 1953, he was father to Charles, Shaun began Malcolm was a Bush and Jack Lemmon. Richard, Henry and Philippa – the his working top class He returned to Britain and, after three boys becoming the 14th, 15th life at Bristol schoolmaster training as a teacher, he married and 16th Meads (or James) at TS. Grammar and teacher and Doreen in 1956 and they had two He was a devoted family man, School in it was my daughters, Anne and Claire. admitting once to his daughter that September privilege to The family moved to New Zealand family was ‘his hobby’. He passed 1975 as a work with him and David became Deputy away peacefully on 16th December teacher of for a decade. Principal of Brentwood School 2012 after a short illness. Classics. His His department where he taught until his retirement classroom role was an exciting in 1989. He was intensely proud that the was soon expanded to include more place where he inspired generations extended family had attended TS pastoral responsibilities and he of pupils, allowing them to He loved sports, quizzes and was a over five generations and decided to became Housemaster in 1982, a post develop their own ideas and keen letter writer to newspapers. commemorate this record through he would relish for the next twenty- encouraging them to try again He also appeared as an extra in two commissioning a new stained-glass three years. with his positive approach to bring films: Lord of the Rings – the Return of window for the School Chapel – their concepts to fruition – all the King and King Kong . G an endeavour his brother, Derrick, Even when his Housemaster role hallmarks of the professional. and cousin, Brian, have seen through came to a close in 2005, it was not the to fulfilment (see page 22). G end of his involvement in student He was also a tremendous support Dr John Alistair Mead to me, particularly in my role as MRCS, LRCP, RD chief salesman. I knew that I could (Wills West 1939-44) Nevol Robarts-Arnold always walk into the workshop with 23 June 1927 – (Fairwater 1920-25) 23 October 1911 – 12 January 2012 prospective parents and simply 16 December 2012 watch them fall under his spell of Nevol attended Taunton School back to Seaton. Having enjoyed enterprise and inspiration, John Mead along with his brother, Raoul. pretty good health for most of his communicated to them both by was a third His brother joined the Auxiliary life, he started to need more help Malcolm as well as the pupils, as they generation Air Force and got his pilot’s than could be provided at long wandered from one bench to another. pupil, the 8th license and sibling rivalry dictated distance, so he returned to live in I knew that he clinched many a sale Mead or that Nevol do the same, but as his Seaton with his niece. It was there for me simply by being himself. James, to eyesight was not up to the that he celebrated his 100th attend the necessary standard for pilot birthday with a big family party I particularly admired his capacity school, training in the RAAF, he went out at the house. for taking on innovation whilst starting at and obtained a license privately. staying in touch with his roots as an Thone in 1939. He acquired the Nevol was a keen Rugby player in He was in comparatively good accomplished craftsman – a quality nickname ‘Jammy’ from his initials South Wales, playing for Penarth health until about a week before that gave him, and therefore his J.A.M., boarded at Wills West and regularly, and Cardiff occasionally. he died, his only serious problems pupils, depth as well as breadth. was an accomplished hockey player. He joined the National Provincial being his sight and hearing. He left the School in 1944 for a Bank, which became NatWest. His great sense of humour carried Taunton School was fortunate to have crammer in London to gain entry to him through all eventualities, him as a member of the Common St. Thomas’ Hospital. He joined the RAF at the outbreak made him excellent company and Room and I shall always remember of war on the administration side, he was never known to complain him with pleasure and gratitude. On qualifying in 1952, he completed and saw service at home and about anything. Tribute by Barry Sutton G National Service in the Royal Navy abroad, notably in Aden and (Headmaster 1987-97) as a Surgeon Lieutenant, serving at the Middle East. He re-joined the He never married, managing to the RN Air Station at Lossiemouth bank after the war, where he escape the attentions of many John David Turner and the submarine depot ship remained until retirement, moving seemingly quite serious girlfriends (Thone 1933-40) HMS Adamant (after a very brief around the country as required, over his lifespan. But, despite 21 August 1926 – posting as MO to the Wrens’ barracks but ending up in London. having no offspring of his own, he 5 September 2012 in Portsmouth!) The Navy was to be He stayed an