20/05/2013 13:52 Contents OSA Trust David Briggs-World Tour Denis Tomlin School Song The Clubhouse Headmaster’s Reflections Main Committee Editorial The PresidentElect President’s Letter

With the right kind of support, support, of kind right the With

13 30 26 22 20 16 8 6 4 2 anything is possible. is anything 0121 693 5000 | jerroms.co.uk | 5000 693 0121 Sports Old SilsvWarwickians Obituaries Shenstonian Lodge Dinners, Lunches&Balls School Matters Susie Jordan Acknowledgments Hockey Success News fromFormerPupils

74 73 58 54 53 52 34 84 76 59 “ T H E S I L H I L L I A N ” the magazine of the The Old Silhillians’ Association Limited (The Former Pupils of Solihull School) The Leonard Stevens Building Solihull School Warwick Road Solihull West Midlands B91 3DJ

Telephone: 0121 703 2963 Email: [email protected] Website: www.silhillians.net ISSUE 66 NOVEMBER 2015

President 2015 John Loynton 1 Dear Friends

On 16th December 2014 I entered the world of the Old Silhillians’ Association with very little knowledge or experience of how it was run or what being President actually entailed. All I could provide was information about the School and its history, or offer advice from a former teacher’s prospective. What I was to discover as the year progressed was a really The President fine organization run by an impressive and dedicated team of professional peoplewho give their time and expertise so effectively at a time of major change and transition. 2015 hasn’t quite seen the completion of all the building projects and the required and protracted administrative changes, but it was great to be back enjoying the facilities at a revitalised and expanded club house.

As President, I have enjoyed a variety of functions happy to be back at O.S.A. H.Q. The Hockey Club’s Annual Dinner was quickly followed by the Rugby Club Bash, both celebrating highly successful years on the field of play, and it was great to be part of the revelry. A little less boisterous but just as enjoyable were the Over 60s lunches, the Past Presidents’ Dinner and the London dinner, which took place for the first time at the East India Club. A sincere thank you to all the organizers of these events, I thoroughly enjoyed them all and the time and effort that goes into these functions is much appreciated. Another notable event that I was pleased to attend as a guest was the Shenstonian Lodge Open Evening, and I pay tribute to the gentlemen of the Lodge for the charity work they do including somewhat unsung support for the School.

As always, I enjoyed the meetings and matches of the Golf Society, congratulations to Paul Gilbert for a successful year as Captain. Paul led the support team at the Grafton Morrish Tournament at Hunstanton. Nowhere is the spirit of the O.S.A. better represented than by the loyal camp followers of our elite golfers, to the envy of the other teams and the joy of those who count the bar takings!

After an absence of two years the O.S.A. was able to hold a Summer Ball. As always a support team swung into action to help an inexperienced President. Malcolm Lawrie and Julia Skan (and Julia’s mum) ensured that I had very little to do except enjoy what many agreed was a terrific evening. My thanks are also due to Patrick and his staff who served us so well.

Back at School it was a strange feeling to attend so many familiar things as President of the O.S.A. but an absolute honour and I felt proud not only for my office, but for the staff and pupils who produce such wonderful musicals, plays, recitals and sporting events. The quality of everything they do is first class and deeply impresses former pupils, who fondly lament those days in Big School, the Old Gym and the Tuck Shop, and reflect how far the School has progressed in recent times, and how much they enjoy returning to see the old place. Pride in the School’s achievements is rightly celebrated each year at the Speeches. This year a new School song was premiered, only gentlemen of a certain age will remember the original version written in 1931 but abandoned by Mr. Hitchens in the 1950s, because he didn’t like it!

As I write this, I still have a few more events to look forward to. The opening ofthe improvements to the Chapel in October, and then the Cooper Building (new Sixth Form Centre) the following month, one day after the Remembrance Service. The Annual Dinner on the 21st November is my final duty before the A.G.M. when I will hand over to Simon Westwood who will make an excellent President, and I am delighted that he has accepted 2 the Committee’s nomination. The President Returning to School for a moment of sadness, I would like to pay my respects to two former colleagues who passed away this year. Former Matron Doris Tomlin and Peter Arculus, Head of Science (1958-1988). Peter was very helpful and kind to me when I arrived as a new teacher in 1982. Those who were taught Chemistry by Peter will never forget a flamboyant character and outstanding teacher with a great sense of humour. The links between the O.S.A. and the School have never been stronger. Mr Bushell’s summary, 40 years after the creation of the O.S.A., ” that the School’s prosperity binds former pupils together in friendship and recreation, offering a sense of belonging.” still sparkles today. The Solihull family is a reality. The new tiles in the Cooper Building remind me of Mr. Bushell’s appeal for more chairs in the 1920s to cater for an expanding School population. Sponsors could have their name carved on the back. The response, like today was, as Mr. Bushell concluded...”most satisfactory.” One other link with the past is the modern version of the Old Silhillian blazer based on the 1930s’ model. My thanks to Malcolm Lawrie, who has given me so much help and support throughout my year, for organising their production.

As School Archivist I have been fortunate to have close connections with the Alumni Department based in the Leonard Stevens Building, and offer sincere thanks to Susie Jordan and her team, plus Heather and Tracey in the Head’s Wing for all their help and support during my Presidency. Also Headmaster David Lloyd has given me much encouragement and so too has my irrepressible predecessor Julia Skan. It is no exaggeration to say that Julia’s support, guidance and continued involvement have been invaluable.

It has been an absolute privilege to represent the O.S.A. as President in 2015, a truly great organisation, with its rich history, dedicated officials and loyal members; the centenary of which is only six years away. With best wishes, John Loynton THE OLD SILHILLIANS’ ASSOCIATION - PAST PRESIDENTS 1921/22 Dr AV Bernays 1956 VO Hawley 1986 JRD Orrett 1923 C Aldrin 1957 FR Bishop 1987 G Stubbings 1924 WR Ludlow 1958 LG Highway 1988 MS Saunders 1925 PE Martineau 1959 HA Steele 1989 HJC Taylor 1926 PH Reading 1960 CWD Cooper 1990 MJD Smith 1927 HA Hughes 1961 HT Wilcox 1991 RJC Graves 1928 HS Matthews 1962 WP Townsend 1992 BW Allen 1929 TA Furse 1963 DH Billing 1993 GM Hughes 1930 CH Palmer 1964 HB Callaghan 1994 HE Blow 1932 LC Reading 1965 CT Coton 1995 AJ Richardson 1933 LE Horton 1966 MJ Wheelock 1996 P Callaghan 1934 F Burnett 1967 PJ Hill 1997 MC Bettridge 1935 RH Whitehill 1968 BJW Swift 1998 PA Thomas 1936 CL Hughes 1969 FAR Moon 1999 JM Batsford 1937 FJ Osborne 1970 JEJ Baggs 2000 J Woolman 1938 HD James 1971 RG Toy 2001 BJD Wilde 1939/43 WRL Horton 1972 TG Jones 2002 MA Cutler 1944 FL Nock 1973 JMB Urry 2003 N Smith 1945 AG Bragg 1974 DM Powell 2004 R Jerrom 1946 JB Mayers 1975 MJ Cusack 2005 BW Allen 1947 CW Bragg 1976 RC Young 2006 PA Thomas 1948 EG Wilcox 1977 KJ Foster 2007 SD Allso 1949 AJD Mansell 1978 T Jackson 2008 JA Platt 1950 JM Urry 1979 DA Gurnham 2009 RJ Young 1951 KW Highway 1980 PBL Instone 2010 ME Levenger 1952 Dr. KD Waters 1981 JLR Hare 2011 JN Harrison 1953 BE Hatton 1982 RC Cupit 2012 PG Davies 1954 MAD Cooper 1983 DD Cox 2013 JR Bates 1955 JT Rolfe 1984 DW Edwards 2014 Julia Skan 3 1985 SC Mackay Dear Old Silhillians

When my good friend Joe Bates phoned me and told me he had something to discuss face to face, he was being unusually mysterious. When he did pop round my The President-elect house, which is currently a building site, I took him to the one unaffected room and he told me that the OSA Committee had unanimously decided to ask me to take over the role of President for the forthcoming year. That was, probably, the very last thing that I was expecting. Surprise doesn’t really cover it; I was astonished. I felt both very honoured Simon and Christine Westwood and humbled at the same time. A most unusual mix of emotions for me. I was delighted to accept once I had discussed with mywife Christine. Her support wasn’t really in doubt, but it’s always a good idea to discuss first.

My family had a bit of history with Solihull School. My father, Norman, left in 1939 and his younger brother, Barry, left in 1946 as Head Boy. Their cousin Glen left in 1950. I first attended in 1966 after Cedarhurst and managed to stay as long as 1975. I think even the most generous of my teachers would have described my academic achievements as ‘modest’. Likewise, my sporting achievements seemed destined for mediocrity right up to the time that I started shooting. I shot for my house, Shenstone, and the School and much to my surprise as well as the surprise of many others, ended up with a First Colours blazer.

Schooling is not just about such achievements, important though they are. In my view, I received a very well-rounded education which has stood me in good stead in later years. Much to my amazement, Boolean Algebra and Set Theory, which I remembered from the third form, came in very handy when I found myself in Research and Development – an appointment that most (or, if I’m honest, all) of my former teachers would have found hysterical. School is also about friends. I was extraordinarily lucky to have made friendships that have endured, improved and matured over the last 40 years. I have already mentioned Joe Bates, who sits squarely at the top of that pile, but there are many others. 4 University held no attraction for me and neither did moving into the family engineering The President-elect business. What I really wanted to do was join the Police, which I did in 1976. I served in Birmingham as a constable. Very early on I was introduced to sterilised milk, or ‘Stera’, the existence of which had escaped me until then. I have spent the rest of my life avoiding it. On promotion to Sergeant, I was sent to the Black Country. There was an immediate problem of an almost insurmountable language barrier, but we coped. From there I moved to Headquarters and the aforementioned Research and Development Department, developing computer systems. Installing one of these at Stechford Police Station brought me into contact with a lovely girl called Christine. I was promoted to Inspector and found myself back at Solihull. I was put in charge of the Traffic Section and the Rural areas of Solihull, both of which I enjoyed hugely. In 2002, I made my final move to the Central Motorway Police Group, covering the motorways in the six counties that make up the region. These were without a doubt, the most enjoyable and rewarding years of my career. I served for 36 years, finally retiring in November 2012.

During all this time, I endeavoured to keep up my ties with both the School and the OSA. I continued to shoot ‘small-bore’ rifle for the Old Sils and moved up to ‘full-bore’ rifle for the West Midlands Police Team. The latter took me to some very exotic places such as Manchester. As the Traffic Inspector at Solihull, I was responsible for the Traffic Plan that enabled Phil Griffiths to get tanks onto the playing fields for the CCF Centenary.

Most importantly, in 1997, the lovely girl I had met at Stechford Police Station, agreed to marry me and our marriage was blessed at the School Chapel through the kind offices of the then Headmaster, Patrick Derham, and the Reverend Peter Wrenn. The ceremony was conducted by the West Midlands Police Chaplain, Bill Hopley, and I married in uniform as it meant I didn’t have to splash out on any other posh togs. It was a real as well as symbolic melding of my education and my career.

Since my ‘retirement’ I have continued to assist with Road Traffic Collision investigation, but this time for a solicitor. I have turned my photography hobby into a modest business and continue to undertake a number of voluntary roles including a directorship of the West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund and the Volunteer Coordinator for the Classic Air Force in Coventry.

I have tried to attend every event at the School to which I am invited and thoroughly enjoy my return visits. As concerns the OSA, time pressures forced me to give up my shooting career for both the OSA and the Police. I became a Freemason in 1980 and later joined the Shenstonian Lodge at the kind invitation of Joe Bates. I served as Master in 1997, the same year as I married.

Finally, I would wish to thank the Committee most warmly for this honour conferred. I will endeavour to fulfil my duties to the best of my ability and, hopefully, to the satisfaction of both the committee and the members of this wonderful Association which I am pleased and proud to belong to. With best wishes, Simon Westwood (Shenstone, 1966-75) 5 Dear Old Sils

It’s issue number 16 for me and a few

Editorial weeks ago I thought that this was going to be a thin one as I had not heard from many of you. The response to an appeal on Facebook and in the recent e-newsletter produced plenty of copy. I should have had more faith in you. I could not have produced this magazine without the contributions from pupils, Old Silhillians, staff, former staff and With the Headmaster at the Summer Art Exhibition advertisers and I am very grateful to you all. I hope you enjoy this year’s copy of The Silhillian. As I sit at my desk at work .... home, laying it up I think it’s going to be a good one.

It came as a great relief when the redeveloped Clubhouse was opened and our customers could return from their exile in The Red Lion, The Drum & Monkey, The Railway and K&D Cricket Club to name but a few. The latter deserves particular thanks for hosting uson some Saturday afternoons to watch International Rugby matches. The new Clubhouse is a fantastic facility and if you have not had an opportunity to come and have a look around you really must.

Management Committee in conjunction with the sports sections are hard at work getting the memorabilia back up on the walls and deciding how our new and cavernous PAST EDITORS entrance foyer and corridor can be adorned. Please be assured that the honours boards, 1. Bernard Owens (1950, 53-55) the memorial plaque and other memorabilia 2. Brian Coglan (1951-52) will be rehung in the Clubhouse. 3. Arthur Upton (1956-60, 63) 4. Robin Cooper (1961-62) Whilst I am on the topic of what you really 5. Mike Cusack & must see, you ought to take the time to Mike Callaghan (1964) go to the School’s Summer Art Exhibition. 6. Mike Cusack (1965-67) The talent of our pupils is staggering and certainly way ahead of the ‘creations’ we 7. Brian Knight (1968-71) used to produce. When berated by Eric 8. Geoff Herne (1972-74) Peyman for not doing Art A level I rather 9. Nick Atkinson (1975-76) flippantly explained that it was because I 10. John Woolman (1977-79) wanted a proper job. There have been many 11. Simon Wilcox (1980-82) times that I have regretted that decision 12. Martin Cotter (1983-85) and comment. As one erudite chap put it 13. David Gilbert (1986-87) to me “Have you any idea what an artist like 14. Robert Chetland (1988-89) the one who has done the sculptures for the 15. Reg Instone (1990-91) school earns?” Hmm ….. 16. Richard Graves (1992-94) 17. Claude Coton (1995-99) We were deeply saddened by the news 18. Malcolm Lawrie (2000- ) of Doris Tomlin’s passing. Denis is a great 6 friend of and one of the biggest supporters Editorial of the Association and our heartfelt condolences go out to him. Denis suffered from a fall during the summer and is currently convalescing in a nursing home. I am sure that you will all want to join me in sending him our very best wishes.

As a Past President of the Hockey Club I was immensely proud when the Club was announced as European Club of the Year and a short while later as the English Club of the Year. There is a full article later in the magazine about this.

The cost of sending The Silhillian overseas has become very expensive. We are now sending out well over 20 times the amount of overseas mailings as we were a decade ago. The Main Committee thought long and hard about this and has made the tough decision to stop sending the magazine overseas as from next year. Instead overseas members will be sent a link whereby they can download a copy from the Internet.

I feel sure that in the fullness of time a hard copy will not be produced and The Silhillian will be distributed to all members electronically. It could be that a smaller magazine is issued several times a year along with or as an e-newsletter. Who knows? However, this is unlikely to be the case in the immediate future and almost certainly not on my watch.

Last of all, I defy any of you to say that the photo on page 12 does not, at the very least, cause a sigh, a moment of reflection or a slight moistening of the eyes! It is very poignant this year.

