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ConcordiaMerchant Taylors’ School Winter 2013 An image from the school musical Grease, with Kushal Patel as Kenickie, delivering Greased Lightning.

Welcome

Dear reader May I begin by making special mention Hall this summer has enabled the school These include a Twenty20 fi xture – more of all those OMTs who have contributed to welcome some celebrated speakers information will follow soon online. to this issue, particularly those who have including Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Michael Finally, I would like to thank all those who contributed on their work in the legal Palin: a foretaste of what is to come in this have sent in material for what is our biggest profession; my sincere thanks to them wonderful space. Merchant Taylors’ has ever Class Notes section. It includes career all for taking time out of busy schedules a strong online presence in all the major updates from OMTs who are part of our to o er their insights. Equally, special social networks but more importantly has LinkedIn channel, which we will continue to thanks goes to Dr Robert Pleming for his launched its own net community for OMTs expand in future as alumni use our online extraordinary account of the challenges he so that you can reserve tickets for events presence both to renew friendships and to has faced in returning the last remaining and network easily and securely. We are network with those working in similar fi elds. Vulcan bomber to fl ight. also very proud to be hosting Middlesex Jon Rippier The stunning refurbishment of the Great CCC for two fi rst class fi xtures in May 2014. Editor

Concordia E-mail Concordia at [email protected] Sandy Lodge, Northwood, Middlesex Editor: Jon Rippier Photography: 3Sixty, Ian Rudling, HA6 2HT, Tel: +44 (0)1923 820644 Contributing editors: Chris Roseblade, Rohan Gupta (5ths) [email protected] Nick Latham Designed & produced by: 3Sixty Creative www.mtsn.org.uk Sub-editors: Alison Dawson, Sandra Sansom www.3sixty-creative.com

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Introduction

An introduction from the Head Master: m y fi rst few months at MTS Sir Ranulph Fiennes when he spoke at and the Old Boys that is so crucial to have fl own by. I already feel a part the school; the beautiful music our choirs our continuing success. We are always of the MTS family and am grateful and ensembles off er; the vibrant support looking to fi nd ways to expand and for the various kindnesses and good networks the parents give to the school; strengthen our commitment to the wishes my wife and I have been the sight of Saturday sport fi lling our wide former pupils of the school. We will fi nd offered. My fi rst impression has been fi elds. Above all, I have enjoyed meeting new events that will interest all and off er of a warm and open community. The and teaching the pupils. new services to help our alumni in their pupils and teachers are exceptionally We should also celebrate the superb new careers and continuing friendships. All able. Even more impressive is that space that the Great Hall refurbishment are welcome to return at any time to see they combine scholarship with has given us. We have lost none of the the changes in the facilities and enjoy the courtesy and generosity of spirit. character of the wonderful Hall, but hospitality of the new clubhouse. I sense a proud shared history and equipped it with the most modern audio- One aspect of the relationship is the tradition, but also a zest for the new and a visual kit we can fi nd. The Hall has been support OMTs give to the school and determination always to improve. Pupils enlarged to fi t the size of the school and its fundraising. Our recent telephone at MTS are blessed with great talents, all of the wood and fi ttings have been fundraising campaign was a great success and many choose to use those talents restored. Its fi rst public use was to host – thank you very much to the OMTs who to unselfi shly support others. MTS is a Sir Ranulph Fiennes, but in short order gave and the younger OMTs who helped unique educational environment – to my thereafter it has been the venue for the staff it. May I suggest that all who are fresh eyes we have a school to treasure. Autumn Concert, the school musical interested in the life of the school involve Memories include the long-suff ering ‘Grease’ and a scintillating talk on Brazil by themselves in our new net community removal man who, after carrying the Michael Palin which attracted an audience My Merchant Taylors. This will allow twentieth box of books into the Head of almost a thousand people from the us to keep OMTs updated about events Master’s House, told me that he would, school and the local community. and will allow them to book tickets, track out of his own money, buy me a Kindle. The OMT Society was one of the fi rst down old friends and much else. Other memories are of the kaleidoscope groups to off er me a warm welcome of music and dance at the Asian Cultural and look forward to developing further Simon Everson Show; the quiet authority and courage of the relationship between the school Head Master