active member of financially supported those of his a constant theme in his life as he the Auxiliary Air Force for many brother generously and was highly America’s Cup served in the RN Reserve until 1980 years and, amongst other interests, regarded by them in this role as skipper, Sir when he retired as Surgeon Captain, he owned and rode horses. well as for his fun-loving attitude Russell Coutts, ‘tribal chief’ of the RNR’s medics and to life. credited David Honorary Physician to HM the On retirement, taken quite early, Turner as the Queen. He was awarded the Reserve he moved to Seaton (Devon) to person who Decoration and made a member of look after his aging parents, most inspired the Order of St. John in recognition of in an house adjoining his brother’s him to achieve. his naval service. in Old Beer Road. He obtained a David taught degree in Geology from the Sir Russell at As expected, he joined his father Open University and did a lot of the since-closed Brentwood School. Alistair, uncle Kenneth and cousin travelling worldwide on field trips Philip (James) in the family practice in connection to his course, A year after his birth, David’s father in Portsmouth in 1954, retiring 35 as well as just for pleasure. (who worked for Royal Dutch Shell years later. During that time he Oil Company) moved the family to became senior partner, was President After his parents died, he bought Venezuela where David was almost of the BMA in Portsmouth, a flat in Exmouth and went to live kidnapped, aged 7, in what could undertook research into renal there. After a few accidents he have been an international incident. medicine, was one of the first GP decided he’d give up driving He was then sent to Taunton School ‘trainers’ and an independent when he was 94, and thereafter and his parents only saw him every medical referee for the then DHSS. various family members would Tribute by three years when they had extended Through his interest in obstetrics, collect him for his weekly trips Peter Robarts-Arnold G holidays. After WWII began, he was a moving force behind the 18 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review welfare, as he continued to Laura Fry (née Shewen) Laura and Quarryman first in Barcelona, culminating in a share his experience with other represented Great Britain in 1988 as seventh place for the team. In 1993, colleagues as Senior Head of (Bevan 1981-83) part of the Young Rider team. Laura and Quarryman were part of House and then, in September 2008, 13 January 1967 – The pair also won their first National the silver medal winning team at the when he took on the role of 26 September 2012 Dressage title in the same year at European Dressage Championships School Counsellor. Olympic Advanced Medium, as well as taking in Lipica alongside Richard Davison, Grand Prix second place in the Prix St Georges. Ferdi Eilberg and Emile Faurie. As a fellow Housemaster during the dressage rider Success at the Nationals kick-started 90s and 00s, Peter Jakobek and trainer, a long and fruitful international Laura’s international career continued remembers Shaun’s frequent ‘words Laura Fry, partnership for the pair and they with much success: highlights of wisdom’ and the time he would sadly passed went on to compete in included qualification for the World devote to listening to students, away CDI competitions. Cup in 1993 and 1994, first place at whether members of his House or following a HOYS Dressage to Music, and a not. “The children knew that if they long battle placing at the World Cup as well went to him, he would listen,” with cancer. Laura had been numerous CDI competitions. he recalls. She was 45. involved with horses “ In 1995, Quarryman was retired from The current incumbent of Laura had been involved with competition but Laura continued to Brown House, Aruna Gunawardana, horses her whole life, and first “her whole life, and first train many quality horses including who took over the leadership from became attracted to dressage aged Massenet, Ghandi and Just Another Shaun – also remembers his 12. Laura’s dressage career took off became attracted to Jacob. Laura went on to become a BD incredibly supportive and in 1988 when she won the Horse & dressage aged 12. List 3 judge as well as a trainer in her empowering attitude. He observes Hound ‘Search for a Star’ competition own right, running the family yard how Shaun always wanted to – and which resulted in her becoming a at Fry’s Dressage, near Driffield. felt he did – belong in the House. pupil of Sarah Whitmore, and under In 1991, Laura and Quarryman were She trained her daughter, Charlotte, Even after he passed on the Sarah’s guidance she took on the selected for the European who has followed in Laura’s footsteps leadership, Shaun remained imposing chestnut gelding, Championships where the team by riding for Great Britain in the heavily involved in