the Cliftonmagazine For Cliftonians, past and present 2011

Special features: Sport, BB & Hockey 1911 - 2011 FROM THE HEAD MASTER’S Contents Editorial 1 COMMEMORATION SPEECH 2011 Hockey 2 From its foundation, Clifton has always embraced the Bude 16 Heraldry 26 liberal (in the correct sense of the word) approach to Clifton and the Ashes 28 education and it is thus no surprise that our present The Cliftonian 31 Head Master continues in that tradition, as he made Salvete/Valete 32 clear at Commemoration this year: Commem 36 Art 40 t strikes me that as a nation we have In all the chatter about categories of got ourselves into something of a school, of Free Schools and Academies, Chapel Notes 42 Ipickle in our approach to education. perhaps Mr Gove should stop listening Music 43 Our exam system is now wholly based to trendy headmasters who grab his Literary / Activities 45 on the notion that the candidates attention and headlines by throwing who write answers that most closely away all their library books in the Trips 48 correspond to the examiners’ mark pursuit of happiness, or those who are CCF 54 scheme gain the highest marks. Exam politically motivated to see education as success is therefore achieved by learning the last battle ground of the class war, Drama 59 the template that the marker is using and focus instead on what we think as Community 67 to mark the paper, and from which the a nation we are doing in educating our marker is not allowed to deviate . . . young people . . . . Sport 68 We know it is all nonsense yet we have At Clifton . . . we want to ensure that The Old Cliftonian 87 no choice but to go along with it and our pupils grow into the best possible OC Secretary 88 do as well as we can. The exam process version of the people that they already may require tactical awareness and good are; we want them to be able to think Notes & News 89 technique but it rarely requires much for themselves, almost in spite of the OC Business 94 thought and in some cases precious little exam system, and thereby leave Clifton OC Sport 98 knowledge as well. . . . liberated to do brilliant things with Thinking is not just a luxury . . . but a their lives. Branches and Reunions 101 necessity for life and a necessity in the And reading the pages of this year’s edition Masonic Lodge 106 workplaces of tomorrow. If you want of The Clifton Magazine, it is pretty clear Book Reviews 107 confirmation of that ask employers that the Head Master’s aspirations are what they are looking for when they already being realised. Obituaries 109 recruit graduates. So Mr Michael Gove, I set you this challenge. If thinking Letters 127 is so important, then why have we Clifton Past 129 constructed a school exam system that AGM 141 almost wholly militates against it? Accounts 142

[The full text of the Head Master’s Speech can be found on page 36.] OC Clubs 144 03 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

nough of Chapel”, I A voice from another age, and before The emerging sun streams through the events which this all too tragically “ hear you cry. Well, I am painted windows, Enot sure that one can prefigures, reminding us of the roots ever have enough of Clifton’s Two dazzling ladders of unfolding light, of the Clifton story. Next year’s special edition of this magazine will be the wonderful Chapel but it is time to And flashed against the brasses of the dead. place to reflect upon these things and to consider other things. One final A skein of tangled colours – Green for Hope, look forward to the next century as the postscript – I stumbled across College’s 150th Anniversary hoves into Purple for Youth and Love and quiet Dreams, this poem written anonymously view. Memories and recollections across in 1909 by a pupil and, given the While Scarlet blazed Life’s battle. the board from the oldest to the youngest fact that we are still technically in Suddenly will thus be most welcome! the Chapel’s Centenary year (that And what of this year? Several is certainly true of the organ), it A cloud swept o’er the sun: the Hand of God anniversaries to consider – we cannot gets an airing after over a Swept o’er a life; and on the darkening walls claim any connection to 1611 and the century of being hidden The colours glimmered – and a soul went forth. King James Bible (sadly, for both Kim on a dusty bookshelf: Taplin and this editor would love to be able to find an excuse to write about that!) – but 1911 saw the birth of Hockey and the foundation of the playing fields at BB, whilst 1941 witnessed the evacuation to Bude. These and other matters, along with the record of another good year for School and OCs alike, are 2012 Celebrations - Major Dates considered in this edition which, as always, we hope you find of interest.

Friday 21 October 2011 : Dinner at The Mansion House, London As usual, thanks go to Simon Reece, Lucy Nash, Kit Taplin and Peter Smith (many excellent photos), Adam Sibley, Geoffrey Friday 6 July/Saturday 7 July 2012 : Commemoration Hardyman and Burleigh Press for all their help and guidance and support. Errors Saturday 29 September/Sunday 30 2012 : 150th Anniversary weekend and omissions are down to the Editor. Bob Acheson

EDITORIAL 1 Sport: Growth of Hockey The Unattainable Ideal HOCKEY AT CLIFTON: THE EARLY YEARS 1870-1910

n the edition of The Cliftonian which latent talent is appearing, the game is being came out in February 1911, the editors taken seriously and is decidedly popular….. Iconfidently announced we can prophesy for Hockey a great future and a hold on the School’s affections. From the beginning of this Term dates what may be described as the Hockey Age of the As the editors implied, this had not school. always been the case. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the required reading Although this may subsequently have for the huntin’, shootin’ and fishin’ proved to have been a rather over- classes, along with those who aspired ambitious and optimistic claim, Clifton to status in society, was the Victorian can rightly accept that 2011 sees the equivalent of Tatler or Country Life, centenary of the establishment of entitled Land and Water. From time to Hockey as a sport in the College. The time this publication carried special emergence of Hockey as a recognised articles on Public Schools and, amongst sport owed much to the purchase of advertisements for Rot-Proof Canvas playing fields at Beggar’s Bush which, (as supplied to HM’s Home, Indian and therefore, also celebrate a hundred Colonial Governments as well as to the years of existence. In the somewhat Ugandan Railway Company) or for the flowery prose of the time, the editors Sheringham Hotel (Golfer’s terms 10/6d went on to explain; per day, July and August excepted), as well as lengthy articles on such subjects As these columns have long testified, the as The True Sublime of Deer Stalking and Hockey question in the abstract is no new the joys of otter hunting, the publication one, and we have become so hardened to the for July 21st 1900 featured Clifton as Modesty and manners were clear conception of Hockey as an unattainable its school of choice, a remarkable feat priorities, as indeed they remain at ideal that the reality gives us an almost given that the school had only been in Clifton today. The editor of Land and personal satisfaction as of a life’s dream existence for thirty-eight years. Water continued accomplished. From the editorial point of view we must regret the passing of a fruitful We dismiss the early influence of John We have witnessed many matches in the source of lively correspondence, but we Percival in terms of setting “the tone” of College Close, but with one single exception cannot hope for the sympathy of the general the College at our peril. As the article we never heard boys cheer at the fall of an public in this purely domestic sorrow. At the goes on to suggest adversary’s wicket, nor did we ever hear a sound calculated to annoy or discourage any beginning of the Term we were content to bid Dr Percival’s violent aversion to hero adversary in any way whatsoever. the new game welcome, as a stranger, but worship did Clifton infinite good – indeed, the majority may now pride themselves on a there may be found evidence of the success the single exception being CL knowledge of the more important rules, whilst of his system all over the world. Townsend’s hat-trick against

2 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011

[PHOTOS OF CRICKET ON THE CLOSE AND NETS ON THE CLOSE c 1866] [PHOTO OF GF EBERLE PAST V PRESENT]

Cheltenham. No mention is made of A glance at the Football Caps of 1900 the academic curriculum at all in this gives some idea of how daunting some article, and virtually the entire piece of these young men must have been; is given over to “manly pursuits” ie., What heroic contests these House matches sport. More to the point, there is not the were, and it must be added, how ferocious! slightest hint that Hockey featured at all It is true that the rule forbade hacking above in Clifton’s life. the knee, or when a player with the ball was Cricket takes pride of place; held, but the recognised method of dealing with the opponent who was nearest to the There is probably no school where a larger ball was to hack him over, and the ordinary proportion of boys have made cricket the player could not be expected to have occupation of their leisure time during the mastered the fine art of always bringing the On the common some young men were summer terms. enemy down painlessly. playing at hockey, that old-fashioned game, now very uncommon in England, except at After cricket, Football (and not the schools. round-ball version) clearly dominated. The birth of what we now call Rugby at “That old-fashioned game” – Hockey Clifton owed much to the first Head indeed in some form or another has a Boy, Wellesley, thus launching a tradition long history. In Europe, the game can whereby the Captain of Football was be traced back to the 14th Century always the Head of School. Nineteenth- – Edward III banned the playing of century football was not for the faint- “bandy-ball” because he feared that it hearted. Writing home to his mother in Past v Present would detract from October 1894 from his study in Clifton, Spring Term sport was basically cross- archery practice which Tankred Behrens reported that country running and these runs were was compulsory after Divine Service on a the family’s third best nose got two good initially somewhat haphazard affairs. Sunday. The actual kicks so as to make it swell and it is at In 1873, the Big Side Levée, a group word “hockey” appears present rather crooked as to the bridge but of senior boys under the chairmanship in the Statutes of I expect as soon as the swelling is down it of the Head of School – introduced the idea of Upper and Lower “Packs” and Galway in 1527 and will rectify itself. I got rather knocked about may derive from the getting four good kicks on the head. runs took the form of hare and hounds, with “whips” bringing up the rear to Anglo-Saxon word hok, Such incidents were not uncommon it “encourage” the slower participants meaning hook, or from would appear: to complete the course. These runs the early French word were anything from 8 miles upwards houquet, a shepherd’s crook. At about the At Clifton the sides were composed of twenty same time that Lord Lytton made his players even till 1878, and almost always in length, took place twice a week, and were compulsory. Prizes were given by comment, a Harrow master was insisting before that date, and frequently afterwards; that there should be no more than 30 it was a rare thing for the two goals, which totalling up places during the term, and it was from this list that the Long and members on each team on the hockey were necessary for a victory, to be obtained pitch, then some 200 yards long, at any on one day’s play. Short Penpole races arose. These outings were not popular with the local villagers one time, and the first formulation of This, of course, referred to House matches and farmers. In 1881, one regular Hockey Rules, at Teddington Cricket or internal School matches (such as runner recorded that on Saturday 26 Club in 1874, stipulated that the stick Classical v Modern) which were held to be, February the Pill Run took place: must not be raised above the shoulder in the College’s first decades, of far greater and that a circle should be drawn in import than “foreign” matches against Here, we were received, as usual, by the which the ball had to be for a shot on external opponents. Internal matches hoots of the populace. goal to be valid. The following year, the A week later, the Run had to take a Hockey Association was formed. Given might continue for three days, and if, when detour at Coombe Dingle when the this, it is perhaps not surprising that goals, tries, and touch-downs were all School Pack was assaulted by “a furious there is no mention of the sport in the reckoned up, not even then was a definite dame with a broom stick” and another College’s early years. result reached, a fourth day’s play was correspondent, no fan of the weekly ordered. There were other reasons for this as Runs, observed that well. It became quickly established We are ardently hated by all the farmers ten miles around, whose crops and fences we destroy. Complementing the Runs at the end of the Spring term was Athletics. What is glaringly missing from this pretty full, turn-of-the-century account, is that there is no mention whatsoever of Hockey. The earliest reference to Hockey as a sport being played at Public Schools comes from a passing observation by Lord Lytton in 1853

SPORT: GROWTH OF HOCKEY 3

.[PHOTO OF ATHLETICS ON THE CLOSE?] Every now and then some one would be The storm clouds were gathering, for discovered standing on the ball, or the ball Clifton was, like all Public Schools of would be out of the scrimmage altogether, the time, an intensely conservative while the sticks were still hard at work community. In April 1881, The Cliftonian battering away at nothing in the middle. reports The next game was scheduled for We may say that in spite of the institution Thursday 26 February. In those of Hockey….we have never had a more intervening twelve days, a proper ball successful run-term…As long as there had been obtained and rules were are forty fellows in the School who can agreed upon including the off-side rule, accomplish the Long Penpole course in less shooting from a maximum distance of than an hour and a quarter, the Runs will 15 yards, and no raising of the stick flourish, though farmers, anxious parents above the shoulder. “Anxious mammas” and malcontent hockey players and walkers as a “Clifton tradition” that only by would doubtless have been much will do their worst. concentrating upon one sport per term relieved by Rule 6 which stated clearly This assault evoked a furious response could the sport possibly excel on the that there was to be no “charging, in defence of the new game playing-fields. When a move was afoot tripping, collaring, kicking or shinning.” in 1877 to encourage the formation of That game on 14 February must indeed Is it not getting high time that some a Tennis Club and a Bicycle Club, its have been a scrap and a half and a substitute should be made for runs? Every supporters were given short shrift; wonder to behold! year sees them more and more unpopular, and fellows cut them on the slightest pretext. The success of the School in games is mainly There now began three decades of I never saw their popularity at such a due to its concentration upon a single seesawing debate concerning rivalry low ebb as this year…Could not hockey be pursuit. Those therefore who shirk playing between the runners and the non- brought more to the fore? By house matches, the ordinary games have no right to demand runners when it came to sport in the for instance. At present fellows only regard that we should cater for their amusement. Spring Term. The unpopularity of Runs it as a dull substitute for runs and a initially boded well for the development Moreover, any talk of Hockey tended degradation, and steal up to the Downs of Hockey, “M.N.” writing in December to be within the context of only being to play in a most sheepish manner. If the 1879 that in order to put some “life into suitable for the less robust, rather feeble, ranks of the “swinish multitude” (exclusive Hockey” boy whose constitution would suffer if of running heroes) were consulted, I am exposed to the more manly pursuits of instead of having mere pick-ups as is sure they would hail the decease of their old Football and Pack Runs. Such a view generally the case, House Matches and enemies, the runs. was underpinned by an adjustment to School Matches could be arranged, there Hockey supporters were to be the Spring Term games programme being no exact limits of numbers on either swiftly disappointed. Far from Runs in March 1878, the earliest mention of side, but the whole of the Hockey players in diminishing, the creation of a Third Hockey being played at Clifton; one House playing those in another. Pack, with a shorter and more gentle No longer are the tender darlings of anxious Certainly this appeared to be happening course, appears to have come close mammas allowed to do nothing on fine half- in the Junior School where North to strangling the infant hockey in its holidays, no longer are they able to spend Town were champions at Hockey in proverbial cradle. The Junior School their time and money in loafing in Clifton 1880 having beaten both South Town continued to play the game but, by and paying visits to “Warren’s”. There is and Hartnell’s, yet the editors of the March 1882, Hockey had all but no fear, to be sure, of their being brought February 1881 Cliftonian are beginning collapsed in the Upper School. The home cold corpses from “those horrid runs”, to betray concerns about the effect of Third Pack swelled to over a hundred; but at the same time they must exercise Hockey on the Runs; the anti-Hockey lobby felt confident their delicate limbs a little in some healthy enough to write We hope that the Runs will be supported amusement. The authorities have determined with the same energy as in former years, and Hockey is now, we are happy to say, a thing that the aforesaid darlings should play that only those with whom it is an absolute of the past; the correspondents who…last hockey on the Downs on Thursday and necessity will take refuge in Hockey – which, year expressed to see the runs abolished Tuesday half-holidays. however, it ought to be remembered, is now a and hockey substituted for them will, Three games were organised; School regularly organised School game and ought we are afraid, be at present doomed to House and South Town paired up, as to be played as such. disappointment. did Dunn’s with North Town, which left Yet the game is still being played at Oakeley’s, Brown’s and Dakyns’ to play Clifton in 1884, albeit with “diminished together. The first ever game of Hockey numbers” and is clearly being taken at Clifton took place on the afternoon of more seriously. It was proposed that Thursday 14 February, but it can hardly the rules “so successfully formulated have been a true demonstration of the at Marlborough College”, which had sport for not only was the ball made of established the game properly well in string, but advance of many schools of the time, We do not think anyone in either set of should be adopted at Clifton, and that players knew a single rule….Everybody, we a cricket ball, as opposed to one made need hardly say, “slogged” furiously. In the of hemp, should be used from now scrimmages, as those were nearly twenty-five on. Although there is no record of the a side, there was a good deal of funny play. result, a match of sorts was arranged

4 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 between the School and a team of Britain as a world power lay in the his eventual determination to revive Masters captained by “Mr Harrison”, fact that its top schools had adopted the Olympic Games and the Olympic with the express aim of kindling interest Arnold’s system of games, and he was ideal. It is appropriate, as the London amongst those incapable of running. anxious to find out more and to try to Olympics hove into sight, to note, therefore, the tiny footnote that Clifton Yet the row between the two camps is in this respect in the history rumbled on and, by June 1884, feelings of the modern Olympic Games. in the School were running high; During the 1890s, there is little mention These conversations, and the fact that of Hockey at the College, although LA Hockey on the Downs meets with even more Toke, R Scott and JP Mayo all played the contempt than in days of old, convince game for Balliol College in 1892, and me that the Runs have not permanently Clifton witnessed its first Oxford “Blue” declined in popularity. Beside this, I venture in Hockey in the shape of JRH O’Regan to think that the proposal that Hockey- in the same year. By 1900, Hockey is players and members of the Third Pack being played with “ardour” on New should have an hour a week extra drill Field for those who require a “mild or gymnasium, would prove an effective form of exercise” but, two years later, deterrent to the lazy, and at the same time the game is still being treated with some help those who are willing but unable by disdain by the Clifton community. So increasing their stock of strength. what happened between 1902 and 1911 It was time to reach a compromise and to change this situation so dramatically this was effected the following year Baron de Coubertin. and so publicly? A clue is given by a when House runs before dinner were letter sent to the College by G. H. Lings persuade the French education system abolished and Hockey substituted as the (DH 1888-1890): to follow suit. Bevenot replied preferred mode of exercise. By the end of that Spring Term, it was generally Sur une visite sérieuse du agreed that this had rendered Hockey medecin du collège – on n’admet more enjoyable without ruining the pas de certificat des médecins des quality of the Runs, and it was thus familles – il peut arrive que l’on agreed that a new set of definitive Rules défende un élève de prendre part should be published which, apart from aux courses; alors il se joint a ceux des autres qui se trouvent à la même enseigne, pour jouer le “hockey.” and he went on to explain to the Baron how the game was played at Clifton. What is of interest here, apart from the unassailable authority of the School Doctor when it came to deciding whether or not a boy was able to run, is the small part which the College played in de Coubertin’s fact-finding mission. He failed to persuade his fellow- countrymen about the efficacy of organised sport at school, and this frustration lay in part behind establishing 11-a-side as the norm, changed little until the advent of astro- The game was growing nationally. In 1908, turf and the modern game in the 1970s. Hockey made its debut at the Olympic Games in London. England won gold, The creation of a Fourth Pack in 1887 defeating France (10-1), Scotland (6-1) once more threatened to extinguish and, in the Final, Ireland (8-1). It was this Hockey since pressure to conform to success, and the growth of the support going on the runs was clearly being at club and county level, that established exerted at House level on the less Hockey as a game to be played. athletic, yet in 1889, there is a letter from the Baron de Coubertin to the Thus had the game slowly and tortuously French Master at Clifton, M Bevenot, established itself as a credible alternative which suggests that the game is still in to the Spring Term Runs. All that was good order at the College. Coubertin, now missing was a proper place for the the founder of the modern Olympic game to be played and, for that, the Games, had a passionate interest in College had to thank the Old Cliftonians education and was convinced that one since, from 1911 onwards, Hockey and of the reasons for the ascendancy of 1908 Olympics. BB became inextricably linked.

SPORT: GROWTH OF HOCKEY 5 Beggar Bush 1911-1941

“For The Furtherance of School Games” – BEGGAR BUSH, CLIFTON SPORT AND HOCKEY 1911-1941 –

pace for sport was not an issue in There is land available on either side of the the early days of the College. There Avon not less than two miles distance from Swas plenty of room for Football and the School. We have carefully considered Cricket, and the Spring Term Runs made all the difficulties thus raised, and have few demands upon College facilities. come to the conclusion that though they Issues surrounding playing-fields in are considerable, they are not prohibitive. the 19th Century, therefore, tended Possibly as transport becomes easier and to be concerned with arguments with cheaper, some means of conveyance may be the residents of Pembroke Vale about devised; in the meantime bicycles would be access or the state of the trees, or with the question of acceptance must be deferred necessary and probably sufficient. requests by external organisations such till receipt of this information, temporary The Head Master had thus already as the All England Croquet Club or the acknowledgement of the letters and the identified three plots of land for potential National Archery Association for use cheques being made in the meantime. use, two at a cost of £10,000 and one at of The Close or New Field during the In June 1901 it was resolved to accept £14,000, and he concluded by stating Summer holidays. As late as 1900, grass the legacy. Two years later, the Head that he looked forward to explaining was kept short by renting pasturage out Master, Canon Glazebrook, reported all this in greater detail at the Meeting. to local farmers but, as numbers grew and to Council that the Alt legacy was to be Alas, he did not get the opportunity pressure for an expansion of the sporting used to obtain “a Motor Mower for The since an accident on the Bristol to programme began to gather momentum, Close”, a foray into the realms of the London line meant that his train did there was clearly a growing feeling in latest technology meeting with Council’s not reach Paddington until after the both School and OC circles that more wholehearted approval and signalling Meeting was over. The OC Chairman, space for sport would one day be needed. the end of the era of sheep on The Rowland Whitehead, therefore suggested The first hint of this appears in the Close. that they should go ahead without the Minutes of the College Council’s Finance Head Master and discuss this important On 13 March 1908, a special meeting Committee Meeting on 22 May 1901: proposal, although he felt that: of the OC Society was convened at The Secretary reported that he had received the Hotel Metropole in London. they could not very well express an opinion through Mr Asquith letters from Colonel WJ Accompanying the notice was a written about any particular project in the Head Alt enclosing cheques (1) of £90 and (2) statement by the new Head Master, Master’s absence but he thought they might £22.10 being legacies under the Will of the Revd AA David: very well discuss what he might call the late Mr WB Alt (1) To “Clifton College” general proposition, which might be divided It will be the desire of all Old Cliftonians for the furtherance of School Games if into two heads – first, was it desirable that the Jubilee of the School, which falls possible towards the purchase of new playing to celebrate the Jubilee of the College by in 1912, shall be marked by a memorial space otherwise for the benefit of (1) Cricket making a special effort to collect a large sum worthy, on the one hand, of our great history (2) Rugby Football (3) Rackets (ii) To the of money from the Old Cliftonians during the last fifty years, and contributing, “Chapel Fund of the College”, and also on the other, to its future development and and that if they were all in favour of enclosing receipt forms for the amount of success such a course of action: each cheque. and he went on to put three schemes Ninety pounds was not a small sum in before them, inviting them to consider 1901, equivalent to half a year’s salary which, if any, they would care to for a teacher at Clifton at the time, but it support. The first was the enlargement was not, of course, enough to purchase of the Chapel, and the discussion any meaningful plot of land for sport. surrounding that was described in Much debate in Committee thus ensued some detail in last year’s edition of The as to how the wishes of the donor could Cliftonian. The second was: be met, for what lay behind this legacy was a perception that the College really We want also a new museum and art could do with more space for Games. gallery, a second racquet court, and some The result was that: new fives courts. It was decided that as the first-named legacy The third scheme was the most could not be applied to the purpose first ambitious and David asserted that it named the Secretary be instructed to make ranked in terms of real need far higher inquiry as to the application of it to one of than the other two – “additional land for the alternative purposes mentioned and that playing fields.” He went on to explain: Rowland Whitehead. 6 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 That, in the opinion of the Meeting, it is and went (total cost of the celebration considered desirable that the Jubilee of the coming to £456!), and Beggar’s Bush College be celebrated by the acquisition of a started life as a sports ground. fresh playing field. Moles were the immediate problem. The The Beggar’s Bush scheme was born. state of the grounds was pretty poor anyway and, in 1910, the boys under AD OF Christie (SH 1879-1885) takes up Imlay’s instructions, with a wheelbarrow the story: and two spades, began the almost In May 1910, the Secretary of the Old Sisyphean task of improving the quality Cliftonian Society informed the Council of the land surfaces. One Joe Porter that the total amount paid or promised for was likewise engaged to tackle the mole the acquisition of Beggar’s Bush amounted problem and was paid 2d per mole, to nearly £10,000, that the land had been bringing their tails in a box to Oakeley’s he thought they might then go on to consider conveyed, and £5500 borrowed for the to be counted by Mr Imlay. Hockey was whether such a scheme as that which the completion of the purchase. now launched at BB but struggled with Head Master indicated viz., the acquisition the playing surfaces which were still very of a new playing ground Expense did not finish there, however, rough and ready. A horse and cart were because the cost of transporting boys brought in to help with levelling and was a sensible one to have as a focus to the new playing fields by “motor stone-removal, but the grounds were for celebratory fund-raising. A keen omnibuses” was mounting term by term; dominated by a huge crater which had debate ensued, during which a letter in the end Council agreed to find the only been partly in-filled, and it was this from Bishop Percival was read out money and thereafter it was charged that Imlay and his working parties of supporting more land and a radical to the College Games Fund. Other boys set to work on. Chapel reconstruction, but also expenses soon followed. A stretcher suggesting that endowed scholarships was required, and, since there were no January 1914 saw a huge programme of required consideration. Sir James Heath changing facilities, a “shed and lavatory tree-planting and most of the pines and then proposed that a fund be set up accommodation” were erected at a cost firs we enjoy today owe their origins to to celebrate the Jubilee of the College of £100. This Shed was open to the this initiative. In spite of the war, work and this was seconded by WS Paul and elements and Council finally agreed carried on throughout 1915 and 1916. carried. The real debate about land to a request from Mr Moberly and A cottage was taken over and a roadway then started now that the principle the Games Committee in 1911 for the built so that huge amounts of clay, ash concerning fund-raising had been closing in of the Shed at an extra cost of and loose earth could be spread over agreed. WS Paul had clearly already £26.16.0. Thus the College Jubilee came the area in an attempt to level it, and discussed this with David since he now went on to elaborate about a piece of land at Beggar’s Bush Lane of some 35 acres which would be more than fit for purpose, the onlycaveat being the Suspension Bridge which, Paul suggested, could be circumvented by coming to a sensible agreement with the Bridge Company. At this point, it was also suggested that instead of this, acquiring the Zoo should be given serious weight. It was becoming increasingly obvious that WSP had been well-briefed by David before the Meeting since he immediately countered this notion as being impracticable, “even if they had the money”, adding that the advantage of Abbots Leigh was fresh air. It was equally obvious that other OCs felt that they were being railroaded by the Head Master and his allies over this issue. One OC queried the size of the School, reminding the Meeting of the Charter limit of 600 pupils, thereby implying that the Head Master should reduce the size of Clifton and thereby remove the need for further playing space. Henry Newbolt was clearly uncomfortable, moving that a committee be appointed to determine the views of all OCs, but this was defeated on a show of hands. Finally, Whitehead felt confident enough to move:

BEGGAR BUSH 1911-1941 7 no Hockey being played at all since organised games were very limited between 1914 and 1918: The Corps is taking up most of our time. Parades take place five days a week. We still retain our position as an Engineering Corps, one of the two Schools to whom the privilege is granted. Hockey was thus not to reappear at Clifton until 1923 as a competitive sport. BB in the 1930s After the war, ground improvement owed much to one man, AD Imlay. By continued at a somewhat desultory pace. the 1930s, BB had a large garden laid The reason for this was that the cost of out with roses and spring bulbs and eight transport was rising, Council had long cricket pitches, eight hockey pitches and decided that they could no longer bear nine football pitches, whilst the land the cost, and thus the College Games which now holds the astro was levelled a Pavilion was also completed at this and Shop Fund had to find the money and prepared for sport. The Cliftonian of time. Turfing of areas went on during which meant that there was little left for 1931 was quick to recognise this: 1916 and 1917 but, as the U-Boat other things. The initial buses were very campaign began to bite and Britain’s uncomfortable, as one Clifton aspiring We now have five small pavilions on food shortages approached crisis levels, poet recorded: wheels, while another, more majestic than work stopped on the grounds until the its fellows and on a permanent site, looks Nor does the Bus its springless Strength end of the war, energies instead being on to an excellent pitch. We hope that it will display, redirected onto an eight-acre patch of no longer be considered a disgrace to play Bumping its freight to distant Fields of vegetable growing, especially potatoes, cricket at Beggar’s Bush. On the right, as Play. whilst the rest of the estate was given you enter, there is a lawn, and a garden over to pasturage for sheep and pigs. It whilst another contemporary talked of surrounding a small pond in which the is this which largely explains the total “boys packed like sardines in dilapidated perspiring youth may plunge if so disposed lack of any Hockey being played during lorries.” The result was that the BB while the whole field is gradually being the war years in spite of the fact that it pitches were almost unsuitable for levelled. Our thanks are due to the untiring had been growing rapidly in popularity Football, let alone Hockey, with several efforts of the master-mind who is always since the opening of the fields in 1912. complaints about having to play Rugger producing some new improvement better in “a dark, mud-swept bog.” In spite than the last. Prior to the outbreak of war, Hockey of this, Hockey was re-established with had obtained the status at last of a school That “master-mind”, AD Imlay, and a 2-2 draw against Trinity College, sport with school matches. The first ever the early years of BB and its successful Oxford, in 1923 and the first Hockey school match at Clifton took place on 9 transformation are closely linked. His victory, against the Masters, in 1924. March 1912 at BB against South Bristol “unselfish and This year also saw the first inter-school Hockey Club. In a game not short on unceasing labour” match in the Pre, the Downs being goalmouth activity, the College lost 3-6 was duly recognised defeated 2-1. The following year saw with RH Read (OH 1908-1912) scoring as early as 1925 Clifton’s first victory in a “foreign” the first-ever Hockey goal at Clifton. in the edition of match, Trinity College being beaten The match was felt to be a huge success, The Annals for 3-2. If the School took heart from this, The Cliftonian reporting: that year but, however, the next match against West characteristically, The School team are to be congratulated Gloucestershire soon brought the XI he chose to write of on their display. Considering they have back down to earth, Clifton losing 5-14! another man whom never played together before, they combined 1928/9 represents something of a he felt deserved all exceedingly well. turning-point for BB and thus for the credit: In 1913, four matches were played, the Hockey as a whole, as OF Christie It would be a great School losing to West Gloucestershire recorded: pity if future generations failed to recognise (1-6), Cambridge University OCs (4-7), In 1928 a Ransome’s Quintuple Cutter was what they owe to the work of WE Matthews, and SWE Jones XI (4-5) before finishing bought, costing nearly £200. In 1929 an who has lived at Beggar’s Bush fifteen years the season with a 0-0 draw against the Austin Tractor was added, and the whole and passed through various stages of work. Old Cliftonians. It was generally agreed ground cut and rolled for the first time. First, as foreman of the farm he ploughed that the team had improved especially with two horses, tended the cattle and pigs, when it came to passing the ball(!). As As a result, the College’s fixture list rebuilt the fences and constructed every we have seen, a combination of lack of began to expand, with matches against building we have (apart from his house); suitable playing surfaces (New Field BGS (5-2, 3-3) being added and, by then in 1914 he became chief mechanic, and The Close were off limits to Hockey 1933, the number of boys opting for kept two ex-war lorries constantly on the since it was argued that a fallow term Hockey meant that two Big-Sides could road, without a day’s intermission and was needed for the pitches to recover be formed. Beggar’s Bush now bore no without entering a garage for repairs before the all-important cricket season) resemblance to the mole-ridden, lumpy and international events resulted in area of 1912 and its transformation concluding

8 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 To this success an amazing cheerfulness has contributed very largely and a determination not to be beaten under any circumstances. Imlay was clearly a key figure in virtually taking responsibility for BB in its infancy and then motivating the ground staff there to transform the area so successfully. No wonder, then, that a passing remark in an article about BB in 1947 observed: BB in the 1930s but before ending now, I would like to say that ADI rarely fails to visit BB when he comes to Clifton, and those visits are red-letter days with the men. 1947 Whilst numbers of hockey players grew, the weather and illness, always a Spring Term problem, continued “ ” to disrupt the sport, with 1937 being In Dire Need particularly bad, but the creation of a Hockey pitch on The Close just showed how far the sport had come - HOCKEY AT CLIFTON SINCE 1945 - so that, by 1940, the editors of The Cliftonian felt able to write: ockey at Bude had been played we need a pitch on The Close; we had At Clifton hockey was first introduced – to mostly on the sand. As the School one there before the war and there is room quote the words of a very rude editor of Hreturned to Clifton, it might have for it now in front of the pavilion tennis this magazine – for the “tender darlings been expected that there would yet courts. Thirdly and lastly, the hockey season of anxious Mammas”; with which choice again be problems with facilities given before the war continued these sports in the phrase he described those who did not the US Army’s occupation of The Close form of matches alone. Surely this could indulge in running. and the fact that BB had once again happen? answered the nation’s call by reverting Times change; a large number of the The plea, for the time being, fell on deaf largely to farming. This had been such School now play hockey and the game ears. Bryanston joined the fixture list, a success that the then Head Master, is becoming of universal importance as the first match taking place in a blizzard, Bertrand Hallward, tried unsuccessfully a school, varsity and club activity…..it but, by 1952, the old “chestnut” of too to persuade Council that a farm should would indeed be a pity if Clifton….were many sports being attempted with a become a permanent School fixture at not in a position to take her place in the resulting lack of quality in all of them Beggar’s Bush! By 1946, the fixture front rank of hockey-playing schools. was being raised as an issue and the list had been restored and matches match against Cheltenham seemed A measure of how far Clifton had were played against Downside, Prior to reinforce this view, Clifton going come was the fact that a match against Park, Monkton Combe, Cheltenham down 0-10: Marlborough, in many ways one of and Taunton. 1947 was a write-off the pioneering schools when it came as snow gripped the country for the Their side was extremely good and Clifton to hockey, was arranged for 1941. entire season, yet the following year was can rarely have been so sluggish and Unfortunately a certain Mr A Hitler dubbed “the most successful” season incompetent. Warner in goal played and his aircraft had other ideas. for some years as far as Hockey was magnificently and but for him the concerned. score against us might well have been considerably higher. Any hoped-for momentum, however, was halted by a run of very wet winters and this is borne out by a heartfelt plea from the XI of 1947: We should like to draw attention to three well-founded needs of Hockey in this School. First, as can be seen by comparing our home and away records, we play better away simply because we are in dire need of a hockey pitch comparable to those of other schools. Secondly, 1947

HOCKEY AT CLIFTON SINCE 1945 9 BB continued to expand in terms of a reflection on those who represented One of the most discouraging offices at areas for sport. In 1952, the magazine the School but rather an unfortunate Clifton is that of Captain of Hockey. recorded: combination of circumstances. Playing The School did respond at last to surfaces continued to be a central During the first week of this term we were this state of affairs by the creation of issue – “a sea of mud” according to one faced with a somewhat unusual task. If the two new pitches on Watson’s Field contemporary – whilst the fact that no- new grounds at Beggar’s Bush were to be which one under 16 was allowed to play the ready for use next year, they had first to be game put Clifton at a real disadvantage cleared of the enormous quantity of stones, drained so well that hockey has been possible when playing schools for whom Hockey which had been brought to the surface on practically every half-holiday this term was the sport for the Spring Term. when the field was prepared for sowing. and by 1957 the improvement in play Games became temporarily of secondary was evident with Monkton Combe importance; the field was divided into strips being beaten (5-2) for the first time in which were assigned to Houses, working- a decade. The 1958 season saw only parties were sent out every afternoon, and one defeat and although, in terms of everyone, including members of the Staff, results, the 1960s saw “ups and downs”, set to work with a great deal of energy Colts were at last permitted to play and and patience. The stones, which varied the whole sport, under the uniquely in size from mere pebbles to boulders of watchful eyes of Messrs Gover and considerable dimensions, were thrown into Bailey, was clearly buoyant. In 1965, heaps, later to be removed by lorry. We second year pupils were allowed to play accomplished the task before its novelty had “sockey” ie., one week of soccer followed altogether disappeared, and easily within by a week of hockey, and there was the scheduled time. In years to come, when general agreement that with more and “the last charge goes thundering beneath the Lack of experience, therefore, combined more young players involved, and with twilight goal”, we shall doubtless remember with the shortness of the season (a mere the playing surfaces improving year in with pride that we have had some share in six weeks being allocated to Hockey) just year out, Clifton was now more than the field’s preparation. did not help willing bands of players capable of becoming a “good hockey The early 1950s thus saw Clifton’s to compete with clubs and schools who school.” Hockey at a lowish ebb with few matches took the game seriously and who played The 1967 report acknowledges this: won in spite of the exploits of CJ Key on well-drained, well-prepared, well- (WaH 1948-1952) who would go on to rolled pitches. Small wonder that the We must not forget to mention the continued play for England in 1960 and get to hockey report for 1956 opened with improvement in the surface of Watson Field, the final Olympic Trials. This was not these words: where all hockey is now played on six full-

10 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 size pitches and three junior pitches. By 1986, the game is almost 109 England caps, one of our most Mr Trevelyan and his staff deserve our unrecognisable from that resumed successful Cliftonian sportsmen. thanks for their excellent efforts to keep after the return from Bude. Three XIs, More significantly, the advent of these pitches playable in spite of the a Junior Colts and a Yearlings XI are girls at the College saw Hockey now wet weather. all in place, with the School winning spanning two terms in the school The 1970s saw the return of that the Avon U19 Indoor Shield for the year, Clifton girls winning their recurrent theme ie., how was Clifton second year running, Clifton boys now inaugural match against Cheltenham to compete with schools who treated being regularly selected at county level, Ladies’ College and setting the Hockey as the main game in the Easter and BC Lawry (Pre, DH 1979-1985) tone for what was to become one Term as opposed to being a mere being selected for England’s U18 side of Clifton’s most successful sports option? This notwithstanding, there for internationals against Wales and in the 1990s and onwards, as far were some notable achievements. In Belgium, having already represented as regular appearances in National 1973, Clifton won the Bristol Schools his country the year before. As the Championships was concerned. 6-a-side tournament, beating Colston’s decade drew to a close, the U14s were Yet this was the age of the rise of in the final after three periods of extra County Champions (some familiar astro – Clifton desperately needed to time, the captain (JB Wilkins NT 1968- names there – George Bretten, Chris address this if it was to build on these 1973) being clearly something of an Lowe, Jon Snowden and George foundations and thus was the scene inspirational figure. In 1976, the Avon Thornhill), U16 and U19 Indoor set for the final transformation of BB 6-a-sides saw Clifton performing well Champions, and the captain, Simon into the high-quality sports centre and including now a Yearlings XI, Hazlitt (SH 1980-84), was a reserve it is today, and that success by and whilst the 1979 report was notable if for the Seoul Olympic Squad and who large was the result of the creation for no other reason that it was in verse: subsequently played for GB and won of CCSL.

Before and after.

HOCKEY AT CLIFTON SINCE 1945 11 Hockey at Clifton

BEGGARS BUSH TODAY

If “ADI” was instrumental initiatives such as the in the original Manchester United soccer development of the estate, schools and the creation of then the most recent a relationship with Bristol expansion and success of City FC, created much- this part of the College needed cash which was owes much to “MDI”, or then ploughed back in to Mike Innes, who up until improve and expand the recently was Managing site further. The tragic and Director of Clifton College untimely death of John Leisure Services, the Bretten came as a blow College’s commercial to the College, but Mike arm. His main task was to Innes carried on with a maximise the use of College Mike Innes. renewed determination to facilities so that the College realise John’s vision and to benefited, income was generated, and play his part as a part of the team which the School’s contribution to the wider would ensure the success of the College Bristol community further enhanced. on a wide front. Their achievement When Mike took over CCSL in the speaks for itself and, when Mike Innes 1990s, College finances were not in resigned a couple of years ago, much of the best of health and, in order to fulfil what he and John Bretten had planned s the Sports Ground at BB obligations to Clerical Medical, who had had been delivered. The current celebrates its centenary this invested heavily in the pitches at BB, at Headmaster, Mark Moore, Chairman, Ayear, this whole area has become one stage both the Upper School and Tim Ross, and Bursar, Louise Hanson, unrecognisable from the stone-bestrewn, the Pre were actually having to rent have carried on where they left off; bumpy, poorly-drained site bought for Hockey pitches from their own school CCSL thrives and the recent, quite the College by the OCs all those years in order to balance the books. If the ago. It now boasts facilities which are restoration of the College finances owed the equal of most Public Schools – high much to the OCs and Council members quality astroturf pitches, an indoor tennis such as John Cottrell, Louis Sherwood school and netball centre, a 3G football and Andrew Thornhill, along with the pitch and an international-quality water- significant contribution of the Bursar, based hockey pitch. In addition, it boasts Oliver Delaney, then the restoration expanded changing-facilities, a vibrant of BB’s fortunes equally owed an bar and catering area, a Real Tennis immense amount to John Bretten, the Court, physio and fitness areas and a Council member with responsibility for pitch-levelling programme which has not overseeing CCSL, and his appointment only provided far better and more level of Mike Innes as MD. Together they grass surfaces for the College, but has arranged a buy-out of Clerical Medical also helped generate income which has and embarked upon a business plan outstanding, provision of the water- been deployed in projects elsewhere to which rejuvenated the facility with the based Hockey pitch is ample proof of the general benefit of Clifton. There is construction of the Real Tennis court. that. no denying that Beggar’s Bush has quite The maximising of the pitches in the One of the main beneficiaries of this simply been transformed into a centre of evenings to sports organisations in transformation over the past decade sporting excellence. the locality, along with eye-catching or so has been Hockey. Once the poor relation, then the mud-bound, illness- prone activity, the provision of astroturf has revolutionised the sport at Clifton for both boys and girls. From the 1990s onwards, Clifton has regularly been County Champions at all levels from U11 to U18, and has featured regularly at the National Championships at Cannock or Nottingham; the Upper

12 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 been thanks to Hockey, whether it be results on the pitch, the people I’ve played alongside, or the coaches I’ve worked with. Clifton Hockey has been particularly important to me as Hockey is something I am currently involved with and want to pursue as a future and I remain grateful to the College for the opportunities I have been given. Tom Atkinson has a slightly different perspective, perhaps, but he is no less enthusiastic: As someone who has been at Clifton College School and the Pre can boast an enviable from the team despite being younger than the my whole school life, my Hockey development record of success at these prestigious others. The bonding and friendship that built has been predominantly due to Clifton tournaments. Epitomising the rise during a season was strong and helped to College support and coaching (with a bit of of Hockey as a force to be reckoned cement the team to go to the Nationals and on input from my father!). The highlights of with are the respective careers of the tours – and they were something else! this time came under the dedicated coaching Atkinson family. Their parents’ sporting of Mrs Byas when our Y6 team reached the I was lucky enough to go to South Africa pedigree is well-known, but even they National Finals. However, on that occasion, could not have anticipated how their twice and Australia and had experiences that we fell at the final hurdle [Editor’s note: three children have flourished at I could not have otherwise imagined - not Tom is characteristically too modest to Hockey at Clifton and beyond. After only the places, but living with the locals and say that he was awarded the Player of Clifton, Emily went to Birmingham experiencing a completely different lifestyle. the Tournament Medal]. Two years later University and played for the University, The contacts made through Clifton Hockey it was a different story when we progressed who are a premiership team. She also still come back to haunt me as I constantly through the county and regional rounds to attends the National Performance meet people who remember the force that is the Nationals where we won every game and Centre whose purpose is to train players Clifton Hockey then and now! became National Champions. at international level. The result is that Three major influences during my Hockey The years in the Upper School took a different she trains two or three times a day and career at Clifton were Georgie Martin, turn where I began my Hockey in the shadow plays matches at weekends, a good Tim Martin and in particular Louise of my two older sisters’ Hockey successes on example of the dedication and focus Catchpole, who gave constant support and the pitch and under the guidance of my father required to play at this level, although encouragement to the whole team and to my as a coach – family overload! Unfortunately, the editor does seem to recall that such individual development. the boys have not enjoyed the same success in an approach did not always extend to the Nationals as the girls, much as I hate to his History lessons! Emily has played for The whole Atkinson family, however, has admit it! However, under the expert guidance England at U16, U18 and U21 level and benefited from the Clifton Hockey experience, of our coach, Tim Martin, the boys have her goal is the Brazil Olympics in 2016. from my sister, Sophie, who, only Emily takes up the story: one year behind me at school, played As a family, Clifton College Hockey has in the same teams for the majority of played an enormous part in our lives. I our school life, to my brother, Tom, have played Hockey for 10 years at Clifton who, although he clearly did not and managed to get to the National Finals play with me, nevertheless helped us five times in that period. The coaches to relive his matches with detailed throughout that time have always been match reports(!), to, finally, my encouraging, enthusiastic and effective, father, who became involved with from the dulcet(!) tones of Mrs Acheson to coaching at the school – although the gleeful encouragement of Mr Turnbull I still believe that this was only to the endearingly eccentric and thoroughly to make official what would have dedicated coaching of Mr Mills in the Pre. otherwise been shouting from the side-line! The Senior School continued this encouragement and from the first year I Without a doubt some of the best always found a welcome and a comradeship memories from Clifton College have

HOCKEY AT CLIFTON 13 managed to win the JMS League (the John many years in County and West of England Beggar’s Bush, to a close. Today’s Moore Sports league consisting of eight teams XIs. He also made a huge impact on Clifton reality is a far cry from those early from Bristol and Bath) for the first three years Hockey with his prolific goal-scoring and days and bear witness to what people since it was introduced. We won this year excellent ball skills – a very talented player. can do when they set their mind despite losing seven players from last year’s We miss him very much. to something. As with so much of team, six of whom went to university Clifton’s facilities and “plant”, today’s I have one final year to see out my Hockey at and one of whom I was lucky enough to play College owes much to generations Clifton and intend to make it the best one yet. who have passed on before them. with since Year 2 in Butcombe. That player Roll on the winter! was Ryan Bresnahan who tragically died May this unbroken sequence in March 2010. He was a close friend who And on such enthusiasm it seems continue long into the future. had a big influence on my Hockey. We played appropriate to draw the story of RJA together in the National’s team as well as for Clifton’s Hockey, and the grounds at

Emily, Sophie and Tom Atkinson. Simon Hazlitt OC with the Bresnahan family.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK – NIGEL PEACOCK

prospective Headmaster was once Nigel’s early years were spent in Ealing with many small businesses of the time, asked at his interview who, in his before the family moved to Redland cash-flow problems brought an end to A opinion, was the most important in Bristol. His early education was at that stage of his career, and he then took member of a school community. His Torwood House and the Pre. Thereafter over the industrial desk at Manpower. answer may well have mystified his he attended several schools before, in interlocutor, but he was not far off the his own words, “running away to sea” In June 1974 he was engaged upon mark when he suggested that it was to join the Merchant Navy. He is the some removal work in Clifton when he a bit of a toss-up between the Head first to admit that he was something picked up a copy of the Evening Post Groundsman and the Head Chef. This of a “wild child” in his youth! By the and saw an advertisement for a Driver/ year saw the retirement of one such of age of 21 he was a transport manager Groundsman at Clifton College. “That’ll these for Nigel Peacock has parked his for a Jewish upholstery business in do me for the rest of the summer” was mower for the last time, having given Dursley – as he puts it, “the East End his immediate thought and he duly thirty-seven years of dedicated service of London came to Gloucestershire” – applied. He rang up David Ford, whom to the College estate in general, and with often hilarious results. By 1972 he he had known for some time, and was the playing fields at Beggar’s Bush was running his own haulage business told to call in for an interview. When in particular. but times were tough and in common asked what he could do as far as

14 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 grounds maintenance was concerned, Nigel has always enjoyed his job. It’s Watson’s and the planting of the trees the ever-resourceful Nigel replied, normally a 7am start, but there is never on the far side of the field, followed “Well, I can drive a tractor.” The next such a thing as a “typical day” and that by the building of the Jubilee Pavilion. two questions – “Can you drive a bus?” is one of the main reasons that he has The greatest change came, however, and “Can you make hay?” – were both found being in charge of the grounds in the 1990s. The pressure to provide given similar treatment and Nigel duly at Clifton to be such a pleasure. The Astroturf at a time when the school’s started what was to become a lifetime’s natural elements determine much of finances were not healthy led to a career on the following Monday. the pattern of his working day and he partnership with Clerical Medical which loves working in the open air, admitting saw the creation of the main building He was very nearly fired early on by that he is something of a claustrophobic. and Astroturf hockey surfaces in place the then Bursar, Hank Adlam. Nigel’s As he says, he could not have wished to by September 1991. As Nigel says, “It initial pay was £35 per week. During work anywhere else, the site at BB being, seemed like a good idea at the time” but the Summer holidays he discovered that to use his description, “spectacular”. the relationship with CMG was not a this had gone down to £30, so he went happy one and nearly cost the College to see the Bursar who told him that very dear. Thankfully, a combination since the holidays saw no requirement of Old Cliftonian generosity and the to drive the buses to BB, his pay duly creation of CCSL under the leadership reflected that fact. Nigel’s reply was of Mike Innes went a long way to not characteristically quick and courteous – only saving the day but to ensuring “That’s fine, Bursar. No driving. So no that BB played a significant part in the mowing then.” restoration of the School’s fortunes. The constant improvement of BB’s facilities “You’re a Bolshie”, Hank retorted – but owes an enormous debt to the part Nigel got his £35! Nigel has played in all of this and he Those who know Nigel also know has nothing but praise for the School’s that he is no fool. As far as becoming aspirations as far as BB is concerned. an extremely knowledgeable and As to the future, he is much in demand proficient groundsman was concerned, as a consultant and already his fund of he proved to be a quick learner and he experience and clearly visible expertise acknowledges the debt he owes to the is in demand. One of his many skills is then Head Groundsman, Mr Trevelyan, a “valid imagination and an ability to who had been at Clifton since 1951. “I visualise what a project or building is just took it upon myself to learn the going to look like.” This, coupled with trade,” Nigel modestly recalls; but he Nigel Peacock. his infectious enthusiasm and a “can do” also made a point of slipping into the attitude to life, is very much sought after back of lectures in Agronomy at the Developing the site over the past thirty by other schools and institutions. University as well as ensuring that he years has been one of the aspects of his read widely on the subject of grounds role that has been most rewarding and Nigel has no regrets. He has “thoroughly and grounds management. the transformation of BB from parkland enjoyed” his time at Clifton and the to a modern, multi-sports facility has only thing he has missed out on is the He was also the driver for Nick been creative and challenging. He has forthcoming Olympic Games concerning Hammond. When pressed as to which little time for the moaners and grizzlers which he was approached some five of the many Heads he served under was who do not appreciate what they have years ago and with which, at the time, he his favourite, he is typically diplomatic. and how lucky they are to operate in felt unable to become involved. When Jim Hornby? such surroundings, or who spend their asked what advice he would give to his “Lovely man; very funny. Such a gent. One time decrying the present in comparison successor, Nigel simply said, of the nicest people on this earth.” with the past. “Don’t take anything too seriously.” And others? The only buildings apart from garages Nigel will be missed by many in the “Hugh Monro – big-hearted, strong values; when he started were the Imlay Pavilion Clifton community both personally and you couldn’t help liking him. Stuart Andrews and the White Hut. Whitehead’s and professionally. He leaves on a wave of – at heart a thoroughly charming man.” Watson’s were open spaces with the genuine gratitude and admiration and, exception of a “lean-to, cobbled shed.” although we all know that no-one is Everything was played on the fields indispensable, BB will just not quite be then. There were eight hockey pitches the same place without his distinctive on Watson’s whilst rugby and football figure, preceded by the yapping dog, were played on Whitehead. There were and his personality and chuckle. The two cricket squares in the summer, measure of a man is what he contributes supported by twelve artificial strips in his lifetime and few of us leave a dotted all over the place accommodating permanent mark on the world about Senior Leagues, Junior Leagues and us. In Nigel’s case, this does not hold four of them hosting the Pre. Transport completely true, for one only has to to and fro was provided by the stand at BB on a summer evening and notorious buses. look around the area; what you see is The first major changes occurred in very much his monument. 1977 with the introduction of cricket on RJA

NIGEL PEACOCK 15 Bude

Professor John Blandy remembers . . .

n response to the request in the last edition of The Cliftonian for I Bude memories, John kindly sent in a copy of his memoirs and has generously allowed us to quote from them. Apart from the Clifton material, it is an extraordinary tale from an extraordinary man, and the chapters on his childhood should be compulsory reading for any of the young today who feel that life isn’t fair! John joined Clifton in 1943 fresh from India via South Africa during the war – no easy sea journey. On May 14 I caught the train to Bude. Cricket inexperience was soon forgiven It was Corps Day and we were in such The journey seemed endless but I passed the when it emerged that John was no mean a hurry to prepare our kit that we forgot time catching up with the Readers’ Digest to swimmer and in “Sam” Beachcroft he to make our beds. We thought this lapse which I had become addicted in the Planters’ found a sympathetic Housemaster. His would be overlooked given the special Club. I was met at Bude Station by Bertrand other great skill, sculpture, was also circumstances. Corps Day itself was Hallward, the headmaster, a handsome quickly recognised: hot, sunny, and fun. We marched, Viking. He drove me and my trunk to the countermarched, manoeuvred and “shot” at Michael Mounsey was in charge of Art and Erdiston Hotel, which then held Dakyns’ each other and finally reached home fairly was himself a talented water-colourist. My and Oakeley’s Houses. Presently I met the tired, though not too tired to scamper down pen-and-ink drawing of a barn caught his Head of House, Michael Bishop, whose terse to the pool for lengths and still get back in eye. He introduced me to Madge Thomas. greeting was “Can you keep wicket?” After time for House singing practice. “Ma Tom” was in charge of catering, six months with convoys and gunfire this was but her private ambition was to learn to At call-over, the Head of House, “Forky” a jolt back to normality. I had to confess that sculpt….later Michael Mounsey found me Bishop, grimly announced that he took a I was hopeless at wicket-keeping and Bishop a slab of Bere stone that was soft enough to serious view of our failure to make our beds. lost interest. I was allotted a bedroom which be carved with ordinary wood chisels and I He then solemnly beat the whole house, doubled as a study with GRD Kennedy, MD started a “classical” head. not excluding members of the 6th Form. Symons and PD Young. That evening there Everybody received four strokes with the gym was fielding practice where my shortcomings The first term passed off happily shoe. Since Bishop was a notable batsman were soon confirmed. enough. His form master was EP Bury, at the top of his form it hurt. There was no who introduced him to suggestion of sadism; the general feeling was Macaulay’s prose, whilst that this had been another splendid innings “Tubby” Merrick was by Bishop…. his Latin master; along with “Bertie” Badcock, Once again we are reminded of the Freddy Finter and WR fact that the past is, indeed, another Taylor, these were all country where things are done rather distinguished survivors differently. from the First World John’s account of the Autumn Term of War. Prizes for sculpture 1943 is full of enough detail to satisfy the and English, along with nostalgic and the historian alike. swimming colours, were gained, but John’s diary 1944 at Bude was spent working hard entry for 8 July reminds at English and enjoying the relative us of another side to the freedom that came with living in that schooling of that time: environment:

16 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Clifton at Bude was very free and boys spent a good deal of time sketching in the plans for a return to Bristol were laid. were left to their own devices. At weekends open air, usually in the company of Richard John makes an interesting point about and when there were no organised games Newton with whom I now shared a study. returning to Clifton and the contrast we cycled to Tintagel, where you could Richard Newton came from a musical with life at Bude: buy a loaf of bread without a rationing family and was no mean musician book, or we walked over the cliffs to Clifton was more restricted than Bude. himself – together they much enjoyed Cleeve, where a genial farmhouse with a Ancient rules were resuscitated; mostly the Friday night gramophone concerts slate floor had no knowledge of rationing trivial if irksome and to do with doffing in the Hartland Hotel organised by and provided tea with eggs, scones and caps and so on. There were organised games Douglas Fox. Devonshire cream. every afternoon unless it was raining, when The Autumn Term of 1944 sticks in we went on a run…..while I continued to be The Summer Term saw the invasion of John’s mind as one of back-breaking useless at cricket, I was in my element in the Europe: labour picking potatoes on local farms swimming pool. Patrick Jenkin was now the We followed the battles with maps in the and much Cross-Country given the captain of the team that went down to swim papers and on the wireless, in between sodden nature of the playing fields against Blundell’s. bursts of Frank Sinatra’s “I’m gonna buy available – 5th in the Long Pen made His last term was dominated by working a paper doll that I can call my own”. I the effort worth it! As 1945 opened, for a Balliol Scholarship which he duly secured and which proved to be the launching-pad for a highly distinguished medical career. His account is an important addition to the Bude canon. In a recent letter to the OC Office he reflected: I think we who went to Bude were an unusually privileged bunch.

Editor’s note: Sadly, John died recently and never saw his valuable contribution in print. He will be much missed and a full obituary will be printed in next year’s edition.

BUDE 17 to be comparable. The physical effects SEVENTY YEARS ON: CLIFTON AND BUDE were also much the same, and as time Time marches remorselessly on and the Bude generation are went by the action of the late Captain not exempt from this. It is thus appropriate that we record the Oates assumed for me a much more personal dimension than previously; 70th anniversary of the College’s evacuation to Bude for that and most especially on wet nights in dwindling band of OCs who were part of that unique chapter in winter. Clifton’s history. One or two reminiscences have found their way The passage of years fades memories, to the OC Office and thus to the pages of this year’sCliftonian . until one re-concentrates the mind, of Guy Hatch (WiH 1940-1944) sent an account to Tom Gover the impact of the Black Out. Bude may many years ago. Guy died last year and thus it seems fitting to not have been high on the Luftwaffe’s hit-list but for obvious reasons no reprint his article in full as a tribute to him: exceptions to Black Out rules could be made. Unless one has experienced this phenomenon it is almost impossible to visualize the tediousness not only of the OVER MY SHOULDER absence of street lighting but also of the need to place in position, year in year – BUDE YEARS out, the black-out panels. At Bude these consisted of large frames surrounding some form of hardboard; and they The Lonely Sea and Sky effectively prevented, with grand and detached impartiality, the escape to the outside world not only of any glimmer of light but also of all used air, and, he move to Bude wrought many back of this cream-coloured building for example, the odours of eight boys’ changes, the greatest of which, – which was itself an outpost since no socks. Tfrom the boys’ point of view, I structure existed between it and the assess as being all that flowed from living American continent – the first floor In Wiseman’s there was only one study in “bed-sitters”. Although the use of the gave directly on to a service road at the which accommodated eight boys, but term “Study” continued the rooms in same level, dividing the hotel from the there were two with six occupants, which we mainly lived – erstwhile hotel Headland café, which stood on slightly several with four and a number of bedrooms – achieved a much enhanced higher ground. Here central feeding twosomes. Beds were arranged one importance compared with Studies at had been arranged, another epoch- above the other on stilts, the legs Clifton. The New Study acquired the making innovation. lashed, only fairly firmly, to the wooden status of a social centre to a far greater structures. The top bed, though usually Inside the Westcliff it was, even in extent than hitherto. sought after, made an insecure venue winter, comparatively warm; but the for horseplay; the Housemaster was Wiseman’s (with School House above move of only a few centimetres through more than a little sensitive on this and Brown’s on the top storey) was that back door, into what amounted to a subject, wreaking a terrible vengeance accommodated on the first floor of the wind-tunnel outside, was almost as great upon anyone locked in combat. most modern (and therefore the most a crossing of the Great Divide as the leap “jerry built”) of all the hotels taken over of a parachutist into the slipstream of an I spent the first two terms at Bude in by the school, called the Westcliff. At the aircraft. Relative air velocities appeared Room 20, which was the eightsome. It faced westwards over two or three hundred yards of grassy headland; beyond was the Atlantic Ocean. Occasionally convoys could be seen on the horizon and once or twice by night the distant sparks of war were visible, showing that air attacks were in progress. It was also possible to watch much anti-aircraft target practice, fired from an artillery camp three miles up the coast. These were activities that helped us to feel still part of the UK war effort. The room contained a radiator which, almost unbelievably, was warm in the winter. Being of 1930s design its top was broad enough to afford a most comforting perch for whoever arrived first (three abreast, at a pinch, in a bay window). There was also a wash basin. Many of the Bude generation Westcliff Hotel. may vividly recall warming their hands

18 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 in hot water from sorties into the hectic airs of the outside world. There were, of course, no curtains and no floor coverings. The direct access thus afforded to potentially removable floor boards allowed ready concealment of whatever small objects were thought best concealed. Each boy collected daily from Westcliff hall a bottle of milk containing one third of a pint. Somehow the bottles did not always find their way back to the crates (many dire threats were issued on this subject) and in later years pilgrims to Westcliff (and no doubt to other hotels) were unfailingly regaled by the proprietors with tales of quantities of glassware found below the floorboards. It is hoped that the war was not unduly prolonged by taking out of circulation so much glass. If it was, the situation was further aggravated by the disposal to Bude Coastline by D T Taylor. the same repositories of sundry jam jars, since each boy kept his own 1lb (per double-bedroom since it commanded Library was available for quiet study month) jar under his personal control, a superb view not only of the valley during those hours. The spur which and carried it to and from “the café” running inland but also of the Haven exists today, but which was absent then, whilst it lasted. and, beyond it, of Efford Down and is the desire on the part of the bulk of its cliffs; and beyond that again, of the Public School pupils to obtain A Level In addition to the beds, the rooms were breakwater, ceaselessly assailed by the Grades of sufficient quality to secure provided with wooden tables. Room 20 tireless rollers. No author of a tourist entry to the more favoured universities. had two or three chairs – all there was brochure could possibly resist styling In the 1940s many boys were not even space for. I cannot visualize any bookcase this vista a Panoramic View, costing planning to go to university and, more in that Study (it must have been in the much gold; but we mostly took it all immediately, virtually all were going off corridor) though in later years when I for granted. to the War. Surrounded by milk bottles reached the twosome stage there was and discarded games clothing it was not These rollers were much admired certainly a primitive bookcase standing particularly easy for the middle-school in a cupboard. This apparatus served by Lord Tennyson and though half boys to concentrate their minds. The to accommodate books and much other a mile or more from the school area, Physics laboratories were 3 miles away at were clearly audible even on a tranquil impedimenta including gramophone Stratton and, in their State school, were summer’s day. They never died down. records, old shoes, ink bottles, accessible only to Cliftonians during Not long ago on just such a day I found magazines, fugitive items of Corps kit Wednesday afternoons and Saturday that the distant roar of the breakers was and blanco blocks, loaves of bread and mornings. The Chemistry and Biology still as all-pervading and just as insistent tins of this and that. Tins were found facilities, in Bude School a mile away, as I had half-remembered it from long to be valuable for the manufacture of suffered from similar constraints on ago. Nothing could be more evocative butter by a process of interminably timing. With these handicaps it is a of those days and of that untamed shaking therein the cream, if any, remarkable tribute to the teaching staff coastline. I know of no other place skimmed from the daily issue of milk. that high standards in the foundation where such a roar is perpetual. Not even years were maintained. Boys’ clothing – and, I suppose, sports the most ardent Noise Ecologist could kit too – was kept in chests of drawers ever get it stopped. Needless to say such considerations fitted into whatever spaces or alcoves didn’t trouble the younger boys when Although the social advantages of were available at intervals along the we all arrived in Bude (which appeared “Bed-Sit” life compared with “day House corridor. An indomitable soul to be at the outer extremity of the study large dormitory-life” (à la Clifton) called, almost incredibly in view of her explored world) in February 1941. were considerable in terms of imbuing duties, Miss Cotton wrestled with minor The practical aspects of the “away from mutual tolerance and of forming long- repairs and also with the filling of large Clifton” life demanded attention. In lasting friendships (in almost literally hampers with clothes and bed linen “the Café” we sat by House Tables. hot-house conditions) the educational Fourths and Fifths were designated as for despatch, believe it or not, by rail auspices may not have at first sight trolley-pushers, to collect food from a (those were the days) to the laundry in appeared favourable. Even the most counter at one end. All in Wiseman’s Bristol. These massive baskets appeared motivated and academic boy, with felt reassured on sighting Terrett, the occasionally in the limited space at the laser-beam powers of concentration, erstwhile “House Butler”, amongst the right-angle of the corridor. was clearly operating under a handicap functionaries in the outer reaches of The door to the House Library was when sharing both living and working culinary enterprise, beyond the frontier at this point. It was a corner room space in prep time with five others. denoted by the Counter. This interface with bay windows facing respectively For junior boys supervised “Hall Prep” was manned by Praepostors who ladled both southwards and westwards. It in the ground floor classrooms was out the food amidst intermittent banter must once have been a very pleasant possible, and of course the House to the House trolley drivers. Martin

BUDE 19 Hardcastle became “Hall Warden”. Proceedings were initiated at each meal when he struck a table (twice) with a substantial cylindrical piece of wood of uncertain origin. The moment was always eagerly awaited by the hungry multitude and in an end of term production one of the all-time Great Cliftonian Puns was born. Two boys appeared as “The Western Brothers”, who were then just approaching the pinnacle of their fame as Variety Artists, and recited as follows: …astronomers torn ’twixt hope and fear, When, oh when, will Cassiopeia? (“Cassy appear”) If ever a building became multi-purpose this was it. Lectures, House Plays, Recitals, Boxing and Orchestra practice all took their turn here. Because the Hartland Hotel. State School science facilities were only available in the afternoon on vertigo to descend, and able eventually was always drawn. It marked the end Wednesdays, that morning became to surmount a grassy overhang only of England; the last man-made feature a half-holiday. Things soon settled with the utmost difficulty and much between Bude and America. It somehow down to a routine; but just for a expenditure of adrenalin. No ropes; no “completed the set”, with its triangular while, perhaps for the first term and supervision – and no common sense! anchor of a rock, some twenty feet high, at the seaward end. Beyond that ran a half, the school’s reins were a touch Surf-bathing, highly dangerous at most a spur of rocks on top of which stood loose. The Establishment, doubtless local beaches and at almost every stage a stake supporting a barrel (“Barrel suffering from disorientation and acute of the tide, was not immediately brought Rock”). And then the Atlantic. One organisational indigestion, had not got into the category of activities which morning the School awoke to the sight around to issuing new rules to fit every must be undertaken under the direct of the Clifton Flag fluttering bravely at new circumstance. All this was highly supervision of a Master. In any case the the breakwater masthead. A high degree welcome to my age-group (still in my Gulf Stream appeared to me to have of security concerning the identity of first year). overlooked this coastline and I felt no the perpetrator of this stirring deed sense of loss by bathing only in the large High cliffs were there for the climbing; was maintained, but it was eventually sea-filled swimming pool below our nobody had yet forbidden it. Near the attributed to a South Town boy called headland cliff. top of one granite face I gave myself Shinner. It was perhaps feared that the a very severe fright in these early On the other side of the Haven was the School Authorities might be held to be in stages. I became stranded 200 feet Breakwater. At high tide shallow waves some way “in contempt of Urban District up a cliff, unwilling through incipient would swirl across the broad flat top – Council” by this unauthorised display perhaps ten yards wide – of of Cliftonian chauvinism. Nevertheless this massive structure which a memorable couplet soon became stood some half a mile to current: seaward of the town. It ran All ran fast, but none ran faster between a rocky complex at the river mouth and Than the aged Harbourmaster. the foot of Efford Down At first there were rumours (soon cliff. Enormous fun was to dispelled) that fagging was to be be had in dodging these abolished. In these heady early days incursions of bubbling a kind of intangible mixture of a water and gaining the pioneering and a holiday spirit was safety of the large rock abroad. It culminated at the end of the at the other end, a rock first term in a highly successful Musical surmounted by a flagpole. Variety Show presented in the adjacent, Several weeks passed before modern cinema. This boasted a green Authority discovered this tiled roof and an auditorium and a hazardous practice and tiny stage. The show, which had Scout wisely put a stop to it. Jamboree overtones, was directed with In a way that granite great flair by Martin Hardcastle. Several breakwater, about a masters starred. The occasion for all hundred yards long, with this was the need acutely felt by the gently sloping sides, was a School Authorities to undertake some focal point to which the eye form of Public Relations exercise. Inter

20 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 alia, the row of hotels and guest houses stretching the length of Summerleaze Terrace (then served only by an un- made road) had been occupied by soldiers until the School’s arrival. They were less than pleased to be moved out in January, to live under canvas. These particular soldiers were, it was believed, not to any great degree consoled by the thought that other troops were now in residence in Clifton College buildings at Bristol – quid pro quo. Although I would like to feel sure that they saw the justice of the whole concept, which was designed to safeguard the future education of the boys of Clifton College, it was suspected that in their windswept tents the finer points might have eluded the local military. The aim of the show, House Match 1944. brilliantly conceived and executed, was existence of this lively area provided a at Bude than it had been at Clifton; therefore to say “sorry, and Thank You”. never failing source of amusement when and yet, as the terms went by, many The curtain rose upon the whole School the uninitiated were led to come into individuals felt – existing as they did (circa 300) stacked up in tiers singing in contact with it. at the end of a twenty-five mile single unison and with the appropriate motions track branch line from Okehampton – The Study I shared with Charles Carson “We’re riding along on the crest of a frustratingly isolated. Great affairs were for my last two terms was opposite wave”. The vigour of the cast and the afoot; great battles were in progress, the one with the Electric Wall. It was psychodelic lighting effects melted the ice but all so far away. The geographical not large – 10' by 6' at the most – but at once. Every item was musical and was position of Bude – windswept and it had special attributes. One was that wildly applauded. No “Stand-Up” comics forlorn in winter – accentuated many its window looked directly on to the were risked: never tempt fate! An ad hoc schoolboys’ feelings of something service road at the back of the hotel, brass band largely composed of Masters, bordering upon irrelevance, to a degree thus commanding one of the routes featuring JAO Muirhead (Housemaster which I think would not have been so most frequently used on summer of Oakeley’s) on the big Drum, rendered acutely experienced in Bristol. Bude was evenings by two young local ladies “Oh, Listen to the Band” with such blamed for this at the time but it is only who also liked to perambulate on the panache that it nearly brought down the fair to say that it wasn’t really Bude’s Headland at just about the same time as green tiled roof. fault! the boys were promenading after House That show was one, never to be prayers. These damsels, identical and repeated, truly Magic Moment. There aged about 15 years, were universally were a number of others; probably known as the Heavenly Twins. They the chief of them being the interludes were much discussed figures. Apart from during fine summer evenings when its strategic position this Study offered Duncan Douglas (MT, NTP, OH for half an hour after House Prayers, a special kind of warmth, which was themselves a pleasant occasion at the 1933-43), responding to the plea hardly surprising as it was directly above in last year’s magazine for Bude end of the day, we were free to roam the domestic boiler. This happy situation reminiscences, has kindly sent in upon the green springy turf of the was not, however, entirely without headland, between the Westcliff and drawbacks. The foremost of these was the following memoir: the moody Atlantic. After that the more that the A Team and Reserves of the senior boys ostensibly returned to their he evacuation, the logistics of hotel’s complement of cockroaches lived T which were managed by my books for a further half hour of Prep. in those parts. After dark we could hear That was, of course, in practice a great stepfather, Jim Muirhead, in his then scuttling about our floor, socialising temporary capacity as Domestic time for indoor socialising. Although busily and investigating or re-arranging none of the rooms could possibly be Bursar, produced some remarkable the pieces of paper which somehow topsy-turvy effects. Not least of these described as spacious they had, as accumulated underfoot every evening. a small-scale social venue, the great was the fact that one of the Privates advantage of commodious facilities for Certainly at Bude nobody had any in the Home Guard Section which, resting the weary body. People simply sat excuse to be claustrophobic – not as a Corporal, I commanded was on a bed and treated it as a sofa. One of even in the Hartland Hotel in whose my formidable form master, Denis the twosomes in the Westcliff contained classrooms each large modern plate- Mack Smith! However, on reflection, a notable phenomenon – the Electric glass window had to have its lower half I think that the evacuation’s Wall. Somewhere beneath the plaster rendered opaque in order to keep the most significant result was the there must have been a bare wire. classes’ attention within the room. There transformation which it wrought in Any touching of that wall produced, was a curious paradox in that the school, the school’s relationship with the throughout the whole duration of the because of the immediate proximity of community outside its precincts. domicile of Wiseman’s in the Westcliff town and shops, seemed to be much Hotel, a mild electric shock. The more a part of the local community

BUDE 21 CLIFTON AT BUDE – THE EXTERNALIZING EFFECT

fter a lapse of seventy years, links between the School and members my happiest recollection of the of the local Cornish community were AUpper School’s evacuation to soon established. Perhaps the strongest Bude is of the transformation which it of these links was the integration of the wrought in the school’s relationship with School’s Home Guard platoons into the • A theatrical performance of the the community outside its precincts. 1st Cornwall battalion of that volunteer “Gang Show” type put on by Cliftonians Throughout the 1930s and in 1940, the force, but there were several other and staff members at the local Cinema, College operated as a very self-contained successful examples of this trend. They as a free entertainment for members of and individualistic entity, standing aloof included: the public. from its neighbours in Clifton. • The link with the parishioners of The widening of the social horizons of This tendency was perhaps exemplified Poughill, who allowed the school to use Cliftonians which resulted from this by the strict system of bounds which was their fine old church as its Chapel transformation not only made our life in Bude more interesting and rewarding, in force before the School’s evacuation • The arrangement with Bude-Stratton but also proved to be very helpful to from Bristol. Under that system, many Senior School, under which it gave the those of us who, immediately after parts of the city and its surroundings School access to its science laboratories were identified as being “out of leaving the School, joined one of the bounds”, and a Cliftonian who strayed • The expansion of the Choral Society branches of the Armed Forces. This was outside the limits of the “in-bounds” so as to include the participation in its because it enabled those leavers to adapt area committed a punishable breach of rehearsals and performances of locally- quickly to living with Service colleagues discipline. based singers otherwise unconnected who came from family and educational with the school backgrounds very different from their This atmosphere of isolation and own, and thereby rapidly to improve the exclusivity rapidly dissipated when, • The participation of Cliftonians in effectiveness of their performance as a in 1941, the Upper School became working parties assisting local farmers in member of that branch. relocated in the bracing environment potato harvesting of North Cornwall. Close and friendly and Duncan Douglas (Pre, OH 1933-1943)

1991: Lord Jenkin unveiling the plaque at Bude commemorating Clifton’s evacuation during the war.