Winter 2013 In this issue

04 Law 21 From the Archive 28 Class Notes OMTs William Hughes QC, Stephen 24 Rubin QC, Nicholas Tse, Lionel From a Head Monitor 46 Obituaries Curry, Mark Krais, Miles Geffi n and Chrishan Raja OMT looks back at Brian Naumann write of their careers his time at the school. 50 Letter from Australia in Law. Will Copping OMT refl ects on his 26 Development travels and the Wallaby Scholarship. 14 Vulcan: Nick Latham gives an update on Delivering the Vision Development, especially on the successful summer Telephone Dr Robert Pleming OMT writes We have made every attempt to locate copyright of the challenges in restoring the Campaign. ownership of archive photography but have not always succeeded in doing so. Any owners of copyright of Vulcan bomber to fl ight. individual images are invited to contact the editor.

GIVE ONLINE TO MTS To Support the Arts, Sport, Bursaries and more, go to www.mtsn.org.uk/development Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School

William Hughes

William Hughes QC (1976-1983) has been a barrister for twenty four years, specialising in criminal cases. In Defence, he specialises in homicide, serious sexual offences and other grave crime, particularly those cases with vulnerable defendants and witnesses. He is a specialist in fraud, money laundering and drug-related crime. He also has considerable experience representing the interests of serving police officers in criminal allegations, internal disciplinary tribunals and inquests.

In Prosecution, he is regularly instructed by the CPS, in particular undertaking SOCA prosecutions on behalf of the CPS Organised Crime Division. As well as his experience defending cases of fraud and drug-related crime he is also regularly instructed to prosecute on behalf of Westminster City Council and other London local authorities. He is an Executive Committee Member Association of the London Welsh Lawyers, a Committee Member of the Fraud Lawyers Association and a Gray’s Inn Advocacy Trainer

I don’t recall it being suggested and obtained a pupillage (a year’s training responsibility follows, being able to to me in any school career talk that I under the supervision of a senior barrister) make difficult, unpopular and unpleasant could be employed surviving on a diet at my present London Chambers. (I also decisions is part of the job. Being the of dirty money, extreme violence, hard practise from Chambers in Cardiff, where ultimate advocate and the person in my family originate from). So, aside from charge of how a case is prepared and drugs and lots of sex. (The possibility dressing up in an anachronistic horsehair undertaken has its own pressures and of being a Premiership footballer was wig atop my head, swathed in a fancy gown difficulties. It means that care and not an option then and I wasn’t cool or while swanning around the Courts of the consideration in decision making have good enough to be the second guitarist land, what is it that I do? to be undertaken in as equal measure as of the Clash, or indeed the Ramones). For twenty-four years I have both preparation of the case itself. However, that is how my working life defended and prosecuted in cases of varying However, what sets this profession apart has turned out. seriousness, complexity and notoriety, which from almost any other job is the adrenaline Since the autumn of 1989, when I was is as taxing, exhilarating, draining, thrilling rush experienced in conducting a trial, be called to the Bar of England and Wales, I and ultimately satisfying as it may appear. it before a jury, Justices or a Single Judge. have been practising as a barrister, which So how does it work? Barristers are self- Jury trials, in the Crown Court particularly, is not something I ever expected to do, employed advocates who are generally (but generate a unique combination of fear, or was even on my radar when I left MTS not always) briefed to undertake cases by exhilaration, euphoria, anxiety and personal in 1983 with “underachieving” A levels. solicitors, who are in turn instructed by the empowerment in equal measure. Nonetheless, I subsequently ended up lay (legally unqualified) client. Thereafter, So what sort of cases do I actually do? getting my qualifying law degree from it has historically been the case that the The question I, and probably every lawyer Leicester Polytechnic, which enabled me to barrister will undertake court appearances I know, is asked is “How can you represent study for the Bar at the Inns of Court School on behalf of the client and appear as his or someone you know is guilty?” The answer is of Law (as it was then called). After a year of her advocate in the trial proceedings. not straightforward, but my usual response further study I passed the Bar final exams Like any other occupation with which is that just because I represent someone Winter 2013 4 5