its life Quarryman. The combination was finished in tenth place. They also Pony and Junior teams since 2010. without interfering in the Head of an excellent one and Quarryman took the National title in the same House role. went on to partner Laura throughout year at the Grand Prix. In 1992, Laura continued to compete in the majority of her international Laura and Quarryman represented National competitions, where she had Shaun’s beyond-the-call commitment dressage career. Great Britain at the Olympic Games numerous placings. Her most recent to the students was evident in the rides were Riviera L, Z Flemmenco classroom too: long before it may and Remming. In April last year, have become fashionable in Andrew William Eadie Laura and Remming took second educational circles, he was intent on (Fairwater 1947-57) 4 March 1940 – 12 December 2012 place at the Winter Championships in igniting imaginations and provoking the Prix St Georges Freestyle. Laura’s interest which would extend far Andrew moved from Sheffield In latter years he took up fly last competitive outing was in May beyond what was necessary purely down to Long Ashton, a village fishing, but illness made this more 2012, at Somerford Premier League. to pass exams. close to Bristol and came to Thone difficult as he became less mobile, as a boarder, aged 7. He was an so he returned to philately, At the National Championships in Andy Keen, the current Head of immediate success on the athletics something he started whilst at 2012, Laura was awarded the British Classics, commented on his ability to track despite his small stature. Taunton. He accepted his illness Dressage Medal of Honour to thank digress and story-tell, to stretch and Throughout his time at Taunton with courage and patience. her for her contribution to dressage challenge students while still he greatly enjoyed his cricket, throughout the years. G cultivating an exhaustive detailed athletics and rugby, reaching Andrew was a strong family man knowledge of a given topic. He says, county standard in rugby as a and will be greatly missed by all “You felt he’d given you ownership of wing-three-quarter and later his friends and family. John Polley the knowledge and you could go and playing for Clifton. Tribute by (Wills East 1956-61) share it with someone else as if you’d Hugh Johnson 16 April 1943 – 8 January 2013 G always known it.” After marrying Anne, they settled (Fairwater ’55) John began his hockey career on the in Nailsea and Andrew renovated playing fields of Taunton School. And then there were the notorious a wooden Fulmar two-berth boat During his last two years he played puns – often shamefully weak, in their garden which they then for the 1st XI before returning home always concocted in a flash and sailed on the Solent. He qualified to Surrey to begin a career in accompanied by a memorable as a Chartered Surveyor and Accountancy. He joined Byfleet glint in the eye. “He would seek out worked firstly in Bristol & North Hawks Hockey Club and played any opportunity to make someone Somerset and then North Devon Saturdays leaving himself free to play laugh,” says Aruna Gunawardana, where they lived close to Braunton for the OTs on Sundays. John became while Andy Keen reckons he with their family Stuart, James a regular member of the side, ‘...could come up with more cleverly and Kate. They had a full and eventually taking on the job of contrived nuances than you could happy life with many friends and Fixture Secretary. shake a stick at’. enjoyed the sea whilst Andrew took an active role in the local When OT Hockey finished in Summing up Shaun’s impact Rotary Club, including the annual London, he joined Woking Hockey on the BGS community, Headmaster raft race. With a business move to Club Vets and played well into his Rod MacKinnon says simply that Banbury they settled into village 60s. The highlights of John’s playing he was hugely loved and admired life in Cherington, where Andrew career were his many appearances for by students, staff and parents, continued with his Rotary the OTs at the Bournemouth Easter and played a vital part in many activities and set out to restore Hockey Festival and his selection to lives. “Shaun was a much loved their near derelict house. Not play for the Ancient Britons on their member of the School community over content with that, they then tour of Australia in 1989. We have lost many years; his involvement in all invested in a property in France a true Hockey Legend, with his career aspects of School life touched so many of and Andrew took up sailing again lasting over fifty years. us and his influence stretched far and crewed twice in ‘round the Tribute by beyond the boundaries of Bristol island’ yacht races in the Solent. G Olly Hyland Grammar School,” he concluded. (Fairwater ’64) G https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 19 OBITUARY