22 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 RECOLLECTIONS ON BUDE

Russell Barratt (WiH 1938-1943), responding to the call for Bude memories, has kindly been in touch to share these recollections with us:

The following extract from the first letter I sent home from Bude gives my immediate reactions to my new surroundings. It is dated 13 February 1941 and begins by referring to Bude as “this marvellous place.” It continues: It is really lovely here – you would like it no end. There are lovely breakers….and at low Bomb damage behind Polacks’. tide the sands are glorious. The Westcliff Hotel is at the end of our road so that between minutes walk away. This means, I think, that us and the cliffs and sea there is just a couple Chapel will be only once on Sunday, which is of hundred yards of down and from our room not altogether a Bad Thing…Practically all he Bude period is covered you can look out and get a marvellous view my books from Clifton have turned up, but in a general way in Derek of the sea. This afternoon Tottenham-Smith, nothing much else – all my chairs, curtains T Winterbottom’s Clifton after Lamb [Gilbert Lamb, died December etc are gone. Percival and much more fully in Clifton 2009] and I went for a walk along the cliffs Valuable memories – and Russell at Bude and Butcombe published for to the north – in parts they are quite high and concludes that he remembers well the the OC Society in 1945. But neither sheer, most unpleasant to look over – and second air raid on Clifton in December of these really bring out what I think came back along the beach, just managing to 1940, living through it in the Wiseman’s was uppermost in our minds at the avoid the tide! shelter: time – the amazing sense of freedom Wiseman’s have the first floor of this Hotel An article about the Blitz from the Wiseman’s we felt at Bude by comparison with and Brown’s and School House have one point of view can be found in the Autumn the much more constrained life we floor each. The ground floor of each Hotel 1942 issue of The Arrow, the occasional had led at Clifton. Barriers of all kinds is classrooms etc – our form room is in one Wiseman’s House magazine – does it still were broken down, many of the rules of the other hotels. The hotel is brand-new appear I wonder? But in retrospect I do not that hemmed us in were abolished and has never been used by visitors, but think its rather jaunty tone, for which I must or modified and above all we were troops have quartered in it and as a result accept responsibility, adequately reflects how free to roam the beaches and explore the walls etc were in a bit of a mess. They are I, and no doubt others, felt on the night of the marvellous countryside of North distemper, so we have scrubbed ours fairly 3nd December 1940. Perhaps I am readier to Cornwall. It is true that our life at Bude clean. I am sharing a room….There are three confess to fear than I was 70 years ago! was in some respects uncomfortable. beds – Joly’s [Bobby Joly – killed in action But life in a boarding house at Clifton March 1945] and T-Smith’s and mine which was no bed of roses and sleeping every are bedsteads (iron) lashed on top of each night in an air-raid shelter throughout other with wooden supports, very precarious the Winter Term of 1940 was most and apparently liable to crash down at any unpleasant. All in all, the years at moment – however I am on top so will be Bude were a happy time so far as I was OK if anything happens! (Really despite concerned and I think the numbers their apparent ricketiness I think they’re quite attending the successive reunions safe). The room is quite small and when we suggest that most people felt the same. came was very bare and bleak. However, we have, at a not inconsiderable outlay, bought some furnishings (mats, Table cloth, a very fine reading lamp, mirror etc) and we are gradually getting into shape. The communal feeding is also slowly getting into order. We serve ourselves with trolleys, and we each have a set duty – mine is to help wheel the trolley to fetch and serve the second course – each house has its own table and trolley. The meals take a good deal longer than before but the food seems very good (we had boiled eggs this morning) but there is a superfluity of fish!....We go to church Bude coastline. at Poughill (pronounced Poffle) about 25 College air-raid shelter.

BUDE 23 a very dark year, the Archbishop of Sermon preached Canterbury William Temple and the Chief Rabbi Dr. Joseph H. Hertz took steps at Clifton College which lead to the formation of the Council of Christians and Jews. It is not modified on 23 January 2011 Judaism nor is it watered down Christianity but it seeks the common ground between our two great faiths and particularly the need to his morning I am preaching about combat anti-Semitism and religious prejudice remembrance. Remembrance is not in all its forms. In reality Clifton ante-dated T about looking backwards. Rather, the Council of Christians and Jews because remembrance is a defining moment it was seeking and building on this common between what has happened in the past, ground ever since the establishment of the and the hopes and aspirations for the Jewish house in 1878. The principles which future. guided the founders in 1942 are as relevant today as ever before. And I hope that all of We are approaching 2012. If asked about you both now and in the future will seek 2012 most people would reply that it will Flexbury Church to identify with a branch of the Council be the year of the Olympic games. Those of Christians and Jews wherever you may with a historical interest and a Royalist love wives who were compelled under war live. We have a local branch called the Avon would say it will be the 60th Anniversary, time arrangements to dine together in a Branch and by identifying with CCJ you the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen staff refectory found that they made new will be demonstrating a continuity of the Elizabeth II. But for Cliftonians present and friendships and developed greater degrees Clifton tradition. past it has a special resonance - it will be the of comradeship. Some had previously 150th anniversary of the foundation of our hardly known each other. This is one of the great challenges for college, and speaking personally I am full Clifton had always been unique as a public Clifton College as it enters its 150th year of nostalgia as I recall being present at the school as it boasted a Jewish House. The and I hope and pray that Clifton at every Celebration of the Centenary in 1962. new feeding arrangements demanded many level will playa full role in combating all forms of anti-Semitism and racial prejudice. Of course today we are in January 2011 and compromises in terms of the Jewish dietary this is also a milestone. I speak of January laws which some found difficult to accept, We have to move on in a rapidly changing 1941- 70 years ago. For every school this but taking the wider view, the integration world. Clifton can only continue to succeed was the beginning of the Lent term, but for the Jewish pupils with the rest of the if it has a strong headmaster supported for Clifton there was no school that month school became that much greater, interests by an infrastructure of masters and senior at all. You may ask why and this was due were shared and Jews and Christians boys, to whom the Head Master can to the fact that Bristol had been bombed developed a greater understanding of each delegate as necessary. by the Luftwaffe at the end of November other, the issues on which their two great The book of Exodus chapter 18 is very and beginning of De€ember 1940. A high faiths agreed and the areas where there was relevant. Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses explosive bomb exploded on December a parting of the ways. Church of England gives him advice ‘What you are doing is 2nd in the New Field, only 60 feet away services were held at St. Olaf ’s church in not good. The work is too heavy for you; from both Polacks House and Wiseman’s Poughill a mile away on foot, and Polacks you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to House, which were rendered uninhabitable. House were able to use for prayer the hall me and I will give you advice, and may An urgent meeting of the Council was called of Flexbury Church. God be with you. You must be the people’s for the following Saturday and the firm The four years absence from Bristol did representative before God and bring their decision was taken to evacuate from our not break the school. In fact it returned to disputes to Him. Teach them decrees and wonderful college buildings. Bristol in 1945 much more cohesive and as laws, and show them the way to live and a result of the Bude experience, there was In the space of just over two months new the duties they are to perform. But select no return to house feeding. premises were obtained for the school in capable men from all the people - men of courage who fear God, trustworthy men Bude on the north Cornwall coast. The So we recall the events of 1941 as a who hate dishonest gain - and appoint them school was accommodated in four hotels milestone, and the development of a as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties on Summerleaze Terrace. School house, much more united structure which has and tens. Have them serve as judges for Brown’s, and Wiseman’s occupied the set the pattern for the last 65 years, which the people at all times, but have them bring Westcliff Hotel, Dakyn’s and Oakley’s has included the admission of girls. This every difficult case to you. The simple cases occupied the Erdiston, North and South has indeed been a major and successful they can decide themselves. That will make town occupied the Edgecombe, and advance. your load lighter, because they will share it Polack’s occupied St. Hilary’s. Term Unhappily the Jewish house at Clifton no with you. If you do this you will be able to began on February 11th. This was a major longer exists due to falling numbers. But stand the strain.’ achievement. I am proud that there is still a nucleus of This is as relevant today for the Head Yet with this total disruption from the Jewish boys and girls who attend this great Master and those who support him as it normal routine the school rose rapidly to College and for whom religious and prayer was over 3,000 years ago but of course now the challenge. Previously every house had facilities are available. including women. eaten separately within its own premises I did mention at the outset three events and the change from a house centred that will be commemorated in 2012. There So what is the conclusion? It hath been told school to a school centred school was is yet a fourth - 2012 will mark the 70th thee O man what is good and what the Lord doth revolutionary. The school responded well. Anniversary of the establishment of the require of thee - only to do justly and to love mercy Boys got to know each other much better Council of Christians and Jews. In the and walk humbly with thy God (Micah 6/8). in closer surroundings. Masters and their darkest days of the war, and 1942 was Lionel Kopelowitz (PH 1940-44)

24 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 The past we love not for its being past, but for its hope and ardour forward cast.

Henry Newbolt

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS

of spiritus intus alit in education, scholarship, music, art, drama & sport

Clifton has always celebrated its anniversaries with considerable style and 2012 is going to be no exception. In 1912 the College’s Jubilee, King George V and Queen Mary visited remarking that Clifton “had a place among the great Public Schools of England”. In 1962 an Appeal was launched, the Centenary Essays were published, and many building projects were embarked upon, not least the Biology floor, extension of the Music School, redecoration of the Chapel, building of the Tribe and the formation of Merry House, the Pre Dining Hall. “to succeed is Clifton’s Tradition” commented Gen. Omar Bradley 1962 The celebrations for those who know Derek Winterbottom’s book, “Clifton after Percival” and the chapter Annus Mirandus will see that a delightful symmetry of events and personalities is echoed between the 1962 and the 2012 celebrations. The 125th anniversary in 1987, heralded the arrival of the first girls in Oakeley’s House, he OC cricketers reached the final of the Cricketer Cup and the final Public School boxing match took place. Clifton starts the 150th celebrations in the year of 2012 with the Pre’s Classic Car Wheeze and Family Day. Sunday May 20th is the date for your diary. Commemoration has moved in 2012 to the end of term so the first week of July 2012 is a busy one with a Concert, School Play, Fashion and Music Show and on Friday 6th a spectacular Son et Lumiere produced, directed and acted by Clifton’s most famous OCs, celebrating the unique history of the College and its buildings as well as the many achievements of Cliftonians. The Commemoration Ball on Saturday 7th is for 1500 people with a Victorian theme.

In September: a new House will be opened in the Pre on Saturday 8th September an OC Inter-house competition of Rugby and Hockey on 15th September an OC Scholars’ Dinner on Friday 28th September and a special OC Library exhibition Clifton v Marlborough Rugby match on Sat 29th Sept with a lunch for all OC and OM Rugby players. Celebratory Chapel Services on September 30th Burial of the Butcombe Time Capsule Sunday 30th September

Exciting Art Exhibition and Auction of OC and other contemporary works in March 2013

OCs should register their interest with the OC office if they are interested in being involved, contributing or just attending. Contact Lucy Nash. Full details will be circulated in the Michaelmas Term.

10 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Heraldry

Harking to the Heralds

worried about the expense, he was C.S. Knighton (Editor of the Register) looks for confident of raising it elsewhere. So the hidden agenda in Clifton’s coat of arms. Council authorized the application, with particular hope that the version with the lion ‘in chief ’ would be approved. rgent a chevron between two trefoils or) in the second and third quarters. This, however, was not liked by the slipped in chief and in base a garb The cinquefoils were enough for most Heralds, and though another design was azure, on a chief gules a crown armigerous Cliftons, but a Somerset A submitted, by April 1894 Council had had or between two books argent, garnished branch bore Sable, a lion rampant between enough, and ‘negatived’ the application. and clasped or. That, in the language of eight cinquefoils and a trefoil in chief slipped Three months later H.J. Wiseman wrote heralds, is what appears on Clifton’s or. There is no evident connexion on behalf of the Masters with promise shield. We see this everywhere and between these people and the village of of £80, whereupon Council rescinded recognize it immediately as our corporate Clifton, let alone the College; but since the April decision, and the application emblem. Its significance is less familiar the clover leaf is also a Christian emblem was endorsed by the President, Lord and needs some unwrapping. representing the Trinity, it was doubtless Ducie. One final hurdle was set by Rouge thought very apt. Relatively few schools and colleges Dragon Pursuivant (Everard Green have their own distinct and properly It has been claimed that the Clifton F.S.A.), to whom the work was committed, authorized heraldry. The oldest school trefoil actually compliments Dr John who explained that his fees were payable arms are those granted to Eton by the Addington Symonds of Clifton Hill in advance; so cheques for £76 10s and 2 founder, Henry VI, in 1449; at the same House, and his son of the same names. guineas were despatched. time a matching coat was prescribed for Three trefoils do indeed feature in their the sister foundation of King’s College, family arms, but J.A.S. senior was only Cambridge (with three roses where one among the original Governors, and Eton has lilies). This design, which set Clifton was using the trefoil long before elements of the royal arms in a bold new the son became a literary celebrity. The framework, is a remote ancestor of the original arms appear on the cover of the arms granted to Clifton in 1895. first Cliftonian (1867). The motto Haec studia oblectant was a wry compression of Many schools simply use the Cicero’s Haec studia adolescentiam alunt, undifferenced arms of their founders. senectutem oblectant (Pro Archia Poeta, 16); Very rarely do they have any right the elided alo would reappear later in to do so, but the practice is generally a different form. explained and accepted as filialpietas . Failing even this option schools have The whole thing was nevertheless concocted arms of their own, often in illegal. By March 1870 the Council the most appalling heraldic taste. The had evidently realised this and nadir was surely reached by Grange Hill deputed the Secretary to ‘take out a (G impaling H), though plenty of real licence’ for armorial bearings, as if it institutions have done little better. was as simple as licensing a dog or a gun. In fact obtaining a grant from So it was at first with us. Clifton had the College of Arms (or Heralds’ no founder in the strict sense: an College) is a lengthy and expensive individual or corporation who set it up, process, in which the Council took no provided funds for its maintenance and further interest for two decades. regulated its life by statutes. The school began as a commercial venture, the After the Royal Charter of 1877, by shareholders being a large body of local which the College was refounded as gentry, professionals and merchants. a corporate body, an official grant of The grant was eventually issued This amorphous parentage could not be arms was thought even more necessary; on 8 April 1895. The large vellum represented heraldically, so in its early but nothing was done until 1893. The document, executed by Rouge days the College adopted bogus arms Masters then offered to pay the Heralds’ Dragon’s Artist, G.W. Eve, is alluding to its religious character and fees (estimated at £70), and Council authenticated by the seals of the three imagined gentility. This had in first and asked one of their number, D.C.A. Kings of Arms (Garter, Clarenceux fourth quarters respectively a trefoil Cave, to consult with the Head Master and Norroy). In lay terms the red (clover leaf) and a lion rampant between (Glazebrook). They produced some section at the top of the shield six cinquefoils representing ‘the family sketches; and though Masters then represents a royal foundation, as does of Clifton’, with the arms of the see of withdrew their subvention, Glazebrook the crown or ducal coronet (heraldry Bristol (Sable three ducal coronets in pale assured Council that if they were is surprisingly vague on this detail).

26 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 The latter also alludes to arms of the all that we desire to maintain? Surely see of Bristol (also of royal foundation) it is the life within the life’). But Irwin rather than simply stealing them. The acknowledged that in a busy school book is symbolic of scholarship. It is said elevated sentiments take you only so to be closed because the school exists far: ‘The Spirit of a place of learning to open it, though this seems phoney will always put the things of the mind (the book lies on its front, as if already first even if there are other interests to used). The trefoils sustain the supposed attend to which reduce the amount of association with the Clifton family. learning actually acquired’. The garb or wheatsheaf represents the Not everyone was happy with the Guthries, who paid for the Chapel; new coat of arms, and some OCs tried conceivably Canon Guthrie could unsuccessfully to keep the old version indeed call cousins with Guthrie of Guthrie, bearer of Quarterly 2nd and 3rd for the Society. The lion had been azure a wheatsheaf or. particularly cherished, though not easily copied (the future Sir Francis Newbolt The chevron separating the lower could manage only ‘a lion like a baby’ elements was originally a badge of for which the Drawing Master marked serjeantry, meaning service to the him 26 out of 40). Now its passing was Crown below the rank of knighthood. mourned in feline doggerel: Despite continuing use as a military emblem, the chevron in heraldry often Dear Rampant Cat, that through long indicates civilian service. In this instance years there may also be a punning or ‘canting’ Has shared in all our hopes and fears, allusion to the ‘cliff ’ in ‘Clifton’. The We deemed thee indestructible arms granted to Michael Middleton (BH Yet now accept our fond farewell; Old Clifton Arms. 1962-7) shortly before his daughter’s The last sad tribute of our tears. wedding have a ‘cotised’ (bordered) chevron to represent the family’s The cat made a come-back in 1979, enthusiasm for skiing. when the old arms were inadvertently stamped on the Open Sculls cup. The overall design is a clear borrowing from Trinity College, Cambridge, Though Clifton has arms which are founded by Henry VIII in 1546. The both handsome and rich in association, Trinity charge of Argent, a chevron between they comprise shield and motto only. three roses gules barbed and seeded proper, and There are no supporters and there is on a chief gules a lion passant gardant between no crest – though a crest of sorts (sword two closed books all or is first recorded in with oak leaves) had featured in the old 1572, and is itself evidently based on the arms. It would be possible to apply to the King’s College design. Elements from the College of Arms for additional elements Trinity. Trinity arms were then re-worked into by ‘augmentation’, and this might be the Cambridge University arms granted appropriate in celebrating our 150th in 1573 – with the lions quadrupled and anniversary. quarterly, and the book turned on its edge (‘fessways’). Clifton (1895) therefore Heraldic crib sheet has a family relationship with these other academic arms. argent – silver base – lower part of shield Clifton had no claim for taking Trinity as its heraldic model, save pretension chief – horizontal band at top of shield to shared status as a royal foundation. crest – headgear or other emblem above Nevertheless several of Clifton’s shield (very naff to use this term for prominent early Masters were Trinity the shield itself or the whole device) men – H.G. Dakyns, E.M. Oakeley, gardant – turned face-on C.H. Spence, and H. Clissold – though gules – red Kings. only the latter two were still here when the arms were received. The Masters in pale/impaling – vertically arranged/ certainly chose the motto, a matter divided originally entrusted by Council to the or – gold Head Master. He let the Masters ballot quarterly (of shield as viewed) – 1st top for it, the winner being S.T. Irwin left, 2nd top right, 3rd bottom left, with Spiritus intus alit. This is from 4th bottom right Virgil (Aeneid vi.726), and associated passant – walking by Irwin with Galileo’s E pur si muove rampant – standing and Wordsworth’s ‘Spirit more deeply interfused’ (from Tintern Abbey). Perhaps sable – black Irwin was also remembering Percival’s supporters – figures (human or animal) farewell sermon (‘And what is it above holding shield Cambridge. HERALDRY 27 CLIFTON AND THE ASHES

It is only human to wish to claim some connection with great success, and the England XI’s triumph in Australia last winter proves no exception, but where can Clifton appear in such a saga? Tenuous indeed it would be to note that Andrew Strauss and the present Head Master, Mark Moore, along with one of our Council Members, Richard Morgan, hail from Radley. The clue lies in the precious little urn itself.

n 1882, the unthinkable had in the middle of which was a fired-up happened. Australia beat England at Spofforth who told his team-mates in Icricket in England. It was hardly a no uncertain terms that “This thing Test series as we know it today. Indeed, can be done.” England were soon in it was a match hosted by Surrey CCC. trouble at 15 for 2 but Grace and Ulyett Prior to the match, it had rained solidly started to hit out and the 50 mark was for two days and expert opinion had soon reached. At this point, Spofforth it that the uncovered wicket would get changed ends, slowed his pace and more and more awkward the longer the started to bowl a series of off-cutters match went on. The Australian captain, interspersed with top-spinners which Billy Murdoch, won the toss and, given wreaked havoc in the England ranks. the state of the wicket, elected to bat. An eye-witness picks up the tale: It looked to have been a great error Suddenly a new phase came over the of judgement as England’s bowlers, innings. The batsmen could not get the particularly the left-arm pairing of ball past the fieldsmen. Spofforth was Barlow and Peate, ran through the bowling the most remarkable break-backs at Australian side in just over two hours, FW Spofforth. tremendous pace. Boyle, from the other end, dismissing the tourists for 63. England’s maintained a perfect length; Blackham with reply was equally fragile as Australia’s 7 for 46. Nevertheless, a first innings matchless skill took every ball that passed “demon” bowler, Fred Spofforth, took lead of 38 may not have seemed much, the batsmen…every fieldsman strained his but with the wicket beginning to behave nerves to the utmost. pretty badly, any lead was deemed priceless. More rain followed as the 53 for 2 crawled to 66 for 5 and then Australians attempted to make a match 75 for 9. Last man in for England was of it and, thanks to some robust hitting, Peate. He swished his first ball for two, they secured a lead of 85 by the time scrambled the next ball away and was their second innings closed. However, a clean bowled by a delivery which shook rather unsporting run-out by WG had the Empire. The final overs were so stiffened Australian resolve and, before tense that one spectator died of a heart England batted, the Australians got into attack whilst another is said to have the19th Century equivalent of a huddle, bitten through his umbrella handle!

FW Spofforth. 1882 Test Match.

28 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 affixed to the now famous urn which the Walter Read played for Surrey and – Mr ladies of Melbourne had presented to Milligan take note – was known for the Ivo Bligh at the conclusion of the 1883 accuracy of his lob bowling. Dick Barlow, series. The poem, not one of the greatest who destroyed the Australian batting in pieces of cricketing literature, read as the deciding Test at Melbourne in 1883 follows; returning figures of 7 for 40, was also a defensive bat of some renown; the story When Ivo goes back with the urn, the urn; goes that he was working as a railway Studds, Steel, Read and Tylecote return, worker when the England captain return; AN Hornby saw him batting in the Spofforth was the hero of the day, his The welkin will ring loud, station-yard against the bowling of the last eleven overs costing two runs for The great crowd will feel proud, station-master. Hornby was impressed four wickets. The following day, The Seeing Barlow and Bates with the urn, the and asked if he might have a bowl, to Sporting Times carried the now-famous urn; which the station-master replied, “Ay, mock obituary. The Ashes had been And the rest coming home with the urn. do. He’s been in for a fortnight.” Billy born. Bates was quite a fierce bowler whose Ivo Bligh, career was cut short by an accident in 8th Earl of the nets. Edmund Tylecote was thus in Darnley, played distinguished company! for Kent and Along with his brother, CBL Tylecote, was to become Edmund joined Clifton in April 1863 and President of the was attached to School House. Given that MCC in 1900. the first edition ofThe Cliftonian dates As a Cambridge from 1867, not much can be gleaned man, his original about his early years at the College, but intention had the fact that he made the cricket XI every been to take year during his time at Clifton suggests an Oxbridge XI to Australia but he that his was an exceptional talent. In agreed to the 1867 edition of the school magazine, beard the kangaroo in his den and try and we read that he dominated the Athletic Now, what has all this to do with Clifton? recover those ashes Sports, winning the Mile, Half-Mile, Hurdles and Steeple-Chase, and coming Well, the following winter, an England by taking an England side instead. team was assembled under the captaincy second in the High Jump and Broad of the Honourable Ivo Bligh with the Jump, these performances earning him express aim of going to Australia “to the overall Challenge Cup. Early editions recover the ashes of English cricket.” of the magazine are sparse on statistics, thus the cricket report merely mentions One of that team, the wicket-keeper, that the season was disappointing was EFS Tylecote and he, along with with only four out of eleven “foreign” his brothers, had been one of the first matches being won. Tylecote clearly pupils at Clifton and had, in this pre- made a significant contribution to the Collins era, recorded the highest score season, and scored 78 for Present v in a cricket match in England. Although Past. In the magazine summary, he was Tylecote’s contribution to eventual described as victory in Australia was modest by his The Studd brothers, Charles and George, standards – a couple of thirties in the were part of a famous family of Victorian A really fine bat, combining a good defence first Test and 66 in the first innings of gentlemen cricketers, whilst AG Steel with extraordinary hitting powers. He the third Test – he was part of the team was reckoned by contemporaries to be promises, also, to be a first-class wicket keeper that won the series and “regained” the the equal of WG and was the first man to if he practises. He is a good field anywhere, Ashes, and he is immortalised in a poem score a century in a Test match at Lord’s. and bowls both round-arm and slows.

EFS Tylecote The Studd brothers.

CLIFTON AND THE ASHES 29 The following year sees him mentioned 100. Only two batsmen reached double No-one knows whether or not, unlike in various rugby matches although his figures one of whom, JA Bush, would AEJ Collins’ some years later, his innings brother was clearly the star in this sport, go on to be a wicket-keeper of some was chanceless but he scored only one captaining the College team. note. By the close of play on the first boundary, a prodigious hit into College day, Classical were about 50 for 1 with Road for, in those days, boundaries were The 1868 cricket report is rather Tylecote on 34, these matches usually rare and all runs had to be, literally, fuller than its predecessor, and just being given three days for completion. run; his scoring strokes were thus 1x7, as well since Tylecote’s great batting 5x5, 21x4, 39x3, 42x2 and 87 singles. achievement might have slipped quietly Play resumed on the Monday afternoon Although he was obviously a very into one of the darker corners of history. andTylecote began to score at a fairly talented cricketer, he must also have been Only two “foreign” matches were rapid rate. By the time his overnight extremely fit and must have possessed played, with Tylecote scoring 37 and partner, Cross, had been caught for 30, considerable powers of concentration. 131, but the published table of averages Tylecote had made a hundred. In an shows just how prolific a season he had attempt to stem the flow, Modern’s most enjoyed. The report for the season talented cricketer, Bush, abandoned describes him as his gloves and took on bowling, taking several wickets as a result, but Tylecote Captain for 1868. A splendid bat, has a carried on serenely being on 199 not wonderful defence, and punishes severely out out of a total of 340 for 5 when the all round; his fine wrist play gets him Chapel bell signalled the close of play at runs against the best bowling; made the 5.30pm. The following day saw Tylecote unprecedented score of 404 (not out) for the continue much in the same mode. By the Classical v Modern. As an all round field time Classical had lost its seventh wicket he has few equals, and if there is one place at 533, Tylecote had made cricket’s first in which he excels more than another, it is triple century, eventually reaching 404 point. A fair wicket-keeper and good slow out of 630 for 9 on the third day. The underhand bowler, but has fallen off in his match was thus declared a draw – in round-arm bowling; (has left).

In later life, he became more known for his specialist wicket-keeping skills which he had developed at Oxford, although he did make 100 not out against Australia in 1882. He went on to be a Mathematics teacher at RMA Woolwich and then at various Preparatory Schools before retiring to Norfolk where he died at the age of 89 in 1938. The cricketing world has long forgotten those June days some 148 years ago but we can continue to take some interest in The impact of this extraordinary score those days the device of declaring was today’s game not least for the fact that on the cricket world was immense for just not available – but two records had every time an Australian or an English such scores were quite simply not made been established in the world of cricket, cricket captain holds that little urn aloft, in the game as it then was. Thirty-eight the highest score by an individual and there is a little bit of Clifton history there years earlier, William Ward had made the highest score by a team. for all to see. 278, and Alfred Adams had surpassed RJA this with 279 in a match in 1837, but a triple, let alone a quadruple, century was considered beyond the abilities of mere humans. Tylecote’s score was achieved in a match between the Classical and the Modern sides on the Close at Clifton and in no way should this be interpreted as being a match of inferior quality since the majority of school matches at this time were internal and were considered to be of far greater importance than “foreign” matches against other clubs or schools. The Modern (ie., more technically educated, aiming at Woolwich rather than at Oxbridge) batted first and made

30 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Cliftonianthe

CONTENTS

32 Salvete/Valete

36 Commem

40 Art Review

42 Chapel Notes

43 Music

45 Literary/Activities

48 Trips

54 CCF

59 Drama

67 Clifton in the Community

68 Sport Salvete / Valete

SALVETE Louisa Bell We welcomed the following new members of the teaching uring Michaelmas Louisa arrived staff in September 2011: to observe and support lessons Dand, with the start of Anna James Baker – Teacher of Maths Patrick’s maternity leave in January, Emily Hawkins – Teacher of English she took over her own classes. Louisa Sarah Atkinson – Teacher of Modern has indeed become a superb teacher, dedicated, hard working and popular Foreign Languages with the pupils she teaches. Outside Ariane Whitehead – Teacher of Biology the classroom she has been quick to Laura Cocker – Teacher of Chemistry get involved in the wider life of the College, helping with hockey and cross William Scott – Head of Economics and Olivia Boyer country and accompanying the ski trip Business Studies livia joined Clifton in 1989 as a to Bardoneccia back in April. Louisa Kirsty Parnell – Teacher of Physical part time English teacher and leaves us to spend next year taking her Education Obecame full time two years later PGCE at Bristol. All in the Chemistry in 1991. Her many skills as an English Department wish her every success. teacher were evident from the start, Tim Greene and in 1994 the then Head master, Anne Allan Stephen Spurr, created the position of Head of International Students as he nne, if she were a book, would be wished to draw on Olivia’s experience Nik Bright an encyclopaedia of cakes! She and expertise with EFL and extend started in the Pre in August 1990, ik was raised in Bristol and, after A the profile of Clifton abroad. Initially, but it was not long before Dr Stephen Cambridge, wanted to live and teach there were only six such pupils but that Spurr poached her from Dr Acheson to Nin the city she knew so well. She number quickly increased; currently, run the Percival Library, and indeed, taught at Clifton from 2007 to 2011, and there are over seventy, most of who she then went on to be Head of all the during that time she made a significant owe a great deal to Olivia’s calm yet College Libraries. The Percival Library impact on colleagues and students. positive presence both in and out of was reclassified to the Dewey system by In the Biology department she soon the classroom. She has always been Anne and she became deeply involved in established the nickname ‘hard drive’ in generous with her time and advice, its major refurbishment. She was pretty recognition of her faultless memory and excellent in a crisis and always willing much what you might expect of a librarian, her intellectual prowess, qualities that to help. She has been a valuable but it was the help with research, the were evident at all times. The students she support for numerous international books she was keen to recommend to the taught appreciated her care and attention pupils, both academically and young, the teenagers, and the staff that to detail and her examination results pastorally, and has done the same for , made her so appreciated. were truly excellent. She became an A generations of girls who have passed level examiner and the insight she gained In SCR chapel weeks, Anne was always through Worcester House where she from the experience was of huge benefit one of the first to step up to the lectern to has been a tutor for over twenty years, deliver memorable talks on all manner of to the department. Nik also had her own working with three housemistresses. issues, from literature to the colour yellow. department to run, having been appointed More recently she has helped with Head of PSHE. As ever, she took to this role She also has a wide range of interests, PGCE students, liaising with the with customary aplomb and organised the from investigating the history of Clifton, University of Bristol, staff appraisal teaching with characteristic efficiency. where she discovered that Agatha Christie and NQT mentoring, again drawing on stayed at the College, to her garden, which her experience as a teacher, head of She was also house tutor of Hallward’s in her we hear she is actively redesigning, and department and, since 2003, Schools’ last two years, a role she thoroughly enjoyed. which is beautiful, as anyone who has Inspector. She is retiring to Turkey but This task enabled her to demonstrate the been to one of her lovely parties will bear is planning to spend some time back warm side of her personality and to show the witness. Handicrafts are another passion, in England and already has many plans genuine care she has for the well being of so much so that she started a knitting on what her future might hold. The others. The girls in the house appreciated the club at school. She is also remembered English and EFL departments will time and energy she gave on their behalf and particularly affectionately by all the male miss her deeply when she has left, as were really saddened that she has departed staff, who always appeared very promptly will many at Clifton; however, we all to Lebanon. In addition to everything else at break on Saturdays to wolf down her wish her the very best in her life after she did since she arrived she also found excellent sugar-free cakes! Clifton. time to support rowing and to take the Fiona Hallworth Sarah Clarke minutes for the SCR committee.

32 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Musically gifted, she supported the Chapel choir and enjoyed her bell ringing at churches in Bristol and other cities in Christopher D Gardiner the UK. Her willingness to contribute to the hris joined Clifton in Sept 1983, Examinations Secretary, Educational wider community saw her establish the after seven years teaching in Visits Co-ordinator, Head of Careers, and 27th Brownies at Clifton, enabling many Ctwo London comprehensives, to treasurer of the SCR and the CCF. Amongst of our younger pupils to benefit from her teach mathematics and to be Head of other pastoral roles, he was assistant expertise as a Brown Owl. Technology – which subject was just housemaster in North Town to two very coming into mainstream teaching at different housemasters. On games Nik leaves Clifton in order to live in Beirut with GCSE. He was in charge of the Clifton afternoons he was to be found supervising her husband Martin who has been appointed Satellite project, which put Clifton changed activities such as badminton in assistant professor of mathematics at the technology on the map to such an our sports halls. At weekends he became American University of Beirut. extent that the subject started being heavily involved in Ten Tors Training, and David Barrett offered at A level, and a full time Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. technology teacher was required, He has always been fascinated by speed, so that Chris reverted to his original and could be relied upon to know what Richard Crabtree love and became a full time Maths was going on at Silverstone, and in 1999 teacher. In Mathematics teaching he he joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force ichard Crabtree retired in 2010 specialised in the middle ground, operating in the Intelligence Squadron, after 34 years of distinguished where he was very successful at getting and it is through him I now know that you Rservice to the College. He was pupils to accept that they had to take can see what book someone is reading appointed as Head of Strings in 1976 by some responsibility for their own from 30,000 feet up! He took over the the then Director of Music, David Pettit, improvement. Nor was his success running of the RAF section of the CCF, for and subsequently served under John confined to GCSE, for there were many whom he was able to organise regular Davenport, Bob Carter, John Heritage university places gained through the A flying experiences in service aircraft as well and latterly James Hills. Throughout a level maths result brought about by his as some very popular and exciting camps. long career of teaching at Clifton Richard inspiration at A level too. He has earned a long and happy maintained a professional performing Outside the classroom, Chris was an retirement. As a colleague once remarked career, often appearing in a duo with energetic administrator. His posts “we won wars with people like him”. Charles Matthews (OC) on piano. For included Deputy Director of Studies, many generations of Cliftonians, Michael West however, their abiding memories will be of thrilling performances with the String Orchestra, in which Richard demanded his pupils, to whom he gave unselfishly every last ounce from his performers, John Heritage of his time, and for whom he often of memorable Summer Serenades in ohn left Clifton in 2009 after 17 had wise advice to offer based on the chapel and of a formidable passion for years of distinguished service. As considerable experience he had gained string playing in individual lessons. Jwell as being a talented musician, from a long and successful teaching James Hills John was a hugely respected teacher career. He was appointed Upper School and tutor. He was very well liked by Musical Director at Clifton in 1993. Amongst his achievements, of which John was justifiably proud, was the hosting of the MMA (Music Masters’ and Mistresses’ subject. Outside of the classroom, Dez Dez Futak Association) conference at Clifton in 1999. contributed to a wide cross section of The event was a tremendous success, ez Futak has taught Physics at the co-curriculum, running astronomy and this may have contributed to John’s Clifton College for 16 years. He is and more recently supervising students election as President of the Association Drightly famed as a teacher with an for Clifton in the Community. He was in 2002. Having brilliantly organised the extraordinary energy and enthusiasm for also a highly popular tutor in East annual conference at Aiglon College in his subject, bringing to lessons his wide Town. Within the Physics Department, Switzerland, ill health sadly prevented variety of interests and styles. His most Dez has always been a cheerful and John’s attendance. lasting legacy in the school is likely to knowledgeable colleague and his be Project Galileo, a remote controlled experience and friendship will be Alongside his classroom teaching and telescope which he designed and built, missed. He has moved away from numerous musical and co-curricular and the origin of the Clifton College teaching to concentrate on his business commitments, John was also, for many astronomy club. This continues to host interests, describing himself as years, Assistant Housemaster of The South events for other schools and astronomical “Educator, Entrepreneur & Astronomy Town and Senior Academic Tutor. organisations. Dez has a great ability Buff”. A man of many talents, I am John’s concern for his colleagues also to make even the most difficult topic certain Dez will go on to ever more found expression in John’s role as ATL fascinating and was able to enthuse remarkable things and we all wish him Union representative for the Upper School. even those for whom Physics was not the very best. John had being living with MS since it was necessarily their strongest Alex Hasthorpe diagnosed in 1994, and yet most of the pupils

VALETE 33 and staff would have had no inkling of this. Rob, of course, met Michaela one day in the Grubber and from then on it was Eventually, the time came when it was right Robert Morris inevitable that they would get married. for John to step back from the demands ob arrived at Clifton in September Perhaps what was not so inevitable of full-time teaching. He left Clifton in 2004 with me and we were was that they would move to China to June 2009, and now contributes from his Rteaching in adjoining English take on a new department in a British personal experience and wisdom to the classrooms in the Tribe building, with School, an amazing adventure on the MS Society Help Line. Now he has more the ever famous Alan Brown next door. other side of the world. We all wish them time to pursue some of his own interests Rob was also teaching Theatre Studies luck and look forward to hearing about which have had to take a back seat during at the time and when Simon Miller left their adventures. an extremely busy teaching career. Who for Asia, Rob was appointed as the new Karen Pickles knows, maybe one day he might even be Director of Drama. He took this job able to watch his beloved Luton Town FC on with enthusiasm and directed the play again in the Premier League?!*! School and Junior Plays with empathy. The Rev’d Kim Taplin A favourite of mine was Oliver, in David Oyns which he brought out the wickedness of London in Dickens’ time with the fter a lifetime – or what must have effective staging and clever lighting. seemed like a lifetime – teaching Will Hodges A D&T at a nearby comprehensive Rob came with plenty of experience in the school David Oyns came to the somewhat ill arrived in September 2010 and acting profession; after graduating from armed with his First from Oxford calmer waters of Clifton eight years ago the Oxford School of Drama on a post- as technician to our D&T department. in Italian and Portuguese, his role W graduate course he worked professionally From that day to this we have benefited started with teaching those languages to as an actor in repertory theatre including from his experience, technical expertise small groups. He soon proved so capable seasons at the local Bristol Old Vic and and his constant and loyal support. His that his involvement has grown and grown The Young Vic. He worked for GWR consistently good natured yet professional and he has found himself teaching French, radio and BBC and was involved in the schoolmasterly manner made him popular Spanish and German as well. international Alan Ayckbourn tour. with the Clifton pupils and his ever-ready He also quickly made his mark on the sports Having moved from theatre to lecturing on willingness to help anyone with staffing field and has been heavily involved with Performing Arts, he worked for Salford/ shortages or practical problems, from athletics and hockey, and in particular proved Lancaster University and then turned to broken boats and bicycles to damaged a popular coach to the 2nd XI football team teaching at Manchester High School for cupboards and commodes, meant that who had one of their best ever seasons, Girls, where he taught English. many members of the wider Clifton staff reaching the final of the Mercian League. far beyond the D&T department have His work on the House Play Festival will cause to be grateful to David also. David’s Will clearly has a bright future ahead of always be a special memory for him as it interest in and support of the CCF RAF him as a teacher, and in September he will for those who looked forward to his section increased over his time at Clifton starts a PGCE at Bristol University. summing up in poetry form each year. until he was actually head of that section Llewelin Siddons

part of a bigger team because Learning Road to Solange Support had expanded. The downstairs the Senior front classroom in 7 Northcote Road Common became Solange’s classroom for the next Room was Montgomery seven years. It became a place of learning often a painful and laughter. She was an inspirational one for her A Personal Tribute teacher who was conscientious, adored and when her students and was adored by them. she taught first met Solange in September Many of her lessons were tailor-made for in the Tribe 2001 when I arrived at the the individuals in her classes. Solange building it was induction day for new teachers I spent hours devising entertaining and a tremendous joining Clifton. educating lessons to amuse and teach her struggle for her Initially, during our first year, Solange students. to get there. and I worked alongside each other in Solange unbeknown to many suffered Those members of staff who worked The Percival Centre, where Solange from multiple and complex health at Northcote Road with Solange were worked as an EFL teacher on the top problems often requiring treatment that painfully aware of the supreme efforts floor teaching EFL classes to exam level took place in the holidays. She hid these she made over the last year or two just and individual lessons. problems as much as she could and many to keep on going. Her leukaemia was A year later we moved; the EFL and students and indeed staff were unaware progressing and she began to need more Learning Support department were of the slow deterioration in her health and and more blood transfusions to the point relocated and now Solange and I were energy levels. The journey from Northcote where it was too difficult for her to continue

34 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 for his last year with us - a record of House border was their vision and totally service for which I know the CCF are Simon Reece their creation and has been a feature of grateful. The last eight years have been the school ever since. I still love that walk a calm and steady period for D&T at hat is there to say about Simon along the parapet watching it change Clifton, notable for consistently high Reece? The bare facts speak for through the seasons and this is a lasting standards of practical products and Wthemselves. Simon first arrived at testament to Simon’s energy and vision. exam success, and I am sure that this Clifton in 1958 complete with short trousers is in part due to David’s unfailing and and no doubt the required Pre school cap. Of course Simon is not really finishing with capable support of staff and pupils. We He joined The South Town in 1964. He did Clifton completely, though leaving the wish David a long and happy retirement leave Clifton for a while before returning classroom behind after such a long stint although I am quite sure that it will be a in 1973 and he has been here ever since. at the chalkface is always going to be a very full and active one. Assistant Housemaster in Polack’s and big wrench. But you should not suppose Mark Barnacle North Town and more recently East Town, that he is off to a cushier life of fishing and Housemaster of School House for 15 hunting – though I dare say that will be years; acting Head of Biology for a year, squeezed in along the way! He now throws 5 years as acting Deputy Head and then himself into a new aspect of Clifton life Astrid Pestell Senior Master; former president of the SCR, as Secretary of the Old Cliftonian Society. erstwhile master IC X country, rowing, 2 BS He is indeed Clifton College through lifton College Germanists have Rugby including 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th XV and through and, in an age when the been extremely lucky to have had and still refereeing when hamstrings and blandness of the national curriculum, the CAstrid Pestell on the team. She knees permit. All of this shows his total search for league table success and the joined us to work as an Assistant in commitment to all things Clifton for well over tyranny of health and safety have taken 2009 and then liked the School and half a century. It is quite some achievement. much of the character out of teaching, students so much that she returned he is, and will I am sure always be, again the following year! Astrid was remembered as one of the great Clifton very well liked by staff and students characters of the modern age. and for good reason: lessons and Adam Sibley conversations with her were good- humoured, animated and well- informed. We are very sad to see Astrid leave us but it will surprise no one that Agathe Webb she is only leaving in order to complete a PGCE course in Modern Languages gathe, who studied at the at Bristol University. She will make an Sorbonne in Paris, arrived in excellent teacher of languages and no A 2004 via Badminton and the Pre. doubt we will hear more from her in Simon delights in doing things the hard She has taught French and Spanish to the years to come. way and is never happier than when whole range of students from Oxbridge Owen Lewis pushing himself to point of explosion candidates to strugglers and awkward which we all know is never far away. Even customers in bottom sets, and has his third formers have worked that out! helped all types of student to their best Things that don’t behave ( I don’t think in possible results, thanks to her thorough, working. She was however, an eternal this health and safety conscious age that encouraging approach and warm optimist and constantly thought she includes people but ...) are thrown about personality. Despite a hectic schedule would get better; she, like all of us, the class room and I believe the depart- which would grind most people down, she hoped for a cure or remission but sadly ment have recently had to put up their has radiated enthusiasm and joie de vivre. as the months wore on it became clear IT budget to include loss of mouses and that this was not going to happen. Agathe is a great believer in reaching other easily picked up but fragile items. During this time Solange was at her beyond the classroom and was the prime bravest and had a marvellous sense of Simon has left an indelible impression mover in setting up a yearly ML poetry humour, she would tell us about funny on many generations of Cliftonians, reciting competition. She also organised incidents in the hospital and entertain both those in School House, and 5th form quizzes and I especially us all with her stories. through his Biology teaching or, as the appreciated her support on the exchange list above bears testament, across a trip to Rouen in 2007. She has been a Solange sadly died on 16th December much valued tutor in West Town. 2010. Her service of thanksgiving whole range of activities. Simon has was, at her request, conducted by the even been responsible for changing Meanwhile she has, somehow, fitted Chaplain, Reverend Kim Taplin, on the look of the school, something in looking after her growing family and 7th January 2011. achieved by very few members of the being a houseparent of Guthrie House in teaching staff. His views on the School the Pre, juggling all these different roles Solange loved her job at Clifton. She House conversion are probably not unflappably. Next year she will be teaching was a very dear colleague and will be repeatable but he and his wife Sue, in the Pre, so at least Gallic chic won’t be sorely missed by all who knew her. as a labour of love, did much to create totally absent from Clifton! Jo Borek that fantastic view of the school that we can see across the Close. The School Llewelin Siddons

VALETE 35 Commem 2011

HEAD MASTER’S SPEECH

eachers are, as you know, fond of think. It is not that our pupils can’t think; compiling lists of the howlers that it is a question of their rarely being asked T their pupils make in exam papers to do so and so not really knowing how to. or in interviews. Many are widely known So typically a pupil who may have flawless and oft quoted and some fall into the exam scores and can answer questions on You’ve Been Framed category of having prepared topics very competently comes been so obviously contrived that they unstuck when asked, for example, ‘Would are clearly works of fiction. But there history be worth studying if it didn’t repeat is an exact opposite to the slip of the itself?’ or ‘How would you calculate the pen howler which is when a pupil says inter-atomic spacing of the particles in or writes something which is not quite this room?’ Or ‘Is any one language better what they mean, but which is truer and than another?’ and my favourite, ‘What cleverer than they can possibly realise. happens if you drop an ant?’ Those are all For example consider these: “ Sir Walter genuine questions asked by Oxford and Raleigh is famous because he started Cambridge interviewers. Such questions smoking”. “The Greeks were a highly readily sort out those who can think and sculptured people” and with perhaps even who know something. Thinking is not just greater complexity of double meaning closely correspond to the examiners’ mark a luxury, a kind of add on extra for the “Democracy in Athens enabled the people scheme gain the highest marks. Exam best University candidates but a necessity to take the law into their own hands”. success is therefore achieved by learning for life and a necessity in the workplaces “Romeo’s last wish was to be laid by the template that the marker is using to of tomorrow. If you want confirmation of Juliet”, (which is true in every sense). Or mark the paper, and from which the marker that ask employers what they are looking this from an Oxford philosophy entrance is not allowed to deviate. In order to win a for when they recruit graduates. So Mr paper: “John Stuart Mill wrote that the place at University our pupils have to have Michael Gove, I set you this challenge. If higher pleasures are mental but the lower very high scores in these exams, so to do thinking is so important, then why have pleasures are sensational”. Also from an that they have to spend hours and hours we constructed a school exam system Oxford entrance paper: “Even atheists learning and reproducing the templates that almost wholly militates against it? In recognise the right to practise religion”. I and model answers in order that they all the chatter about categories of school, trust that candidate was offered a place to can gain the highest marks. Teachers are of Free schools and Academies, perhaps read English in order to learn the meaning responsible for delivering the curriculum Mr Gove should stop listening to trendy of paradox. On the subject of English, Dr. specification, which makes them sound headmasters who grab his attention and Emma Smith, Tutor in English and Tutor like postmen, and helping pupils learn headlines by throwing away all their library for Admissions at Hertford College, Oxford how they can score marks by meeting books in the pursuit of happiness, or advises prospective candidates that assessment objectives. We all know it is those who are politically motivated to see Oxford interviews are not like Who wants nonsense yet we have no choice but to go education as the last battleground of the to be a Millionaire: we are not interested in along with it and do it as well as we can. class war, and focus instead on what we what you know, but in how you think. But The exam process may require tactical think as a nation we are doing in educating knowledge and thought are not mutually awareness and good technique but it rarely our young people. The famous Liverpool exclusive: they are necessary bedfellows requires much thought and in some cases manager Bill Shankley once said, “Some because you need to know about precious little knowledge either. But then, people think football is a matter of life and something in order to know how to think when the pupils have done exactly what death. They are wrong: it’s more important clearly about it. In other words, despite the the system requires of them to gain the than that”. So is education. At Clifton we evidence to the contrary from the House highest grades, even more nonsensically make no secret of that, and make it clear the system pulls the rug from under the of Commons, you cannot express thought that education is no less than a matter of feet of our pupils because whilst we have clearly if you don’t know what you are the characters and personalities of our been processing them through the factory talking about. pupils. We want to ensure that they grow of the school exam system, module by into the best possible version of the people It strikes me that as a nation we have got module, through GCSE, AS and A2, we that they already are; we want them to ourselves into something of a pickle in our have not, in that examination system, be able to think for themselves, almost approach to education. Our exam system prepared any of them for an encounter with in spite of the exam system, and thereby is now wholly based on the notion that the the likes of Dr. Emma Smith at Hertford leave Clifton liberated to do brilliant things candidates who write answers that most College who wants to know how pupils with their lives.

36 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Today we celebrate the many brilliant Groundsman Andy Matthews started at We have an ambitious development plan things that our leaving pupils have the beginning of April. He came to us from to bring all of our facilities for teaching already done in their lives at Clifton. In Harrow and had been at Taunton before and learning up to the highest standards. preparation for the Inspection in March that, and one can see his handiwork as By September we will have a dedicated we catalogued and itemised all of those you step from this marquee: I am sure Sixth Form Centre in the building behind things. We would be here for a very long that you will agree with me that The Close me currently occupied by the Health time if I listed them all but as you may has never looked so good. The first XI has centre and the Chaplaincy. The Chaplain have read, the inspection report described responded to that in fine style, winning all is moving to new accommodation in the school in the most glowing language of their matches so far this term. Worcester Terrace, which is opposite available to bureaucracy, and our music When the facilities are as good as they are the front entrance of Wiseman’s, and and art as exceptional. In music no fewer the pupils raise their game, their games, the Health Centre will move into the than 41 pupils have achieved grades 7, to match. Yet again a girls’ hockey team Chaplaincy. This creates space for 8 and above in the last year. There are went to the National Finals: this year it classrooms and offices for the teaching no fewer than 26 group rehearsals each was the turn of the Under 14s. Hockey at of sixth form only subjects: specifically week ranging from Flute quartet to Rock Clifton is now established at a new level. it will house the Psychology department workshop, as well as regular concerts Many of you were present on March 4th and some Economics teaching, together and recitals. The quality of the art you can for the opening of the new international with Mr Greenbury, Head of Sixth Form’s see for yourselves and few schools send standard water-based hockey pitch office, and all of the resources our sixth so many pupils on to Art School. Over 50 at Beggar’s Bush. Hockey is not the formers need as they focus on Careers current pupils have played representative only game the girls excel at. In March and University choices and applications. sport at County level or above. The Lucinda Pigott won the first ever girls’ Smaller rooms will allow for quiet study performing arts flourish, as you will know Rackets open competition at Queen’s and for research as well as interview if you saw any of this year’s productions which means she has won her place in training. The most ambitious new project including some truly remarkable House history; not only that but the final was of them all is a Centre for the Performing plays. The record of excellence goes an all Clifton affair with Lucinda beating Arts on the site of the existing Redgrave across a whole range of activities, trips, Emma Powell in a final that was Clifton 1 Theatre and the Chateau. But before tours, expeditions and visits abroad, all v. Clifton 2. Also in racket sports Clifton you get too excited, these plans are at a of which offer our pupils life-enhancing won the Real Tennis schools doubles very early stage and face considerable experiences. But of course it is the competition. Elsewhere the footballers hurdles in terms of planning, design and issue with which I began, an academic had their most successful season since indeed financing. But if we want Clifton education, and education of the mind, football was introduced in 1959 at the to be one of the very best schools in the that matters most. Of course the outcome insistence of a pupil by the name of John country we need to press ahead. Some of matters too. 80% of those Cliftonians Cleese, who successfully petitioned these projects will need financial support who applied in 2010 were offered places the Head Master to allow it. Cleese was beyond the reach of the College’s current at the Russell group or 1994 group of you won’t be surprised to learn a very resources, and to that end we have set universities, that is to say the most persistent and articulate advocate. The up The Clifton College Development prestigious ones, some 5% ahead of next project at BB will be a high quality Trust. This is a separate charity with eight comparable schools according to data first XI football pitch next to the 3G founding Trustees, seven of whom are supplied to us by UCAS. pitch and two superb cricket squares on Old Boys and the eighth, its Chairman, We also said farewell after a long and Whitehead, which is the area above the is a current parent. To ensure particularly distinguished Clifton career to the Head new hockey pitch on the Failand side as it joined up thinking and planning, the Groundsman Nigel Peacock. During his were. There are on-going discussions and Chairman of the Old Cliftonian Society time Beggar’s Bush has been transformed architects’ plans for further development (who is also a current parent) is one of from an open space of rocky fields into at BB too, although these are at the early the Trustees. As we all work together one of the finest sports and leisure stages of conception, but the long-term for the future of Clifton, the purpose of facilities for miles around. The new Head plan is to create matchless facilities at BB. the Trust is to help us to accelerate our

COMMEM 37 Development Plan. This is not just about HEAD BOY’S SPEECH: GEORGE KINSEY Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Trophy against buildings and facilities, but is also about Bristol Grammar School. For me, and It is almost impossible to believe that just bringing together the best pupils and the probably many of the other 1200 people over ten years ago I started my journey at best teachers in the best school of all, as at a drenched Clifton Rugby Club, it was a Clifton. Coincidentally, the first memory George reminded us. night that will never be forgotten. The girls that sticks in my mind – and probably have also experienced similar successes, 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the always will – was as a small, shy, little with their hockey team almost invariably founding of the school on September boy, being persuaded to read at the Pre being County Champions and being more 30th 1862, with 60 boys, thirty of who School Carol Service. Clearly not much than competitive at a regional level. boarded and 30 of who were day boys. has changed. However, in actual fact, this Clifton is highly unusual in having been year’s Upper Sixth has, without doubt, Furthermore, although I cannot even founded as, and always having been, developed and ripened into a fairly good begin to claim that I am blessed with any both a boarding and day school and the bunch over the years. dramatic or musical ability, I was dragged diverse mix of pupils that results is one into playing a part in this year’s school The average Clifton College Leaver 2011, of the school’s great strengths. There production of Les Miserables alongside during his or her time in the Upper School, will be much to celebrate in 2012 and 10 similarly incompetent members of my will have attended 4986 lessons, been numerous events, far too many for me House. Ignoring our input of sharp and flat present at 2198 Callovers, walked into to describe to you now, but I do need to notes (which are apparently undesirable) Chapel 967 times, and spent approximately draw your attention to a couple. Next year and horribly out-of-step dance-moves, far too long socialising on the Close. Yet the Commem will be at the end of the Summer there were some brilliant performances problem with the aforementioned statistics, within a truly outstanding overall show. is that they are based upon the “average Cliftonian.” Aside from a wind-swept side- However, in my opinion, it is a myth to parting, a universal adoration of Barbour assume that a successful education is jackets and an insistence on going to Lizard based solely upon quantifiable outcomes, Lounge (arguably the worst club in Bristol) whether this be three letters from A to E, every single Saturday night, there is no or the amount of points for and against in such thing as an average or stereotypical a particular match or season. Of course, pupil. In the simplest form, there are boys measurable results are undeniably and girls like me who started their journey important, but there is so much more to at Clifton 10 years ago in the Pre; there it than that. At a recent Scholars’ Dinner, are a select few who are Clifton Veterans, Doctor Waller said that the best thing having spent 15 years at the school; there about Clifton is that it is full of “hundreds are others who joined us in the transition of fragments of beauty.” Although he to the Upper School; and some whom we may well have been referring to the have had the pleasure of knowing only lovely ladies of Worcester, West Town, during the Sixth Form. Hallward’s, Oakeley’s, I think that, in fact, he was seeking to convey the diversity of Term. Pre Commem will be on Friday July This denial of a stereotypical Leaver opportunity that Clifton offers, and I agree 6th followed by a concert in the Catholic 2011 is further accentuated by the vast entirely. Speaking personally, I should say Cathedral and a specially commissioned assortment of skills and personalities that that the previous instance of my short- Son and Lumière will tell the story of this year’s Upper Sixth possesses. From lived career in musical-theatre reflects Clifton’s history in light and sound as dusk sportsperson to thespian, musician to this perfectly. Yet, in reality, it is the House falls on the Close. We hope to enlist the debater, single-minded scholar to genuine system which predominantly offers us help of some famous OC actors, producers all-rounder, we have them all. As a result, these opportunities. Furthermore, I feel and directors, subject to their very busy we have had successes and achievements fairly secure in saying that, for every schedules. Upper School Commem will be in a widespread variety of fields. Cliftonian, his or her best memories are on Saturday July 7th with a special 150th We have continued the upward trend of almost always founded in House events. Anniversary Ball in the evening. In the academic progression here at Clifton, week leading up to Commem, there will For some, these will be the more with many achieving places at the be a host of events so mark your diaries conventional events, such as being top universities in the world, such as now. On the weekend of the 29/30th beaten by us, Moberly’s, at inter-house Oxbridge, London, Durham and even of September we will mark the exact rugby, or football, or hockey, or cricket. some in the Ivy League. anniversary of 150 years with the Clifton For others, it may be House Song night or v Marlborough rugby match, the oldest We have also excelled on the sports’ the House Drama Festival; occasions of schoolboy fixture of them all. On the pitch. Some of us have been fortunate fearsome competition, but ones in which, Sunday there will be two commemorative enough to experience successful tours to if you look a little past the incessant Chapel Services. Ladies and gentlemen, glamorous places around the globe, such shouting, taunting and gloating, you can I hope you will gather from this that as California, South Africa, Barbados… glimpse genuine, total unity throughout Clifton is a school in very good order, and Belfast. The Rugby 1st XV had the the school. It may be a question of slightly yet always striving to be even better in most successful season for several years, more obscure events, such as inter-house all that it does to give our pupils the very winning every cup possible, and perhaps darts, backgammon, mastermind or tug best experience. most memorably, winning the inaugural of war. Or in fact, it may be technically

38 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 George Kinsey non-competitive events, such as one another, whilst at the same time finally, to this year’s leavers; to be quite congregational practice. More lovingly understanding and acknowledging honest, I couldn’t have wished for a better known as “Congers,” this takes place each other’s differences. Our year group collection of boys and girls to have spent every Saturday morning and entails each may well be composed of many very the past 10 years with. House attempting to raise the roof of the versatile and talented individuals, but Over the past few weeks, it has become Chapel whilst singing a broad range of we are, above all, a community of people increasingly apparent that it is no longer songs, from Blake and Parry’s Jerusalem, who respect each other’s abilities and a question of adding up how often we to Abba’s Dancing Queen, to attempting personalities. And without that respect, have been to Chapel, how many lessons and failing (like every other Cliftonian) to I can guarantee that whatever successes we have attended or how long we have master the verses of our school song. I we have been fortunate enough to spent on the Close. Instead, it has been have heard many fellow pupils claim that achieve, tangible and intangible, would the slightly sombre realisation that it is these fifteen minutes are their favourite not have been half as substantial. a countdown towards the conclusion. part of the school week. Almost all that remains for me to say, on We face that conclusion with sadness, In the words of the Headmaster, Clifton behalf of the leaving Upper Sixth, is a but with great confidence, because, as tries to enable each and every pupil “to huge thank you. Firstly, thank you to our Nelson Mandela said: “A good head and become the best version of themselves.” parents and families for all the sacrifices a good heart are always a formidable Of course, it is largely the House system that they have made to enable us to combination”, and Clifton has certainly which offers the opportunity and spend so many happy years here together. given us these. Thus, wherever our paths encouragement to all pupils to try their Secondly, to all the staff who have put up may lead us next – to university, to foreign hand at things which might otherwise with us for so long, and never ceased to lands or into the workplace – I have no pass them by or be beyond their habitual offer guidance and support on all fronts. doubt that we will all find happiness and comfort zone. But this fundamental aim is, Thirdly, to all the younger pupils for success. I therefore hope that we cherish I believe, also enshrined in the school’s causing minimal irritation – you have all these final closing moments, because, ethos and shared by all who work in the undoubtedly added to our experience at to quote the school song (and a part of school – by the teachers who sincerely Clifton, and I hope that when it is your turn which we all know), these have been care for our progression and well-being in to reflect on your time here, you are able “great days and jolly days at the best all fields and by the pupils who support to do so as affectionately as I can. And school of all.”