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charged with a crime does not mean I (including cases of corruption, perjury and condone what they do or that I like them. perverting the course of justice), members of You have to act professionally and get on the Armed Services, professional sportsmen with it. I usually ask the person posing the and others regularly in the public eye (no question if they like everyone they work names I’m afraid!) in both criminal and with. In most instances the answer I get is internal disciplinary hearings, as well “No”, so there may be an analogous scenario as advising them prior to proceedings to consider. being instigated. As a direct result of my I have been fortunate enough to have occupation I have met and represented appeared in a number of high profile a multitude of personalities who are and interesting cases. The advantage of sometimes interesting, sometimes famous, exception, have accrued large student debts. prosecuting and defending is that when sometimes strange and often downright Those who undertake publicly funded work appearing for the “other side”, I am able to dangerous. I have learned about people’s will have little hope of paying off their debt look at the case from my opponents’ point of lives in ways that other occupations would for many years. Legal Aid fees have been view and prepare my case accordingly. not have afforded and about subjects of the subject of savage cuts for the last fifteen During my career I have appeared for the which I knew nothing prior to involvement years and continue to be so. In these current Prosecution in a large number of multi- in the case, such as coarse fishing on the one austere times, the commercial legal sector is million pound frauds, a series of cases hand and international arms dealing on the not faring much better. involving international criminal gangs other. That being said, qualifying as either (including the Godfather of the Turkish Earlier this year I was appointed Queen’s a barrister or solicitor is as useful a Mafia in the UK), as well as a varied diet Counsel. Aside from having to dress in an springboard to practising as a lawyer as it of murder and other violent and sexual even more bizarre wig and gown, and swear is in the business world. To do so you will offences. When prosecuting, I work closely my allegiance to Her Majesty at a ceremony need a qualifying law degree (2.1 or First are with the Investigating Officers, be they in Westminster Hall, it now means that I am a minimum requirement). Competition to police, SOCA (Serious and Organised instructed to appear in cases of the utmost study law at university is as tough as ever Crime Agency) or Customs and Excise. This sensitivity, gravity, seriousness and difficulty, and you will need three good A level passes usually involves advising the Investigation usually assisted by a junior barrister or to get a place. If you have not studied law, Team on matters of evidence, procedure and advocate. In the last few months for example, then a number of institutions offer a one law, including matters of national security I successfully represented an ex-public year conversion course called the Common and sensitivity. schoolboy from a decent law-abiding Professional Exam (CPE) or Graduate My defence practice has seen me family charged with attempted murder, Diploma in Law (GDL), the passing of represent clients as varied as murderers, resultant from his historical use and abuse which will qualify you to obtain a place to serial sex offenders, fraudsters and other of prohibited drugs. At the time of writing I undertake the Bar Professional Training career criminals, as well as those whose have just concluded the representation of a Course (BPTC) or the (Solicitor’s) Legal experience of the criminal justice system foreign national (and career criminal both Practice Course (LPC). is limited and unfamiliar. Throughout my here and in his homeland) on charges of Thereafter, to finally qualify as a career I have represented – and continue to murder and attempted murder. The murder barrister you will need to undertake a represent – the interests of police officers was as barbaric, heinous and appalling as pupillage of at least one year’s duration in one can think of. Nonetheless, however either a barrister’s Chambers or with an grave the allegation and whatever one’s approved pupillage provider, such as the personal abhorrence to it, it is only right Crown Prosecution Service. As a solicitor, that those on trial have their interests you will need to obtain a two year training represented by advocates acting without contract with a firm of solicitors, working fear or prejudice. I take professional pride in as a trainee. At the end of each term you doing just that. are not guaranteed a permanent position. For those of you contemplating a career It will very much depend on how you in law, either as a solicitor or barrister, I acquit yourself during your pupillage or commend it but encourage you to proceed traineeship! with caution. Despite the best efforts of the Ultimately I cannot compare my press and ignorant, inadequate politicians to professional experience to any other walk of suggest it, not all lawyers are “Fat Cats”; the life for excitement, personal experience and MTS 1st XV reality is quite the opposite. The majority of professional job satisfaction. Good luck if 1982-83 those entering the profession will, without you choose to do the same and enjoy. Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 6 7