John Brenton buying the last-named for his Scilly Wholesalers, but he soon International, as part of the Kuwait personal use. He then attended returned to his roots when he Emergency Recovery Program . Burrows Ashford Warsash School of Navigation, rejoined the steamship company in He travelled back and forth as part (School House 1946-52) Southampton, where he attained the 1965, starting as relief master, of the contract before retiring to 24 September 1935 – rank of senior cadet captain, winning followed by the position of deputy Scilly, the occasional RMV Scillonian 13 January 2013 the seamanship prize. manager, then general manager. passage earning him his ‘usual’ breakfast, despite having left John was Applying to join the New Zealand He stayed with the company for the years earlier. educated at Shipping Company, he finished his next eighteen years, during which Carn Thomas training on the cadet ship Rakaia, time he sailed on the Queen Of The A man of few words, John Ashford’s School on the thereafter trading in a variety of Isles and the last two Scillonians, views on seagoing matters were Isles of Scilly vessels on the UK-Australia-New II and III. invariably sought and listened to. and once Zealand routes. On shore leave he He was very much a family man, recalled a met his wife-to-be, the former As relief captain, John played a exuding a calm and steadying childhood Brenda Corless, on the very last day significant part in the design and influence. He died in the Royal memory of of her holiday from Warrington. building at Appledore of the Cornwall Hospital, his wish putting an The subsequent long-distance Scillonian III. In 1983 he embarked to sail one last time into his unpeeled courtship culminated in their on a foreign interlude, taking a job home port being granted by the banana into his mouth after a Lancashire marriage in October 1960, in Saudi Arabia as a marine return of his body for a parish landing craft brought in fruits which, which was to last for 52 years. consultant and assistant harbour church service (Canon Peter Walker because of wartime austerity, He returned to Scilly in 1964, master at the Yanbu Commercial officiating, with his three daughters youngsters in Scilly had never seen joining the islands’ steamship Port and the King Fahd Industrial giving moving tributes) before before. Aged 11 he joined Taunton company as mate aboard RMV Port. With other British nationals, going back to the mainland School where he excelled at Scillonian II. he came home in 1990 on the for cremation. mathematics. In the school holidays outbreak of the Gulf War. he demonstrated a leaning towards A brief spell ashore at his father’s A fitting valedictory came from the sea, working for the Thompson bakery in Hugh Town was followed The following year he returned to seagoing colleague, John Nicholls: brothers in the pleasure boats Nemo, by his establishing, with the late work in Kuwait as a project “RIP, Captain, your anchor is down Kingsley and Springfield, later Peter Stringer, the original Isles of administrator for Specialist Services and your voyage completed.” G School golfers are extremely grat“ eful FORE! to the Old Tauntonians who helped fund School golfers are extremely term and pupils honed their short “the new golf practice area. grateful to the Old Tauntonians game using the nets for longer who helped fund the new golf iron shots or drives. practice area. The groundsmen did an outstanding job in preparing Master i/c Golf, Simon Hogg said: two excellent greens, one of which “After discussions with Richard is used for putting and the other Jowett, Hugh Todd, Clive Large and primarily for chipping onto. Terry Davidge, we hope to have an informal opening of the area in the There were several putting Autumn term, followed by a competitions during the summer competition and a few drinks!” G