COMMEM 39 Art Review At the end of May our fourth form students were taken to visit the newly refurbished uring the Michaelmas term we took National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. As well as having the opportunity to look our sixth form students on an art Rivers Museums in Oxford in preparation at their superb permanent collection of Deducational visit to some London for their GCSE externally set assignment. art ranging from prehistoric through the galleries to see examples of old master, They were given the opportunity to see 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries to the impressionist, modern, post modern and examples of old master, impressionist, present, the students were treated to a contemporary works of art for reference modernist, contemporary and tribal art special exhibition of drawings, lithographs and inspiration. While our History of Art and artefacts at first hand. The students and posters by the 19th century French students visited the National Gallery and spent the day making sketches, taking Post-Impressionist artist Toulouse-Lautrec. the Courtauld Institute, the Fine Art students photographs and writing notes which took a Tate to Tate boat trip from Tate Britain helped to enrich and inspire their final In June the sculptor and ceramicist Gill to Tate Modern. The Eadweard Muybridge examination pieces. Bliss visited the school to deliver a one exhibition at Tate Britain was of particular day workshop to some of our fourth form In the year that Bristol Zoo Gardens interest to some students as we have now GCSE sculpture students. They were given celebrates its 175th anniversary, a introduced Photography at A2 level. a behind the scenes insight into some of competition was organised by the zoo and the techniques used by the animators at The House Art competition was held in sponsored by the local business community Aardman Studios where Gill has worked November and this year our Adjudicator in which students and local artists were as a model maker. She now lectures in was Phil Walker, the Exhibitions Manager asked to decorate templates in the shape animation at the University of Worcester, and Curator of the Bristol City Museum of a gorilla with the winning designs used and she spent the day guiding the students and Art Gallery who organised the Banksy to decorate some life size gorilla sculptures through the process of creating their Exhibition in 2009. Once again the to be placed around the city of Bristol this own monkey and gorilla models in clay, competition brought a diverse range of summer. One of the winners was Clifton with particular emphasis on expression entries with works ranging from traditional third form student Mariya Gocheva and she and facial detail. She emphasised the illustrational to the contemporary. There was presented with a smaller version of importance of drawing to the students and are many talented artists across the houses the gorilla sculpture which she decorated her workshop included a period of gestural and prizes were awarded for drawing, with her colourful and imaginative winning chalk sketching at the end of the session. painting, sculpture and photography in design. This will be displayed permanently most of the year groups. Yoo Jae Hoang, in the school and the “Wow! Gorillas” Fourth form student Jack Bath commented Polly Chappell, Jack Scrutton, Liza Pasyada, competition also raised significant funds to that “Gill’s specialist knowledge really Francesca Ffiske, Johnny Gill, Angus help support gorilla conservation. helped me to create an expressive and Chung, Katie McInally, Ryan Son, Emily detailed gorilla sculpture”. Young, Charlie Bullimore, Frankie Tromans, The Commem exhibition took place in Naomi Warner-Hughes, Lauren Tang, Zoe the Tribe building in May. The students Another fourth form student Karen Ng Crook and Ian Huntington were among the had worked across a variety of genres added “Through the artist’s instruction we recipients. The House whose members won and their pieces included drawings, were able to understand proportion better the most individual prizes and therefore the paintings, etchings, aquatints, block and our models seemed so realistic and full prestigious House Art Trophy was Oakeley’s prints, sculptures, ceramics, silk paintings, of life”. photographs and life drawings. For the first House, well done Oakeley’s. It was a successful and exciting day for time at Clifton we included A2 Photography the students and the sculptures that they During the Lent term we entered the work having introduced Photography at produced will be a valuable asset to their Senior Schools Art Competition at Bristol AS level for the first time last year. Our GCSE coursework. Cathedral. This is an annual event open to Photography students have learned studio students from all of the Bristol Secondary lighting techniques, manual camera We ended the year with a joint GCSE, Schools both state and private, which settings, film processing and darkroom AS and A2 exhibition in which the is designed to showcase the work of skills encompassing photograms, pinhole work of every examination student was the artists of the future and is judged by camera techniques, photo etching, liquid represented. Many visitors commented members of the Royal West of England emulsion printing on different surfaces, that the standard of the students’ work Academy and the Bristol Savages Art with basic elements of digital photography exhibited was very high this year and they Society. The standard of some of the and manipulation using computers. were thrilled at the overall quality of the work exhibited was extremely high and There were examples of different genres pieces. Several visitors said that perhaps I am pleased to say that Katie McInally of photography including portraiture, the strongest feature of our exhibitions is was highly commended by the judges landscape, wildlife, documentary, the proficiency shown by the students in for her excellent oil painting of a girl in a journalism and advertising. Harriet their drawings. maroon dress and Coty Mo was also highly Watkinson had worked exceptionally commended for her interesting painting of There is a lot of emerging talent in the hard to produce a beautiful set of layered a girl stepping out through a picture frame school and we wait with anticipation to see work which encouraged the viewer to from a different pictorial space. how this will unfold next year. lift up sections and explore the images In February our Fifth Form GCSE students underneath that visually describe her Allan Wilkie, were taken to the Ashmolean and Pitt journey through a landscape. Director of Art

40 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 CLIFTONIAN 41 Chapel Notes

of Deputies of British Jews, 1985-91, & The Pre and Upper School Chapel and past President of the OC Society, 1991-93) Chamber Choirs have magnificently and Mr Ian Yemm (Chaplain, University of enhanced and enriched the worship the West of England). Head of the College, during the Chapel services with their Mr Mark Moore and the Headmaster of inspiring and moving anthems. Some of the Pre, Mr John Milne, have also given the highlights have been the Pre Evensongs us the benefit of their wisdom, vision and in the Michaelmas and Lent terms, Music insight from the Chapel pulpit. Perhaps and Readings for Lent, the Advent and the most memorable address of the year Christmas Carol services and, of course, the was given by Dr Christopher Waller (former Commemoration services. I am very grateful Headmaster, Eltham College), appropriately to all of the choir members and to James on Remembrance Sunday. Many pupils, staff Hills, David Pafford, Daniel Robson and and parents observed that it was the most James Drinkwater for their skill, commitment, moving address they had ever heard on such inspiration and sense of fun! an occasion. Generosity is one aspect of a holistic The Pre and Upper School Commemoration lifestyle, and the collections from all Chapel services were, once again, marvellous Services go to support a wide range of local, celebrations of the College’s vision and life. national and international charities. Some he end is an unusual place to begin! The Pre congregation was challenged by the of the beneficiaries this year have been: The final Upper School chapel service celebrated writer and presenter, Sue Palmer NSPCC, Five Talents UK, The Leprosy Mission, Tof any academic year is a powerful (author of Toxic Childhood), to consider the The Royal British Legion, SSAFA Forces Help, and poignant occasion. It is almost a rite of role of genuine play in the development of The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen passage. There is an established pattern to children and young people. On the following and Women, Caring at Christmas, Children’s this final fifteen minutes of a pupil’s time at day, the Chapel congregation was captivated Hospices UK, Age UK, Shelter, The Children’s Clifton. The familiar liturgical form gives the by a powerful and inspiring address given Society, St George’s Church (Easton-in- leavers a much-needed sense of emotional by Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE (Global Gordano) Tower Appeal, CARE International, and spiritual security as they contemplate Head of Citizenship & Diversity, KPMG). Camps International Trust (Sasenyi Primary moving on to pastures new. We always sing Other special services have included the School & Imani Women’s Group, Tsavo, The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended and Butcombe Harvest, Nativity and Spring Kenya), CAFOD, British Red Cross, The Bahay we always conclude with a Gaelic blessing Celebrations, and the Christmas Eve Crib Bata Street Centre - the Philippines, UNICEF. followed by Widor’s Toccata as the organ and Christingle Service which attracted a Chaplaincy Papers have been published voluntary. To rapturous, supportive applause staggering 900 strong congregation! Equally to stimulate thinking and discussion on and cheers, the leavers (pupils and staff) exit memorable was the Service of Confirmation religious, spiritual, moral and pastoral the Chapel first. Most eyes are, at the very at Bristol Cathedral at Pentecost (12th June) issues. The Papers are issued to all staff least, moist! led by the Bishop of Swindon. Fourteen in the College and are available to Council In the ante-chapel there is a 200 piece jigsaw candidates (11 from the Pre and 3 from the members, parents and interested Sixth of a photographic image of the College. Each Upper School) were presented to the Bishop, Formers. The most recent paper was entitled leaving pupil and member of staff takes and each student received excellent support Still Building Jerusalem in which the Chaplain one piece of the puzzle to symbolize their from their families, godparents and friends. presented a vision for Chapel in the 21st unique contribution to the life of the School, century. During term time, the Chaplain and yet also their corporate belonging to the e-mails a reflective ‘Thought for the Week’ to ‘big picture’. Whatever they end up doing, all staff in the College and to every pupil in wherever they are in the world, the leavers the Upper School (these can also be viewed will always remain an indispensable part of on the College’s web site). Clifton College at that stage in its history. Final Finally, thanks must be given to those Chapel is just one of the reasons why the individuals who have contributed a great Chapel building is so central to Clifton life. deal to the life of the Chapel, often behind During the academic year 2010/11, the the scenes. The ushers from the boarding pulpit has been occupied by some gifted houses have been responsible and efficient, and inspiring preachers. Clergy visitors have and the flower arrangers, marshalled by included the Very Revd Dr David Hoyle (Dean Chryssa Taplin, have been faithful and very of Bristol) and the Revd Phil Cansdale OC creative. As usual, the verger Allan Crocker (Vicar of Trinity Churches, Shrewsbury). Very has worked with commitment and pastoral challenging and apposite addresses were sensitivity. His friendship and wise advice delivered by the following lay preachers: Dr have been invaluable. Lionel Kopelowitz JP (President of the Board The Revd Kim Taplin

42 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Music

his has been a busy year in the Music was Morning Madrigals at the start of May firmly established itself in the music School. Scores of practical exams were sung from the dizzy heights of the Wilson calendar. The warm and ongoing support T sat on a range of different instruments tower. Our aim was to emulate the world offered by the Bristol Guild charity is and voices with considerable success. famous choir of Magdalen College, Oxford much valued and the collaboration suits There is an astonishing amount of work who have a long standing tradition of all concerned. The Summer Serenade and dedication involved in the preparation singing Madrigals at daybreak. Our start is Clifton’s annual concerto concert and of pupils for these exams and my sincere time was rather more modest (8am) and I gives our very best musicians the chance thanks go to each and every teacher who hope in future years more pupils, staff and to perform the has helped to prepare pupils for public parents will join us for a fun occasion. most ambitious examinations. The Tuesday lunchtime recital series, types of concert The Chapel Choir has continued this year instigated in January 2010, has gone from repertoire. The to perform at a large number of ‘starred’ strength to strength. Each week a solo standard has risen chapel services. Remembrance Sunday, performer presents a fifteen minute recital year on year and the Advent carol service, the school carol in the music school to which members of I urge you make service, the Old Cliftonian service and of their house are invited. There has been a note to attend course the annual service of dedication considerable support and enthusiasm the 2012 Summer at Commem are some that stick in the from all houses which has been extremely Serenade, falling mind. This year the upper school used an gratifying to witness. The standard expected as it does during extensive brass ensemble to augment the is at least grade 7, and it is of course some the College’s massed singers in a performance of John indication of the level of Clifton’s music 150th anniversary Rutter’s much loved ‘Gloria’. The rousing that there has been no shortage of willing celebrations. sound made by participants and indeed a waiting list that At house level music continues to thrive, all combined already stretches into 2012. notably through house music evenings, performers will Continuing on the theme of solo organised by pupils themselves. The long stay in the performances there have been numerous music school has witnessed evenings memory. outstanding examples over the course given by West Town, School House and The recently of the academic year. Julia Hwang, Lana South Town and a feature of each of them formed Chamber Trimmer (the 2010 Kadoorie cup winner), has been the enthusiasm and mutual Choir, drawing Elleri Hughes, Loxley Coates, Lauren respect offered by pupils one to another. upon our most Gilmour, Hugo Lau and Marienella Phillips Of course the most significant house music experienced have all given substantial forty minute event of the year falls in October in the singers, also sang recitals. Given their tender ages and many form of the House Song competition. The evensong at other significant school commitments I 2010 competition was notable in that it Bristol Cathedral extend my personal congratulations for all was the first time in recent years in which during the that they have achieved. Their teachers every house competed in both competitions summer term. (including Margaret Thomas, Jane George, (part-song and unison). The ultimate Another new Charlotte Ridley, Andy Nowak and Imogen winners were Worcester House in the part- addition to the Triner) deserve especial credit. song and Wiseman’s House in the unison. music calendar The Summer Serenade in May has now The whole school came together to sing

MUSIC 43 at the Choral Congers concert at the end received performances. term. Under the expert leadership of Martin of the Lent term. This was a spirited event There were also opportunities for Pring and his dedicated team of supporting and showed the pupils in fine voice. The Cliftonians to get immersed in all types staff the orchestra has grown in stature most popular musical numbers were once of informal music making and the regular in recent months and makes a thrilling again the pupils’ favourite hymns: ‘Shine acoustic guitar nights in the JCR are and exciting sound. During the recent ISI Jesus shine’ was sung with gusto! just such examples. The evenings are inspection the lead inspector, himself a January saw the return of the Fine Arts characterised by a warm appreciation distinguished musician, was heard to pass Brass Ensemble for their third visit to amongst pupils and we are constantly comment on the excellent string playing. Clifton in recent times, having previously surprised by new emerging talent which Indeed, the Inspection’s overall finding performed in 2004 and 2006. Their often comes to the fore. On a grander that the provision for music at the College comprehensive day began in the scale the evergreen band night in Lent is exceptional bears testament to all of the preparatory school with a demonstration term in the Redgrave Theatre continues to hard work that occurs on a daily basis in of brass music, with special focus on the attract a large and appreciative audience. the music school. fanfare. The younger pupils were clearly Long may that important strand of music James Hills inspired by the fabulous performances making continue. Thanks go of course to Director of Music and we hope that a new wave of brass Jerry Crozier-Cole and Andy Davis for their players will be motivated to take up a support in these ventures. new instrument. Later in the day there Although serious in their own right, the were master classes with Clifton pupils Blues and Soul nights have an informal and Fine Arts Brass also gave a world and fun feel too, and audiences for premiere performance of a Theme and this talented group have been enjoying Variations written by GCSE student Daniel numerous performances over the course Baryshnikov (ST). The day came to a of the year. Perhaps their most high climax with an evening recital in chapel profile concert was at Commem when they at which FABE were joined by the upper performed in the marquee on Friday night. school Chapel and Chamber Choirs in a There were many exciting individual programme of eclectic musical styles, from performances and it was pleasing to see CH Parry to Duke Ellington. much younger talent emerging from year The Autumn and Spring concerts in Big 10 (Charlotte Bresnahan, Mabel Moll, A great night for Clifton School maintained their popularity this Dylan Trenouth) to complement some of ongratulations to Oliver Gittings and year and gave a diverse range of musical the old-timers! Lana Trimmer, who came 2nd and groups an opportunity to perform in The orchestra performs at three of the C3rd respectively, in the Bristol Rotary public. Cello ensemble, recorder club, most prestigious concerts of the year; the Young Musician Competition held in the numerous saxophone ensembles, jazz Christmas concert in Michaelmas term, Greta Hall of Bristol Grammar School on workshop, brass ensemble, Concert Big the Joseph Cooper concert in Lent term Friday 15th October. Band and others gave polished and well and the Commem concert in the summer The Rotary Young Musician competition, now in its eighth year, is a fantastic event which gives a platform to the cream of young musicians. The standard of musicianship rises year on year, enabling young talent to gain valuable experience and test their skills against all manner of vocal and instrumental competition. Oliver played Sarabande from Partita No 1 (J S Bach), the 2nd movement of Strauss’ violin sonata, and Scherzo-Tarantelle by Wieniawski on violin; while Lana chose Zigeunerweisen (Sarasate), Estrellita (Ponce) and Perpetuum Mobile (Novacek), also on violin. Very well done to both Upper School pupils.

44 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Literary Activities

MINI SAGAS

Battle Field by Mitchell Dowding in committee with The sound of gunfire died, and silence the delegates filled the air. Bloodstained bodies lay debating and hopelessly on the wet mud. The war had attempting to ended, but once again, nobody had won. pass resolutions All that remained was the foul stench of across a range of death and the salty tears, balanced on the global problems. cheeks of the now forever silent. Probably the most topical of the A Christmas Surprise by Florence Petrie committees, given His red hat jingled from side to side. He the breaking news was standing in front of me, his ruddy from that region, nose and cheeks, his soft white beard. His was the Middle smile turned to a snarl. He approached me East Committee. slowly, his feet making a dull thud. I ran petrified of what he had in store. MUN Events in this region also provided the basis for the Emergency Debate in the Full Stops by Anna Morgan odel United Nations continues to General Assembly on the last day where Don’t look! You don’t want to see. But I Mdevelop at Clifton and there is a hard delegates had to think on their feet and can’t stop listening. Crowds jeering. The core of enthusiasts who have been doing respond to an ever changing scenario. crimes I supposedly committed. Rattling this for three years since it first started There is an element of competition in these fear in my breath. The singing of a blade and attended last year’s big conference events and it was very encouraging that being sharpened. My head is shoved onto in Edinburgh. This year we sent two two of our delegates were commended the block. The axe is raised. Death reaches delegations, representing Serbia and for their contributions in committee. Will for me. I whisper a prayer. Algeria, to the Bath International Schools Rushworth, following on from his ‘Best in Alone? By James Heald MUN conference. This is one of the largest Committee’ in Edinburgh last year, was I’m Alone. Am I? conferences of its type and there were over ‘highly commended’ in the Economic 600 delegates attending from schools Committee and Tonye Sekibo was I walked on, the moon lighting my way throughout the United Kingdom and even ‘commended’ for his contribution to the through the wooded forest. some from Europe. The first day was spent Africa Committee. Snap! ...I whipped round to see the mist swirl around and fade away... The trees, every one of them looked like some grotesque image of Death...snap! ...‘Hello, is there anyone there?’ Cutting it . . . No answer. ollowing on from last year’s success, I’m alone? Am I? FClifton College was delighted to hold Kiss by Mariya Gocheva an “Opportunities in Surgery” evening for The lorry swerved towards me, menace Sixth Form students on 25th March 2011 in its eyes. I gripped the steering wheel, and welcomed pupils from 11 schools yanked it to the side. Too late. The collision within the south west region. sent my car flying, seatbelts crushed my The highlight of the evening consisted of ribs. The lorry was unharmed. My car, the suturing workshop, where pupils were spoke of what it was really like compared embraced in flames. The heat licked my given the opportunity to use the very tools to the TV dramas and also gave real-life skin, and gave its goodbye kiss. of a surgeon. Armed with forceps, scissors, examples of life threatening surgery and Untitled by Charles Vaughan haemostats and sutures, the pupils were how to deal with successes as well as He remained with friends until his death. instructed and participated in the art of failures. interrupted suturing on life-like skin pads. He did not realise their true intent. But The pupils were left buzzing about the After practice, many were perfecting their soon he leant upon those old steps event and very positive about the nearby. They pounced on him and stabbed skills and concentrating on precision and application process. While nationally only him like he was a wild boar. Finally he neatness. 1 in 9 applicants to medical school are turned and spat out those final, few cold The evening ended with an enlightening offered a place, last year 9 of the 11 words. talk from Dr Hari Nageswaran, a surgical applicants from Clifton College received ‘Et tu, Brute?’ trainee doctor from South Gloucester. He offers. LITERARY 45 Debating Society his year’s debates have allowed some Tof our most erudite pupils to show off their intellectual abilities to the very fullest. All houses have been involved, Clifton Charities Committee 2010/11 with a number of students new to the “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can competition, whether they are in third form and encountering Upper School debating for change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead the first time, or in the lower sixth, finding out exactly how intimidating it is to talk pper Sixth representatives from every Prince’s Trust, Caring at Christmas, Quartet in front of three hundred of one’s peers. UHouse and in some case several from Community Foundation. Every debater has risen to the challenge, as one House form the Clifton Charities So in the past 18 months we put pennies have the unforgettable and witty audience group. This is by no means the only group on the parapet and raised £450 for Haiti, participators who added much to the that raises money for charity, indeed we collected 1,000 pairs of socks for the competitive melting pot of claim, counter Clifton across the three schools raises over homeless in Bristol and ran three back to claim, rebuttal, summation, and occasional £30,000 a year for the many charities it back marathons to support Major Jay Ferman joke that is inter-house debating at Clifton. supports. Roughly 50% of graduates work OC (ET) in his 86 mile run to raise money for The junior debates began in Michaelmas for a charity in some form or another and children of serving men and women in the term with Hallward’s and Moberly’s debating so it is important that the pupils and the armed forces. Last year we raised £1,000 for whether girls or boys do better in school. school as a whole gains an insight into four Cliftonians to take a St John’s Ambulance Subsequently, pupils from the third, fourth identifying charitable needs, organising to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, and this year and fifth forms argued the dangers of events and raising money efficiently. we helped Katie King during her Gap Year to social networking sites, the sources of state raise the same amount for the local Emmaus benefits, and, in round 5, whether or not Before money raising starts the group go charity. The whole school was affected by adults understand teenagers. This debate to their Houses and ask what charities the the sudden death of Ryan Bresnahan with saw the first appearance of the Oakeley’s pupils would particularly like to support meningitis last year and a large range of team. The South Town entered the debate in and year after year the consensus is for events were organised to raise over £1,000 for round 7, debating in support of the activities helping other young people locally and “Life for a Cure”, a charity set up by his family. of WikiLeaks. Taking in equality in modern overseas. They also like to respond to The group have managed the carnations on society and influences on young people, these international events as well as personal Valentine’s Day, run pub quizzes, organised teams battled their ways to the final debate: stories connected to the school. The home clothes days, sold bacon sandwiches “Democracy is the best form of Government”. school has a long-term commitment to and doughnuts and willingly given their time, Despite a spirited and well-informed case supporting an orphan in Kenya through creativity and thoughtfulness. against them, the team of Emily Wright and his education – Edwin Obala, Opportunity Fiona Hallworth Lily Stratford, captained by Fran Buist, won a International, a microfinance charity, The Director of External Relations highly deserved victory in the Junior Debates this year, recapturing the cup for Oakeley’s. The senior debates have been just as CHRISTIAN FORUM impressive. Time and again I have been Word to the world is Jesus. We have been struck by the maturity and intelligence of e have enjoyed another very busy year looking at how Jesus is better than the Old our sixth form students, as they argued Win the Christian Forum. Our weekly Testament background of priests and Moses. a challenging variety of topics, including Wednesday evening meetings in Room 13 There has been the encouragement to avoid the blame for the state of the UK economy, have attracted between ten and thirty pupils drifting away from Jesus and his rest. whether or not we have been visited by each week; all year groups have been repre- Many of the outside speakers are leaders at aliens (which, memorably, featured a cameo sented from the Third up to the Sixth Form Iwerne Holidays or full time staff members of on stage from a masked alien!), suggesting including a number of very loyal Lower Sixth that organisation – Iwerne Holidays organise solutions to the energy crisis, the future of formers. I think that many who come along Christian holiday parties in Norfolk as well as the monarchy, and eventually, the Moberly’s to the meetings are just finding out what the other activities and Clifton has a reasonable v. South Town final. The last debate of this Christian Faith is all about whereas a few link with these holidays at the moment – season had Moberly’s proposing “this others are committed Christians who wish to over the last year around ten Cliftonians House believes there is hope for the future”. grow in their understanding of the faith. have attended one of the holidays or the The Pyrke-Edwards-Porter team fought Easter Revision week. Mr Corrie and Mr their corner very well, in a debate filled As special events for the Christian Forum Gardner are regular leaders at the summer with twists, turns, and reinterpretations, all we hosted a Christmas party and summer Iwerne Holidays. presented in six individual, entertaining, and barbeque this year. For the regular normal witty speeches. The victors in a close match meetings we try to devise a theme for the Anyone is very welcome at any meeting of were ultimately the optimists in Moberly’s: talks and discussions. As I write, we have just the Christian Forum - the only qualification James Hanson, George Kinsey and Alex started a series of short talks about God’s needed is an interest in the Christian faith Mullan, who retain the senior debate trophy revelation from Hebrews; almost all the talks and a desire to think through the various from last year. are given by outside speakers. The main issues involved. message of the series has been God’s final Jay Gardner Alex Hasthorpe

46 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Holocaust Memorial Day dramatic talents Percival Library Highlights The Library’s Lent Term began with a Holocaust of Mr Ahamed Martin Bell Memorial Day display by Hazel Williams. The as he got them The Michaelmas theme of the display was Untold Stories: staff thinking about Term kicked off and students researched their family histories pacing, character with a bang this and the display also encompassed various and detail. The year as the Percival contributions by local members students retold Library welcomed of the Second Generation famous stories, providing their Martin Bell, OBE group in Bristol. A centrepiece of the display was the original, own modern twists and personalised turns to to the school. Mr true story of the journey of Mrs their chosen tales. Bell, the renewed Williams’ father’s typewriter. television journalist Jungle Library and politician came to Clifton College to give a Paul Cornell, DC Comics Writer By far the most exciting event in the Summer talk on politics following the release of his new In February, the Percival Library welcomed a Term was the Percival’s ‘Jungle Library’ for book, A Very British Revolution. prominent comic book writer from DC Comics. Commemoration. The Library was decked Paul Cornell, who recently signed an exclusive out in vines and greenery – with plants and Dressed in his famous white suit, Mr Bell spent contract with DC, spoke to the Library’s Graphic a (dead) tarantula borrowed from the biology the morning speaking to politics and history Novel and opened with the exciting words, “I department. Mariya Gocheva (WT), who won students and, in the afternoon, delivered a have brought comics to appease you...” the Bristol Zoo’s ‘Wow! Gorillas’ competition, sixth form lecture in the Redgrave Theatre. designed and decorated a model gorilla And after all of that, Mr Bell spoke once again which was displayed in the library alongside in the evening, this time filling the Music a 4th Form Programme’s fabulous graffiti art School with a group of parents, teachers and chameleon. A members of the public. His hour long lecture heavy rainfall was interesting, funny and full of anecdotes on the day from the years he spent reporting for the BBC. and a CD of jungle noises He also regaled the crowd with tales of his rounded out work for UNICEF, his time as a war reporter In addition to writing for Batman, Paul has the jungle for also written some of the newer episodes of and his new role as an Independent MP, and Commemoration Dr Who, several novels in his own right (as satirical poems about prominent politicians. Day! well as many TV tie-in novels) and is currently Remembrance Day involved in working with Stan Lee on Lee’s Another highlight newest superhero, Soldier Zero. A man with from the Michaelmas an impressive resumé, our visitor spoke about term was the library’s his work matter-of-factly and without any ego. Remembrance Day He talked about the difficulties of writing for The National Cipher Challenge talk and display. For iconic characters like Dr Who, Batman and owards the end of 2010 several teams Remembrance Day joker. He spoke about making the transition ranging from the third form through this year, the Library from TV writing to comic writing. He regaled T to the lower sixth entered the national focused on D-Day. A the students with tales of bee-keeping with Neil Gaiman, dining with Alan Moore (of V for cipher challenge, a competition set by the striking display in the University of Southampton, in conjuction library featured mock-ups of British boats Vendetta and Watchmen fame) and assured us all that Matt Smith will not be leaving Dr Who. with GCHQ and Simon Singh, author of The used during the Normandy landing, as well Code Book, to pit their wits against over as the silhouettes of Second World War Saikat Ahamed, Bristol’s Champion Storyteller 1400 other teams from across the country. British bombers. The planes swooped across Another highlight of the Lent Term was an The challenge began on 7th October, each the Council Room, creating a striking visual intense series of storytelling sessions by week from then onwards seeing a new counterpoint to the boats. A red wreath of Bristol’s champion storyteller, Saikat Ahamed. pair of challenges following the story of a hand-made poppies adorned the library’s On January 20th, Mr Ahamed entranced a group of Year 3s at Butcombe with a dazzling group of 1950’s neo-Nazis attempting to tables and the Archivist, Dr Charles Knighton, build a superweapon with the Koh-i-Noor displayed a variety of related D-Day material, and interactive performance of Egyptian myths. A short while later, our industrious twin diamonds and the British intelligence highlighting Clifton’s connection to the agents attempting to stop them. planning of this landmark event. visitor had moved on to workshop a sea of Year 9 English students, bringing the text of Harry Morgan, Tom Gillbe and Charlie Continuing with the D-Day theme, November’s Romeo and Juliet to life. Lindsay, all in The South Town’s L6th, visiting speaker, Dr Llewellyn-Jones, spoke to Bravely returning to Clifton less than a week finished in 8th place in their first attempt at the CCF about the Allied assault on Normandy, later, Mr Ahamed was trundled along to the any codebreaking challenge. The 5th form outlining the line of events which led up to Classics department to share Homer’s Iliad team of Charlie Dowding, Toby Dirnhuber, the planning of D-Day, the planning of assault and Odyssey with 6th form Classics students. Paul Song and Eric Zhao, who came in itself, and the deception plans used to divert Each Homerian epic was encapsulated into =1st place last year, managed a highly attention away from what was the main an impressive 40-minute re-telling, and the respectable 67th position this year in what assault area of the operation. Dr Llewellyn- audience was held captive as the tales were was undoubtedly a much harder challenge. Jones, a full time historian from the MoD, told as they were intended – aurally and All of the teams from Clifton owe their was intensely knowledgeable on his subject through improvisation. thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of Mr Kendry, without whose dedication and the Percival was delighted to be able to A quick cup of tea later, another set of Year and expert coaching these successes organise his visit! 9 English students were experiencing the would have been impossible.

ACTIVITIES 47 Trips

PARIS cities. From our base in a small hotel near the Gare D’Austerlitz we were within easy love Paris in the spring time’ in the words striking range of all the main sights, either ‘ of Cole Porter but also, as the song walking or hopping on and off the Metro. As I goes on to point out ‘when it drizzles’! for the history the theme was revolutions of The Lower Sixth historians experienced which Paris, of course, has had its fair share! all these emotions on their trip to Paris. Mrs Spencer took us to the Place Bastille and Thirteen students and three members of other sites associated with the first great staff boarded the Eurostar and soon found revolution, and on the last day Mr Sibley themselves arriving at the Gare du Nord for followed the final violent Parisian upheaval three days enjoying the culture, lifestyle and of the Commune finishing with a visit to particularly history of one of Europe’s great the Père Lachaise Cemetery and the ‘mur des fédéres’ where the final stand of the tour of the state rooms and passing through communards ended as they were summarily the great Hall of Mirrors and then out into shot against the wall. Or did he just want the gardens. This monument to Louis XIV’s to find Jim Morrison’s grave? In the end we vanity and egomania certainly helped to managed to do both. explain some of the problems that France There was time for culture with a visit to the later experienced with its royal family. Louvre and the Mona Lisa, not to mention With our evening meals arranged in the tourist thing with a ‘bateau mouche’ restaurants all over Paris we also had the trip down the Seine and climb up the Eiffel opportunity to see a bit of Paris when the Tower. Unfortunately the view from the top lights come on. Many thanks to Mr Mills, Mrs proved just to be low cloud and drizzle Spencer and Mr Sibley for giving us a taster but it was an experience anyway! We also of this fantastic city. It was a great trip and managed to get out of the centre of Paris, I for one can’t wait to start learning some only getting onto the wrong train twice, to French history next year! visit the great palace of Versailles enjoying a Ellie Sibley

DofE Gold success! Survival skills big congratulations to seven Upper urvival skills, otherwise known as A Sixth students who successfully S Bushcraft, has been popular at school finished their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold this year (I’m sure Ray Mears and Bear qualifying expedition in the Brecon Grylls have something to do with it!). Two Beacons over half term. The group worked courses have run, one in the Autumn and well as a team to get them through a one in the Spring. Pupils have learnt a ‘tough’ four days, in very testing conditions whole variety of skills including how to (even for the Brecon Beacons!). skin a rabbit, plant identification, carving, fire starting, preparing and cooking game Well done to Adam Kula-Przezwanski (NT), and fish, traps and snares and many more. Will Rushworth (SH), Charlie Markham The courses have been really interesting (NT), Bethia Manson (WT), Charlotte DofE Bronze Award and quite thought provoking at times. All Greenslade (WT), Ben Pyrke (ST) and total of 39 students completed their sessions have really made the most of the Saskia James (OH). A Bronze expedition section of their Award “Outdoor classroom”. this year. After finishing their expedition Mr Walker training which began in September, pupils went onto the Mendip Hills in the Easter holidays to put their knowledge and skills to the test. I’m pleased to say that all of the pupils performed well on their practice expedition and went on to complete an assessed expedition in the New Forest during the summer, completely self-sufficient and camping wild. Well done to all! Mr Walker

48 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 FOURTH FORM BATTLEFIELDS TRIP

his April, a group of Clifton History At Duhallows cemetery on the outskirts of students visited the First Wold Ypres we also paid our respects to the grave T War battlefields, cemeteries and of a former housemaster of Wiseman’s, memorials of Belgium and France. For some Harry Clissold, and Mr Sibley told us about of us, it was purely a lesson in History. his house cricket team from 1913, four of boy, Geoffrey Tregelles, who was killed on For others, it was more like a personal whom were also killed in the Salient and are the 1st July 1916, the first day of the battle. pilgrimage to see the graves of relatives we buried there with two of them named on the Then we went north back up the old had been told about during family talks or Menin Gate. Evening saw the ceremony at Western Front to Vimy Ridge and visited learned about in researches before the trip. the Menin Gate itself, the main memorial the underground tunnels and trenches, The only relative I know who served is my to the missing in the Ypres Salient, where a including the massive craters caused by a great-grandfather, Walter, who was in the huge crowd had gathered. At eight o’clock British mining operations under the German Royal Artillery and lived. the main road in Ypres is closed to allow trenches. Finally we visited the imposing buglers from the Fire Service to blow the Last Post at the Menin Gate entrance to the town. Eventually the traffic was stopped and Magnus Gordon, James Morris and I, representing the three Services, stood to attention in uniform whilst the Last Post was played before laying our wreaths at the memorial. I don’t think I was the only one who had to wipe away a tear. The first full day included a visit to the The second day saw us visit the Somme Vimy Ridge Memorial, which now celebrates Ypres Cloth Hall Museum, and some battlefield working our way down the the bonds of friendship between Canada and people were able to visit St George’s old British line from Serre in the north to France. Church with its recently commemorated Newfoundland Park and the Ulster Tower. On the final day we visited the Langemark plaque to Old Cliftonians who fought and The vast Thiepval Memorial, where the Cemetery, the only German cemetery on died in the two world wars. We visited names of over 70,000 lives lost with no our trip. Perhaps it was because of the flat Hill 60 and then went to Sanctuary Wood known grave are recorded was particularly dark headstones or the fact the graves were to see what remains of a trench system. striking. Even though I had seen the clearly not as well-tended or visited as the Whilst interesting and based on the photographs before, I couldn’t help but be British cemeteries, but the whole area had original trenches, this much visited site moved by the sheer numbers. Lutyens’ an overwhelming air of sadness about it – seemed slightly artificial and this robbed Memorial to the Missing evoked different not merely gone but (so it seems) forgotten. it for me of any emotional tug. Later at emotions – some loved it, some hated it – It was a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Tyne Cot cemetery we visited what is but we were all struck by its almost brutal both sides and the fact that suffering is very the largest of all the Commonwealth war size and scale. We finished on the Somme personal and knows no borders. cemeteries. with a more intimate ceremony held at the Grace Jalleh-Sharples, 4th Form HH Devonshire Cemetery, a tiny and beautifully appointed battlefield cemetery where the North Town boys laid a wreath at the headstone of an old

TRIPS 49 L6 Geography trip to London

n the 9th of June, the lower sixth We also spent some time looking We then visited Cubitt Town, a residential geography set went on a trip to study around the recently renovated Spitalfields area in The Isle of Dogs which has Oregeneration and development in Market, having the chance for a brief undergone recent gentrification due to the the areas of Stratford and the Docklands in R&R before heading back into the hectic development of the financial district, and the east of London. underground. it made a good contrast with the modern skyscrapers in the wealthy area of the We arrived at London Paddington station We then visited the London Eye and Tower docklands. at around midday and after dropping Bridge and we even got the chance to off our stuff at the hostel near Kings see the Queen’s Guards rehearsing. We Next up was Stratford, which has Cross Station, we headed out for a bite walked through Victoria Park towards undergone recent and large-scale to eat at the numerous restaurants and Trafalgar Square. We all then headed development to make way for the cafes that the area has to offer. In the out for dinner, there were so many Olympic Games in 2012. We were afternoon we set out on a trip around the restaurants to choose from, Lebanese, able to observe the Olympic Village, City of London. We lived up to the tourist Italian, Japanese, we certainly weren’t stadium and other constructions from an observation platform, on a block of stereotype, taking lots of pictures and stuck for choice. Some of the girls took OAP’s residential flats! This enabled us to videos and gazing at all the impressively the opportunity to go to London’s West have a brilliant view and understanding high skyscrapers which Londoners don’t End, where they watched a brilliant of the layout of the area. We also went even seem to notice. Every one of us did performance of Ben Elton’s We Will Rock to the ViewTube, where we had a good some research to help guide our group You, a musical based on Queen’s hits. through the City, enabling us to learn view of the stadium in its final stage of about the history and present function After a ‘peaceful’ night’s rest, we headed completion. The development itself is of the area. We also climbed a 62 metre off bright and early to Canary Wharf. The impressively large, spanning an area of 4 tall column called The Monument, which recently regenerated business district is million sq ft. It includes the construction commemorates The Great Fire of London situated in the Isle of Dogs, in the East site of the Olympic Games and also a in 1666. After climbing an exhausting 311 of London. Canary Wharf is part of the new Westfield, which will be the largest steps, we were greeted by spectacular West India Docks, which since 1802 shopping centre in Europe. It will also panoramic views of the whole of London, used to be one of the busiest docks in the include 16,400 new homes and the redevelopment of Stratford Regional including the London Eye, The Tower world, however in the 1980s it became and International Stations, the second Bridge and Canary Wharf. Once we got increasingly unsuitable for larger ships busiest stations in London. back down to earth, full of adrenaline, and so the area became dilapidated. In we continued our walk through London, 1995 the regeneration of the area began; The trip was very busy and eventful, stopping at sites like the iconic Gherkin it is now home to numerous major banks, but will be extremely useful in our A2 and the futuristic Lloyds building, as media firms and the tallest building in studies as we gained an insight into the well as the classy Leadenhall market. the UK, One Canada Square. development of London.

50 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Ten Tors Expedition By Ed Tait NT

fter months of waiting, and training, as a team, staying together and talking Friday 13 May finally arrived and we non stop. A were ready. I woke up early feeling nervous and excited. Within 24 hours By 7pm we had achieved what we had set we would be standing on the start line of out to do and set up camp for the night on Ten Tors 2011 with thousands of other our 8th Tor, feeling very tired with sore feet participants feeling exactly the same way. but very happy to have made it so far. After filling up on breakfast in Big School We woke up early to beautiful blue sky and with Mr Scorgie and the rest of the team sunshine and this spurred us on as we we set off for Okehampton Camp to meet knew we had only 15km to walk to get to up with Mr Scaife. Everyone was quite the finish. We kept up the pace, working quiet as the nerves kicked in. hard, helping each other and managing to and anticipation. The place was buzzing all keep our sense of humour. Before we On arrival at camp my first impression was as teams made their way to the start. In knew it we were at the 10th Tor and on our a sea of tents, vans and caravans. After true Mr Scaife fashion we were the first way home – it felt amazing. meeting Mr Scaife we gathered up our on the start line. It gave us time to settle rucksacks and camping gear and made our ourselves and think about the hard work As we came over the final hill we were way to scrutineering. After a brief kit check ahead. greeted by a sea of people lining the (we were well trained and well prepared!) finishing stretch. It was completely At 7am on the dot the guns fired and we were back at the Clifton camp to finally overwhelming and something that hadn’t we were off. Now it was up to us to use pack our kit for the next morning. Mr Scaife really crossed my mind until that moment. everything we had been taught to get had details of our route for the event and It was such a fantastic feeling to see our us round the Ten Tors as a team. Today so Tom and I started to plan it while the parents, Mr Scaife and Mr Scorgie all the target was to get to our 8th Tor so rest of the team explored the camp. Chris cheering and smiling. Suddenly we were tomorrow would be a much shorter day. and Harry had an amazing experience through Anthony’s Stile and home. We taking a ride in a Sea King helicopter. The first Tor was a long stretch of 9km had done it, we had done it together and seemed like it would go on for ever and at that moment I felt really proud to As the day came to a close we tucked but the adrenaline pushed us on and we be part of such a great team. Thank you into a ratpack and prepared for sleep but made good time. This became the pattern to Mr Scaife and his team for all their everyone by now was really excited. of the day as we only stopped briefly at encouragement and training. For me, Ten The following morning the whole each Tor and occasionally in between after Tors has truly been a life-changing atmosphere was one of nervous energy particularly hard climbs. We worked hard experience.

TRIPS 51 DofE Gold success in the Atlas Mountains

At the end of the Michaelmas term eight pupils, Callum Woolley, Lucy Pigott, Jo Moffat, Lucy Rylance, Mike Foxall-Smith, Claire Moffat, Diana look all the way back to Sidi Moussa in the Tsyporyna and Iveta Kuzminska headed to the far distance was indescribable. High Atlas Mountains of Morocco to undertake the The next day we were looking forward to Duke of Edinburgh Gold Qualifying Expedition. our descent down to Ifrane, the village at Lucy Pigott tells the story: which we would camp that night. However as we started walking we found the steep downhill was almost as tough as the uphill n arriving at Marrakesh Menara came to a village called Ibaqalliwn where had been the day before. Stunning scenery Airport we were met by our guides we were immediately greeted by a group and the sun shining picked us up and after OMohammed and Aziz who took us of about 10 children who immediately a long lunch admiring the views we wove to our Riad (a traditional Moroccan guest knew where we wanted to go. We were our way through old juniper trees and house), right in the centre of the city. I was taken up around the back of the village to across local farmland to find our way to immediately amazed by the aesthetics of a rock plateau and shown the dinosaur our new campsite. the city; we were led down a narrow dusty footprints – two of a large meat-eater and The fourth day was a really interesting street lined with tall dusty pink buildings. the daintier claw print of a herbivore. It was walk, our route took us along the floor It was early evening and the city was an entirely unique experience and we were of the valley and we had to pick our way beginning to wake up, shopkeepers tried amazed the footprints were still clear after through the fields and plantations, a task to entice us into their shops as we passed all the millions of years since dinosaurs that required turning back and retracing with promises of the cheapest saffron in walked the earth. our steps a few times as we managed to the city. Before the day was out we were invited hit a dead end or the river. The next morning was an early start as to the local school in the small village of we travelled by bus for five hours with Rbat. Mike, Claire and I taught the children Aziz, higher and higher up into the Atlas numbers in French and then English. All Mountains. the local children who weren’t in school had their noses pressed up against the The roads became narrower and more window eager to catch a glimpse of the precarious as we ascended into Happy strange people who had come to their Valley, the area we would be walking village! The next morning we woke up to in for the next four days. Eventually we a layer of frost and Mr Walker informed stopped in the middle of a village called us it had been about -5° Celsius inside Imelghas where we would acclimatise and the tents overnight. We were excited for camp overnight before setting off on our a day where we only had 5km to walk. expedition in the morning. Although we knew it was going to be a As we arrived into the village that night Waking up early the next morning was long slog uphill, we found it hard going we were expecting to return to the place tough, but we all managed to be out of the but managed to keep each others’ spirits we first camped. We were in for the best campsite by 9am. up and the sense of achievement when surprise when we were led to a gîte, a we reached the top of the valley and could The first landmark we came to was Sidi rural guesthouse, and were shown to the Moussa, a single building on top of a bathroom, with real loos and a hot shower, huge hill on the otherwise flat valley. We and for me the greatest treat – a cold, climbed up to find out that the man who refreshing bottle of Fanta and a Mars bar. lives there is said to be 100 years old After four days’ hard walking it was the and the building used to be used as a nicest surprise anyone could have given us. granary. We then set off following irrigation Returning to the bustling city was a big channels weaving through the fields being change from the quiet, peaceful rural tended by Berbers. life we had experienced over the past We walked through a busy village called five days. We jumped right in and set off Rbat; compared to Imelghas and the other ready to haggle with locals for intricately villages we would visit in the mountains it patterned teapots and exciting spices was surprisingly developed. After lunch we and tea to take home to our friends and

52 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 family. The market was quite an Climbing specimens. We also visited the centre one experience, there was no end to the Mt evening and spotted snakes, birds of prey jumbled maze of shops. I was just Kinabalu and numerous giant flying squirrels. As well glad the others in my group have a (4095m) as visiting the orang-utan centre our visit better sense of direction than me as I – South to Sepilock was to give up five days of our East Asia’s probably would never have found my time and hard work to help with the soon to highest way out! be opened Bornean Sun Bear Conservation mountain Centre (BSBCC). The Sun Bear is the world’s The next morning we had time for smallest bear and due to poor treatment a couple of hours of last minute from humans (keeping them as pets) and bargain hunting before we heading Borneo loss of habitat, the species is on the decline back to the airport. Waving goodbye and now protected. Our project was to build to Aziz, Mohammed and the city Expedition a series of steps to allow better observation was tough as the week had been so and monitoring of the species. The project successful and enjoyable. Coming fter months of planning and preparation was very hands on and physical, the students back home to a snow-covered Bristol the 26th July had finally arrived and worked extremely hard in very hot and humid made me homesick for a country a group of eight students from across conditions whilst all of the time keeping their A eyes open for snakes, spiders and various I had only just encountered! the year groups and two staff boarded an other jungle nasties! Duke of Edinburgh Gold is a feat aeroplane bound for Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Malaysia) on the tropical island of Borneo. I would encourage anyone to After spending almost two weeks in very hot and humid conditions getting high up into undertake: the skills, volunteering Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the capital city of Sabah the mountains with a much cooler climate and physical sections have taught and was home for the first two nights of the came as a welcome relief. I think this relief me things about myself I never knew, trip. The time in KK was used by the students was short lived by some members of the to book accommodation, transport and as well as shaping me into a well- group upon the realization of climbing guides for the rest of the three week trip. rounded motivated individual. The Mt Kinabalu (4095m) – South East Asia’s This trip was quite unique in the fact that the expedition emphasised teamwork highest mountain. We had seen Mt Kinabalu students take control and responsibility for and taught us to fend for ourselves, from various locations on the island as it the day to day decisions and budgeting so leaving behind the phone signal, rises up out of nowhere and looks quite it really puts their teamwork and individual TV, and family. Venturing off into formidable. We had also heard lots of horror leadership to the test. places we had never been before stories about teachers and students not was a brilliant opportunity that I After a successful couple of days in KK and making it to the top due to altitude sickness would recommend to anyone who various trips to the local markets (including and difficult terrain from various other school has a desire to show commitment two nights at the fish market for supper) parties. I am very pleased to say that after and perseverance. Undertaking the we headed off into Kinabalu National Park one and a half days on constant height challenging qualifier in a different to undertake a three day trek, staying with gain (and a 1am start) we all made it to the country is another opportunity local villagers on route. The trek took us summit at sunrise. It was a great achievement altogether that will remain as one of through various terrain including rice paddy for the group and we were all rewarded with my most valuable life-experiences for fields, dense jungle and river crossings. Each stunning bird’s-eye views on the landscape years to come. evening our guides conjured up local curries far below. and rice dishes which were always very tasty! Lucinda Pigott, U6th Worcester House The final stage of the trip was to relax! To date The students were excellent at entertaining it had been an extremely physical trip and the the village children who were always keen thought of relaxing on a desert island beach to play and I’m sure that there will be lots of and snorkelling in clear tropical waters was fond memories from the various fun activities very, very welcome to us all. and games conjured up on both sides. We arrived back at London Heathrow on The next phase of the trip took us on a long Monday 16th August, via a quick stop journey to the eastern edge of Sabah to over and visit to Kowloon in Hong Kong. the area of Sepilock. Sepilock is famous for Everybody was truly exhausted having had its orang-utan rehabilitation centre and an a very fulfilling, rewarding and memory- abundance of other wildlife. Altogether we filled expedition. All pupils improved their visited the orang-utan rehabilitation centre leadership skills, all took responsibility for on three occasions, each time seeing orang- something and all worked extremely well as a utans and on one occasion getting very close team and were most definitely a credit to the and personal with a couple of the younger school. Well done to the following students: Josh Dyer (ST) L6th, Ellie Griffiths (HH) L6th, Katendi Heald (WT) 4th Form, Ianthe Huntington (HH) 3rd Form, Isabel Murphy (WT) 4th Form, Imogen Paddon (WoH) 4th Form, Will Rushworth (SH) L6th, Jamie Smith (SH) L6th. Gary Walker

TRIPS 53 CCF

Band Courses ver the summer I spent three weeks with the national CCF Oband playing various parades and concerts. The highlight of these was playing in London for the Cadet 150 Royal Review. This day involved marching, whilst playing, from Horse Guards Parade to Wellington Barracks. It was a fantastic

experience, as it is not every day that you an audience of people three or four deep lining the length of The Mall. The march was the conclusion to three days of preparation at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth. We had a member of HM Royal Marines Band Portsmouth helping us make sure that everything, from our drill to our music, was perfect for the Royal Review. Adam Kula-Przezwanski

RAF Summer Camp variety of activities that had been provided on while we were there giving us great (Kinloss) by the RAF at Kinloss; for example, opportunities to see Nimrods, Harriers, F16s, orienteering, flight simulator, shooting and Tornados, Typhoons and Pumas up close. n July six cadets from Clifton’s RAF section weapon handling test, as well as visits to The bits that everyone hated were getting went to the RAF base at Kinloss in the the Fire and Dog Sections, the RAF Regiment I told off by Sgt. Bew . . . and drill! We had north of Scotland, accompanied by Mrs and RAF Lossiemouth. In the evenings, our to get our drill as accurate as possible Williams. From Clifton, there was Andy Squadron Leader provided us with activities because we had to parade in front of the Air Park, John Morfopoulos, Isis Mok-Hartley, such as quad biking, going to the beach, Commodore so we had the drill instructor Zoe Frewin, Fran Buist and Alex Guy. We and shopping (the girls were very happy to teach us. It was a horrible! But it taught were joined by cadets from Sedbergh and with that one!). us many lessons and on the last day, we divided into two flights, A and B, with two The best parts of the Camp were the food performed a wonderful parade. Section commanders. From this moment the (which was better than a 5 star hotel!), competition between the two flights began! Thank you Mrs. Williams for taking us! shooting L98-A2 and looking at aeroplanes. Throughout the week we completed a There was a big joint service exercise going Andy Park WIH

REMEMBRANCE

54 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 We were joined by the detached flight from St. Dunstan’s School and split into groups for our various activities. The activities included archery (where we learned how to shoot arrows accurately – well almost!), air rifle shooting (where the girls beat some of the boys from the shooting team - must have been quite embarrassing for them!), orienteering, fire starting, hot drinks and shelter making, casevac (which involved carrying two very large, heavy dummies on a self-made rope stretcher to underground tunnel containing several meet a rescue helicopter), abseiling, PLT inches of cold water, then more tyres, (which involved making various objects more hills, more walls and finally a water from scratch), Radio Communications section. One of my friend’s group went (where we talked to radio operators first in this section and when she hit the all over Europe) and two ‘confidence water her breathing changed dramatically: courses’: ‘low’ and ‘normal’. Neither of I thought she was over-reacting...until my CCF Field Day the confidence courses sounded difficult, turn came! And things just got worse and he RAF section and the 5th Form Army especially when Mr. Scorgie introduced the worse from there!! I found myself thinking Tleavers arrived at Woodhouse scout low confidence course as the “children’s “why am I doing this?” as I pulled myself camp for two fun-filled field days. playground”. However, the small around the rest of the course, but by the tunnels and obstacles we crossed were end, although we were all exhausted and challenging, especially when blindfolded - disgustingly muddy, we did feel good confidence building in extreme! Then there having not let the course beat us. Indeed, was the ‘normal’ confidence course... Mr. an enduring memory from my last field day Scorgie took us on a walk-through and in the CCF will be the confidence course, showed us the best ways to tackle the especially the cold murky water and Dr. obstacles without getting hurt or breaking Grohmann just waiting to capture your ourselves. The ‘normal’ confidence facial expression when hitting it! I think course began with a few stepping stones, it is fair to say on behalf of the army followed by a rope swing onto a cargo net cadets that our last field day was the (which was fun), a tyre tunnel (which was best field day! surprisingly difficult), a cargo net and an Ali Clark

CCF Gliding Course you are immediately over the sea with the Isle of Wight straight ahead of you. Portsmouth Naval Gliding Centre Gosport If the weather had been better and the cadets had flown for all five days some of August 2010 them would have been flying solo by the e spent the first two days on lectures end of the course. How scary is that! and learning how to do all the necessary W Happy Flying! safety checks. This gave me the chance to put on a parachute and sit in a glider for the Lt Lynn Elliott first time. I had already started to get excited and we hadn’t even got out of the hanger. The weather was not on our side and we spent quite a lot of our time on alternative activities in the Portsmouth area. Luckily enough we had a mini bus so we could take ourselves off when gliding was not possible. The first time I went up it took my breath away. Everything I had learnt in the lectures went straight out of my head. I was very lucky to have a member of the Army Gliding Team as my instructor. He laughed when I told him that I couldn’t concentrate on anything because I was far too excited. What made it so amazing was the position of the gliding centre itself. Having taken off CCF 55 Clifton wins Mere Cup he Clifton team has won the Mere Cup Tcompetition before and as runners up last year were really determined to bring the Cup home again. Competition day was very windy when the Shooting 8 of George Irish, Tom Waycott, John Molesworth, Henry Tancred-Holmes, Harry Swindon, Clara Baltesz, Paul Park and Leopold Kucharczyk performed brilliantly to secure a team win overall. Initial results of the 300 saw some nail-biting moments with lower than expected scores but as they got into their stride they really improved as they Royal Navy Leadership Week moved back to 500 and 600 yards. uring the summer holidays I spent a The wind was so strong that many shots Dweek at HMS Raleigh with the Royal changed their course in flight and all the Navy learning leadership and team teams had problems in estimating the wind management. At the beginning of the week direction and strength (for those into physics we did more classroom based activities the bullet is travelling supersonic down and also our pre-prepared presentations. range towards the target!). With 5 points awarded for a bullseye and just a single Of course, this being a Royal Navy CCF point nearer the edge of the target, there is course, we had to undertake several great skill in correctly estimating the weather Personal Leadership Tasks. This ranged conditions on a minute-by-minute basis. from making a free standing flag out of A great team effort meant Clifton came home rope and wood, to the more complex tasks victorious once more. George Irish won the of guiding your team through a course completing this several times we then individual trophy for the highest score, with while blind-folded: this was fun! had to do a “proper” assault course: Henry Tancred-Holmes placed third. this was more like 300m square with Although much of the work was indoors, During the last two years Clifton and we did get out and about and one of the small tunnels, jumps into a stream, runs, planks, rope bridges, nets…and the Blundell’s have begun to shoot for the Anstey outdoor activities was a 10-stage obstacle Trophy (presented by Major Tom Anstey), to course that was no more than 100m dreaded hill at the beginning and end. No matter what level of fitness you were perpetuate target shooting between the two square. This course consisted of walls that schools and this year Clifton won after some at, this was extremely tiring. we had to navigate and wood-chip filled good scoring from both teams. holes that we had to jump. However, after Alex Woodward We also competed at Bisley in the Sawyer Cup (Ashburton Rules), where unfortunately the strong fishtailing wind was too tricky for our wind coaches! We also entered the “Tony Clayton Challenge” on Century Range Army Scholarship at Bisley in late June. Summer George Irish was also presented with a colours tie on his selection for the Cadet Mountaineering International Shooting Team which heads off Proficiency Course to the Channel Islands in the summer.

s an “Army” Sixth Former Scholar, I was of the highest peaks that Snowdonia A presented with the opportunity to go has to offer, including Mount Snowdon, on an Adventurous Training Course over Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. Our week the summer holidays. I decided to go on concluded with a 2 day/1 night expedition the summer mountain proficiency course where we had to use everything that we which, if all went to plan, would mean that had been taught over the week to find I would have an SMP qualification. a suitable place to set up camp. The I spent a week at Capel Curig Adventure routes we had for this expedition weren’t Training Centre in Snowdonia, North particularly difficult but the terrain and Wales. During this week we learnt poor visibility near the summits made the numerous navigational skills, campcraft navigation challenging. and fieldcraft skills. We climbed most Adam Kula-Przezwanski

56 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Shooting Report he Shooting Team started the year with safety aspects of using firearms, as well TLt Mark Barnacle and Mr Peter Stanley as mandatory “Weapon Handling Tests”. in charge of the training at HMS Flying Fox We began the year in September with the (as we no longer have our own rifle range). Number 8 .22 rifles. The Cadets have to The training comprised all the background learn to use a rifle sling and also develop a stable shooting position. We trained twice a week during the Michaelmas term, and the Cadets really did improve their accuracy on both five bull and ten bull targets. One of the highlights for the .22 shooters was the annual foray to Keynsham TA Centre where a team of four compete against others from Bristol and Somerset ACF, CCF and also Air Cadets, and Naval Cadets. Henry Tancred-Holmes (NT) shot really well and was presented with the Henry Rolls Bronze Trophy as Highest Individual Scorer. Great Britain Under 19 Rifle team’s tour to Congratulations to Murray Lidgitt (WiH South Africa 2011. 1995-2010) who gained selection for the Peter Stanley

time for many that they had actually spent field days, what have the cadets learned A year in blue time living and sleeping on a working ship. this year? They have learned how to operate he start of the 2010-11 year saw a The recruit platoon had their first exposure as a unit through drill and instruction. Tnumber of changes in the RN section. to powerboating whilst the remainder of On an individual level they have learned Shiny faced new recruits arrived to be given a the section ‘borrowed’ some ideas from about personal bearing, appearance and reality check by Major Scaife, and Lt Williams the Royal Marines and undertook shooting, responsibilities. Practical leadership tasks took over the command of the section from Lt archery, assault courses and a night escape have challenged their way of thinking Elliott, who had held the helm for nine years. and evasion exercise whilst camping at and taught them decision making and Lt Elliott became the 2 i/c and S /Lt Beever Woodhouse Park. collaboration. New skills have been learned at the docks, on the shooting range and joined the officers after completing his The Lent field days were spent on an actual in the classroom. The cadets have a much Officers Initial course at Britannia Royal Naval Navy base at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall. We greater understanding of the world and the College. A new year lay ahead with a new were extremely fortunate to have access to role of the Royal Navy and global politics staffing structure and exciting challenges HMS Havoc – a multi-million pound damage through lectures on NATO, Alliances and and adventures ahead. control simulator. In short, it is a giant peacekeeping and numerous other topics. hydraulic ship that rolls around at alarming The cadets have enjoyed a wide variety As many of the RN cadets have spent time on angles whilst simultaneously filling with of activities on a weekly basis throughout camps and courses around the country they freezing water, in the dark! Inside it is an the year ranging from the theoretical to the have experienced independence and new exact replica of a real RN warship in scale, practical. All cadets have spent considerable found responsibilities through teamwork and layout and materials. The task was simple: time down at the docks learning how to working in unfamiliar settings. The senior Descend to the lower deck down the ladders control powerboats, whilst at the same cadets have learned a great deal about what (which are rapidly flooding) and block the time qualifying for their RYA level 1 and 2 leadership really means, firstly through numerous holes in the ship with large pieces powerboat certificates. We have made use of undertaking a leadership course and then of wood. Now imagine what this really entails the shooting range at HMS Flying Fox and the progressing on to take responsibilities for and the picture is very different. Darkness; cadets should also now be fully proficient in sections of the syllabus and groups of junior smoke filled rooms; water coming out of ropework, navigation and first aid. Excellent cadets. life skills that will continue to serve them huge tears in the ship’s side, floor and long after they have left Clifton. ceiling at tremendous force with the whole The 2010/11 year in blue with the Royal room rolling around. Ice-cold water, one Navy section of the CCF has been a year of The highlights of the year have been the second up to your waist and with the next excitement, of challenge, of personal growth, field days. The Michaelmas Term field day roll up to your eyes. It was a thrilling and of leadership and personal development saw 60 RN cadets involved in some very challenging experience for all and one we and we are all very much looking forward to exciting ventures. The Lower 6th spent two all hope never has to be repeated for real. 2011/12. days at sea on the ex-RN fleet tender, the The cadets also had the exciting practical MJ Williams Pride of Bristol. Here they learned many experience of fire fighting using different Lieutenant aspects of seamanship whilst on their hoses and suppressants at the Fire School. passage from the Harbourside across the OC Royal Navy Section Clifton College CCF Bristol Channel to Wales. It was also the first So apart from the amazing experiences on

CCF 57 Barbed wire obstacle - October Field day

Best student NCO cadre Nino Freuler Army Section his is the second time that I have had to from service. Frustratingly, our replacement Tbe press ganged into running the Army system based on the A2 rifle did not arrive Section and first I must thank all the adults until the Easter term and the unit has had WWI presentation in the Redgrave and senior NCOs who do so much of my to make best use of our paint balling, firing Theatre: “Life in the Trenches”. work for me; without their help and advice at HMS Flying Fox and converting the Fives’ very little would get done. Courts into an air fire range for much of the year to satisfy 2nd Lt Heard’s lust for The year started off with a bang with our shooting. annual inspection day just three weeks into to prepare for summer camp including the term. In fact it is fantastic timing as the Our Monday afternoon training days then the inevitable foot drill parade ground extra training time allows us to get in the concentrated on improving basic skills bashing; but thankfully we were able to field and practise low level section work and so that our field weekend in October at do more ‘fun’ activities such as Battle Caerwent Training Area could be used P.T. too – a favourite of Mr Hughes, effectively. A round robin of activities was the new school Marshal. This year used; a particular highlight was seeing how CCF central summer camp is at RAF St much the younger cadets wanted to get a Mawgan near Newquay, and I know that blind-folded Charlie Markham with a super the packages of water sports, survival soaker after a stealth approach through the training, military skills, and laser combat woods! Normal Monday afternoon training to mention just a few will be an exciting resumed after this with navigation and opportunity for our cadets to stretch orienteering taking leading roles. themselves, work outside their comfort Lent term meant that our numbers swelled zones and afford chances for leadership by nearly 60 cadets as our intake moved up and personal development. Ultimately, to the Section from Major Scaife’s recruit it is opportunities such as these that High Sheriff’s Cadet Jo Moffat platoon. As soon as our new rifles arrived make CCF and the Army section such a field craft. It also acts as a reminder to the the focus was very much on weapon training worthwhile activity. which culminated in the 4th Form’s first cadets as to how important appearance Captain JH Hughes attempt at section attacks on our March field and bearing are. Activities included O.C. Army Section air rifle shooting, an observation lane, weekend. Due to the increasing demands pair’s fire & manoeuvre (paint ball), close on training areas, this was at Beggar’s Bush target recce, landscape model making sports ground and then the cadets fired live and teamwork run by the Royal Marines full bore for the first Visibility Team. Unusually for the Army time at Yoxter ranges Section, we were not able to use the Cadet in the Mendips the GP file as our weapon has been withdrawn following day. The final term saw our leavers depart and half of the contingent going on exam leave. This allowed the Section

Inspection Day 2010

Section attack on field day March

58 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Drama

Les Miserables ast excitement surrounded the prospect of performing ‘Les VMiserables’ as the school production of 2010. This ambitious task was to be supervised and directed by Karen Pickles and it was clear that many hours of rehearsals would have to be put in to give this Cameron Macintosh production the justice it deserved. Auditions started straight after we came back from the summer holidays. Rehearsals eventually followed and we were up and running. As most of the cast had no previous finishing touch to the production. The scene The famous love-hate relationship between training in singing, Mr Robson, the Musical was now set; rehearsals were over and it was M. and Mme. Thernardier evolved into Director, showed great patience in making us time for the performance week. something even stronger with both Elleri feel confident in the songs we had to perform. Throughout the play, one word came Hughes and Charles Markham more than constantly to mind: dedication. The willing to show a clear loathing for each production showed teamwork and there was other whenever possible. There were also some fantastic on-stage chemistry built up. memorable performances from Esther Bebb (Fantine) who even from her death bed was Each of the main parts brought their own able to project her voice beautifully, and ingredients to the overall end creation, Venetia Sims (Eponine) whose charismatic whether it was beautiful grace from Fantine, performance led her not only to control sterling passion from the lovers Cosette and Marius’ heart, but the audience’s as well. Marius, heroic bravery from Enjolas, elegant solitude from Eponine or horrific wickedness Anna John as Cosette managed to form from the comic characters of the Thenadiers. strong on-stage chemistry with both Marius The obsessive Javert’s realisation that he (Will Rushworth) and of course, Valjean had been wrong in his condemnation of (James Goldsworthy). At the heart of the Valjean was heart breaking as was the play is the relationship between Valjean deeply moving prayer sung by the latter on and Javert. With Peter Taylor playing Javert, the barricades, Bring Him Home. James managed to make us believe that Soon enough we moved into the Redgrave Theatre. The set was structured to form the four blocks of the barricade. Dave Fells and Ellie Lyons produced a set that allowed all scenes to flow gracefully into each other. Lighting and sound were also particularly important for the end product and were also expertly designed by Dave and completed by Kosi Carter and Josh Pafford. Intricate lighting and the use of songs also helped the seamless scene changes. The rich array of costumes organised by Jane Black brought to life the period of the piece and were the

DRAMA 59 DIRECTOR’S NOTE – LES MISERABLES these two characters had been he School Play production of Les Miserables for me was the highlight of my career at Clifton and fighting each other for all those years. Tone which will stay with me for a very long time. The enthusiasm, energy and sheer determination Their performances were sustained of the cast were there from the very beginning of rehearsals through until the very last performance. and totally believable, a remarkable We are amazingly lucky at Clifton to have such talented pupils who give so much time to Drama and achievement for any actor but the performing arts generally, as it was this dedication and commitment to one of the most difficult particularly impressive in a school musical theatre productions in the West End at the present time that gave the edge to this school production. No matter how much direction, lighting and staging support one can give to a production production. The pursuit over the years – nothing comes together unless the cast is strong and this one certainly was. and final confrontation were expertly played. The ever recognisable James My sincere thanks go to all the cast, production and backstage teams for a great start to the academic Hanson as Enjolras seemed calm and year 2011/12 and I look forward to working with a new cast for the School Play in November 2012. collected on stage even though he Karen Pickles was the driving force for the revolt, and another outstanding performance came from Gavroche played by Tomas Feist with style and humour. The Gala Night with governors, council members and the Headmaster there to watch and support us, not forgetting all our own families, was the climax to the week and the ensemble rose to the occasion, ending all the hard work on a high note of achievement and exhilaration. After the strongest performance of the week and an encore of One Day More, there was nothing left to do but say farewell. Then came Sunday lunch time; the cast were back in the Redgrave doing their duty of ‘clearing up’ and as James Hanson said “Seeing the barricades being taken down today at the Redgrave was like watching footage of Old Wembley being demolished – utterly heartbreaking”. Charlie Markham

The location tour took us around New York, showing us the sights New York Performing Arts Trip and the famous location spots of productions such as Friends and March 2010 many other films too. The trip around NBC gave a real insight into the working of a TV studio. It was during this particular trip that some of erforming Arts at Clifton jetted off for a thrilling five day our group had the opportunity of standing in as weather and news extravaganza tour to New York at the start of the Easter break people in the studio! The highlight of this particular part of the tour, Pand had a magical and inspiring feast for the senses! though, was seeing Elton John preparing for Saturday Night Live! In all, 28 pupils from across the Upper School age range threw The final day was spent in a whirlwind of the real sightseeing with themselves into workshops and learned a great deal from cast a boat trip on the Hudson River showing the sights of New York members of Chicago and Billy Elliot; and of course, really enjoyed the from the water; the Statue of Liberty; the skyline and the various fact they then saw those members on stage later in the day. The shows islands like Ellis Island; and then up to the 89th floor of the Empire were amazing State Building ensured that New York was seen from every angle and to see an possible. 11 year old dancing with Of course, a trip to New York would not be complete without the the ability of shopping ... or at least that was the request from all the students, an adult male and so there was a chance to purchase souvenirs before it was time soloist from to head for the airport. the Royal There was no doubting that this was an amazingly successful trip Ballet was an which everyone really enjoyed. The next New York performing arts unbelievable trip will be in March 2014! sight. Jody Lewarne

60 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Review of ‘Our Town’ Bernard, also managed to convey the quirks detailed direction and a challenging and exciting of his character well with his nervous good plot line, but also a hugely encouraging evening a play by Thornton Wilder will winning the affection of the audience. for Clifton drama. As Rob Morris departs, the Elsewhere, both Jemima Scrase and Liz College loses a titan of its theatrical history. His 3rd Form Play 2011 Streatfeild-James showed a poise and subtlety, plays over the years have provided Clifton casts he arrival of the first specifically third-form their motherly characters being portrayed and audiences with a standard of material far play for many years might garner fears that believably and their accents among the best in beyond that normally attempted by schools. In Tthe director would choose to play down the entire production. this regard, Our Town was a fitting way to depart, carrying the hallmark of high concept, well acted to both his audience and his cast. Thankfully, Daniel Lewis and Will Slatton both narrated the the director in question was Rob Morris (taking play well as the Stage Managers; their accents and slickly produced polish of Morris. On top his final directorial bow before departing for again were pulled off effectively and both of this, it showcased the immense potential China this summer) to whom the concept of displayed a fine amount of stage presence. Jo to be found in the current third form, potential not trusting completely the intelligence of his Hargan had more than a touch of the Bill Nighy that hopefully will not be quashed by an over- audience has never occurred. This was a hugely about him – a delightful stage style that I’m sure exposure to orchestras and dance routines, but ambitious choice of play: the minimalist set, will be cultivated over the coming years. Finally, instead nurtured with challenging material. This heavy use of mime (as Wilder first intended) Georgia Young was supremely confident on was a fine evening of dramatic entertainment and use of a fourth-wall breaking narrator, all the stage, her loud and brash delivery played with an evocative plot and equally evocative contributed to the creation of some really quite perfectly, whilst there were stellar contributions direction. It included a plethora of encouragingly advanced theatre. from James Hughesdon as the upstanding Dr mature performances, with Hargan, Scrase, Gibbs, Joel Barber as the equally straight-laced Streatfeild-James, Woolley and Young the most Individually, there were several performances exciting among them. The third form play of of note. Florence Woolley’s superb accent and Mr Webb and fine performances from George Lambert, Jemima Cook, Harry Mellor and 2011 was a roaring success, and hopefully will delightful mix of innocent charm and human serve as a potent reminder of what Clifton drama complexity displayed an ability to explore the Nathan Jay. should always strive to be. different levels of a character that defied her In conclusion, this was an evening of superb age. Her romantic interest in the play, Toby dramatic integrity, featuring fine performances, James Hanson

THE HOUSE PLAYS

The start of this year’s House Play Festival was marked with perhaps more excitement than ever before. Unprecedented involvement from across the School, extensive advertising campaigns that made full use of the College’s new television screens across campus and the fond memory of last year’s extraordinarily high standard of productions created a frenzied hysteria in the days leading up to the opening play. ‘We love the Festival because it’s all about you ... your dreams, your aspirations and your ability to lead each other beyond your comfort zones. It’s also the one time in the year when drama becomes the lifeblood of the School, a kind of private knowledge is shared College-wide and we have to say that over the years, you have all become very, very good at it. In fact, we would go so far as to say that this year we saw more exceptional ‘individual’ performances of note being given on the Redgrave stage than in many years.’ Rob Morris and the judges summing up the Festival

(The following reviews are extracts from those written by the students and published on the website)

East Town of dressing up as the opposite sex and him completely breakdown in front of finding it completely normal. Eddie, played everyone. Finally Charlie Moore as Mickey ‘According To Hoyle’ by Jasper Couper, the smallest of all the managed to portray an unstable character actors, certainly had his fair share to say who was going through such emotional ‘According to Hoyle’ is not a particularly and helped to create some great chemistry trauma that he felt he had nothing left well known play, but it entertained the between the other actors. Chris, played by to live for. He portrayed it with great audience with a nice blend of dramatic Dylan Trenouth, managed to convey how power and conviction that made his and comedic moments. The setting was isolated his character had become and final scene, as mentioned earlier, a very an apartment just before Chris (Dylan how he had changed since the suicide and memorable moment. Trenouth) moves out after the unfortunate revealed at times his vulnerability to the This play was a mixture of drama which events of his friend Mickey’s (Charlie audience. dealt with the serious subjects of suicide, Moore) suicide. Clive, played by Jonah Trenouth, certainly marriage break ups and affairs but also Kevin, played by Johnnie Gill, was a displayed the “cheeky chappy” disguise, managed to sprinkle it with humour. A typical lad who had the surprising habit until the very end when the audience saw very strong production overall!