With my very best wishes to you all, Malcolm Lawrie

7 Main Committee Officers Main Committee

John Loynton Simon Westwood Julia Skan President President Elect Imm. Past President

Barry Allen David Lloyd Pete Davies Chairman Headmaster Hon. Secretary

Joe Bates Max Levenger Malcolm Lawrie Hon. Treasurer Silhillian Editor 8 Hon. Membership Sec. Main Committee Officers

Max Levenger Phil Pinto Johnny Dugdale Management Chairman London Representative General Member

John Harrison Rupert Young Jamie Clapham General Member General Member General Member

Please note that all enquiries concerning membership issues, change of address, etc., should be addressed to: The Old Silhillians’ Association Solihull School Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands B91 3DJ or emailed to [email protected] 9 Headmaster’s Reflections Headmaster’s

Pupils and Headmaster celebrate a record high in A Level results As I embark on my sixth year as Headmaster of Solihull, it is time to reflect on the last year. Let’s start with exam headlines: we broke all records at A Level with 88% of all grades at A* to B and we matched last year’s GCSE figures with 74% of all grades at A* to A. You’ll be pleased to hear that results analysis by the Birmingham Post newspaper rated us as the top independent school in the West Midlands for AS and A Levels. Moreover, the statistics are improving almost daily as scripts are re-marked and re-graded upwards. This is clearly good news for the individuals involved, but a worrying indictment on the marking system itself. That aside, it’s been another very successful year and we will continue to focus on academic excellence at all levels throughout the School. No school is perfect, but good schools are reflective and responsive and talk candidly about areas for improvement, or weaknesses as they were once called! I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of those who sat public examinations this summer and thank parents for their support and teamwork in preparing pupils for GCSEs, AS and A Levels. Thanks also go to the teaching and non- teaching staff for always going that bit further to ensure that boys and girls are fully equipped, both academically and emotionally, for the internal and external testing that invariably dominates the summer term. Well done and more of the same next year, but even better please! Similar can be said of our co-curricular successes but more of that later. Turning to infrastructure, it’s been an incredibly busy year. The Cooper Building, or the 10 new Sixth Form Centre, has taken a year to construct and even if I say so myself, it is a Headmaster’s Reflections magnificent facility combining teaching, private study, meeting and social space and is equipped with the latest educational technology throughout. It sits on the site of the Old Gymnasium and the soon to be erected sculpture on the bank between the Bushell Hall and the Cooper Building foyer pays tribute to the sport that once took place there. The sculpture, named ‘Leap’, will be unveiled by journalist and TV presenter Michael Buerk when, as Patron of our Debating Society, he chairs the next annual ‘Big Debate’ in November. Why Cooper you may ask? Well, the reason is the on-going centenary commemoration of the First World War, given that Reverend Cooper was Headmaster of Solihull during this period. Despite the conflict and the very tragic loss of teachers and (older) pupils, the School thrived and grew under his stewardship. A second sculpture, named ‘Conduct’, (pictured below) will be installed on the Chapel Forecourt, as an integral part of the forecourt redesign which I can hear going on outside my window. I do look forward to its completion and the restoration of peace and quiet. Whereas ‘Leap’ is about sport and ambition, ‘Conduct’ signifies our Christian foundation and choral tradition. Both are striking pieces of art standing approximately 5m tall and 3m wide, and I hope they will inspire our own artists, photographers and designers in their school work for many years to come. Those still reading may be asking the question, ‘What of the former Sixth Form Centre in School House?’. That’s a good question, and School House is currently being remodelled to house a new ICT centre, more social space for the Lower and Middle School, new rooms and offices for the Art & Photography, Religious Studies and Learning Support Departments, counselling and ‘time out’ space, and greater exhibition facilities. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of travelling to Hamburg to enrol Solihull in the Steinway Initiative and to purchase a number of Steinway Grand Pianos. They are now in full use and we were delighted to have internationally acclaimed pianist Peter Donohoe, CBE, perform an inaugural concert and give a piano master class to many of our pianists. Even to the untrained ear (i.e. me) the difference in the quality of sound is quite remarkable and I look forward to many more outstanding concerts in the David Turnbull Music School and the Bushell Hall. So, what next? As to new buildings, the nature of any potential new build and the timescale involved are yet to be decided, but we do plan to build a second artificial pitch soon, as well as improving 11 Headmaster’s Reflections Headmaster’s

12 Headmaster’s Reflections common room facilities for the Junior and Senior School teaching staff, grounds staff accommodation and car parking. I would like to thank the Governors of Solihull for supporting the development of facilities in such a progressive and committed way. Turning to a subject I touched upon earlier when I referred to counselling facilities and a time out room, I have become increasingly troubled by mental health issues, largely in pupils but sometimes in adults too. Entrance examinations, pressure to achieve at school, university and the workplace – especially during prolonged recession – fear of failure, student debt, media ‘role models’ and the invasive capabilities of technology are all potentially dangerous. I am deeply concerned about the number of pupils nationwide suffering acute anxiety, stress and depression which very sadly can lead to sleep deprivation, poor concentration, school phobia, self harm, eating disorders and even suicide. At this time of year those entering the Sixth Form are finalising their options and all too often they find themselves under pressure to choose the right subjects for certain careers, even if that career is not suited, thus setting them up for possible failure and re-evaluation in the future. Unhealthy and sometimes inaccurate debate over ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ subjects or ‘academic’ and ‘applied’ subjects can cause pupils to select A Levels they are not as good at or don’t enjoy as much, and this is both misguided and harmful. Solihull is far from perfect in this regard and last year we introduced mindfulness training for staff and well- being lessons join the curriculum this September. We have increased our nursing and counselling provision and we all need to be better listeners. Awareness of the importance of mental health and its parity with physical health must be integrated into every aspect of young peoples’ development. We need to encourage our pupils to speak openly about their mental health and whilst tackling the symptoms we must concentrate more on raising awareness, addressing the causes and targeting prevention or at least early intervention.

The co-curricular life of the School has been as action packed as ever and details of our achievements can be found in the termly Greyhound and the Shenstonian. Although a very personal thing and a risky one to put in writing, the highlights for me were the arrival of the Steinway Grand Pianos, Remembrance 2014 and the ceramic poppies planted in the Quad, Les Misérables and the Junior School performance of Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies, the choir’s third visit to St Paul’s Cathedral and the opportunity to perform with Gary Barlow on stage at the LG Arena, the Junior School Boys’ Hockey Team bringing home the U11s Midlands Hockey Championship trophy, and the visits by Michael Buerk and cricketing legend, Sir Garfield Sobers (pictured right). 13 Community outreach work is an important part of school life and is an area I would like to see grow even further. This year, ‘Solihull Sings’, which involves choral coaching for local primary school pupils, has continued to flourish, and among other initiatives we have also provided sport, art and music activities for local schools, as well as an exciting year-long programme promoting the teaching of Latin and Classical Civilisation in the Borough. All have been extremely well received and help underpin our commitment to the wider Solihull community.

Finally, I hope you will agree that the relationship between the School and the Old Silhillians’ Association is flourishing with more alumni events, automatic enrolment of Headmaster’s Reflections Headmaster’s leavers and the appointment of our new Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Mrs Susie Jordan. Susie replaced Alison Bond who left to become Director of External Relations at Oxford Brookes University. Susie has lots of ideas for increasing alumni engagement and the School’s engagement with the OSA, and I look forward to welcoming even more ‘old girls’ and ‘old boys’ back to their alma mater.

To everyone involved with Solihull, thank you for another great year, well done and get ready for another exciting and fulfilling episode ahead. Best wishes to you all. David EJJ Lloyd The Junior School Play Robin Hood and the Sherwood Hoodies – Freddie Truman, (foreground, who played Robin Hood) with cast members, Claudia Reda. Louis Dale, Yusuf Skinner, Thomas Currie, William Sunderland, Jenny Hodge, Lainey Murphy, Lauren Besford and Isabel Fennell.

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www.clementkeys.co.uk No.8 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1QT 15 It is my pleasure, once more, to report that the Old Silhillians Trust and the work for which it is responsible for delivering continues to flourish in what are still very difficult times economically. This year has

The OSA Trust The OSA been another monumental and indeed historic year in the history of the Trust. We have seen a significant increase in income specifically from new members via the payment matrix agreed with the school some three years ago and a very generous bequest from the much loved Barry Hudson, and dare I say it, we have never been in such good health, as an organisation, as we are today. As in previous years the school remains the focus of our attention and for the first time ever we have increased the number of Silhillians Scholarships awarded to 5. I don’t think we should ever underestimate just what a significant impact the awarding of such scholarships has on individuals and their families. I have attached to this report a letter of thanks from one such recipient Leticia Salmon. Indeed I am pleased to say that in these uncertain times it is testament to all that is good about the charity that we have been able to take on even greater service delivery in the past year.

Whilst the principal financial objective of the Trust remains that of providing scholarship awards to those entering the sixth form, we are still able to offer financial support to students in other ways. This year we were delighted to be given the opportunity to provide financial support to Awralla Farax, a sixth form student at school to enable her to spend a month in Peru as a medical volunteer prior to her embarking on a career in medicine after the completion of her A levels. Attached to this report is her account of what I feel certain was a magnificent life experience for her.

As I finish my report, I am reflecting on its contents and getting a sense of déjà vu! I always seem to be able to report another fantastic year for the charitable Trust! I always say that I cannot promise the next year will be as positive. Perhaps next year will be quieter, but then again, here at The Old Silhillians’ Trust we like to challenge ourselves in the belief that only if you challenge yourself to do better will you ever improve. Well, I believe, even given the current financial constraints it is perfectly possible that in twelve months’ time we will be able to celebrate another successful year! Peter A Thomas Chairman - Old Silhillians’ Trust A massive thank-you for my travel scholarship - Huanchaquito clinic for three weeks. Working in the clinic was an incredible experience. It was only minutes into my first day that I was assisting alongside fourth year medical students: taking blood pressures, weighing people, taking histories-things I am not yet qualified to do- yet the students were so keen on teaching us because they valued the help we could bring. Celine and I ran the health clinic by ourselves. One morning when the students were away with 16 just one nurse. It was amazing how much trust they had in us after only a few days of The OSA Trust experience, although they kind of needed us since they had no doctors that day.

I had many great medical experiences: assisted the students while they stitched up a young boy, learnt how to take blood and observed surgery in the hospitals. I am very lucky to have been able to do this, since work experience is so limited in England. Alongside medical work, I helped out at NAFE which was the charity owned by my host father; I used my knowledge from working in the clinic and observing in the hospitals to give the children a health-based lesson one afternoon.

I thought I was ready for the lifestyle in Peru, but everything came as a shock to me. Their whole way of life is so different to what I’m used to: disorganisation, poor punctuality, no processed food, no fixed prices and nobody speaking English. A minority of people being able to speak English is what affected me most. I couldn’t go anywhere without someone who spoke Spanish, I had to pay twice as much for things and was not able to communicate with my host family (pictured below). As a result of this, I threw myself into Spanish lessons arranged with the Otra Cosa Charity and was amazed at how quickly I picked it up. I genuinely enjoyed learning the language and have therefore arranged to have lessons over Skype to keep it up.

Living with host families made the experience so much better, as we were able to become immersed into the Peruvian culture and witness first-hand what it is like to live here. It was amazing to think that they can live without hot water and that it was only when we were there they could afford enough food to have adequate meals (even though these people were middle class!). We thought we were living in the poor end until we saw so much worse. We saw people who lived in the jungle and had been moved out due to the mining industry, who have now ended up living on a garbage dump earning just over 20p a day.

I have learned so much over this summer and have been treated so well by my family-who made me delicious food, helped me with my Spanish and treated me like one of their own. These memories will stay with me forever and I hope to come back when I take my gap year. Awralla Farax 17 Scholarship Thank-you - Leticia Salmon I don’t think Solihull School will ever leave my memory even in years to come. As I was one of

The OSA Trust The OSA the first girls to join in J1, aged 7, I saw it all through to the age of 18, thus forming the major part of my education. And I wouldn’t change that at all. Solihull has given me the building blocks not only for my future but shaped the person I am today. Whether it was standing on a stage aged 11, reading a speech in front of hundreds of parents, trekking Mt Kenya, singing in St Paul’s Cathedral or time pressured debating, all were wonderful experiences and I wouldn’t have had such an opportunities if I had not attended Solihull School.

One thing I feel passionate about within any education is that it not only teaches you basics of algebra or important historical events, but it prepares you for life ahead. A life much greater than the one we are privileged to receive; one where there are people suffering, one where there is evil. Solihull has taught me what I feel everyone needs in life - communication, people skills, organisation and intuition. Textbooks and exams are one thing, but I always had the perseverance (Perseverantia) to succeed in other elements of life.

The Solihull School community has supported me to help raise money for charities, whether it be in Solihull or Kenya. To this day, I would not believe that at the age of 16 I would have travelled to Kenya, climbed a mountain, built a school and now sponsor a child through her education.

I recommend that 17 year-old teenagers today, instead of shying away on stage in front of an audience, follow my example. I feel proud to be addressing listeners, speaking in public. Instead of shying away from muddy fields I crawl through them; instead of shying away from opportunities I grasp them with both hands; and instead of shying away from people I thrive in their presence.

On receiving the Old Silhillians’ Scholarship, it has given me chance to look back and appreciate the education that I have received and the assistance and inspiration of teachers and pupils As we must not forget, education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten. 18 Leticia Salmon BRI Wealth Management PLC Truly Bespoke Wealth Management

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The last two years have seen tremendous change at Copt Heath. As you will probably know, the Association sold the land previously occupied by the Steward’s house for redevelopment, allowing us to spend the proceeds on extending and renovating the clubhouse.

This is now complete and we have been operational, partially since November and fully since April. We were lucky enough to welcome Lord Digby Jones (pictured below in the Jago Bar) on a very wet and windy opening day in July, where the new bars were put to the test and survived the initiation satisfactorily. There was a full day of exhibition matches of all sports, open days for squash & rifle clubs with a number of new faces and Henry Levenger, Georgina Levenger and Toby Withers enjoy the bouncy castle new members joining. at the Clubhouse Launch Day.

20 Clubhouse & Management Our sincere thanks go to Andrew Clutterbuck (1978 - 86) and John Griffin (1954 - 65) who between them spent countless hours making the completion of the building works and development as timely and as painless as possible.

I am pleased to report our new Manager, Patrick Grace has been on board now since April and is proving invaluable with his ability to manage the operation, develop our online presence and sell the conferencing element to the facility. Patrick’s background is in the conferencing industry and his main focus is to develop this area of the business. He lives locally and plays football on the Astro every Monday night, so gets to see and hear feedback from both sides of the bar. Ann is responsible for the bar and her experience at the club over several years has been very useful to Patrick over the first few months, so thank you Ann and we wish her a speedy recovery from a recent operation.

We have welcomed some impressive names in the initial period including Tesco, Lafarge, Biffa, Aston Martin and NPower. We are looking to continue to develop the business during the quieter mid-week period and also during the summer months, where lower revenues are disappointing. We did however enjoy the most successful week so far at the end of August thanks to holding a corporate event for Lafarge and the annual Hockey Festival, so we look to continue this trend. Henry Levenger, Georgina Levenger and Toby Withers enjoy the bouncy castle at the Clubhouse Launch Day.

21 Clubhouse & Management We have had our first summer marquee period in a new location outside theold members’ bar. This was experimental and the weather did its best to test us, but all areas passed with flying colours. We’ve learned lessons for next summer and bookings are already emerging.

For those who live locally, you will be able to see Sunday mornings are successful but that brings with it parking issues which spill onto the local highways. We are conscious of this and are looking at the best ways to remedy this as quickly as possible.

We have slowly been getting back up to previous levels on bar takings and usage, although both Rifle and Squash clubs have been hit worst of all, so a concerted effort is being made by both sections to gain back Chef Rupert Davies and partner Kim Whyte members who have gone elsewhere during hard at work keeping everyone fed the closed period and not returned.

If anyone wants to grow their business reach we have a number of sponsorship opportunities and meeting rooms for events and exhibitions. Max Levenger, Chairman – Management Committee

22 23 The New School Song - Perseverantia Our Spirit The previous school song, written in the early 1930s by S. G. Everitt (School Governor) with music by J. A. Easterling (Master in charge of Music), as John Loynton mentioned in his President’s piece at the start of this magazine, was abandoned by Headmaster H B Hitchens in the 1950s, as he disliked it. I suspect there were not many dissenters then, and I doubt that many would disagree now, as it was a bit of a dirge. The only person I know who can sing the old school song is Stuart Crawford (School House, left 1951) and, whilst he does so with some relish, I hope he will like the new one. The New School Song The New For those who do not know the words to the old School Song here they are -

When Richard the Second was ruling our land In days which have long passed away, Arose a great Founder, who built a small School Which has grown and is famous to-day. The name of our Founder no one can relate, It was lost as five centuries passed: But though nameless, he lives in the hearts of us all With a love that for all time will last. Was he Prelate or noble, or Knight of the Shire, Or humble in rank or in fame, Our thanks and devotion we’ll daily outpour In pride and respect—just the same. Whatever the future or fortune may bring To the School at which Shenstone was taught, We all will be true to our ancient descent In studies, in games, and in thought. Sixth Former Megan Lloyd wrote the new words and they were put to music by Simon Phillips (Head of Academic Music). I asked Megan to let Old Silhillians know her thought processes when writing the new song - “My aim in writing the new school song was to encapsulate the spirit of the school, and its aims of Ambition, Opportunity and Community. I also wanted to incorporate the School’s history, whilst remaining relevant to today’s pupils and the pupils of the future. In doing this I made reference to Headmaster Edward Pole, Old Silhillian William Shenstone and of course our ever-inspiring motto Perseverantia. In another nod to the School’s history, I took elements of the old school song, particularly the chorus, and used them in my first verse. I wanted there to be a sense throughout of the resilience of Solihull pupils, and of the courageous and pioneering adults they go on to become. I ended the song with a reminder of the lifelong sense of community that comes from an association with Solihull, which I believe is one of the greatest things any school can offer. I feel truly privileged to be a member of this community, and to be asked to write the words for the new song is a tremendous honour. Perseverantia Our Spirit!” The Headmaster assures me that since the song was given its first airing at Speech Day it has been “hummed and sung by people around the school” and “that must be a sign of its 24 success”. The New School Song

25 Our Denis: some snapshots of Denis Tomlin from the 1970s DHT Former French Teacher Arthur Brooker writes: When we had a meeting in the Archive Room and Denis Tomlin offered some recollections, the occasion was recorded on video. At the end of the meeting, Mark Lucas (I think) who was doing the recording, asked some people if they would speak about Denis, on camera. I was the third to be asked. None of us felt ready to talk about Denis, off the cuff, and without preparation.

The following items illustrate some aspects of Denis Tomlin, but they in no way do justice to his distinguished career.

Old Silhillians speak with reverence of Denis and his inspirational English Literature lessons, especially of Shakespeare. It is also a fact that for some years, before the 1970s, Denis was in charge of the First XV when they were invincible - brilliant and unstoppable. In 1983 Denis was Headmaster for two terms between the departure of Giles Slaughter and the arrival of Alan Lee. Following his retirement, the Governors elected Denis to be Honorary Governor of Solihull School. And any full portrait of Denis must of course include Doris, his lovely wife, who was Matron at Solihull School for some years. So the items that follow this are mere snapshots. They are authentic but give only a small part of the full picture.