RINGING THE CHANGES... There have been some changes to your OT Committee.

We welcome Bev Cox (Babbingly ’76) as the new OT Publications Secretary and express our thanks to John Carrington who has ‘retired’ after five years in the post.

Jo George née Ager (Bevan ’99) has taken over from Crona Hodges née O’Shea (Gloucester ’97 ) as Chairman of the OT Scottish Club. We thank Crona for all she did for the Scottish Club and wish her well in her new Welsh home.

Judith Dawson née Dowell (Weirfield School ’63) has taken over from David Brighton (Fairwater ’49) as Chairman of the OT Western Club. We thank David, on behalf of Western Club members, for all his hard work. G

20 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

BIRTHS CADWALLADER to Catherine (née Cook) Besley ’98 and Rob George Robert 21.08.12 COTTON to Jonathan Goodland ’97 and Lizzie Cora Peggy 08.06.13 DINWIDDY to Ian Goodland ’95 and Lisa Struan Alexander Ian 24.01.13 GILMORE to Jeremy Marshall ’01 and Farida Layla Jane 25.12.12 HOUGHAM to Natasha (née Murray) Gloucester ‘01 and Thomas Isaac Thomas 22.05.13 HOUGHAM to Thomas Wills West ‘00 and Natasha Isaac Thomas 22.05.13 HURSTHOUSE to Jon Fairwater ’00 and Callie Amy Eva 12.11.12 LANG to Decca Besley ’04 and Alex Betty Jemima Thornwood 21.02.13 LANGFORD to Catherine Foxcombe ’96 and Pete Oak Tangaroa 09.02.13 LANYON JONES to Nesta (née Metcalfe) Jenkin ’98 and Toby Rufus James 25.06.13 LANYON JONES to Toby Wills East ’97 and Nesta Rufus James 25.06.13 MACALISTER to Lucy (née Hasell) Jenkin ’96 and Angus Gracie May 31.03.13 MAJOR to Jo (née Brabner) Jenkin ’89 and Roy Oliver Arundel 11.01.13 McCULLOCH to Lizzie Murray ’95 and Rob Sebastian Isaac McCulloch-Brown 05.05.13 MORAN to Sarah (née Taylor) Bevan ’02 and David Celeste Elizabeth Ashbridge 06.04.13 PAIN to Hannah (née Lang) Besley ’02 and Tom Alfred James Samson 04.06.13 PIKE to Susie (née Harborne) Murray ’98 and Adam Oliver & Archie 14.04.12 POOLE to Sarah Gloucester ’01 and Mark Sebastian Edward Bellew 22.06.13 SHICKLE to Greg School House ’94 and Alice Chan Samuel James Xiao-long 20.01.13 SNOW to Andrew Wills West ’92 and Samantha Olivia 08.10.12 YAU to Fiona (née Lee) Besley ’01 and Leon Jacob 01.01.13 YEAGER to Melissa (née Pine) Foxcombe ’95 and Sean Henry Gordon 23.06.12 ENGAGEMENTS Michael Bailey (Fairwater ’95) to Diana Alexandrovna Orlova Jonathan Creasey (Wills West ’96) to Elizabeth Russell Andrew Davidson (Marshall ’03) to Charlotte Lilley James Kennedy (Goodland ’01) to Susannah Gant Simon Manley (Goodland ’99) to Kerry Davies Emma Milsted (Jenkin ’04) to Tom Wright James Robinson (Goodland ’03) to Laura Rosenberg MARRIAGES BARLOW Belinda May (née Ball) Bevan ’04 to Philip married 08.06.13 BOOTH Richard School House ’91 to Liz Plaza married 12.01.13 CARLESS Helen (née Sloley) Besley ’03 to Craig married 01.06.13 DONKERSLEY Louisa (née Harman) Jenkin ’97 to Richard married 06.04.13 MARTIN Clare (née Mason) Besley ’99 to Ian married 01.04.13 MEREDITH-CHURCH Elke (née Meredith) Besley ’93 to Gary married 08.06.13 PIKE Tessa (née Banham) Jenkin ’03 to Henry married 20.07.13 VENNING James Goodland ’01 to Layla married 10.05.13 WEISS Richard Evans ’00 to Sarah married 06.07.13 WEISS Sarah (née Curtis) Murray ’00 to Richard married 06.07.13 CIVIL PARTNERSHIP Will Carter (Goodland ‘02) to Brandon Schubert 03.11.12 DEATHS ABBEY James Sidney Wills West ’46-’52 died 11.07.13 ASHFORD John Brenton Burrows School House ’46-’52 died 13.01.13 Many OTs will remember Caroline Baty as a BATY Caroline Academic Staff ’89-’06 died 10.07.13 * teacher in the Prep School and as a caring CLEVE*S Richard William Huw Evans ’70-’79 died 20.05.13 houseparent in Wills West. The family have COLLEY William Bryan Fairwater ’42-’47 died 23.04.13 set up a page in memory of Caroline: COLLINS John Malcolm Academic Staff ’67 -’99 died 02.04.13 www.justgiving.com/carolinebaty EVANS Robin Lyle Evans ’98-’02 died 04.05.13 FRENCH Benjamin Norman Aubrey Somerset ’44 -’57 died 11.06.13 FRY Laura (née Shewen) Bevan ’81-’83 died 26.09.12 HAWES John David Somerset ’54-’66 died 21.05.13 HAWKES Russell Gerald Wills East ’43-’49 died 01.02.13 HOLFORD Fiona Academic Staff ‘96-‘13 died 01.08.13 HOLMAN Shaun Russell Goodland ’59-’69 died 24.03.13 KNOTT David Michael Wills East ’71-’81 died 15.07.13 L’ANGELLIER Francis Rey School House ’39-’42 died 22.06.13 MADDOCKS Valerie Gladys (née Courts) Academic Staff ’88-’07 died 22.04.13 MARSHALL James Graham School House ’51-’59 died 03.10.12 MOLONY Michael Dennis Elvin Wills East ’39-’43 died 22.03.13 PAGE Alfred Anthony Bovett Somerset ’38-’49 died 18.05.13 ROBARTS-ARNOLD Nevol Fairwater ’20-’27 died 12.01.12 Photograph the QR code above with a smartphone to TURNER John David Thone ’33-’40 died 05.09.12 connect to OTs Online. WILSON Robert Revell Fairwater ’50-’61 died 01.03.13 WISTOW John Richard Somerset ’62-’66 died 21.01.13