DRAMA 61 Watson’s House West Town began to shine through; Elleri Hughes as the ‘Sister Act’ impossibly cheerful ‘Mary Patrick’ and Esther Bebb as ‘Mary Robert’ worked extremely well A huge cast, a packed house and another ‘The Complete Works with Marienella, with hints of genuine comic great West Town musical extravaganza with timing from all three. Charlotte Bresnahan was some great performances. The star of the show Of Shakespeare extremely convincing as the severe Mother was Marienella Phillips, an extremely strong Superior, whilst Sarah Dawson completed the actress and singer who effectively displayed (Abridged)’ main cast with a consistently funny portrayal of both qualities this evening and, during the Bishop O’Hara. As far as the cameos go, Saskia performance, very much held the play together. The first comedy Barnes had the theatre in raucous laughter at of the Festival Philippa Davis provided a very solid performance every single line. and what a as the shady villain Vince, backed up well by her The music was at the heart of the play. When laugh it was! two henchmen, Willy and Joey, played by Anna used well, such as when the choir sing at their Watson’s Sibley and Bella Wickens respectively. church for the first time, you would be forgiven House being As the story progressed, we were introduced for thinking that it could have been a contender the self- to the wise-cracking cop ‘Eddie’, played well at the Part Song competition. The hilarious dubbed ‘dark by Tilly Wickens with solid performances from use of ‘Swing my hair back and forth’ was also horse’ for her supporting officers. It was the move to extremely effective. Perhaps the final scene this year’s the convent (and the move to seeing West could have been tighter, with a tad less giggling, competition Town girls dressed in a nun’s ‘habit’) however but congratulations West Town, it was a delight really galloped through where the charm of the original movie really to watch! the hour as the Redgrave had audience members crying with laughter. Freddie Blanks bluffed his way through Wiseman’s House with a cheeky smile and a rather ‘And Then There Were None’ eccentric pair of tights and his partner Director James Goldsworthy offered the Clifton production was marked with a typically well in crime, Michael Foxall-Smith, was very audience a genre not seen in House Drama for observed performance, this time as the calm and much in the thick of it. The direction years, the murder mystery. For this, he deserves collected judge (and culprit), Justice Wargrave. was spot on, everybody knowing where praise for bringing variety and colour to a Elsewhere, Jong Bo Choi, Andriy Byelkov and Alex they were coming from, whether it be festival heavily weighted this year with stage Bull offered distinctive characters. the audience, where Ed Sims was to be adaptations of British sitcoms. Overall, this was a production that was extremely found, or through the ‘arched pillars’ The play itself began in eerie silence, and this well put together. Almost every technical which gave a nice feel of actors being sense of reflective stillness ran throughout the aspect, from props and set to costumes and welcomed onto the stage. piece. As we were introduced to the characters, sound effects, was considered and well judged. Props were few and far between, and who all assembled in one room for the opening Meanwhile, the strength and performance scene, we were simultaneously introduced to energy and dramatic intent from a committed except for the occasional sword or a typically tightly knit Wiseman’s ensemble. and spirited cast helped bring the effortlessly the retractable dagger, very little was Although the praise for performances should be brilliant plot of Agatha Christie to life. One needed. Of course there was the crown largely collective as this was a well-organised might say that the sum was greater than its with which they managed to create a ensemble, there were a few performances that component parts (though this, in itself, is no bad game of American Football, which was stood out. James Moore delivered another thing), but there is no doubt that the nation’s special to say the least. subtle and intelligent performance as Doctor favourite murder mystery writer was very much Armstrong and Vic Hall’s Redgrave debut as done justice by another strong showing from Jonny Ashe, who gave an utterly Victor Claythorne should also be commended, Wiseman’s House. entrancing performance, went from while Director James Goldsworthy’s last school being male to female and then back again and all the while kept on entertaining the audience. He was not the only one though, as North Town ‘Fawlty Towers’ Rob Foxall-Smith, Tom Oliver and Nino Freuler aided the campaign with some As soon as the lights went up, we were whisked into the frantic world of hotel fantastic fighting or, in Nino’s case, manager Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil. The figure of Charlie Markham as Basil witchcraft. The whole cast really let dominated from the start, providing the perfect balance between sarcasm and cynicism – inducing laughs left, right and centre, with confident wit and ease. loose and that was clear to see from I think John Cleese would have been proud. As the play progresses, Basil, the off with some rather interesting much to the audience’s amusement, has to deal with a growing amount of poses from Alex Gallia and Luke responsibilities within the hotel; something that is not helped when dealing Farmer. Little cameo roles from Daniel with hilarious but hopeless Spanish waiter Manuel (Pascal Orzabal). Subsequently, all manners Clark and Carter Spurling also added to of violence ensue. Meanwhile credit must be given to Peter Taylor, not simply for his hilarious the ludicrousness that was Watson’s attempt at walking in heels, but for his thoroughly convincing performance as Sybil Fawlty. House Play. Adam Hay’s acting debut as Danny Brown, and newcomer Will Ludlow as the Major certainly deserve commendation, as well as the fantastic performance of Pascal Orzabal as Manuel. This was certainly a play that reflected North Town’s true potential and had many members of the audience in tears of laughter.

62 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Moberly’s House - ‘Frost/Nixon’ American rock anthems quietly set the mood for a packed house buzzing with anticipation. Alex Mullan’s dulcet tones eased us into the intricacies Hallward’s House of Watergate and an America reeling from the exposure of a corrupt President. ‘Daisy Pulls It Off’ From the slick changes in set, cleverly disguised by short musical segments, Set in the middle of the 20th Century, to the pre-recorded newsreel-like this play very much resembled the style snippets, every aspect of this play of St. Trinians: school girls chasing after was meticulously considered and treasure, whilst a new girl is trying to executed. settle in with everyone and meets certain difficulties. Alex’s portrayal of Frost was understated but brilliantly observed, The acting itself was very but it was James Hanson who really charming and had the stole the show with his outstanding James was awarded Best Actor in a male role audience delving into the portrayal of Nixon. From the moment he and the judges citation was so glowing as to adventures of Daisy and the walked on he stayed in character and dealt be recorded in full! “It should be said that in hidden treasure. Kosi Carter with the emotional highs and lows of a giving this award, the judges were keen to and Florence Woolley were very believable complex human being brilliantly. recognise that James Hanson’s performance in their portrayal of an upper class school in the role of Richard Nixon was one of the girl. Emily King played Mademoiselle and Joe Baio delivered a sterling performance best performances they have ever seen at certainly made the audience laugh with as the eccentric James Reston Jnr., George a House Play Festival. Indeed, it was the her over-the-top accent and wild hand Kinsey as the straight-laced Brit, Callum unanimous feeling of all the judges that had gestures. The other teachers all seemed Woolley as a reporter with a ‘face for there been a School lifetime achievement to have authority and strict discipline over radio’ and Jack Morgan as Nixon’s loyal award or its equivalent for the performance the pupils, but the Headmistress (Amelia subordinate. The final interview was James given to us on Wednesday night that James Allen) especially was played with superb and Alex’s crowning moment, tracking would have been awarded it. For service snobbery and clarity James’ progressive emotional breakdown to House plays over the years this marks throughout. coupled with Alex’s definite easing off of the pinnacle of a tremendous career and aggression, leading to a gentler almost we would like to applaud James for this Finally the bold, charming caring David Frost. accomplishment.” and courageous character of Daisy, played by Aggie Woolley, had the audience glued to their seats as they wanted to see the story develop and see the character’s progression. There were some great comedic moments from the entire cast and it was simply enjoyable to watch.

Worcester House against the appointment of a woman vicar laughter, and some good use of the theatre at the beginning of the play which gave way steps added to the comedy moments. then to a gradual acceptance of change at Of course, in every House Play there are ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ the end. some memorable performances. Phoebe Worcester’s ‘The Vicar of Dibley’, featuring Many of the actors took their inspiration Chappell impressively played Alice Tinker, the first episode, presents the story of how from the television series and wisely chose the dim-witted girl who believes that she Geraldine Granger (Tlamelo Setshwaelo) not to drastically change them. Amber is perfectly normal. Hugo Horton (Siobhan wins the hearts of the local community and Humphreys played Frank Pickles, who oozed Hartnoll) was well chosen as she played fights against the conservative views of with boredom and dullness as the character the naive and childish son of David Horton David Horton (Florence Petrie). Under the should! Jim Trott (Katie James) and Owen and the audience saw glimpses of the direction of Lucy Tucker and Zoe Ward, they Newitt (Naomi Ofulue) were both excellent at start of a love relationship between Hugo certainly gave a real sense of the prejudice their characters, creating many moments of and Alice.

DRAMA 63 Oakeley’s House ‘Be My Baby’ A Judge’s View ‘Be My Baby’ was performed beautifully play. Natalie Heritage had the audience by Oakeley’s House. The play, set in 1964, transfixed with her utterly believable role Will Corrie is thrown in at the centres around Mary (Natalie Heritage) who as Mary, and was supported magnificently deep end in his first year of is pregnant and on a poignant journey as she by Milla Jupp. Anna John and Georgia learns to cope with her situation and fights Young, both new to the Clifton House Play teaching as a judge for the a losing battle to retain her teenage illusions scene. Though only a small cast, the girls House Play Festival. What did about marrying and keeping the baby. all interacted brilliantly and the credit for Despite being cut off from their families and the smooth running of the piece must go he think of it all? daily battles with a no-nonsense matron to the professionalism of the actresses. (Emily Young), Mary and her new found hortly after arriving at Clifton to This play had everything ... it made people friends at the home shine with youthful begin teaching in the English laugh, cry, hum along, and not want it spirit. This beautifully touching and funny Sdepartment, an invitation came my to finish. It was the touching message piece, defined by the music of the day, way to be on the judging panel for the delivered by the extremely high quality movingly transports us back to the dawn of house play competition. Naively unaware acting of the six actresses involved which the sexual revolution. of either the fierceness of competitive made this play memorable. spirit surrounding the play and or depth There wasn’t a weak performance in this of house loyalty touched by the festival, I accepted and signed myself up. Reactions from other members of staff to my decision South Town ‘The Front Page’ were mostly on the pity to cruel-and- knowing laughter spectrum and were The play was set in the 1920’s press room of Chicago’s Criminal usually coupled with references to the Courts building and told the story of Hildy Johnson (Rhys Edwards), five evenings I would be spending in the the top reporter. Tired of the whole game he was determined to Redgrave. In spite of this I remained in an quit his job to get married. Earl Williams (Dominic Dixey), however, optimistic mood as the week approached, suddenly escaped from the jail which changed everything and an anticipating eagerly the week when Drama interesting plot unravelled, revealing the interesting relationship would for once take centre stage at Clifton. between Hildy Johnson and the ‘Examiner’ managing editor, Walter Burns (Magnus Gordon). Aside from an early alarm on the morning It must be said that the play was truly believable throughout. of the awards ceremony (I had – as always Rhys Edwards took the lead role of Hildy Johnson and performed (and – put off writing my reviews until the last directed) superbly. Magnus Gordon as Walter Burns was particularly convincing; his use of minute), there was little to complain about pauses had the audience transfixed and he never came out of character, interacting especially across the week. The judges were well well with Rhys. Other well acted roles came from Harry Crawley, and particularly amusing was supplied with wine and cheese but most George Porter as the Mayor. It was a very strong company and perfectly cast roles; everyone pleasingly the range of drama to which we worked well together showing great House spirit. were treated across the week kept us fresh and ever anxious for more. Overall, this play provided great entertainment. It was a very skilled performance, and the experience of the lead roles played to their advantage, while the audience became truly engaged For me there were various highlights in in the quick paced narrative. Subtle comedy value was added, with Ben Dixon and George the festival and from a pure entertainment Goodall, acting as body guards, though cleverly this did not distract from the main storyline. It perspective none was greater than the was a very polished performance which The South Town can be very proud of. opening night. Wiseman’s drew the difficult task of opening the proceedings and did so with a well adapted version of School House Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were ‘’Allo, ’Allo!’ None. The play’s plethora of characters The play was set, of course, in Rene’s café seemed to be well suited to the house’s and even before the play had begun the multicultural demographic and the authentic sense of 1940s France had been performance was brought together with wonderfully set by the accordionist who some exquisite scenery. Without offending Of all the catch-phrase reliant characters, played the original Allo, Allo! theme tune Wiseman’s however, my own personal Sam Foster’s Leclerc was probably the best, with panache at both the beginning and end favourite was next up. and Tonye Sekibo’s distinctive performance of the play. Moving onto the performances, as Captain Abiyote Abate will remain long in there were a wide range of spirited and Among my responsibilities I had been the memory. hearty portrayals of varying nationalities and assigned the task of helping Watson’s quality. Josh Pafford was typically comic as Rob Tatton-Brown’s Rene shared the with their play selection, a task which the outrageously camp German Lieutenant bedraggled desperation of the original was made infinitely more exciting by their Hubert Gruber, whilst Will Rushworth, character, and his French accent was among raising the possibility of reproducing although wasted in what was effectively little the best of the show. ‘Listen very carefully, I the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s more than a cameo, showed his obvious will say this only once” but also worthy of a Complete Works. Having persuaded the acting ability as the famed character of Herr mention for a classy performance was Tomas directors to take a vote on the play choice Otto Flick. Feist as Michelle Dubois! in the house and seen the Bard of Stratford

64 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 House Drama 2011 AWARDS BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE Cyrus Devlin – Private Helga Geerhard in ’Allo, ’Allo Winners in each category are indicated Amelia Allen (HH) – Miss Gibson in Daisy in bold type. Pulls It Off Elleri Hughes (WT) – Mary Patrick in Sister Act BEST TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION Esther Bebb (WT) – Mary Roberts in Sister Act School House – ’Allo, ’Allo Saskia Barnes (WT) – Sister Alma in Sister Act East Town – According To Hoyle Watson’s – The Complete Works of William THE SPIRITUS AWARD Shakespeare (Abridged) Wiseman’s – And Then There Were None Moberly’s – Frost/Nixon Watson’s – The Complete Works of William come out on top, I could not wait to see Shakespeare (Abridged) what the performance had become in its BEST REHEARSAL PROCESS East Town – According To Hoyle young actors’ hands. Whilst the soul of Oakeley’s – Be My Baby School House – ’Allo, ’Allo Shakespeare which the original company West Town – Sister Act expertly retained may have been missing East Town – According to Hoyle School House – ’Allo, ’Allo from the Watson’s adaptation, the comedy BEST ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE was maintained and delivered with quality. Moberly’s – Frost/Nixon Marienella Phillips – Christy/Mary Clarence The Redgrave theatre roared with laughter BEST DESIGN in Sister Act for three-quarters of an hour; and our Natalie Heritage – Mary in Be My Baby departing head of drama’s now famous Wiseman’s – And Then There Were None Moberly’s – Frost/Nixon crocodile clap was rightly bestowed at the BEST ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE curtain. It may not have been Shakespeare BEST MUSICAL CONTRIBUTION Johnny Ashe (WaH) – in The Complete Works as such, but it was very funny. East Town – Musical background in According of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Taking nothing away from the other to Hoyle Jonah Trenouth (ET) – Clive in According To houses, but East Town, Moberly’s and School House – for the accordion player in Hoyle West Town will each stay with me and are ’Allo, ’Allo Charlie Markham (NT) – Basil Fawlty in Fawlty worthy of mention. In my opinion East Town West Town – for the choir’s first number Towers boys took on the biggest acting challenge conducted by Christy in Sister Act Alex Mullan (MH) – David Frost in Frost/Nixon of any house, selecting According to South Town – for the use of pre-recorded jazz James Hanson (MH) – Richard Nixon in Frost/ Hoyle, a text which deals with issues that in The Front Page Nixon are perhaps beyond the maturity of the Rhys Edwards (ST) – Hildy Johnson in The average lower sixth student. The depth of BEST ADAPTATION OR ORIGINAL WRITING Front Page insight with which the actors performed Wiseman’s – And Then There Were None their roles should teach us one thing: for BEST COMEDY Hallward’s – Daisy Pulls It Off performer and viewer drama can give us a North Town – Fawlty Towers West Town – Sister Act new viewpoint on ourselves and therefore School House – ’Allo, ’Allo South Town – The Front Page remains an infinitely valuable artform. Watson’s – The Complete Works of William Moberly’s produced Frost/Nixon with two BEST NEWCOMER Shakespeare (Abridged) West Town – Sister Act stunning performances, one of which had Florence Petrie (WoH) – David Horton in The the judges seriously debating whether Vicar of Dibley BEST DRAMA a new award needed to be created. Florence Woolley (HH) – Winnie Irving in Daisy East Town – According To Hoyle However, the new award did not come to Pulls It Off pass and neither did Moberly’s win best Moberly’s – Frost/Nixon Dominic Dixey (ST) – Earl Williams in The South Town – The Front Page drama, thanks to a superb performance Front Page from West Town. Despite what some may Georgia Young (OH) – Dolores in Be My Baby BEST DIRECTOR say, the girls took on a gargantuan task. Charlie Moore – According To Hoyle Most members of the house seemed BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE to be on stage in one form or another Davis and Barnes – Sister Act Siobhan Hartnell (WoH) – Huge Horton in The and were all well organised and expertly Edwards and Bertagne – The Front Page Vicar of Dibley directed. Many underestimate the Foxall-Smith and Blanks – The Complete Jonny Gill (ET) – Kevin in According To Hoyle challenge of comic acting, something Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Josh Pafford (SH) – Lieutenant Hubert Gruber as judges of the plays we must be keen in ’Allo, ’Allo BEST PRODUCTION to avoid. Apart from some moments of Pascal Orzabal (NT) – Manuel in Fawlty excellent individual timing from several East Town – According To Hoyle Towers talented actors, what put West Town at the Watson’s – The Complete Works of William top was the sense of polish their overall Tilly Wickens (WT) – Eddie in Sister Act Shakespeare (Abridged) performance gave. This was all the more Philippa Davis (WT) – Vince in Sister Act West Town – Sister Act remarkable as gaffes are more probable Magnus Gordon (ST) – Walter Burns in The Moberly’s – Frost/Nixon with more actors on stage. Front Page South Town – The Front Page

DRAMA 65 Bluefin Dance Award 2010-11

his year saw the Tintroduction of the Bluefin Dance Award. The award was hotly contested during the Michaelmas Term, and after many high quality auditions in the Strictly Scrum Dancing Redgrave Theatre the award was shared by two of our Upper Sixth students, Venetia Sims n the final day of the Lent Term and Jody Lewarne (Clifton College) but as and Emma Windsor-Liscombe (Hallward’s eleven brave couples, drawn from complete beginners there was much to House). Both girls were outstanding in their the teaching staff of all three Schools, learn over the ten weeks of lessons. The O choreographic style, technique, interpretation competed in a Strictly Come Dancing-style dances ranged from traditional Strictly and staging. They both also gave confident evening in the Redgrave Theatre. The ballroom numbers such as the tango, jive presentations giving the members of the evening was the brainchild of Judith Hood and paso doble to a ‘dirty dance’ and a judging panel a clear insight into their (parent and chair of Friends of Clifton) and seventies disco number. choreographic processes. was arranged to raise money for the Life for In fact the event was such a huge success a Cure charity and the two overseas sports The girls have spent the school year doing and all the dancers had obviously put in a tours in the summer holidays. their best to promote dance in the school tremendous amount of hard work, so they through various performances. They have There were two shows which were were all winners – but the results were as performed for the pupils in the Pre and complete sell-outs and the atmosphere follows: Nick Smith and Laura Jane Lointon Butcombe and performed during Dance was electric as the couples were (Jive) were winners of the matinee; with Chapel week, Upper School Commemoration introduced to the audience. The Judges Phil and Fiona Hallworth (Dirty Dancing) Day and at the Bristol Festival of Nature. They were Joanna Moore, Jonathan Thomson- winners of the evening competition. The are looking forward to working with local Glover and William Hanson; and the Hosts evening ticket price included wine and preparatory schools at the end of this term to were John Bobby and Louise Catchpole. tapas which added to the fun and so, apart promote dance out into the community. Each couple had received dancing lessons from the success as a fundraising event, from professional dance instructors for sheer entertainment it was possibly Our thanks go to Bluefin for their ongoing Michele Webber (Dance Factory Bristol) one of the best evenings of the year. support of this Award. Jody Lewarne

award, a 40 minute long interview with an Pcert Lam examiner. Here we discuss nine literary figures from a particular period in time and cert Lam is a qualification given by from a particular region. LAMDA that enables you to teach P We chose to concentrate on twentieth LAMDA and also awards UCAS points century British authors although we also that will contribute to your university included a couple of authors from other application. The course is spread over countries, focusing on Spain and France. the two sixth form years, leading to three We then explored the twentieth century, examinations that make up the final looking at politics, social issues, literary qualification. The first unit is a workbook. movements and other issues. We choose three literary figures: one poet, one author and one playwright and have I have enjoyed doing Pcert Lam immensely to discuss their history and some of their as it has enabled me to explore drama, works. The next unit is a performance literature and poetry in a more thought which lasts 20 minutes and is based on provoking way whilst, at the same time, the works of the selected writers. During given me the opportunity to receive this performance, we recite a poem, a more UCAS points. I would thoroughly monologue from a play and an extract recommend this qualification as it is from a novel and, most importantly, we extremely interesting, very enjoyable and write and perform links between readings. incredibly rewarding. The final unit of the examination is a viva Elleri Hughes

66 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Clifton in the Community

It has been another busy year for Clifton in the Community with helping in a small way towards caring for students volunteering for a range of organisations from local terminally ill patients. I have found this so charity shops and clubs for the elderly to riding for the disabled worthwhile that I have offered to continue volunteering after my A levels during and local primary schools, with much else in between. Harriet the summer. Watkinson gives a flavour of what she has been up to. I have also been a Volunteer Librarian for the SS Great Britain library. I received training and helped with have had a really worthwhile and enjoyable card payments; this may prove to be the restoration of valuable books and time helping as a volunteer in the St Peter’s helpful experience towards moving on to a manuscripts during the setting up of the I Hospice shop on Blackboy Hill. retail job later on. library in the new Visitor Centre and then with cataloguing and sorting the library I have learned how to work as a member of I have made posters for advertising and contents. a team. This has involved sorting the many helped with visual merchandising (creating It was good to be part of such a unique donations of clothes and household goods window displays and an appealing and important historical organisation and and estimating their value and selling ambience) as well as more mundane to learn about the history and restoration potential, spotting designer labels and tidying and stacking of racks and shelves. of the ship and Bristol’s maritime heritage. valuable vintage donations and pricing I have learned about the important work I would now be able to return to the SS accordingly. of St. Peter’s Hospice and how much this Great Britain as a volunteer in the future if I have gained valuable experience in relies on funding from the retail shops circumstances permit. working on the till: taking cash and credit such as this one. It is good to feel that I am Harriet Watkinson

Festival of Nature Schools’ Day, Friday 17 June Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June at Bristol Harbourside

he biggest event of its kind in the UK, this festival gives wildlife enthusiasts T of all ages the opportunity to explore, enjoy and get close to the natural world – all free of charge. Clifton College was Schools’ Day sponsor for the second year running, presenting an exciting programme on the theme of Colour for KS2 children from local schools. Over 15 other prestigious and well-respected organisations took part including the BBC, Bristol Zoo Gardens, chemistry and the biology of colour vision how colour is made, seen and used in Avon Wildlife and the University of and optical illusions, to engage with their the animal kingdom, there were hands- Bristol who all ran fun and interactive young audience, to many sounds of ‘wow, on butterflies under the microscope; workshops. ooh and ahh’ along the way. spot the animals in camouflage; some Clifton’s science department produced Teachers from all three schools at Clifton friendly stick insects to hold, various a spectacular Schools’ Day show on then join forces over the weekend for the videos to watch and face painting – the physics of colour, some colourful Colour Creatures exhibition. Showing something for everyone in the family.

CLIFTON IN THE COMMUNITY 67 Sport

Match 2 v King’s Taunton (Away) RUGBY When a pack dominates another so convincingly it is easy to rely on that superiority and stop playing rugby. This was mainly the story against King’s. Clifton’s pack was so superior that King’s barely won a lineout or scrum. Jack Murphy (ET) latched on to a Max Cresswell off load to score Clifton’s only try, but many more chances close to the line were wasted and despite the win the team trudged off the pitch knowing that they would need to play better in the games to come. Match 3 v Cheltenham (Home) Cheltenham looked as if they had just down for a try, converted by Liam Crandon returned from a tour and played with (MH) for a 17 -13 victory. Some of the 1st XV fluidity and a high degree of organisation. crowd thought the victory was all about the interception try, but it was more about Played 8 Won 6 Lost 2 Points for 131 Despite their dominance Cheltenham were the effort that was put in by the entire team against 89. only winning by a penalty for much of the game. It took a speculative overhead pass over seventy minutes that kept them in Match 1 v Abingdon School (Home) with eight minutes to go, to break Clifton’s contention when other sides might defences. It was time to go back to the have buckled. oving into a season without a drawing board and work on attack! warm up match has an uneasy Match 6 v Marlborough College Mfeel about it. Will the set piece Match 4 v BGS (Ryan’s Memorial (Home) work? Are the correct player combinations Match) (Clifton RFC) in place and will the small pre-season Clifton were chasing a third successive preparation affect the final quarter of the What a night! Clifton Rugby Club was packed victory over Marlborough in this match? The match was a scrappy affair with supporters cheering for both teams. prestigious fixture for the Governor’s Cup. and both teams made a host of errors. But The atmosphere was electric and it was The first half was a close affair. George Johnnie Graham (MH) lit up the match with many years since the ground had been so Kinsey scored early but Marlborough sparkling runs on the right wing and Max full. Clifton started more promisingly with rallied and there was not much in the Cresswell (MH) led the pack who gradually George Kinsey (MH) scoring a well worked game at half time. However, kicking down began to dominate the larger Abingdon try. But BGS continued to come back into the slope Clifton dominated the second pack. The sad loss of Lloyd James (MH) for the game. Two tries from Jack Morgan (MH) half with Jamie Smith (SH) capping a the season was a blow but others stepped seemed to have made the game safe but great performance at ‘openside’ with two up and took their chance. A first game back came BGS and a late converted try excellent tries. made the game very close. The game would victory is very important for the season Match 7 v BGS (Away) and the 18 – 8 margin probably reflected have made Ryan very proud of his friends the match. and it was certainly a great advert for school The loss of three upper sixth forwards boy rugby. through injury before the game was not great preparation but the team can make Match 5 v Ellesmere College (Home) no excuses for a lacklustre performance Ellesmere arrived with a considerable and a great effort from BGS. Their game reputation and they played with real flair plan was nothing new, keep it tight and and power. The game will be remembered kick well. A late converted try from Liam for a terrific exhibition of defending from Crandon nearly brought about a draw but Clifton and one crazy decision from the BGS hung on and deservedly so. Ellesmere inside centre. With the game in overtime Clifton were down 13 -10. After Match 8 v Blundell’s (Home) an Ellesmere scrum inside the Clifton half This match is played for The Colquhoun the centre decided to float a miss pass out Cup and Clifton were trying to regain to the full back. Johnnie Graham latched the trophy from Blundell’s. The match on to the ball and set off on the long was quite humdrum in many ways; the seventy metre sprint to the line. He was majority of the play was in the middle of caught but only after he had put the ball the park. Good kicking from Liam Crandon

68 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 kept Clifton’s noses ahead. Several good opportunity to do this twice as they would attacks were wasted at the last moment return to us after half term. However, and basic overlaps overlooked. But Clifton being 7 – 8 down after playing down the enjoyed the win in what was to be the final notorious Blundell’s wind, things did game of the season. not look so good. Thankfully the backs’ Paul Askew and Andrew Wagstaff moves seemed to click into the wind in the second half, and Will Richardson helped kick-start our renaissance by punching 2nd XV holes in midfield at will, and a comfortable 30 – 8 victory resulted. Played 7 Won 5 Lost 2 For 165 Against 104 Marlborough matches are always hard Hopes were high for the 2010 2nd XV fought, and often close, and this was no season on the back of the unbeaten exception this season. An Ollie Bowden very resilient side and with their talismanic successes of the previous year. (MH) (Players’ Player of the Season) try skipper, Alex Horton (NT), bounced back We kicked off at home against a strong was only one reply to Marlborough’s to notch up a string of impressive wins in Abingdon side, and found ourselves three converted tries in the first half, their remaining six fixtures. Unfortunately outplayed for long periods of the game. leaving a huge task at 7 – 21 down. due to adverse weather conditions the However, the last kick of the game found Three unanswered tries, the last from season came to an abrupt end and Clifton with a penalty in front of the post to Tim Pocock, half the length of the pitch, robbed the squad of an opportunity to draw the game with the score at 13 – 16. saw Clifton snatch the spoils in the dying face a formidable old foe in the form of Unfortunately the rather fortuitous draw minutes of the game, 22 - 21. Sherborne. Convincing wins against the did not come about. Bristol Grammar matches are often likes of Marlborough and Blundell’s were The week after saw an away fixture on scrappy dogfights, and again this was no undoubtedly the highlights of the season a rock-hard pitch at King’s Taunton. exception. Thankfully Luke Watson and and a number of players distinguished The opposition seemed to lose interest Freddie Blanks (WaH) (Most Improved themselves both in terms of their very quickly after Clifton’s try-scoring Player of the Season) tries saw Clifton commitment and their style of rugby. Will rout started, and Will Richardson (ST) snatch a 14 – 13 win, although the Head Rushworth (SH) – such a versatile player – contributed four tries to a 55 – 0 rout, of Mathematics failed to add the scores up had impressive stints at both flanker and which left our boys with a sense of not correctly and thought we had in fact lost... scrum-half and veteran Henry Gibson (MH) proved to be unassailable at full-back. having been tested particularly. We weren’t to know that the Blundell’s The pack was led with great authority by Perhaps now brimming with a little too return fixture was to be the last, as the another veteran of Clifton rugby, Rob Tatton- much confidence, it was the visit of snow put paid to the Old Swinford and Brown (SH), and promising newcomers to Cheltenham College. Although we were Sherborne games – a great shame, as Big Side Rugby such as Jamie O’Connor slightly depleted, and gained some hope other results suggested that the winning (SH) and Jack Keen (MH) suggest that the from a Will Barrett (MH) try against the run streak could continue to the end of the future for next season remains bright. of play, this was probably the season’s season. The Blundell’s side were much darkest hour, as the game was stopped improved, but two Clifton tries at the end Dan Janke early for a Tim Pocock (WiH) injury when put the gloss on an otherwise close game, we were 5 – 34 down. Thankfully, Tim was winning 26 – 15. 4th XV not seriously injured after all, and that was All in all it was a very pleasing season. The the last game of the season to be lost. two losses would have been difficult to Played 7 Won 2 Lost 5 For 93 Against 169 Coach was looking for some revenge turn around, and the boys were committed The 4th XV trained and played with for the rather poor draw at Blundell’s in throughout, and there is much promise commitment and enthusiasm throughout the previous season, and there was the from the Lower Sixth players for next the season and once again several new season. James Bell (MH) was boys were unearthed as names to watch the Player of the Season for for the future. Victor Hall ended the his tireless work in support season as leading points scorer and Andre and defence for the whole Audifferen (SH) was soon respected by season. team mates and opponents alike. This Gil Simmons predominantly L6th team was admirably led by Dom Hampson (ET), and the pace of Michael Kwok (WaH), Leon Lau (WaH) and 3rd XV Sarveen Kummaran (SH) resulted in some spectacular tries from distance. Special Rugby Played 8 Won 6 Lost 2 mention must go to 4th XV veteran prop For 219 Against 89 Sam Kingston (ST) who never missed a Despite two heavy defeats at single game or training session in two years the beginning of the season until he was finally struck down with a to Abingdon and Cheltenham, cracked rib towards the end of the season. the 3rd XV proved to be a Hugo Tilney

SPORT 69 summary, but for me they need no mention, that a long injury list caused major problems they know who they are and so do I and and that these injuries occurred to key everyone who played for us. A really good players in positions of huge influence in the season, cut short by the weather, but certainly side. However, the campaign was fatally one in which a number of boys put their undermined by the team’s inability to perform hands up as players who could play first team under pressure – when we needed to score, rugby over the next two years. we couldn’t; and when we needed to stop Alan O’Sullivan and Elliot Cracknell the opposition, we couldn’t. Collectively, the team did not function properly, and this was largely the consequence of a failure to train Senior Colts B with sufficient intensity during the week. Senior Colts A There is enough talent in the year group for Played 7 Won 2 Lost 5 For 88 Against 211 their fortunes to be revived, but they all need Played 7 Won 4 Lost 3 For 150 Against 123 After a promising start with a competitive and to remember that there’s no “I” in “Team”, and that you have to prepare properly, or be The highlights of the season were the King’s hard fought defeat against a strong Abingdon prepared to fail. Taunton game where we saw for the first team, the B team season proved rather mixed Jo Greenbury and John Bobby time the raw ability of the excellent John with our resources often quite stretched due Beresford (SH). The Blundell’s away match to A team call ups and injuries. The forwards was memorable for a flood of tries most with the pocket battleship Nino Freuler (WaH) notably from James Egginton (ET) and Samad and captain Rory O’Callaghan (ST) to the Junior Colts B Animashaun (WaH), but everyone played fore were always competitive but it was out their part on an afternoon of quality rugby. in the backs where, at times, we became Played 7 Won 3 Lost 4 For 169 Against 184 rather threadbare and lacked confidence. The local derby on the Close against BGS was The Under 15 B XV had a mixed season on the Most games were quite close and could have my particular highlight with George Irish (MH) rugby pitch, with good wins at Cheltenham gone either way apart from a rather shameful repeatedly hurling himself at the opposition and King’s Taunton being dampened by heavy capitulation against Cheltenham. Probably to allow Jordan Cranton (MH) to crash over defeats to Marlborough, Bristol Grammar the highlight of the season was the double for his hat trick of tries from around five yards School and header against Blundell’s with both games out! This was the reward for all the hard work Abingdon. The decided by a single score as home advantage put in on the training park. Jordan provided an squad as a proved crucial. edge to the team badly missed when he was whole suffered Adam Sibley injured. from having a The A team changed a great deal from the large number of start of term to the end, but in addition to Junior Colts A injuries during the boys mentioned Harith Shalash (MH) the term and P 10 W3 L 7 For 169 Against 248 was absolutely outstanding in every respect. consequently it Wonderfully talented and brave, he would The record books will show that this was a was difficult to also play every week out of position, as it disappointing season. The statistics reveal field a settled was the best thing for us as a team. No that only 3 games out of 10 were won (with 2 side for any praise is high enough for his attitude and more being cancelled), and this was a poor length of time. performance. Matt Bailey (NT) was very solid return for a side that began the term with Jim Williams up front and in the back row Conor Giebus such high hopes. A good record as Yearlings (ET) was our defensive lynch pin and ball provided grounds for optimism as we set winner in every game. The position of scrum off to Abingdon, but 2009’s narrow home half was hotly debated pre-season, but only win was replaced by an absolute thrashing, Junior because Seb Perry (SH) had been injured for from which the squad never really recovered. Colts C much of the previous season. Seb trained Modest success in the Daily Mail Cup (2 wins) hard and listened to Mr Cracknell, the result only papered over the cracks, because the Played 5 Won 4 Lost 1 For 173 Against 70 was a super all round performance. I have not good schools all had too much skill and power The JCCs enjoyed a successful season in mentioned a number of good players in this for us. Our only other scalp was BGS, and even then we nearly 2010. Five games were played with four wins. contrived to throw The performance to beat a well drilled and away a 28 point lead! able Marlborough side was very pleasing. There were times in Charlie Gibson (MH) proved an able fly half every game when controlling most games with sound kicking we played some and passing skills. Todd Li (WaH) and Jack wonderful rugby, Thomson (ET) were robust tough tight five and we scored some forwards. Kristos Antoniou-Papas (WaH), fantastic tries, but Alec Desmoutier (NT) and Jonathan Saint (ET) these moments could showed pace and skill as backs. The team never be sustained. were a close knit group who were a pleasure to coach. There is no doubt Jay Gardner

70 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Rugby Governors’ Cup possession and then give it some width Clifton v Marlborough Yearlings A because then they look a dangerous side. P 9 W 3 L 6 For 135 Simon Tait and Clive Jones Against 201 The playing record of this Yearlings B side shows that this was a tough season. And yet P8 W7 L1 For 251 Against 86. there is exciting potential Clifton’s rugby season begins with a really in this side - a team to tough fixture against Abingdon School. This keep an eye on in the school admits pupils at year 7 so they have future. enjoyed a couple of years playing together The opening games of the season were very before we begin in year 9. It was a tough tough and it was not until the first exeat match the previous year and with just one weekend, on our annual U14 tour, that any practice session under our belts, barely long momentum was achieved: playing and enough to recognise the players let alone pick winning two tight games against Ellesmere the strongest team, we went into the game College and Adams’ Grammar School did with plenty of enthusiasm but the opposition wonders for the morale of the team, and the were too strong for us and we lost 19-37. coaches. So, not a great start and with Cheltenham These results brought a new pace and looming in a fortnight it was time for hard energy to training and it was great to see work and organisation. After a comfortable the boys play with tremendous spirit and win, 46-0 against Taunton school, and four determination from this point on. The match training sessions under our belts we travelled against BGS was the performance of the to Cheltenham the following Saturday. The season - if they had played like this in every matches here are normally close and very game then the record would have been very competitive. This contest was no different different. They attacked at every opportunity, and showing great spirit we won 24-10. This rucked ferociously (something they had not was the beginning of a superb run of games done before) and scored some splendid tries. beating Blundell’s 34-5 and BGS 56-0. In the The Marlborough match on the next weekend middle of those results was the jewel in the was the most exciting match and a splendid crown, the result that made the season. The game of schoolboy rugby; the boys were very win at Marlborough! Confidence is a crucial unlucky to lose 14-12. element in successful play and when it is Up front the progress over the season was mixed with endeavour, passion, and good obvious. Initially a little reluctant in the skills anything is possible, and our 19-12 contact areas, the boys became far tougher as win away at Marlborough should stay in the the matches went by. Behind the scrum there memories of all the boys that competed for is a lot of talent and some genuine pace. Their many years. challenge next year will be to win enough Paul Romaines

Colquhoun Memorial Cup 2010

The match programme included this tribute to a much-missed Clifton character.

he Charlie Colquhoun Memorial Charlie’s family back to Clifton and “ Cup was first played in 2008 in the particularly Charlie’s widow Jean who will Tsame year Charlie very sadly passed present the Cup to the victorious team. away. Charlie was a wonderful supporter The inaugural match was won by Clifton of sport at Clifton and Blundell’s. Charlie 20–7, but last year there was a fine coached both 1st XV rugby and 1st XI cricket victory for Blundell’s. In extremely windy at Clifton and spent many happy hours as conditions both teams took time to settle a boy playing both sports at Blundell’s. and it was not until the second half that He was Captain of Blundell’s 1st XI for two Blundell’s started to dominate. Blundell’s seasons. played some fine running rugby with tries At Clifton, Charlie was the first Housemaster from Toby Lett, Barney Goss and Angus of Moberly’s House and a much loved and Yard. The final score was 22–13.” inspirational teacher of History. We welcome

SPORT 71 FOOTBALL

The football club has enjoyed its most successful season ever. No fewer than three teams, the First and Second XIs and the JCAs, won their sections of the Mercian League, with both senior teams qualifying for the Mercian League finals played at Ludlow Town on Tuesday March 29th. Over the course of the season the Second XI was unbeaten in all matches and the First XI lost just one game.

Allen’s penalty. The away match over the Severn is never an easy first league away prospect! Monmouth took the lead following trip for the now a Clifton mishap, causing frustration for confident Clifton the coaches on the sideline, but whoever side was against a thought the side were down and out at 1-0 strong Marlborough clearly had not experienced time with this outfit. Despite this special group of players. Clifton battled new-found swagger, back to equalise through a trademark Adam Clifton quickly found Hay free-kick before taking the lead with a themselves 2-0 well worked Luke Watson goal. Monmouth down and went into felt they had done enough to tie the match half-time struggling but Clifton did not know how to lie down to claw back this deficit, having also missed and when a Joe Allen missile-like throw-in 1st XI a penalty that would have halved it. Some was met by Daniel Sim leaping above the might have felt it was “not our day” but, defenders, the side had secured the most midst the frosts of January, the football after some choice words from coaches David vital win of the year. season began with the usual hopes Rodgers and Dai Barrett, we clawed back Despite this, Clifton and Malvern were for a return to the Mercian League to take the lead 3-2, through Hay, Morgan A now neck and neck in terms of points and, Cup Final for the first time in four years. and a 50 yard free-kick from Alex Horton. amazingly, goal-difference. Clifton’s final Marlborough went on to equalise and finish First up was an away fixture at Blundell’s, games was against King’s Taunton and we the enthralling encounter 3-3; however, this which is normally an enjoyable trip for approached the game knowing the amount revealed the resilience and team spirit within Clifton footballers. Having said this, after a of goals we won by was crucial in the the camp and this was not to be the last game of close-calls and rotten luck, the side Southern League title race. Clifton huffed time that these qualities would be shown were condemned to a 2-0 defeat. Luckily and puffed in the opening half an hour on the pitch. for the squad the league had not yet begun. before eventually blowing the door down However, remaining friendly matches were The following Saturday, saw the most eye- through an exquisite top-corner curling postponed due to poor weather conditions, catching fixture of the Mercian League effort from Sim. The second half was of and therefore a new-look 1st XI entered the calendar with the showdown between similar effort with little reward, consisting first league encounter of 2011 against local Clifton and Malvern. A now yearly rivalry, of two disallowed goals and numerous rivals QEH at Watson’s Field. Any nerves the boys travelled to Malvern and, in a shots against the woodwork before Taunton of a Blundell’s horror show repeat were feisty affair, matched their opponents in equalised on a break-away goal with less soon settled by two goals from captain, a 0-0 draw. than five minutes of play remaining. Once Adam Hay, both inside the again, however, the “never say die” attitude Following the half-term break, the first 10 minutes. Clifton never 1sts returned to action on home-soil looked back and dominated against Wycliffe College. Despite the throughout the match, finally opposition’s best efforts, the squad adding a third through a ran out comprehensive 5-1 winners leaping Joe Allen header. with Hay and Dan Sim grabbing With one local derby down, two goals apiece, while goal-saver another soon proceeded as turned into goal-scorer in the form Clifton challenged BGS to of centre-back George Goodall. restore local pride following In the penultimate game Clifton a devastating 2-0 loss in the arrived at Monmouth knowing that a previous year. As it happened, victory would more than likely cause the score line was reversed a goal-difference settlement at the as Clifton prevailed through top of the league between great a Jack Morgan goal and Joe rivals Clifton and Malvern. But an

72 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 was on show as Clifton scored a remarkable closest when three goals led by an Adam Hay brace and a surprise a last second Horton effort. These four 30 yard free- minutes turned out to be the deciding factor kick attempt in the title race as Malvern could only muster from Hay a 3-1 victory, taking both Clifton’s 1st XI and brought out 2nd XI to Ludlow for the Mercian League and an excellent Mercian Combination League Finals, the first save from Clifton’s first unbeaten league season with time any school has achieved this. the Bromsgrove ’keeper. However, despite a spirit, determination and group effort that the pressure the College put on, Bromsgrove The tie against Bromsgrove for the 1st XI was will be hard to match. This is largely due to netted a deflected header with one minute a nervy affair to say the least as the opening the phenomenal leadership and direction remaining and ran out eventual winners. half showed little glimpses of what either of Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Barrett. This was an This meant both 1st XI and 2nd XI narrowly side accomplished every Saturday. Following incredible year for football causing it to be, lost their finals, as the Seconds lost 4-3 after the break, Clifton appeared to be the better arguably, the most successful sport in the extra time. Having said this, and despite side with Allen and Crandon both having 2010 - 2011 school year. the pre-season doubts, this 1st XI produced half-chances for a lead, and Clifton came Adam Hay

2nd XI Footballers are rarely praised for their strength of character nowadays but Clifton’s 2nd XI proved a worthy exception to the rule in a season which saw them emerge as worthy winners of their league and miss out agonisingly on victory in the Mercian League cup final. By the end of the first league game – at home to QEH – it was obvious that Clifton were going to be contenders, having strolled to a 6-0 victory against one of the league’s supposedly stronger teams while barely breaking sweat. In fact, the next succession of games were won with such ease that my hardest job as coach was to find new ways of goals of the season; alas it was to prove downplaying individual match performances too little as Clifton succumbed to a scrappy lest my star players be poached by Mr Loughborough goal late in extra-time to go Rodgers. It wasn’t until we played Malvern down 4-3. away that we finally found ourselves before Despite the disappointing result the team worthy opponents; perhaps a little too can be proud of their achievements over worthy on this occasion as we fought back the course of a season having played with bravely from 2-0 down to win 3-2. passion, determination and no lack of flair. The icing on the cake was the chance The bar for 2nd XI football has never been to play the Northern Division winners set so high. Loughborough Grammar School at Ludlow Player of the season: José Guerrero Carral Town’s ground. The game saw star striker Tim Pocock score his 12th, 13th....and 14th Will Hodges

3rd XI Senior Colts The 3rd XI enjoyed its best season for very many years. The team won 6 A difficult season was always in prospect for the senior matches out of 9 played scoring 33 goals in the process. Ben Dixon was colts after several of their best players had left the the main goal scorer working in a highly productive strike partnership school the previous year. Despite this the season started with Johnnie Graham. The midfield all contributed to the goal tally with on a positive note with draws in competitive games excellent contributions from Boom Namsap-Anan (Capt.), Ryan Son, against both Blundell’s and King’s Worcester. Sadly this Chris Lee, Vadim Kosolapov and Sarveen Kummaran. Defence was unexpected run of form came to an abrupt end with two not sacrificed with Tom Palmer, Ronnie Harding, Anand Patel, Oliver heavy defeats at the hands of Cotham and RGS Worcester, Rosich and Young Seop Jeon providing the protection for two excellent both excellent sides, yet in both games the scores were goalkeepers, James Richards and Maximilian Zauner. The highlight of the level at half time. Following late barrages of goals in both season was beating Wells Cathedral 1st XI 1-0 away. these games, the colts had to return to the drawing board Colin Lewis and train hard in an attempt to rescue their season. (cont)

SPORT 73 enjoyed a very successful cup run reaching the quarter finals of the Bristol Schools cup Hockey and, only then, losing on penalties after extra time didn’t break the stalemate. Overall, player of the season, George West epitomised the hard working, talented group of players who richly deserved their success.

Excellent work rate and some superb Yearlings performances, particularly from John Beresford, Samad Animashaun and keeper The season was a slightly disjointed one for Matt Powell meant the team’s fortunes did me because of a family bereavement and improve. Wins against BGS and Wycliffe the team had a number of managers before bookended an unlucky loss to Marlborough settling down later in the term. in windy conditions and a rather lifeless However, the boys made good progress draw against Malvern. In many ways the during training and once the team season’s highlight was the game against understood the 3-5-2 formation our Monmouth. The Colts were trailing by two performances improved and were often goals at half time but kept in the game by excellent. Callum Wilson, Josh Easton and some outstanding goalkeeping and, ready to Noah Arron were at the heart of the defence JMS Hockey League Winners 2011 put into practice all the hard work discussed and had a mixture of pace, skill and ability. in training, the Colts produced a superb Gem Collin battled manfully upfront and 1st XI second half display, communicating well although he was later injured and sadly he 2011 season was an on the pitch (much to the delight of their missed, he scored some important goals. unquestionable success for the Boys’ coaches) to claw the game back to 2-2 with The highlight of the term was the game Hockey 1st XI. Although we were a just minutes to spare. Sadly Monmouth T at Beechen Cliff. Played in a howling young side, only retaining five regular 1st found enough time to squeeze a winner but gale against what is always our strongest team players from the previous year, we the team left the game proud of the football opposition we scored twice with the wind continued the successful progression of they were finally beginning to play. After two to lead 2-1 at half time. The second half past seasons, winning the JMS Hockey cancelled games the boys picked themselves was truly backs to the wall stuff with the League for the third consecutive year, up from defeat to Monmouth to play their opposition scoring one goal and coming and even becoming the first side to do so best football in the season’s finale, winning close on many occasions but amazingly, with whilst being unbeaten. four-two with captain Jordan Cranton scoring tem minutes remaining, Jonghak Lee scored a hat-trick. The season will go down as a Achieving this was certainly not plain an excellent opportunist goal which gave us hard one with only three wins from it and sailing, however. After offering a vastly the lead at 3-2. Sadly some inexperience let some heavy defeats; however some talented disappointing performance at the U18 us down and in the dying minutes Beechen players can look back and know that they County Tournament during the opening Cliff scored the winner. It had been however learned to play as a team as the season few weeks of the term - evidently this one of the most exciting matches in my progressed, pleasingly producing their best shortened, frantic style of hockey was fifteen years with the Third form. team performance in their final game. not our forte - every member of the side Andrew Wagstaff In summing up, there were more wins than realised that tireless effort, determination defeats and many of the team showed real and dedication would be needed promise. Will McDonnell proved in the last throughout the remainder of the season. Junior Colts game of the season that I had played him out Thankfully, we had all three in abundance, of position. Against Bristol Cathedral School, A huge victory in the first game of the season and this can perhaps best be exemplified in a new role as striker, he scored four goals demonstrated the strength and deadliness by the large number of matches that we and won the match virtually on his own. of the JCA team. However. a slightly bizarre managed to win by a solitary goal. defeat in the second friendly of the season Above all it was extremely enjoyable and The most memorable instance of such a acted as a timely reminder that football is competitive. game took place at Prior Park. Entering Paul Romaines indeed ‘a funny old game’ and victory is half-time 1-0 down after a truly lack- something to be earned not just given. It was lustre performance - in fact, we were the nudge that the team needed and there fortunate to escape with only a one-goal was no looking back. Led by captain Kaan deficit - there appeared to be no obvious Keen the team won their league with the solution to help us gain a foothold in the crunch match against Monmouth ending in a game. However, following the change nail-biting 2-2 draw. Throughout, the miserly of ends, the boys sparked into life, and defence masterminded by Alex Polyakov was with a 15 minute spell of fluid passing, consistently difficult for opposition forwards energy and movement that even Arsenal to breakdown and with Josh McGill in a would admire, we took a 3-1 lead - Jack rich vein of scoring form the victories kept Murphy finishing a brilliant one-two coming. In a break from the league, the team with Will Watson, and captain George

74 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 James scoring two well-taken goals each Hockey in a comfortable 4-1 win that included some impressive passages of play where every player touched the ball on numerous occasions. This proved a perfect send-off for the leavers: defenders Will Shields and Henry Barnes, and goalkeeper Sheridan Leech formed a formidable defence, Kinsey scoring twice at the back post from between them managing to produce consecutive short corners. Although we miraculous goal-saving performances on did concede again in the closing moments, a frequent basis; midfielders Jack Murphy the game was safe after an outstanding and captain George Kinsey who both thirty minutes of hockey. provided a constant attacking threat; and forwards Tom Streatfeild-James and Sam As our fixture list became increasingly Ghaidan who were a troublesome duo for George Kinsey – 1st XI Captain 2011 challenging during the second half of term, opposition defenders, and both improved there were few opportunities to overcome enormously over the season. teams by several goals as we had Many of the team will push for 1st XI honours previously done, beating Bristol Grammar The 2011 season was one of great next year I am sure. Moore (ET), Fleury (ET) School 5-0. We subsequently came up success, one that offered promise for the and Diamond (ET) among others mentioned against impressive sides from Taunton ensuing years of Clifton hockey, and one in this report will be in ‘the mix’. School and Sherborne who fully deserved that was thoroughly enjoyable and has left Paul Askew their victories. However, somewhat both player and coach alike with very fond irritatingly, we saved our best till last, memories. producing two impressive wins during the George Kinsey 3rd XI King Edward’s School Hockey Festival. The first game saw us play Framlingham 2nd XI Played 10 Won 5 Drawn 1 Lost 4. College from Suffolk. Tom Atkinson The 3rds enjoyed a mixed season in succeeded in dribbling around both the Played 11 Won 5 Drawn 2 Lost 4. 2011. At home, and in their best form, entirety of their side and seemingly half It was a good season for the 2nd XI. The they were a very talented young side of ours as he weaved down the left wing, team worked tirelessly and fought hard mostly containing 5th formers. However, before feeding the ball to fellow midfielder in every game. They opened the season their inexperience at times showed Kinsey who calmly converted. Shortly with a good 2- 1 victory over Kingswood. in away matches and consistency in afterwards, Murphy tucked away a well- They narrowly lost to Prior Park 2 – 1 on performance was a problem. Defending worked short corner, and Atkinson would a water based pitch at Bath University was a particular issue, from midfielders later round off proceedings, scoring one for when they should have won comfortably. learning to track players to new himself following a brilliant 40-yard pass Wins against KES Bath and BGS were very goalkeepers who took time to adjust to from central defender George Harris. comfortable, followed by an excellent 1- 1 this position. However, the tackling of The second game of the Festival- the final draw against Taunton on Clifton’s new James Egginton (ET) was always a model game of the season, and the concluding water based pitch. The team had great of good practice. Attack was the strength game of the seven leaving Upper Sixths’ strength in all areas of the field. Rob Foxall- of this group and other teams did Clifton hockey careers- was played against Smith (WaH) in goal was often a ‘match struggle to match their verve. The goals Glenalmond College from Scotland. Here, saver’, Henry Tancred-Holmes (NT) was like of Freddie Rothwell (ET) were exceptional we saw our front three of Sam Ghaidan, a terrier at the back, Will Higgins (ET) and at times. The long term team members Thomas Streatfeild-James and Will Freddie Kalfayan (ET) worked tirelessly in of Alex Smith (NT) and Tom Beresford Watson provide the end-products that the midfield, whilst the two ‘big men’ Will (SH) showed ability in attack. The youth had sometimes been absent during the Evans (ET) and captain George Hood (ET) bodes promise for next year! season, with both Ghaidan and Streatfeild- were a solid presence on and off the pitch. Jay Gardner

Tom Atkinson scores against the OC XI Short corner defence v King’s Taunton SPORT 75 4th XI Played 8 Won 2 Drawn 2 Lost 4 On paper the 4th XI was as strong a squad as we have had for many a year but for one fatal flaw – we did not have a goalkeeper! It took three or four weeks of Cricket experimentation with game but inexperienced volunteers and soft goals galore to resolve. However both Leo Comerford (SH) and Jeffery Asquith (WiH) came through showing considerable talent and were jostling for the 3rd XI slot by the end of the season. Elsewhere the attack was quite potent with Ross Miller (ST), Will Pigott (MH) and Henry Gibson (MH) all striking the ball cleanly when opportunity presented. Rhys Edwards shored up the midfield with support from Oli Mann (ET) and Will Hale (WiH) and, while the defence was always a little porous, Gareth ‘Psycho’ 1st XI Davies (WiH) proved himself to be one of the most improved players of the season. An unbeaten second half of the season, including a hard fought draw coming from P 15 W 11 L 4 Abandoned / Cancelled 3 behind against Sherborne, showed what the team was capable of. his was an excellent season for a 1st XI Adam Sibley who produced a playing record better T than any 1st XI in the past eight seasons. Junior Colts The side has worked hard over the winter months and developed a very encouraging Played 9 Won 3 Lost 6 team spirit during this period. The team did This side always had the potential to be good, but unfortunately it was not until the very last match of the season that they produced the standard of hockey of which they were capable and which they had threatened from time to time in training. It was a joy to watch the fast, flowing hockey with which they demolished Queen’s Taunton 4-1. It took a little while to get key players in the right position, and lack of depth in this year group meant we did struggle when players were missing for any reason. In many of the games played, despite losing, the quality of our play was very good, but we failed to convert chances into goals. Also, we did struggle at the back when we came across opposition forwards with pace. However, in goal, Ben O’Sullivan (ET) was in outstanding form, and thoroughly deserved the most improved player award. He was well supported by Jack Ellison, who never gave up and who won the player of the season award. Colours were awarded to: Ben O’Sullivan(ET), Jack Ellison (ET) and David Parry (ST) As always, thanks go to Gil Simmons for his excellent umpiring throughout the season. Ian Turnbull Sheridan Leech

not contain one or two star players that had Yearlings been in the XI in recent years and therefore perhaps a lower expectation of success Played 9 Won 3 Drawn 1 Lost 5 meant they played under less pressure. Captained by Joel Barber (ET), ably supported by Mikhail Neganov (MH) in goal and In the 50 over form of the game it was fantastic Freddie Owsley (ST) in attack, the team performed with sporadic brilliance. They to win six of the eight games completed. succumbed to the speedy attacks of Kingswood in the first game of the season, This included very impressive wins over with the defence of James Hughesdon (SH), Yoo Je Hoang (NT), Jamie Atkinson (ST), Cheltenham College, Monmouth School, Tom Beck (SH) unable to cope. Things improved markedly with a slightly altered Sherborne and Bromsgrove. Undoubtedly defence in which Ryan O’Connor (SH) provided protection. The thrashings of BGS the pick of these was a convincing win over and Beechen Cliff surrounded an excellent County tournament, in which we lost to Colston’s in the semi-final with magnificent performances from Harry Hood (ET) and Solly MacMurchy (SH). The highlight of the season was the remarkable beating of Sherborne, with Freddie Owsley scoring all four goals, and assured displays from Will Slatton (ET) and Edward Whittaker (ST). The team knows how to play and, with more maturity, it will develop into a sound side. The B team had the most successful term for many a season, winning half of their games with tremendous contributions from most of the players. Oliver Cullen

76 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 bowled left arm spin in the side for four For all concerned it was an extremely years and accumulated 90 wickets; his enjoyable and successful season. My opening spell of 5 overs, 3 for 8, turned particular thanks go to Sheridan Leech the game on its head and ultimately saw who captained the side superbly and who a very stunned Sherborne XI dismissed undoubtedly was responsible for much of for 201 – a very satisfying win and a the success achieved during the term. marvellous performance from Ross Miller. Lower down the school it was encouraging The Clifton sides over the last three years to see both the U15 and U14 sides win have been very good at T20 cricket. The the County Competitions. This meant that early stages of the National T20 Competition once again the U15 side progressed into were disappointing because at no stage the regional stages of the National U15 in the opening three games were the XI T20 and go as far as competing in the significantly challenged. Bristol Grammar, west Finals at Exeter University. The U14 XI Cheltenham College in the third week of Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital and Wycliffe will now take part in the Lord’s Taverners the term. Cheltenham won the toss and were all very comfortably beaten. It was a Schools Cup next season. opted to bat on a fine day on the Close shame then to go out of the competition On a final note, the Close has looked and at 150 – 1 after 25 overs they were to a strong Filton side before making the amazing all through the term, thanks to certainly in a hugely dominant position. regional knock-out stages. The annual T20 the appointment of Andy Matthews as the Through the next hour of play the Clifton game against the OC’s at Commemoration Head of Grounds at Clifton. His knowledge XI summoned up the team spirit they eventually started at 3pm and then will see the Close continue to improve had developed in such a short space of produced a low scoring but thrilling game as an outstanding school venue and a of T20, the 1st XI securing victory off the considerable investment will be made to the penultimate delivery. Luke Watson picked grounds at Beggars Bush in the future. up the man of the match award for his telling spell of bowling early in the OC innings. John Bobby and Paul Romaines