Stephen Rubin

Stephen Rubin QC (1968-1973) has been a barrister for over thirty years, specialising in commercial litigation and advocacy. He has a particular focus on civil fraud, banking, telecoms, share sale litigation, foreign exchange, professional negligence and regulation and evidence from and for foreign jurisdictions. He sat on the Bar Professional Conduct Committee from 1994-1999, on the Bar Council Working Party on the proposed Supreme Court in 2004 and currently sits on the Honorary Board of United Kingdom Law Students Association (UKLSA). He is a Deputy Circuit Judge (Recorder) and a Chairman of the Bar Disciplinary Tribunal

L et me begin with a brief didn’t fi nd it satisfying – so developed a introduction about working at the Bar. civil practice; that is disputes about money, Barristers are courtroom advocates – which are, surprisingly, rather good fun. we are often portrayed in fi lms or TV A barrister’s working life is usually very interesting. One early memory was in 1980 with white horsehair wigs and gowns It’s a bit of a when I defended a gang of Hell’s Angels speaking to juries or judges. These rollercoaster who had smashed up a pub in Surrey wigs and gowns are still worn in some life, an unusual (and a few of the customers also). On the courts but unfortunately are on the fi rst day of the trial the barrister for one decline and mostly we just wear suits way of working, of the gang had not arrived. In fact he’d and ties. We present people’s cases in challenging and never met him before. The Hell’s Angel court. We are specialists in analysing kept on asking me “Where’s my brief [i.e. the issues and presenting the client’s stressful at times barrister]?” . I told him not to worry, he case attractively to the court. We was an excellent barrister and on his way. emphasise the good bits but we must but very enjoyable As time passed and there was still no not say anything we know to be untrue and stimulating appearance the Hell’s Angel asked me for or mislead the court. the fourth time “Where’s my brief?”. I said How did I end up doing this job? Well, for the mind. to him, for some reason: “He’ll be here soon, I was at Merchant Taylors’ and received don’t worry – and he’s a really big bloke”. an excellent education under Brian Rees The response to this was: “I don’t care how – an inspirational Head Master who went big he is, I don’t want to fi ght him – I want on from us to lead several other major him to defend me.” public schools. Although not particularly it seemed a good thing to do; the fact that I remember pleading a case against a successful until the Upper Sixth (I was my Dad told me to also helped. supermarket in Finchley for a woman who in the B stream till the Sixth Form and I’ve done it for over 30 years and it had been bitten by a tarantula that ran up on weekly report for a term in the Lower has been great fun. I am now a Queen’s her arm after she had grabbed a bunch of Sixth) a late spurt led to an unexpected Counsel (QC) at the Commercial Bar in a bananas from the fruit counter. We had an exhibition to Brasenose College, Oxford Chambers called Fountain Court, a Deputy expert witness who informed us that his where I read law. I left Oxford in 1976 and Circuit Judge (Recorder) and a Chairman research revealed that “about six families read for the Bar. Why? Well in those days of the Bar Disciplinary Tribunal. But it of spiders a year (i.e. mum and babies) the Bar seemed to be the glamorous part was a zig-zag route to there. I started off walk from fruit in shops”. Among other of the legal profession (which of course it prosecuting criminals in the Magistrates things in my written case, I alleged that still is!) and I liked arguing and acting so and Crown Court, defended a few – but Tesco had been negligent (careless) by Winter 2013 6 7