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 21 BETRAYAL IN BURGUNDY A BIRD IN THE HAND Howard Shaw (School House 1953) Peter Basterfield (Somerset 1952)

Howard Shaw’s latest novel, a love story When he first began to wear spectacles at the set during the Second World War, moves age of 13, Peter realised that the world was into new territory. On a bleak RAF bomber colourful and began birdwatching! He bought aerodrome in rural Lincolnshire, and later his first serious camera (a Retina IIC) in 1954, in the beautiful Yonne valley in Burgundy, during National Service in Libya, his first a romance develops. A young Lancaster experience of overseas birding, and still has pilot faces the stresses of aircrew living those original Kodachromes. He is grateful to lives of extraordinary contrast – one the Queen for deciding that HM Forces could not do without him! moment drinking with a girl in the sanctuary of an English country pub, the Marriage, children and climbing the career ladder to become next struggling for survival amidst flak and Chairman of the National Haematology Advisory Committee then German night fighters over the Third Reich. intervened, until a holiday on Lundy Island in 1972 rekindled his When the story moves to Burgundy, we see the varied reactions of interest in both birds and photography. During the 1970s and 80s he the French population to German occupation, as well as the secret sold many photographs of the rarities he had seen and many happy world of the French Resistance and its links with the Special holidays were spent on the Isles of Scilly, ‘twitching’ with friends and Operations Executive in London, the organisation instructed by his eldest son, Ewan. Winston Churchill to ‘set Europe ablaze’. As Peter’s interest intensified he joined the RPS, gaining an LRPS in After Taunton School, Howard went to The Queen’s College, 1988 and an ARPS in 1990 in Bird Photography. Oxford, where he read Modern History. He was commissioned in the Royal Artillery during National Service and taught at Harrow Peter said: “I still feel privileged that Eric Hosking, who had been School from 1961-1997, where he was a House Master, Head of responsible for first kindling my interest when he came to lecture at TS History and Registrar. In 1966 he was elected a Schoolmaster Fellow during the Second World War, was on the panel. I have subsequently added of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He has broadcast on 17th DPAGB and AFIAP to my photography qualifications. I rarely use a hide, Century Puritanism on the old BBC Third Programme, contributed preferring to use field craft to stalk my subjects, particularly in rainforest – to History Today and written an historical study, ‘The Levellers ’. this being my favourite destination, although sea birds and islands have also always had a fascination. Dislocating my spine in 1995, surfing in Australia He turned to fiction as a form of light relief and his first detective with my eldest grandson, has meant that I can no longer carry heavy camera novel Killing No Murder was published in the USA, France and the gear so I have had to adapt to a much more cautious approach. Plus injuries UK. He penned two further crime novels, Death of a Don and received from a road accident in India in January 2010 mean that I have had Pageant of Death , the first of which won critical acclaim, was a to give up leading trips and travelling abroad. The image shown was given a Mystery Guild selection, and was later re-published in the Highly Commended in the Midland International Salon along with two prestigious BBC Black Dagger audiobook series as a prime example other acceptances. At the gripe old age of 78 I can now add AFIAP to my of the genre. photographic qualifications!” www.peterbasterfield.co.uk G Howard’s interests include classical music and sport. He played cricket for Somerset Colts and captained the Oswestry Garrison Rugby XV (which included two internationals!) during National Service. AN OFFER YOU EISBN: 9781780886466 G CAN’T REFUSE... LET THERE BE LIGHT! James Hiscock (Foxcombe 1988) James’ first boutique hotel, Finca Hotel Es Castell , On Sunday 24th November, (www.fincaescastell.com) was recently voted the best hotel in The Very Reverend Dr Alec Spain by tripadvisor.com and holidaycheck.com . Knight (former Taunton School Chaplain) will Far from the crowded dedicate the new Mead beaches, the heaving Family windows in the night-clubs and the School Chapel. bustling tapas bars These are the last that Mallorca is windows to be converted renowned for, to stained-glass and it is you can relax in the fitting that they are dedicated peace and tranquility of in 2013 as it is 100 years Finca Hotel Es Castell . since the West Window, There the silence is broken the School’s memorial to only by the hum of cicadas Pictured are the Chapel Windows as they Lord Winterstoke, was during the day and the are now, before being converted to unveiled by Sir Albert far-away tinkling of stained glass Spicer on 15th March 1913. sheep bells at night.