1. Elevation for Denis In January 1969, Denis Tomlin was the very successful Housemaster of Pole. The Second Master was Guy King-Reynolds, a most formidable man with many accomplishments; he was a fine actor and had real style. Guy thought he might perhaps try for Headships in 1970, and decided to make an application in 1969, merely to see how he got on. He was invited to the interviews at Dauntsey’s, and since this was only a trial run, he went just as he was, with frilly shirt and permed hair.

He and his wife made no special preparation at all. Guy was amazed when he was offered the Headship (but no one else was surprised). So Guy and Jan went to Dauntsey’s in 1969 and he was an outstanding Head there for many years, until retirement.

Bruce McGowan, Headmaster of Solihull School, now had to replace Guy, and he decided to appoint Denis Tomlin. One afternoon in the early summer of 1969 there were about sixteen members of staff in the Lower Common Room when Bruce came in and said: “Gentlemen! I am about to post a notice to announce that in succession to Guy King- Reynolds, I have appointed, as Second Master, Denis Tomlin.” There was an immediate, spontaneous and huge surge of warm enthusiasm and approval from all those present. Bruce withdrew, and a few minutes later, Denis came in. He was then surrounded by well-wishers, all congratulating him. These included Bill Bale, Ian Biggs, Gordon Heap, 26 and others. This was a wise and brilliant appointment; and how splendidly Denis rose to DHT the challenge.

2. Revolution in Room C1 In 1970 the Masters’ Common Room was between the Headmaster’s Wing and the C corridor classrooms, so C1 was next to the Common Room. With the six-day week, in those far-off days, there were only two periods each afternoon, when most of the year groups were out on Games. One afternoon there was a Shell Form History lesson in C1, period 6, at 2.30 p.m. The Headmaster was away on HMC duty, leaving Denis Tomlin in charge. Denis came out of his study and into the Common Room to ask what on earth was going on; there was a deafening noise from Cl. The History teacher there was Phil Stanton who believed in “making History live”, so he was conducting a rerun of the French Revolution, in C1. The din was so dreadful that no work was possible in the Common Room; fortunately C2 was empty that lesson. There were loud crashes and cheering from the baying mob in C1; presumably another bloated aristocrat had had his head chopped off. The racket could be heard everywhere and certainly in Hampton Lane. Three times Denis decided he really must intervene; three times he hesitated. Ian Biggs offered his view: “If I may say so, Denis, what you have to decide is whether or not the class is out of control. If they are out of control, you really must intervene; but if they are not out of control, it would be a pity to interrupt.”

Denis was getting more and more concerned and agitated, but finally the situation was saved by the 3.15 buzzer. The lesson and the French Revolution came to a sudden stop and the Shell Form, horribly over-excited, poured out of C1 and round the Quadrangle, on their way to their next lesson where some poor devil would have to restore calm before they could be taught anything.

Denis returned to his study, and a few minutes later Phil Stanton, pink in the face from the excitement of the History lesson, came into the Common Room. Someone told him that Denis had been on the point of intervening, and why. Phil replied: “Not out of control at all.”

In 1972 Phil Stanton left and went to be Head of History at Ottery St Mary in Devon. So Solihull School needed a new History teacher. The interviews of the short list of candidates took place while the Headmaster, Bruce McGowan, was at HMC, so he left the whole matter in the capable hands of Denis Tomlin, who made the excellent decision to appoint Phillip Griffiths, who later became Second Master and then Headmaster. That wise decision was a fine example of Denis in action.

3. Denis kills the boys It was during the 1970s when, one year, the Sixth Form arranged a lunch break show to raise money for charity. It was extremely well organised and Big School was packed full - all boys, as the first Sixth Form girls arrived only in 1973. The show was planned to feature the Sixth Form’s favourite star: Denis Tomlin. It was called “Face the Music”; a spoof panel (all members of staff) were challenged to identify recorded extracts of music: first, a piece of classical music; then a sequence generated by the MOOG synthesizer; then a piece of modern jazz. Denis played the role of the over confident clown – entranced by 27 DHT

At the Old Silhillians’ Clubhouse c1985 Standing: Roger Flood, John Jammes, Roger Beavis, Keith Berridge, Harry Rickman, Mike Savidge, Alan Lee, Barry Chacksfield, Phil Griffiths, Seated: Jack Crawford, Ernie Halstead and Denis Tomlin all the music, eloquent when it was his turn to speak, sublime and silly in his exaggerated enthusiasm. Every time, after a ludicrous meander, Denis eagerly identified each piece of music as “our very own National Anthem”. When the Sixth Former in the Chair told him he was wrong, Denis was instantly deflated, crushed, crestfallen. The audience laughed at his blunder the first time, then laughed a lot, the second time. By the time that Denis began his third answer, he had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, and the boys almost joined in his announcement that the jazz was, of course, our National Anthem. “Wrong!” said the Chairman and again Denis collapsed in disbelief; meanwhile the boys were in fits of laughter. The Chairman then announced that there was now only enough time for one last piece of music; he signalled to Jill Godsall who played on the piano the first lines of “God Save the Queen”. At once all those on stage leapt to their feet and to attention. They sat down, and once more the Chairman challenged the panel. Denis now wore the widest of beaming smiles as he expounded the glories of Great Britain, and the boys were getting ready to cheer him, as this time he could not possibly get the answer wrong. But just as he appeared to be about to announce the right answer, he went off on a tangent and suddenly said that what we had just heard was, of course, that old favourite of the Music Hall: “Let’s have a TIDDLEY at the Old Milk Bar”. This caused a huge explosion in the audience - the boys laughed uncontrollably. Those sitting in the rows were lucky as they were supported by each other, but those by the gangways and on the front row simply fell off their seats and rolled around on the floor, clutching themselves. The pandemonium continued for a considerable time. Denis was amazed. He had hoped to make the boys laugh, but this reaction was astonishing. Afterwards Denis heard that some (or many?) of the boys thought that “tiddley” must be a naughty word, or that there must be some disgraceful double meaning. There is none. The song is genuinely from the Old Time Music Hall, and “tiddley” is (from Victorian 28 times) rhyming slang for a drink (tiddley-wink = drink). It was not so much what Denis DHT said as the way he told it. Denis in full flow - what a performance!

4. Denis Tomlin: not quite perfect? This should really be told by Jan Keil, as it is her story.

In the really old days, all the teachers (except one) at Solihull School were men, so it was not surprising that the Staff Room had a notice on the door: Masters‘ Common Room. But as the years went by, several women teachers were appointed, including Jan Keil. When there were about sixteen women on the teaching staff, some of whom were well established, Jan asked the Second Master to look at the door, pointing to “Masters’ Common Room”. Denis’ initial response was puzzlement and he asked: “What’s wrong with that?” so Jan asked if the notice meant that she was not allowed into the room. “Oh,” said Denis, “I see. Now what do we do about that?” The notice was eventually changed, but it took a long time.

5. Denis Tomlin: star of the stage Bruce McGowan went to be Head of Haberdashers’ Aske’s, and he was replaced by the dynamic Giles Slaughter who was very keen to kick-start drama of all kinds. Using some of the Staff, Giles put on a glittering Revue in 1975 and a traditional pantomime in 1977. Giles was the real star and the prime motivator, but Denis also starred in both. In the Revue, Denis appeared in many items, the most outrageous of which was a sketch which was wildly and completely “politically incorrect”, even in those lax days. In the pantomime, Denis was the evil magician, and they managed to work into the plot a Denis special, “That Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze”. Half—way through this song, they let down a huge trapeze, firmly fixed by ropes to the rafters high above; Denis leapt upon it and sailed out from the stage over the heads of the audience of parents and pupils. Some of them must have been terrified. None of that namby-pamby “health and safety” in those days, of course. Those who saw Denis perform, in Big School, on the Flying Trapeze, will not have forgotten it. Everyone survived, fortunately, and Big School, now the Library, still stands.

Brief intrusion by the Staff in Orpheus in the Underworld - 1985

29 It really is a great privilege to be a musician. This summer I circumnavigated the globe for the fourth time, playing nineteen concerts in three continents. Such a trip requires a lot of set-up time, especially when you are your own agent! I manage programming, fee/expenses negotiations, hotel reservations, car hire, air tickets, CD/DVD sales (and transportation) and all sorts of minute scheduling details. Being your own agent has certain distinct advantages, above all that you make many new friendships along the way. To nourish these new friendships is, for me, one of the most enjoyable and enriching facets about touring as an organist. Over twenty-plus years, you make a lot of friends over the globe.

Most of the time things go according to plan. I was anticipating just one or two tight turn- arounds. My concert on the stunning Steinmeyer instrument in Trondheim Cathedral began David Briggs - World Tour Briggs - World David at 11pm – a silent movie improvisation toNoah’s Ark. As the concert was part of the massive St Olaf Festival, there was a huge crowd. The concert ended at 12.45am, followed by CD signing. I was whisked back to the hotel at 1.30am and to sleep at 2am. My iPhone alarm started chirping away at 5.45am so that I could take the taxi from the hotel at 6.15am, in readiness for a 7.50am flight to Oslo and then onto Berlin. As Simon Preston once said to me, ‘it’s great fun, but sometimes you have to function at your best at the same time as feeling very tired’.

Another near-disaster was in Melbourne Town Hall where I rather un-intelligently left a bag (with wallet and passport) on the front row of the audience, at the end of the pre-concert rehearsal. Never have I felt so indebted to a vigilant Melbourne Town Hall Organ Console by Schantz (2000) concert promoter. Perhaps the most frustrating problem was in Landsberg am Lech, where the hotel was un-air- conditioned and I arrived during a heat wave. It was concurrent with a rather high-spirited and noisy Bavarian Beer festival which lasted late into the night, with the sounds of breaking beer bottles... quite a unique experience to play a concert at 11.15am the following morning on zero sleep!

On the whole, though, everything worked like clockwork. It was especially thrilling to play the Poulenc Concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia on the great Klais organ in the Town Hall. This instrument dates from 2011 and is voiced to sound like a great English Town Hall organ. It really does. Three days later I gave a Sunday afternoon concert there, in front of 1350 people.

Auckland Town Hall, New Zealand 30 Organ by Klais, Bonn (2011) David - World Briggs Tour

Berliner Dom - Sauer Organ (1904) Two weeks later another huge crowd came to the concert at Berlin Cathedral, where I particularly enjoyed the great 4-manual Sauer Organ. This instrument had the finest ‘waltzer’ (or Rollschweller) that I’ve ever come across. The crescendos and diminuendos were completely seamless, just like an orchestra. The opulent 10-second acoustic certainly helped.

Earlier on in the tour, I had the privilege of opening the Region V Convention of the American Guild of Organists at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA. A great Aeolian-Skinner instrument, recently restored by Goulding and Wood. The second half of the concert was completely improvised (as is often my wont), and included The Immigrant (1917) by Charlie Chaplin. In the final improvisation, the organ ciphered and so I improvised a scherzo around the offending E flat.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pitts- burgh, USA - silent movie improvisation (The Immigrant, Charlie Chaplin 1917) 31 After five days vacation with my beautiful wife, Madge, at Big Sur, California, I traversed the Pacific on an Air New Zealand Boeing 777. This was my first experience of Air New Zealand’s new ‘Skycouch’ service. You buy three seats in economy (well in advance), and then at the appropriate moment the David Briggs - World Tour Briggs - World David flight attendants give you a custom mattress, a duvet and two duck and down pillows. With some appropriate (liquid) anesthetic I managed The ‘Cardboard’ Transitional Cathedral, Christchurch, NZ eight hours sleep on this fourteen-hour flight. It makes a huge difference to lie down.

Playing at Christchurch, NZ almost broke my heart. The first time I had been back since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. I performed a Phantom of the Opera in the Transitional Cathedral on a Rodgers Quantum instrument. I had played three times in the old cathedral, which was devastated by the earthquake. It seems that it will need to be demolished, but opinions are still very mixed about what to do next.

At Wellington Cathedral I was amazed that anyone came to the concert, so heavy was the rain deluge in the previous two hours. The fantastic seven-second acoustic covers up a multitude of organ irregularities. A large rebuild is scheduled there soon.

The concert at Waipau Cathedral in Napier was a very happy occasion. The console is in full view of the audience and the instrument was rebuilt in a pseudo-French Romantic style about three years ago. I was amazed by Napier, the city – after the terrible quake of 1931 it was rebuilt almost completely in just two years, in the most extrovert and positive Art Deco aesthetic.

In the US and Canada, we often tend to think of Australia and New Zealand as close together, but actually the flight from Auckland to Brisbane took over four hours (2200km). The first port of call in Brisbane was St John’s Cathedral for a concert on Bastille Day entitled Révolution. This featured the Schola from the Roman Catholic Cathedral singing my Messe pour 32 Waiapu Cathedral, Napier, NZ David - World Briggs Tour Notre-Dame. It sounded heavenly in their 7-second acoustic. Melbourne Town Hall followed, a great rebuild by Schantz in 2000 of the existing 1929 Hill Norman and Beard. I reveled in the delicious orchestral sonorities of this instrument, which boasted no less than six 32ft stops. Finally, St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney, for my Mahler 2 transcription with the excellent Cathedral Choral Society and two outstanding soloists. I completely fell in love with the beautiful Letourneau organ there, despite the intense cold of the cathedral.

I returned to Europe (via Singapore and Dubai), for a concert in Landsberg am Lech (very near Munich) on a stunningly beautiful instrument, built by Siegfried Schmidt. Here isa young organ builder virtually unknown outside Germany, but one who deserves to known world-wide. It’s a new instrument housed inside a stunning baroque case and has some of the finest romantic voicing I’ve ever come across anywhere in the world.

The final concert of the tour was on the 1899 Fürtwangler und Hammer instrument in the Cathedral at Konigslütter. Again a very beautiful instrument, enhanced by a stunning acoustic. I’ll never forget the 8ft Holzflöte on the Hauptwerk – truly a dream stop, on beautiful action.

At the end of the tour it was wonderful to meet up with Madge for some vacation in Paris and Brittany and then a week with our girls in Worcestershire, UK.

My suitcase is still in one piece (just). The next trip is to UK and Sweden – this time just four weeks. I constantly give thanks for the opportunity to touch people’s hearts through organ music – I think there is no other instrument quite like it! It is very energizing, having to completely re-invent your game each time you arrive at a new instrument. It’s a type of osmosis – a two- way dialogue – each new instrument has its own personality with which you are obliged to fully engage, but also you need to establish your own musical personality very quickly. I’m St Maria Himmelfahrt - Landsburg am Lech, Bavaria also very grateful to be based at St James Cathedral, Toronto. It’s the perfect foil to being on the road, and in airports and hotels for over 30 weeks of the year. The music programme is taking off in no uncertain terms (quite an incredible choir!) and we are hoping to fully restore and enhance the cathedral organ in the next two years. It is an important part of our Canadian Organ Heritage, but urgently needs its ‘quadruple bypass and stents’. I think it may well be the best organ in Canada, once the work is done and acoustic enhanced. 33 JOHN SALISBURY (Shenstone, 1947-52) I joined the School the same term as Mr Hitchens. My impact on the School was as insignificant as his was significant. I was placed in Shenstone but was no good at sport I am sorry to say and on the aca- demic side struggled. At art I shone winning several prizes. Leaving the school in 1953 to become a member of the RAF. When I left the RAF I joined Harrods in the bespoke tailoring department to start to learn my trade. After Harrods I joined Hector Powe another firm of tailors in London.

News of Former Pupils of Former News In London I had the good fortune to meet my wife to be, Barbara. Leaving London I returned to Solihull and joined my Father in his business of Merchant Tailoring. I am the fifth member of my Family to carry on this Trade and established my own business in 1962 and I still do a little at the age of 80. In 1958 I married Barbara. We have two sons; both are in the catering industry and have both done well, both with the participation of their wives as we did. Paul (Shenstone, left 1978) the elder son is in business around this area and has two sons. David (Shenstone, left 1983), our second son, is in Business in the Buckinghamshire area. My contact with the School subsequent to leaving has been in the Golfing Society and the Shenstonian Masonic Lodge. I recommend both to Old Boys! My best wishes to the School and all the members present and past and the Staff.