2nd XI The 2nd XI were coming off the back of an unbeaten season and so there was immediate pressure on new captain Henry Barnes and vice-captain Thomas Streatfeild-James to set the standard. However any nerves there may have been were settled in the first game Ross Miller of the season against BGS time to bowl outstandingly and reduce with the youthful brilliance of Cheltenham to 220 all out. It was an fifth former Will Higgins, who outstanding team bowling performance. scored a near faultless 114 The chase was always measured and and went on to be the leading run scorer excellent victory away against King’s without panic and it was brilliant to see of the season. Further victories followed Taunton. After reaching just 120 off the two upper sixth boys, George Kinsey and thanks largely to consistent batting from 35 overs the game looked as if it was Sheridan Leech, bat calmly through the Liam Crandon and Sam Ghaidan but the slipping away as King’s reached 50 for no closing overs to secure an excellent 6 bowlers looked like taking wickets at any wicket. However wickets started tumbling wicket win. time. Thomas Streatfeild-James finished and in the end Clifton won by 12 runs and the season as leading wicket taker with 7 overs to spare. The final game of the A win away at Sherborne is certainly never 13 wickets at the impressive strike rate season was played against Monmouth on easy and the XI arrived there knowing of 16.5 and best figures of 7-0-34-5. Joe the Close and followed the T20 women’s that Sherborne had already won 15 of Brooks (most improved player of the international. Batsmen came out to face a their 16 games played this season. Clifton season), Jack Morgan and Sam Ghaidan pink ball against black sight screens and Started slowly but thanks to a brilliant 74 (highest batting average) all took 4 wicket music blaring out over the tannoy. Man of from Tom Smith put on over a hundred hauls for just 15 runs each while senior the match Ronnie Harding took 5 wickets for the opening wicket. A stutter in the pro Anand Patel led the attack with the in his 4 overs and Clifton won the game middle order then saw Clifton struggling new ball and relentlessly terrorised with one ball to spare. So ended another to post 228; many felt an opportunity may batsmen with his height, pace and guile. successful season with 6 wins and just well have been wasted. With Sherborne the one loss. cruising to a fifty opening partnership The team finally came unstuck against inside 10 overs the XI once again looked Cheltenham but bounced back with an Hugo Tilney and Paul Askew firmly on the back foot. Ross Miller has

SPORT 77 Under 15 The Junior Colts A Cricket XI had a disappointing season in terms of ‘Saturday’ fixtures, only managing to beat Malvern during the last weekend of term and also recording a sound victory over U15A Queen’s Taunton as part of the 3rd XI school’s ‘away day’ programme. However, nevertheless well develop into into a very they did manage to qualify for the West useful bowler. The 2011 cricket season will be remembered as of England 20/20 Finals, playing some The runs mainly came from Whittaker, a sensational season for the 3rd XI cricket team. fine cricket along the way, and for this Binnington Savage, Barber, Collin, Dixey, The boys have only lost one game all season format they were bolstered by the return of Chivers and Hunter, whilst Harry Hood against a strong Cheltenham side. Matthews and Smith who had been playing improved enormously as the teams wicket The season kicked off with an emphatic win for the 1st XI for the rest of the season. keeper under the guidance of Reggie over local rivals BGS in a 25 over game with Unfortunately, we lost to Portsmouth Williams, The team was very cheerful, Jeffery Asquith taking 4 wickets for 19 runs from Grammar School in the semi final of this harmonious group who practiced well and his 5 overs. In a 20 over game played just a competition (who went on to win the final). always tried hard to do the right thing. week later James Richards demolished a weak Jack Ellison captained the side extremely Joel Barber and Gem Collin led the team bowling attack scoring an impressive 54 very well and also batted superbly in the enthusiastically and with increasing quickly. Rob Tatton-Brown’s powerful stroke play latter weeks of term, scoring 117 against insight: they began to realise how saw him score 41 not out ably supported by Queen’s Taunton. There were also notable important it is to climb out of anxiety about John Beresford with 31. BGS in response had no contributions from the side’s spin bowlers, their own game and to focus on their answer to Haris Khan’s bowling as he took Parry and Probert, and Helps improved colleagues’ well-being. It all came together 4 for 15. throughout the term with the new ball. one hot afternoon in June when the team Cricket is a game which should be played in Despite the poor results, Mr Haynes and bowled and fielded tigerishly to overcome glorious sunshine but against Taunton School I enjoyed watching the team develop and Malvern College. On a rain-affected tour the weather was anything but sunshine! are hopeful that a number of the boys will at the end of term Haileybury College was Asquith’s bowling spell more than made up for represent the 1st XI in future seasons. also defeated. this. In a virtually unplayable spell of bowling Jim Williams Chris Walker he managed to get the ball swinging perfectly. Posted with a target of 148 Freddie Boyle’s 60 Two narrow defeats, four thumping led the team to an easy victory. Under 14 victories, one of which by the record margin Rhys Edwards was certainly fired up for the The U14 As have had a fine season, of 248 runs, and one can say that it was King’s Taunton game bowled well taking 2 winning nine out of eleven fixtures and a good season for the U14 B. Tom Beck wickets in 2 balls, his pace was superbly reaching the final of the local section of the (SH) was the outstanding batsman, always supported by Ronnie Harding who bowled Lords Taverners Trophy Tournament. There extremely well all season and well surely be were victories over Bristol GS, Monmouth, in a higher team next year. Taunton and Malvern College as well as Cheltenham College proved too strong an outfit the splendid cup run. The strength of the for us this year but the team persevered well team probably lay in its bowling though and made Cheltenham sweat for their victory. there were days, for example at King’s Outstanding catches from Neil Chandratreya Taunton, when the radar went horribly and Ben Arthur will not be forgotten in a hurry. awry. Collin and Jones made a formidable opening attack and were well supported by The season concluded with a match against Chivers, Slatton, Barber and Lewis, though Malvern College - victory came in this close unfortunately little space could be found game due to the batting and bowling talents of for the off spin of Cameron Rose who might John Morfopoulos who anchored the innings with 35 not out and then proceeded to take 4 wickets. A big thank you to all the boys who turned out and represented the school this year Tom Beck and Daniel Lewis. but the biggest thank you must go to Robert Tatton-Brown and Rhys Edwards who have showing a straight bat, and the highlight represented the school for the past 3 years at of the season was his record opening this level. Keep playing boys and well done on partnership of 207 with Daniel Lewis (WiH), an excellent season! and another century opener with Matthew Nick Luker and Adam Sibley Hunter (MH). U14A Oliver Cullen

78 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Athletics 2011 his year we had 20 athletes Trepresenting Bristol Schools in the Avon Championships but only four of them qualified to represent Avon in the South West Championships – George King (ET) 100m Hurdles, Lily Owsley (WT) 800m, Tor Kenny (WT) 800m and Kwame Fordwor (SH) 100m. Kwame and Lily managed Budd (NT) who left last year having finished winner of the boys’ event with 101 points to qualify from these championships 8th in the National finals has continued was James Morris (MH) and the winner to further represent Avon in the English with his high hurdles and has recently been of the girls’ event was Emily Bevens (WT) Schools Athletics Finals which were held at ranked in the top 10 UK senior men, so he with 105 points. Fixtures were reduced Gateshead Stadium. Both of these athletes might be one to watch in the future! this year but we competed in our regular had been to these National Finals before meetings at Bromsgrove, Millfield and and they used their experience to qualify The Victor Ludorum Trophy was once again Marlborough and many athletes had for their respective finals which were competed for by the Clifton athletes. This success. Next year we hope to host our televised live by Sky Sports. They both competition comprises their five best own meeting with the facilities at Watson’s finished in 6th position and will hopefully events including one from each discipline being developed. have a bright future in the sport. Yannick (sprint, distance, throw and jump). The

event, with 24 teams Fencing Sailing competing in a total of 80 races. Clifton raced seven ommemoration day this year once again he Sailing Club goes times, producing a notable Csaw a magnificent duelling spectacle at Tfrom strength to win against Haileybury. The Clifton – the final of the Inter-House Fencing strength. We have had Sailing Team then travelled Competition between The South Town and a great season racing to Spinnaker Sailing Club at School House followed by the victorious Clifton’s new Fireflies; Ringwood for the Southerns South Town taking on the Old Cliftonian we are enjoying closer event. The team team, resulting in a resounding victory for Clifton’s current crop of swordsmen. boat-sharing and racing arrangements with showed a lot of spirit racing against more Millfield School, whilst powerboating and experienced teams and had very close The season began in September when two ‘big boat’ exposure are now firmly part of the finishes against Canford and Millfield and of our keenest competitors, Harry Morgan programme. the closest of finishes against the eventual and Roz Dunn, entered the Bristol Open. bronze fleet winners Claires Court. This is perhaps the biggest competition in Victory came early in the year when Clifton the UK after the nationals, so Harry taking faced Prior Park. Simon Green and Lauren Tang In Interhouse Sailing, 10 houses competed second place in the Plate competition was a dominated the race and Dan Clark and Luke for the very handsome engraved Sailing promising start to the season. Farmer edged their way up the fleet. Students Shield. Many houses entered younger competed in the Small Ships race in October teams this year who showed a lot of spirit Over the course of the year we fought a small number of matches against other schools, aboard the 1906 wooden-built classic yacht and thoroughly enjoyed themselves sailing the best of which was against Marlborough ‘Moosk’ (one of the smallest ships competing). in the sunshine and steady breezes. The College; at last the strength in depth of The Clifton team of seven managed to finals between WoH, OH, WaH and ET were Clifton managed to snatch a narrow victory, come 2nd in their category and 4th in the extremely competitive and there was a great much to the delight of all those involved. Our competition overall, out of a total of 24 yachts. deal of close-quarters, tactical sailing as well match against the Royal Navy in London was as heated shouts of ‘protest.’ In the Lent term there were home and away a different type of challenge as it required legs of a three school regatta involving The summer season came to an end with a team of three, each of us doing different Clifton, Sherborne and Millfield. an old favourite: the staff-student sailing weapons. Harry took on the Foil, Roz the Epée and Mr. Scorgie was bullied into doing The Summer term started with Simon Green in fancy dress, followed by a shore-side the Sabre – he said he hoped that he might leading Clifton to a 2 – 2 draw against a BBQ. Dr Grohmann looked ‘barking’ in his full-size Scooby-Doo outfit. It was left to hold his own. He won his first fight 5 – 0 in a strong Millfield side at Chew. Simon Green, little over 36 seconds! Martin Stanfield and Mrs Zdanovits and Dan Clark all gained a Anna Feather (and One of the highlights of the fencing calendar lot of boat speed by very thereafter to Mr is the Public School’s Fencing Championships effective ‘roll tacking’ Catchpole) to sail at the end of the Lent term in Crystal Palace. and all won their races. gvracefully over the Results were on the whole very pleasing, Then came Farmoor, finish-line to take most notably Harry Morgan coming 14th near Oxford, and the pole position. in the boys’ senior foil and Katie McInally finishing 19th in the girls’ senior foil. Midlands dinghy racing Owen Lewis championships. This is Master i/c Sailing 2011 Harry Morgan – Team Captain a huge and prestigious SPORT 79 The Ball Cup was raced over 1000m at the close final. Hallward’s continued their Rowing Eton Olympic Rowing Lake, Dorney and winning streak and for a 4th time took way from the bright lights of the again saw some competitive racing. Both the honours in the girls event, beating Close, a small but committed group 1st (as above) and 2nd (Richardson, Foxall- Oakeley’s in the final. of Cliftonians continue to brave Smith, Bullimore, B. Pyrke) fours had to A Thanks must go for the unfailing all weather and river conditions as part race the same event and finished well in commitment of the coaching staff of the School Boat Club. Having returned 5th and 7th place respectively. The Moffat Messieurs Kendry and Hooper along with back to their original home of Ariel Rowing twins, WJ18 2x, and Darvil and Sims, J16 Mrs Mann and Bright without whom the Club in St Anne’s the Club has developed 2x, coped admirably in windy conditions Club would simply not function. Mrs Bright a small but hardworking core who are to finish 4th, whilst Webb and Down after several years of supporting the Club keen to return to success of old. Training is competing in the WJ16 2x again raced well leaves to work abroad, and takes with her now focussed on sculling to aid crews to to finish 5th. our particular thanks and gratitude. train easily together and to help develop Avon County regatta saw our novice crews an understanding of the watermanship Congratulations must go to all who have (MN4+: James, Von Hasman, Woolley, required to become an effective oar. been part of the Club over the year, with Polledri, cox - Ashe) (WN4+ : Mikhaleva, particular thanks to Emily Lloyd (WT) (capt) Training sees pupils both work on the Kajema, Wakeford, Critchley-Clarke, cox - for her help as Captain of boats. As Sam water and in the gym but heavy flooding, Chappell) both race beyond expectation Nelson (NT) takes over the Captaincy the clashes with holiday dates and heavy exam but unfortunately met strong crews in their club looks poised to go from strength to timetables have hampered entries to races. finals. E. Down racing as WJ16 1x in her strength. first race raced superbly and was leading Gloucester Head saw the 1st four, her final before being overtaken in the last Club Awards 2010-11. (T. Pyrke, Oliver, Nelson, Rushworth, few strokes. cox - Lloyd) chase Dart Totnes to a close Oarsman of the year - Tom Oliver (WaH) second place whilst the Moffat twins as a House Rowing continues to give a highly Oarswomen of the year - women’s junior 18 double raced well and competitive and enjoyable end to the Elizabeth Down (WT) - Novice of the Year produced a solid result. The mixed J16 4x season. Moberly’s having struggled over Jo Hargan (ST) - Cox of the Year (Darvill, Sims, Webb, Down) challenged the past few years in the event decided well but faded in the latter part of the race this year was to be theirs and after some Emily Lloyd (WT) - Captain for 2011/12 but rallied to finish well. excellent form beat Watson’s in a very Sam Nelson (NT)

Independent Schools Golf Association National Plate Finals 2011 – Gross Champions

aving reached the National Finals Clifton then moved into the Plate of the Independent Schools’ Golf competition and swiftly progressed to HAssociation Matchplay Tournament the Regional Final, beating Monmouth last year by beating Malvern College convincingly on their home turf, setting up in the Regional Final, the tables were an exciting day at the National Plate Finals unfortunately turned this year as Malvern at the Shire Golf Course in early July. knocked us out in the first round. The After a shaky start, the team of 3 pictured I look forward to 2012 and hope that the Clifton team of Jack Mann, Tom Waycott above (John Maguire, Lloyd James and team can rise to the challenge of having and Charlie Powell, put up a good fight Charlie Powell) played some excellent golf three consecutive years of success in this but were outplayed on the day by a on a difficult course to record an impressive National Competition. good team, who eventually reached the victory in the Gross competition and were National Finals themselves. close runners up in the Nett event as well. Bjorn Hoffmann, Master i/c golf

80 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 The undoubted highlight of Real Tennis the season was our victory in GIRLS’ GAMES the National Schools’ Doubles Championships at the end of eal Tennis has enjoyed a very good January, in which the results of first year at Clifton. There are some and second pair competitions are Rpromising youngsters coming up combined. The First Pair of Freddie through the ranks, with players of real Kalfayan and Jonny Whitaker (both Girls’ Tennis ability in both the 3rd and 4th Forms. ET) were runners-up, and the he first team was captained by Daria The more they play, the better they will Second Pair of Adam Kula and James Malyarova (WoH) this year and she get! This old adage is borne out by the Johnson (both NT) won all their T was awarded a prestigious blue success of Lucinda Pigott (WoH), who is matches. We have to share the title tie for her quality play and fifth year in beginning to make her mark in ladies’ with Radley this year, but hopefully the first squad. Daria and Maddie Jupp tournaments around the country. in 2012 we can win it outright. (OH) only lost one match this season Jo Greenbury and played consistently well all season. Examinations hugely affected the senior tennis squads this year. There was a different combination of players every Rackets Season week. The first squad stayed largely the Malvern. Kula played well in his first same with Emma Powell (WoH), Saskia Barnes (WT) and Mariya Lobanovska (HH) 2010/11 SEASON match of the Foster Cup, which is the top 16 boys in the country, but lost to joining Maddie and Daria. Emily King (HH) Stout (Cheltenham) 15/7 in the final and Francesca Grimwade (HH) played in game. the first squad after half term and must be congratulated for their dedication to Our 2nd pair, Kalfayan and Ghaidan the squad. The U6 leavers will be hugely put in some fine performances. Other missed next year. The senior squads won senior players included Will Evans five out of their six matches. The junior who won the senior tournament, squads are looking promising for the but could not commit to rackets as future with Angie Price (WT) captaining the much as he would have liked, Jonny U14’s and a member of the Aegon squad. Whitaker, Charlie Powell, Jack Mann Phoebe Currie (WT) Georgia Argent (WT) and Henry Barnes. Ben McGeoch had a and Kate Bird (WoH) look promising for Emma Powell (Finalist), Reggie Williams fine season reaching the Quarter Final next year. Ros Dunn (OH) and Holly Dixon (Coach), Lucy Pigott (Winner of Girls U18 stages of the U16 Incledon-Webber (WoH) made a good partnership in the U15 Championship, Queen’s Club) singles tournament, narrowly losing to with newcomer Emily Hufflett (WT) making the 1st seed Duncliffe (Cheltenham) a nice edition to the U15A squad.The 2/1. With his partner Charlie Powell he his year saw silverware come to junior squads had a mixed season with made the quarter finals of the doubles. Clifton! In the first Girl’s National some close matches and plenty of room T Schools U18 Championship it was In the JCs, Doug Evans also had a for development for next year. good season reaching the Quarter an all Clifton final. Lucy Pigott played Louise Catchpole Final stages of the singles and with his really well in the group stages as did Head of Girls’ Games Emma Powell, who got through to the final partner Jake Probert made the Quarter by two points pipping Ella Gaskell from Finals of the doubles. My other JCs, Haileybury to the post. Lucy played solidly Dylan Trenouth, David Parry, Lucas throughout, held her nerve and overcame Mesquita, and Freddie Oldfield worked Emma in a cracking final where there were hard at their game all season. Doug some quality rallies. Lucy won the final Evans will also be representing Clifton 15/8 15/12. in the Junior tournament final against Henry Mullan. Clifton Rackets saw a much more competitive squad thanks to the boy’s The Yearlings are showing some hard work and commitment. The team was promise. Henry Mullan and Ed captained by James Johnson who was very Whittaker had good wins against loyal to the sport and did an excellent job. Haileybury, Cheltenham, Winchester, The first pair of Adam Kula-Przezwanski and Malvern, while Cameron Rose, and Johnson won 5 out of their 9 matches Tom Beck, George Lambert, Dan Lewis, in the Michaelmas term. Both boys played Harry Hood, Jens Lasrado and Freddie some silky rackets, especially against Owsley have all played in matches and Malvern when they were 3/1 down and have shown great commitment. turned it around to beat them 4/3 at Reggie Williams

SPORT 81 Girls’ Hockey

The girls have excelled themselves this year with exceptional play and team spirit. The U14 year group qualified for the hockey national finals and the netball regional finals: an impressive start to their Clifton career. They finished in the top eight in the country after the national finals. We have consistently fielded eight hockey, ten netball and eight tennis teams over the course of the year.

The Regional tournament at Millfield would be our next big test amongst hungry and 2nd XI Squad competitive teams. An uncharacteristic slow In some ways this has been a frustrating start to the day saw us draw against BGS season as illness, injury and movement whereby we struggled to find our rhythm and between teams meant that we rarely played groove. This would be the story of the day as with a settled side and this was reflected in we failed to secure victories over sides that our results. on a different day would be put to the sword. A below par day for such a talented and able Last year’s captain Katie Warren (WT) was out squad saw us finish fourth and any hopes of for the whole season, while Saskia James a trip to the nationals vanished. We all knew (OH), who replaced her, played very few we hadn’t quite done enough that day and matches. However, we beat BGS (3-0) and the disappointment was palpable. Wellington (3-0), drew with Marlborough (1- 1) and Blundell’s (0-0), and lost to Taunton On the whole the season brought fantastic (0-1), Dauntsey’s (0-2) and Dean Close (0-1). performances and a very healthy results card. I hope all that participated will For much of the season the team lacked a look back with pride and with a sense of play-maker in the middle, although Marie achievement. Thanks for all your hard graft Phillips (WT), who won the most improved 1st XI Squad and perseverance girls. player award, stepped into that role and did a very good job. She is definitely one ith only two players short from Congratulations to Lily Owsley (WT) who was to watch for the future. Philippa Davis (WT) the year before, this year’s 1st selected for the England U18 hockey squad thoroughly deserved her “most valuable Wteam squad were looking to build and Isabel Murphy (WT) who was selected player” award, as she worked tirelessly on a wealth of experience and talent in for the U16 squad and played in the four in every match and never gave up. She search of another triumphant season. nations in Valencia. was well supported up front by Henri Tim Lang Matches came thick and fast and before Worthington (WT), who was again our top we knew it we were faced with the county goal scorer. tournament at Beggar’s Bush. As reigning Ian Turnbull champions from the year before the girls knew what lengths they would have to go to in order to remain on top for another 3rd XI Squad year, and, as in most years, our biggest A promising 1-0 start against local rivals threat would come in the form of a BGS BGS hinted at a promising season for the side that seemed to have spent well in two team captains, Rosie Keefe (OH) and the summer transfer market. Another Tilly Wickens (WT), but a subsequent run of final and another win for Clifton secured three successive defeats disguised just how the silverware and the bragging rights well the team were playing. However, form is for yet another year! The girls certainly temporary and the results changed as player proved themselves worthy winners and all of the season, Ocean Critchley-Clark (OH), involved were tremendously proud of the began to flourish and Bella Ghaidan (WT) team effort applied that day. found she just could not stop scoring! The

82 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 3-0 victory away against a strong Dean Close side was the highlight of the season and, as they really began to hit their potential, it was impossible for the team to hide their disappointment that this turned out to be the last game in a weather-ravaged season. Overall a good, progressive and, most of all, enjoyable, season. Gary Catchpole 4th XI Squad 2010 saw a season full of successes for an up-and-coming 4th XI squad. Beginning National and Regional Finalists with a promising 2-1 victory against BGS game marks her out as a player to watch in in September, the season continued with the future. The match against Taunton was a U14 A Squad some pleasing results. We were out-played more turgid one, where our dominance didn’t at Marlborough (2-0), but the girls bounced The U14A looked an exciting prospect bring any goals in the drawn game, played back the next week with an outstanding from the very beginning of term and I was out in the surreal environment of an army team performance which resulted in a not wrong. They had an unbeaten season camp ringed by barbed wire. The match was 4-0 win against Taunton. The second half against some excellent opposition, and notable though for the emergence of two of of the term saw some close matches in captained by Phoebe Currie (WT) they were the most improved players of the season: which the girls gave their all, resulting in a pleasure to coach. They easily won the defenders Lizzie Powell (HH) and Flo Moore a 1-1 draw against Blundell’s, a 2-0 loss county tournament without conceding a (OH) established themselves as robust against Dauntsey’s and, in our last match, goal. The regionals were a little more fraught defenders. Our final match against Wellington a 1-0 victory over Dean Close. Snow for the with them losing narrowly to Canford, revealed our best hockey and a firm self- last two weeks of the Michaelmas term finishing second overall. They then played belief; having squandered a 2-0 lead to be resulted in an early close to the season. in a national playoff match against Oundle, level at half-time, there was no questioning This really was a delightful team to coach, travelling to St Edward’s Oxford, a neutral the girls’ determination to secure the victory, and all the girls should be proud of their not least the ever-positive Paris Collingbourne own improvements as well as the support (OH), and as Anna Sibley cracked the back- they showed to one another and their board for the fifth time, the opposition could commitment to the team. only long for the final whistle! Anna Haynes Anthony Spencer U15 A Squad U15 B Squad The U15A team took real strides in bridging the gap between junior and senior hockey The U15Bs played good hockey all season this year; a number of them will be competing and deserved their success. Grace Jalleh- strongly for 1st/2nd team places next year. Sharples (HH) was very reliable in goal, Of particular note is the level of physicality supported by a solid back line with captain displayed by many. The season started in Abigail Waycott (WT) at sweeper. In midfield a rusty fashion with a 3-1 win over BGS, Shannon Mortimore (HH) and Mabel Moll where our marked superiority required an (HH) ran miles to supply an attack led by the Anna Sibley (WT) hat-trick to make the result goal-hungry Lisa Pasyada (OH). The most emphatic. Marlborough proved to be more improved player of the season was Emily Hufflett (WT) who developed into a fast venue. They won the match on penalties feisty competitors the week after, but some after an exciting extra time. Phoebe McCurdy attacking winger. superb saves by Kosi Carter (HH) limited (HH) saved three penalties ensuring safe the damage; her intelligent reading of the Phil Hallworth and Katherine Jeffery passage to the squad’s safe passage. The girls performed well in the finals, but were not quite able to demonstrate the skill they had perfected all season. A tremendous season, with Angie Price (WT) as player of the season and Emily Bevens (WT) as most improved player. Congratulations to Georgia Young (OH), Angie Price (WT), Nicole Kimitri (HH) and Oceane Vigie (WT) who were selected for the JRPC (Junior Regional Performance Centre). A fantastic season girls - well done!! Louise Catchpole

SPORT 83 Netball 1st Squad he 1st VII have had a mixed bag of results this year, with only two wins. The Tfirst fixture against Bromsgrove two days after the end of the Christmas holidays was a tough start: it takes time to select the right combination of players and unfortunately while this process was taking place, matches were played and losses incurred. The 1st VII settled eventually into a squad of 10 players. The defence was very strong with U14 B Squad many different combinations working well to limit shooting chances by the opposition. As term progressed the team was really Charlotte Greenslade (WT), Poppy Brookes beginning to develop into a cohesive (WT) and Mila Jupp (OH) proved formidable, it was the moment, for me, when I felt the unit captained and led by Grace Browne as did Imogen Comerford (OH) on the squad had truly left the hockey term behind! (HH), whose vision and stamina were occasions that she was asked to play in This was very mature netball that wouldn’t much admired by the opposition. When defence. In attack Aimee Freeland (HH) was have been out of place in the Avon Premier Grace was promoted to the A team Alice a fabulous captain, leading by example with division and I was very proud of them all. Anstee (WT) then took on the captain’s some brilliant performances as GA. Imogen After half term we had fixtures against the role and the team settled down again as played excellently with Aimee as GS and three Taunton schools. The Taunton match they became used to playing in different Ellice Harding (WoH) was a great addition to at BB was certainly memorable and the girls positions. Jemima Sykes (OH) was brilliant Clifton netball both in the shooting circle and managed to remain composed (mostly) on in goal when she was fit enough to play and on court where her balance and control make court whilst all around them was chaos. They combined well with the defensive squad of her pivotal in matches. The turning point should be very proud of the strength of their Anna Morgan, Maddie Hodgkinson, Katie for the 1st VII was their away game against performance that day and although they Lloyd-Hughes (all WT), Elizabeth Streatfeild- Dean Close in early February. They played 4 didn’t win, they deserved to. Throughout James (OH) and Megan Tyre (WoH). They x 15 minute quarters (full length for senior the season the 1sts have had stability in barely let a goal in after the first couple of league netball) and although narrowly losing, the centre court area with some fantastic weeks. As mid-field players, Jess Hufflett performances from Saskia Barnes (WT), Zoe (WT), Connie Hogan and Flo Woolley (WoH) really began to dictate play as they became Ward (WoH), Ellice and Hannah Giebus (WT) more confident both on and off the ball and who as Vice Captain has played an important began to understand how to both attack calming and controlling role. The last match of and defend! In attack, we had both stamina the season was Queen’s Taunton (away) and and speed with Alice leading from the it was great to return with a fabulous win. centre supported by Jess Manikum-Allen Val Hufflett (HH), Jemima Cook (HH) Lauren Westley and Tara Proske (both OH). 2nd Squad Sue Kerr This was a great group to work with and they all tried extremely hard and played brilliantly in training sessions, against the 1sts in particular, relishing the experienced coaching of Val Hufflett. However they didn’t quite live up to early promise as most matches were played outside whilst training was on the excellent surface in the indoor facility at BB. However this is predominately a young team of 5th formers who will, I am certain, mature into top senior players. Many games were close but notable victories came against Queen’s Taunton and Malvern and a draw against BGS. Emma Powell (WoH) captained the side very well and was totally reliable at shooter. She was ably supported in the circle by Emilie Slack (HH) and from time to time Victoria Beswick (HH) who played superbly in both attack

84 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 4th Squad We were really spoilt for choice this year with more talented girls than we had places on the team. In fact, we were able to field a 4th and a 5th team for our first fixture against Bromsgrove. The squad eventually found their level and put in some very spirited performances with three notable wins against Malvern, King’s Taunton and Queen’s Taunton and some close matches against Dean Close and Taunton School. The girls maintained their positive attitude throughout and were gracious in both victory and defeat. Eloise Ladkin (HH) and Ellie Sibley (WT) shared the captaincy and displayed agility and speed in their centre court positions. They were strongly supported by the other centre court players, namely Lottie Griffiths (WT), Sarah Dawson (WT), Bella Ghaidan (WT) and Tilly and defence. In the centre court we were Wickens (WT). In defence, Naomi Trembath Charlotte Bresnahan, Charlotte Beswick and blessed with plenty of talent to choose from (WT) and Flo Freeland (WT) played important Sophie Osborne (all WT) held the defensive with a versatile West Town quartet in the roles, as did Sammie James (HH) and Zoe circle together and, when they remembered guise of Philippa Davis, Katherine Beesley, Frewin (HH) who demonstrated versatility to jump, thwarted many an opposition Lucy Gallop and Henri Worthington, who and talent at both ends of the court. Our with some brilliant interceptions and goal exhibited good fitness levels and tenacity principal shooters were Maddie McLeod (WT) saving leaps. Anna Sibley and Lowri Edwards in some tough matches. Pippa Robinson and Georgina Lewis (WT), ably assisted by (both WT), together with Emily, dominated (OH) and Eliza Hunt (HH) played extremely Lizzie Markham (WT). All the girls should be the centre court, and between them they well together and showed a massive congratulated on their superb efforts and for managed to turn over some very crucial improvement in defending the circle. playing with such great team spirit. passes in the last quarters of matches, Alex Tebay particularly Emily who never seemed to run Fiona Hallworth and Rebecca Wimshurst out of energy and reached some impossible balls! The goal scoring trio of Maddie Jupp, 3rd Squad Paris Collingbourne (both OH) and Georgina U15 A Squad Dunn (WT) developed a great understanding It was a promising and successful season With only one practice to select a team for of each other’s playing style and this gave the for the senior 3rds team who won four of the first match and very little time to work team a wonderful flexibility as the opposition their eight matches against some formidable on set plays or court spacing, the team lined never really got a chance to get used to a opponents. We were lucky to inherit two particular pattern of play. With five wins centre-court 2nd team players – Isis Mok- up on court with some trepidation. It was a baptism of fire: a long coach journey to and three losses, the team should be justly Hartley (WoH) and Gemma Heaven (WT) – proud of themselves as they made so much and this strengthed our team considerably. Bromsgrove, followed by a very short warm up and extremely windy, cold conditions that progress throughout the term and will form Gemma has been a fantastic captain, an excellent core for the Under 16 team next tirelessly enthusing and motivating the team resulted in a loss – not a good start to the season. and encouraging them to play together as a season. Lots to work on; and work they did. unit – and this team-play has been a major Enthusiastic and committed, the squad began Sue Kerr factor in our success. to train together and work for each other; Emily Hufflett (WT) captained the team in formidable Leila Hosseini (WoH) and Mel Price (WT) have style and was never short of words of praise U15 B Squad enjoyed excellent seasons with consistent and encouragement for her team mates. shooting from both as well as some very It was an exciting season for the U15Bs. impressive interplay in the circle. Charlie Abigail Waycott (WT) captained a strong side Moran (WT) has played with great energy including Naomi Ofulue (WoH), Lizzie Powell and intelligence as WA and Becky Childs (WoH), Bella Wickens (WT), Holly Dixon (OH), Siobhan Hartnoll (WoH) and Marienella (WoH), Flo Moore (OH), Harriet Houlford (WT) Phillips (WT) all played several positions and Mabel Moll (HH). They won four matches throughout the term with each exhibiting convincingly and the other games were tight impressive netballing skills. Zoe Slack (WoH) to the end. They worked well as a team and and Emily Harvey (HH) defended their circle managed to combine having great fun while with dogged determination, making some supporting and encouraging each other, fantastic interceptions. leading to several convincing wins. They developed great court awareness, excellent Well done to the girls – a season to be shooting skills and are looking strong for proud of and it’s been an absolute pleasure next season. Well done girls! working with each and every one of them. Caroline Bloor Mary Sharp

SPORT 85 U14 A Squad U14B Squad The U14 netball squad was selected in The U14B team had a season of September for the county U14 tournament. which they can be very proud, winning Captained by the excellent Jessica Hufflett six of their eight matches. The first two (WT) with Georgia Argent (WT) as vice, the matches were hard for a team which girls stormed to victory had yet to settle with four players in the first county round, proving to be unavailable. The remaining six matches the best in the area. The squad showed saw some excellent victories, notably versatility and I was able to place each a 20–3 win over Cheltenham College player in a variety of positions. The and a 20-12 win over a tough Dean second round of the county tournament Close team. All of the squad played was played with determination and with enthusiasm and worked as a team desire, with the squad qualifying for the throughout, impressively led by captain regional tournament in January – quite an Jemima Scrase (WT). Liz Streatfeild- achievement considering the wealth of James (OH), Polly Chappell (HH), very talented teams to beat. There were Connie Hogan (WOH), Nicole Kimitri some excellent school matches through (HH) and Jemima Scrase (WT) all had the term, with the team only losing one an outstanding season, but the entire match – their first one after only one squad should be commended for their practice. The season was filled with loyalty and commitment in making this excellent shooting, agility and team so successful. Their future looks skilful play. very bright. Louise Catchpole Trish Lambert

86 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Old Cliftonianthe

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Friday 7 October Cape Town Reunion Lunch

Tuesday 18 October Toronto Drinks

Friday 14 October Concert, reception and dinner: Chapel organ centenary (joint with Music Department)

Friday 21 October Mansion House Dinner

Friday 28 October Cardiff Branch Dinner

Friday 11 November Old Cliftonian Society AGM

Bristol Branch Dinner

Thursday 24 November London Branch Dinner

w/c 5 December OC Society NZ branch

December OC Alumni Cross Country race on Wimbledon Common.

4 December (tbc) School Carol Service (two services)

Bristol Branch OC - drinks afterwards

Regular activities of the OC Golfing Society, OC Football Club, the OC Lodge and other groups thoughout the year.

page 85 From the OC Secretary

Old Cliftonian activity has been re-ignited in several branches and the list of events that have been or will be held has risen considerably.

verseas, gatherings have been held We will certainly be in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, posting news and OSouth Africa and New Zealand this information from HQ, calendar year representing much good but OCs all round the work by the branch secretaries. Events world will be able to range from formal dinners, through post information and OCs formal . . . barbecues to drinks parties and include a contact any other OC by (Cambridge Dinner: George Greenbury, Matthew Dixon, Nigel Le splendid lunch on a beach in the Western email in full confidence Sueur, Ali Gordon, Charles Beresford, James Robinson, Joo Ching Cape starting in mid-morning, drifting on that contact details and Lloyd, Olivia Robinson, Mark Moore, Adam Fielder, Jonathan well towards tea-time, interspersed with personal information Burton, Alice Ferguson, Richard Hoole, Alys Holland, Peter Lloyd) seaside meandering to boost the appetite will not be disclosed. and which, I am delighted to say, I will As such, the website is attend! much more an opportunity for OCs to A series of events is planned for the OC activity has several purposes and one interact with others in all sorts of ways remainder of this year and which begin mustn’t deny the element of simple good rather than a website that will be launched with a drinks party in the Pavilion on fun as sufficient justification. We are also full of newsy information. What appears 21st September. on it will be enormously up to the OC working on an OC ‘Business Community’ Rachel Andrew (OH ’87 - ’ 89) has community – I do hope this concept to create a structure for OC networking. agreed to take on the secretaryship in grasps the imagination and that OCs We have some 7000 or so OCs worldwide London and will be assisted by Matthew will respond with enthusiasm! and the opportunities for making new Howard-Cairns (ST ’97 – 02). Further contacts, opening up fresh leads and Its address is www.oc-online.co.uk – to the formal dinner, Rachel and Matt exploring new opportunities is immense. do register and explore. are keen to hold a series of less formal At first, I visualise this being London This Clifton Magazine will not be events and OC get-togethers, and the based and I am very grateful to a small diminished by the existence of the website first, at the Liberal Club on 23rd March, group of OCs who are looking at exactly and it will remain the main printed was a great success with some 40 or 50 how and what those who are interested communication with our members. Not people attending simply for drinks after could do by way of activity, meetings and all OCs are on-line, and not all of those work. Other events are planned, but establishing connections. Secondly, once who are will wish to use this new facility, the London highlight is the invitation this is going, I think we could explore the so I would like to reassure those that dinner at the Mansion House by the same idea in Bristol. The third strand business will remain ‘as usual’ through kind permission of The Rt. Hon. The brings me to the new website where there these printed pages. Lord Mayor, Alderman Michael Bear is a function allowing OCs to indicate that (PH ’65 - ’ 70). they are willing to be contacted to explore On 28th April 2011 Richard Whiley opportunities and options at any level. If organised his last event as Branch An interview with Michael Bear appears this e-networking community takes off, we Secretary of the New South Wales Branch. in this issue and as his year in office have an immediate interconnected global He has been in office for 24 years and draws to its close we are delighted that community which could be of immense has been a wonderfully hospitable and value. One of the regular questions I am helpful OC ambassador in this important . . . and informal. part of the world. He is succeeded by asked is by recent graduates who want (Alan Brown, Jo Brown, Charles Kinsey and Matthew Bromhead (NT ’78 - ’ 83) and introductions in all sorts of geographical Anthony Newman in Sri Lanka) locations to all sorts of professions and Piers Hogarth-Scott (SH ’84 - ’ 89) who areas of career interest and at the moment presented him with a copy of The Best I cannot do all that much. I hope these School of All at the party. We wish Richard initiatives will help enormously. very well and are most grateful for all he has done. Good luck to Matthew and The crucial thing to grasp is that this Piers – do contact either of them (via our website is interactive. OCs will be able new website, of course) if you are in NSW. to post their own announcements, news, achievements, and organise events A number of other branches have new through it. Branch Secretaries, Sports secretaries. There are some 1500 or Club organisers and others will have so OCs living within about 25 miles of their own web pages for which they will Clifton and I am delighted that the Bristol have administrator rights, enabling this Branch now has new joint-secretaries site to act as the noticeboard for in Bruce Lloyd (NT ’79 - ’ 84) and James their members. Rose (NT ’78 - ’ 83) to draw them together.

88 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 the Mayoral theme has been taken up by Science. This fund has grown steadily Finally, thank you to all OCs who drop another, this time in Bristol, The Rt. Hon. and is now worth about £60,000. The us cards or send emails. They are always Lord Mayor, Councillor Geoffrey Gollop Scholarship will be awarded for the first interesting and a pleasure to receive, so (ST ’68 - ’73). Many congratulations time in September 2012 to a Lower Sixth do keep them coming especially if you indeed to them both. There are many pupil who is taking mostly science A level have news. They cover a whole range of many more OC achievements I’m quite subjects and where there is financial need. things, but I did enjoy this one especially: sure, but unless OCs send them in to The OC Society will top the Scholarship us (or post them on the website) we will up to £5000 annually. The Fund remains ‘Thank you very much for my 80th birthday not learn of them. One news item that very much open and we all hope that a card. I remember so well Cassy’s Terriers, none of us could have missed was the final push will lift it substantially. The climbing the Gorge, pot-holing in the Mendips, marriage of Michael Middleton’s daughter ‘sale of elements’ is still available – last the shooting, fencing and hockey teams and sign Catherine to His Royal Highness Prince year’s response doubled the number sold language with the High School girls through William of Wales. Michael was in Brown’s and it would be great to do that again. an Oakeley’s study window – and some work in House from ’62 - ’67 and was one of seven As the flyer explains, an element can between!’ members of the family spanning three be ‘bought’ by an individual or a group generations that have been in Brown’s. I wonder what current pupils will write in for a donation of £1000 or more. Be some 60 years’ time, when they are 80? This magazine will have arrived with a imaginative: a group of Polish Scholars flyer for the Shenstone Scholarship for have bought Polonium, a Cornishman tin. Simon Reece Notes & News

avid Hush (ST 1963-1971) has been in touch from Sydney. DOne of the many distinguished musicians that Clifton has produced over the years, he has received ‘It’s not what you have done, it’s what you’re going to do’ Fellowships in America, was the first (Gordon Hazell) recipient of the Schoenberg Award in 1984 and was composer-in-residence ordon Hazell was a British tremendous facility for training and at the Sydney Conservatorium in 1993. Middleweight professional boxer full of Gordon memorabilia, including In 1998, he joined the Composition from 1949 to 1955 and although many of his much remembered sayings. G Faculty of the Australian Institute of he never became Bristish Champion he There were some hundred or so Music and his five compositions for was ranked third in the world. When present, including the son of Gordon’s solo violin were broadcast live on the he retired after a series of defeats in his adversary Johnny Sullivan, the Internet in 2001, reaching an audience final year he was appointed to teach PE former WBC Super Middleweight of over and Boxing at Clifton. He stayed until Champion Glenn Catley and members 100,000. He 1988 and died in 2001 at the age of 72. of the Hazell family. Surrounded is currently Gordon was a heroic figure for many by admiration for the example that composer-in- Cliftonians, as he was also to very many Gordon set to so many was a moving residence to more in the wider community. One of experience itself, but when a short the Leopold these, Craig Turner, has been equally video was shown of snippets of his Mozart heroic raising the money and seeing life, it brought all that this amazing Academy. He through to completion the Gordon man had meant to us flooding writes to let Hazell Gymnasium at Pomphrey back. If you cherish memories of us know that Hill Pavilion in Mangotsfield. I was Gordon like I do, have a look at it on he has had delighted to be able to go to the youtube at http://www.youtube.com/ two premieres opening on 12th June, where I met watch?v=yjy4ji7w3nk – you’ll need by the Orana Chris Hill (ST ’60 – ’65) who went on sound to create the desired effect. Trio in July to win a Boxing Blue at Oxford and 2010 as part ‘He that fights and moves away, Donald Coleman (ST ’53 – ’58) from of a concert lives to fight another day.’ Clifton. It is dedicated to Gordon and in Sydney at is the headquarters of the Downend ‘Make ’em miss and make ’em pay!’ the 2010 Sydney Cancer Conference – Police Amateur Boxing Club. It is a “the darkness of the C Minor Prelude SJMR followed by the light of the C Major Fugue has a special relevance to a Ghislaine Reece-Trapp A first novel by Patrick McGuinness (WiH conference devoted to finding a cure has managed two A*s and 1981-1986), The Last Hundred Days, is on the for cancer.” A video of this as a solo an A in her A Levels and Longlist for the Man Booker Prize 2011. piano version has been posted on so is off to Christ Church YouTube. Finally, he tells us that he has recently transcribed Bach’s Fifth Cello where she will continue Peter Gill (WaH 1958-1963) has updated his Suite for the piano and the Prelude of to develop her talents 1986 paperback A Year in the Death of Africa with this, too, juxtaposed with images of the as an organist. the publication of Famine & Foreigners - Ethiopia since Live Aid (OUP 2011). cosmos, can be found on YouTube.

NOTES & NEWS 89 s RH Oakeley (WiH 1922-1927) Physics master. I did not like the Chemistry the oldest OC living? Via his son, master very much, but the Physics master was IHenry, we have been sent some of very good. Poor Riddell got in the middle. his reminiscences as he celebrated He remembers palling up with a boy his 102nd birthday this year, for called Beresford and going to his home which all here send him our heartiest to watch the Schneider Trophy as well as congratulations! going off on a bicycle tour of Normandy In Wiseman’s House we had a metal bath with him. He also recalls the Long Pen: which you filled from the tap and sat in and I did it twice but I did quite well at first and had a separate small one for your feet. We the second time was not so good. Cornes was had hot water. We had to have a shower at Packwood and used to run, and then went every morning when you got up. Communal to Clifton. He wasn’t in Wiseman’s House showers, must have been two or three, not and I think I told you the epic story of Jerry sure. I got up and had a shower and dressed Cornes. He was told in the morning when he all in five minutes. got up there was going to be skating in the We slept in dormitories. Bells rang in the Zoo, and when he got to class he held up his morning to get us up for roll call. Breakfast hand and said could he please be excused, was held in the house. I don’t remember going and the master said “Yes, off you go” so he to chapel in the morning, we probably had went off and borrowed a bicycle in inverted prayers in the house before going to classes. commas from one of the town boys and We came back to the house for lunch and bicycled down to Clifton and bought himself a supper. Supper was a rather poor affair pair of skates and bicycled back to Clifton and and one could buy extra food from the house damaged the bicycle on the way, and got back butler, who did the cooking, and he would fry Liverpool. We had a new Physics master to his class and the master took no notice! up sausages. who came, and the rumour got round that he had been sacked from At 4pm, after school, the fags had to run back his previous school because he from school to their houses to prepare toast was “no good” and could not for their prefect. Each prefect had a fag who keep discipline so he arrived at only looked after one prefect. They were called Clifton and the first day he was prefects, not praepostors. walking down the corridor and We played games at Beggar’s Bush. All the Riddell was in front of him and boys who couldn’t be fitted into their house Riddell said something and the teams were sent to join the communal team. master said “You are not allowed They played on the main school field in front to talk in the corridors and you of the school, where the cricket pitch is. The will come to my study” and he pavilion was built while I was there. gave him a beating. As a result he was called “Swine Rendal” Other memories include an anecdote but after that he was able to about the Riddell family: keep discipline. It was a put-up The Riddells were big industrialists in job to ensure that he was able to Liverpool. The two Riddell boys came from keep order. He was a very good

After thirty years with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the bassoonist Meyrick Alexander (ET 1965-1969) is now Head of Woodwind at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, in Cardiff.

90 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 obert Bieber (PH 1954-1959) is a retired Solicitor, having Rspecialised in Charity law with an interest in family mediation. He was awarded an MBE in the 2011 New Year’s Honours. He is a former magistrate, having chaired the Wimbledon Family Proceedings Court and the South- West London FPC panel, and been Deputy Chairman of the London wide panel. He is Vice Chairman of the Ex- Services Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress), an association going back some ten years. He is Hon. Secretary of the Royal London Society, a charity supporting serving prisoners, aiming to equip them with St Swithin’s Anglo-Saxon Font employable skills on discharge; a trustee of the Thomas Heatherley ugh Monro (Head Master 1990- This church, called by Betjeman “the School of Fine Arts, Chelsea, and a 2000) has written in having seen least spoilt church in Cornwall”, was of former Treasurer of Mediation in Hthe obituary notice for Derek particular importance to Derek. Whilst Divorce (Richmond). Cornwell (NT 1934-1944) in last year’s at Bude as a boy he did sterling work He obtained his MA in War Studies edition. In the absence of an obituary, injecting the Elizabethan pew ends from King’s in 2010. Hugh, who with Clare is much involved with a lethal mixture which Health with the local churches around Stratton and Safety would doubtless ban these where they now live, writes to let us days and, as a result, played a vital part know that Derek’s ashes were scattered in the restoration and preservation of at St Swithin’s Church, Launcells. these historic ecclesiastical treasures.

mma Davey (OH 1987-1989) delighted to discover that the portion sizes contacted Mrs Hallworth recently were about double my expectations; perhaps Ewith the odd reminiscence or two the kitchen staff were used to feeding growing about being one of the pioneering girls boys. My particular enjoyment was to have at Clifton: both chocolate cake and a jam doughnut at Areas of interest tea time. Thank goodness we had sport three I remember arriving early (before the boys) times a week and the CCF to work it off. Robert’s interests embrace the for our first term at Clifton so we could history and treatment of those be initiated into the ways of the school, School protocol was intriguing, particularly suffering from mental trauma specifically what happened in Chapel in the the lower, middle and upper bench acquired during, or associated morning and how to sing the School Song. assignations in the Sixth Form. Due to the with, their military service; an The first day of term, the girls arrived early imbalance in boys and girls at the beginning interest stemming from his judicial at the Chapel and could watch everyone else there often wasn’t an “appropriate” girl to observation of the numbers of entering; there was a strong air of intrigue as show prospective parents around. I remember veterans appearing before the to who our fellow classmates would be. Trying on one occasion being temporarily assigned Courts demonstrating issues raising to blend in was not easy when a skirt had not to the middle bench to take on a task. Not concerns as to their mental health. previously been part of the school uniform; having grown up on the School history I was I was surprised when we first had the chance trying to swot up on the details whilst walking His research interests extend, to sing the School Song and as the girls into the School Office, and simultaneously firstly, to writing the history of carefully sang the tune we had learned, we putting on a new tie. It was disconcerting Combat Stress since its founding in realised that the boys sang it at a bellow. to find that the father was an old boy and 1919 and, subsequently, outcomes probably knew more than I did. In a flash to treatment, in the broadest Having previously been to an all girls’ of inspiration I encouraged him to regale us context, provided to the ex-services school where the approach to meals had been with his school time memories and thoroughly population. somewhat different to Clifton College, I was enjoyed my time as an impostor!

NOTES & NEWS 91 Clifton goes Bristol to Digital Mongolia by Ambulance he College servers have been expanding rapidly to cope Twith the increased demands ast summer David Green that teaching methods have put (Clifton College, 1996-2008), upon band widths; youtube is now LRob Figueiredo (2001-2008), a common tool in the classroom. George Greenbury (1992-2008) and I (Ashley Coates, 1996-2008) drove an ambulance 10,000 miles from Bristol to by about ten thousand times. Maybe Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. things would have been different if we The trip was part of an annual event had boarded at Clifton but by the time So we now have a media called the Mongol Rally where teams we had reached Astana, the capital of company that creates small clips raise money for charity as well as Kazakhstan, a Great Schism had taken on school events that are posted donating their vehicle to the Mongolians place within team Bristol to Baatar. We on the website and youtube. at the end. could not agree on a single issue, be it something important such as how much You might think that this is a fairly food we had left for the 1,500km of unique thing to have done but as I desert we were heading into, or bizarre bragged about the rally in the run up to and surprisingly aggressive arguments Cliftonians have been keeping in us leaving in July, I increasingly found about whether or not Barack Obama touch with one another through that everyone knew someone who had had visited Astana for the opening of a Facebook for some time and done the trip before, or was about to do shopping centre designed by Norman Linkedin, the professionals’ it. Every year this event attracts about Foster. favourite, has been a 300 teams with an average of four team great way of keeping in members, most of whom are students, Perhaps I am prematurely ageing but I touch with Cliftonians, so I ended up bumping into a number still fail to find funny the hospitalisation finding them and of Bristolians on the way to Mongolia. by alcohol poisoning that my good putting them in touch with one There was Tom, a University of Bristol friend Rob brought upon himself whilst another. You will find an OC student who drove his VW Polo into in the Ukraine. The Odessa General group on Linkedin and on the back of a truck in Kazakhstan and Hospital was, in the words of the only Facebook co-ordinated by Lucy finally broke down in Russia, where we English-speaking doctor in the city, ‘like Nash, OC Society. picked him up and gave him a lift to a horror film’. After babysitting Rob the There is another Clifton College Mongolia. Tom’s car had suffered from night before, where he had consumed in S Africa and so to maintain our a number of issues since leaving Bristol a number of alcoholic drinks, I was not profile on Facebook there is now but it was a faulty radiator that finally sure how sympathetic to be as I watched a Clifton College page which links led him to breaking down, getting a him getting wheeled into what could to the website and contains tow from a Kazakh lorry and crashing well have turned out to be his final recent news. into the back of the same lorry. An resting place. The next 12 hours were evening spent making ‘weight-saving some of the most bizarre of my entire On June 28th 2011 adjustments’ brought Tom to smash out life. The Odessa doctors condemned Clifton entered the all the windows of his car, destroy the Rob to up to a week in the Odessa world of Apps and battery and then destroy most of his infections centre, a place crawling there is now a free clothes when battery acid leaked into the with crickets and helpfully described Clifton College App boot. On the opposite end of the scale by a patient in the ward as ‘the most available from the Apple store. there was the super organised Bristolian dangerous hospital in the Ukraine’. The Blackberry version is available couple Vernon and Gemma, who we from September and the Android We decided that our friend was in first met at the rally start line where version will follow on quickly. The mortal peril and that the only way to they accused us of having stolen all their App records news and events, maps save him would be to steal him off the media coverage in Bristol but claimed of the school with a facility to direct Ukrainians and drive overnight to Kiev they would have their own back by you to the College, a quick click to where the British Embassy would give getting to Mongolia before us. The trip the website, a photo gallery and a us sanctuary and find Rob a nice, clean, took us six weeks and we arrived one quick dial facility to key numbers. well-funded hospital. By the time we hour before the illustrious Vern. We are looking forward to getting had come to this decision the Odessa your feedback and ideas for when There is a general feeling that these doctors had closed off the dormitories, we launch the next version. experiences make your friendships where a semi-conscious Rob was stronger but two months in the back of discovering what it feels like to have 10 Fiona Hallworth an ambulance with four of your friends litres of water pass through his rear- Director of External Relations will amplify all the little irritations you end via a bucket and hose. I pretended might have had with them at school not to understand the doctors request

92 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 for payment and after something of a struggle, Rob was out of the hospital and, amusingly, in the back of an ambulance. But at least it was our ambulance, our sturdy mountain-climbing Land Rover ambulance that had been checked by two garages and declared to be invincible. It came as something of a surprise, therefore, when the back-right tyre blew-out and then disintegrated during the six-hour journey to Kiev. Even more debilitating was the steam that began pouring out of the engine, creating rainforest conditions in the cab. We arrived in Kiev with Rob still taking toilet stops at an in-human rate and the ambulance wildly over-heating. Turns out that the British Embassy for Ukraine is, honestly, open Monday- Friday 09:00 to 17:00. The Americans had six security guards but, again, shared the same opening hours as the Post Office. Fortunately it did not take disasters. We got to see Prague, Vienna, day at Clifton, followed by funds a huge amount of initiative to find Amsterdam, Berlin, Kiev and Beijing. from the Commem chapel collection, the nearby American Medical Centre We got to hold a golden eagle, shoot an contributed over £1500 for charity. where we left Rob to be re-habilitated AK-47 and swim the Beijing Olympic In total, we raised £5000, £2000 of and in the intervening hours we were swimming pool. We learnt how to fix which paid to equip a new St. John rescued by an Old Cliftonian, Ruslan an engine with gaffer tape and how to Ambulance local support vehicle in Bass, who lived in the nearby city of bribe foreign policemen with copies the UK. The remaining £3000 went to Dnepropetrovsk. A few days in the lap of Nuts and 20p coins. A home clothes Mercy Corps and CNCF in Mongolia. After we left Ulaanbaatar, our ambulance was sponsored by Wagner Asia and had an additional 6,164,000 Mongolian Tugriks spent on it (roughly £3000) and is now employed by the Mongolian state as a mobile family healthcare unit in Bulgan Province. The Mongol Rally is not organised by a gap-year tour programme, you are on your own, there are no safety nets and you get to decide what you want to do. It takes two months, your friends will annoy you and you will end up with a Gordon-Brown-sized hole in your finances but for sheer entertainment value and travelling experience, you will not be disappointed! of luxury soon sorted out Rob and apart from border delays and a wheel falling off in Mongolia, the rest of the trip passed without another major hold-up. e extend our sincere congratulations to Alexander Evans (WaH 1985- 1990) on several fronts! He was awarded an OBE for his work as a The Mongol Rally is just one of those WBritish diplomat in Pakistan in 2011. He has also been appointed to experiences that is easier to complain the Henry Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the about than to be positive about but in Library of Congress. This is a research appointment which is made annually, reality we all had an incredible time and and he will be working in that vital area of US/Pakistan relations. Following I would recommend anyone to go on that, he will join Yale at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs as a Senior it. The stockpile of potential Facebook Fellow and Faculty Member in 2012. He writes: profile pictures will last well into your thirties and you will hold all the trump I am among a large group of OCs who owe much to Brian Worthington, who cards in conversations about holiday encouraged his pupils to think for themselves.

NOTES & NEWS 93 OC Business

a difficult time in South Africa. This LORD MAYOR OC was largely because Michael has, and has always had, a deeply rooted social conscience. At Clifton he was “truly inspired” by Ernest Polack who had ehind the regalia and the pomp, consistently and gently encouraged the Lord Mayor of London has his charges to empathise throughout Ban important part to play in the life with the disadvantaged. Being a nation’s economic life in general, and member of Amnesty International did the welfare of the City of London in not sit easily in apartheid South Africa, particular. The last Cliftonian to hold and neither did teaching science to local this prestigious post was Bernard Africans in his garage, or joining the SA Waley-Cohen in 1960 and it is thus with Voluntary Service which tried to build justifiable pride that we can report that schools and classrooms in Lesotho and this year’s incumbent – the 683rd – is the Homelands. Whilst there were good Michael Bear (MH & PH, 1962-1970), things that came out of this determined who kindly found time recently to meet liberal activism on his part – this was the Editor and talk about his life and where he met his wife, Barbara – he experiences. eventually fell foul of “that particularly Michael was born in Nairobi in 1953. pernicious piece of legislation”, the 180 His father was in the Colonial Service Day Detention Act, whereby anyone and was thus in Kenya during the Mau could be arrested and held without Mau risings before being posted to charge for that period of time. He was Cyprus which, thanks to EOKA, was duly arrested, and merely says of this no less challenging. It was from Cyprus harrowing experience, that the police that Michael was sent to Clifton in 1962 gave him “a pretty unpleasant time.” I had a fantastic time. There was such a on the recommendation of another It was this that led him to believe that he breadth of things on offer, and I enjoyed Clifton family stationed there. Thus could do more for South Africans from the freedom to go to the village or over the did a slightly nervous eight-year old outside the country than from within and Suspension Bridge to BB. I sometimes wonder arrive at Matthews’ House in September he returned to England with Barbara in whether it was that regular contact with the 1962 under the benign regime of Tory 1978 with a mere R2000 (£200) between Bridge which somehow inspired me to become Hankey! Michael recalls that he “was them. Their first choice was to buy a bed an engineer! I was in the CCF and became very well looked after” and that the or a piano – given Barbara’s artistic bent Sgt. Major – very strict! Sport was important House felt more like one big family than the piano won and, thirty-two years later, and I played in as many teams as possible. an institution: it now sits proudly in the Mansion House, The School also encouraged my favourite a symbol of the quite extraordinary There were lots of expat families from all hobby of woodwork – there was a very good journey Michael and Barbara have round the world and I spent my exeats with facility and I remember making a coffee-table shared as a couple. one such in London, the Palleys, who had and a canoe. been in Rhodesia; going there was like being He soon found employment as a Project Michael is typically modest about his at home. I was very happy. Engineer for Sir Frederick Snow & academic ability. He remembers that the Partners, moving in 1981 to Taylor Looking back, it was the range of sport Economics teaching was “inspirational” Woodrow as their business analyst. and the facilities that he remembers as and, looking back, genuinely feels An MBA having been successfully being particularly influential, and he that the College gave him a wonderful achieved at Cranfield University, he made full use of them. One of his abiding foundation for the rest of his life. memories is going into Assembly in the moved on to Balfour Beatty and was He took A Levels as a 17-year old but, Pre Hall to classical music - he cannot instrumental in helping the company since his family had now moved to South hear Bolero without being transported move into property development during Africa, he ended up at the University back in time to that area of the Pre – and the financial crisis of the late 1980s. It of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. His he ended up at one stage operating the was his growing success as a developer original intention had been to become a sound system from the Gallery! doctor but He feels exactly the same about his time two weeks pre-Med on the Ward and in the in the Upper School. What struck him Morgue turned me green! straightaway was the sense of tradition and history that permeated all aspects So he opted for Civil Engineering of the College. He went into Polack’s, instead, graduating and joining the closure of which saddened him the South Africa firm of Hawkins & since he felt it was “unique”, and loved Osborne, becoming involved amongst every minute of his career in the Upper other projects with the design of School: airports. By his own admission he had

94 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 which caught Michael Heseltine’s eye year in office will see a reconnection of Chancellor we have precious little sovereign and it was not long before Michael the City to the national economy; as he cash. Creativity – we have this as a nation in found himself as Chief Executive puts it spades. We must get back into the exchange of the Spitalfields Redevelopment knowledge industry, into understanding It needs to be understood more clearly that the Group, the regeneration of this part best selling practice; manufacturing, trade City of London is part of the solution not part of London still ranking as one of his – all these need to be stimulated in the next of the problem and that there is now a need to greatest personal achievements. As a few years. These are challenging times but refocus on the future. result of his involvement in trying to governments have got to concentrate on trade understand the real issues surrounding and get out and support the export drive – urban regeneration, he became this is what David Cameron calls “commercial heavily involved in local community diplomacy” – and he is right, and it is an work, especially with the Bangladeshi important part of the Lord Mayor’s role to community in Brick Lane, that support this. metaphor of mulit-culturalism since It comes as no surprise therefore that the 17th Century, and he was asked to Barack Obama’s recent speech in stand as a Common Councilman for Westminster gained Michael’s whole- the Portsoken Ward, exactly the same hearted approval and he was deeply Ward that Bernard Waley-Cohen had impressed when he recently met the represented. It soon became clear to US President, not least when Obama Michael that this was an area in deep pointing out for starters that the looked at his impressive Mayoral Chain need of proper resourcing: City of London contributes by his of Office and remarked estimation over £800 million a year to there was thirty per cent unemployment, so philanthropic projects which, in itself, Nice bit of bling, that, Lord Mayor! I began to make a nuisance of myself and demonstrates publicly a sense of how within two years had become an Alderman. When asked about his faith, Michael’s responsible the City is in this aspect response was that it was important To his surprise, he was soon invited of the nation’s life. As he stated rather to him insofar as, along with the to be “franked” as a Sheriff and from pithily recently to, amongst others, the intellectual influence of Ernest Polack, thence his name was submitted as a Chancellor of the Exchequer, George it gave him an ethical foundation upon candidate for the post of Lord Mayor. Osborne: which to construct his life; the concept He is characteristically humble about Bank bashing does not create a single job of social justice lies at the heart of the this, but this rise to the highest position founding fathers of Judaism. Finally, and he has little time for sound-bite in the City of London was meteoric by when asked how he would like to politics or journalism. any standards and speaks volumes for be remembered, with characteristic the respect in which he was, and still is, Michael, as one would expect, is “a glass humility he merely replied that he held along with the impact that he was half full man”, optimistic about young would like people to remember him clearly making. Although both he and people and optimistic about the future. as someone who, both as a man and Barbara were reluctant at first to go Schools like Clifton, in his view, should as Lord Mayor, had made a practical ahead with this for family reasons, in the continue to produce well-rounded people difference for the better to people’s end they agreed realising that not only who have more to their name than just lives. He believes in the concept of being was this a singular honour but would academic qualifications and academic a role-model to others, of leading by also give them a platform to continue success. “Social roundness” is, for him, example, of making a contribution in trying to be an influence for good, and a critical attribute and he believes that life and of being an influence for good. he was duly elected Lord Mayor in Cliftonians should be encouraged to 2010. His appointment was timely in pursue a career where they can see the more ways than one since his career value of their contribution to whatever was completely untainted as far as his field they choose: banking connections were concerned; as an international developer and service- They need to ask themselves the question, provider he brought no “baggage” to What does success look like? They need the office and this has done much to to have a mission and be excited about help restore trust within the City itself. the future. They need to think ahead and appreciate that they are going to be very We only see the surface rituals and important cogs in a large wheel – they can ceremony that go with being Lord make a difference. It’s all about remembering Michael Bear is a remarkable man. Mayor of London. The office, in fact, their privileges and putting something back He and his family have been on an has many functions but its main one is during the course of their lives. extraordinary path and Clifton can to be a financial ambassador for the UK rightly be proud of him and the small As far as wider themes are concerned, and for the City of London, and Michael part it played in his development. To he makes the point that the current has spent much of his year travelling meet him and listen to him is a privilege world economy comes to some $32 abroad promoting the City and the and a pleasure and he can rest assured trillion – by 2030 this will have risen to financial services industry, looking for that his quiet wish as far as his own some $142 trillion and Britain must be investment and trying to ensure that legacy is concerned has been more than part of this growth: there is a better understanding generally fulfilled within his own lifetime. There of how the City of London supports the It all comes down to the three Cs. Commodities are not many people of whom that can whole economy. He feels very strongly – we don’t have many of those and the oil be said. about this and is determined that his is running out. Cash – thanks to the last RJA

OC BUSINESS 95 have attracted the interest of other forces and countries, such as Germany and JOHN COTTRELL America. Getting the good news across about the – HIGH SHERIFF OF BRISTOL police, and supporting them wherever he can, John sees as his main priority as far as his year in office is concerned, but ohn was born in Downend and has close behind also comes fund-raising. The always considered himself a Bristolian. High Sheriff ’s Fund is the annual charity JBoth his great-grandfather and which goes with the office and his main grandfather were harness-makers and focus is to try to ensure that the Bristol saddlers, and his father ran what he Youth Community Action Group, which he describes as a “low tec chemical business”. chairs, receives sufficient funds to ensure Having had his own education cut short that children from 8 to 13 from hugely by his father, who could not see the point disadvantaged backgrounds receive the of addressing a table in Latin and who, in opportunity to escape from this by going 1925, had declared that as business was on Adventure Holidays and Activities in bad his son would have to leave BGS in which they are challenged and in which spite of having won a City Scholarship their eyes are opened to possibilities other there, John’s father was determined than anti-social behaviour. Although success that he would give his children the best is difficult to measure, he knows from his education possible, and thus he sent his regular visits with these groups, that this sons to Clifton (fees £47 per term!) and sort of activity does change lives and he has his daughter to CHS. just come from a meeting where over 31 was one of a team of half-a-dozen or so different projects received financial support John duly arrived in the Pre under whose actions have borne fruit as far as to help to deal with these children; so far Hankey and eventually into 4A in the Clifton’s financial security and success are over 4000 children have benefited from this Upper School where, in those days, “O” concerned. and it is an area that Clifton might consider Levels followed the following year. It supporting during his year in office. was in the 6th Form that he really began His elevation to the office of High to savour life at Clifton and remembers Sheriff was the result of a completely Other than that, he gets immense being taught by exceptional characters undemocratic process via a Nominations satisfaction out of visiting all sorts of such as John Thorn, Martin Scott and Committee. There is every reason why areas and aspects of Bristol life, and Tom Wells, the last of whom he describes this should be so since there are no public ensuring that those quiet, responsible as one of the finest teachers he has ever funds, external support or financial and hard-working individuals on the come across. Cricket was his main game assistance with this Office; everything ground, who dedicate their lives to and he recalls with pride appearing at that the High Sheriff chooses to do is at achieving such things as a 45% decline Lord’s against Tonbridge and taking his own expense. Secondly, no powers in ASBOs following the development of wickets with his first and third balls, are attached to the post and thus no these youth scheme, get recognised and the last of these being that of Roger accountability to any other body and no thanked. He has often found contact with Prideaux, whom he also dismissed in the burden, either, on the public purse. Bristol groups humbling, as when he second innings! The Sebag-Montefiore was invited to celebrate the Sikh Harvest The only required duty of the High Scholarship followed, and he duly took Festival in April – never has he been so Sheriff is to look after High Court Judges up his place at Balliol, Oxford in 1961. photographed in full regalia for family when they come to Bristol to deal with albums! On a more serious point, John After Oxford, and being determined major trials, such as rape or murder. The and his wife had, by coincidence, just to go into business in the knowledge post is thus very much bound up with come back from a holiday where they had that he would probably take on the law and order and part of John’s official visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar family business, he went on to study duties is the entertainment of these where there are four entrances and exits Accountancy for three years and then judges. However, it goes beyond that in so that anyone, irrespective of from which spent five years at Robinson Holdings as a day-to-day sense. It is a legal post and direction they have come or in which their Financial Manager before moving he spends much of his time supporting direction they are going, can enter or exit back into his father’s business. The the police, joining the Chief Constable on accordingly, rather too subtle, perhaps, for concern itself was built around chemicals visits to police units and generally playing today’s fundamentalist! for cleaning and paint-stripping – a part in ensuring the smooth running John has few regrets in life, is optimistic Nitromors being one of its well-known of law-enforcement in Bristol. It is an about the future and is constantly products – as well as providing the area which he finds fascinating and he surprised and pleased to discover how materials for paint-stripping of Aeroflot is quick to broadcast the many exciting many people in Bristol are just quietly and aircraft. Keeping regular contact with initiatives which the police force in Bristol humbly working to make a difference to Clifton, when the Pre Staff asked are pursuing yet which attract little the lives of others, and it is this essential Council for a rep/liaison member, John interest from the media. One such is an service to others that he sees is at the root was approached and he took this on, initiative called IMPACT which involves of his year as High Sheriff. Recognising eventually succeeding Tony Eve as targeting known criminals and creating a them, encouraging them, supporting Treasurer. Along with Louis Sherwood, behaviour contract with them which has them and, above all, thanking them and he was one of the many architects of become increasingly effective; there are making them feel appreciated is, he Clifton’s financial renaissance after now over 700 of these in place and the believes, his key role, and Bristol will be all years of drift in this critical area and result has been a 36% drop in offending the better as a result for this. it is no exaggeration to say that John by these men and women, figures which RJA

96 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 As far as his year in office is concerned, GEOFFREY GOLLOP he has a number of aims: First, I want to support as many community – BRISTOL’S LORD MAYOR events as I can. It is important to make sure that people who work hard are thanked. Business, too, is a major issue for me. ristolian through and through, set him on I want to play my part in helping in the and proud of it, Geoffrey Gollop the path to creation of jobs and investment. Bristol Bmakes up the other part of the success. needs every job. OC Triumvirate in civic office this After year following his election in May as Finally, I see my task as promoting the Economics at Lord Mayor of Bristol. Born in 1955, office of Lord Mayor so that people know Cambridge, he went to the Pre when he was 10 on how much goes on in their city and what he returned the recommendation of a friend of his would be missing if the office of Lord to Bristol following his qualifying as a father’s. “Very daunting” was how he Mayor ceased to exist. Chartered Accountant and has been describes his initial impression, since Great energy is needed for this task here ever since. Like many Cliftonians, the school offered French, Latin and and Geoffrey has it in abundance; he has built a successful career back in Algebra from an early age. He soon what shines through when talking to Bristol and he is constantly surprised caught up and settled in, enjoying him is his great love of people and a how many OCs he comes across who his time in the Pre. Although he was “can do” attitude which he believes is have done the same. appalling at Art (his own words!), what every school should be trying to he enjoyed Peter Clay’s lessons and Since 1972 he has been a Councillor develop in the young. As one would remembers with fondness Basil and rose to lead the Conservatives expect, he is optimistic about Bristol’s Townsend and Tony Williams. in the City Council. It was this, and future; the city has weathered the the work he has done as a Councillor, current economic storm pretty well in Into South Town in the Upper School which resulted in his name being put his view and the relationship between he had a highly successful academic forward for the Mayoralty. The office is the Council and business is one that career, eventually gaining a place at for one year only and has a formal side he believes to be well-developed to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He to it since Geoffrey now finds himself take this further, although he is believes that he owes the College much: chairing Council Meetings (which can very aware that there is no room for I am enormously grateful to Clifton. It be, as we know, a challenge at times!), complacency here. taught me about myself and about other of which there are five or six a year, and Geoffrey has few regrets because he people and how to get on with them. also chairing meetings of the Downs believes in grasping opportunities in Learning to work with other people and Committee. Aside from that, he is also life when they occur and then dealing developing responsibility is important in life patron of between 60 and 70 charities. with the consequences. Highlights of and the interaction Clifton gave me in this his year so far have been Rush Sunday sense made it a very special time, giving me and the many people whom he has an inner confidence which is not arrogance already met who have great stories to but rather a self-belief in what one does. tell. Rather touchingly, too, was how he Geoffrey Hardyman, in particular, is a finished our meeting: member of Staff for whom he retains an Going to Commem as Lord Mayor was one enormous respect: of those very special occasions and it never He was exactly what you would expect occurred to me that this would ever happen! a Public School Housemaster to be – To return to Clifton as First Citizen to that unassuming, knew exactly what was going very special Service and day will always be on and wonderful at supporting and with me. encouraging. He was the one great constant Such a characteristically modest of my time at Clifton. As Bristol’s “First Citizen” it is his role statement says much and we can all be – and one which he thoroughly enjoys pretty sure that Bristol is in very safe His was a talented year group as far – to support, encourage and thank all hands for the coming twelve months as the 6th Form was concerned – the hundreds of volunteers who work and beyond as long as Geoffrey is there an unbeaten Rugby XV and many quietly behind the scenes in Bristol bringing his influence to bear. awards to Oxbridge – and being in for a wide variety of charities, without RJA that atmosphere he believes helped to which the city would be very much the poorer. “People need thanking” is his clarion call and he is very good at this side of his office – since May he has already attended over 100 engagements within this context. Finally, the role also involves representing the City Council at the official opening of major projects such as the Docks Restoration as well as hosting delegates from Bristol’s “twinned” towns overseas.