The Mead family have had a very long association with James says: “My second hotel is up and running and I can offer a 10% Taunton School – five generations of the family have attended reduction for OTs and Parents for both of these hotels in Mallorca.” the School with Theophilus Mead being the first in 1870. G [email protected] www.hotelsonametler.com G

22 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review

OTTER-MAN EMPIRE MEDAL James Williams MBE

We offer our sincere congratulations to former TS Housemaster James Williams who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2013 for services to otter conservation. In the same week James was elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, a learned forum for naturalists. Enjoy a lunch at Taunton School James said: “I doubt whether I shall ever have such a week again; certainly with other Old Weirfieldians at 12.30pm I never have before – my last prize was for gardening at prep school!” [email protected] G Further details on https://taunton.web-intouch.com (£10 cash on the day) ORDER OF THE BATHS Flick Rea MBE We also offer our sincere congratulations Sunday 1st September 2013 to Flick Rea (Weirfield School ‘55) who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday There will be an Organ recital and Honours 2013 for services to local government poetry readings of Coleridge and and the London community. Flick has been a the Romantic Poets performed by Liberal Democrat Councillor in Camden since William Whitehead (Marshall ’88) 1986. She was a Cabinet Member for culture and Penny Meyrick . and sport from 2006-10 and vice-chair of www.stogumberfestival.com London Council for Arts, Tourism and 2012 Forum.

Flick (formerly Felicity Peel-Corbin) said: “I am Vice-Chair of the Trustees of the Charles Dickens Museum in Doughty St, London which has just had a million pound heritage Lottery refurbishment and while Executive Member for Culture and Sport at LB Camden I oversaw the MATCH OF THE DAY refurbishment of an iconic Victorian swimming bath complex in a listed Sarah Curtis (Murray ’00) and Richard Weiss (Evans ’00 ) building – I quite like building sites! I have two children and seven were married in July and rather than spend two relaxing grandchildren – my son is a news producer at the BBC and my daughter weeks poolside in the Mediterranean or on safari in South also formerly worked in television.” Africa for their honeymoon, they thought they would do [email protected] G something a little less ordinary: they decided to drive to Mongolia all in the name of charity. Along with Sarah’s sister, Jenny (Jenkin ’98) , and her boyfriend, Steven Lindsay, they are aiming to raise £2,000 for Cool Earth Action (www.coolearth.org) , a unique charity that works alongside indigenous communities to protect the world's most endangered rainforest.