BRUCE HUGMAN (Windsor, 1954-63) Out of Bounds, by Bruce Hugman A note from the author Miss Marjorie Thompson (‘MT’), my form mistress in 1A when I arrived, aged nine, at Solihull in 1954, was one of those great teachers whose influence lasts throughout one’s life. Nature study, as we knew it then, and calligra- phy were two of the precious fields she introduced us to. Searching my memory as I wrote this account of the first thirty years of my life, I was once more deeply impressed with the richness of my years at the School, at the im- mense range of knowledge, skills and opportunities of- fered, and, again, at the lasting influence of the whole experience on my later life. ‘Swottie’ Ansell, David Turnbull (‘Trumble’), Ken Ellison (‘Kaycee’), Denis Tomlin, John Jammes – and a host of others – made their serious contribution to the building of young lives and brains. Then there was the terrifying Headmaster, Harry Hitchens, who, remote and dark as he was, schooled me in public reading of the scriptures for the Carol Service and wrote the most extraordinarily positive assessment of my future when I left in 1963 – to go to Oxford - where he had sent me without prior consultation. It was not long after that that he died, by his own hand, as we understood. 34 Out of Bounds devotes almost 100 pages to the nine years of my life at Solihull School. News of Former Pupils Many of the staff, some of the boys and much of the School’s contemporary life appears in the pages. There’s no real scandal or inside gossip, but there’s a thorough account of my somewhat tortured inner life and the achievements of my public self. Contemporar- ies and those interested in the history of the School will find rich pickings from this era, more than half a century ago. Out of Bounds is available in print and eBook versions from Amazon, and from - troubador.co.uk

KEITH SJOGREN (School House, 1955-64) A Journey that Started at Solihull School A recent visit to the UK and a meeting with two long-standing friends from my Solihull School days made me think that I maybe one of those almost lost and likely forgotten old boys. I left school in 1964 uncertain as to what lay ahead and unclear as to what path I should fol- low. I was two years behind my brother, Guy (Windsor 1955 - 61), who, to the contrary was both certain and clear that his immediate future was in the Army. I was convinced by my worried parents that merchant banking was a worthy pro- fession, and good fortune and a healthy dose of luck led me to the opportunity to work for one of the oldest and most prestigious merchant banks in London. But crumbs don’t fall easily from the rich man’s table and a bachelor’s life in London can be filled with costly temptations. After three enjoyable years of genteel poverty and movement up the learning curve, I took a decision in 1967 to explore an opportunity in Canada. It was more a desire for something completely different than a decision to emi- grate and leave my fellow countrymen in the hands of a Labour Government (and the International Monetary Fund). I was not disappointed. It was and is completely different. My initial plan to stay for two or three years and then return to leafy Warwickshire was thwarted by a couple of decisions; to go to university and to get married! Once I had my degree in my hand, I re-joined the banking profession and for the next 24 years enjoyed a career with a major Canadian bank that took me to faraway places such as California, Iran and Singapore. I (along with my wife and two sons) returned to Toronto in 1983 and here we have re- mained although I moved from the practical side of financial services to the consulting side in 1995. At the respectable age of 70, I continue to work full-time as a Managing Director of a growing research and consulting firm. Much of what I learned at Solihull School has influenced me in many ways. A sense of duty and willingness to accept a challenge and an interest in the world, not just a small part of it. I acted at school and never lost a love of the stage to the point that I spent many years as a Director (Board not artistic) of the Canadian Opera Company. I was taught at school to respect others and to reach out to those less fortunate and, to this 35 Proud sponsor of The Silhillian 2015

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@GateleyPlc /company/gateley-plc 36 News of Former Pupils day, I sit on the Investment Committee of the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health, a world-class hospital devoted to research, patient care and education. A keen interest in learning (which came to me post-O levels) has resulted in being asked to chair the Advi- sory Committee to a unique graduate degree offered by Carleton University in Ottawa. So, thank you Solihull School. I enjoyed the ten years or so that I was there (other than French). I met some wonderful people and have confidence that the ability of the school to inspire has not changed since I left School House some 51 years ago.

IAN McWHIRTER (Pole, 1959-66) I left school to study the (then) very new subject of Electronics at the brand new University of Kent at Canterbury, where I joined the second year of intake. Unusually, this was offered as a physical sciences orientated course, rather than an offshoot of electrical engineering, which meant that I could continue to study physics and chemistry, two of my favourite subjects. After graduating, I moved to London to work in the electronics industry at STC designing mobile radio transmitters, and in 1972 I spent a year in Germany working for AEG Telefunken in Ulm. On my return, I worked with the Medical Research Council before obtaining a post in the Atmospheric Physics Laboratory at University College London in 1978, designing instruments for balloon and rocket experiments to study the physics of the upper atmosphere. This was my dream job. I could pursue my love of both electronics and optics, and for- eign travel provided an escape from the routine of the laboratory bench. I travelled to the USA to fly experiments into the stratosphere on enormous balloons and to work with NASA rocket engineers, and also to the north of Sweden to the Esrange scientific rocket range. Towards the end of the 1980s, financial constraints meant that the work shifted to ground based observations. We now build optical instruments and install them in au- roral observatories in Sweden, Finland and the Norwegian island of Svalbard, 600 miles from the North Pole. I have made many trips to the Arctic, where I have been able to see the wonderful Aurora Borealis. I obtained a PhD with my work designing highly sensitive imaging devices which detect individual photons of light, and optical devices known as interferometers which measure winds in the upper atmosphere by detecting the tiny red shift in the light generated by the Aurora. I have stayed with the group for the remainder of my career, and although now officially retired, I still work on a part time basis and travel to the Arctic most years. 37 On a personal level, after a brief first marriage in the early 1970s, I met my wife Mary in 1974 and we have been together ever since. We live in Islington, North London, in a lovely old house which takes up much of our spare time to maintain. I have a stepdaugh- ter and two grandsons who live in Yorkshire. I keep in shape by doing outdoor fitness training in the local park with British Military Fitness. This is something I have come to later in life. I never excelled at games in my schooldays! The military style training evokes fond memories of the school CCF where I was an active member of the signals section, under the leadership of Mr D.J Morton, officially called ‘Pronto’ in army voice procedure or unofficially ‘Brush’ on account of his wiry hair. My hobbies, when I can find time for News of Former Pupils of Former News them, include paragliding, travelling, food and drink, astronomy and, of course, electron- ics and computing. STEVE COLE (Fetherston, 1964-70) It was a fascinating time in the Gulf but the truth is Doha is a great place to leave! I had a fabulous life-style there with an apartment overlooking the marina, lots of tennis (indoor, of course) and the best Pilates teacher in the region! Plus, of course, the usual ex-pat life-style. But the real joy was its geographical location which meant I could go diving in the Maldives at the weekend or travel easily to Oman, Sri Lanka or Dubai - all a short flight away. I went 4 or 5 times to Sri Lanka and it’s a stunningly colourful and beautiful country in sharp contrast to the sand and grey tones of Qatar. For nightlife a quick trip to Beirut was always interesting. There were some fascinating stories to cover in the region ranging from the day-to-day developments of the Arab Spring to diving with the President of the Maldives (then Mo- hammed Nasheed) when he held an underwater Cabinet meeting to highlight climate change. I was also asked to carry out some investigative journalism behind the former Iron Cur- tain. I investigated organised crime in Bulgaria, high-level corruption in Romania, People trafficking in Moldova - amongst others. It was, at times, quite a scary time. Now I’m back in London I have been appointed Chairman of the Institute of Diplomacy and Business and I’m enjoying that plus a role as Director of London Welsh. The club is a short walk (through Kew Gardens) to Richmond from our house in Ealing and it’s been fantastic catching up with some old friends at the club. Plus of course Twickenham is just down the road. I have also taken to joining Richard (Claud) Butler (Windsor 1962-73) in the Nellie Dean in Dean Street for a drink or two or three. All 3 of my sons are now off the payroll. Dom - the eldest lives in Cardiff and is a senior manager with a Building Society at its HQ. Dan is a Captain with the Princess of Wales 38 Regiment and Richard is a Junior Hospital Doctor in his 1st year on the wards. News of Former Pupils ROGER COGGAN (Fetherston, 1968-74) I left school after my first year of A-levels (1974) following a ‘difference of opinion’ with the Economics master and went, instead, to the newly opened Solihull Sixth Form College which had a very different ethos to school and was an excellent experience. Success in the exams got me a place at Bangor University studying Marine Biology & Zoology, but by the time I’d finished this course the job market in marine science was drying up, so I took a PGCE in Education UCW Aberystwyth and taught for a few years in Birmingham before getting back into marine science via an MSc in Applied Fish Biology at Plymouth Poly. From there, I joined The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and completed three fixed-term contracts with them (total nine years), working on the RRS ‘John Biscoe’ (see photos 1 & 2) around South Georgia, wintering at Signy Island (South Shetland Islands) in 1989-90, where I competed my PhD on Antarctic fish, and finally leading a 3-man SCUBA diving team to survey the near-shore area around Rothera Base on Adelaide Island in the Antarctic Peninsula (67° 34’ S, 68 ° 08’ W). After leaving BAS I worked as a Fisheries Observer for the Falkland Islands Government. We were based in Stanley but had long trips on French, Spanish, Japanese and Korean fishing vessels. It was quite difficult language-wise, but the food was magnificent. Ex-pat life in Stanley was good too, with many trips out into ‘camp’ in the Landrover, and bracing dips in the sea followed by sweet hot rum from a Thermos. On returning to the UK, I spent six years at various marine labs in Scotland (Oban, Millport & Aberdeen) working on deep-water fish and the impacts of demersal fishing, and then took a research post at CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) in Lowestoft, to work on benthic ecology and seabed mapping. Our survey work on the RV ‘CEFAS Endeavour’ was limited to UK waters, but for a few of the trips I reached the dizzy RRS ‘John Biscoe’, at Signy Island, heights of ‘Scientist in Charge’. Back ashore; my job Antarctica (photo by John Fowbert) also entailed providing scientific advice to Defra on a range of marine related topics including aggregate extraction, offshore wind-farms and Marine Conservation Zones. The contrast between my first and last ships is remarkable. On the ‘John Biscoe’ we had eight to a bunkroom, communal washing facilities and three separate ‘messes’ for the officers, crew and scientists respectively. On the ‘Endeavour’ we have individual cabins with TV and en-suite facilities, and a communal canteen for all ship’s personnel, but the seating arrangements still reflect the old ‘mess’ segregation. You have to know your- sta tion in life, and woe betide you if you sit with the officers or the crew. 39 Steve’s Industries Ltd Salt Gritting and Snow Ploughing BEFORE THE TEMPERATURES FALL - GIVE US A CALL! Get your winter plan in place now!

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40 News of Former Pupils To bring you up to date, I took early retirement in May 2013, and now delight in the free- dom to do what I want, when I want. I thoroughly enjoy exploring the UK in my caravan, but still do a bit of academic and freelance work, including helping out on some of the Cefas research cruises.

STUART JENKINS (formerly Thorpe) (Jago, 1969 - 77) I’ve been living in Shirley for the last nearly 10 years, with my partner Sarah, her daugh- ter and two completely crazy dogs, a cockerpoo and a cocker spaniel. My own kids are now 19 and 21, and lead their own lives with little or no help from Dad. Still involved in egg-chasing, but as I get older and slower to heal, I referee for North Midlands Society of Rugby Football Referees. I work as an Estate Agent, based in Henley-in Arden, which is a lovely part of the world to do my work. In my free time, I volunteer as a Community First Responder with FastAid and West Midlands Ambulance Service - I must be mad!

The last two years, I have served as Worshipful Master of Shenstonian Lodge No 5544, which has been an honour. It has brought me back in close touch with the School, where we played host to the Federation of School Lodges in Sept 2015. I pass on the Chair to my successor shortly. I would be pleased to hear from any Old Boys who have an inter- est in Freemasonry! [email protected]

TIM REID (Windsor, 1980-85) Writer Tim Reid’s first ever sitcom was aired on BBC1 this year, after he approached Pe- ter Kay with his idea. Tim and his colleague Paul Coleman wrote Car Share, which came to life after they contacted Mr Kay for advice. He liked it so much that he signed up to star in and direct it.

Tim and Paul discovered a shared passion for comedy after working together as business consultants for innova- tion company What If. Both were interested in writing comedy and sitcoms, and came up with the idea of a car share. The six-episode programme broke records to become the highest rated sitcom to premiere on any channel. Following the success of Car Share, Tim returned to Solihull School to talk about his ca- reer so far and to lead a creativity workshop for current pupils. Drama and English pupils explored how to think creatively and how to nurture ideas. Tim said, “It was wonderful to be back. A lot of happy memories from my time here came flooding back.” Stuart Hart, Head of English at Solihull School said, “It was wonderful to have Tim speak to the pupils . . .His talk will have inspired the pupils on many levels, not least as they work towards their GCSEs.” 41 JASON OLLIVIER (Windsor, 1986-88) After three years enjoying everything America’s Pacific North West has had to offer, we are returning to Blighty. It’s been a tough call, but despite having skiing, fishing (and rodeo!?) on our doorstep, the News of Former Pupils of Former News call of the old country has finally won through. We return to our family home in Little Missenden, Buckinghamshire where I will exchange my 30 minute ferry commute to Amazon’s HQ in Seattle for the delights of a tube to Farringdon.

SAM GRIMSHAW (Pole, 1996-2002) Since leaving Solihull School in 2002 I’ve studied Engineering at Jesus College, Cambridge, spent three years as a strategy consultant working in the energy and transport sectors, and then returned to academia, and Cambridge, to study for a PhD in Turbomachinery. Most recently I’ve been appointed the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Turbomachinery Research Fellow at Girton College and in this role I study compressor aerodynamics with the aim of improving the efficiency and reducing the emissions of jet engines and gas turbines. I’m also responsible for teaching mathematics, mechanics and fluids to undergraduates. Recent publications I’ve authored include “Modelling Non-Uniform Bleed in Axial Compressors” and “Bleed-Induced Distortion in Axial Compressors”. The second of these won the American Society for Mechanical Engineers Best Compressor Paper prize at their annual conference in 2014. Away from work I’ve continued to play hockey and cricket and I’m still very much involved in both sports; I play and coach at Cambridge City Hockey Club, run the alumni club for Cambridge University Hockey Club, and captain a touring cricket side in the summer. As well as keeping me fit and active, sport has given me some of my best memories. One of my proudest achievements was being awarded a Cambridge Blue for hockey and beating Oxford in the Varsity Match in 2012. I was also lucky enough to meet my girlfriend Katie on a hockey pitch and we’ve been going out for nearly four years. As well as being better at hockey than me, Katie is also a “proper” doctor and currently works at Bath Hospital. Amongst many other things we enjoy travelling together and have been to exotic locations such as Italy, New Zealand and Japan, as well as having holidays closer to home in sunny Cornwall and Scotland.

DAN STRANG (Pole, left 2006) Dan Strang (right) has received a £1 million cash injection for 42 his international business, Crowd Reactive. News of Former Pupils The company, whose clients include Audi, Ferrari, Starbucks, Nike, Coca Cola and O2, provides technology for event organisers to broadcast photographs, videos and social media content from the audience using Instagram, Twitter, Vine and Dropbox. The money, which has been invested by West Midlands’ venture capitalist, Mercia, will be used to expand Crowd Reactive’s client base in Europe and Latin America, after moving into the US market. Dan, who has a degree in Business & Management from Exeter University, set up Crowd Reactive after running his own fashion business for 18 months – following the family tradition: his grandfather was chairman of Foster Bros, the high street clothing retailer, and his parents have run their own fashion business for the last 30 years. As a third generation Strang to attend Solihull School, he has fond memories of his time here, “I had the most wonderful time at Solihull and enjoyed every moment of my years there. There were really good teachers and I made some great friends. My passion was sports and I really enjoyed running and playing hockey.” An all-round sportsman, Dan captained the School’s athletics team for two years (like his father, he was an 800 metre runner), represented the School at hockey and captained the university athletics team. JOHN WHITING (Windsor, 1999-2010) John Whiting Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for charity Childreach International This August John took on the challenge of Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for Childreach International as part of a team comprising of four universities, UWE Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford Brookes and Imperial College London. Childreach International work to ensure that children in some of the most marginalised countries in the world have their rights to a good education, healthcare and safety upheld. The team of 24 raised in excess of £57,000 for the charity and were able to visit one of the charity’s projects at a school prior to ascending Kilimanjaro to see the effects of the money raised in the past as well as seeing some of the plans for what their money would do for the project in the future. John has personally managed to raise just over £3,000 for the charity for this event. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, with Uhuru Peak standing at 5,895m (19,341ft) AMSL, which is higher than Everest Base Camp. 43 John has now been in a graduate job at an account- ancy firm in Oldbury for just over a year and has managed to fundraise and prepare for the expedition alongside his job, study- ing for his professional qualifications, maintaining

News of Former Pupils of Former News his hockey commitments whilst still assisting the school with Duke of Edin- burgh Award Expeditions. You never quite know how successful you will be be- cause whatever training you do you cannot go anywhere to experience the height to find how altitude will affect you and whether you will be allowed to complete the climb. The team started from Machame Gate with 24 members of which one dropped out quite early. The effects of Malaria tablets at altitude had an adverse effect on the stomachs of a lot of the group for a couple of days, but this then settled down and was replaced by se- vere headaches as the oxygen got thinner as the climb progressed. The rest of the group made it to the last camp before the final ascent, but unfortunately on the last climb 5 were forced to turn back. It was a good job that the first part of that days climb was done in the dark (with head torches) as the sight of what you were about to attempt might have deterred even the most determined. The team had to come down to the camp the same way they went up so they saw exactly where they had been. As they climbed the headaches got worse but they needed to get permission from the lead guide to take Ibu- profen and he preferred continuous sips of water instead. As the climb progressed and water levels reduced the odd tablet was agreed to. John did make it to the top, 19,341ft (5,895 metres) as can be seen by the picture, where there is only 50% of the oxygen in the air that the body requires. Three of the team who reached the top either collapsed or wanted to sleep when they got there and the guides rushed them down. Having taken the obligatory pictures and taken in the whole atmosphere John started his descent knowing he needed to get down as quick as he could if he was going to do it un- aided. The terrain was a steep scree slope so with heels dug in and poles on the go John was descending at a good steady space when all of a sudden two guides assisting anoth- er climber raced past at twice the pace (without falling) as they had a climber who they needed to get down quickly. A delayed start in the middle of the night caused by a guide problem and the time taken to climb and descend meant only a short break at the previ- ous night’s camp for food and more importantly water as this had run out three hours earlier (not forgetting to wait a further 30 minutes for the water purification tablets to work) instead of a few hours sleep as planned before continuing to a lower altitude for the night. With darkness drawing on and after trekking for over 15 hours that night’s camp was changed, as it was obvious that they would not reach the initial planned camp. 44 After food, water and a good night’s sleep the following day saw a slightly longer final descent and a certificate News of Former Pupils for those who had made it to the top. During the descent all of the team were aware of exactly how close to their own limits they were and just what ef- fect this had on timings, as it took so much longer than expected to climb with such reduced levels of oxygen and concentra- tion. All those affected by altitude did recover albeit some took a couple of days but the guides knew when people needed to stop and they did get them moved very quickly to safer altitudes. The sight and impact of that can only be fully understood when you experience it first hand as they race past you on a dif- ficult slope. The whole experience was most certainly a challenge, but it was rewarding from both a charitable perspective and from a personal experience perspective. Special thanks go to the School Chaplaincy who contributed one of the retiring collec- tions to the cause.