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failing to put a sign on the fruit counter for themselves although in groups sharing warning customers of the risk of large expenses called “Chambers”. So we set our biting spiders! They’d have sold a lot of own timetables – subject of course to when fruit wouldn’t they! I had to withdraw that the courts are sitting. as “vexatious” – a legal word for “not a They say that They say that studying law sharpens seriously arguable point”. the mind – by narrowing it. I suppose it’s When I started specialising in studying law true that the legal profession is not like commercial law it was at a time when a sharpens the mind business, advertising or working for the large number of people from the Middle BBC. It has rigorous training and strict East had come to London with oil wealth – by narrowing it rules of conduct. One has to behave and would “speculate” (gamble!) foreign … It has rigorous scrupulously – or you can be struck off or exchange, gold and other commodities. suspended. But it is endlessly fascinating, This led to lots of arguments with banks training and strict well paid and you get decent holidays. If here and abroad and some big cases which you think it might be for you then try to were great fun. We won some and lost rules of conduct. spend a couple of days with a barrister others but for a few years there was much seeing what they do. Get involved in of this. That has now stopped and the new debating at school or university or wave of work that has replaced it has come mooting – which is legal debating by from Russia. Many Russians, while living students. over there, nonetheless have contracts To become a barrister or solicitor governed by English law and which you don’t have to study law as your fi rst require all disputes to be litigated here so degree; you can do a conversion course we see much work in London. The claims after graduating in any subject as long are often worth hundreds of millions of as you have at least a 2:1. I recommend dollars. The trials can last many weeks a career in the law and at the Bar in and when in trial, we have to work 6 days particular. The days of fun at the criminal a week for 12 hours a day, day in day out. bar are probably over due to government But then when they’re fi nished we get a cuts. But civil practice whether in the few days or weeks off until the batteries are fi eld of commercial law, negligence, recharged. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster life, an building disputes, tax or human rights unusual way of working, challenging and is fulfi lling and you can make a real stressful at times but very enjoyable and diff erence. It’s a very competitive stimulating for the mind. Barristers work profession but highly satisfying. Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 8 9

Nicholas Tse

Nicholas Tse (1983-1988) read Modern Languages at Oxford and went on to do post-graduate research at the Ecole Normale Supérieure and the Sorbonne before training as a barrister. He is now an experienced advocate with diverse experience of representing governments, multinationals, banks and fi nancial institutions. Nicholas’ practice spans multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution procedures, as well as negotiating major international commercial contracts.

In addition to his experience in the English courts, he I chose the latter, has developed a track record in trying cases in off shore because in law and jurisdictions such as Bermuda, the BVI, Cayman, Jersey the Bar I saw a and the Dubai International Financial Centre Court. great challenge, and Nicholas also has experience in arbitrating international an opportunity to commercial disputes in London, Paris, Geneva and ally analysis with Dubai, and signifi cant experience of negotiating performance … contracts involving projects, distribution and supply in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East

“ H ier konnte niemand sonst read through Antony & Cleopatra, nor the Einlaß erhalten, denn dieser Eingang swashbuckling Denis Ogan regaling us war nur für dich bestimmt. Ich gehe with the tales of Camus. jetzt und schließe ihn.” They and their outstanding colleagues “Here no one else can gain entry, since inspired me to read Modern Languages at this entrance was meant only for you. I will Oxford, and I was then fortunate enough now go and close it.” to be invited to do post-graduate work from Vor dem Gesetz1 , by Franz Kafk a at the Ecole Normale Supérieure and the (1915) Sorbonne. As I fi nished myMaîtrise in Paris I I was lucky enough to benefi t from found myself in a quandary: should I being taught languages and literature at pursue my studies as a modern linguist Merchant Taylors’ by some gentlemen of to their logical conclusion, and seek to genius. I will never forget John Steane’s enter academia and become a professor rendition of the Queen of the Nile as we of literature? Should I chance my arm at Winter 2013 8 9