The 10,000 mile road trip will take them about five weeks and lead them across Europe, through Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia again and then into Mongolia.

Sarah said: “The £2,000 we hope to raise could help save approximately sixteen acres of rainforest from being cleared.”

If you’d like to help their cause, check out : http://www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Curtis7 G

https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 23 OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

FRIENDS REUNITED FORTHCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER Friday 6 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School Friday 13 Old Weirfieldian Reunion 12:30 Taunton School Sunday 15 Cornish Club Lunch 12:30 Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club, PL30 Saturday 21 1847 Society Lunch 12:30 Taunton School OCTOBER Saturday 5 Western Club Lunch 12:30 Taunton School L-R: Colin Trim (Somerset ’64), David Craggs Saturday 5 Western Club Annual (Somerset ’64), Nigel Gilpin (Staff ’63) Lunch event 12:30 Taunton School and Brian Smith (Somerset ’63). Sunday 13 Official Opening of ‘The Durrant Astro’ 12:00 Taunton School Nigel Gilpin (Staff 1955-63) Brian Smith and Colin Trim met left Taunton School to advance a in Taunton and drove down into NOVEMBER teaching career which culminated in Dorset to take the Gilpins out to lunch. Friday 8 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School the headship of Poole Grammar School. Three Somerset House Colin said: “Recognition was swift, and Saturday 16 Welsh Club Dinner 19:30 Cardiff Golf Club members of his A-Level set often the intervening half-a-century faded reminisced over the years about their rapidly as memories and anecdotes were Sunday 24 New Mead schooldays and, at the beginning of happily exchanged in the bar of The Windows Dedication 10:15 Taunton 2013, set about tracing their popular Martyrs Inn at Tolpuddle and afterwards School Chapel and influential English master. at Nigel and Janet's home.” DECEMBER Nigel was eventually located living Monday 9 Western Christmas Lunch 12:30 Taunton School in retirement in Bere Regis with his The gauntlet has been thrown wife, Janet, and in June, almost 50 down to current staff at TS! JANUARY 2014 years to the day since their paths Will your pupils seek you out Friday 10 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School had last crossed, David Craggs , in 2063? G FEBRUARY 2014 Friday 7 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School MARCH 2014 “The Friday 14 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School tenors & basses produ ce a lovely warm MAY 2014 CHAPEL sound Friday 2 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School : very good for ones so young” Saturday 10 OTA Reunion Taunton School CHOIR CD OTA Committee Meeting 09:00 “The solo ists are really go In February the Chapel Choir and od” Family Barbecue 12:30 Choirmaster David Bridges , in “Wow Informal Buffet 19:30 ! What a great conjunction with Resonus Classics CD! Reunions for leavers from (www.resonusclassics.com) , made a I listened to it 2004, 1989, 1979, 1964 professional recording in the Chapel, three tim es continuously” which includes the world premiere Sunday 11 Chapel and Act of The Taunton School Anthem “A well of Remembrance 10:15 Taunton School composed by Howard Goodall CBE . thought-out contrasting pr ogramme which JUNE 2014 Copies of the CD are available from: demonstrat es the excellent Friday 6 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School David Bridges, quality of the chapel cho Taunton School, ir” SEPTEMBER 2014 Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD. Friday 12 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School Tel: 01823 703158 [email protected] OCTOBER 2014 Cheques for £12 should be made Saturday 4 OTA Committee Meeting 09:30 Taunton School payable to Taunton School . Saturday 4 Western Club Annual Lunch 13:00 Taunton School NOVEMBER 2014 Friday 7 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School DECEMBER 2014 Monday 8 Western Club Christmas Lunch 12:30 Taunton School

24 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com