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If so contact Brian Knight for details/brochure:- Tel No: 01789 488288 Mob: 07909 961757 Email: [email protected] 45 JOSEPH VAUGHAN (Pole, 2006-15) Joseph Vaughan has become one of the UK’s youngest Chocolatiers to open his own shop in the Midlands. 1683 Chocolate Place, an artisan chocolate shop, opened on Knowle High Street on 4th September. Since opening, many of Joseph’s peers and Solihull School teachers News of Former Pupils of Former News have visited the shop to show their support and to purchase some of his delicious creations. All chocolates are handcrafted on the premises by 16-year-old Chocolatier, Joseph. Alongside his GCSEs, he undertook intensive chocolate training at The Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Oxfordshire, where he developed and honed his skills and personal recipes. Instead of following the traditional career route of A levels and a degree, he has chosen to follow his dream and start his own business. He is now completing a business apprenticeship course at Stratford College, alongside creating chocolates for his shop. Joseph said, “I have always been passionate about food, so when I had the idea of becoming a Chocolatier it seemed the natural thing to do.” If business proves successful, Joseph hopes to open two further shops in Kenilworth and Leamington Spa in the future.

46 40 Years on and they finally meet up MEETING UP WITH AL TOOKEY ...... At Last! In March, Sue & I had planned to go skiing, but the grey cold winter had left us yearning for some warmth and sunshine on our backs. So, a quick look at what Caribbean cruises were available on dates that suited us, and before we had blinked, we settled and signed up for an 11 day cruise leaving from Miami to islands we had not visited before. We booked our own flights that gave us a few days before the cruise to get over to the Gulf coast of Florida for some chill out time. Marc Worrall (Fetherston, left 1975) & Al Tookey (Fetherston 1968 - 73) Having flexibility with our itinerary gave me an opportunity to see if I could meet up with Al Tookey in Fort Lauderdale. My previous attempt to meet up with him back in 2001 failed. Although we had arranged to meet, we didn’t. I had driven down to stay for a few days in Key West and on the day we were to meet, I got delayed in heavy traffic on the Interstate travelling back to meet Al. A combination of a tight schedule, and being late, conspired to having to abandon our rendezvous. Feeling guilty that I had not allowed sufficient time for the notorious traffic travelling north from Miami at certain times of the day, I was determined to meet up, if possible, with Al on this visit. There had been other visits to Florida, but lack of time on these trips meant there was never an opportunity to plan on meeting up with Al, even if he had been available, and not on the high seas working for a living! Al Tookey’s office - the bridge of the Carpe Diem

47 So, a quick exchange of emails with Malcolm Lawrie to verify I had Al’s latest email address, and I set about getting in contact with him. I crossed my fingers when sending my email, recognising that the chances of Alan being around on the limited days we could meet up was slim. A swift response was received telling me he was firmly on dry ground as his floating office was in dry dock having a re- fit which he was responsible 40 Years on and they finally meet up finally meet on and they 40 Years for organising on behalf of Carpe Diem in dry dock the owner of Carpe Diem, a 150 foot long gin palace belonging to a New York lawyer that Alan is tasked to skipper. As a result, we quickly agreed on a day to meet. This was to be on the evening we were scheduled to fly in from Gatwick. We had reserved a hotel room, but Alan seemed offended that we had, and suggested we should stay at his house and promptly offered us B&B. This made sense and we signed up. Unfortunately, our flight was delayed and it wasn’t till gone midnight we were at his front door. A warm greeting from Alan, with a first introduction to Sue, left us feeling very welcome despite the 40 years since we were at School together. Suffice to say, the priority was for a large g&t being poured and a toast made to renewed acquaint- ances. Inevitably, we started to laugh at anecdotes and memories of our times at Solihull School, our contemporaries and mutual friends now scattered around the world, as well as the UK. This woke Al’s partner up, Fiona (Fi), and left her with no choice but to join us in the early hours of the morning consuming whatever tipple Alan had poured us for the next round of drinks. Time flew by and before we realised, it was 4am, so we called it a day and retired to sleep. My memory was of a spinning room and falling asleep within Al & Fi Tookey and Marc & Sue Worrall seconds of my head hitting the pillow. Alan had to go and open up the boat first thing in the morning and set the day’s tasks for the numerous craftsmen working on the refit. How he managed that still requires a logical explanation. Fi also made it to work, but whether she did anything productive, is best not to ask. We woke feeling somewhat delicate and sought copious amounts of coffee to counter- act the previous night’s indulgencies. A text to Alan to say we were still alive was made and a reply came back to say he would return to point us in the direction of a good res- taurant to have lunch. When Alan returned, I requested we went to see the motor yacht he skippers before we set off for our planned stay in Naples on the west coast of Florida. We followed Alan to the boatyard and went aboard for a guided tour, trying not to trip over the workforce and debris from the numerous items being taken out to be replaced 48 by more contemporary fittings, all being orchestrated by Alan. We posed for photos in his ‘office’, or as the more nautical of you would refer to it as 40 Years on and they finally meet up being, the ‘bridge’, or for the less nautical, it’s where the steering wheel is located! His cabin and en-suite is off the bridge, so he is immediately at hand to steer away from any icebergs that have drifted south of the Bahamas. It was clear that the refit was not going to plan, mainly due to unforeseen problems coming to light, and the tight timescale set by the owner. Sensing that Alan had his work cut out, we said our goodbyes, and threatened to take him and Fi out for dinner on our return from our cruise before we had to catch our flight back. We had our few days on the Gulf coast, drove back to Miami and went on our cruise. We enjoyed discovering new destinations and swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea before being back in Miami and driving up to Fort Lauderdale to honour our promise to treat Fiona & Alan to dinner. All went to plan and we had a great time, but our flight was due to depart at 11pm and it was soon time to leave for the airport. Hire car was dropped off with Al and Fi providing a lift to the main doors into the airport. Hugs all round with a promise to meet up again soon, either in the UK or on our next visit to Florida. The flight home gave me time to reflect and appreciate what a special bond we have cemented with fellow pupils that attended Solihull School. The warm welcome given to Sue & I on our arrival at Al Tookey’s front door, after so many years, is testament to that. Also, how attending Solihull School has instilled in us confidence and sent us out so well equipped into the world to take on challenges beyond our training. A good example of this is Alan, he left Solihull School to start an engineering apprenticeship with Lucas on Spring Road, Acocks Green and shortly afterwards ended up crewing on millionaires’ yachts in the Mediterranean, which ultimately led him to passing exams to get his ‘ticket’ to be a sea Captain and all the responsibilities that go with that! Let alone having to take on the added responsibilities of a Clerk of Works for a multimillion dollar refit of a large motor yacht. It was great to meet up with Al again and meet Fiona. We have very fond memories of the little time we spent together on this visit to Florida. We still have so much to catch up on and more anecdotes to tell, so I hope it won’t be another 40 years before we meet up again! Al & Fi Tookey and Marc & Sue Worrall

49 On Sunday 16th August 2015 there was a family fundraising event at Blossomfield cricket club in aid of one of the most talented Old Sils sportsmen of the recent decades. Mark ‘Nobby’ Whitehead (1976 - 84) was vice-captain of the School First XI in 1984 and had the rare accolade of representing the school first XI from the age of 15. He was a prodigiously talented all rounder – a quick opening bowler and a destructive middle order batsman. Charity Cricket Match Charity Cricket Mark went on to play for Blossomfield for over twenty years and, in the early 1990s was voted the Midland Club Cricket Conference Player of the Year i.e. he was judged by his peers to be the best amateur cricketer in Warwickshire. Mark was also a very talented winger for the school first XV and went on to represent the Old Sils XV for a number of years at fly half, prior to moving on to Selly Oak. The pinnacle of Mark’s rugby career was playing for Selly Oak against Stourbridge in the North Midlands Area Cup Final in 1995 which was the last Mark with Stilyan Petrov game to be played at Moseley’s Reddings Lane prior to of Aston Villa its destruction by fire. In approximately 2003 Mark was diagnosed with, what was believed to be, Parkinson’s Disease but in recent years his illness has been re-diagnosed as Multiple System Atrophy. The illness has confined Mark to a wheelchair and has caused him to have some diffi- culty with the clarity of his speech but his extraordinary fight, sporting spirit and sense of humour remain in abundance. The event was arranged by friends and colleagues to raise money to assist with equipping Mark’s, and his wife Maria’s, home with a bathroom which is suitable for his needs. Mike Duck writes - “We all had a brilliant day at Mark Whitehead’s fundraiser on 16th August. We made the outrageous (as we believed) target of £10K and will now comfortably cover the cost of completely building and refitting a new bathroom for Mark. The turnout was spectacular and the cricket was high class comedy. Warren Gough (1974 - 83) and James Cronin (2003 - 10) got first ballers,Mike Duck (1974 - 83) bowled a wide which would have been wide in the next borough during an over which was a severe test both of Stuart Bevin’s (1976 - 83) knees and his sense of humour! Angus Morton (1973 - 82) took a spectacular falling forwards catch to turn back the years. It was a great day which only missed the absent Richard “Teflon” Cohen (1973 - 83) spilling a sitter to complete the comedy classics. Norman Burden (1973 - 83) performed with particular distinction with the ball and made a smart cameo “2” in the first game - having said that, his “chase” to the boundary from first slip was probably worth the entrance fee alone. The opposition were contemplating running 6, but thought that would be taking the mickey with a big crowd present! Chris Jowsey (1976 - 83) performed with both consistency and ability which was wholly inappropriate in the circumstances but 50 somebody needed to. Charity Cricket Match Despite the comedy highlights the school Old Boys actually performed pretty well, despite narrow defeats in both games, and were without doubt the best sledgers - usually at each other! It was a great day which was fantastically well supported and blessed by good weather – the estimates ran to over 200 people for a large part of Jez Bullock, Ian Berry. Players Warren Gough, Norman Burden the afternoon. and Angus Morton The cast list beyond the players included Dawn Duck, née Job (1981 – 83), Lorna Harnby, née Burgess (1981 – 83), Wendy and Nick Davies (1975 – 83), Ian Berry (1974 – 83), Nige Saunders (1979 – 83) and Jez Bullock (1976 - 1983). It was a genuine pleasure to have the opportunity to catch up many years of news – so much so that we are thinking of trying to make it an annual fixture. Sincere thanks to all the players, the crowd and those who gave so generously. Mark was extraordinarily touched by so many people who gave their time and money to help him – it was a heart-warming advert for the Old Silhillians network.” Mark Whitehead’s response was “Wow! What an amazing day. Thank you to everyone who made it so special, whether it was through a donation, helping to organise or simply by being there. I’m sorry if I didn’t get the chance to talk to everybody, but there were just too many of you! It was really great to see so many old faces (some from as long ago as 34 years) and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. A lot of people have said we should do it every year! Watch this space for wetroom progress photos!“ Mike Duck and Former Head Boy Chris Jowsey 51 Susie Jordan, Director of Development and Alumni Relations Susie joined Solihull as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations in April this year. As a school girl, Susie attended Loughborough High School before studying Theology and Religious Studies at The University of Leeds where she was actively involved in their R.A.G. programme. It was during this time that Susie found a passion for fundraising and helping others and her career has included roles at Macmillan Cancer Support and more recently six and a half years as a Senior Development Officer in the Development and Alumni Relations Office at Loughborough University. Whilst at Loughborough Susie worked with alumni across the world engaging them with the University through events and

Director of Development and Alumni Relations of Development Director communications as well as seeking support for the careers and mentoring programme. Susie actively worked with alumni and friends to solicit philanthropic support and direct it to areas most in need within the University. Susie’s career has also included a period working at a competition car insurance company providing crash damage insurance for race and rally cars. She also spent her weekends competing in national autotests and sprints and co-driving in single-venue and stage rallies. When not competing or marshalling, Susie enjoyed spending her winters improving her snowboarding. These days Susie has a quieter and slightly less dangerous life with her husband and their four year old daughter! Since joining Solihull, Susie has embedded herself within the School and is looking forward to meeting with more Old Silhillians in the coming months. She is looking to strengthen relationships with alumni, parents and friends to build a community of SIlhillians who can further the development of the School and increase accessibility to the Solihull experience. Susie would love to hear from you about your Solihull experience and can be contacted at - [email protected] or on 0121 703 2898.

Susie Jordan Co-driving 52 on a Rally Granite Stones / Remembrance Day Granite Stones Thank you to all of our alumni; current and former staff; parents, and friends who have supported the Silhillian Fund for Assisted Places by making a donation in exchange for a granite stone. The stones have been engraved and laid in our new Sixth Form Centre, The Cooper Building, where they make a striking addition to the entrance foyer. We are delighted to invite all those who supported the project back to School on 12th November, for the official opening of The Cooper Building by Michael Buerk, where they will have the opportunity to see their stones in situ. The School provides financial support to approximately 20 pupils each year who have performed well in the entrance examination, but whose parents cannot afford the full fees. The Silhillian Fund for Assisted Places will allow the School to increase the number of Assisted Places provided, ensuring that we attract the brightest pupils irrespective of background; and create a powerful connection between past and future generations. Remembrance Day Commemorations 2014 Every year Solihull School commemorates Remembrance Day. In 2014, to mark the centenary of the First World War, we invited former CCF staff and Old Silhillians who are serving with, or retired from the Armed Forces to join us. On Monday 10th No- vember, School Archi- vist John Loynton gave an informative talk on Solihull School’s role in the Great War, followed by a wonderful dinner in the Refectory, attended by 60 current and former CCF staff and alumni. The following day Old Silhillians came together with pupils and staff for the wreath- laying ceremony, followed by a Service of Remembrance in the School Chapel. The cer- emony included a roll call of the 55 former Solihull pupils who died during World War One. The Remembrance Service was a moving and memorable occasion, made all the more special by the presence of so many service men and women. The Third and Shell Forms also created a stunning display of 200 ceramic poppies, in- spired by the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ installation at the Tower of London. The poppies carried the names of all the fallen members of the School during the Great War. 53 Dinners, Lunches & Balls Dinners, The 58th Old Silhillians’ Past Presidents’ Society Annual Dinner Memorial Clubhouse on Thursday, 18th June 2015 Over seventy per cent of the Past Presidents attended the 58th Annual Dinner in the refurbished clubhouse. Having enjoyed aperitifs in the Pole Bar, they entered the large Fetherston conference room and sat down for dinner. Gone were the old club’s memorabilia, sports trophies, England shirts, honours boards, the Plaque honouring the fallen in two world wars, and any vestige of the Old Silhillians’ Association’s and Silhillians Sports Clubs’ long and distinguished history. However many admired the excellent donated paintings of Solihull School student artists which now adorn the walls. It is early days, but for some, this took a lot of getting used to.

Bob Toy welcomed our guests Headmaster David Lloyd, President John Loynton and Chairman of Governors Mark Hopton. Peter Callaghan gave apologies on behalf of eight members who were unable to attend and on behalf of the society sent warm wishes to Daryl Edwards and Neil Smith who have not been well. Jo Bates introduced the Immediate Past President Julia Skan who was warmly welcomed as the newest member of the Society. Bob Toy invited the current President John Loynton to say a few words and after toasting the School invited Headmaster David Lloyd to respond which he did in his generous, informative and humorous way finishing with a toast to the Old Silhillians’ Association. As is customary, a toast to Absent Friends closed the formal proceedings and thanks were given to the new steward and his team, to Rupert Davies for the excellent meal which was served and to Malcolm Lawrie who took photographs. The 59th Annual Dinner will be held in the Clubhouse on Thursday 16th June 2016 Over Sixties’ Luncheons In October 2014 the luncheon was held at Copt Heath Golf Club because the OSA Clubhouse was not available due to the building work being undertaken. The luncheon was attended by 93 members including 6 new comers and two guests, David Lloyd the Headmaster and Julia Skan President of the OSA. David gave us a report on the academic and sporting activities for the last school year and described the project to build a new Sixth Form Centre on the site of the old gym that was destroyed by fire. Julia brought us up to date with the reconstruction of the OSA Clubhouse which was scheduled for completion in the spring of 2015. Sadly it was reported that departed from us were Barry Hudson, John Madeley, Ken 54 Muir, Ron Rushton, Derek Sharman, Barry Swithenbank, Derek Young.

Dinners, Lunches & Balls On Wednesday 13th May the school welcomed 25 members of the Old Silhillians Over 60s group back to School for tea, cake and a tour. The Senior Deputy Headmaster, Sean Morgan; and Deputy Headmaster, David Morgan, took the group on tours of the School, providing them with the opportunity to see how the campus has developed over the last 40 years. The lunch was held back at the clubhouse. There were 79 members present including 2 new comers and two guests, David Lloyd the Headmaster and John Loynton President of the OSA. David gave us his update on the school and its achievements, John in his address explained some details of the new administration structure for the clubhouse and sports field.