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becoming a professional actor, following and experience. We are a “one-stop shop” Centre Courts, and the Eastern Caribbean some 24 plays in which I trod the boards composed of barristers and trial lawyers Supreme Court2. while at Oxford? Or should I give in to the who do our own advocacy, very often During my career to date, I have been dream I had long harboured and seek to pitted against the magic circle and top fortunate enough to advise on some very become a barrister? Queen’s Counsel from England, wherever major international disputes, including I chose the latter, because in law the matters are heard. I have just returned the following: and the Bar I saw a great challenge, from a two week trial in the DIFC Courts and an opportunity to ally analysis in Dubai, in which I was pitted against • I defended China against the US with performance, and so to combine Vernon Flynn QC and Robin Knowles before the WTO Appellate Body in in some respect elements of the other an action brought by the US to prise paths I might have taken, but to a open the multi-billion dollar internal purpose which I thought more likely Chinese market for sound recordings, to make a signifi cant diff erence to the cinema and fi lm and music rights; needs of others. It is probably fair to call the path I have • I advised the main contractor on major followed since unusual, for a barrister. disputes relating to contract revenues I began as a pupil, then tenant, in Why does the on the US $18 billion Pearl GTL project, a well-regarded common law set of law so fascinate? the largest gas-to-liquid refi nery in the Chambers in London, where in my fi rst world; fi ve years of practice I was lucky enough Because the Law to amass experience as an advocate • I advised France on the severely before a great many diff erent Courts and is the ass to his delayed €25 billion A400M military Tribunals, from Employment Tribunals to master, Progress, airlifter project, helping the seven the Court of Appeal. purchaser nations to fi nd a solution to Then, some fi ve years in, I decided I and as such can only kick-start and complete the program. must use my fl uent French, and I wanted to work on major international projects, as ever seek to follow The greatest single thing I can say well as doing disputes work. economic, scientifi c about the job that I do is that, in 18 years Those twin ambitions led me to move of practice to date, I cannot recall having to France’s greatest law fi rm, Gide, in and commercial had a boring day at work, and I believe Paris. There I spent the next 12 years, development, that the work my team does makes some becoming dual qualifi ed as a French small concrete diff erence and contribution Avocat and working on a mixture by attempting to international relations and global of international project fi nancing commerce. predominantly with Africa, Asia and to regulate new Why does the law so fascinate? Because the Middle East, and on international invention and the Law is the ass to his master, Progress, commercial disputes, and building a and as such can only ever seek to follow multi-lingual and multi-cultural team innovation … economic, scientifi c and commercial of lawyers, which I continued to grow development, by attempting to regulate between 2008 and 2012 when I returned new invention and innovation, with to London for Gide. varying degrees of success. That team followed me when, in early While mankind seeks to journey ever 2012, I decided to move to my current onwards and upwards, there is no end in fi rm, Brown Rudnick, a well-known US CBE QC, who also sits as a Deputy High sight to the exhilarating developments fi rm which is more of a high-end boutique Court judge in London. which the laws of our world will need to with some 250 lawyers, as opposed to The cases we handle are sometimes adapt and evolve to refl ect. a huge international machine of 750+ before State Courts and sometimes As the Gatekeeper in the Kafk a parable lawyers. subject to arbitration and are very often suggests, if we purposely construe his The distinctive and somewhat rare heard abroad, whether in Africa, Asia, words in a constructive and positive feature of the very modern team which Europe, off shore, or in the US, as well as way, any individual may fi nd that an I have built is the fact that it features at home in London. This has led to me opportunity – perhaps even a unique lawyers from top to bottom who have both being admitted in other jurisdictions, opportunity – exists for him or her common law and civil law qualifi cations such as the Dubai International Financial somewhere within the law. 1English: “Before the Law” 2Whose jurisdiction extends, inter alia, to Antigua, the BVI, St. Kitts & Nevis. Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 10 11

Lionel Curry

Lionel Curry (1966-1971) has worked as a commercial property lawyer for 35 years having successfully set up his own firm in 1981. He looks back at how he entered the profession and recalls some of the highlights of his career