OC BUSINESS 97 OC Sport

Old Cliftonians Golfing Society

supporters who turned up albeit just for one match! In May this year our second SPRING MEETING. Organised by Alan Mann a small group played at Thurlestone in South Devon on a lovely sunny but windy day. A most enjoyable trip where our Captain, who has a home locally and is a member at the Club, waltzed off with the prize with his partner Tony Garcia. We came 4th out of eight in the Public Schools Putting competition at Royal Wimbledon early June, thus ensuring we still qualify for next year, and the various Bernard Darwin teams are in action over the next few weeks at Woking. Bristol and Clifton Golf Club. And now (early June as I write this) I am fter the thrill last year of winning generously increasing our annual grant finalising the Start Sheet for the summer the HALFORD HEWITT, we which again will be dedicated to assisting annual trip to The BERKSHIRE where Afollowed this up in the Autumn with match costs for the Public School we play 36 holes and then hold our by winning the GRAFTON MORRISH, events. Thank you, Simon Reece, for AGM; all helped by the best Golf Club another long standing Old Boys event, this and for your support. We shall be lunch to be found anywhere. Then competed by well over 100 schools, with entertaining Simon to Dinner at Bristol in July the main event locally for the regional qualifying rounds then the & Clifton in July after our annual Bristol Bristol Branch; later a match with finals in Norfolk. This was our third Branch Match which includes some the Blundellians and Taunton Old win in the GM – but undoubtedly the parents, masters and schoolboys. Boys; in October a great day with the finest as only two other schools Then came the fall! At Burnham-on-Sea Colonials GS and a match against the have won both the HH and GM in the in March we failed in the first round of Wellingtonians at Temple GC, near same year. the Annual BRENT KNOLL BOWL; Henley-on-Thames. To celebrate our successes, we held a trophy we had won some a Celebration Dinner in Big School 20 years ago. Despite this it in November by kind permission of was a useful “training run” the Headmaster who also generously as we included three young provided the drinks for a Champagne boys who were at school still, Reception before Dinner and of course though finishing shortly. We joined us on the night. It was great for now have a new membership many ‘old boys’ to visit Big School after category for those approaching many years and we were looked after the end of their time at Clifton; superbly (thanks to Caterer and Staff) by invitation and free of and the speeches by the Headmaster any Subscription they join (see marvellous pastiche of Newbolt as “Junior School Members”. below), the Society Capt Alan Mann The plan of course is to retain and Hewitt Capt David Rowe were well them for fuller membership up to the standard we expected for when school days are over. such an occasion! The food wasn’t that And what about the 2011 good in 1947! HALFORD HEWITT you may The Dinner raised some £500 which is ask? I have to record we lost earmarked to help our Junior members in the first round to ETON. A where we pay the Entry Fees whilst tough 1st Rd draw! But I have Juniors and also subsidise travel and reports that the team had a accommodation costs. Here it is most good trip and were immensely important to thank the OC Society for grateful to the loyal band of Alan Mann.

98 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Three members to mention: Robert ‘Coming Back From the Dead’ Skinner who in April finished his two years as Captain of Bristol & Clifton; here’s a breathless hush on the then Robert Dyson, who is the OCGS greens tonight Archivist for the Hewitt and Grafton T Five up and seven to play Morrish, currently Captain of Walton Heath, a great honour and well done; The sign writer’s hand, dextrous and New Member Martin Hazard who and light recently finished his year as Captain of Poised to make it a Charterhouse day Royal Cromer. Sixteen times winners were closing in My photos this time are in sharp As spectators imbibed their tonic contrast; first Bristol & Clifton in the and gin snow last December which was made On a seventeenth title, a proud into a Christmas Card. Then a lovely golfing name sunny day at Thurlestone with OCGS Play up, play up and play the game! Captain Alan Mann, and behind him Burgh Island and Bantham Creek. The sand of the seventeenth entraps James Hewitt and Chris Bromhead. Finally a picture from The Berkshire; the ball James England, a great supporter (and Halford Hewitt player) lining up a putt No shot to the pin; Clifton win it in par There’s masking tape now on that board with Chris Bromhead who does so much The golfing gods are giving their all in Deal work for us in the Bristol Matches. To Baker and Carney, emptying the Over the place the school’s name is set We are probably the smallest of the Old bar. The Royal Cinque Ports feels slightly surreal Public School Golf Societies, but we do The eighteenth is holed from just have a jolly good time when we meet, off the green As a scene unfolds none will forget and are greatly encouraged by the The thoughts of the captain turn to Hapless Carthusians sigh with dismay younger players coming through. the dream As a burn takes their ball a watery way So why not join the OCGS? £20pa and Through fading light the siren The spirit of Clifton triumphs again of fame only £5 for those under 21, so if you are Play up, play up and play the game! leaving Clifton this year, get in touch, Play up, play up and play the game! and keep in touch through golf with M J Moore (with apologies to Newbolt) your old school friends. My details at the end of this magazine. Bob Bennett (Honorary Secretary)

hose freshly painted capitals besmirched the golf T club wall. To cap it all, they’re tainted now and raise Carthusian gall. Here’s to our health, their blundering, inspiring cheers that roll, As that last putt’s meandering into the 19th hole. OC football team v CC Staff match, OC Sports weekend September 2010

We’ll honour yet the win we saw, the finest we recall. We’ll honour those ten heroes who rallied to the call. OC Football For practice-days or match-play days, and stormy his year sees the launch of the first ever Old Cliftonian Football golfing brolly days; team in the legendary Bristol Downs League. The Downs Are Halford Hewitt jolly days, so let’s have a ball. TLeague was formed in 1905 with 30 founder members, but over the years due to its competitiveness and popularity it grew to boast It’s good to see the cup they said we’d never win at all. four divisions. The one thing that separates the Downs League from It’s great therein Champagne to sup, stand up, any other is the fact that all four divisions play on the same site and Cliftonians, tall. is the only League in the whole of the UK that provides this. The Old Cliftonians will be joining the 4th Division and will be aiming for Salute the flag that’s waving now; the purple, white League honours, being led by Club Captain and Chairman Damien and green, Kelland. The idea of launching this team has been a dream of his Three cheers for Halford, Hewitt and the best match for many years, and due to the commitment and keenness of fellow we’ve seen. OCs this is now a reality. Our first match will be on Saturday 3rd September so please come and support, and all news/fixtures/results (reprise second verse) Brian Marber will be posted on the website to keep everyone up to date. Alan Mann. Adam Graveney

OC SPORT 99 OC Cricket Week

OC Sport 2011

Real Tennis veterans such as James Acheson-Gray, The handicap against Clifton here Henry Leaf report Charlie Danby and John Prenn, a was harsh to say the least, so a radical distinguished former rackets world alteration in their tactics was required, ictory at all costs, victory in spite champion, take to the court, your the practical upshot being that Will was ‘ of the terrible odds, victory prudent competitor has his eyes on sent to the galleries. The final was against however long and hard the V the bar and handicap draw. Will, the Wellington 2, who were represented by road may be; for without victory there D’Artagnan of the crease, brought to the Robert Allison and George Tyso. George is no Neptune cricket jumper...’ These game those skills which make him such a had only played 3 or 4 games before, were our thoughts as we arrived at the fearsome low order batsman, and John but had won the public schools rackets Middlesex University Real Tennis Club tried to bring a level head and some in his day and so his handicap did not to compete against the finest (Canford tactics, which baffled all participants do him justice, or his opponents any fortunately didn’t play their pair) the regardless of affiliation. favours. However, by some miracle, British schools had to offer in old pupil Clifton managed to beat them 10-8! Real Tennis players. There are now two The first match was against Eton, which Charlie Danby and John Prenn won the parts to the Henry Leaf; straight play tested the Clifton pair’s mettle as they main event for Harrow in a great final. and handicap, Charterhouse holding came back from 3-0 down to win 4-6. Many thanks go to Christopher Griffith- the former and Clifton the latter, after After this warm-up, Clifton dominated Jones for his organisation, and to the a sterling performance by Jeffery Avery Rugby 2; much of the credit here must MURTC for putting on such a delightful and the Earl of Buckinghamshire last be given to Will for blasting the cover tournament. If anybody would like to year. Clifton this year were represented off the ball at every opportunity, and play next year, please get in touch with by Will Greig and John Beale and, executing ‘Operation Brown Trousers’ either John Beale or PJ Probyn. although one doesn’t like to be defeatist, with expert precision. This blistering the team had their sights solely on the performance put Clifton into the semi- John Beale handicap competition. When seasoned finals of the handicap against Worth.

100 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Branches & Reunions

1988-94 Reunion: 14 May 2011

xactly 50 OCs travelled back to dinner in Big School. As ever, Nick Potts organ had piped up, so rather than walk Clifton for a very convivial reunion and his team produced a splendid meal through Chapel to where all the other Eweekend. Many thanks to those during which we were delighted to be OCs were seated, I squashed in with who had whipped up support, especially entertained by Julia Hwang who played some of the Clifton girls. In hindsight, to Nessie Walsh who was responsible for violin quite beautifully for us – have a my arrival time was actually a blessing a substantial party. I was very grateful look at her website www.juliahwang.com as the experience of sitting with the that a good number were able to get This was followed by a ‘What do you girls in Chapel flooded my memory to the Chapel Service at mid-day. This remember about the late ‘80s?’ session with nostalgia. My eyes darted about is the School’s normal service, moved from the Head Master, with Tom Wilton like a paranoid action man observing for the reunion from the Sunday to the answering most if not all successfully, all the students. In them, I recognized Saturday, and about half the Reunion and then a resumé of recent progress characters from my school days: the attendees were present to hear Phil and future aspirations. Chris St. John leaders of the pack, the popularazzi, Cansdale, of ST and of this era, preach. treated us to an hilarious version of the high achievers, the comedians, the Alas, he was unable to stay for the ‘Heads and Tails’ much at the expense geeks…they were all there. There was dinner but we were delighted he could of some of those present and we finished something so magical about being sat join us all for drinks and lunch. with reminiscences from Nessie Walsh, in Chapel. I felt like running up to the a mixture of anecdote and re-enactment lectern and announcing “Carpe Diem, A number of OCs had not been back by the look of it! As her own card said: fellow Cliftonians”. However, thankfully since they had left and although they “I’d forgotten that ‘keeping up with the the Rev. Phil Cansdale, Vicar of Trinity haven’t been away all that long, the boys’ is just not advisable.” Churches in Shrewsbury, gave a number of changes here have been wonderfully warm and sincere sermon, is considerable. Since that time, two A happy crowd slipped away into the which resonated with everyone. houses have merged (DH and BH), one night and an excellent day came to reconstructed (SH) and morphed into and end. Very many thanks to those A reception followed in the Newbolt Room and as each OC and old Master two (SH and WaH) and two have moved who came and for all the appreciative entered the room, I could feel my heart (WaH and WiH). Two new houses have messages received since. swell with joy, even for those whom opened (WT and HH) and another Suzanne Boudier, OH 1987-1991 writes: I’d never had any strong affinity with closed (PH). The Percival Library, at school. I felt akin to them now and Science School and Music School have The OC Reunion, for those who left school was delighted to see everyone. The all been completely refurbished. I’m between 1988-1994, was held on Saturday attendance was not as numerous as I not sure any got as far as BB, but that 14 May. I had spent a good week, prior had anticipated. This was unfortunate has been much further developed and to the day, feeling a tad nervous about revisiting Clifton: Who would be there? as I felt that we had been given a the latest addition has been a splendid wonderful opportunity to reconnect water-based hockey pitch. Will it be all pomp and ceremony? Will I pass as “successful”? I wrote that little bit and relive a day at Clifton. I honestly It was a great pleasure to show a group with a wry smile! I’m sure it’s only human felt that the OCs who didn’t attend were round the Music School. There was to feel this way before reconnecting with missing something really special and I some considerable amazement at what old friends you haven’t seen for over 20 wished more of them had been there was available and it was good to get years. The event completely obliterated all to maximize the day. The champagne Oliver Chapple behind a drum set my small anxieties. started to flow as did the laughter and again. Teenage desires for stardom were warm, humorous conversations. It was Not wishing to be late, I left the hotel on found to be merely quiescent rather truly jovial and felt like no great length foot at 11am and arrived at Chapel at than extinct: if any OCs wish to have an of time had passed between us. 11:15am, just as the doors were closing!! afternoon in the recording studio, I’m I couldn’t help but smile to myself, as The fun and laughter continued at sure that could be arranged! this was my normal drill when I was at lunch in Big School. I’m sure we all Adding some former and current staff to Clifton and it immediately made me feel paid attention en route to every fine the party and some brave OCs’ spouses at home. I skipped up the steps and was detail; the familiar smell of cooking as and partners, we were some 75 for ushered in by one of the Masters. The you walked upstairs, the ghosts of past praepostors telling you to get in line. However, on this occasion were certainly given the VIP treatment. Following lunch, we embarked on a tour of the school and I felt like I had descended on my previous life in a Tardis. The old walls that we all walked past without a second thought twenty odd years ago, certainly felt more significant now. It was very pleasing Chris St. John Giles Barnes Michiel in der Rieden Suzie Boudier to see the old mixed with the new.

BRANCHES & REUNIONS 101 The facilities are very modern whilst In the evening, we indulged in a few didn’t have a song sheet and was aghast retaining the good, old character we more bubbles at a pre-dinner drinks that I remembered every single word. are accustomed to. The Science Block reception and gathered in Big School Hence, I sang the song with gusto even in particular was first class, yet still for a lavish dinner with entertainment if I do having a singing voice like Cilla maintained that all too distinctive smell. intermittently by some of Clifton’s Black on helium, I gave it my all! Simon Macfarlane was hunting through finest music students. They were cupboards trying to find artefacts from staggeringly brilliant. I had the great As OCs, the show must go on, and our heydays in Chemistry and, much pleasure of sharing the evening with in true Cliftonian style we made the to our delight managed to find the my fellow Oakeley’s girls and Mr and most of the opportunity to spend time original clamps and test tubes we had Mrs Hallworth. Speeches ensued by together by descending en masse at a once used! Oakeley’s House will always Head Master, Mark Moore, outlining nearby nightclub and talking into the hold a unique space in my memory. We the School’s recent successes and future early, by that I mean ungodly early, visited OH and met some of the girls. It developments. Nessie Bird and Chris hours at the Avon Gorge Hotel. By all was fantastic to talk to them and learn St John embellished the after-dinner accounts, the occasion was quite simply of their experiences. They seemed very schedule further with witty accounts of momentous and one I will always happy and content with Clifton life. I’m Clifton. Chris St John’s game show style cherish. My sincere thanks to all those convinced we were far naughtier when performance had the room in tears of involved in organizing such a wonderful we were there! However, it was lovely to laughter. The dinner drew to a close event and of course to my fellow OC share stories with the girls and learn of following a rendition of the School Song. comrades. You made it very special their experiences at Clifton. I had typically forgotten my goggles, indeed.

The event was attended by: Paul Albone ET 1991 Richard Moffat SH 1991 Wendy and Kevin Bowring Rachel Andrew and James Neale DH 1990 Head Mistress, Butcombe Richard Goldklang OH 1987 Julian Pearce ET 1993 Fiona Hallworth Alan Bailey ET 1991 James Pegg ET 1993 Director of External Relations Andy Bailey ET 1994 David Pye and Louise Phil Hallworth Giles Barnes DH 1991 Channing ST 1989 Director of Admissions Suzie Boudier OH 1991 Dan Robb WiH 1991 Katherine Jeffery (née Virgo) OH 1994 House Mistress of Oakeley’s George Bretten WiH 1992 Lucy Roberts Dan Brown WiH 1992 (née Boardman) OH 1990 Mark Moore - Head Master Phil Cansdale ST 1991 Chris St John WiH 1991 Lucy Nash - PA of OCS Rebecca Channack OH 1990 Miranda Stavrou OH 1992 Alan O’Sullivan House Master of Moberly’s House Oliver Chapple SH 1991 Ben and Sascha Stokes SH 1989 Matt and Jane Cretney ET 1994 Simon and Sue Reece ST 1968 Hazel and Stuart Secretary of OCS/Former House Master Ash Dunn WaH 1991 Sullivan (née McIntosh) OH 1993 David Rodgers Daniel Durie WiH 1991 Andrew Taylor WaH 1991 House Master of North Town Luke Facey BH 1991 James Toogood DH 1990 Tim Ross - Chairman of Council Daniel and Kathryn Fox NT 1991 James Trafford WiH 1992 Ian Scott - Former Master Jeremy Grainger WiH 1991 Chloe and Jonathan Simon Tait Fergus Hall WiH 1991 Turner (née John) WoH 1994 House Master of South Town Nick Howe ST 1992 Nessie Walsh (née Bird) WoH 1991 Stuart Taylor - Former Chaplain Seb Hoyle DH 1991 Fergus Wheatley SH 1990 Jonathan Thomson-Glover SH 1980 Michiel in der Rieden WiH 1991 Jim Williams DH 1991 House Master of East Town Rob and Helen MacAlister BH 1991 Thomas Wilton SH 1990 Nick Tolchard ST 1980 Simon Macfarlane ET 1991 Matt Windows WiH 1991 Chairman of OCS Robin Macfarlane ET 1989 Stuart and Marie Andrews Mike and Maggie West David Maggs DH 1992 Former Head Master Former House Master, Wiseman’s Paul Matthews DH 1991 Michael Butterfield ST 1966 Brian Worthington Moira McCallum OH 1991 Treasurer of OCS Former Master, College Council

West Midlands Dinner

Back row: Claude Joseph, Karl Cook, Brian Dicker, George Struthers, Simon Reece, Charles Galletly, Jef Avery, Martin Richards, Jon Davey, Jeremy Vowles, Peter Fowles. Front seated: Brian Bramson, Fiona Hallworth, John Dayer, Graham Clowes, Mike Leek. It was Jeremy’s first OC event since leaving 35 years ago!

102 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Bristol Branch Cambridge s I sat at this year’s Upper Branch School Commemoration Service preparing to sing A he re-energised Cambridge Branch ‘Jerusalem’ it dawned on me that I organised two events this year. was about to become a ‘double-lifer’. The first, the dinner, was master- A ‘lifer’ is a term that has arisen T minded by George Greenbury whose recently to denote someone who has patience was much tried by the late (and been at Clifton from the Nursery welcome) addition to the guest list from in Butcombe (or Lower School) Clifton, prompting this email to HQ: through to leaving the Upper 6th. Having completed twelve years as a Hi Simon, pupil I have just completed fifteen It is a good thing that I practically years as a parent! You would have run the College otherwise it would have thought after this time I would been impossible to fit Mark in! have had enough of Clifton but Do ring if you have any more questions. when Simon Reece approached me All the best, to become the Branch Secretary Charles Beresford and George Greenbury. for the Bristol Branch I had no George hesitation in saying “Yes”. It is Good to see Cambridge is in safe hands! of the school, and forthcoming plans apparent that since Nigel Bishop for improved facilities, and the OC gave up the reins this Branch has George writes: Society Secretary gave a lively address struggled for no particular reason about plans for a new website and and I am delighted to have the ‘The Cambridge Branch Annual scholarship fund. Next year’s Branch opportunity to try to re-establish Dinner on 11th March was attended Secretary, Alexander Gordon, was also momentum. One important by former pupils: Charles Beresford announced; he will be taking over from innovation is the establishment of (WiH 57 – 62), Jonathan Burton (ST 55 George Greenbury at the beginning of joint-secretaries, making it easier for – 60), Matthew Dixon (ST 05-10), Alice October 2011.’ events organising, easier to reach Ferguson (WT 02-07), Adam Fielder a wider number of OCs and in the (MH 03-08), Alexander Gordon (ST 04- The second event was organised by end, better for succession planning. 09), George Greenbury (NT 03-08), Alys Olivia Robinson, a drinks party in the James Rose joins me in this capacity, Holland (WT 03-08), Richard Hoole Fellows’ Garden, Clare College, on making it a North Town double act: (WaH 61 – 65), Peter Lloyd (guest), Joo 13th June by kind permission of the James and I overlapped between ’78 Ching Lloyd née Chua (WoH 01 – 02), Bursar Donald Hearn (BH 61 – 65). and ’84. We hope that the Bristol James Robinson (MH 02-07), Olivia Alas this excellent event proved to be Branch will once again become one Robinson (OH 03-08), and Nigel Le a virtually impossible date for many, of the strongest and most active, Sueur (DH 72 – 77); and staff: Mark and the numbers dwindled away, but especially as the School itself is our Moore (Head Master) and Simon Reece we nevertheless hope we might try near neighbour. (OC Society Secretary). This year’s again, perhaps earlier in the year if it Annual Dinner was a convivial affair, is possible. To get us all going there will be a held at Gonville and Caius College, with couple of drinks receptions that Congratulations to Olivia Robinson a number of OCs in attendance who on winning a netball Blue! She was will be advertised to all existing were new to the Cambridge Branch locally-based O.C.s, the first in the selected for the Varsity fixture on 19th as well as many familiar faces. The February when Cambridge beat Oxford Pavilion on the 21st of September Head Master spoke about the state from 7pm. In addition please put 40-34. into your diaries this year’s Bristol We send our best wishes to George for Olivia Robinson, top right, in the Branch O.C. Dinner which will be all that he has done in the joint and Cambridge Netball team 2011. held in Big School on the 11th of then solo running of the November with the Headmaster and Branch over the last two the current Bristol Lord Mayor (and years. As you can see from O.C.) addressing us. the email quoted above, he I am interested in creating a network clearly reckons he has a grip of active O.C.s within the branch on things, and perhaps we to act as contact points amongst will welcome him back again their respective year groups. If you in the future? Good luck are interested in becoming one of to Alexander Gordon who these people please contact me on takes over (though it was [email protected]. Please also write to not at all clear that he had me if you have any interesting ideas been asked when George for gatherings in the future. announced the fact at the dinner!). Bruce Lloyd (Pre, N.T. 1973-1984)

BRANCHES & REUNIONS 103 Oxford Branch Dinner

his year the Oxford OC Dinner was held at St Edmunds Hall, and T as we always find with Oxford Colleges, they did not fail to impress. Not surprisingly, the friendly Clifton College spirit contributed to the warm- hearted atmosphere that was present throughout the evening. Having said that, it was also no surprise that by the end of the evening every drop of wine had vanished. The Head Master, Mr Mark Moore, spoke of the recent success Clifton has seen in every field of school life, and although this also came as no surprise to many of us, it was a pleasure to hear of the School’s triumphs and achievements. Following the Head Master, Simon Reece said a few words including some memorable stories years ago, and OCs who may have only to support and reminisce about life which raised a few eyebrows, but were left last year, all equally outrageous – at Clifton. unquestionably enjoyed and laughed I’m sure, indeed, that some of the older Meghan Williams (WoH 2008) at by all. In fact, sharing stories seemed ones may have been worse! All in all, to be the common thread amongst the the night was a great success and it was Present at the Dinner were: Mr and OCs who finished at Clifton some fifty good to see so many come along Mrs Philip Allen (WaH 1976), David Allchin (Former Master), Matthew Barnes (ST 2008), Mr and Mrs Robin Carr (DH 1964), Bruce Crichton (SH LUNCH AT DEVORAN 1959), Gemma Crowther (OH 2009), Ian Fishpool (ST 1979), Fiona Hallworth (Staff), Harriet Holliday (WoH 2008), Alex Lang ( MH 1998), Mark Moore (Head Master), Tim Norris-Jones (DH 1974), Mr and Mrs John Phelps (WaH 1981), Edward Phelps (WaH 1984), Jim Rankin (SH 1985), Simon Reece (OC Society Secretary), Steve Richards (ET 1959), Alex Tebay (Staff), Mr and Mrs Roger Trafford (former Pre HM), Christopher Waller (NT 2010), Christian Walters (NT 2010), Richard Wilkes (SH 2008), Meghan Williams (WoH 2008) and Brian Worthington (former Master).

Israel Branch

Retiring secretary of the Devon and Cornwall Branch, Rowland Cole, being presented with an engraved fruit bowl in recognition of all his work for the Branch over many years. OC Israel Branch drinks - December 2010.

104 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 (l to r): British Columbia Anthony R Sinclair, Hamish C Earle, David P Lalonde, can report that we had a fine group Christopher D Ogden, of 10 former and current Cliftonians Emma Windsor- together here yesterday. They were: I Liscombe, Anoush Simon J Evans (OC); Christopher D Poursartip, Rhodri Ogden (OC); Hamish C Earle (OC); Windsor-Liscombe, Anoush Poursartip (OC) (accompanied by Michael S Davies, Mahshid Poursartip); Michael S Davies Simon J Evans, (OC) (and Sandra Davies); Kenneth K Kenneth K Fok Fok (OC); Rhodri Windsor-Liscombe (OC); Emma Windsor-Liscombe (current Cliftonian); Anthony R Sinclair (OC) (accompanied by Anne Sinclair); glowing reports on their recent perhaps at a BC location that might allow David P Lalonde (OC) experiences at Clifton. other BC OCs to attend conveniently. The event was very enjoyable. The There was agreement that the group David Lalonde has volunteered to organize Windsor-Liscombes gave brief but should meet again before too long - a Vancouver Island OC group.

Ontario Ontario; Professor Edward Spooner, City of Toronto; C Ian & Janet eventeen of us, in all, congregated Markham, North York, City of Toronto; at the ‘Duke of York’ Pub for a Patrick Fancott, City of Toronto; Mrs. social ‘get-together’ - of which S Anne Jones (wife of John B Jones, OC), eleven OC’S were present together Etobicoke, City of Toronto; Philip F with spouses, partners, friends, and a & Elaine V Jones, and their daughter daughter of an OC. Those present were Glynys A Jones, Etobicoke, City of as follows:- Toronto; Dr. David R & Dr. Joan Bevan, A Brian Jackson, Bath, near Kingston, Huntsville, Ontario Ontario; Antony R Harborow, Cherry Sadly, Jonathan Green of Collingwood, Valley, near Picton, Ontario; John Ontario, at the last minute, was struck C Clements, Aurora, Ontario; Peter down by ’flu, and could not make it. J & Jill Barr, Brampton, Ontario; Christopher G Walker, Ancaster, Thanks everybody for coming; it was Tony Harborow; Chris Walker; Dr. David Bevan Ontario; John H Laing, Dundas, great to all meet up again. (front-row) Prof. Ed Spooner; Peter Barr

second event was held at the home of Tony and Elna A Harborow, Cherry Valley, Prince Back row: Edward County, Ontario, Canada on David M Jones, Saturday 6 August 2011. Photograph Peter J Barr, beautifully taken by Mrs Shelley Klein Dr. David R Bevan, in the front garden of Tony and Elna’s A Brian Jackson, home and many thanks to her for lining Chris G Walker, us up! C Ian Markham, Tony R Harborow. The ten OCs in the photo are listed below. The figures in brackets are Front row: the dates the OCs left Clifton and the Adrian C Flash, number sign preceding the 5-digit Philip F Jones, number is each person’s Clifton College Thomas V Klein. School number or OCS number.

#20295 Thomas V Klein (’92) Montreal-West, Montreal, #15358 C Ian Markham (’69) North York, Toronto, Ontario Quebec #12955 Philip F Jones (’57) Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario #14165 Adrian C Flash (’66) Saint-Hubert, Quebec #13547 Dr. David R Bevan (’59) Huntsville, Ontario #14080 A Brian Jackson (’62) Bath, Ontario #12674 David M Jones (’55) Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, #13163 Antony R Harborow (’56) Cherry Valley, Prince South Wales, UK Edward County, Ontario President of the Old Clifton #14754 Peter J Barr (’66) Brampton, Ontario Society at Bristol, England. #12472 Christopher G Walker (’52) Ancaster, Ontario

BRANCHES & REUNIONS 105 Masonic Lodge

OLD CLIFTONIAN LODGE NO. 3340

ick Brook (DH 1956-61) is this year’s Worshipful Master this will make it easier for him to and he was duly installed at our London meeting in April join our meetings in the future. N2011. This is Nick’s second time in the Chair and he In February 2011, the Lodge held returns determined to ensure that the Lodge continues to thrive a meeting at the old Theatre Royal and enjoy another excellent year. Nick is also Senior Warden in Bath. Bro. Barnaby Houlford of the Phoenix Lodge No. 257 which meets in Portsmouth and (LS, MHP, HaH, WaH 1974 – is likely to be Worshipful Master next year. Several other Old 1985) was welcomed as a joining Cliftonians are members of the Phoenix Lodge and we are member. Barnaby’s joining further hoping to hold a Ladies Festival in the Phoenix Lodge Rooms in increases the number of Bristol June next year (2012). Masons who are now members of Nick has set the specific charities which he wishes to support the OC Lodge. Ladies and other during his year to be the Clifton Masonic Fund and the non-Masonic guests joined the Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s CyberKnife Appeal. The members after the meeting for an Metropolitan Masonic Charity is purchasing a CyberKnife for St excellent and most convivial lunch Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. The Clifton Masonic fund in the Theatre Royal dining room. This was followed by a guided tour currently stands at over £18,000 and it it is hoped eventually to James King in SLGR regalia. establish a Clifton Masonic Bursary. of the Theatre led by the Curator David Mander (WiH 1952-61), who was elected as our who allowed the visitors to inspect the fine collection of Masonic Worshipful Master in April 2010, had a most successful year jewels, ornaments and memorabilia which are held in the in the Chair. He was able to visit a large number of our sister Museum and which forms part of the Royal Theatre. Afternoon Public Schools Lodges and, in return, we were favoured by tea was taken before the members and guests departed at the end of a most enjoyable day. return visits from many of our sister Lodges. With his strong Masonic connections in Bristol and Gloucestershire, David also In December 2010, the Lodge was delighted to learn that invited many senior Brethren from the two Provinces who were W.Bro. James King (NT, ET 1955-59) had been promoted to able to join our meetings in both London and Bristol. Senior London Grand Rank. His investiture took place in the Grand Temple at Freemason’s David also represented the Lodge at the Public Schools Lodges Hall in London at the beginning of March 2011. Council Festival which was held at Rugby School on 3rd July 2010. The Council consists of 33 Public School Lodges which On 28th March 2011, in accordance with the wishes of the late meet in London and each year one of the member Lodges takes V.W.Bro. Brigadier John Howell Mallard TD (NT 1926 – 35), it in turn to host the Festival, normally at its alma mater. Rugby his ashes were scattered over the rose garden outside School last held the event in 1990. We were blessed with good weather House. The Brigadier’s daughters, Sally and Judy, attended the and, after coffee, all guests both Masonic and non-Masonic ceremony which was performed by the School Chaplain. The adjourned to the Temple Room where they were addressed by family have arranged to have a plaque commissioned to be put Mike Woodcock, the President of the Royal Masonic Trust for in the Chapel. Girls and Boys. A rousing Chapel service followed at the end On Saturday 12th November 2011, we shall be the guests of of which Rugby School’s Director of Music, Richard Dunster- the Robert Thorne Lodge when we make our return fraternal Sigtermans, gave an exhilarating performance of the Tocatta visit to Bristol. All Old Cliftonian Masons, whether members & Fugue from Widor’s Symphony No. 5. The Old Rugbeian of the OC Lodge or not, are most welcome to come to this very Lodge had organised an excellent champagne reception and happy meeting which has now become an eagerly anticipated lunch which was held in a grand marquee on the Close. A annual event. We normally meet for tea at the School before strong contingent from the Old Cliftonian Lodge attended to proceeding to Freemason’s Hall in Park Street. support David and a very enjoyable day was had by all. The year has been marked by a considerable increase in The OC Lodge has, once again, had a busy and enjoyable year. approaches from Old Cliftonians who are interested in joining In November we made our annual visit to Bristol and received a the Lodge. fraternal visit from the Robert Thorne Lodge (Bristol Grammar School). The members of the OC Lodge presented a lecture 2011 (based on one given by the Provincial Lecturer for Hampshire Thurs 20th October OC Lodge Meeting London and the Isle of Wight 2010) which explained certain aspects of Sat 12th November OC Lodge Meeting Bristol the Emulation Ritual which we use in the OC Lodge. Since our guests were more familiar with the ‘famous’ Bristol Working, it 2012 proved to be an informative and enjoyable meeting for all. Thurs 19th January OC Lodge Meeting London The November meeting was also the occasion when the Lodge Thurs 26th April OC Lodge Installation Meeting London welcomed two new joining members, Bro. David Peters (WTP, HH, ET 1988 – 98) and Bro. Duncan White (DH 1956 – 1960). Sat 26th May OC Lodge Meeting with Families and Friends at the Public Schools The Provincial Grand Master of Bristol, RW Bro. Michael Lodges Council Meeting Winchester Flynn (who is an Honorary Member of the Lodge) had given Sat 23rd June OC Lodge Meeting with Families his apologies for absence since he was attending a celebration (Provisional) and Friends Portsmouth dinner elsewhere held to mark his retirement. We hope that

106 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Book Reviews

LANDFALLS - On the Edge of Islam with Ibn Battutah Tim Mackintosh-Smith, London, 2010 (ISBN 97807195678720)

arely has it been such a pleasure to important ingredient when it comes to a It is in the nature of faith to spin cables review a book than that afforded by “good read”, and that is genuine passion from cobwebs Tim Mackintosh-Smith’s (Pre, NT on the part of the author for his subject. R and 1971-1978) latest volume which forms The book is instructive. Tim’s easy prose the final part of his trilogy tracing the Silk roads are now Microchip Motorways style makes a potentially complicated steps of the 14th Century traveller Ibn subject very accessible to the layman On top of this, anecdotes abound, Battutah. There is a clue for the reader and the reader can learn more about revealing the author’s very real of the pleasure in store on the fly-cover the Muslim world seven hundred years understanding of his subject, my at the back of the book; ago and its relationship with Islam favourite out of the many being today from reading this book than from For the past twenty-five years his home has The sight of it reminded me of a story told by what most other what might be termed been the Yemeni capital San’a, where he the twelfth-century Syrian prince Usamah “scholarly” treatments of this vast topic. lives in a tower-house on top of the ancient (Osama) Ibn Mundiqh – on the scale of This is, however, not to undervalue the Sabaean city and next door to the modern religious tolerance the polar opposite, it has author’s writing style, for there is much donkey market. to be said, of his latter day namesake, Ibn, wisdom in this account. Time and again or Bin, Ladin. Usamah was in Christian- Like its author, this is no mere ordinary he returns to the theme of the religious controlled Jerusalem and some friends of travel book. Tim’s fluency in Arabic tolerance of the past in stark contrast to his, Knights Templar, lent him a church, has allowed him greater and deeper what we observe today as East collides converted from a mosque, for him to perform access to his subject than that which with West. Tracing IB’s steps in Sri his Islamic prayers in. While he was bowing an historian might possess. But there Lanka to look at Adam’s Foot on Adam’s towards Mecca another knight came in and is more to this than just that. This is Peak, he remarks the third book tracing the footsteps tried to shift Usamah bodily to the east, of Ibn Battutah, or IB as the author Following in these multifarious footsteps, the Christian direction of prayer; at this has come to know him, and whilst adherents of different creeds have jostled for Usamah’s Templar Friends appeared and The Times reviewer may have seen this a place on the Peak. As a site of polyphonic kicked out the unknown crusader. “Sorry as something of an obsession, other prayer, it is not unique; but it seems to have about him,” they said. “He’s new.” Usamah readers will simply detect that most escaped the disharmonies of other sites, finished his devotions, Mecca-ward and like Jerusalem or Ayodhya. IB’s visit is a undisturbed. good illustration of how different faiths Finally, to being informative and wise got on. He, a Muslim, was provided by the can be added another dimension to Hindu Tamil ruler of northern Sri Lanka Tim’s writing, a lyrical quality which with a few yogis and three Brahmans to often borders on the poetic guide him to the Foot through territory ruled by Buddhist Sinhhalas. Whatever the To sit at midnight in the prow of a boat differences in dogma, Adam’s Peak rises leaving a harbour, sliding into the dark, above them. with two hundred miles of ocean, half a dozen atolls, half a thousand islands ahead, and later on noting, with no small a universe of stars above and, all around, degree of pleasure, that the crucifix in voices murmuring in an unknown tongue – Gibraltar’s Cathedral hangs suspended that is freedom. in what was clearly a Moorish arch testifying to the building’s earlier CS Lewis once suggested that we read incarnation as a mosque. to ensure that we are not alone; thanks to this book, a whole new world opens So, informative certainly. And wise, too. up for the reader and, by the end, he or Reflecting on the ease with which IB she shares with the author experiences travelled across the known-world of the and friendships which linger long in the time, in stark contrast to some of his memory. “Antum al-sbiqun, wa nahnu own experiences, Tim suggests that al-latiqun (You have gone before, and Borders may be one of mankind’s more we will follow) – this quotation at the idiotic inventions end of the book is amply illustrated in the reading; it is now in the Percival and the book is peppered with such Library; open its pages and follow. You observations which, in turn, force will not be disappointed. the reader to pause and think, other examples being RJA

BOOK REVIEWS 107 ON AND OFF THE FLIGHT DECK Reflections of a Naval Fighter Pilot in World War II

Henry “Hank” Adlam, South Yorkshire, 2007 ISBN 9781848841956

never asked my father-in-law, who seawards….I sat there trying to come to had been a navigator on the Berlin terms with the realisation that Basil had been I bombing runs, or my father, whose war killed and was gone. In those wartime days, encompassed Africa, Italy, Germany and the pace of life was such that a month was the Nuremberg War Trials, both lovely almost as a year normally would be, and our men, about their war memories. I regret friendship had been formed eight months that. With their passing, and the passing ago and sustained over a very long period now of many of that generation, we are therefore. Memories of all our good times beginning to let real contact with the past together went through my mind. And sitting slip through our fingers like dry sand. in that empty cabin, I wept for the loss of History will thus soon become legend and him and at the awful manner of his going. then myth. It is thus a pleasure to have Typically modest, Hank had waited received Hank Adlam’s reflections on his it is worth a visit and, in the hands of until now to share his reflections and we war service on a variety of levels. First this guide, the trip is both fascinating should be glad that he has done so. The and foremost, of course, he is well-known and humbling. past is, indeed, another country where to Clifton; of equal importance is that things are done differently, but RJA this book puts us directly in touch with a world and with experiences which, and for this we should be grateful, we have never had to confront. MLOZI OF CENTRAL AFRICA Hank’s clear prose and sharp recall takes us straight into a world of tension, of the Trader, Slaver and self-styled Sultan unique smell of glycol and oil associated with a Hurricane’s Rolls Royce engine, David Stuart-Mogg, Central Africana 2010 ISBN 9789990814255 of the exhilaration of soaring to 8000 feet, of life in a Squadron and at sea Whilst Mlozi’s “rule” was destroyed in the flying a variety of aircraft, of exhaustion, name of anti-slavery by British might, it is relief at survival, camaraderie, courage clear from this fascinating account that his and, above all, of coming to terms with presence was actually a barrier to further loss. Technical in parts this book may colonial expansion as a result of a well- sometimes be, yet Hank never loses sight fortified stockade that he had constructed of the extraordinary humanity that can from which to develop his commercial be found in times of war in the most interests. The strength of his position, unusual places, and we rejoice with him and the influence that he wielded in the as his book concludes with his marriage Lake Malawi area, was such that it took to Heather in 1948, a union which was nine years to eventually dislodge, capture to last 53 years. To his late wife the book and execute what was pretty summary is dedicated along with the many friends justice on this figure in 1895. It was not he flew with who did not survive. This until the British deployed several armed account has sold over 3000 copies and steamships, including a German vessel, it is easy to see why, for Hank gets, with that he was eventually defeated, freeing characteristic modesty, behind the detail what was then Nyasaland from his brutal to give us a very personal account which regime based on the slave trade and is all the more powerful for that. This replacing it with colonial administration t is only relatively recently that the extract, his reaction to the loss in battle which remained in place until 1966 when West has begun to recognise that of Basil Bartlett, a close friend, is one of Nyasaland became Malawi under the Africa had a long and complex history the many that forms a fitting conclusion I guidance of Dr Hastings Banda. long before it was subject to colonial to this review: rule. David Stuart-Mogg (ET 1955- For those interested in Africa in general, Feeling sick and breathless I turned to 1959) has published a study of one of and the slave trade in particular, this scramble my way blindly out of the FDR. the more extraordinary characters, is a well-written, well-researched and I should never have gone there and how I Mlozi bin Kazbadema, a slaver who was important book and, as one reviewer wished that I had never done so. Would I eventually overthrown by a combination has put it, the author is clearly gripped ever be able to forget hearing Basil’s voice of British and German action against by this story, producing a well-balanced on his final call “I’m hit…..”? The awful him, and in so doing has raised the and eminently readable book which does thought of him, probably wounded, striving veil on the hitherto complex period of much to increase understanding of the to get a damaged canopy open and unable transition in this part of Africa in the last roots of this part of Africa. to get out of the aircraft as it plunged part of the 19th Century. RJA

108 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Obituaries

DKF Adams (OH 1959-1963) EW Foster (NT 1931-1935) MS Marriott (WaH 1937-1941) CB Bell (BH 1949-1953) DRM Frise (ST 1970-1981) HW Mason (WiH 1928-1933) BCW Bevan (WaH 1947-1958) PE Gibson (WiH 1937-1946) A McDonald (Staff 1949-1986 ) ND McIntosh (WiH 1946-1955) Professor JP Blandy (DH 1943-1945) JWM Graham (BH 1927-1931) ND McIntosh (WiH 1946-1955) JF McKeown (Staff 1950-1992) AH Body (NT 1941-1947) DS Green (BH 1947-1950) JF McKeown (Staff 1950-1992) JS Meighan (NT 1946-1951) DF Boyle (WiH 1958-1962) TR Gurney (WiH 1943-1947) JS Meighan (NT 1946-1951) RM Burton (PH 1931-1935) PF Middleton (BH 1934-1939) PF Middleton (BH 1934-1939) RD Hartley (OH 1943-1952) GM Chinn (PH 1952-1957) FPG Musson (BH 1940-1944) GM Newton (PH 1933-1940) GS Hatch (WiH 1940-1949) RW Clifford (WiH 1935-1939) TJ Pocock (ET 1953-1964) GM Newton (PH 1933-1940) JF Coates (ST 1931-1940) DM Hewlett (WiH 1935-1939) NJ Randell (WaH 1959-1970) AGCW Peck (OH 1943-1947) HL Cleave (NT 1921-1925) HG Hyams (PH 1936-1939) JAP Phelps (DH 1924-1927) IW Reynolds (DH 1942-1947) Professor R Creese (ST 1932-1939) GW Isgar (WaH 1934-1938) TJ Pocock (ET 1953-1964) MF Robins (ST 1939-1945) DH Darbishire (NT 1931-1941) RT Johnson (NT 1938-1949) NJ Randell (WaH 1959-1970) JH Sarafian (ET 1976-1986) Rev R C Dowson (NT 1941-1949) NTH Jones (Staff 1952-1993) IW Reynolds (DH 1942-1947) KFR Schiller (SH 1941-1945) MA Edwards (PH 1945-1949) NP Keeling (NT 1959-1969) MF Robins (ST 1939-1945) MB Edwards (DH 1961-1965) DJ Stirling (NT 1939-1945) JPG Kidd (SH 1972-1981) JH Sarafian (ET 1976-1986) MG Evans (OH 1962-1966) RS Young (NT 1924-1933) GF Laurence (ST 1929-1930) KFR Schiller (SH 1941-1945) Rev AM Fairhurst (BH 1944-1949) JH Lawrence-Archer (DH 1936-1941) DJ Stirling (NT 1939-1945) Rev O Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes (School Chaplain 1958-1963) O Longley (OH 1946-1950) RS Young (NT 1924-1933) CHRISTOPHER BELL RAYMOND BURTON hristopher Basil Bell was born a few inches across the sand and aymond Burton, who died on in December 1935 and was disappeared again! February 5 aged 93, led the modern educated at Clifton from 1949- C Members of the family will remember Rdevelopment of the eponymous 1953 from whence he went on to many Christmases when he was ‘the high-street clothing chain founded by Sandhurst. His daughter has sent in master of ceremonies’ for games evenings his father Sir Montague Burton, and this account of her father: that could become a little raucous but was a generous benefactor of the Jewish My father, Daddy, Pa, Pops and were enjoyed by all the participants. Museum in London and the University for some reason for a little while of York. ‘Norman’. Perhaps it was his comic wit Christopher had a great affinity Montague Burton was a Lithuanian that inspired the alias! with children and entertaining came naturally. My family will recall an Jewish immigrant, born Moshe David He was Cynthia’s husband, Philly and instance of him smartly dressed in Osinsky, who arrived in England in Jacky’s big brother known to them as blazer, tie and trousers charging 1900, aged 15, with £100. He started Topher, Georgina and James’s Grandpops around our garden on a toy broomstick work as a peddler, opened his first shop and Keith’s father-in-law, a son, a impersonating Harry Potter. This was in Chesterfield in 1903, and within a brother-in-law, uncle and cousin. followed by him lying on the floor with decade had developed a small chain of outlets under the name of Burton & A friend and a mentor to many. His life Georgina and James patiently moving Burton, offering made-to-measure suits in the local community included the a selection of cars, plastic figures and and overcoats at prices working men setting up of the Neighbourhood Watch. various other paraphernalia to make a could afford. His tireless efforts sought to engender short movie on James’s camera. a sense of community and encouraged More than twenty years ago “Good clothes develop a man’s self- people not only to be more aware of the Christopher made the decision to leave respect” was his dictum; “a five guinea neighbours but to be more observant of his job at Lloyds Bank and embark on suit for 55 shillings” was the offering. It other factors in the area. a teaching career. He came into contact was often said that the phrase “the Full Monty” originally referred to a complete A one time chairman of the local with many people and the letters and Burton outfit. The clothes were made Conservative party he used his skill comments I have read that his ‘pupils’ up by tailors in a workshop in Leeds with words to encourage the members sent him clearly indicate a man who which grew into a vast factory complex, to be more involved. had the ability to help people realise that they were much stronger people producing 30,000 suits a week and With my mother he shared an interest than perhaps they first thought. noted for its pioneering high standards in the National Association Fine of staff welfare. Decorative Art Society. Together they Since the end of 2005 up until the During the Second World War, Burton would go to lectures on subjects that middle of last year he was a devoted made a quarter of all British military captured their interest and sometimes carer to my mother. The patience may uniforms. At the end of it - when on the outings the group organised. have become a little frazzled at times but he stuck at it. As a result, physically she Raymond joined the business and It is clear that he was a man whose flourished in his care. I am immensely became a director alongside his twin company many people enjoyed and proud of what he achieved in that time. Arnold and elder brother Stanley - the people liked to talk to him because he company also made one third of all listened and actually heard them. It’s He took great pride in his newly honed demob suits. not until you reflect on someone’s life cooking skills. Dogged determination Raymond took responsibility for the that you realise how many layers there saw him perfect making the perfect loaf property portfolio, which grew to 616 are to it and how hard it is to be true of bread and a desire to create tasty shops and 14 factories by the time of Sir to oneself and to who you really are. food saw him eagerly experimenting in Montague’s death in 1952. Burton was I think in the last few years of his life the kitchen. by then the world’s largest “multiple that he was finding that path. The combination of food may have tailor”. Christopher was a man with an infinite seemed a little odd at times but the most In 1955 Raymond moved to London imagination, a loving and patient carer important thing was his will to succeed. to become chairman of Peter Robinson, to my mother, an entertainer, an artist At the start of that period in his life he the women’s fashion store at Oxford and a teacher. might not have known where the “on” switch was on the washing machine but Circus which his father had acquired An image that is stuck for ever in there were never any laundry disasters! just after the war. Outlets were opened my mind is going for walks from my He even turned his hand to a spot of in the provinces, and in 1964 the Top grandparents’ home in Brighton along hoovering and dusting. Shop brand was launched as a younger the path down to the seafront and fashion department within Peter pretending the hedges on either side So I want to say farewell but not were the Indian forests and we would goodbye to this special man who was ‘hunt’ tigers. On one particular walk we my Father. I have a feeling he will be found a pile of builders’ sand and he with us all in spirit keeping an eye on crouched down, made his hand in to a us all and keeping his guiding hand on JOHN BLANDY fist, made several imprints in the sand. us, like he did when he helped me to OCs will be sad to learn that Professor Adding impressions of his fingertips it learn how to ride a bicycle many years John Blandy died on 27 July. A full looked as though a very small person ago and only let go when he thought I obituary will appear in the 2012 edition had appeared from nowhere, walked was on a steady path! of The Cliftonian.

110 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 In 1981 he retired to concentrate on philanthropic activities which took many forms - both in Yorkshire, where he made his home and established a model Robinson. In the 1970s Raymond went and acute intelligence, who combined farm, and further afield in projects such on to develop it into a highly successful exceptional generosity with great as the founding of the Shaarei Shalom stand-alone chain. Raymond Burton modesty”. Synagogue in St Petersburg. counted Top Shop as one of the two Raymond Montague Burton and his His support for York University proudest achievements of his life - along identical twin were born in Leeds included a long-standing sponsorship with his support for the Jewish Museum on November 3 1917. Raymond was of its concert series and culminated in London, of which he was chairman in the opening in 2003 of the and president. educated at Clifton College and went on to study at Trinity College, Cambridge, Raymond Burton Library for Founded in 1932, the museum was for and later at Harvard. During the war he Humanities Research (though he was many years based in a single room in was commissioned in the Royal Artillery, characteristically reluctant to see his communal offices in Bloomsbury. But in serving in India and Ceylon and rising name attached), which received his own 1988 Burton purchased a listed building to the rank of major. scholarly collection of Yorkshire-related in Albert Street, Camden Town, to books, manuscripts and playbills from In the last phase of his business career he provide it with a new home - and more the 18th and 19th centuries. recently he helped it to buy an adjoining served as joint chairman and president former piano factory and thus triple of Burton, which continued to expand He also contributed to the York Civic in size. with acquisitions of fashion brands such Trust, the Company of the Staple as Evans and Dorothy Perkins - and (a York-based livery guild which he Despite fading health, he was able eventually, after the family withdrew helped to re-establish), the “Kew at to celebrate the completion of the from hands-on management, became Castle Howard” Arboretum project, remodelled museum in March last part of the Arcadia group. and the Ryedale music festival - year. The museum’s director called which at his request and under his him “a person of vision, understanding sponsorship staged a spectacular performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in York Minster to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. A man of great vitality and wide- ranging enthusiasms, he collected silver and fine furniture and was a lifelong car buff, having enjoyed international rallying with his brother Arnold in the 1950s; he owned Bentleys and Ferraris, and declared himself pleased with a small MG in his sprightly mid-eighties. Raymond Burton was a regular worshipper at the West London Synagogue, where he endowed the library, and a vice-president of the Movement for Reform Judaism: a fellow member spoke of him as “the very essence of what it takes to be both British and Jewish”. He was appointed CBE for his charitable work in 1995. He married, in 1946, Pamela Flatau - whose sister Barbara married Arnold. Pamela died in 2002, and in 2005 Raymond married, secondly, Diana Stuttaford, from Cape Town. He is survived by Arnold, Diana and his two daughters by Pamela.

OBITTUARIES 111 HUGH CLEAVE urgeon Captain HL Cleave CBE RN died on 18th November. He Swas 100 last February. I doubt if he was the oldest living OC, but he must surely have been one of the most senior Henleaze Road while at Clifton, and was He had a very good and interesting life OCs. I do not have his exact years of in North Town. Both his son (myself) and survived a period as a POW in a attendance at Clifton, but he left in 1925 and my own son (Nicholas) followed him Japanese camp just outside Tokyo. to Clifton, but we were both boarders in to read medicine at Bristol University. Noel Cleave He did his matriculation at Clifton at School House. age 15 - so went to University at that age, and consequently was admitted to the Royal College of Surgeons of England at the age of 22, which was an astonishing achievement. He lived in

ROBERT WILLIAM CLIFFORD obert Clifford died on 26th February 2012 after an illness with RADAR until 1946. He much admired Douglas Fox following a fall. After leaving Clifton he went to Phillips when he was at Clifton and was delighted to have been able RAcademy in America on an English Speaking Union to attend the opening of the Joseph Cooper Music School Scholarship and then spent the following year at Harvard on a in 2009. He spent his life music making and teaching and Bursary. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in Montreal ultimately was Music Adviser for Gloucestershire for 25 where he trained before returning to England and serving years. He is survived by his widow Nancy.

JOHN COATES ohn Coates died on 10 July 2010, building of a full-scale trireme and this attention to Bronze Age shipping and aged 88. He had been the chief naval was duly completed in 1987 where she was able to show that long-distance Jarchitect at the Ministry of Defence. – the Olympias – was rowed around the trade was quite possible in such early Born in Swansea in 1922, his father was Aegean, visiting the Thames in 1993 as vessels. He married Jane Waymouth in Professor of Chemistry at University part of a celebration of 2500 years of 1954 and together they created a much- College, and his interest was sparked at Greek democracy. The construction of admired home and garden in Bath. She an early age in all things nautical partly this ship confirmed Morrison’s views died in 2008; he is survived by their because of the fact that the city then about its viability and crew numbers two sons, both Old Cliftonians. possessed a very active dockland. He and, in spite of weighing joined Clifton in 1931 and went on to 22 tons when fully-laden, win an Exhibition at Queen’s, Oxford, Coates was able to show where he read Engineering Science. that a speed of nearly After graduating in 1943, he started a 9 knots at 46 strokes a cadetship at the Royal Corps of Naval minutes was realistic. Constructors based in Devonport and In 2000, he turned his Greenwich. During the war, he served on the Russian convoy run and in Coates, below front, demonstrating the three-level torpedo boats operating off Norway. system of the trireme with After the war a distinguished career lay oarsmen from Cambridge ahead in naval construction. He was University; and, above, the awarded the OBE in 1955 and in 1957 Olympias during sea trials came to Bath to lead ship design on in the Aegean. guided-missile destroyers, eventually retiring in 1979. In 1983 he was approached by Professor John Morrison, recently-retired President of Wolfson College, who had been one of the main protagonists in a heated academic debate about the nature and efficacy of the Greek trireme as a battleship. As a result he was encouraged to attempt a full-scale reconstruction of a trireme and, under his expert guidance, a mock- up was built which was displayed at the Henley Regatta in 1985. As a result of this, the Greek government backed the

112 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 RICHARD CREESE ordon Catford kindly sent us details about Richard Creese, TD, GMB, PhD, who died recently. He Society of Medicine and a Freeman of that he used to bump into him from was a retired Professor of Physiology the City of London. Gordon goes on time to time at the Apothecaries and the at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, to say that he remembers Richard as History of Medicine Section in the RSM and a Liveryman of the Society of a regular attendee at the OC London – “my impression was that he was the Apothecaries, a Fellow of the Royal Branch Dinner in “former days” and retiring, quiet, professorial type.”

DAVID DARBISHIRE on of Professor Otto and Margaret Darbishire, he was born on 1 SApril 1923. David was educated at Clifton College (1931-1941), Balliol astrononmy courses from some 45 three grandchildren: Alexander, William College, Oxford (1941-1942 and 1946- years, and was a lover of nature and the and James. 1949), where he won swimming Blues in arts, including poetry and literature, An astronomical Education Fund has 1948 and 1949. During the war he was a particularly Thomas Hardy. David been established by the family. To register pilot in the RAF, and following the Staff married Gaynor in 1959 and was a an interest or to make a donation please Navigator Course, taught advanced pilot loving father to his four children: Helen, contact Adrian Darbishire (Adrian. navigation to instructors. Following his Francis, Owen and Adrian. He also had [email protected]) degree in Physics at Balliol, David became a schoolmaster, first at Haileybury (1949- 1955) and Charterhouse (1955-1985) where he was also a Housemaster. Upon his retirement, David was a Godalming Town and Waverly District Councillor for the Liberal Democrats from 1978-2003. He was a passionate glider pilot and instructor, taught adult education

THE VERY REV THE HON OLIVER TWISTLETON-WYKEHAM-FIENNES

liver Fiennes, Chaplain Cathedral Chapter made barons who witnessed Magna at Clifton from 1958 his progress difficult, but Carta at Runnymede in 1215. to 1963, died in June he persevered, with a sure O On his retirement in 1989, 2011. On his departure to pastoral touch, never too Oliver Fiennes moved to be Rector of Lambeth, the busy to see anyone. In 1987 Colsterworth near Grantham, Cliftonian said: “As Senior he accompanied Lincoln’s and then, after his wife Juliet’s Chaplain he has so completely copy of Magna Carta on a death in 2005, he returned to identified himself with the life fund-raising expedition to live in the Cathedral Close. of the school that he will be the United States – being sorely missed in a wide range himself a descendant of GVH of activities. In particular, of Lord Saye, one of the course, we will miss him as one who has never flagged in his endeavours to make Christianity and the Chapel prominent in our lives – by the eloquent directness of his sermons, by innovation, by experiment, and by the force of his own personal example. He has not hesitated to criticize when criticism was due; but no one could have had a more sympathetic friend, when friendship was needed, and very many of us have reason to be grateful to him.” In 1969 he was appointed Dean of Lincoln, where it was felt that a man with refreshing ideas and reforming zeal was clearly needed. An intransigent

OBITUARIES 113 DEREK STANLEY GREEN erek’s time at Clifton was quite team and was subsequently seconded to operate in Hartley Wintney and Derek brief as he left aged 17, destined the RAF as a Flying Instructor, ending exhibited in Europe, Australia and Dto join the family pottery business his flying days with BOAC, which he America. of TG Green and to study Pottery likened to “the life of a long-distance Derek sold his beloved Bentley soon after Management at Stoke Polytechnic. He bus driver….” he married and hankered to get back to spoke rarely of his studies but always He had a succession of motorcycles dwelt on the fun elements of his school vintage motoring but, by now, prices of including BSA, Douglas and Triumph life, of boxing lessons, rugby games, such vehicles were prohibitive. A chance and progressed to restoring a 4.5 litre find of a 2 litre Lagonda, all in pieces, WO Bentley during his night-fighter changed the course of his life once again days, based at Yeovilton. and, having restored this, his second His woodworking lessons at Clifton wife’s Aston Martin and a string of other came to the fore when he furnished his Lagondas, he founded Cedar Classic cars first home on a meagre naval gratuity, in the mid 1980s. It ran concurrently with making one chair from four broken the antiques business and gave Derek the ones, and soon recognised the quality opportunity to race and exhibit his and and value of antique pieces that were clients’ vehicles both here and in Europe. then readily available. Whenever possible, he chose to drive a vintage vehicle and was often to be found In 1963, he and his wife Jan opened at Clifton reunions behind the wheel of an climbing and caving, visits to the newly- their first shop in Hartley Wintney Invicta or Lagonda. opened wildlife centre at Slimbridge selling Country pieces that Derek had Derek was always a keen photographer with Peter Scott, of woodwork and restored. The new business blossomed photography, and I saw how these and ten years later Derek was elected to and when in 2007 he finally retired he elements reflected in his future life the British Antique Dealers Association embraced his old Clifton hobby, swapping and career. and was internationally recognised as the Leica for a digital Nikon. In 2009 he one of the foremost experts in Country published A Return to Photography. His days at the family factory were furniture. Cedar Antiques continued to rather tame and he lived for Saturday He died on his 77th birthday after a afternoons to play rugby and be with short and courageous fight against Acute the local cadet force. National Service Myeloid Leukaemia. came to his rescue and, after a brief Whilst sorting through his many papers training, he joined 807 Squadron, flying I came across a series of black-and-white Sea Fires from HMS Ocean off Korea. photographs and remembered his Clifton During the 1950s and 1960s he flew tales of a holiday spent with chums on Sea Fires and Sea Furies as well as Sea the Norfolk Broads and of hitch-hiking Vixens and 35 other types of aircraft, to Le Mans to watch the early Jaguars. I including the legendary Spitfire. He have no idea who these two other young undertook operational tours in Korea men-in-a-boat may be, but perhaps they and Suez, clocking up over 3000 flying may fondly remember that summer and hours on 2900 sorties with 809 and the gentle boy who became a wonderful 890 Squadrons. He was a member of husband, loving Father and Grandfather the Jet Blacks aeronautical display and friend to so many across the world.