Alas we lost Roger Bacon, John Bassett, Peter Ellis, David Hooker, Douglas Keen, Stan Lea, Michael Mensing, Glenn Westwood. Nigel Holmes (1951 – 1960 )

London Dinner On Friday 5th June 60 alumni, staff and former staff attended the Annual London Dinner at the prestigious East India Club. A wonderful time was had by all, as former pupils from a broad range of year groups came together over drinks and a delicious four course dinner. Speeches were made by the Headmaster, David Lloyd; President of the OSA, John Loynton; and London Representative, Phil Pinto. Guests enjoyed a game of Heads and Tails over coffee, and thanks to their generosity we raised £305 to support the refurbishment of the Mountain Cottage. 55 The OSA Dinner 28th November 2014 at the Memorial Clubhouse Over 80 guests were greeted by the fabulous sounds of the school’s saxophone band Saxophony coached and conducted by Music Teacher Christa Greswold (1973-75). Being the first event to be held in the newly

Dinners, Lunches & Balls Dinners, refurbished clubhouse it was going to be a good test for both the bar and catering staff. However, there was no need for concern as the night all went off very smoothly and the wonderful food served up by our Chef Rupert Davies was given the thumbs up by Masterchef runner-up Jack Lucas (2002-10). Having eaten, the diners were entertained by a speech from OSA President-elect John Loynton who told some amusing anecdotes from the School and the Association’s history. After John’s speech OSA Trust Chairman Peter Thomas (1964 - 74) presented Headmaster David Lloyd with an OSA blazer in recognition of his great contribution to the relationship between the School and the Association. This was followed by a further presentation toKeith Waterhouse (1968 - 76) by OSA President Julia Skan (1988 - 86) in appreciation of the sterling work he had done as Clubhouse Manager.

56 Dinners, Lunches & Balls

A llttle game of Head & Tails to get the evening off to a start! The OSA Ball 4th July 2015 in the Marquee Despite a number of people pulling out because of Fleetwood Mac re-arranging their concert dates, just over 100 guests attended the 2015 Ball. The evening started off with a game of Heads and Tails which was won by Tim Mulrey 1986-94) who very kindly donated his winnings back to the Association. Thanks must also go to Mike Wiseman 1967 - 73) for bringing two tables of guests. As usual the food served up by Chef Rupert Davies was spot on and followed by two sets by the fantastic bandQuest who played 70s, 80s, and 90s hits. They were followed by a disco which went on until the small hours. All in all it was a very enjoyable evening and the new siting for the marquee on hard ground ouside the old entrance to the Clubhouse is a great improvement. 57 W.Bro Stuart Jenkins (1969 - 77), Immediate Past Master W.Bro Joe Bates (1967 - 75), Secretary Shenstonian Lodge is a Lodge of Freemasons, meeting under the banner of the United Grand Lodge of England. We were formed in 1935 and have met continuously ever since. Meetings are held four times a year on the second Monday in October, November, February and March. The October meeting is when our Master Shenstonian Lodge Shenstonian for the ensuing year is Installed, and as such a good number of Masonic Dignitaries grace us with their presence. Membership is open to Old Boys, past and present members of Staff, past and present Governors and Parents. Due to our affiliation with the United Grand Lodge of England, only men are able to join, but we do hold a number of social events throughout the year, to which our families and friends are invited. The Shenstonian Lodge, also a member of the Federation of School Lodges, has its own unique character, because not only does it allow members to make new friends and acquaintances, it renews old friendships through its connection with the School. Indeed, at the Festive Board, the meal taken after our meetings, we honour a special and unique toast to the School. Members of the Lodge have a very special bond, and many friendships lasting several decades are forged and renewed. In September 2015, The Lodge played host to the Federation of School Lodges, meeting in Bushell Hall. Almost 200 Masons from a variety of school lodges attended and enjoyed a fascinating presentation, and a meal afterwards. If you would like to know more, please contact either the Immediate Past Master, Stuart Jenkins at [email protected] , 07890 048679; or the Secretary, Joe Bates at joe. [email protected] A warm welcome is guaranteed.

58 Obituaries PETER ARCULUS (Master 1959 – 1988) Peter Arculus was such an immense character that perhaps it is important that he is remembered from either side of the ‘teacher’s desk’. Following are tributes from teacher Martin Ayers and former pupil Ian McWhirter. Peter was born in Wolverhampton. After National Service in the RAF and taking a degree in Chemistry at Nottingham University he started his teaching career at King Edward VII School in Sheffield, where he made lifelong friends and whose headmaster (a Mr. Clapton) he thought of highly for the rest of his life. In 1959 he was appointed to the post of Head of Science at Solihull School by Mr. H. B. Hitchens, a post he held for the rest of his teaching career until he retired in 1988. He rapidly started building up the department. The amount of equipment the Science Department possessed was phenomenal – much of it made by his loyal laboratory staff. He was fully involved in setting up the Nuffield Combined Science course nationally and subsequently lectured on it to schools around the country. He was meticulous in his attention to organisation and detail, and expected boys and staff alike to be the same. Woe betide the boy (or his mother) who failed to get the brown-paper cover on his exercise book exactly right! As to his battles with Phil Smith (who used to throw the notes with which Peter communicated to his department into the bin unread)..…. His insistent manner when teaching classes was often audible throughout the science block (and beyond!). However, many boys valued the training he gave in scientific method and experimentation. As part of the Third Form science course he led annual trips to Whipsnade and Chester Zoos. Towards the end of his career he oversaw the refurbishment of the Science laboratories. He was a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry for over 60 years. It was a measure of his personality that successive Headmasters allowed him to mark a pile of books during Staff meeting – I can’t think of anyone else who would even have dared to try it. In his early days at the School he took part in a wide range of other activities. He was always keen to introduce his enthusiasms to his pupils and so as a lover of the outdoors he took part in Pole House trips to the Cottage (providing haute cuisine) and other trips to the Lakes and Dales. The mind boggles however at a trip to Venice with Harry Cooper, wife and daughter where Peter was left to ensure the boys gained some cultural benefit from the experience. He took part in the staff cricket team as a batsman and very safe cover point. 59 The arrival in 1973 of Giles Slaughter, a fellow thespian, led to his most memorable contribution to wider school life. They co-wrote and produced the revue ‘Staff and Nonsense’ and two years later Peter wrote the staff pantomime ‘Aladdin’. He played the part of Widow Twankey and, as always, made all his many costumes himself. He Obituaries appeared in Old Time Music Hall with some of the greats; later he was to be a founder member of the Heart of England Music Hall Society. After his retirement he gave talks to organisations such as Women’s Institutes about Music Hall, pantomime and theatre generally as well as his other great love, classical music. When at Sheffield he had supported the Hallé Orchestra, so when he moved to Solihull it was natural that he became a regular attendee at City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra concerts (in the company of PRA, and later MKA). He was a long-serving and hard-working elected member of the Council of Management of the orchestra (and also a trustee of its pension fund).

Sadly his last few months were spent in hospitals and nursing homes, an experience which as an essentially private person he had been dreading. He died peacefully on 2nd July, and in accordance with his instructions was buried (with no funeral) in Westall Park Natural Burial Ground, Redditch in the presence of only his closest relatives. Martin Ayers (with acknowledgement to Bob Melling’s tribute on Peter’s retirement in the 1988 Shenstonian) ______

It is with great sadness that I learnt of the death of Peter Arculus. He has been called legendary and that is no exaggeration. I had the privilege of being taught by him for Chemistry A level in the 1960s. Without a doubt, he was my favourite master at Solihull and his methodology has stood me in good stead throughout my scientific career. He was a stickler for doing things the correct way (i.e. his way) and he had no time for sloppy work. His marking was meticulous; neat layout of results was demanded, properly set out with no waste of space. Red ink comments such as ‘signs of slackness’ were meted out ruthlessly. Spelling mistakes were unerringly pounced upon. The greatest accolade one could wish for was ‘sensible accounts’. You knew you had done really well if he wrote this. In spite of his draconian regime (his nickname was ‘Drac’!), he had a huge sense of humour and always enjoyed a laugh. He was passionate about his subject. I well remember his excitement when, during a particularly harsh winter, a bottle of benzene on the shelf had frozen into hexagonal crystals, thus providing evidence to us that the benzene ring symbol that we had been drawing in good faith was actually correct. In class, he would never let anyone get away with not knowing the answer to his questions. If anyone struggled, he would take them back step by step to the point at which they could give an answer and then work forward again to the original question. However, this patience went hand in hand with his exasperation at boys who did not come up to scratch. This was signalled by his famously deafening bellows of rage which reverberated throughout the science block, much to the amusement of those in other classes. I had the good fortune to re-establish contact with him in recent years and visited him 60 at his home on a number of occasions. We had some wonderful conversations and Obituaries reminiscences and he related many anecdotes about his days at Solihull. He would cook lunch for me and my wife, usually based on recipes that he had learned from the head cook at school. Outside chemistry, he was well known for his devotion to old time music hall and was renowned for his flamboyant performances as a pantomime dame, both at school and outside. He was also keenly involved with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, of which he was a Director. He never wished to return to School after he left in 1988, not even to the farewell dinner that was given in honour of him and the other long serving masters who left that year. He said to me later “When you’ve left, you’ve left”. He was not left out of the proceedings, though. His place at the dinner table was occupied by a cardboard cutout of his likeness! Peter was a wonderful teacher of the ‘old school’ and I have no doubt that many of his pupils will remember him as I do, with great affection. Ian McWhirter (1959 – 66) ERNEST GEORGE THORPE (Fetherston, Left 1934) Ernest was born on the 7th July 1917 at the family house in Whitefields Road, Solihull and he died on the 11th February 2015 in Solihull Hospital, at the age of 97. At school he was good at sports, he played for the school first rugby fifteen and for the tennis team. When he left school he took up an apprenticeship at a Company in Birmingham called George Verity Ltd. where his Father, FW Thorpe was the director of the lighting division. In his leisure time Ernest played rugby for the Old Silhillians and tennis at the Arden Lawn Tennis Club. In 1936 his Father left Veritys and started up his own Company and Ernest joined him. For a couple of years they worked hard to establish the business before everything was interrupted by the Second World War. Ernest served in the 8th Army in North Africa and Italy. He was present at El Alamein and the capture of Tunis on the 7th May 1943 and a section of a censored letter he wrote to his parents on the 8th May 1943 says, “When the word was given we went straight through the gap made by the 7th Armoured and bagged Tunis in 2 days”. On the 9th February 1944 he returned on leave to marry Betty Williams at Solihull Parish Church; it was their 71st Wedding Anniversary two days before he died. After the war Ernest concentrated on the Family business, he ran the factory as Works Director, becoming Managing Director and then Chairman. His leisure time was taken up by the Arden Lawn Tennis Club, he entered fully into the running of the club, eventually becoming President. 61 Obituaries

Ernest is 2nd from the left on the back row and his brother, John, is 5th from the left on the back row. When he decided he was getting on a bit for Tennis he took up golf and joined Ladbrook Park Golf Club. He still visited Ladbrook Park when he was well into his nineties, meeting friends for lunch every other Wednesday. In his retirement he continued to play golf, he also joined Warwickshire cricket club and spent many happy summer days at Edgbaston, often he would take his grandson James who remembers the excellent picnic lunches made by his grandmother. He would also spend long periods at the Family holiday house in Tenby where he could play golf or take the boat out and fish for bass along the coast line. Ernest is survived by his wife Betty, two sons,Ian (1956 - 64) and Andrew (1958 - 67), six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. CYRIL DOUGLAS KEEN (Jago, 1929 – 35) Douglas was born on 9th November 1918 in Old Park, Dawley, Shropshire. He was brought up in Acocks Green and gained a scholarship at Solihull School. There he was educated with many of his lifelong friends incluiding Norman Harrison. He started his career in insurance before the Second World War saw him in active service eventually with the Black Watch 4th and 5th battalions. It was during the war that he met his first wife Pat and they were married in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh in 1941. This started a long and happy link to Seton, Scotland which lasted 53 years and after Pat died. Alison, his daughter was born nine 62 years later. Obituaries Pat and he were an inspiring and energetic couple who lived life to the full. They travelled abroad, worked hard, decorated houses, rebuilt gardens and of course brought up Alison to be an independent free spirit. Douglas returned to insurance which took him and the family to Edgbaston, Shrewsbury, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sheffield and finally he worked for Barclays Bank in Nottingham as a District Insurance Manager. Douglas was a club man. He loved participating in life and felt it his duty to contribute as much as he could. He was a Shrewsbury County Councillor with his “Your man is Keen” slogan. He enjoyed holidays away and was a regular participator in Probus, both at Dore and Abbeydale. He was Past President of the Insurance Institutes of Shrewsbury, Stoke-on-Trent and Sheffield. He held many positions in various Masonic Lodges and was proud to be an Honorary Member of Escafeld Lodge of Mark Master Masons. One of his main loves was Rugby Union and he was the oldest life member at Sheffield Rugby Union Football Club at Abbeydale. The club had one minute silence before the recent Rochdale match and I am sure he was cheering them onto a win. Again he was a Past President from 1975-77. Ernest is 2nd from the left on the back row and his brother, John, is 5th from the left on the back row. He had other interests and was on the committee of the Longshaw Sheepdog Trials and regularly took part in the trials at Longshaw House. Douglas was described as having eloquence and humour which made his after dinner speeches popular particularly his “ For an occasion like this”. He spent much time preparing them and practising them. As a Father he was a gentle giant who sacrificed all to bring up his family. When Pat became ill, he gave up his retirement to take up nursing and did a marvellous job of running the home. The next chapter of his life was to rekindle his friendship with Joan and they were to have 19 happily married years. They travelled abroad and around Great Britain and always seemed to be away somewhere. Douglas is sadly missed by Joan. Douglas enjoyed singing and had a good voice. His cheerful disposition meant he could burst into song at any moment. When he was in hospital recently, the nurses would comment on his repertoire. He loved jazz music and was happy to visit New Orleans with Joan and Alison for his 80th Birthday. He had a good sense of humour which helped him through the last stages of his life. At his age most of his long-term friends have passed away. He said at one stage it was a funeral every week. Douglas is missed by all who knew him. Alison Keen 63 Obituaries

Stan seated second from the left in in the 1945-6 First Hockey XI STANDLEY (STAN) LEA (Shenstone, 1937 – 45) Stan died on 1st January 2015, aged 86, after a long respiratory illness bravely borne which had latterly restricted his attendance at over 60s lunches. The 1945 Shenstonian records Stan’s time at School as sub -prefect, secretary of hockey, 1st team colours for hockey, cricket and rugby, house captain of hockey and a Sgt in the J.T.C. On leaving school, Stan joined the Royal Navy to do his National Service although throughout his whole life he was never able to swim. He served aboard the Aircraft Carrier HMS Theseus in the Far East and then on the submarine depot ship HMS Montclare as part of the North Atlantic fleet. On being de-mobbed in 1949 Stan became a cost accountant at the Bakelite Company in which year he met his wife Pam. Subsequent employment included sales roles with Lea and Perrins, Billing Brothers Printers and “Muzak” involving moves to Manchester and Camberley. Before these relocations, he played hockey for the Old Silhillians, The Phantoms touring side and most proudly for Warwickshire who he captained. In 1981, Stan and Pam, together with children Martin and Stephanie, moved to Somerset where they bought the Bull Terrier pub in Croscombe. Stan had been born in a pub, The Oakfield Tavern in Handsworth, West Bromwich, where his father, Fred, who played football for the Baggies, was landlord, before the family moved to the Dolphin Inn in Acocks Green so he was undoubtedly very comfortable in such surroundings and made a very genial and popular landlord. A great attraction to many customers were their magnificent Bernese Mountain dogs, with one being shown at Cruft’s to demonstrate the breed’s Swiss carting skills. On retirement in 2007, Stan and Pam moved to Somerton in Somerset where Stan joined 64 the University of the Third Age, explored and photographed the waterways, played Obituaries bridge with his “harem” – a group of delightful ladies, led a lunch group, joined a poetry group and completed the crossword daily. Stan was always interesting and great company possessing a keen sense of humour and a wide knowledge of many topics. Latterly, having mastered his computer, he shared views and opinions on contemporary subjects with a group of journalists and writers across the globe; many will miss his humorous emails. He leaves Pam, Martin, Stephanie and four grandchildren. PJAT/DC REVD. JOHN BASSETT (Pole, 1943 - 49) John began life in 1933 in a Dr Barnardo’s home in Birmingham. When only a few months old he was adopted by caring parents with whom he enjoyed a very happy childhood. He started his education in a prep school. He was a bright boy, a keen reader and found learning easy in the subjects he enjoyed. His insatiable appetite for sport was an emerging feature of these years, particularly for hockey and cricket, in which he discovered bowling to be his strength. The leafy lanes of Warwickshire were always identified by their neighbouring cricket fields. The Housemaster at his prep school introduced John to the Shirley Anglican Church at an early age and there he became an Altar Boy. This meant that those Sunday afternoon fishing trips with his father were often curtailed in order for John to go to Evensong. The remainder of his education was at Solihull School which had a lasting influence on him and where he made lifelong friends. He maintained his connection with the school through his membership of the Old Boys’ Association (as it was called then), playing cricket and hockey for them whenever his ministry took him back to Birmingham. On one famous occasion he bowled out David Sheppard, the former Captain of England and Sussex and later Bishop of Liverpool. John did his National Service in the R.A.F., starting at Padgate from where he was immediately sent to Singapore, serving at R.A.F. Seletar for two years where he again made long-term friendships. After demob John spent several years working for 65 the Midland Bank in Worcester. During this period he held a stewardship campaign the church there, and much to his surprise and as a consequence, John found himself attending selection conference for the ministry in the Church of England. However, his entry to the Ministry was delayed for a time as he was called home to he Obituaries with his father who was terminally ill. Both of his parents died within a period of three months. John attended St Aidan’s Theological College, Birkenhead, being ordained Deacon in 1966 and priested in Bradford in Bradford in 1967. It is while doing his Curacy in Guiseley that he met Gwyneth and it was there in I967 that they were married. His second Curacy took him back to Birmingham where he enjoyed working with Rev David Sanson. This period proved to be a very happy and fulfilling time of his Ministry. Sharon and Ruth were both born in Birmingham. Sadly Ruth had a short life and died two years later in Ross-on-Wye where Daniel was born in I975. John was very proud of his children. John then moved to Hailsworth where he was Team Rector with responsibility for seven churches. As he was constantly on the move there, he was known jocularly as the ‘rent- a-priest‘. Happy times followed in the Lincoln and Cheshire dioceses,fi rst at Laceby, near Grimsby and then at the town church in Sale, from where Daniel went in 1984 to be educated at Ripon Choir School. 70046 enters Birmingham New Street. March 1961 Photo Michael Mensing The longest period of John’s Ministry was in Southport where he remained for ten years. His emphasis there, as always, was on Pastoral Care together with the teaching and preaching of the Gospel with total sincerity. He often managed to introduce a touch of humour as well, which the congregation appreciated. Much time was given to the community, particularly as chaplain to the Sea Cadets, to the Burma Star Association and to the British Legion. Many were brought into the church through his personal contacts - through Baptisms, Marriages and Bereavements. His wife Gwyneth has always been a great support to him throughout his ministry — he even caught her enthusiasm for the work of the Mothers’ Union! While there, John and Gwyneth shared their home for many years with daughter Sharon and her daughter Lauren. The last phase of his Ministry was in Pool-in-Wharfedale where his ‘House-for-Duty’ position brought him a lot of pleasure. He then had more time than ever before, since he no longer had to attend the PCII‘ and school governors‘ meetings. At the close of this period of his Ministry he and Gwyneth retired to Otley. To complete the circle, they returned to Guiseley Church where John was happy to take services and where he officiated at the War Memorial on Remembrance Day last year. The strength of his belief and faith sustained him through his last days and he retained his mental agility to the last. MICHAEL MENSING (School House, 1944 – 49) It must have been in about 1970, when I was a teenager still at school, that I first discovered Michael Mensing’s railway photographs. I still have in my library a couple of small booklets published in 1968 with selections of Michael’s photographs of the 66 West Midlands railway scene. I think what grabbed my attention was that, being taken Obituaries