I t seems really strange looking small firm near Wembley I applied for a job first spoke to me about this was not a back to have had such a clear idea in an old established local firm, Mills Curry successful claimant as her father only had of the career path I wanted to pursue and Gaskell – not a relation – where I was consulting rooms in the hospital. interviewed by Bryan Wells, a partner in the Reflecting on what I have learnt over from such an early age at MTS but firm. There was no internet in those days with hindsight, modern trends give the last 35 years, there is not a day that so no way of looking up any useful passes when I do not learn something new, everybody far more flexibility and information about him but his tie was that whilst as a profession we do not get a opportunity to succeed than then. extremely familiar to me and I will never second chance to make a first impression My interest in becoming a lawyer was know to this day whether I got the job one has to have an open mind about the sparked by a chance meeting whilst on because of my glowing CV or the fact that impression given to you and, whilst ability holi-day in Italy with my parents, with he was an OMT! is paramount, without accessibility the Michael Sherrard QC who at that time was After two very happy years I felt ready to client will find it almost impossible to have possibly the leading silk of his day and in set up in practice on my own in March 1981 confidence in his or her lawyer. whose chambers Tony Blair was one day and the practice – now called Curry Popeck A few years ago I was introduced to a very to be a pupil. I left MTS at the end of the – consists of five partners with a total head modest and cultured international client. He Autumn Term of 1970, hopeful that my count of nearly 20 people and offices in the interview at Exeter College, Oxford would West End, Harrow and Pinner and associate was by then retired and at the end of our first secure me a place to read law. But that was offices in Paris and Berlin, covering most meeting, when he told me he wanted me to not to be the case and I had to settle for of the specialities for the high net worth act for him I asked him for his mobile number UCL, which many would say now was not private client. to be able to contact him. Most mobile in any way second best if you look at the Why Berlin you may ask? Because back numbers are 11 digits but his local number current university league tables, but seemed in 1990 my career path as a commercial was only 5. Not wishing to be intrusive I disappointing at the time when I had set my property lawyer took a very unusual turn asked him if he would mind telling me why hopes on Oxford. as a result of a conversation I had with a he had such a number, to which he responded After UCL I was fortunate to find articles, lady who enquired as to what I knew about that a number of years ago he had been the without too much difficulty, in a then well restitution of Nazi confiscated property chairman of a then very successful Finnish known city firm, Titmuss Sainer and Webb from Jews in former East Germany as her mobile phone manufacturer. now called Decherts, not because of my father had been the orthopaedic surgeon So 35 years after qualifying did I make academic record but because of published to the German Kaiser and she believed the right career choice? With 32 years at the correspondence in a well known publication that he had owned a hospital in what was same firm and hopefully another 25 to go, has which one of the partners had read. East Berlin. that not been restricting? Absolutely not, as At the end of my articles and after staying This led to a number of years commuting over the last 32 years I have been able to vary on for a short time it became apparent to me between London and Berlin and the my speciality and so that decision at the age that the City was not an environment best privilege of being responsible for returning of 14 to become a lawyer was right, even if it suited to my personality and after a short property to the rightful owners or in most was not in the direction I first envisaged at stint as an assistant solicitor with a very cases their heirs. Ironically the lady who that meeting in Italy over 45 years ago. Winter 2013 10 11

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Mark Krais

Mark Krais (1981-1986) studied Jurisprudence at Oxford where he also took a keen interest in theatre. He has successfully combined his interest in law and the performing arts and is now a partner in Bray and Krais, a law firm specialising in the entertainment industry