114 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 GUY SYDNEY HATCH uy died on 28th May 2010 after a long period of dementia. He was 84. He had no direct close relatives. Both his brothers were dead and Gneither he nor they had produced offspring. In fact only one of the brothers Christopher, Clifton Register #10938, ever married but there was no issue. As far as I am aware he could only boast three blood relatives, all cousins of varying distance, of whom I am one. Nigel Armstrong-Flemming

ROGER HARTLEY oger spent a couple of years at Butcombe before returning to Clifton after the RWar. He was a good rugby forward, but did not develop as he might because he left early as he had decided to become an accountant, which in those days involved being indentured. However, as a teenager he did not overcome the divorce of his parents, a fairly rare event in those days. As a result, he did not do too well at accountancy, and emigrated to Canada in 1957. There, he found work as a book-keeper in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he was to spend the rest of his life. He decided to become a qualified accountant, and then met Jean whom he married a few years later. Roger was a keen motoring enthusiast, and bought the first Mini to be landed in Canada, which gave him a lot of fun but which did not enjoy the harsh winters and heavily salted roads. Unfortunately, Roger suffered a serious brain aneurism in 1963, and was reckoned to be lucky that he lived almost opposite one of the best hospitals in brain surgery in Canada. He survived, but did suffer from some brain damage which prevented him working and driving – he had just qualified as an accountant – but did not prevent him remaining good and amusing company, not least because he never lost the sayings and mannerisms that were common in the 1960s. At the time of the aneurism, he was renovating a 1952 Aston Martin DB4 in his spare time. Roger did work as a volunteer, though, at the Camp Hill Hospital Library, and later at the QEII Health Science Library one day a week for 25 years. He was a gentle soul who enjoyed reading, music and crosswords, which he managed to do with a great skill until he was over 70. Roger died of pneumonia, peacefully in hospital on 30 March 2010, his father’s birthday, and is survived by his widow, Jean. They had no children. His younger brother, John, also went to Clifton. John Hartley

OBITTUARIES 115 DONALD HEWLETT (WIH 1935-39)

onald Hewlett, who has died of comedy. He left it to his younger brother, including episodes of The Saint (1965), pneumonia aged 90, was already Clyde – who was later made a life peer for The Avengers (1966) and Callan (1967), as Din his mid-50s and had a long his services to the Conservative party – to well as the Dennis Potter plays Vote, Vote, career as a screen character actor take over the family business. Hewlett Vote, for Nigel Barton (1965) and Message for behind him when he was cast as Colonel started his professional career with the Posterity (1967). Reynolds, commanding officer of a repertory company at Oxford Playhouse, In a 1965 episode of Coronation Street, he second world war Royal Artillery concert where he soon became a leading man, was Bob Maxwell, a married solicitor who party, in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum (1974-81). acting alongside Christine Pollon, whom he offered Elsie Tanner a lift, had a heart In public, he found people recognising married in 1947. He also helped to boost the attack at the wheel and died. He also played not just his face, but also his voice. career of Ronnie Barker, who was working Sir George Hardiman in the 1971 Doctor for the theatre’s publicity department. He While Battery Sergeant Major Williams Who story The Claws of Axos. More comedies got chatting to Barker after seeing him (Windsor Davies) tried to instil discipline then came Hewlett’s way, including the sticking up posters, and recommended him into Bombardier “Gloria” Beaumont regular role of Colonel Sutcliffe in Now Look for a speaking role in the next production. (Melvyn Hayes), the singer Gunner “Lofty” Here (starring Ronnie Corbett, 1971-73) and In 1951, Hewlett and Barker – in costume Sugden (Don Estelle), the pianist “Lah-de- Carstairs in the shortlived Come Back Mrs – provided a local spectacle as they shared a Dah” Gunner Graham and others, Colonel Noah (pilot 1977, series 1978), written by pony-and-trap trip around Oxfordshire to Reynolds enjoyed the easy life, lounging David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. promote a production of Charley’s Aunt. around, sipping gin and conducting an Hewlett’s last screen appearance was in a affair with Daphne Waddilove-Evans Hewlett also toured with the husband-and- 1995 episode of the sitcom The Upper Hand. (Frances Bennett), whose husband was away wife team of Cicely Courtneidge and Jack The following year, he took to the stage for in the Punjab. Hulbert, and appeared in the West End the last time, alongside Ronnie Corbett, musical Grab Me a Gondola (Lyric Theatre, The sitcom was written by the Dad’s Army in the pantomime Mother Goose (Churchill 1956-57) and the revue … And Another Thing creators David Croft and Jimmy Perry. Perry Theatre, Bromley). Epilepsy, caused by a (Fortune Theatre, 1960). himself had taken charge of a concert party damaged heart valve, led him to retire and while serving with the Royal Artillery during He made his film debut, alongside Sid he later developed Alzheimer’s disease. the war. Croft and Perry later gave Hewlett James, Tony Hancock and Peter Sellers, Hewlett’s first marriage ended in divorce, the role of Lord Meldrum in the “upstairs, in the comedy Orders Are Orders (1954). as did his subsequent 1956 marriage, to downstairs” sitcom You Rang, M’Lord? Although Hewlett subsequently appeared Diana Greenwood, a dressage rider. He is (pilot 1988, series 1990-93). As head of an in the school comedy Bottoms Up (starring survived by his third wife, the actor Therese aristocratic, 1920s family, George Meldrum Jimmy Edwards, 1960), most of his screen McMurray, whom he married in 1979, ran the Union Jack Rubber Company and career was spent on television. He played and their children, Patrick and Siobhan; was a respected member of the gentry – a Captain “Snooty” Pilkington, son of the and by two sons, Jonathan and Mark, position threatened by his extra-curricular retired army officer of the title, in the sitcom and a daughter, Sophie, from his second activities with Lady Agatha Shawcross The Adventures of Brigadier Wellington-Bull marriage. (Angela Scoular). It was often left to the (1959). He then appeared mostly in dramas, butler, Alf Stokes (Paul Shane), to create diversions and cover up the relationship. Despite his wealth, the peer paid his staff badly. Hewlett, who came from a wealthy family himself, was born in Northenden, Cheshire. His father, Thomas, owned the Anchor Chemical Company, based in the Manchester suburb of Clayton. Hewlett was 10 when his mother died. While attending Clifton College in Bristol, he started producing revues. Then, at Cambridge University, where he studied meteorology and geography, he was a member of the Footlights revue. However, his course was curtailed by the outbreak of war, during which he served in the Navy as a meteorologist in Orkney – providing reports for Lord Mountbatten – and set up Kirkwall Arts Club in a temperance hall. He was later responsible for looking after Japanese prisoners-of- war in Singapore, where he organised entertainment for British troops. After the war, Hewlett trained at RADA, winning the Athene Seyler award for

116 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 HENRY GEORGE HYAMS

enry George (Harry) Hyams was born in 1922 at HStockton-on-Tees and entered NIGEL JONES Polack’s House in 1936, leaving true Renaissance man, Clifton in 1939. After a short time Nigel Jones had a lifelong articled to a firm of accountants in love of painting, poetry and Middlesbrough, Harry volunteered A languages. Even when, in later years, to serve in the RAF becoming a pilot he was subject to poor health and with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. failing eyesight, he continued to take Leaving the RAF in 1946, he a positive and creative approach eventually settled in South Africa. to life, painting, composing haiku, As a successful businessman, he was and responding to the vicissitudes to become the Managing Director of ill health with irrepressible good of an advertising firm. Living in humour. “All part of life’s rich South Africa for many years did not tapestry,” he’d say, quoting Inspector soften his love and affection for both Clouseau, and would greet his friends England and Clifton. For many years willingness to embrace new challenges with mock self-pity “Good to partially he was Secretary of the OC Society when called upon. One of his first see you.” for those living in the South African appointments at Clifton was as Master region. His love for England can Nigel was educated at Winchester in charge of Fencing, a sport of which certainly be confirmed by his long and won a scholarship to Corpus he knew nothing and had to learn and loyal support for Middlesbrough Christi, Cambridge. National Service from scratch, but which position he football team. A very sociable man intervened and he was posted to went on to enjoy for ten years. He was who loved company and enjoyed Jerusalem before spending the rest a self-taught painter, and painted oils a pint or a dram with friends, he of his time as an Education Officer and gouaches throughout his time at died on 16 March 2011 at Sandton, in Egypt. Although he remembered Clifton, many of which became valued Johannesburg. He will be sadly this as a time of boredom when the gifts for his colleagues. He shared his missed by his family and friends. only thing to do was to swim in the expertise in oil painting by teaching Great Bitter Lake, it was clear from it as a recreational half in the 1960s. Derek Hyams the stories he told to the end of his Perhaps some of his most memorable life that he had also relished (as a true outings in the public life of Clifton linguist would) the colourful language were his appearances in the French of many of his fellow soldiers. language plays, where he whole- heartedly embraced his roles in Molière At Cambridge he studied French and comedies and Feydeau farces with great German, co-edited a student arts expressiveness and the love of wit and magazine and continued to paint. In humour that always characterised him. the long summer vacations he worked for a fruit packing firm in the south After serving as a House Tutor in of France and improved his Provencal North Town and Polack’s, Nigel took accent. Throughout his life Nigel over as Housemaster of Oakeley’s in mastered an amazing number of 1965. This must have been something languages; he taught himself Russian of a challenge, as he was a newly and Mandarin Chinese and went on married man with a young family in to teach both. He was a member of tow. He had met Elizabeth when she the first group of British teachers to was working in the school Sanatorium, visit the Soviet Union in the 1950s, and they married in 1964. They and also visited Beijing in 1987. went on to enjoy many years of Other languages he studied included happy married life, having three sons Spanish, Czech, Polish, Pali and Nicholas, Martin and William. Japanese. While he never wanted After his time at Oakeley’s Nigel spent to visit a country and not speak the eleven years as Head of Modern language, he also never wanted to Languages. He was a popular and read a book in translation if at all effective teacher: former pupils will no possible. doubt remember both his jokes and Harry proudly wearing his medals at the He came to Clifton in 1953 and was the reams of work he set. He always Veterans’ Parade in Johannesburg in 2006 here for forty one years, teaching expected his pupils to give of their best French and German and subsequently and, in return, they certainly knew Russian and Chinese. Nigel’s range that he was giving his full attention to of interests was impressive, as was his them. (Simon Smith has contributed

OBITTUARIES 117 a memoir of studying languages at Clifton during Nigel’s tenure as Head JPG KIDD of modern languages, and of Nigel as a teacher, which serves as a fitting tribute to his enthusiasm and the he untimely death of Jon Kidd love! James Cole (‘Buxton’) another effectiveness of his approach.) His produced a flood of tributes which, School House contemporary expressed sense of humour and love of jokes T as a result of issues of space, cannot similar praise: Jon had evidently been a ensured a good relationship with his all be reproduced in full here . The brilliant source of advice over business pupils, among whom at various times following, therefore, represent a selection problems. A telling story from another were his three sons. It is a testimony of observations about a remarkable man friend, Andrew Biggs, described to his skill as a teacher that he taught who clearly made a huge impact upon all when he accompanied Jon on the them without any embarrassment for whom he met. Liege-Rome rally in a Sunbeam. They encountered another competitor by them in front of the other boys. Tom Gover writes: the roadside in a 30’s Le Mans Bentley. Overall, in his time at Clifton, Nigel Of the three hundred or so boys in They stopped to ask if he needed any will be remembered for his calmness School House during my time as help (Jon always stopped for anyone and approachability; his kindness to Housemaster Jon Kidd was among the broken down). The driver said he had pupils and his welcoming attitude to most staunch and loyal. He had the most broken a half shaft and was trying to newcomers, whether staff or students; delightful smile which seemed to include arrange for someone to pick up the for his enthusiasm for teaching a chuckle with warm appreciation and car and bring him another (he was and learning languages – he always affection for his fellow men. He would evidently very rich) but his phone had believed that learning was also the know instinctively and intuitively about run out of battery. Jon simply gave this business of teachers and would often their worries and would bring to bear unknown man his phone, told him to spend his breaks in the SCR reading his own innate wisdom to solve their to let him have it back later, and drove or learning his Chinese characters problems. on without a second thought. The from flashcards - and, of course, for competitor did complete the rally in Jon, son of Brian Kidd (S.H. 1945-1948) his quick wit and seemingly endless another car and gave Jon his phone was a strong and rock-like prop on the fund of stories, limericks and jokes. back several days later (with no great Rugger field and played a prominent thanks and no compensation for all the Retirement in Beaminster in part in a rare victory over Sherborne long distance calls on it) and was given Dorset was an active time when he in 1979. In addition he was captain of the prize for ‘spirit of the rally’ for expanded his interests and pursued rowing. After leaving Clifton there were his efforts. Adam felt that Jon should them with enthusiasm. He painted one or two vicissitudes, but by the time have received the prize! We send in oils and gouache in his garden of his untimely death in December, our warmest sympathy to Brian and studio, exhibited in local galleries 2009, Jon had become a successful and Joanne. and for several years organised the outstanding headhunter. Beaminster Festival art exhibition. At Jon’s funeral Peter Davies (WiH Peter Davies, who gave the main address at His long interest in Buddhism and 1976-1980) gave a moving tribute to a Jon’s funeral, observed: Eastern philosophy led him to study packed congregation including friends and practise Reiki healing with some Jon was a big, influential and important from all over the world. His closest notable successes. In 2004 he started character in so many of our lives . . . there friend in School House was William to go blind. His response to this was have been many, many tributes from all Tricks, who sent a moving message to paint larger, more abstract oils and, around the world from people close and form Abu Dhabi: ‘Many people might then, as his eyesight worsened, he not so close to Jon, but in every instance have thought that advice went one way Jon made an impression that was, and turned to writing haiku as a way of in our friendship but it did not. Jon always will be, lasting and positive. recording his impressions. In 2008 was a constant source of advice to me he and Elizabeth moved to Backwell throughout our post Clifton years He Will Tricks writes: where they enjoyed the company of was a rock when at times in my life I some of their grandchildren. Rather He was always so caring about my whole needed one!’ Will had worked under than raging against the dying of the family, especially my parents. That cover in Northern Ireland during light, Nigel carried on to the end was because he understood the role of his military career and would return with acceptance, good humour and parents and had the greatest respect for to their shared flat stressed from his a thoughtful interest in everyone he Mums and Dads the world over. I see ordeals. Evidently Jon was the perfect encountered. this having come from his amazing love, antidote. ‘He would put up with my admiration and pride for Brian and WBHJ & JDF bossiness with a patience that no one Joanne and Debbie. else has ever shown to me and he was not afraid to tell me difficult things, Sometimes life was not lucky for Jono, and was always there for me when I BUT how he dealt with such issues needed him. He came out to the UAE was incredible. He was the most stoic to help me with my boys - they often of men; he never moaned or wanted talk about the time on the beach with people to feel sorry for him. It was a ‘big uncle Jon’ as they called him. great source of pride for me that the Strong and fun - something that boys role as headhunter had ultimately

118 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 JOHN MCKEOWN proved so successful - he was brilliant at knew John McKeown, who died the job and it suited him so well. in October 2010, well as a Form There are also such fun memories for I Master when in the Upper Fifth me. in 1958. A somewhat reserved man but with a ready laugh, he was a very I loved it when at school he would argue versatile teacher of Latin and English with the referee! I loved it when, in but with a mastery in many other Abu Dhabi, he was trying to do wake fields, languages and history among boarding off the beach being towed by them. I let him down over Latin fifty a speed boat. Rather surprisingly I had years on; I am not proud to admit managed it first go but Jon was having a that Latin inscriptions often escape problem with it. He got more and more me. However, it was to him (aided frustrated until brute force won with and abetted by Tom Wells) that I owe Jon refusing to let go of the tow rope my love of the English Language and he kept level, but under water, and in all its variety. He encouraged us emerged to huge applause intact and on to take our first forays into creative the surface and on the board! writing, poetry – or more probably an advanced age, I decided, almost on I will miss Jon dreadfully, I give huge doggerel – included. We read most a whim, to do an MSc at what was then thanks to Brian and Joanne for giving of Shakespeare’s plays, with his wife called the School for Advanced Urban him to us for the 46 years he was with Gilly invariably taking the role of Studies at the University of Bristol. I us. He was an enormous man in my Queen or Princess, sitting in the was invited to their home and they were eyes because of his care for people, his living-room of their flat opposite the just as hospitable and kind as ever. The modesty, his intelligence, his style, his Downs. last time I saw John was in November appreciation of a beautiful woman, his John loved to take us on excursions 2009 when Roger Seaton and I visited love of cars, his devotion to close friends out of Bristol including to a Greek him at Southmead Hospital. He bore and their families and his wonderful Classical play at Bradfield or to his illness with fortitude and even smile. He was my closest friend. nearby Roman sites. The only other though his breathing was laboured, he time I have seen ancient Greek was as courteous and erudite as ever. David Buchanan writes: drama was at the Herodes Atticus During the ensuing year, I would When I think of Jon, apart from theatre at the foot of the Acropolis. phone at regular intervals from the aforementioned good looks and I would never have been inspired to Brussels to hear of his progress and intelligence, I think of features that are go to such a performance but for my had several agreeable telephone far more human and engaging. Jon experience at Bradfield. He was also conversations with him. During the never put himself first, he was always an enthusiast for school drama and I course of one of them, I made a thinking of someone else in that selfless can well remember shifting scenery remark that one never forgets a good team way. I image it would be difficult for King Lear at the Pre School schoolteacher, which he appreciated. getting through a doorway if Jon was Hall, well before the advent of the John was above all a good teacher who with you (“you first, no you, no-no-no- Redgrave Theatre. was able to impart a love of learning no-no, I insist, I insist more, beauty Drama aside, John’s passion was and even down the years, at the age before wisdom, after you old chap”, rowing. He rowed for Jesus College, of fifty, I was inspired to return to an etc etc). he was generous, he had great Cambridge and coached the Clifton institution of higher learning. He was humour. He didn’t dominate a room Eight. His oars, which I remember part of a generation of exceptionally but you were always glad he was in it, from the Downs flat, still hang in the gifted teaching staff at Clifton, a group and he was an obvious choice to make family home in Clifton. a bee line for; His company was easy, of men who are passing out of our lives accepting and non judgmental. He was I renewed my acquaintance with but whose legacy lives on. supportive of his friends and loyal. John and Gilly McKeown when, at Richard Lewis (PH 1955-1960)

OBITTUARIES 119 ALICK McDONALD r Johnson wrote, ‘the noblest modesty forbear to mention. prospect which a Scotsman ever Such military experience was Dsees is the high road that leads however to be of lasting use in him to England’, Alick did not wait long his teaching of Ancient History in his youth to enjoy the prospect of an and his commission in the CCF English education, first at Sedbergh, Signals Section in the Good then at Cambridge. As befits one born Old Days when membership of near the Athens of the North, the School and CCF coincided. His Classics were his chief love: to encourage fellow CCF officers, after Field his pupils, though in no spirit of Days and camps, would tell of boastfulness, he would show the steady his progress from gamma to alpha grades in his composition book, and his edition, . . . moving accidents by flood with Sidney Miller, O.C., lately Head and field, of Bedford School, of pieces for Greek Of hair-breadth scapes i’th’ Unprepared Translation is a monument imminent deadly breach; to his scholarship. In an age when the Of being taken by the insolent study of Greek and Latin is increasingly foe. under threat, he succeeded in arousing, especially among able senior pupils, the and in particular of one love of precision and clarity inspired by Famous Victory, the Battle of the ancient languages and of the high

Larkbarrow, brought to an end Photo: C.A.D. ideals inherent in their literature. by Alick’s secret weapon, the Yet his interest in the Classics extended explosion of a paraffin stove. expressed by scores of other ex- to their lighter side and an Aristophanic members of ST and WiH on their broadness of humour could at times How many modern schoolmasters visits here. be found in his performances in have the dash to leave the Mini or the the classroom - or in the House Anglia in the garage and go courting The crowning achievement of his Entertainment, that Ultima Thule of on a motor-cycle? This, according to a career at Clifton was his twelve years dramatic art. reliable source, was one of the factors as Careers Master. Once again, persuading Gill Clark-Kennedy, then While his breadth of knowledge as a his military training was useful in the San Matron, to accept a pillion seat Greek scholar did not quite rival that welcoming the large number of gold and an offer of marriage (Alick, it is said, of Juvenal’s ‘hungry little Greek’, he braided or bepipped officers that came had to get married, as he had only three could nonetheless quote long passages recruiting to the school; but it was the socks). of Homer by heart and discourse immense care and thoroughness that Alick brought to career problems and to eloquently on the speed of a trireme or It was Gill’s constant support of her every applicant to the Careers Service, on the romantic heroes and heroines of husband which, with the presence of as well as his success in placing them the Scottish novel. For in his teaching he their daughters Lucy and Rose, made in suitable posts, which won universal was the true humanist and could have his work in the House System, as House praise. claimed with the Latin poet Terence: Tutor of North Town and Housemaster of South Town and Wiseman’s, a happy Homo sum; humani nil a me alienum puto. In retirement, Alick continued to live time for the McDonald family amid all close to the College and could often be This humanism was in his young the stresses of those rewarding jobs. met watching cricket by the railings on manhood sorely tested in war, when, When Mr Fakhr Imam, late of South The Close, or watching the Pre 1st XI as a Signals Officer in Burma, he was Town, subsequently Speaker of the and 1st XV on New Field, accompanied twice mentioned in dispatches and Pakistan National Assembly, visited the by that delightful smile and that involved in scenes that his kindly nature school recently, his main desire was to characteristic twinkle in the eye. A would shudder to remember and his see his old Housemaster again, a wish gentleman, and a “gentle man”.

120 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 to have been that it might have been better to have opened the window first. He always denied the story, and I don’t believe it either….. His two years over, John spent a further 15 military years in the TA, rising to the JOHN MEIGHAN rank of Major and appointed Reserve Brigade Major of 1st Artillery BAOR, hris Bromhead gave the following Germany, and awarded the Territorial eulogy at John’s funeral: Decoration. This apparent confirmed CI am pleased to have been asked bachelor startled us all when in 1968 he to say a few words on behalf of some married the impossibly pretty Wendy. of John’s oldest friends – a sort of Soon there were two more pretty girls elderly diminishing Bristolian Rat Pack. in the family, Philippa and Belinda, 70 years ago at the close of Day 1 at and today our thoughts are with them Braidlea School, he announced that he together with other family members. would not be back tomorrow, or indeed John completed his career after totalling at any time in the future as he had not 37 years in the construction supply really enjoyed it at all. Unfazed Miss business. He then moved on to a host of Sampson quietly pointed out that this new challenges as a freelance consultant. was a shame because tomorrow Anthony He had been a JP since 1978 and work Davis was bringing in the new Rupert the time they returned in the morning. on the bench and on various standing Bear Annual for everyone to enjoy. These parties went on for years, until committees occupied much of his time. John considered this information and one year the Meighans returned early duly declared that he had changed his before midnight. An enthusiastic game He was a caring man, someone blessed mind, and would indeed return next of Sardines was under way, and the with supreme generosity of spirit day – thus showing an early aptitude for imposing and dignified Mrs Meighan and kindness. He was a long-serving re-evaluation of a situation. was less than enchanted on retiring to member of Bristol Round Table and find a couple hiding in her wardrobe. involved in many community service It is just over 65 years since John The Christmas parties at No 31 were projects. Right up until recently he was entered my life – in May 1945 when less frequent after that…. fully involved with local community he arrived to join me and other future activities. friends at Clifton. A tall 11-year old, slim The Bristol Christmas season in those as a beanpole. We continued through days had many attractions. Clifton Yesterday I spoke to his old friend Bob school as chums until 1951 when he Rugby Club, HMS Flying Fox, The Reed who cannot be with us today. I left to join the real world. He spent two Royal Artillery – they each had a asked him for some memories. There years as an articled accountant and one splendid Ball. And it all culminated in were many, but one stuck firmly in day realised this was not for him. He left the New Year’s Eve Rotable Ball. We my mind. Years ago they went skiing to find pastures new – and discovered attended all these, and the leader of the together – yes, they both went up his true calling. He had always been pack was John…. the chairlift. Bob went off down the a social animal and now he relished No longer deferred he was called up mountain, and stopped halfway – no his new position as a salesman in the for National Service and soon was sign of John. Suddenly he appeared, full building and construction world. commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the speed, totally out of control, a whirling 17-stone heap of skis, sticks, anorak, We will now move on to what I call “The Royal Artillery. Posted in his second with a cigarette firmly in his mouth. Party Years”. We had all left school and year to Cyprus, he was appointed Port Before disappearing into another white scattered. But we all seemed to regather Security Officer in Paphos. For some space, he managed to demolish at least around Christmas time. Each year, John time the story persisted that one day four different ski classes. They did not threw a party at 31 Downleaze where he a terrorist insurgent had the temerity go skiing again…. still lived with his long-suffering parents. to shoot at a car taking John back to This charming but formidable couple base. A furious John grabbed a Sten As with many of us, John suffered were sent away for the night, and we gun, and fired off a magazine in the various setbacks in life. These he faced all hoped to get everything straight by general direction. The opinion seemed with fortitude and resolution. His sense of humour and sociability helped him through some difficult times. John was a large man, often larger than life. The early beanpole image had long since disappeared and the fear of anorexia faded. Within this large man was a large heart. Throughout his life he was always ready and willing to help others. I am pleased to have been his friend and we shall all miss him. CJ Bromhead (NT 1944-1953)

OBITUARIES 121 PETER FRANCIS MIDDLETON (BH 1934-1939)

eter Francis Middleton was born in Leeds in 1920, the third son Pof Richard Middleton and Olive Lupton, a family of mill owners and solicitors. After early tutoring at home where he developed a love of music and nature, he went to Clifton before gaining a place at New College, Oxford, to read English. Within months of his arrival, however, he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve. In 1942, he was posted to No 37 Service Flying School in Calgary, Canada, as a flying instructor training Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster pilot. Canada’s open spaces were regarded by the War Office as ideal for the training of pilots under the Commonwealth Air Training Plan which, by the end of the war, had handled the training of over 130,000 British aircrew. In August 1944 he joined 605 Squadron which was based at RAF Manston in Kent in August 1944. Flying Mosquito fighter-bombers, he was detailed to try to tip the wings of German V1s in order to whilst working for BEA in 1962 that steer them he acted as First Officer to the Duke away from of Edinburgh who was making a two- their London month flying tour to South America; target. As the he was to receive as a result a personal Peter Middleton with HRH Duke of end of the war letter of thanks from Prince Philip Edinburgh in 1962. approached, he along with a pair of gold cufflinks. was stationed they could muster and landed on what On the last page of his flight logbook in Belgium, appeared to be a deserted beach where he calculated that he had flown over Holland and they settled down for the night, dinner 16,000 hours and had travelled the then Germany being a combination of Scotch and equivalent distance of 220 times before leaving ginger biscuits. In the morning they set around the world. the RAF in off for the main town on the island and 1946. In retirement he pursued another of were entertained by a local family who, his favourite occupations which was without turning a hair, served them tea After the war, he joined the Lancashire sailing. He had built his first dinghy on crockery which they had “liberated” Aircraft Corporation. In Leeds he met in the family dining room and sailed from the wreckage of the Nainjaune! his future wife, Valerie Glassborow, who it with his children on the Thames. was the daughter of a bank manager. For the next 20 years, Peter Middleton In August 1976 he and his wife set She was nearly a foot shorter than he continued to pursue his love of sailing sail from the River Hamble in their with a lively temperament and sense and his grandchildren recall being on 35ft boat Nainjaune with the aim of of humour, and together they had board with him, responding to every crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Christmas four sons. one of his commands by crying out in the Caribbean was followed by a irreverently “Aye, aye, Kipper”. They In 1952, he joined BEA and the whole trip to the Bahamas but, in February never tired of spreading the underside family moved to Beaconsfield in 1977, ten miles off the coast of the of his toast with peanut butter, which Buckinghamshire, living there until small island Mayaguana, they ran into he hated but characteristically which he retirement some twenty-two years a reef. The boat could not be saved so took with immense good humour. later at which point they moved to husband and wife struck out for shore Vernham Dean in Hampshire. It was in a life raft with as many essentials as He had a great enthusiasm for life.

122 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 As well as an avid sailor, he was Southmead and Frenchay. He gained his skills were recognised when he was a photographer, writer and a MRCOG in 1976. In 1978 Tim moved appointed as the specialty clinical carpenter of considerable skill, to London where he worked at the director. making tiny tables and chairs for Westminster hospitals, first as registrar Patients remember him as calm, kind, his grandchildren and a pirate ship then Senior Registrar. During this time and compassionate; his colleagues that for them to play in in the garden, he gained his FRCS (Edin). he was an easy person to get on with as well as repairing the pews of his In 1984 Tim was appointed as and with a great sense of humour. local church. Consultant Gynaecologist and On the home front – he enjoyed His 90th birthday was attended by Obstetrician at Southend University DIY and undertook sustainable the whole family as well as Prince Hospital. At that time the Department home alterations before they became William, and his granddaughter was on the Rochford hospital site. With generally popular, by installing his Catherine visited him just before he friends at Round Table he was a very own heat exchange system in the loft died, upon her return from Kenya active fund raiser for the colposcopy and enormous rain water storage and where Prince William had just service. Laser equipment was installed; recycling tanks for which he did 95% proposed to her. to this day the fund is still active. of the work of digging the pipes and His wife died in 2006 and he leaves Tim was also instrumental in setting plumbing the tanks himself. His garden is a real tribute to his love of growing four sons and five grandchildren. up the gynaecological oncology service and building with ponds, gazebos and He died on 2 November 2010. in Southend, enabling the Hospital to arbours all constructed by him. obtain accreditation as a Gynaecological Oncology Centre in Essex. He had a tendency to be somewhat impatient and did not like to waste He was a highly skilled surgeon, able to time at work or at leisure. He skied perform a wide variety of gynaecological – always trying to be faster than the surgery and had an enviable reputation rest of the family, sailed – trying to amongst his colleagues and local GPs. be the boat at the front of the fleet, His skills in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and he drove his beloved old Series were highly respected. His leadership II Morris Minor as fast as possible on the John O’Groats to Lands End TIMOTHY JOHN POCOCK Endurance run. His love of classic cars also prompted him to purchase im Pocock died peacefully at home a beautiful Series II E-Type Jaguar, on Sunday 1st May after battling though he didn’t have long enough Toesophageal cancer. to fully appreciate it. Born in Bristol on 2nd July 1946, he In his final months he showed great was the second of three children, of bravery and dignity and left a legacy John Arthur Pocock, a distinguished of which his family are very proud. General Surgeon at the Bristol Royal He is survived by his widow, Deborah, Infirmary and his wife, Cicely Barbara. and their sons, James and Nicholas; his He attended Clifton College first wife Jessica, their son Christopher Preparatory School from 1953-59 and (his wife Nicola and two granddaughters), Clifton College Senior School from and daughter Helen; his sister Susan and 1959-64 where he started in East Town brother Richard. as a day boy, then moved into Watson’s Tim will be greatly missed by many. as a boarder. He was known for his rugby and cricketing skills, his sense of humour, intelligence and wit. He decided to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and pursue a medical career, studying at Bristol University from where he qualified in 1971 with MB ChB (and some kind of qualification in building a pedal car named Thrombus Three). After house jobs he worked first in IAN REYNOLDS (DH 1942-1947) orthopaedics then a year in General Practice and a further six months in Ian was branch secretary in the Ian went to school with his two urology before commencing his career following areas: Cambridge, South brothers Keith and Roy. He sent in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Africa, Paris, Merseyside and his two sons to Clifton also, Nick North Wales, North West including and Neil. Tim started his O&G rotations in the Manchester. Bristol hospitals, the Bristol Maternity He was also a Governor at Clifton. Hospital, Bristol Royal Infirmary,

OBITUARIES 123

17474 SARAFIAN, Jonathan Haig; b 1.7.68; LS, MHP, STP, ET; LSC-U6; L. 1986.2; Westminster Coll., Lond.; with Savoy Group of Hotels 1988-90; MICHAEL ROBINS (ST 1939-1945) now Accnt. Manager with Asset Div. Died after a short illness on 5th February 2011. Beloved husband of Patricia, of Bristol & West Building Soc.; Red much loved father of Joanna and Nicholas, father-in-law of Lisa and grandad Lodge, Horse St., Chipping Sodbury, of Amy and Gemma. The funeral service was held at St. Giles Church, Bristol BS17 6DF. Standlake, Oxford. Donations if desired to Diabetes UK.

KLAUS SCHILLER (SH 1941-1945)

nother of that extraordinarily talented Bude generation, Klaus ASchiller died in July 2010 at the age of 83. Born in Vienna, he enjoyed a happy childhood until the rise of national Schiller was an energetic, passionate man Socialism and the resultant Anschluss whose single-mindedness was sometimes between Hitler’s Germany and his home open to misinterpretation by those who country. His father, a gynaecologist, did not know him well. A profound was arrested and his mother decided supporter of the NHS, he was increasingly to send the children to England in critical of the application of managerial 1938, his parents joining them some six techniques and the increasing political months later. Although he embraced interference which manifested itself during England and everything English, the 1980s and which, he felt, made it very Austria remained close to his heart and difficult to he returned at the age of 80 to hike up be a good doctor as a result. a mountain just to have one last look at Active throughout his life, his daughter, native alpine flowers. Ginny, observed: After an academically promising career He loved his family and his work, and at Clifton, both in Cornwall and back two important works – A Colour Atlas he loved life. He had no God to thank, he said, in Bristol, Schiller followed the family of Gastroenterological Endoscopy and but was nevertheless grateful. tradition and went into medicine, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Related He is survived by his wife, Judy, his daughter, studying at The Queen’s College, Oxford Pathology. three sons and seven grandchildren. and then gaining a scholarship at the London Hospital where, by 1951, he completed his training. ELIZABETH ‘BETI’ SKINNER BA, FRGS (née DAVIES) By 1962 he was back in Oxford as Senior 9TH MAY 1931 - 18TH JULY 2010 Registrar at the Radcliffe and it was here that he teamed up with Sidney Truelove. Together they made gastrointestinal lizabeth “Beti” Skinner held the bleeding their own according to The Lancet. distinction of being the first female Emember of staff at Clifton when But perhaps their most important she stood in for Dudley Fromant when contribution was their early he was granted a sabbatical term in championing of the flexible endoscope 1977. Educated at Notting Hill and capable of taking biopsies under direct Ealing High School, she was a keen vision, and together they pioneered its sportswoman – tennis and cricket early use, despite some opposition to especially – before going on to qualify this new technique. In 1967, he became as a geography teacher. Her research a consultant physician in Chertsey and into National Land Use earnt her was a founder member of the British membership of the Royal Geographical Society of Digestive Endoscopy which, Society. unlike some of the more traditional Headmistress. In retirement, she medical societies, opened its doors to After her term at Clifton, she joined remained active, working as a lecturer all who had an interest in this field. the Staff at CHS and worked there on a variety of cruise ships and Along with Roy Cockel, he produced until 1995, serving as Director of the remaining active up until the end of Sixth Form and Assistant Deputy her life.

124 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 NIGEL JONES - An Appreciation

STAFF 1952–1993

Simon Smith writes:

studied French, German and Russian convinced that it’s proved an effective of weekly sentences for translation from in the Upper School at Clifton during and enduring way of implanting a solid English into French. Each one of these I the years 1971 to 1975. We were by no framework of structures on which to sentences had a point: they were the means the first generation of language build creative, spontaneous and flexible equivalent of Czerny exercises – a bit laboratory guinea pigs. But it must have use of a foreign language in real life. dull in themselves, but good solid brain a time when this method of learning was We were encouraged to commit quite food to equip us to do fancier things in much in vogue, as my memories tell me a few things to memory too. Some are the Beethoven and Schubert (or even that our lessons often took place attached no doubt just there in the subliminal or Brahms and Liszt) areas of the French to headphones and recording apparatus sub-conscious regions of the brain, but language. I remember even now Nigel’s in the rooms perched above the Fives still, I’m convinced, underpin the more reminder that, if you want to say “She Courts on Guthrie Road. or less automatic functions that even a only laughed” in French, “Elle n’a que Lessons in the language labs were seen 50+ plus year old brain can still perform rit” might do as the name of an Egyptian by some as a bit of an opportunity to tune politician. But only “Elle n’a fait que out. We knew our teachers could listen rire” will cut it as an adequate translation. in at any time to see whether we really Another method of encouraging us to were practising the use of the conditional memorise chunks of language lay in tense, or just strumming/humming the the various prizes offered for poetry latest Led Zeppelin number. But there recitation. My rendering of Goethe’s never seemed to me to be a totally effective “Erlkönig” clearly failed to excite either way for them really to determine whether of my German teachers to feel they’d behind the many collected silences there heard anything more interesting than had been a serious attempt to wrestle a reading from the telephone directory. with the syntactical challenge of the day, As a result, I suffered the ignominy of or whether our minds were off and away taking part in a competition in which only somewhere completely different. three competitors performed, but where Then there was the added discomfort neither gold nor silver nor bronze medals of the rather nasty sweaty-plasticky when called upon to operate in French, were awarded. But to this day I can still earphones (the ergonomics of these German or Russian. Others weirdly stick recite “Erlkönig”. in the memory with no apparent practical things has much improved over the last And it was, after all, the literary part of usefulness – vehicles with no engines three decades, as the current generation modern languages study at Clifton that cluttering the carpark of the brain. I’m of I-pod devotees will no doubt testify). really fired me up, and that sticks in my still waiting for the occasion to arise As a result, I wasn’t the only pupil to have memory even now as a starting point not where I’m called upon to use the phrase found language lab drills a sub-optimal just for learning about language, but for “Ach ja, Kaffeebohnen sind doch keine experience, and to have preferred less learning about life. technologically impeded sessions in Diamanten.” But somehow it won’t go more orthodox classroom settings. But away. (“Können Sie uns bitte sagen, wo I don’t recall literature in modern what I do now recognise - after over 20 die Jugendherberge ist?” was on the face languages study being terribly inspiring years of intensive professional use of of it more promising – although by the until we’d got into the A-level years. I foreign languages - is how valuable the time I got to travelling around Germany, have dim memories of a really seriously emphasis on absorbing structures was it wasn’t really youth hostels I was dire pre-A-level illustrated story called and still is. Parroting endless variations looking for). “Les skis de Virginie”, the title of which on a grammatical theme was never going More usefully, I still remember some of promised to the imagination of the to be the most intellectually stimulating the key grammatical points illustrated in adolescent boy a great deal more than the activity in the curriculum. But I remain Nigel Jones’ apparently limitless series wholesome folksy content delivered. I suppose it’s to a large extent inevitable that real books have to wait until students have a reasonable basis on which to make their way without being chained to a dictionary. But I hugely valued the approach of teachers like Ian Scott, who encouraged us not to worry excessively if we didn’t understand every word, but to develop our Sprachgefühl through hoovering up the rhythms of the language by getting to grips with real literature. And who chose just the best kind of book to get us started – Friedrich

OBITUARIES 125 Dürrenmatt’s “Das Versprechen”, a “language of the future”. I don’t know tales (“Zadig”, “Micromégas” etc – I think riveting and unorthodox “Krimi” which, how many of the others in that classroom we were regarded as too dumbed down once you’d got past the scene-setting in September 1972 had much to do with to do “Candide”) seem like light relief. pages, you just couldn’t put down. I Russia in later life. For me, it came late, still remember, when I’d finished it (at but big, as I spent most of the period But at least the larger numbers in the the cost of some serious negligence of from 1998-2007 professionally engaged class meant there was a bit more cover just about all my other studies), the with, or working in, Russia. for those times when the required essay feeling not just of having read a great on Racine just couldn’t be squeezed For that reason, and for many others, I novel, but of knowing that reading a into a busy timetable of cricket nets, never regretted the decision I made to book in German from start to finish was the next home game at Ashton Gate, or carry on with Russian to A-level. Nigel achievable. And fun. I’ve read it again admiring the bullfighting posters in the Jones was heroic enough to take me since about once every ten years. And I “Greyhound”. Or did it? Inspired by through this, even though I was the sole still think it’s brilliant. Nigel Jones’ words about Racine writing stayer-on after O-level. This had its odd his plays in his head before putting pen Our German literary studies were pretty side: we both had to assign ourselves to paper (“ma tragédie est faite; je n’ai serious in the A-level years; and they multiple roles in our sessions reading qu’à l’écrire”) I tried out what I thought were directed by two teachers – Derek through Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” – was a clever line: “Monsieur Jones, mon Clarke and Ian Scott – whose enthusiasm and at that stage the language itself was essai est fait, je n’ai qu’à l’écrire” - to get for what they were teaching has ensured enough of a challenge for me, without the the immediate reply “Bien, assurez-vous that for me the German language and its added burden of switching between Sofya que ça ne sera pas une tragédie!” literature have remained my friends for Alexandrovna and Ivan Petrovich. And life. Of our set texts, I certainly preferred when you’re the only student, there’s just Nigel too was insistently exhortatory the more immediately graspable post-war no hiding place for that neglected essay on the benefits of reading as much as setting of Heinrich Böll’s “Und sagte kein or translation. possible in the language. My brother einziges Wort”, and the folkloric-ghostly David had already been through his “Der Schimmelreiter” of Theodor Storm Unwisely perhaps, I let my Russian “rest” French A-level class, so I was prepared to the historical drama of Grillparzer. for many years after clearing the A-level for the endlessly repeated (but endlessly But to find myself 35 years later in hurdle. But twenty six years after my valid) slogan “Read some French!” Grillparzer’s Vienna, able to quote bits of first encounter with the Cyrillic alphabet And for the follow-up, which was often “König Ottokars Glück und Ende” - the and Chapter One of “Russkiy yazyk dlya “Anything… even Mickey Spillane in play that re-opened Vienna’s totemic vsyekh” it was with huge pleasure and no French!” David and I duly returned Burgtheater after Austria’s re-emergence little emotion that I wrote to Nigel to tell from one summer holiday having toured from the catastrophes of Nazism – hasn’t him I was about to go to Moscow for four most of the bookshops of the Languedoc been entirely unhelpful. And Thomas years as the British Embassy’s Economic to find what seemed to be the one living Mann’s “Tonio Kröger” and “Der Tod in and Commercial Counsellor. And these example of …Mickey Spillane in French. Venedig” (the latter introduced to our were four years during which I was And to this day, I’m afraid I still haven’t studies with perfect timing, hot on the repeatedly made conscious of how lucky got beyond page ten of “Un mariage heels of the Visconti film) were small but I was to have been so wonderfully well hors série”. perfectly-formed foretastes of the immense taught: with, here too, a strong focus on In the mid 1970s it remained the practice combustion of emotion and erudition that absorbing the structures of the language, for most of us who were attempting the you get from this colossal author. and a dazzling introduction to the literature (Pushkin as well as Chekhov). Oxbridge entrance exams to stay on for During this period, the practice was a term to expand our range of study in for the top French set (around twenty In contrast to the last-man-standing preparation for them. By September of us) in the 4th form to tackle the experiences of Russian A-level, the 1975 I had already decided that German O-level exam a year early. Those who French A-level set remained pretty would be the principal platform for succeeded could then move on in the 5th numerous – about fourteen of us if launching my Oxford bid. So I had a form to add another language – either memory serves. French was no exception final term ranging more broadly over the Russian or Spanish – to their timetable, to the assumption that even distracted German literary landscape – discovering while still continuing to keep the French late teens needed early introduction to the wealth of 19th century short fiction engine running with a couple of lessons the big beasts of the literary jungle. I which serves as such an enticing window a week. I and about six others chose only learned later about what Aristotle into wider and deeper journeys in the Russian. I can remember two motives said about classical drama inspiring history and culture of the German shared by most if not all of us. First was pity and terror. But having had the speaking world; and discovering German the interest in studying something we first Racine experience in the first poetry (beyond “Erlkönig”!) including thought would be really hard. Second weeks of a pitiful and terrified UV my first meeting with Goethe’s ecstatic/ was the feeling that the Soviet Union was IB, I felt I already knew what he was charismatic “Große Hymnen”. likely to continue to be a large fact of our driving at. (Welcome to “Britannicus”, As before, my guides on these journeys lives, and it might not be a bad idea to whose pungently subjunctive closing were Derek Clarke and Ian Scott. They speak its language. On the first count, words - “Plût aux Dieux que ce fût the difficulty of the language exceeded le dernier de ses crimes!” somehow and Nigel Jones were the three legs of expectations. On the second, I don’t never leave the memory when lots of a teaching tripod that made learning think many of us would in the early 1970s other useful stuff has long left town). languages at Clifton in the 1970s an have envisaged quite the degree of global Molière’s “Misanthrope” was scarcely less experience of enjoyment and inspiration dominance the English language would frightening; for the first generation of for me, and a choice I have never acquire, nor perhaps how fully Chinese Monty Python devotees, this was serious regretted. would have replaced Russian as the comedy. It all made Voltaire’s shorter Simon Smith

126 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Letters Dear Lucy, Thank you very much for kindly sending me a fresh copy of the “Clifton” Magazine 2010. A most interesting read and I’m pleased that my little offering on page 139 Lucy, (“Incredible Journey” found a place amongst other more substantive contributions. Many thanks for my Clifton Magazine which has arrived safely. I have already skimmed through it and, exactly as my brother I see that my former Housemaster, Nigel Jones, has died had commented on the telephone previously, it is a magnificent and that an obituary will feature in the next edition of publication with apparently no expense spared! the Clifton Magazine. I very well remember the Chapel in the 1930s, especially as I was Nigel was a man of formidable intellectual and academic deemed to have a voice of sufficient quality by no less a person ability. But he was also a Housemaster who excuded than Douglas Fox, who considered me as a suitable candidate for qualities of charm, compassion, kindness, good humour, the Choir. approachability and fairness. Most certainly a libertarian, However a certain A Hitler had other ideas and I spent most of hence popular with the boys in Oakeley’s House at a time my remaining Clifton days having to be content with the chapel of severe upheavals as Clifton struggled to cope with its at Poughill, near Bude, where I was later confirmed by Peter transition from the earlier Victorian “Tom Brown” values Brook, a wonderful experience, but no substitute for Clifton and traditions of an English Public School, through the Chapel. social turmoil of the 1960s “Permissive Society” and Thank you again. resultant rather naïve discontent amongst the younger Courtenay Bennett (Pre, WiH 1934-1945) generation (spurred on by the Paris Riots of 1968), Labour Governments hostile toward Private Education, Dear Sir growth of drugs misuse and disgruntled fee-paying , parents. Nigel was certainly very supportive when I I was very interested in the letter in your 2010 edition from Mr served as Head of House in 1971. Allen Edwards (page 126) about his time at Bude and specially In this context, the Oakeley’s centenary colour photo about Tubby Merrick, whom I remember very well. He was a (to which I referred below) would be a particularly most engaging character and, as Mr Edwards says, the subject good item to accompany the obituary – featuring as it of very good stories. While at Bude he was a pg in a big house does a beaming Nigel Jones (and his wife Elizabeth) in right at the bottom of the town and nearest to the sea, called, the persona many of us will remember. I hope that it I believe, The Castle and the house of a retired admiral. can be duly located, retrieved and maybe reproduced When we asked Tubby about his lodging, he said, “You’ve accordingly? Incidentally, I organised the standing heard about the room you could swing a cat in? Well in mine seating plan for this photo, being the House “VIth” you could swing a brace of leopards” – a typically graphic responsible and drawing upon a thorough analysis description which delighted us all. Tubby and CF Taylor were of everyone’s height before hand – much to their by far the most memorable masters of my Clifton career. bemusement/banter/scorn at the time! Yours sincerely, Regards,

Pat Lloyd (WiH 1938-1943) Neill Mitchell (Pre, OH 1962-1971)

Dear Bob, Congratulations and thanks for the latest “Clifton Magazine”, especially the articles about the Chapel which I found enthralling. Our two Chaplains were a great contrast: I sat at the feet of John Grove in UV Classical, and went to his confirmation classes. He was a stimulating teacher at that stage of school and a good classicist and expositor of Christian doctrine. Many years later (by which time he was at Durham Cathedral Choir School) I had occasion to travel by car with him from Hull up to London, and he told me how much he regretted not having married. Peter Brook of course was a “Clifton Treasure” with his sporting and evangelical background and always welcoming if sometimes with a quizzical smile, and charming family. I suppose these two Chaplains illustrated well the variety and breadth of the Anglican communion! Chapel was certainly well run and most stimulating, with Douglas Fox and Evan Prentice at the organ and baton, and Desmond Lee’s great dignitas. The Pre-Raphaelites were a great lot. I met them again in Jesus College Chapel, Cambridge; and now in Birmingham they featuire very large in our museum and Art Gallery, and Burne-Jones’ windows in Birmingham Cathedral are absolutely superb. With regard to Henry Newbolt, I acquired about 30 years ago a 78rpm record of Newbolt reading his own poems, especially the School Song and Breathless Hush. You may have heard it – Geoffrey Hardyman made a tape copy of it. The voice of Newbolt is a tight, clipped one, almost a parody of the “stiff upper lip.” With renewed thanks for an excellent magazine and best wishes for Clifton. Yours Brian Dicker (OH 1948-1953)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 127 Dear Dr Acheson, Congratulations on another splendid Clifton Magazine – yet again an issue to be kept and treasured. The glossy illustrations are exceptionally fine and the text almost always interesting. The history is particularly fascinating to an OC family like mine and even the obituaries can be fun. This issue you contrived to make the history of compulsory Chapel a compelling read. As a former editor of a very dull Cliftonian which compelled no-one to read it, not even the proof readers, I cannot praise the Clifton Magazine enough. What a good advertisement for Clifton past and present. A suggestion touched on under Myth 2 of the Head Master’s thoughtful Commem speech. Salvete/Valete describes the comings and goings of Staff. But what of the comings and more especially the goings of pupils? A list of leavers and their destinations (including scholarships if any) should be a regular item, I suggest. Public Schools, that old misnomer for independent secondary schools, can be considered preparatory schools, I would argue, that is to say, preparatory to the university of pupils’ and parental choice if possible. As always, it is for the school to tell the pupil and the parents in advance, whether their choice is achievable. A school achieving a high proportion of Oxbridge entrants demonstrates its own achievements - “You can send your child to Clifton and they will come out the other end clutching a fistful of high alphabet grades and an offer at a good university.” In my time, my father’s time and my grandfather’s time Clifton had overseas pupils, mainly from the Indian sub-continent. We had many other foreigners, particularly from such exotic places as South Wales and North London Jewry. Academic and many other standards were improved by their presence – the Welsh at Rugby for instance. We all benefited from Clifton’s international reputation. We all knew it and were proud of it. Myth 3, namely that Clifton has many overseas pupils, should never be a myth, I hope; Clifton is not merely a good local day school in Bristol. The Head Master said “Let us have no more talk of Clifton not being an academic school.” I am delighted to hear of an improvement in academic results but I fear Myth 1 has some way to go before being laid to rest. As we are all only too well aware, Clifton was allowed to slip down the League Tables, ranked well into the 200s. The Clifton Magazine reported government statistics of “value-added”, particularly fallacious because these chiefly apply to failing State Comprehensives, I think – hardly good examples for Clifton. 76.3% A/B Grades for 2009 A Levels would have brought Clifton up to a ranking of, say, 150 on 2005 but in 2009 it will be more like 200. Our peers or rather the schools we considered our peers in my generation and earlier, rank within the top 100. There is plenty of competition, of course, but Clifton should be equal to it. Reading the Clifton Magazine, it seems that in many respects Clifton pupils are more talented than our lot or even more talented than my father’s and grandfather’s generations – more talented especially in sports and Performing Arts – but there is no reason at all why arties at school cannot also be hearties nor both be swots. The rise of Loughborough and Bath Universities suggests that sport specialities are good for League Table rankings. The Art Colleges have not yet followed suit, it seems, but I can see the value of sports and Performing Arts scholarships as well as academic scholarships. Competitive academic scholarships seem to be on the wane in English Public Schools. Why? Surely scholarships not only attract pupils who ought to improve League Table ranking, but also give opportunities for those less well-off – pupils from families who have never gone to university. A good social mix is another important element of diversity at a Public School like Clifton, but really competitive exams also attract the top competitors – Prep schools like The Dragon at Oxford for instance. If other Public schools now do not offer that competition, there may be an opportunity for Clifton. The Shenstone Scholarship is an excellent OC initiative – Andrew Thornhill and I belong to the bad old days when the Classical Side did only a year of Science before dropping it entirely after O Level. Next issue please can we hear much more about Clifton’s academic achievements, past, present and future - for instance, the range of Clifton Scholarships including something of their history perhaps. How has teaching in Clifton developed over the years? What makes Clifton teaching (and teachers) different? What plans are there to do (even) better? How can OCs and parents help? Sorry for writing too much – well done to the Head Master for his thought-provoking speech. Yours sincerely,

Colin Cornes (SH 1955-1960)

[Editor’s Note; with the 2012 Jubilee coming up, any reminiscences about the 1960s and 1970s at Clifton would be most welcome.]

128 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Clifton Past Nicholas Peck 116/46 Soi 14/1 M.5 Naklua Banglamung The Clifton Pecks Cholburi 20150 Thailand n the 2009 Clifton Magazine, there Frank was carelessly run over by a train Others of the second generation were were short obituaries of the cousins while playing golf at Sheringham in the three sons of Herbert and Arthur’s Tel: 66 38 225696 (land) IDavid Peck and Sir Edward Peck. Norfolk; this did him no good and he two boys; they were all in Oakeley’s, as 66 850917989 (mob) There was also an interesting account of died on the ship returning to India in was Peter. Edward’s son, Ted, was in the Clifton Whittys, with whom the Pecks 1908. The second brother, Herbert, Wiseman’s. have much in common. There have fought in an obscure war called Gaika- If Tony Whitty, in 1933, entered the been 14 Pecks of my family at Clifton Galeka in South Africa in 1878. He then school as the first Cliftonian to have over four generations; there is also a went to work for the Brooke family, father and both grandfathers as OCs, smaller group of Pecks in South Town, the famous white Rajahs of Sarawak. then my father, Ronnie Peck, was unconnected to us as far as I know. He was commandant of the armed probably the second. His maternal forces and founder of the Sarawak David and Ted Peck were both at grandfather, Clare Smith, joined civil service. Back in England he South Town in 1875. He became Clifton in the Thirties, both won Neale married the daughter of a wealthy man, a highly successful accountant and scholarships in Modern Languages to who refused to allow her to go off to company director in Bristol. He was the Queen’s College, Oxford and both Sarawak. Herbert remained in England went into the Foreign Office. David was leading a life of leisure. He died the first Bristolian to be President in Oakeley’s but Ted was in Wiseman’s, young but there was enough money to of the Council of the Institute of not in South Town as mentioned in the send three sons to Clifton. The third Chartered Accountants, in 1933. His obituary. In fact, you can see his name brother was Edward, father of Ted. younger brother was even more on the board of heads of house behind One of two Pecks to go up to Christ’s, distinguished; Sir Hubert Llewellyn the shoulder of the present housemaster Cambridge, he followed Frank into Smith was permanent secretary to of Wiseman’s in the article he wrote for the Indian Medical Service, achieving Winston Churchill at the Board of the 2009 magazine. David’s career is the same rank of Lt-Colonel. He was Trade and the mentor of Sir William shrouded in mystery and I think we can invalided out. The youngest brother Beveridge, architect of the Welfare say his work in intelligence was highly was Arthur, who was commissioned in State. Unfortunately, Hubert was sent secret. Ted was involved in intelligence the army and spent time in India. He to Bristol Grammar School, rather also but had a more conventional rise rose to be Major-General. On my last than Clifton. Ronnie, while boarding through the diplomatic ranks. He visit to Clifton, I called on Tom Gover at Clifton, lived with his mother at his was proposed as Head of Chancery in at 32 College Road and noticed that grandfather’s elegant house at the very the embassy in Moscow but that was there was a life-size photograph of the top of Percival Road. Sundon House sabotaged by an article in Pravda which dedication of the Memorial Arch with subsequently became Fanum House, the referred to him as the “monarcho- General Arthur Peck standing next to headquarters of the AA in Bristol, and is fascist beast Peck, who fixed the Greek Field Marshals Haig and Birdwood. now, I believe, the office of an insurance elections.” He had postings to Greece, Edward and Arthur were good athletes company. Ronnie followed his uncle, Delhi, Berlin, Singapore and became at Clifton, each winning both the Long A.R. Clare Smith, into Brown’s. He High Commissioner in Nairobi. Back Penpole and the Challenge Cup. was two years in the XI as well as the in England he became chairman of Running VIII. He was at Sandhurst My grandfather, another Arthur, the JIC; reporting to Harold Wilson when the war broke out, joined the preferred to be called Peter; he was the he would solemnly say each week, “we Wiltshire regiment and then transferred first of the second generation to enter do not anticipate that war with the to the Black Watch. He was with the 8th Clifton. He was at Christ’s when his Soviet Union will occur in the coming army through North Africa, Sicily and father, Frank, died. He gave up his week.” His final job was in Brussels as Normandy, being wounded at Goch and medical studies supposedly because losing a leg. After the army, he worked Permanent Representative to NATO. of shortage of money but I suspect he He was appointed GCMG in 1974. in computers; even with one leg, he was wanted to do other things. He spent a superb golfer and tennis player. Ted and David were sons of the younger 6 years in Australia with various jobs two of four brothers who went to including pearl-fishing and arrived back When I entered Brown’s in Clifton’s Clifton. These brothers were sons of in England for the war in 1914. Joining centenary year, I was the fourth William Bishop Peck, who ran a wine first the Devonshire regiment, he moved generation Peck and nine of that company founded by his father on a to the Royal Flying Corps, eventually term’s 11 new boys were sons of OCs. site that became the Grand Hotel in making the RAF his career. He had Perhaps my claim to fame was to be the the centre of Bristol. None of them postings to Turkey, Singapore and Hong first fourth generation OC to teach at went into the family business; they all Kong. As a Group Captain when the Clifton, which I did, at the Pre, for two pursued medical and military careers second war started, he should have risen terms before going up to Cambridge. in the British Empire in the East. to a high rank; however, disagreements My career continued in teaching. I The eldest brother, Frank, my great- with Sir Arthur Tedder (not uncommon) have taught in England, Australia, the grandfather, entered the school in 1871. led him to command Kinloss air station Philippines and Thailand, where I now He became a professor at the medical in Scotland for most of the war. He reside. college in Calcutta. On leave in England, retired to Cornwall and lived to 85. Nicholas Peck

CLIFTON PAST 129 The Oldest Cliftonians

You may have rested in their shade on a warm summer’s evening, scored match-winning tries under their ever-present canopy, or fielded in their dappled shadows; whatever your role at Clifton College, their presence will not have evaded you . . .

hese are Clifton’s oldest living is the tree work at Clifton College me a warm pride as their incumbent residents and one of its most that, without doubt, gives me the custodian! distinguished features. I am, of most pleasure. My company ‘Bristol T Pollarding is an ancient method of tree course, referring to the avenue of Lime Tree Care’ has, for the last five years, management that is still practiced in trees that surround the College and carried out all the tree surgery at modern arboriculture. Its purpose is to its Close.Tom Gover reliably informs Clifton College. We work closely with promote rejuvenation and thus ensure me that these remarkable trees were Andrew Matthews, Paul Flook and longevity for many of Britain’s oldest planted within the first ten years of the all the ground staff at Clifton, as a trees. This process involves de-limbing establishment of the College, which small part of the team that keep the the entire tree to the same points to makes them, at the very least, 140 College always looking its glorious best which they have been cut back over years old. During this time they have throughout the seasons. decades. It leaves the tree looking witnessed world record-breaking cricket bare, but in doing so ensures that these scores, survived Luftwaffe bombing veteran specimens are kept to a size raids, and escorted you, me and that is safe for their environment. This countless generations through life at procedure takes place every five or six Clifton College. years and, in short, it means that the They are not only a well-loved feature trees can happily continue to co-exist of the school, but also a landmark of with all the bustle of College life. the City of Bristol. I have a special Planted with foresight by the College affinity with them. I literally grew up and donated by the OC Society the under their boughs. My father (Alan inter-planting of semi-mature Limes Brown) was housemaster of what the between each veteran tree has ensured older OCs will remember as Dakyns’ that generations of future Cliftonians and the younger ones as East Town. My will enjoy the familiar feel that the childhood was spent using these trees Examples of some recent projects trees bring to the atmosphere at as goal posts or cricket stumps until include reshaping the Oak and London Clifton College. With the tallest of a piercing whistle from Jim Andrew Plane trees that bookend the Memorial them standing 80 ft above the ground, would have me scampering! It is for Arch and a series of remedial work it is hard to believe these trees can go this reason that I feel such an enormous to the avenue of Horse Chestnuts to unnoticed, but for Clifton life, they amount of pride and responsibility now protect them from the Phytophthora have become ‘part of the furniture’. that it is my duty to look after Clifton’s disease that has devastated large areas eldest statesmen. of chestnut trees in this country. So next time you visit the school, take a minute to look up and think that Having 15 years’ experience as a If you attended the Preparatory School, if ‘there’s a breathless hush in the professional arborist in Bristol, I have these are the trees from which you will Close tonight’, maybe it is just slightly had the good fortune to work on have collected your conkers. However, tempered by the gentlest rustle of the hundreds of fabulous trees - from 900 it is always the re-pollarding of the 29 leaves on these familiar giants. year old veteran oaks in Ashton Court Limes surrounding the Close that has to pruning giant Copper Beeches at become the flagship project for my Josh Brown OC (SH 89 – 94), BA(Hons), the Lord Mayor’s house. However, it company, and the project that gives NC arboriculture Bristol Tree Care

130 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 HF Oakeley (OH 1954-1960) Reminiscences from 55 years ago November 2010

he Housemaster was ‘Flunky’ of time. I went climbing in the Avon gorge the Blessed One bless) or long, Benedic Footman, a nice man, although he with the rather dour Maths master on one nobis, Domine Deus, atque eis donis tuis Tbeat me on my first term for letting occasion and was belaying him up a climb quae de largitate tua sumus iam sumpturi, off a Catherine wheel in my study. I fagged when he fell off. As he was 80 feet above per Jesum Christum, Dominum Nostrum. for DJ Partridge, who went on to take holy me, he came cart-wheeling past to end up Amen (Bless us Lord God, and these Thy orders. Fagging was not onerous; cleaning on the end of the hemp rope 80 feet below gifts which of Thy bounty we are now his shoes and cooking toast for him seemed me. Nobody wore helmets, nobody used about to receive, through Jesus Christ our the major requirements. running belays, and we were probably Lord, Amen). This latter grace originated climbing on wet rock in gym shoes; the at Winchester College and is one of the My GCSE ‘O’ level exams were Latin rope was ancient and ran through my oldest known, but we added ‘iam’ (now) to (needed to get into university), French, hands and over the belay rope - burning it for some reason that may seem obvious Maths, English Language, English through one of the strands - but everything but perhaps unnecessary. Literature, History, Chemistry with Physics, held; he climbed back up and we finished Biology. Saturday chapel included singing practice, the climb. He never said ‘thank you’ or preparatory for the Sunday service, with I was taught Latin by Gee. He spent most even mentioned it - I suspect he was as Douglas Fox, the one-armed organist and of the class time talking about digging embarrassed as he was shaken. Health and Director of Music. He had lost his right arm drains as a prisoner of war in Germany. Safety was an unknown phrase in 1958. in the first World War, but played organ Nevertheless most of us did very well with On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday we pieces written for one-armed organists as Latin - I got 83% in my ‘O’ levels, my played team games. I think it was rugby in well as for two-handed ones. highest mark if I remember correctly. He the winter term, football in the spring term Sunday chapel started with Holy treated us well and we never got bored. I and cricket in the summer. I managed to Communion at 7am for those of us who think he may have spent more time with never play cricket and to enjoy tennis or had been confirmed, full Matins with a previous classes talking about drains, as he cross country running instead. sermon from the headmaster (Hammond did seem to try not to. In Oakeley’s House we slept in unheated for all of my stay) on the first Sunday Zoology was taught by Stubbs who chain- dormitories with a chair between beds for of each term. He had a 5-year cycle of smoked. I took him up the cliffs of the one’s clothes. Clean clothes were provided sermons as I discovered when hearing Avon Gorge in a quarry to see some fly once a week. All our clothes had nametags, the cycle start again, with an account of orchids and when he was about 100 feet so while they all went off to the laundry his time in Crete in WWII, in my last term. up on hands and knees on a ledge, clearly at the same time, we could find our own Other sermons were given by visiting petrified, I realised that older people did when they returned. A bell rang at 7. l0am, priests or the chaplain. not enjoy climbing. A kindly man, but 7.20am, 7.23am and 7.25am. If one was not There was also Sunday Evensong at 6pm not the greatest teacher although he did out of the dormitory by 7.25 one accrued and prayers at evening call-over in the encourage one to be interested in the one ‘point’. Call-over (and? prayers) in the House, every night. By the time I left subject. House hall was at 7.30am and if one was school having attended some form of late for that (or not dressed -and we had religious service up to 15 times a week for Classes were 9- 4 except Monday afternoon detachable collars which required skilled the previous ten years, I never went to when we stopped early for Combined fingers with collar studs) one accrued church again (except for other peoples’ Cadet Force. Wearing army, navy or another ‘point’. One was inspected as one weddings, christenings and - up to now - airforce uniform we would parade up and left the house to go to breakfast in Big funerals). down in the Quad, or if we were lucky School (the main building on the school go off to Beggar’s Bush sports ground The boarders could have family visits or go site) and if one’s shoes were not clean, laces on the far side of the Avon Gorge to fly home at half term, but otherwise were not tied, and sartorial standards not seen to be a glider propelled by a long elastic rope expected to see their families except in the good enough, one acquired more ‘points’. which, having been stretched to fullness holidays. Lunch or tea out with relatives on Weekday chapel was at 9am and if one was by one’s colleagues, was released to soar Sunday occurred occasionally. The school late for this one acquired another ‘point’. for perhaps 100 feet a few feet from the was all boys, and our only contact with These points could be acquired for walking ground. Someone did manage to crash girls was dancing lessons held with Clifton with one’s jacket undone, hands in trouser into the trees once, but the rest of us had High School for Girls, where we became pockets, not wearing a school cap etc. and all to put up with less excitement. Later in my proficient in Scottish reels, waltz, quickstep manner of minor misdemeanours. time at Clifton a non- military option was and even rock and roll. Our evenings were available and we went climbing, abseiling All our meals were held in Big School, and spent doing ‘prep’ - work preparatory for etc in the Avon gorge which at least seemed I remember them as being sufficient with the following day’s lessons in our studies. useful. Learning how to fire an ancient lots of potatoes and sponge puddings. We Younger boys shared a study of four; older breech loading .303 or marching drills, sat at long tables; there was a Latin grace ones had a two-desk study, and House and cleaning cap badges and boots to a at the beginning of every meal which was Sixths usually had one to themselves. There satisfactory shine, always seemed a waste either short, Benedictus benedicat (May was space for a desk, a chair, a bookcase

CLIFTON PAST 131 CobiUK

and perhaps a small table. During ‘prep’ ost people’s first thought upon and downs of the months of planning hours one was confined to one’s study seeing a seven seater circular we reached John o’Groats on 31 July and expected to keep quiet. During the Mbike is not “That’d be the 2010, hoping we were now to tackle few free hours - in particular Sunday, we perfect vehicle on which to cross the the literal ups and downs of our route read, listened to gramophone records, UK”. It is not usually their second or across Britain. third thought either but most people or indulged in hobbies. I kept moth As if the roughly 800-mile conventional are not Cliftonians. Clifton gives you caterpillars and - for one term - a one-eyed route from North East to the South a different sense of what is possible. grass snake. Elvis Presley was at the peak West was not challenge enough, on The huge range of opportunities on of his fame, and You ain’t nothing but a hound a bike with no gears and weighing dog is inseparably fused in my memory offer throughout your school career 200kg, we planned to go via six of with Sundays at Clifton. If we went out helps to instil the belief that, with the Cancer Research UK’s centres and of the school grounds we merely entered right combination of hard work and institutes along the way: Dundee, our whereabouts in a notebook in the planning, anything can be achieved. Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, housemaster’s hallway, but after six in the Ever since my aunt Charlotte died London and Southampton. The aim evening we were, in theory, confined to of breast cancer at the age of 43 my of this was to help raise awareness the house. Most of Bristol city was ‘out of family have been raising money to about the work being done by Cancer bounds’ without special permission. I went help fight this terrible disease. My Research UK, as well as much needed running in Leigh Woods, on the Downs, cousin, Chris, was keen to do an End funds. It meant we now had to cross cycled off to Wotton-under-Edge looking to End ride though I worried that the Pennines but seeing the passion for wild orchids in the summer, and to the this lacked the originality needed and dedication of the scientists and greenhouses in the zoo (tropical orchids). for a meaningful fundraising drive. researchers put our own hard work I joined the Bristol and West of England However, as soon as I saw the seven into perspective and certainly helped Orchid Society at a time when famous seater Conference Bike, or CoBi as us keep pedalling. orchid growers like H G Alexander from it is affectionately known, I had that Westonbirt were still active, and attended fateful first thought. I immediately We wanted as many people to take their meetings. got in touch with the Dutch American part as possible and around 200 riders did, of all ages, from less than 8 Living in such a curious environment artist Eric Staller, who came up to over 80. We had people pedalling really only fitted one to join the army with the idea of the bike, and things from all over the world and from and live in barracks in a male-only gradually gathered pace from then all walks of life: acrobats, actors, lifestyle. One missed all the benefits on. So, after the metaphorical ups of being brought up by one’s family (remember, most of us were at boarding school from age 8 to 18). Many of us, as now, had parents living overseas, but our only communications were weekly letters through the post (no phone calls, no e-mails) and we would stay with guardians during the holidays, seeing our parents during the summer holidays sometimes. We learnt to cope with communal living and tolerating others. Despite its shortcomings we received a better than average education, and the facilities of music, sports, mountaineering, etc were all appreciated and helped in later years. I did not enjoy most of it and hope that the formative years of the present generation are better protected than 55 years ago. Since leaving Clifton I have had a career in medicine, specialising in psychiatry, and kept going an interest in orchids (and now medicinal plants), photography and writing which has taken me to almost every region of the world. Good hobbies, started at school, are just as valuable as a good education.