70046 enters Birmingham New Street. March 1961 Photo Michael Mensing in the 1950s and early 1960s, they showed the railway in its traditional form before it was modernised and rationalised out of all recognition following Richard Beeching’s chairmanship. At that time I had no idea that Michael was an Old Silhillian. While most of Michael’s photographs showed steam-hauled trains, unlike many contemporary photographers he did not just take “portraits” of steam locomotives, but showed them against the background of the railway scene, with platforms, buildings, sidings, signals, shunting etc equally visible. He obviously had a good “eye” and his images are all pleasingly framed. He was not averse to including the diesel multiple- units brought into service on local passenger trains in 1957, nor diesel locomotives such as the “Western” class that pulled the Paddington trains a few years later. While he was primarily interested in the former Great Western lines from Snow Hill to places like Leamington, Stratford, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge, he did also venture onto the ex-LMS lines from Coventry to New Street and beyond. I never met the man, but did correspond with him a couple of times when he was living in retirement in Stonnall in Staffordshire. He was always happy to talk about railways as they were in the 1950s, and keen to help anyone with a genuine interest. What a shame we never met! Michael’s contribution to recording a world and a scene that now seems a million miles away is invaluable. His photographs are now much sought after and have been used in many books published since 1970. Although the man has gone, his work will live on! Reg “Railway Reg” Instone RON RUSHTON (Jago, 1943 – 50) We regret to inform you that Ron passed away in July 2014. 67 GLENN CHALLEN WESTWOOD (School House 1949 – 50) 29/09/1932 to 07/03/2015 Glenn followed his older cousins Norman and Barry to Solihull School. They were Obituaries both in Shenstone, whereas he was a member of School House. He excelled at swimming and was an active member of the Cadet Force. He left in 1950 and spent the next six years studying and qualified as a quantity surveyor. In July 1957 he commenced national service with the Royal Engineers. He must have enjoyed it, as he continued in the army as a sapper, becoming a member of the army emergency reserves until January 1963, spending a period of time based in Germany. After serving his country in the army he returned to continue with his career as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor for T. Selwyn Berry and Partners, based in Birmingham, which association he continued until he retired from work. He held a number of company directorships. Glenn maintained his fondness for swimming and he was President of the Old Silhillians’ Swimming Club for many years. He lived all his life in Hollywood and spent many years renovating a derelict cottage in Wales. He inherited a lifelong passion for collecting antiques from his Mother. His collection thinned in later years, but glass walking sticks remained until the last; he even appeared in an episode of ‘Flog It’. His hobbies included wood carving and he was an accomplished glider pilot, flying from Long Mynd in Shropshire for many years. In the early 1980s he bought a 1935 Daimler 15 which was essentially just a bare shell. Typically, he restored it to full working order and he became involved with the Daimler and Lanchester Owners’ Club, becoming a Director of the club and Chairman. This involved travelling around the country to Daimler events. Amongst many other talents, he became such an expert that he was appointed a competition judge. Generally a quiet, gentle man, with a dry sense of humour, he could become quite passionate about the things that interested him. Glenn injured his back when falling from a tree some eight years ago. This hindered his mobility which eventually rendered him almost housebound. He was assisted greatly by his devoted younger sister June. Sadly she survived him by only a few weeks. He is survived by his nephews and their families. At his funeral wake, attended by family and friends from business and the Daimler 68 Owners’ Club, we went to look at his Daimler which clearly hadn’t been started for some Obituaries time. With so many Daimler experts there, plus a couple of others like me who could do menial and unskilled tasks like pumping up tyres, it soon fired up and moved under its own power. Glenn would have liked that very much. WILLIAM ROBERT CLARKE, MA (Cantab), FCIT, FRSA, FIRO (Pole, 1944 – 53) William (Bill) Clarke died on 28th May 2015 aged 80. He was educated at Solihull School and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge where he graduated with a degree in Geography. Following National Service in the Royal Corps of Signals in a unique post as a specialist instructor in cryptography for NATO Officers courses he joined London Transport in 1958, the start of a career lasting 37 years in public transport. Between 1964 and 1991 senior management appointments with London Underground, involved him in the opening of the Victoria Line and the modernisation of the Underground Network. In 1977 he was appointed as Divisional General Manager of the District and Piccadilly Lines with particular responsibility for the Underground extensions to Heathrow Airport. In 1983 he was appointed General Manager of the Docklands Light Railway, delivered on time and within budget it set a standard for political partnership in the transport sector. Appointed Operations Director of London Underground in 1986 he was charged with addressing the problem of increasing congestion and to take a look at the whole operation through new eyes. The King’s Cross Fire was a tragic introduction. Affected by the need to find someone to blame and inadequate support systems, deep scars were left. The opportunity to reshape London Underground’s business processes and take responsibility for all non-engineering capital investment came with his appointment as Development Director in 1988. Subsequently appointed Railway Extensions Director, his tenure saw the Jubilee Line extended and Cross Rail, Chelsea-Hackney, East London Line and other projects advance. From 1981 he was involved in the work of the International Union of Public Transport, was Vice President and subsequently President of the world-wide Committee of Metropolitan Railways from 1991 - 1997. He had a worldwide knowledge of Metros, Light Rail and Heavy Rail Passenger Systems with particular reference to operations and operational planning. Between 1991 and 1995 he was responsible to the Chairman of London Transport for International affairs and relations with the European Commission in Brussels. He retired from London Transport in 1995 but continued to work as a consultant for the European Union and The World Bank. 69 In his younger days whilst at Cambridge he developed an interest in rowing which extended during his national service at York Rowing Club. On working in London he joined Kingston Rowing Club and became Captain for five years. During this time his efforts ensured that Kingston RC became one of the best Clubs in the Country – an accolade it Obituaries has continued to maintain to this day. His great skills as an organiser and administrator were noticed by the Amateur Rowing Association. His involvement grew and quietly and calmly he undertook more tasks as the organisation moved into a new era. He became the GB Rowing Team Manager from 1973 to 1977 including managing the successful Montreal Olympic Rowing Team in 1976. From 1969 – 1981 he was an international umpire and was in charge of the start at the World Rowing Championships in 1978 and 1979 and the Olympic Games in Moscow 1980. It has been recognised that the work he undertook and the re-organising of British Rowing created the building blocks for the current and ongoing success of GB Rowing. This was all the more of an achievement whilst rising through the ranks in his career. Bill Clarke was a kind, modest and generous man who touched many lives in a positive way, he always helped others achieve their potential and had a ready wit and sense of humour. He married, in 1966, Ann Whysall, who survives him with their two sons, Ian and Simon and Grandchildren Imogen and Ben. BAC DAVID JOHNSON (Fetherston, 1949-1958) Passed away 1st June 2015 At school David’s knowledge of sailing together with his practical skills made him a valuable member of the school scout group and the CCF Naval section. On leaving school David joined Jaguar Cars as a student apprentice spending half his time in the factory learning more practical skills and the other half at Aston University where he gained an honours degree in mechanical and production engineering. During his time at Jaguar David was involved in the design of a rear suspension system which was later used in the XJ series of cars. David loved cars; at the age of sixteen he was driving a three-wheel Bond minicar and a Heinkel bubble car. He owned many cars including a Fiat 500, Austin A40, Mini Cooper, an XK and E type Jaguar all of which were either modified or restored. Using the skills he acquired at work he built and raced a single seat Cooper Formula Junior with a V8 Daimler engine. His driving skills also made him a very successful rally car driver. David married Jean in 1968 and they moved to Elm Farm in Balsall Common where David used the former cowsheds to build fibreglass sailing catamarans. With three young sons the time came for a more settled life and David joined Girobank which involved moving to a home in Bristol overlooking the city docks. In later life David continued to participate in hill climbs at Castle Coombe and maintained his love of sailing. He also spent time in rural France converting a derelict barn into a beautiful family home. David loved life; he lived it to the full and will be greatly missed by his family and many 70 friends. Obituaries JOHN MCNIDDER (School House, 1952 – 59) John was the eldest of three McNidder brothers all of whom attended Solihull School. On leaving school to pursue a career in brick making he went to work for a firm in Kent who sponsored him through his course in Clay Technology at Stoke. At the age of 25 in 1966 he emigrated to Australia as a ‘£10 pound Pom’. Initially he stayed with the parents of one of his Solihull School fellow pupils and friend, Greg Unsworth, where at his first Christmas Day lunch he met Pam (from Warwick) whom he married the following November. After working for various firms in Perth, Sydney and Adelaide, the family settled in Melbourne where John started his own business and was renowned for his expertise in the correct choice, maintenance and cleaning of clay products used as walls, paving etc. He was one of the consultants on the paving used for the Sydney Olympics. Whilst in Australia he discovered a hitherto unknown talent both for training dogs and also the ability to train other people to do the same. One of his dogs was the state champion in both obedience and agility and was the dog used in the Pal adverts for several years. John died in March 2015 following a three year battle against cancer and he leaves his wife Pam and two sons Stuart and Jason. BRIAN MCNIDDER (School House & Windsor, 1957 – 62) Brian was the youngest of three McNidder brothers all of whom attended Solihull School. Upon leaving school he was persuaded to start an accountancy course which he loathed and subsequently left after three years. He then moved to Kalamazoo at the time where the introduction and use of computers was in its infancy and it was this which formed the basis for his future career within the computer departments of Rover and Istel. His last full-time position before retirement was with BACD (British Association of Conference Destinations) where, although technically responsible for the computer section, he occasionally ‘had’ to undertake some of the familiarisation visits particularly those to Scotland which usually involved a visit to a distillery. In 1989 his son Iain joined Solihull School Junior School followed by David in 1994 and this led to Brian’s second period of involvement with the school. He was a stalwart supporter of the boys’ sporting activities and was a constant presence on the touchline at all their Rugby matches throughout the various age groups, both at School and Old Sils Mini Rugby, always being the ‘go to’ person for the score. Together with his wife Carol he joined the School PA Committee in 1996 and was President twice, in 1999 and 2003. Brian died peacefully at home in May 2015 after a short illness. 71 PETER ELLIS (Windsor, 1959 – 65) Peter was born on 29th January 1947 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. The family left for Australia in 1951 but was not to settle there, and returned to Solihull, where Obituaries he started his education at Cedarhurst School. Having successfully passed the entrance exam to Solihull School he thrived. He was a keen sportsman but loved cricket, where he earnt himself a reputation as an attacking opening batsman. He scored a very rapid 50 runs for the school against the MCC opening bowler, an innings never to be forgotten. When he left Solihull School he started work for the City of Birmingham Estates Department, and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in May 1969 before becoming a partner in the family estate agency business, Ellis & Young in 1970 and a Director of Secure Homes. In addition to running Ellis & Young he was elected as a Local Councillor for the Lyndon Ward in 1973, where he served for 10 years and became a well-respected Chairman of the Public Works Committee. Having played cricket for the Old Sils for a number of years, he eventually packed his bat away and joined Copt Heath Golf Club, and for some years served on the House Committee, where he became Chairman. He had a reputation as a good medium handicap player, difficult to beat and was affectionately known as ‘The Councillor’! Peter married Sue in October 1973, and they were blessed with two daughters, Jean and Michelle, both of whom followed in their father’s footsteps and attended the Sixth Form at Solihull School. In 2002, after several years as Regional Surveyor for the Halifax Building Society at the end of his working career, Peter retired with Sue to live in Kirk Michael, Isle of Man. He was a devoted family man who adored his children, and was particularly proud when he became a Grandfather for the first time in February of this year with the birth of Chloe. Peter passed away on April 2nd after a very short illness, a shock to all that knew and loved him. NEIL ROBINSON (Jago, Left 1975) We regret to inform you that Neil succumbed to cancer on 21st October 2014 aged 57. ALEX DIEZ-JONES (Fetherston, left 2009) It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that Alex Diez-Jones died on 18th April whilst travelling in South America. Our most sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.

If you become aware of a bereavement please let the editor know so that he can arrange for a notice to be put on the website and an obituary in this magazine - [email protected] 72 Hockey Success Old Silhillians’ Hockey Club European Hockey Club of the Year & England Hockey Club of the Year In May 2015, for the first time ever, an English Club won the European Hockey Federation Club of the Year Award, and the club that achieved this momentous feat was the Old Silhillians’ Hockey Club. This was the second time the Sils had been the first English Club to achieve a major landmark, following up on having been the first ever club to gain the ClubMark award. In winning this award, Old Silhillians were ranked ahead of some true behemoths of the European Game, including Blomendaal of the Netherlands and Harvestehuder of Germany, who between them have won 4 European titles and have over 3000 playing members. On August 22nd , the club was welcomed down to the European Hockey Championships, and at half-time during the first England Ladies match, Chairman Stephen Tabb (1986 - 96) was presented with the winner’s certificate along with Honorary Life Member John Harrison (1968 - 75) by the EHF President Marijke Fleuren. The club were also guests of England Hockey for the day with 12 of the Club’s members enjoying a very warm day down at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and two of the club’s junior members, Melissa Thurman, and Freddie Smith, were given the honour of presenting the match ball during the England match. As an addition to the European Award, the Club also attended the England Hockey awards on May 22nd at the Madejski Stadium and having been shortlisted 3 times previously, finally took home the title of England Hockey Club of the Year. Mike Waters (1982 - 93), Stephen Tabb, John Harrison and Tom Harrison (1996 - 2007) were on hand to collect the award from main sponsors Notts Sport. These two awards are the recognition of major work by all involved in the club over the previous 10 years that has doubled the club’s membership numbers, helped to provide one of the best hockey and multi-sports facilities in the country, and made Old Silhillians’ Hockey Club a well known name across the country. We are excited to see what the future brings, but in the meantime, if you wish to see the awards, they will be on display in the new clubhouse (once the display cabinets are up and running!).

Former England and GB Goalkeeper Simon Mason awards Steve Tabb the England Hockey Club of the Year award 73 OLD SILHILLIANS v OLD WARWICKIANS XXXX Saturday 12th September Front Row: Joe O’Malley Andre Tchakhotine Back Row: Chris Pettman (2005 – 13) , Richard Bradley (2007 – 15) , Phil Wreford (2008 – 15) , (left 2004) , Tom Harrison (1996 – 2007) David Bulford (1990 – 96) , Tom Bacon (1999 – 2010) Missing: (2002 - 13) , Dan Super (left 2009) , Luke Owen , James Clapham (1997 – 2003) Max Levenger (2006 – 14) , Patrick O’Malley (left 2004) , (1983 - 94)

74 XXXX This year was our turn to host the fixture and the hockey was played at the Club where we unfortunately lost 4-6 so Warwick retained the Strover Shield. The rugby match was hosted by the School and Solihull retained the Coton Cup with a 14-7 win over their old rivals. , (2004 – 15) , (2013 – 15) (2004 – 13) , (2008 – 15) , Will Moore Lawrence Finch (, 2009 – 14) (2007 – 15) , Lawrence Jonny Allen (2003 – 14) , (2004 – 15) , Jonny Hoey , Luke (2003 – 14) , James Hart (1995 -2006) 2009) , Simon Bright (left (1999 – 2010) , Sam Fletcher Daniel Super (1999 – 2010) Matthew Sargent Grogan (2002 – 13) , Matthew (2003 - 10) , Rory Kirke Liam Deane (2003 -14) , Alex (2008 – 15) , Charles Badham Walker Luca Back Row: (2003 -14) , Jon Super Regan 2006) , George Gamlin (2003 – 14) Tomas Aki Davies (left Nick Finnegan (2005 – 13) , Harry Morgan James Trueman James Trueman Front Row: Row: Front

75 Old Silhillians’ Golfing Society

Sport www.silhillians.net/Sports-Clubs/Golf Traditionally the December Vase is a very well supported event in the society’s year. 2014 was no exception. Open to all Old Silhillians, not just society members, it is a great opportunity to see what the OSGS is all about - great fun, golf and camaraderie. Again the shot gun start proved popular with a turnout of 68. In difficult conditions Julian Hare (1962 - 71) 35pts, won the Vase and the up to 15 handicap division, whilst Jamie Letts (left 1972) 31pts, won the 16 -24 division. John Woolman 1957 - 67) 34pts, collected the David Powell Memorial Trophy for Veterans (over 65yrs) The precursor to the AGM in April is the Captain’s team versus the President’s team for the AG Bragg Trophy. Whilst the result is not that important (it was resounding victory for the Captains’ team), it is the start of the 2015 golfing season, which, in itself, is a cause for celebration. On 26 April the Old Silhillians’ Golf Society played against a very talented Solihull team comprising of two teachers and ten pupils of which three were females. This was the first time the OSGS had entertained a mixed team. The age range was from 13 up and the handicaps from 2 up. The OSGS had a similar range of handicaps with Tom Shiels and James Hetherington (1991 - 2002) leading the team out. The result was a 3½ to 2½ in favour of the OSGS but the main result was that the match took place at all after the failure to fulfill the fixture in recent years. This match would not have happened at all without the fantastic efforts of John Belcher (1962 - 70) and past President Roger Cupit (1948 - 57) plus Headmaster David Lloyd. The A team had a very good season with victories over Copt Heath away (4-2), Robin Hood at home (4-2) and Ladbrook at home (5-1). They remained undefeated until the very last match of the season against Olton, also undefeated, for the Brian Urry Cup. With many matches decided on the 18th, the result (4 -7 loss) was not a fair reflection of how close this match was. The camaraderie, association and yet also the friendly Captain Paul Gilbert desperate to share the rivalry between the teams was clearly news of the Grafton Morrish qualification evident in the atmosphere afterwards in the 19th. Another highlight was the presence of some of the younger members of the OSGS -Tom Shiels (1998 - 2009), Jamie Clapham (1997 - 2003), Andrew Hooper (2008 - 15) and Tom Hare (left 2004). The future looks bright. The B team did not fare quite so well, being up against effectively the first teams of both Old Veseyans (2- 76 4) and Old Edwardians (halved). The Sport

Richard Turner, David Fleet, Barney Dowding & James Hetherington Louis Meryon, Bob Young, Paul Gilbert & Tom Shiels match against the largely absent ABC team resulted in a win (4-2). Three matches were deemed walkovers. The B team fixture against a particularly strong Olton side, selected following the great performances of the Sils in recent years, led them to regaining the Geoff Stubbings Memorial Trophy (2-4). Peter Siddall marshalled his troops extremely well and always got a full team out if required and made sure all that took part enjoyed themselves. The weather for our matches was kind but mention must be made of the superb efforts of the green staff at Olton, who despite spells of monsoon like rains, managed to get the course in good condition for our matches within sometimes less than 12 hours of the rain abating. The Wiseman Foursomes and the Challenge Cup were similarly fortunate weatherwise. In the Wiseman’s Foursomes, the best gross was a 88 by Nigel Thomas (1960-63) and Duncan Waters (1957 - 64), but the trophy was won by Julian Hare and David Fleet (1977 - 89) with a net 75½ . The runners up were - John Belcher and Paul Wheeler (1984 - 89) nett 78 and thirdTom Hare and Jamie Clapham with a nett 78. The Hare family may need a bigger trophy cabinet, as the Challenge Cup was won by Tom Hare with a nett 69) with Paul Wheeler and Jeremy Stubbings (1968 - 76) second and third respectively. The Charles Hill salver went to Tom Shiels (Gross 73) and the Senior Salver to John Duncombe (nett 70) with John Belcher second (nett 73). Tom Hare, alongside Max Levenger, Tom Sheils and Jamie Clapham was also in the winning team of the Invitational Am-Am. The Roy Letts Memorial Salver, having been rejuvenated by Past President Roger Cupit, is now once again a very popular event. 77 My Captain’s Away Day was held at Burford Golf Club on 21st August. This was an ideal location as the course, whilst fairly challenging, was not too long and reasonably Sport easy walking. This helped the more senior players but the age range of the attendees was quite broad. Fine work behind the scenes of John Belcher and Jeremy Stubbings, a member of Burford, and the assistance of Vice Captain Peter Siddall made the day most successful. The OSGS members, plus those who travelled as guests, enjoyed a good day’s golf and thanks must go to Burford GC for their hospitality. The major prize winners received OSGS clothing. The morning winners were Phil Johnson & Graham Wright with 24pts and in the afternoon the winning team of John Parrott (1967 - 73), Fred Harris (1953 - 57), John Batsford (1959 - 69) & Steve Fowles got 90pts. Every year there is a pilgrimage to Hunstanton for the Grafton Morrish. Yet again we were able to go to support our team who qualified for a place in the finals coming second on countback in the regional qualifiers with some help from an excellent stand-in Paul Dakin, a recent addition to the society. The Grafton Morrish is a knock out foursome competition played off scratch –no handicaps for the team of six. We were represented by David Fleet, Tom Shiels, Barnie Dowding (1986 - 95), Richard Turner (1986 - 94), Louis Meryon (left 1995) and James Hetherington. Louis Meryon out of a deep bunker at The draw was always going to be a real issue The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club with the high quality Birkenhead and George Heriots teams likely to be the first two matches. Despite three fine performances we went down losing on either the 17th and 18th in all three matches against Birkenhead. As it transpired both Birkenhead (having then lost to Heriots) and ourselves entered the plate. Again punching well above our weight we qualified for the semi finals on the Sunday for the Committee Cup. However, we went down 1-2 to Ardingly again despite strong performances. The standard of golf is something to behold and the team did us proud. The society is thriving but is always is on the look out for new members – if you play golf of any standard - don’t be shy - join! The success of the OSGS is down to the hard work behind the scenes particularly by Secretary and Treasurer John Belcher (Match Secretary), Tim Platt (1965 - 73) and of course President Bob Young (1949 - 54) and also the other members of committee. I thank them all for the support I have received. It has been an honour to be the OSGS Captain. 78 Paul Gilbert (1966 - 74), Captain Sport Old Silhillians’ Hockey Club www.silshockey.co.uk The 2014-15 season has been another incredible one for the hockey club. Whilst on-pitch activity was always going to struggle to match the multiple promotions and National Mixed Title of the previous season, there was still room for the Men’s 4ths to start their season with Alan Cave retiring from playing at the age of 70, having played for the club for 52 years; they then went on to record their most successful season in over 10 years, finishing 4th and only a loss in their final league game meant they did not get promoted. Elsewhere, the Ladies 1sts and Men’s 3rds had steady campaigns recording some good results against the top teams, but dropping points to weaker ones to ultimately finish safely in mid-table, but with many youngsters representing the sides and hence showing positive signs for the future. The Men’s 2nds also just missed out on promotion, but sadly the Men’s 1sts, playing at their highest standard for 20 years, started the year wining the Warwickshire Plate, but sadly finished the year being relegated due to a small league re-structure. The Veterans continued to maintain their reputation of enjoying themselves off the pitch as much as on it, and helping to grow the reputation of Old Silhillians as a good side to play friendly hockey against – though this was not done in a light-hearted fashion, with the side winning many more than they lost. The Ladies 3rds and Men’s 5ths were launched to provide hockey for many new players that would not normally have got matches, and served their purpose perfectly and we will look to increase the number of their fixtures moving into next season. League success was not what marked this year out as extra-ordinary though. The Junior section continued to go from strength to strength, finishing the season with over 200 members aged 14 and under, and this growth was one of the significant factors in supporting the Club’s success in winning both the England Hockey Nol Mortimer (Shentone 1986 - 94) Club of the Year Award and also becoming the - he’s still got it! first English Club to ever win the prestigious European Club of the Year Award. The European Hockey Federation (EHF) stated that they were impressed by the growth in membership, and by the numerous different opportunities that the club now provides for the wider community to try hockey, specifically referring to the Back to Hockey and Inclusive Hockey Flyerz sessions that the club has been involved in running. Please see the separate article on page 73 about the award. 79 The club is now looking forward to making the most of the fantastic new facilities that The Silhillians is able to offer, and has already hosted England Hockey for its start of Sport season Club Day, and has plans for more exciting developments – one of which was the Hockey Tots programme that launched at the start of September welcoming 42 children aged 6 and under to join the club! Steve Tabb (1986 - 96), Chairman Silhillians’ Rugby Union Football Club www.silhillians.com Playing After a promising 2013/14 season and a mid-table finish, hopes were high for the 2014/15 season. Such optimism was soon tempered with the realisation that Midlands 1 had just got tougher with more teams paying their players than previous seasons; there were reports that the team that eventually finished top had a playing budget of £80,000! With this in mind, it was always going to be a tough season. Tough, and as it turned out, nail biting (just as well for the supporters that the Old Sils have installed a new defibrillator)! Sils didn’t register a win for the first 12 games, however, they turned things around within some great performances during the run in. In the penultimate game of the season they played probably their season’s best Rohan Thompson and Nick Elliott celebrate whilst Matt Bacon adds weight performance to take a five point win (a win plus a bonus point for scoring four tries) to ensure the ball is grounded! against a highly rated, third placed Hereford. That result put survival in their own hands for the final game; and Sils duly obliged with one more great performance andyet another five point win in their last game against Kenilworth secured Midlands 1 Rugby for 2015/16. That ‘Great Escape’ consigned our neighbours Earlsdon and Barkers’ Butts to relegation to Midlands 2 along with Berkswell & Balsall who had been relegated two weeks previously. We also said goodbye to league Champions, Newport. So for 2014/15, Sils finished 11th in Midlands 1 West (English Rugby’s level 6), the second highest position in the Club’s history. In league position terms, the past three seasons Front row - Nick Elliott, Fred Howard and Tim Trace have been the Club’s best which has coincided with the number and quality of the ex-School players who have returned to the Club, and the Old Sils now form and dominate the core of the team. These players include, Oli Beech (2002 - 09), Nick Elliott (1998 - 2009), Rohan Thompson (2003 - 10), Dan Super (left 2009), Alex Kirke (2003 - 10), Tom Lee (left 2007), Matt Lee (left 2009), Matt Bacon (2000 - 11), Tim Trace (2001 - 12), Oli Trace 80 (left 2009), Stuart Clarke (1998 - Sport

Rohan Thompson and Nick Elliott celebrate whilst Matt Bacon adds weight to ensure the ball is grounded! 2009), Ben Trenchard (2002 - 11), Fred Howard (2001 - 11), Alex Winter (2001 - 11), Steve Hall (left 2004) and Lee Jones (1990 - 2000). Thankfully the 2015/16 season has seen more Old Sils return including James Arney (2003 - 12), Jack Hobbs (2010 - 12) and Ben Crow (2000 - 11) to bolster the paying roster. The objective for next season is to, once again, survive in Midlands 1 West which for the 2015/16 season we will be saying hello to Dudley Kingswinford, Bourneville, Burton, and Bridgnorth. All reportedly pay their players, so yet again Midlands 1 gets even tougher to compete in for Sils, with even more travelling involved than before. Off the field 2014/15 has been a challenge for players and supporters alike. What has impressed most though, and the biggest positive has been the strong team spirit. Losing 20 games is tough, other sides may have thrown the towel in but the Sils kept going, competing to the last and were never being seriously outplayed. Such spirit being led by the unflappable Peter (“Shelf”) Nichols. Shelf stood down at the end of 2014/15 to hand over the captaincy to Oli Beech who has proven his leadership on and off the field. The Saxons (the Second team) again had a solid season doing well in Warwickshire League 2 under the leadership of Dale Cobley and thanks to him along with Steve Allso (1966 - 72) as team manager for the effort put in on the side line. The Saints/Vets also continued to turn out this season with a lot of hard work and many thanks to former Club Captain Jim Roper. Our objective of being the best amateur Rugby Club in the area will have a more profound significance in the current season as our professional neighbours will be playing at English Rugby’s level 5, i.e. just one division above their entirely amateur neighbours... 81 Silhillians’ RUFC. The delivery of the new clubhouse and changing rooms will help us to maintain and improve our rugby offering to the local community. Sport Mini & Juniors The M&Js remain in rude health with over 340 playing on a Sunday morning from U6 through to U19 led by a strong committee for which the 2015/16 sees the introduction of James Croft (1983 - 90) as treasurer. Touch Touch Rugby has continued under the management of Martyn Brawn and Jim Shanahan. Their preference for the summer would be to play on turf, and we are currently considering where we can do this whilst working around the pitch repair programme. Touch take place on Thursdays 7:30 for those interested, see the website for details. This section which has about 40 members has the potential to increase significantly, increasing the playing numbers, business footprint and sponsorship offering of the Club. Social Events & Pitches The International lunches, organised by Phil Green (1961 - 66), have been successful both in terms of enjoyment but also fundraising. And also thank you PG for organising yet another superb Annual Dinner on April 18th with Doddie Weir as speaker, another resounding success. Finally, thanks to Clutz and especially John Griffin for the gargantuan effort spent project managing the delivery of the new Clubhouse to underpin the future success and survival of the Club. The Club is now committed to supporting Max Levenger in taking the Sports Club to a successful future. Life Membership Finally I am pleased to report that at this year’s AM the Members proposed and elected Steve Allso for Life Membership in acknowledgment of all the years Steve has played, coached, and supported the club. In fact he is still helping with the management of the Saxons. A well-earned award! Ian White, Chairman Silhillians’ Squash and Racketball Club www.silhillians.net/Sports-Clubs/Squash It has been a challenging year for the Squash Club. The redevelopment of the club house and changing rooms took much longer than expected and we lost the use of the courts and all facilities between July 2014 and April 2015. This has had quite a negative impact both on membership and revenue. We arranged for temporary membership at Solihull Arden Club for the period of closure which at least allowed us to retain a nucleus of members. We are now again playing at the Sils. The new changing rooms are basic but modern and clean with access to the courts via a clean corridor. This is a major improvement along with the fact that the courts are now an integral part of the new facility. Our objective now is to increase membership levels so that the Squash Club is once again 82 a financially viable concern. To this end we have embarked on a number of initiatives: • Re-branding the club with a new Sport modern and fresh identity. Includes leaflets, flyers and large advertising banners in the clubhouse. • Promoting Racketball as well as Squash. • Suspended joining fees and ensuring our subscription rates are competitive. • Cleaning and repairing the playing walls along with minor repairs to the court floors. • Introducing three new categories of membership, including temporary and restricted membership, to appeal to a wider audience such as those new to the area or new to the sport. • Re-introduced members’ club night every Monday as well as the internal ladder competition and club championship. • Promoting a coaching and racket re-stringing service from Andy Warmington. Andy is an England Squash level 3 coach, having previously coached 11 youngsters who achieved top 10 England ranking. He is also Warwickshire Racketball Captain. One of our long term aims is to increase membership of all standards and categories with a view to once again field a squash team to compete in the Warwickshire SRA leagues. I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more about Squash or Racketball or the membership options available to contact John Milne, our membership secretary on 0121 733 6250 or 07736 110843 Roger Taylor (1954 - 66), Chairman 83 We acknowledge with thanks, the support and interest of the following:

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METAL PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LTD 7 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 3LU Tel: 0121 745 4117 Email: [email protected] Web: www.metalpackaging.co.uk Suppliers of Storage Tins, Aerosol Cans and Plastic Caps Contact: Mike Wiseman

SIMS GARDEN MACHINERY LTD 20/21 The Waterways,Birmingham Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AW Tel: 01789 205671 Fax: 01789 299006 Suppliers of Lawn Tractors, Mowers and Garden Machinery Email: [email protected] Web: www.simsgardenmachinery.co.uk Contact: Barry Sims

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Book your next exhibition, conference or event at the Silhillians Conference Centre - first-class venue for prestigious meetings and events. Our Conference Centre holds a wealth of amenities available to ensure the success of your eventincluding 5 fully adaptable and multifunctional rooms offering the perfect environment for a successful and effective event. We are capable of accommodating up to 150 delegates and have the capabilities to expand in a marquee area with complimentary parking for all delegates.

CHEAPEST DAY DELEGATE RATE IN SOLIHULL- £25pp Our day delegate rate includes: Room Hire Tea and Coffee on arrival Working buffet lunch Mid morning and afternoon Tea and Coffee Free Wifi Complimentary Car Parking Conferences up to 150 people

FIRST CLASS SPORTING FACILITIES Two Squash Courts Astroturf available for hire Rugby, Football, Hockey and Cricket pitches Rifle Range Fit Camp Physiotherapy Surgery

PRIVATE DINING & MARQUEE HIRE

Private function room hire Three private bar areas Fine Dining Catering Christmas & New Year parties Marquee and outdoor events up to 350 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands B93 9LW t - 01564 777680 / f – 01564 775151 e – [email protected] / www.silhillians.co.uk JS House A5 ad 0513.indd 1 20/05/2013 13:52