132 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Reflections on Clifton in the 1950s rock bands, brass bands, bagpipers, erek Winterbottom’s coverage of the destiny of the School, while the pilots, policemen, engineers, soldiers, the 1950s at Clifton is surprisingly reserved and scholarly headmaster comedians, kings, queens, rugby Ddisappointing. For the second stayed very much in the background. players, footballers, Olympians and half of the 1950s, for example, he Certainly, the Headmaster was not of course Cliftonians. Many had relies on the reminiscences of three ‘high profile’ as far as the boys were organised their stint on the bike American scholars, who spent a year at concerned. To my knowledge, he through the website but lots just the School, and editorial comment in did not meet them individually, pitched up because we needed help the Cliftonian of July, 1958.1 He does being preoccupied, presumably and got stuck in. The bike helped devote some pages to the Hammond with maintaining the academic the riding team to bond from the years (1954-1962), with an emphasis impetus imparted to the school by his moment they started pedalling on the teachers that this headmaster predecessor. He would always go about together and the great camaraderie appointed with a view to maintaining with academic gown flowing behind on board was matched by the good impressive academic results, but he does him, a remote and inaccessible figure. humour shown by people walking not seek to convey any notion of what It is probably true to say that, in the and driving by. It was so gratifying it was like to be on the receiving end. 1950s, the masters at Clifton with to see the occupants of almost Certainly, Hammond was following the whom one came into contact fell every car smiling, waving and in practice of his predecessor H. D. P. Lee into two categories. On the one side some cases even leaning out of the [later Sir Desmond] in adding to his staff there were the traditional ‘old school’ windows to donate money on the Oxbridge appointees, often those with masters, those pre-war appointees such move. People’s generosity, with food, spectacular academic records. as Martin Hardcastle, C. H. R. Gee, Y. accommodation, spares or a cup of An example was J. L. Thorn (appointed P. Lidell, S. P. Beachcroft, and notably tea, gave you a real warm feeling in 1949), the boxing blue with the the Rev. P. W. P. Brook, housemaster inside; quite literally, in the case of Cambridge double first in history, later of Wiseman’s, ‘who chiefly fended the tea. to become headmaster at Winchester. Yet off the brickbats of the intellectuals’.3 There were tough moments along for Thorn, Clifton was a stage which he They championed outside activities, the way, when we had as few as could dominate with the able assistance predominantly sport, and mainly had four riders, the hills were long, of his fellow-historian, the affable Martin a ‘mens sana in corpore sano’ attitude. the weather unforgiving and bits Scott. By the mid-fifties, with impressive Boys should fulfil their talent, grow in of the bike were coming off, but results achieved in his subject area, self-confidence, test their ability to its despite this we kept pushing on. his influence was certainly equal to limits within a system that had been There were some nerve wracking that of the headmaster. Thorn, in his tried and tested since the Victorian moments too: Although our average autobiography, perhaps unwittingly but era. In the opposing camp were those pace was around 6 or 7 miles an one could never be sure, confirmed the who, following the examples set by the hour, on one hill in Devon we hit pre-eminence that he enjoyed when two previous headmasters, Hallward 47. Finally, after over four weeks Lee’s resignation was announced in and Lee, sought to promote Clifton’s of pedalling at 3.15pm on 29 1954: ‘I went to his house and pleaded academic reputation. These were able August, we climbed the last little with him to stay with us’, something scholars such as the two historians hill at Land’s End and crossed the of an impertinence, one would have already named, John Thorn and finishing line, to be doused in hugs thought, for a recent appointee in Martin Scott, N.T.H. Jones, H. G. and champagne. Reaching the finish his early thirties. In the event, he was (Harry) Edwards, and the formidable was an incredible team effort which mightily relieved with the appointment T. U. Wells, to name only some of those has raised over £37,000 and made of Nicholas Hammond: ‘He let us get on with whom I came into contact. The it into the Guinness Book of World with our jobs and did nothing to damp last named, Thomas Unwin Wells was Records. But without Clifton and the our enthusiasms. It was a pleasure to a New Zealander who had Cambridge belief it gave me to pursue those first work for him. Had he been a man of Blues at rugby and cricket. He taught thoughts, however crazy they may more decided views on details of the English and had an enormous chip on seem, a seven seater circular bike school’s life we would probably have his shoulder, perhaps because of his might never have made it to been much less happy. He had, though modest stature. He used to say to his the start. perhaps unwittingly, the headmaster’s class, ‘I may be small but I’m mighty You can see videos and photos of the art of sometimes keeping out of the strong’. There was no doubting either ride at www.cobiuk.com and it is also way.’ 2 In other words, Hammond of these attributes and he kept order still possible to donate. allowed Thorn virtually a free rein, and did not interfere. This may not Ed Greig (WaH 1998 - 2003) necessarily have been a bad thing for the 1 Derk Winterbottom, Clifton after Percival. School, nor is it an uncommon feature A Public School in the Twentieth Century, of a school’s ethos, but it was a fact of Bristol: Redcliffe Press, 1990, pp. 213-4. Clifton life in the 1950s that a small 2 John Thorn, The Road to Winchester, London: group of masters, amongst whom Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1989, p. 67. Thorn was prominent, controlled 3 Winterbottom, op. cit, p. 178

CLIFTON PAST 133 with an iron glove. He was a vigorous The master who I remember with the postscript, I can record that, forty years and stimulating teacher, who somehow greatest respect and affection is Philip after leaving Clifton, and recovering managed to get his class enthused in Polack, a Cambridge modern language from an operation in Frenchay Hosital, texts of such diversity as The Prologue to scholar who had become housemaster Philip Polack visited me, just a few years Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, passages of of Polack’s in 1949, staying there until before he died. I owe him an incalculable which he used to read out with gusto his appointment as Senior Lecturer in debt of gratitude. Spanish at Bristol University in 1965. in Old English: ‘Whan that Aprile My housemaster was Y. P. Lidell, an Along with Harry Edwards, he taught with his shores saute’, rolling his ‘r’s avuncular figure who commanded Spanish to ‘A’ Level, and it was as a and accentuating the final syllables, universal respect, and who invariably member of his class in 1956 that I first Milton’s Samson Agonistes, of which I have wore large broad check sports jackets. came into contact with him. He was an absolutely no recollection whatsoever, He was by no means authoritarian, and inspiring teacher, who set the highest and King John. We shall never know why perhaps was inclined to leave the running levels for his pupils. The ‘A’ level literary he chose this, of all Shakespeare’s plays, of the house and disciplinary matters texts that he chose were demanding, especially as Macbeth may have been in the hands of his prefects. Yet he was including La hermana San Sulpicio of the other one on offer in the ‘A’ Level kindly, approachable and an enthusiastic Armando Palacio Valdes, Garda Lorca’s syllabus, but reading King John with Tom participator in all the House’s activities. He Mariana Pineda, an abbreviated Don Wells was a memorable experience. He accompanied the sportsmen to Beggar’s Quijote, and a Golden Age play. Yet he showed how Shakespeare brought the Bush; he sang lustily in the Christmas coaxed his class through the difficulties characters alive, especially the roles of review, a favourite of his being ‘The rich patiently – he was invariably patient – Arthur and the jailer, and he exhorted man who went by in his carriage and pair’, never raising his voice, never showing his class to appreciate the sheer poetry of carriage being pronounced with three any sign of exasperation. He had the it all. Yet, one always felt a certain unease syllables, and the whole accompanied by skill, too, of instilling life into grammar in his presence. He carried around with actions matching the words. He drove a teaching, such that we acquired a sound him an air of disgruntlement, perhaps battered Triumph convertible, which he grounding almost without realizing what because the first XV at rugby was now in invariably left with the hood down and had been happening. In the spring of the charge of Kendall-Carpenter, a big the keys in the ignition, testimony of his 1957, he invited all the class to join him name in rugby circles, and known for belief in the goodness of human nature. and his daughter on a walking trip in the his prowess as an English international. To my knowledge, the car was never Pyrenees in the summer holidays. Five After ten years or so, Wells was to return stolen. His book-lined bay-windowed or six out of the ten or so of us accepted. to his native New Zealand, where no study revealed a little of his past, with a We then were given basic details and doubt he enjoyed the role of being a great many volumes on cryptography and told to plan the journey, calculating the bigger fish in a smaller pool. the deciphering of codes, a legacy of his costs in Spanish, and therefore putting wartime activity. I do not know whether Harry Edwards taught Spanish. He was into practice the lessons we had learnt. he took these with him on his retirement the epitome of urbanity, and had what, We went by train to Barcelona, and to Moorlinch in Somerset where for some in retrospect, may be seen as a healthy thence to Huesca, to coincide with the years he ran the local Post Office. Some cynicism to all around him. If he had a annual festival there, and Jaca, before of us were in awe of him when we learnt late afternoon class, it was not uncommon reaching Torla which was to be the that his brother was famous World War for him to turn up in evening dress, to starting-point of our journey. Our first Two newsreader Alvar Lidell. For a while, enable him to make a quick getaway to meal consisted of hard-boiled egg soup, his deputy was John Kendall-Carpenter, his evening social appointment. He had an unappetising-looking palish liquid a giant of a man with an enormous links with the Theatre Royal in Bristol, with half of an egg floating around in it, reputation as a rugby International. He and would take selected pupils with him though eagerly consumed. The dessert was a genial chain-smoker. One could to the theatre, and to meet the actors consisted of those Spanish peaches, later always detect the class-rooms in which afterwards. One recalled this side of his exported with such success, a sweetly- he was teaching as there would be character when, at his Memorial Service flavoured luxury. We duly walked up cigarette stubs in telltale piles beneath in the Clifton Chapel, Patricia Routledge Monte Perdido [Mont Perdu], through the brass hinges on the door where they gave a moving tribute. He was, though, the valley of Ordesa, where we picked had been stubbed out. This habit of his committed to teaching, which was never the now protected edelweiss, and seemed to contradict his reputation as a drudgery for him or his pupils, and eventually arrived at Benasque via the great ‘corner-flagger’, yet he was to Watson’s House, where he became Sabinanigo which we adapted from associated with all that was admirable housemaster in 1955. Of him, it may be the current song ‘Last train to San in the game of rugby. He radiated sport said that he always created an impact Fernando’... Philip Polack coped good- and sportsmanship and, given these whatever his arena, and he relished naturedly with the vagaries of sixteen restrictions, it was perhaps something arenas. In the holidays, he would return and seventeen year olds, and appeared of a surprise that he was later appointed to Cambridge, where, at the time for to enjoy it all as much as we did. The to a succession of headmasterships in the afternoon service, he could be seen point of this diversion is not only to other schools. processing in the King’s College Chapel indicate how willing he was to go above ornately garbed in black satin gown. and beyond the call of duty, but to admit Amongst those in the eccentric category Boys were in awe of Nigel Jones who that under his tuition, I developed an were Hillary Crawfurd and Ray was reputed to be fluent in Russian in interest that was not only to last me a Barkway. Crawfurd was the archetypal addition to the French that he taught lifetime, but which was to be my life’s eccentric schoolmaster, invariably clad with such efficacy over many years. He work as well. He was later to publish a in his ankle-length dark overcoat, took over as head of French from Guy translation of Gongora’s Soledades, one of frequently seen padding to and from his Lageard, a gentler spirit, a Frenchman the most notoriously difficult poems in home in the small house by the Alma who sadly died in office. Spanish, or indeed in any language. As a Vale side of the Close. He taught Classics

134 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 and Theology, somewhat impatient song, ritually sung at the end of every had a natural gift for communication. perhaps when students did not respond School concert. Even to the younger The second, and the most eccentric of to his high standards of teaching, but a boys the triumphalist words were an the trio, was Rev. Richard Blake Brown, talented exponent of Biblical exegesis. embarrassment. The words, written by chaplain of Horfield Prison, Bristol. At To be on the receiving end of his deft Henry Newbolt in the 1890s, were an the time of his sermon at the School, he exposition of the first chapter of St. anachronism in the 1950s, even when must have been in his sixties. He had John’s Gospel was a once in a life-time’s sung to the rousing accompaniment had a chequered career, having been experience. His reserved outward of Hubert Parry’s musical setting. It is in and out the Church twice, on the manner was dropped when a request with some great surprise and dismay second occasion being readmitted by was made to him for further explanation that one sees perpetuated as the title special licence from the Archbishop of and enlightenment. One never saw of the School’s lavishly produced Canterbury, enabling him to become him communing with any of his fellow publication to celebrate 150 years of its a naval chaplain in World War II. He masters. He was master-in-charge of existence, the lines ‘The best School of was author of a number of novels, some the ‘Q’ Society, named after Sir Arthur all’. It is not, nor ever has been, by any with outrageous titles, such as Miss Quiller-Couch, OC and Professor of yardstick, and the phrase should now Higgs and her Silver Flamingo [1931], and English at Cambridge. The Society met have moss growing over it. Newbolt Rococo Coffin [1936]. He was thoroughly occasionally in the Percival Room on wrote some stirring lines, and was a entertaining, I remember, basing his the Library, but I cannot recall anything distinguished poet and novelist. Even sermon around the works of Robert about the proceedings. Barkway had he, one suspects, would cringe at seeing Louis Stevenson. The third was the the reputation among the boys for the inappropriately high profile this anarchic Mervyn Stockwood, socialist having an anarchic attitude towards the particular line of verse was enjoying, out and High Anglican, later appointed School. It was certainly tragic when he of context, over a hundred years after it Bishop of Southwark who, in his quirky died in the plane that he was piloting, was originally written. and sometimes irreverent addresses, but some thought that it was divine sought to shock, and antagonise the retribution. It was generally reckoned, The chaplain since the Bude years was masters, as much as, if not more so with what accuracy I do not know, that Rev. J. M. Grove, seen by the pupils than the boys. I might conclude this he owned his own private plane; it was every day in Chapel. In those days there section by mentioning the role of the known that he would bug the Chapel was no inherent hostility towards men Chapel. As a building, it was taken for when the Sunday service was taking of the cloth nor for what they stood, and granted, its Victorian splendour going place, an indication of his scorn for the he is remembered as an amiable figure. wholly unappreciated. It was a place proceedings. He conducted confirmation classes every where one was required to attend daily year in his flat in College Road.When for brief morning prayers, and the Perhaps, however, the most eccentric he moved to another post in 1958, his hour-long Sunday service. Attendance of them all was Douglas Fox, Dr Fox, replacement was the charismatic Rev. was obligatory, except for members who had lost his right arm in the Oliver Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes of Polack’s House; I cannot recall any First World War, and who had been presumably appointed to invigorate antagonism because of this. The Chapel appointed in 1931. Music classes were the spiritual life of the School in time has a central aisle, so that it is and was compulsory and his procedure was to for the Centenary of 1962. He was a not possible to slink in late unnoticed. explain a symphony – he was partial High Anglican, and although this made Central aisles do not encourage spiritual to the grander musical compositions little impact on the boys, apart from the observance, especially among teenagers, – motif by motif. Often, he had the awe automatically created for someone who have much to look at opposite them. non-musically minded in his class with a triple-barrelled name, one felt On the occasion of my first communion spellbound, wholly captivated by his that a certain feeling of resentment at 8 am on the Sunday following my enthusiasm which frequently caused was generated amongst his more Confirmation, the representative of my him to overrun, thus causing chaos in traditionalist colleagues. The practice for family who had come to support me on the timetable. His lasting achievements, the Sunday morning service was to have this important occasion, an uncle, put in though, were with the musically gifted, visiting speakers to deliver the sermon. an appearance twenty minutes into the and their excellence in music is a Four, in particular, come to mind. One, Service. It was his first [and only] visit to testimony to his genius. When Fox by Mr S. P. T. Wells, a mathematics the School. He had been lodging on the conducted concerts in the Big School, master at the Preparatory School with other side of Pembroke Road, and quite the gesticulations of his one hand had a tall and distinguished appearance, lost his way. The eventual appearance to be seen to be believed. For me and was noteworthy for his introduction of this tall and distinguished-looking for many others I suspect, conducting of ‘x’ as the unknown factor. Here was man striding up the aisle peering to the was thought to have been naturally someone who was using the familiar left and right for signs of his nephew and exclusively a one-handed exercise. language of his professional sphere to brought stifled guffaws from both sides. When I was later to see conductors throw light on the ‘problem’ he was For me though, there were no feelings of operating with two hands, the use seeking to clarify. Pause for thought. The embarrassment, just those of gratitude of a second hand seemed somehow other three made an impact through for someone who had braved the arena, unnatural and awkward. A final their personalities. The first was Father as I left my seat to join him, and we observation that one can make about Dennis Marsh, I think of the Franciscan walked up to the altar together. Dr Fox was that he had an aura about Order, who came to the Chapel him. He may have been disorganized discalced, or perhaps with sandals, and Another notable visitor during my time to the exasperation of his colleagues, captivated his congregation with his in the 1950s, was Gilbert Harding, who but he was revered by his pupils. One unique blend of goodness, godliness and came to give talk on Saturday morning. of the musical traditions over which worldliness. He had been an actor in the He was another who cultivated the cult Dr Fox had no control was the School 1920s before entering the Order and of personality. I recall that he spoke

CLIFTON PAST 135 engagingly about jargon and his odium The boys knew, though, that for any as the billets we were occupying were for phrases such as ‘in that case’ [‘Whose advice on cricket matters, Reg Sinfield required by troops preparing for urgent case? I did not bring any case with me’, was the person to approach and to be transfer to Egypt. The Suez Canal crisis and such like]. At one Commemoration, depended upon for his common-sense thus affected us individually and put the distinguished guest was Mrs Pandit answers. One could also mention the in perspective our military play-acting. Nehru, later as Indira Gandhi the Prime annual cricket match at Lord’s against It prompted questions about politics Minister of India, and in 1999, fifteen Tonbridge. How it originated I do not among 15 and 16 year olds, and began years after her assassination in office in know, but it was still going strong in an awareness among some of the political 1984, voted the greatest woman of the my time, and I can remember being realities of the 1950s. It was not that previous 1000 years in a BBC poll. Her awestruck on the one or two occasions the rights or wrongs of engaging in grace and elegance in flowing garments, that I formed part of the partisan crowd. the Suez War were debated, but rather and her haunting voice made a lasting It has long since been abolished from that the cocoon in which we had lived impression on those present. One sensed the cricket calendar; it rather was now irrevocably pierced. Maybe the aura around her, and there was represented a bygone era, when those as Winterbottom wrote: ‘Suez brought absolute quiet when she spoke. privileged to have a ‘Public School home even to those determined to close Education’ spent a day in one of the their eyes to reality the unwelcome The dominant physical feature of most elite Clubs in sport. fact that Britain was no longer a first Clifton, then and now, was and is rank power’.4 I rather think that this the Close, a large expanse of grass The Cadet Corps was a prominent may have applied more to some of the dominated by the cricket square and feature of weekly life. All those at the masters than to the boys. The majority imposing pavilion. One felt that other Upper School in the 1950s had been of fifteen and sixteen year-olds were not pitches, such as the rugby pitch, were born during or just before World War ‘into’ ‘closing their eyes to reality’. The there on sufferance and permitted in II, and yet were generally unmilitary fact may have been ‘unwelcome’ to their the outfield in winter months, when in outlook. National Service was still parents’ generation, but the boys were cricket could not be played. Yet, it was obligatory for those born before 1st largely, except in specific circumstances, the sense of permanence that the Close September, 1939. To have to train as an such as that mentioned above, indifferent represented that gave it its value for Army cadet once a week was not, except to issues of imperial import. all those associated with the School. for a minority who, for this or that reason Everyone would see it every day, so it were excused and allowed to practise The broader question is the one of the acted as a kind of constant reassurance. other pursuits, baulked at. Boys then did School’s ethos. In effect, the way things It was not prohibited ground, neither not realize, I think, that peace for most happened in the School in the 1950s was it something that should be violated. people was not at that time regarded as reflected pretty much the circumstances When a helicopter landed on the Close lasting. The Cold War era had begun, fifty years earlier, perhaps even, in at one Commemoration to deposit and a future generation of soldiers some respects, the late Victorian era. a distinguished general, there was needed to be in readiness. Hence, staff Boys growing into men were, in their no excitement, just a feeling that the had territorial rank, and the boys were first two years, on the receiving end revered gentleman should have arrived given the rudiments of military training. of countless impositions and forced to by other means of transport. There was This consisted of infantry drill, and accept many arcane practices that had the famous morning when a number of most memorably, rifle training. A large been sanctioned by decades of tradition. peacocks escaped from the Zoo, strutting number of First World War Lee Enfields Boys who had an elder brother or and prancing across the grass, avoiding were kept in the armoury in the East brothers at the School were always at an attempts to round them up; this was cloisters, and trainee soldiers were taught advantage, because they knew how the more decoration than violation, and how to load a rifle, and rifle drill. These system worked. Ignorance was never an there was a feeling among some that they rifles were in a later decade the subject of acceptable excuse. By the time boys were should be allowed to stay. When cricket a carefully planned raid, and were stolen fifteen or sixteen, they were by and large was played on the Close during the en bloc. There were periodic inspections indoctrinated and immune from most summer months, it seemed as though it when the corps paraded on the Close, things irksome. In their final two years was fulfilling its natural function. W. G. and were required to remain stock still at School, they, in their turn, doled out Grace had played on the same turf many for quite a length of time. There was the same treatment that they themselves decades earlier and his grandson, J. R. always a detachment on hand to pounce had received, thus perpetuating the Bernard, was a gifted cricketer during on and deftly remove any private who traditional practices. This ethos was not, my time. The cricket professional was had the misfortune or temerity to faint as I recall, ever seriously questioned, Reg Sinfield, a former Gloucestershire during the proceedings. Few involved although it may have come under player. He had been appointed in 1951, viewed the exercise as much more than periodic threat. The paradox here is and exerted a considerable influence going through the military motions. that, in an educational environment in in his undemonstrative fashion. He Some boys who were promoted from which pupils were encouraged to think was essentially an encourager of young cadet revelled in the supremacy that independently, the one inviolable rule talent, notably spin bowlers; he had their new ranks conveyed. Every cadet was that the nature and circumstances been and was still a proficient exponent had to attend army camp. My own ended of their own education should not be of spin-bowling himself. The quality of in farce. On a hot Monday in August, challenged. It is the old truism; the cricket played by the School during the 1956, we all decamped to Tidworth end justifies the means. Great store 1950s flourished as a consequence of Camp on Salisbury plain, and were was set by achievement, yet this was his coaching. Nigel Bloy was the high exposed to NAAFI food, and a ‘night op’. often ephemeral. For example, A profile cricket master, a successful minor In the middle of the first week, maybe Level results were and are regarded counties cricketer, yet capricious in his the Thursday, we were all suddenly selections, and prone to favouritism. told to return to our respective homes 4 Winterbottom, op. cit, p. 213.

136 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 as a sign of intellectual quality. Yet, backstage. Plays were chosen irrespective There was an inherent division within it was and is a well-known fact, that as to whether they had female parts. the School which was much more certain teachers can invariably achieve The only occasions on which these apparent than real at the time, but excellent results because of the efficacy parts were played by females was in which from this distance of time seems of their coaching. Most people have the annual School play, when masters’ decisive. I refer to so-called day-boys, the ability to memorise, and one does wives would be drafted in. Otherwise, those who lived in the surrounds of not have to think to remember. Many Houses followed the Shakespearean Bristol and who commuted daily. It was who arrived at their university with tradition. A certain licence was allowed not that they formed any less part of high percentages at A level found the during performances: alcohol could be the School than boarders, but that they standard required hard going, and it consumed, and actors could smoke on left after classes and, unless there were would soon be recognized that their high stage, if either or both were called for by any special occasion, did not return percentages did not match their true the text. These plays were enjoyed, and until the following morning. In other scholarly ability. There were exceptions. they represented times when boys could, words, they had a home life, and were If someone excelled in a certain field within the conventions of the School, not subject to the evening regimentation of activity, music or sport for example, slough off their inhibitions. Parents were of supervised prep [essentially the then exemptions could be made that invited to performances, and thus were preparation for the next day’s lessons], were not available to others. I can recall able to gather, at first hand, impressions when we were all herded into the House that a gifted French horn-player was of their offspring’s talent. hall, and required to study. Their daily allowed to practise his instrument in his and week-end life was much more house study, yet an equivalent level noise Other extra-curricular activities normal, being able to mix with family caused by other means was prohibited. included chess, mentioned because and non-School friends of both sexes. There was no feeling of resentment that of the visit of the International Chess There were two houses in the 1950s, a musician should be thus favoured. Master, Bob Wade. He was a New North Town and South Town, both It was just how things were. Likewise, Zealander who played for England having been in existence since 1875. sportsmen were let off classes if the latter and who, in the 1950s was in his mid- That day-boys enjoyed the same status interfered with their schedule, which was thirties and at the height of his chess- as boarders was never an issue, but it a distinct incentive to excel. This is not playing powers. He had been British could be argued that they had the best necessarily to criticise this practice, nor champion in 1952, but he achieved of both worlds. They could appreciate his fame later on as an International can I recall either any resentment on the the benefits that the School had to Chess Arbiter, and as one of Bobby part of ‘non-sportsmen’, but it is to point offer during the daytime, secure in the Fischer’s off-the-board team as the latter to the privileges received, and indeed knowledge that they would be leaving prepared for his epic encounter with expected by such ‘high achievers’. for a freer environment to pass the Boris Spassky in Reykjavik in 1972. evening and sleep. They could endure Any passionate outburst of individualism Youngsters dream of aspirations of the daily restrictions, and the quirky was frowned upon and, as often as becoming good chess-players, but Wade conventions that governed the behaviour not, snuffed out. One was meant and shattered these dreams, defeating every of boys, knowing that they could shrug required to conform. If you strolled school boy soundly in his simultaneous everything off after 6 o’clock. around with the buttons of your jacket display, without uttering a word. His In such a close-knit environment, where unfastened, and you did not have the contemporary, A. R. B. Thomas, was twenty or upwards shared a dormitory, necessary seniority to do so, then you less forbidding, when I observed epidemics were an annual occurrence. were duly castigated. Those coming him conduct a simultaneous display The autumn flu-bug that visited the from overseas in particular, found this against an array of young school-boys School annually decimated the classes, and other petty nonsenses difficult to in Exeter, some years later. Perhaps but chicken-pox outbreaks were comprehend. Similarly, any sign of Wade felt obliged not to make any equally disruptive. The tiny sanatorium exhibitionism caused embarrassment concessions, but his ruthlessness, quite behind the cricket pavilion would fill both to the protagonist and to the understandable and correct as a chess- to capacity at irregular intervals, and audience. As if to compensate for these player, may have enabled those reeling the sanitised precincts were also used legitimized prohibitions, there was a from the experience of having been for those in quarantine. I cannot recall month or so in every year in which self- thoroughly thrashed, to buckle down any systematic vaccination, nor any fear expression, in the form of playacting and put in some hard practice. I do not of illness. It was just a periodic hazard, and drama, were greatly encouraged. recall having played him myself, but do with a sliding-scale of nuisance value, There were standards to maintain. Two remember some advice he gave in a talk, depending on the time of year. Nobody Old Cliftonians, Michael Redgrave and perhaps on a second visit. This stood bothered very much about being ill Trevor Howard, were household names me in good stead when, years later in in the autumn, but to be laid low in in the 1950s, particularly Howard who Exeter, the Grand-Master Lajos Portisch the summer term was another matter was admired for his action roles in came to conduct a simultaneous display altogether. To be fretting in a ward in the contemporary cinema. The aspiring against all-comers. Keep the game tight San in the heat of a June day, with the actor thus had living models to revere, for as long as you can, I think was what knowledge that cricket was going on the but neither to my knowledge put in an Wade had said, or something equivalent. Close, was deeply frustrating. Not even appearance at the School during my After 26 moves, and without so much the luxury of the ward radio blaring time. Approximately four weeks in the as a pawn having been removed from out the Pop songs of the 1950s, could Lent term were devoted exclusively to the board, Portisch offered me a do much to mitigate the gloom brought drama. There was a competition among draw, which was gladly and gratefully on by this enforced confinement. I all Houses to produce and perform the accepted, by a very great distance the can remember being segregated there play which would win the prize. Those highlight of my career, such as it was, as for a fortnight because of a chicken- not involved in acting were found roles a chess-player. pox outbreak one hot summer, the

CLIFTON PAST 137 only consolation being Eddie Calvert’s published in Leipzig in 1841, for a price sacrificing their intellectual curiosity for ineffable trumpet-playing in ‘Cherry of, I think, 30 shillings. On one of the a safe angst-free environment. By this Pink and Apple Blossom White’. This endpapers it carried the inscription in I mean that many had wit enough to had been recorded and made famous Arabic ‘bism Allah ar-rahman ar-rahim’, recognize what was happening to them, earlier in the 1950s by Calvert, along ‘In the Name of God, the Merciful, but preferred to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’. with O Mein Papa, but in 1955 when the Compassionate’, followed by the Their place in society beyond school I was in the San it was still very much signature, in English, of E. J. Holmyard, and university was assured, so why ‘rock the melody of the season. One did tend underneath which was the Arabic the boat’? There were frequent periods to freeze in the winter, particularly at phrase, ‘fi madrasa Kliftun’, that is to say, of leisure, mainly dedicated to varying night when the windows of dormitories, ‘in Clifton School [or College]’. The date sporting activities, but these were always left permanently open for sanitation was 1919, the year of his ingress into the supervised, and often on the basis of purposes presumably, let in the chill of college. Whether he was a Muslim when inter-House competition. Looking back, the Downs, but I cannot recall anyone he wrote this inscription, and remained it all seems brittle, insubstantial and having to be treated for hypothermia. so during his tenure at Clifton I do not artificial. know, but clearly he was able to write In the School Inspector’s report of visits Richard Hitchcock (DH 1951-59) Arabic and understand Arabic. At the made in 1953, the Biology facilities end of the text there are two pencilled were called into question. Not taking notes by Holmyard: ‘Finished reading any scientific subjects myself, this had Qur’an for 1st time 7 Oct, 1920, 2nd 28 From the Archives: no impact, but there is one pertinent Nov, 1920’. These two notes indicate not memory, and two later thoughts. only a remarkable rate of progress, but The memory is of an organized visit also a deep commitment to Islam. His to the Biology Department to see Introduction to the facsimile edition of the renowned collection of stuffed the seventeenth-century Thomas Norton animals. Whether they formed part of of Bristol’s The Ordinal of Alchemy a donation, or whether taxonomy had (London: Edward Arnold, 1928), is a been practised at some time, one never testimony of the work of an Arabist, as knew or was told, but the impression was, if not more so, his rendering into made by the visit was a lasting one. English, of Ibn Ahmad ai-iraqi’s Book There was no feeling of revulsion, nor of Knowledge acquired concerning the any patent misgivings expressed by the cultivation of gold (1923). He died in visiting groups. One has to remember Clevedon on 13 October, 1959. I am that collecting birds’ eggs did not attract not aware whether any or part of his any opprobrium in those days. Our library passed to the College, or whether guide was Mr Tom Stubbs, recalled as a it was dispersed, and acquired by kindly man with a forbearing manner. George’s for resale. The first of the later thoughts is that one of my colleagues in the University On reflection, Clifton in the 1950s may of Exeter was his brother Hugh Stubbs, be seen as something akin to an open a lecturer in Classics and a known prison, at least for the boarders. One’s eccentric. He was an annual finalist in entire daily existence was meticulously the Times Crossword competition, and regulated, from having to rise in the would complete the Common-Room morning at a certain hour, breakfast at daily Times crossword puzzle regularly Big School, attend morning Chapel, in fifteen minutes or so. He was proud and so on through the day. Failure to of his brother’s achievements, and observe any of the necessary rituals saddened at his early death. The second resulted in punishment. Boys were thought that has been triggered by these assigned studies in boarding-houses, reflections on science at Clifton relates usually shared with another of the same to the Head of Science, E. J. Holmyard, year. These were tiny, but nevertheless appointed in 1919, and arguably the represented bolt-holes in which to take most distinguished master ever to have refuge. There was no privacy, and it been at the College. He remained in was certainly considered unnatural to post until 1941, when the School moved be a loner. One had to fit in, conform, to Bude. He was author of Practical or go under, reminding one of the Chemistry (London: Bell, 1923), and of lessons raw recruits had to learn when many other works, including Alchemy, entering the Forces. The Colonial published as a Pelican Original in 1957. Empire was in its dying embers, This became the standard work on the yet the bellows that had fanned the subject, but I did not know this when flames for the previous hundred and I went into George’s Bookshop, at the fifty years or so, were still inflated top of Park Street, Bristol in 1961. in this Public School, and no doubt Having just begun the study of Arabic, in others. The insidious aspect of all I was in quest of a copy of the Qur’an in this was that intelligent teenagers Arabic. On the shelves I located one that adopted the system without question, had been edited by Gustav Flueg and except exceptionally, thus wittingly

138 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Des Glaciers April 2010

wo years ago, the Patrouille des Glaciers from Arolla to TVerbier nearly finished me. I struggled over the seven hours we activity or a decision made lightly over checkpoint. The first goal was made. raced, overwhelmed by the intensity a glass of Fendant. This is a journey of From then on we gained height quickly of the journey, wilting at altitude, and extreme duration, an event cancelled and the terrain became increasingly labouring to maintain the pace. for 40 years because one team died steep and difficult. Two trenches had Yet here I was two years on, in a crevasse, and like the ocean, the been cut to ease the climb, but on the attempting the longer version, from mountains can switch from benign to icier sections competitors slipped back Zermatt to Verbier. This was twice the treacherous in a flash. It is also, as I and tense exchanges could be heard. All distance, overnight and significantly looked around the pre-race meeting team members were roped together and more demanding. in the charm of Zermatt’s St Mauritius with the increased gradient, losing your church, a race typically undertaken by grip was scary. To the left you could But, I convinced myself that I was younger men than Jeff, Anders and me; make out a long hostile drop and so the prepared. My training had been all in our mid to late forties. need to move forwards was even more continuous since December. I had urgent. We fixed harscheisen, or snow been at the gym four times a week, But there we were, signed up and kitted crampons, on our skis to help grip, and with hours on versaclimbers, running up, and with our preparation complete, climbed and climbed. 11,500 feet had machines and the other mechanical our band of brothers was ready. There never seemed so high. paraphernalia. Long evenings was Jeff, muscular and mountain–mad, running uphill with ski poles, over the Chris Bonington of the party. Still roped together as the terrain ever-increasing gradients had made Anders, Swedish, slight and serious, but remained glaciated, we passed the Tete me stronger and faster. Still, these an alpine guide. Finally there was me, Blanche at 2.57 a.m. Behind us the were training slots stolen between office-hardened and ready . . . for dinner. Matterhorn and Dent d’Herens loomed, work and sleep, and could never be slightly less imposing at this altitude. We were lucky – it was mild – the snow more than two to three hours at a Exhaustion was racking me, nausea had had held off, and outside the Bahnhof time. However, I reasoned, I had also to be stifled, and I was disorientated. at 10pm, head torches were turned been in the mountains at weekends Teams jostled for position, and urgency on and the gun was let off. 70 teams and skinned up over 100,000 feet over was everywhere despite the calm that each of 3 people left, with other teams that period, the equivalent of three altitude would usually bring. We had following on the hour, until 3am. 700 Everests. So, little to fear, then…. been going for almost 5 hours.. were due to race that night. People lined Zermatt is a village of charm, the streets and applauded, encouraging With skins off we then descended into wonderful views, great food and where and appreciative of the endeavour, or at the night – the lights of the Bertol hut you go for holiday. When you arrive least the attempt. Within minutes the were visible and in arrow formation, at with 700 competitors, to attempt to familiar and inviting streets of Zermatt least before it morphed into something travel overnight the 105 kilometres to gave way to darkness. As if in military less geometric, we skied as a unit towards Verbier, via 3 mountain ranges, against order, the teams proceeded up the path the bottom of the 1000 feet slope. the clock, and for over 15 hours, then it towards Zmutt and from there to Stafel. Skins had to be fixed again, and this time loses some of its allure. The first 3,000 feet had to be covered in a short incline to the next check point. 3 hours, or you were sent back. At the Arriving at lunchtime of the Friday, 4.17 a.m. Skins and ropes were taken off snow line, running shoes were replaced you register, and then your kit is and bindings fixed again into downhill with the boots and skis that had been examined extensively. Avalanche mode. Boots, I almost forgot, had to be on our backs, and with head torches shovels must be wide enough, the tightened, and then we were off. The guiding the way, we started our climb on probes long enough, and the batteries next descent - 4,000 feet of steep, icy and skins. The Matterhorn towered above us. in your transceivers strong enough. rocky terrain with a thin snow covering... The clouds broke ranks and a clear night Skis, skins, poles and ropes are easy A panoply of headlights as skiers picked emerged, exposing a golden moon. enough, but must be inspected, as their way down – and sparks, as skis hit are your helmets, glasses, gloves, ID And so we climbed, to the sound of uncovered rocks and skiers fought to cards and survival bags. Everyone swishing skins and the jab of poles. At stay upright. 3 successive skiers lunged has trained for this. It is not an idle 12.34 a.m. we passed the Schonbiel into Jeff, knocking him over each time.

CLIFTON PAST 139 Teams were descending at mad speeds down the narrow gullies cut into the put away and boots locked, we made the and without much apparent control. mountain side. Competitors struggled descent. Through a blur of competitors In the dark, amidst the ice and rocks, to get footholds; they banged into those and skiers, we descended swiftly. Past Anders tumbled and was lost from sight. below them, all desperate to reach the Ruinettes, down the Combes, on to He picked himself up, his head torch point where skis could be reattached. Mayenzet, to Medran, and Verbier. casting a frail beam, and we continued And so back on downhill skis. With over And there the crowds awaited the with the descent. 9,000 feet of mountains climbed since finishers. They smiled with the same Skis then had to be taken off to cross a we began, we made our way round the appreciation as those who had done snow-less patch of mountain track. In Lac de Dix for the next 8 kilometres. so in Zermatt, so long ago. Swathed in the distance, far below us the lights of Our team’s pace began to quicken, sunshine we came down the main road, Arolla came into view. We descended thanks to my food intake. Rejuvenation. were greeted by family and friends, again, and then the push through the I felt as if I had been pulled back from and cheered by those who seemed to forests and in just over six hours from the brink - and I knew then that we understand what we had been through. the departure we had reached the would finish this, and not be finished Sunglasses shielded them from my tears midpoint; 4.52 a.m. by it. To the Barma hut and a further as we passed the finish line and the last timed gate, the last cut off we had to checks were made by the Swiss Army to Arolla -this was where we had raced make to be allowed to continue. It was ensure we had complied with the race from two years earlier – le petit 9.31 a.m. A quick refill of water, an regulations. It was 13.23 – just over 15 “Patrouille des Glaciers” that at the time energy bar consumed in two gulps and hours after leaving Zermatt. did not fit any description of “petit”. we were off again. With the sun now up Refuelled with the help of the valiant So there you have it. This was not and relentlessly hot, we forced our way Roger Murray who had driven from an everyday journey, though it was on up towards the Rosablanche and its Verbier at 3 am, we shed some kit, took undertaken by an everyday band of imperious edifice. We arrived an hour on some provisions and started out brothers. We didn’t win, but the goal later, and looking up the 1000 feet of again. 30 feet into the next 3,000 feet was to finish together. Many teams were the snow wall it seemed like the scaling climb my skin detached from my ski unable to continue or had to leave a of Gondor. Only we were not the Orcs, and flapped like a piece of dying wet member en route. Some failed to make but a frailer breed. With skis on our cod – not allowing me to grip the snow. the timed gates, whilst many others just backs again, we climbed, a thousand A spare skin was dug out of the back pressed on as we had. Many were faster, steps, beginning to crumble in the heat. pack – then a knife was borrowed from but others were certainly slower. Unbeknown to us, it would be closed to one of the soldiers to trim it, and we competitors within the hour for fear of With the journey ended and a beer continued. Exhausted, nauseous, and rising avalanche risks. in hand, I tried to weigh up just how overwhelmed, we progressed painfully hard it had been? Well, a few days on slowly. I held back the team as we ground Before sight of the top, the cow bells and the pain has started to fade. The our way higher. A sunny dawn did and whoops could be heard from those lenses are now rose-tinted, the muscles not bring the uplift I had hoped, but who had journeyed out pre-dawn to are mending. The sense of satisfaction instead we trudged on, with the next cheer the competitors on. We reached follows from the mission accomplished. checkpoint never appearing over the the top, with pulse rates in excess of Jeff had been keen to remind us before next brow. Dispiriting. My food intake comfortable zones, put on skis and the ordeal, of Theodore Roosevelt’s had been insufficient, a night of no sleep descended again before the last climb. words that “the credit belongs to the man had drained me and the enterprise was Two friends greeted us with Cokes and who is actually in the arena, whose face is proving just too much. So much for all Mars. Nothing has ever tasted better. marred by dust and sweat and blood…” that training... We were rallied for the last effort. It Well, there wasn’t much blood that’s was 11.44 a.m. We reaffixed skins for For the first time I realised that I might for certain, but if I ever tell my the final time, and climbed up to the not finish this. The enormity of this grandchildren, be sure it will end up as Col de la Chaux and there, at 9,000 undertaking began to overwhelm me. a tale of unrivalled heroic endurance… feet, looked down to see Verbier in the I felt as if I was being swallowed up by distance. Clipped into our skis, skins Simon Brewer (Pre, ET 1970-1981) this challenge. It was proving to be my Bridge Too Far, and would end up as Saving Private Brewer. The triumph of reality over hope. I pushed on and after an eternity we came to the Col de Riedmatten. It was 6.55 a.m. We paused, took on board some food and drink and prepared to climb. Jeff avoided my gaze, fearful I suspected, that the game was up for me. Skis were off and clipped on to our back packs, or in my case on Anders’ back pack, we scrambled up the mountain face with the hundreds of others fighting for a space in the line. The world champion who had started at 3 a.m. overtook all of us with ease, and on summiting the col, we abseiled

140 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Accounts & AGM

Minutes of 113th AGM of the Old Cliftonian Society and the Old Cliftonian AGM Society Endowment Fund Trustees - Thursday 4th November 2010

Present: David Jones (President), Bob Kong event is planned for next year. The produced several superb archival Acheson, Chris Pople, Julyan Capper, Lucy Bristol Dinner was cancelled recently as exhibitions for various events (reunion, Nash, Mark Eldridge, Michael Butterfield, it clashed with another event involving Commem. and a recent visit by Prof Stern Nick Tolchard (Chairman), Richard Moffat, a large number of local OCs and many who was a young soldier in residence Simon Reece (Secretary), Richard Harris others were drawn to the Golf Dinner only in WWII). It was suggested some of a fortnight later. his leaflets could be reproduced in the Apologies: David Tosh, Jim Williams, 2011 Magazine, especially those for the Nessie Walsh In May 2010 the School hosted the Annual historical displays he has produced. Reunion for those born between 1967 and 1 The minutes of the 112th AGM 1972. 57 OCs attended. The date span was A decision was taken that OCS should have were discussed. The minutes were unfortunate as it cut across the arrival of a much improved website. Web-alumnus, approved. the first girls, so a deliberate date overlap Blackbaud and Potentiality pitched for 2 The 112th Annual Financial report is planned between this and next year’s website, Potentiality was selected. Work was discussed. No comments were event. Despite low attendance it was a very since has focused on School’s database made and the Accounts were adopted. happy and successful occasion. Raiser’s Edge. A number of problems are being rectified and much data cleansing The Sports Weekend was discussed 3 The President’s Remarks. is in progress. Potentiality is working via and although a success it was agreed remote access to make the requisite API to The President discussed the Shenstone the format needs to be reviewed going interface between RE and the website. Scholarship. A new brochure has been forward. The event was held in September produced and distributed within the for football, girls’ hockey, netball and 5 Finance Report Clifton Magazine 2010 mailing. The rugby over three consecutive days. The The Treasurer gave the financial report Secretary plans to write to each Branch Bretten Hockey Fixture was restructured which is shown on page 142. The accounts Secretary encouraging the Branch to raise to be Bretten XI vs School. This was were adopted. funds to buy a ‘Branch Element’ along favourably received and will be repeated. the lines that a group of Polish OC’s had 6 Election of Officers already jointly purchased Polonium. The Cricket Week in July was a great success. There were 4 one-day fixtures, one The Chairman gave thanks to Georgie 4 The Chairman’s Review 20:20 (which morphed into a 30:30) charity Wooler, Richard Harris, Jim Williams The Chairman updated those at the game for the Fairbridge Trust, OCs vs. Max and David Jones who have come to the meeting on the administrative situation in Boyce’s XI. The Cricketer Cup campaign end of their term of office. Thanks were the OCS office. Since the last AGM Trine crashed at the first round vs. Marlborough also given to Chris Barnard-Jones who Jensen was a very part-time temporary who won handsomely. Our first seven has stepped down from the OC Exec secretary and was then replaced by Kati players selected were unavailable! Rupert Committee due to work commitments. Swetman was thanked for his role as Halden back from maternity leave on 1st SJMR was thanked for the success of his captain and organiser. Rupert is now on the January. Kati redeployed to admissions first year as OC Secretary. and was replaced by Lucy Nash, 22nd Cricketer Cup committee. March, on a permanent part-time basis. The OC Golfing Society won the Halford The following were proposed and Whereas all three were superb, there is, at Hewitt, the largest amateur tournament agreed: Nick Tolchard was re-elected as last, stability in the office! in the world, for the first time ever. They Chairman for another term. Proposed also won the Grafton Morrish in October by David Jones and seconded by Michael The 2010 Magazine was due to be (tournament for Old Boys Associations). Butterfield. David Jones was re-elected distributed by mid November. Thanks are Clifton is only the second school to ever for another term and has agreed to stay due to Bob Acheson for his work as Editor. win both in the same year. A celebratory on for at least one year until a suitable It was agreed that the distribution date for dinner will be held Saturday 6th replacement is found. Mark Eldridge the Magazine should be 1st October. It was November 2010 in BSK. was elected Vice Chairman. Michael agreed that the OCS should join with the Butterfield continues as Treasurer. Vice School to review the current printers to It was agreed that the timing of the next Presidents: Nessie Walsh and Richard try to find a more cost effective and time AGM should coincide with the Bristol Moffat were elected. SJMR proposed Kate efficient alternative. Branch Dinner. It was agreed that this Holland-Smith and Matt Kendry join the should be held in mid October once the Fund-raising for the Colquhoun Committee. They were elected. There is 2011 Magazine had been distributed. Scholarship will be launched in 2011. still one place on the committee. It was The need for a Branch Secretary for agreed that a much younger, Bristol-based The OCS events in the last year were both London and Bristol were discussed, OC would be a valuable asset to the OC discussed. It was agreed the long list of it was agreed each region should aspire Exec if one can be found. events had been a success. Dinners or to have a full and varied social calendar. lunches held in Bristol, London, Oxford, SJMR will investigate other possible candidates The Secretary will continue to search for Cambridge (resurrected), Cardiff, to bring to the Executive Committee for suitable candidates as a matter of urgency. Devon and Cornwall (2), Edinburgh (2), review with a view to co-option. Birmingham and Toronto. DC/marketing Charles Knighton’s work with the new 7 It was proposed and agreed that Tim events were held in Far East and Dubai Register and Archives is on-going. The Baines is retained as Auditor. with the HM present and involving new website will enable OCs to update prospective and existing parents. A Hong their own personal details. Charles The Meeting closed at 5.00pm.

ACCOUNTS & AGM 141 HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT

This report consists of two parts. First, there are the accounts of the Old Cliftonian Society. This is a members’ club and the accounts are not published elsewhere. The full audited accounts are presented below. Second, there are the accounts of the Clifton College Endowment Fund. This is a registered charity. The full accounts are available on the Charity Commission website. The Trustees are the members of the OC Executive Committee. A summary of the accounts is presented below.

The Old Cliftonian Society

he Society receives life membership subscription The Society has invested in the Potentiality Online income and voluntary contributions from past and Community. This is a website offering advanced Tpresent members of the school. These cover the facilities for OCs to be kept up to date with the school’s costs of running the society, including subsidies for OC activities and to maintain contact with each other. reunions, Branch dinners, the Clifton Magazine and the Grants and exceptional expenditure can be met from website, as well as various OC sporting activities. capital, but it is the Executive’s intention that the The Society’s funds can also be applied for the benefit Society should always keep an amount equal to at least of the school. During the year the Society purchased one year’s expenditure on deposit. Current reserves an electronic organ. This is kept in the Joseph Cooper comfortably exceed this level. Concert Room in the Music School where it is used for Many OCs contribute by annual standing order. These concerts as well as for organ practice. However it is contributions do not gain Gift Aid tax relief as the moveable and is used for reunion dinners in Big School society is not a registered charity. to accompany the School Song, and is also used as a chamber organ in the Chapel as at Commem 2011.

Report of the Independent Auditors to the members of The Old Cliftonian Society

We have audited the accounts of The responsibility is to audit the accounts are free from material misstatement, Old Cliftonian Society for the year in accordance with relevant legal and whether caused by fraud or other ended 31 December 2010. These regulatory requirements and to report irregularity or error. In forming accounts have been prepared under our opinion to you. our opinion we also evaluated the the historical cost convention and the overall adequacy of the presentation Basis of opinion accounting policies set out on page 4. of information in the accounts. We conducted our audit in accordance This report is made solely to the Unqualified opinion with International Auditing Standards Society’s Members, as a body, in (UK and Ireland) issued by the In our opinion the accounts give accordance with our engagement Auditing Practices Board. An audit a true and fair view, in accordance letter. Our audit work has been includes examination, on a test basis, with United Kingdom Generally undertaken so that we might state of evidence relevant to the amounts Accepted Accounting Practice, of the to the Members those matters we and disclosures in the accounts. It also state of affairs of the Society as at 31 are required to state to them in an includes an assessment of the significant December 2010 and of its income auditor’s report and for no other estimates and judgments made by the and expenditure for the year then purpose. To the fullest extent Committee in the preparation of the ended. permitted by law, we do not accept financial statements, and of whether the or assume responsibility to anyone accounting policies are appropriate to other than the Members, as a body, the Society’s circumstances, consistently Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP for our audit work, for this report, or applied and adequately disclosed. for the opinion we have formed. Chartered Accountants & Registered We planned and performed our audit Auditors Respective responsibilities of the so as to obtain all information and Committee and auditors Cheltenham explanations which we considered The Society’s Committee is necessary in order to provide us with Dated: 17 March 2011 responsible for preparing the Annual sufficient evidence to give reasonable Report and the accounts. Our assurance as to whether the accounts

142 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011 Income & Expenditure Account – Year Ended 31 December 2010 Balance Sheet – Year Ended 31 December 2010 Notes 2010 2009 Notes 2010 2009 £ £ Income 1 £ £ FIXED ASSETS Subscriptions – OCs 13,010 14,880 Subscriptions – Current pupils 40,220 39,500 Investments - - Interest and dividends 172 2,618 CURRENT ASSETS Sale of OC Stock - 3,580 Cash on deposit 143,958 143,787 Sundry receipts 851 1,928 Cash at bank (20,995) 3,701 Reunions and dinners 10,324 17,601 122,963 147,488 64,577 80,107 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year - (2,750)

Expenditure NET CURRENT ASSETS 122,963 144,738 Secretary including admin expenses 22,950 28,698 TOTAL NET ASSETS 122,963 144,738 The Cliftonian 14,826 21,249 OC sports 5,218 5,431 Loan from World War Memorial Fund Audit fee 881 750 (gifted to OCS during 2010) - 10,000 Miscellaneous expenditure 3,205 2,522 ACCUMULATED FUND - Unrestricted Reunions and dinners 16,752 23,805 At 1 January 2010 134,738 173,836 Total expenditure 63,832 82,455 Surplus for the year (11,775) (39,098) At 31 December 2010 122,963 144,738 Regular income less expenditure 745 (2,348) Approved by the Members on 17 March 2011 and signed on its behalf by: Donations and bequests 10,550 (26,341) Exceptional income 620 NC TOLCHARD Chairman Exceptional expenditure (795) MJ BUTTERFIELD Treasurer Grants and Potentiality (22,895) (8,255) The notes below form part of these accounts. Net surplus/(deficit) (11,775) (36,944) Realised gain/(loss) on investments - (2,154) (11,775) (39,098) Notes 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting Convention: The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Balance brought forward at 1 January 2010 134,738 173,836 Incoming Resources: Subscriptions, entrance fees and donations are Balance carried forward at 31 December 2010 122,963 134,738 recognised when they are collected. Interest received is accounted for as it is earned. Donations are recognised at The notes on the right form part of these accounts. valuation at the time of receipt.

The Clifton College Endowment Fund CLIFTON COLLEGE ENDOWMENT FUND he income of the fund consists of dividends and income Summary Of Accounts from a portfolio of investments. During the year Smith & 31st December 2010 TWilliamson were appointed investment managers in place of Newton Investment Management Ltd. The funds have INCOME 2010 2009 increased in line with stock markets generally and have been £ £ further increased by gifts from OCs. The fund is currently Dividends And Interest 78,208 77,028 worth about £2,600,000. EXPENDITURE The Charity Commission have authorised the trustees to use total return accounting. This allows us to use a wider range Investment Management Expenses 15,889 12,971 of investments with the expectation of generating greater Audit Fee + Costs 4,341 1,600 overall returns from the fund. We are no longer restricted to TOTAL EXPENSES 20,230 14,571 distributing investment income but can also distribute some capital gains within strict guidelines. INCOME LESS EXPENSES 57,978 62,457 The distributions are used to provide certain specific scholarships and grants to members of the school for a range Educational Grants 71,631 69,162 of purposes. Assistance may also be provided towards Capital Projects 5,000 35,000 school fees in cases of unforeseen financial need, especially TOTAL CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE 76,631 104,162 but not exclusively for those with an OC parent. Finally, the distributions may be used to provide particular items or support INCOME LESS EXPENSES for specific projects identified in discussion with the school. AND CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE - 18,653 - 41,705

OC parents of pupils in the school who run into financial DONATIONS 14,360 37,692 difficulty should approach the School Bursar in the first GIFT AID TAX REPAYMENTS 1,806 7,119 instance to apply for support in paying fees. EXCEPTIONAL ITEM - 10,905 Distributions have recently exceeded the fund’s income but this situation will cease when the 2012 sports scholarships are no NET INCOMING RESOURCES - 2,487 - 7,799 longer payable. Contributions are invited from OCs. These may be given to CAPITAL RESOURCES the fund in memory of Charles Colquhoun, to the Shenstone Science Scholarship Fund, or to the general fund. Gifts from Cash 67,123 57,444 UK taxpayers gain Gift Aid increasing the net value of the gift Investments 2,660,625 2,412,035 by 25%. TOTAL CAPITAL 2,727,748 2,469,479

ACCOUNTS & AGM 143 OC Clubs Branch Secretaries ENGLAND and Wales OLD CLIFTONIAN LODGE NO. 3340 Nick Jones Matt Howard-Cairns 3 Howells Crescent Birmingham 27 Aragon Court Llandaff The regular meetings of the Lodge are held at Peter Fowles 8 Hotspur Street Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London Cardiff CF5 2AJ 23 Westfield Close London SE11 6BX [email protected] on the third Thursdays in January, October and Dorridge [email protected] 02920 568438 November, and the fourth Thursday in April. Solihull 07734 295653 07890 588 373 The November meeting is usually moved by West Midlands B93 8DY [email protected] Northumberland & Co Durham and dispensation to Bristol and is held at Freemasons’ [email protected] Hall, Park Street, Bristol on the Saturday nearest David Penny Becky Jones 01564 771 217 Estate House, to Remembrance Sunday. 07747 101 189 3 Howells Crescent Matfen, Llandaff Secretary: John Acton Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Cardiff CF5 2AJ 01732 886955 Bristol Northumberland NE20 0RR [email protected]. Bruce Lloyd [email protected] co.uk [email protected] 143 Reedley Road 01661 886861 02920 568438 Stoke Bishop 07855 430 811 07890 588 373 Old Cliftonian Golfing Society Bristol BS9 1BG Honorary Secretary: Bob Bennett [email protected] Oxford 0117 968 5289 Meg Williams 01275 392 529 07817 281 887 07768 527 065 REST OF THE WORLD [email protected]. Lydes Farm and Stowey Bob would like to hear from any OCs wishing to Pensford Arabian Gulf join the Golfing Society, also from any members Bristol BS39 4DW Charlotte Partridge James Rose Dubai English Speaking College wishing to play in matches. 24 Duchess Road [email protected] [email protected] Academic City Clifton PO Box 125814 Old Cliftonian Rackets & Fives Club Bristol BS8 2LA 01275 333 619 07766757456 Dubai Peter Dunscombe United Kingdom United Arab Emirates 0773 001 9104 0117 924 5314 [email protected] [email protected] 0117 9735323 Yorkshire +971558102182 [email protected] 07771 561272 Christopher Gibbs 27 Morritt Avenue Old Cliftonian Shooting Club Halton Australia –Western Australia Cambridge John Foulsham Andrew Venables Alexander Gordon Leeds LS15 7EP 01686 440782 07767 365 804 West Yorkshire 12 Florence Street Gonville & Caius Cottesloe Trinity Street [email protected] [email protected] 0113 294 6953 WA 6011 Cambridge CB2 1TA Australia Old Cliftonian Real Tennis Club Cambridgeshire [email protected] PJ Probyn [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM +618-93832398 [email protected] 0777 558 3908 0117 973 8884 07765 100928 [email protected] Channel Islands Australia - Queensland Nicholas Landor Anybody interested please contact me by email Roger Griffiths Cumbria Pres Du Moulin 70 Peary Street to play in social Real Tennis against other clubs/ Bob Johnson La Rue Du Moulin Northgate old boys, home or away, please state other Real Badgers St. Martin QLD 4013 Cartmel JE3 6AH Tennis clubs and handicap. The Bristol and Australia Grange-Over-Sands Jersey [email protected] Bath Court at BB is to be our Home base. Cumbria LA11 7NR [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] +61 07-32662794 Old Cliftonian Soccer Club 01539 536 536 01534 852 772 +61 4 07326627 Adam Graveney 079 0044 8349 Devon & Cornwall Eire Australia - NSW Christopher Parrish John Comerford [email protected] Piers Hogarth-Scott 12 Exmouth Road Chestnut Farm 81a Cliff Avenue and Budleigh Salterton Ockham Lane Northbridge Damien Kelland Devon EX9 6AQ Ockham, Woking NSW 2063 [email protected] Surrey GU23 6NP Australia 07828841386 01395 442 275 01483 224 271 [email protected] [email protected] 07815 129 959 +61 2 9315 7167 Old Cliftonian Rugby Club Isle of Man +61 405 151 971 East Midlands Derek Winterbottom and Bruce Elliott, 07818 098 268 Colin Sinnett 37 King Edward Bay Apartments, [email protected] 3 Kirklands Yard Sea Cliff Road Matt Bromhead Main Street Onchan 13/83 Broome Street Old Cliftonian Cricket Club Kneeton, Nottingham Isle Of Man IM3 2JG Maroubra Rupert Swetman, Nottinghamshire NG13 8JS [email protected] NSW 2035 07773 786004 [email protected] 01624 670 732 Australia 07980 600 069 [email protected] [email protected] +61 2 9977 0907 and Northern Ireland Hampshire Michael Ridley John Davies George Harris 2 Shelling Ridge Australia - Tasmania 07866 440958 6 Chaveney Close Ravarnet Peter Newsom Dibden Purlieu Lisburn BT27 5DW 2/10 Claremont Street [email protected] Southampton County Antrim East Launceston Hampshire SO45 4JW [email protected] TAS 7250 Old Cliftonian Cross Country [email protected] 028 92 662048 Australia Simon Tait 02380 848 655 [email protected] Clifton College 07968 233 361 Scotland +61 3-63315837 0117 315 7360 Ian MacFarlane London Tarlair Belgium [email protected] Rachel Andrew 11 Hawkcraig Road Richard Lewis and Old Hall Aberdour Afrikalaan 6 Alex Patton Green Lane Burntisland KY3 0XB B-3080 Tervuren 07834 043952 Mistley Fife Belgium Essex CO11 2NL [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01383 860 626 [email protected] 07990 570 009 07803 933 684 +322 767 8153 144 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2011

Canada – Atlantic Provinces Far East - Japan South Africa – Western David Baird Masa Usui Provinces 181 Waterford Bridge Road 5-9-1 Nishi-Kasai Nigel Drury St John’s, Edogawa-Ku 61 Paradise Road Newfoundland Tokyo 134 0088 Newlands Old Cliftonian A1E 1C7 Japan Cape Town 7700 Canada [email protected] South Africa [email protected] +813 3687 9893 [email protected] [email protected] +27 79165 8824 Society +1 709 726 9093 Far East – Republic of Korea Jane Lee South Africa – Gauteng, Canada – British Columbia [email protected] KwaZulu-Natal and OFFICERS AND OTHERS Ken Fok +821037064111 northern provinces President: David Jones 3584 West 40th Ave David Williams Vancouver, BC France PO Box 731131 Vice Presidents: Richard Moffat V6N 3B8 Colin Yeandle Fairland 2030 Vanessa Walsh Canada Le Bois Renault Johannesburg Chairman: Nick Tolchard [email protected] 61320 LaLacelle South Africa +1 604 266 8578 France [email protected] Secretary: Simon Reece [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer: Michael Butterfield Canada - Quebec +33 233 28 1037 +27 11 478 0483 Christopher Pickwoad +27 72 597 3792 363 Redfern Avenue Gibraltar OTHER MEMBERS OF Westmount Bruno Callaghan Sri Lanka THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Montreal, Quebec c/o Callaghan Insurance Brokers Anthony Newman Mark Eldridge H3Z 2G4 Ltd Rangala House Canada Suite 827 92B Bobebila David Tosh [email protected] Europort Makuldeniya Chris Pople +1 514 937 0438 Gibraltar Nr Teldeniya [email protected] Central Province Bob Acheson Canada – Ontario +349 5661 5160 Home Sri Lanka Matt Kendry Philip F Jones + 350 200 43636 Office: [email protected] Kate Holland-Smith 179 La Rose Avenue [email protected] Etobicoke +94 81 2400 294 FINANCE COMMITTEE India +94 776 004687 Toronto Refer to OCS Michael Butterfield (Chairman) Ontario Canada M9P 3WI Switzerland Nick Tolchard +416 249 7676 Israel Anthony Travis Simon Reece Stephen Kurer [email protected] Roosstrasse 10A Chris Pople KJJ Dental Office CH - 8832 Wollerau Keren Hayesod 29A Switzerland Mark Eldridge East Africa Jerusalem Simon Johnson + 41 78 609 51 86 m David Tosh 94188 [email protected] DMJ Architects Israel Charles Newington-Bridges Dalgliesh House [email protected] Richard Moffat East Church Road +972 2 673 1965 USA - East Coast Nairobi 00100 +972 522864519 David Royle Kenya 5415 Potomac Avenue NW CLIFTON COLLEGE ENDOWMENT [email protected] Washington DC 20016 [email protected] Mexico USA FUND +254 20 520 647 John Gibbs [email protected] (Registered Charity No. 1113320) +254 733 721 200 Francisco Sosa 74 +1 202 966 7622 Coyocacan +1 202 361-1903 Mexico City 04000 Far East – Hong Kong Mexico TRUSTEES Nicholas Pirie [email protected] USA - West Coast All members of the Executive Committee 11th Floor Baskerville House +52 55 5658 5376 Paul Evans 13 Duddell Street 123 Locust Street Central San Francisco Hong Kong The Netherlands CA 94118 Assets held by China Charles Mander USA OC (Clifton College) Nominees Ltd [email protected] Jozef Israelsweg 19 [email protected] [email protected] 2061 AJ Bloemendaal +1 415 922 6557 h +852 2179 5657 The Netherlands +1 415 981 1725 w [email protected] DIRECTORS of OC (Clifton College) and +31 6 10619262 Nominees Ltd Vincent Law Nick Tolchard (Chairman) 6/F Waiga Mansion New Zealand Simon Reece (Secretary) 8 Hawthorn Road Clive Weston Happy Valley 184 Kepa Road Michael Butterfield (Treasurer) Hong Kong Misson Bay China Auckland 1071 [email protected] New Zealand Editor of the Clifton Magazine +852 9840 0096 [email protected] Dr Bob Acheson +649 521 8031 The Secretary of the Far East - Taiwan +642 190 5565 The Old Cliftonian Society O.C. Society asks O.Cs Simon Wong The Garden Room 338 Nan Chang Road who are going abroad to Russia and CIS 3 Worcester Road Nan Tzu Distrist Boris Yaryshevskiy work, to communicate Kaohsiung Bolshaya Filevskaya street, 16/1, Bristol BS8 3JL Taiwan flat 59 with him, so that he may [email protected] Moscow 124360 put them in touch with 0117 315 7115 / 315 7665 +886 7 3623000 Russia the local branch in the [email protected] Email: [email protected] +7916 580 1721 district to which they Far East - Thailand Websites: www.cliftoncollegeuk.com/ocs Decho Sariputra 07854 059 131 (uk) are going. 233/2 Park Avenue www.oc-online.co.uk Srinakarin Road Bangkok 10250 Thailand [email protected] +66 2 397 4108 Back cover: Beggar’s Bush from the South, with the Bristol Channel in the distance.