L ooking back at my career so far, I in Japan before closing in Moscow, I John Kennedy left his own firm three recollect that a key moment occurred at questioned whether there was some way years later to become Chairman of the end of the second year of studying to combine my passion for the performing Polygram and at that moment the seeds of Jurisprudence at university. It was arts and travel with the law. Bray & Krais were sown. the summer of 1989 and I had just My lucky break came when I was Seventeen years later, our ten lawyer stepped off stage for the second time introduced to a partner of the city law strong firm continues to inhabit the firm Theodore Goddard, who specialised entertainment space and we have at the Tokyo Globe Theatre. We were in entertainment law (primarily focused expanded our horizons to advise sports touring two plays in rep as part of the on music). I was fortunate enough to personalities, commercial brands, live Oxford University Dramatic Society win a training contract at Theodore projects across the world and theatre. As (OUDS) touring company. Due to a Goddard and loved every minute of the six the entertainment industry continues combination of tiredness, jetlag and months spent in the music department. to fragment, creating new opportunities being overexcited, I could not for the Unfortunately, there were no vacancies for investments (particularly around life of me remember which of the within that department on qualification branded live projects, publishing and new two plays we were performing that and I turned down their offer to specialise recording models) we have also expanded night. Not ideal, given that we were in intellectual property and defamation our corporate department. already twenty minutes into William litigation and instead took up the position Highlights to date? There are many, Wycherley’s The Country Wife and I of a newly qualified lawyer with John which include overseeing the legal Kennedy at JP Kennedy & Co. It was requirements for the worldwide Live 8 had been unconsciously reciting lines strange exchanging the marble clad halls Concerts in 1995, working with the Rolling from Restoration by Edward Bond. of Aldersgate Street for an old Indian Stones and their management on all of Fortunately, no one seemed to notice; restaurant in the depths of Paddington. their touring since 1996, helping to initiate most of the front row of the audience However, it became clear to me early and execute the Formula 1 Rocks series were asleep and my fellow cast on that I was drawing closer to the of concerts, and having the pleasure of members were equally comatose. commercial pulse of the music industry. working with a number of bands over This sinking feeling of realisation was The learning curve at John’s three the years and witnessing their journey in stark contrast to the overwhelming rush lawyer firm (which included myself and from pub gigs through to international of joy which I had experienced five years Richard Bray) was very steep. The city law stadia. On the pro bono side, we continue earlier, leaving the stage in the Great Hall training had provided me with an excellent to advise the Band Aid Charitable Trust at school, when the curtain came down on grounding in basic legal skills, including and we recently worked with the Stephen the last night of Cabaret. This had set me drafting and analysis; the challenge was Lawrence Charitable Trust in relation to a on what I thought at the time was going to to be able to combine those skills with concert held on 29th September at the O2. be an acting career pathway. Now I had to a newly acquired business acumen. The Do I miss the acting? Yes. Do I wish think again. revenue model of the music industry is I had chosen another career pathway? Reflecting on the situation twelve complex and particularly challenging, not Absolutely not. months after the end of the OUDS tour only for newly qualified lawyers but also which had started in the UK and lingered for many of the clients. www.brayandkrais.com Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School

Miles Geffin

Miles Geffin (1982-1987) began his career as a generalist family lawyer. After briefly writing for a legal journal he now works in the family department at Mishcon de Reya, specialising in issues facing domestic and international families

W hy family law? I most enjoyed dealing with involved sportspeople and was involved in one or It all started one Thursday afternoon family disputes. two fairly important family law cases. in the spring of 1987. David Andrews was I got the bug after I acted for a chap who I even acted for a couple of OMTs, one opining on the conflict between Shylock’s had come to see me to obtain an injunction of whom had been a prompter when I was reliance on the strict letter of the law and restraining his cohabitee. She had, he told in the Fourth Form and had reported me to Portia’s paean to equity, compassion and me, defenestrated their children’s hamster Mr Mash for smoking a cigarette at Pinner mercy. In a flash I recognised that the and goldfish and then set alight his Station. This led to one of the first of a legal regulation of the family occupies an clothes in the back garden of their house. number of run-ins with “Dobber” during alluring middle ground that embraces both During the proceedings that ensued she my pretty modest MTS career. the law beloved of the moneylender and repeatedly alleged that he had a Matisse In 2007, following a short career fairness favoured by the heiress. A glittering hanging in their bedroom and various break, during which I briefly became the career as a family lawyer beckoned. other masterpieces displayed elsewhere in deputy editor of a legal journal, I joined On reflection,Concordia isn’t the place the house. It later transpired that she was my current firm, Mishcon de Reya. I for personal historical revisionism. The mostly telling the truth. The thing was, the now look after the professional training truth is rather more humdrum. We read paintings were actually forgeries and my and development requirements of my Henry IV Part II that year and anyway erstwhile client ended up being sent to partners and the assistants in the family Twelve Angry Men, not The Merchant of prison for various related offences. department. I also get involved in exotic, Venice, led me to a career in the law. I realised that I had found my forte and, complicated or unusual cases here and Having expected to start my training soon after I qualified, I decided to take overseas, often in the appellate courts, contract with a West End firm of media a position in the family department of sometimes even achieving a modicum of lawyers in October 1992, Black Wednesday a provincial law firm where I thought I success for my clients. intervened and I was asked to defer for might be exposed to a more conventional As I approach 21 years of lawyering, I 12 months. Rather than temp for a year, experience as a newly qualified solicitor. occasionally wonder whether I’d do it all I phoned around and took a training Over the course of the next five years I over again. On balance I think I would, contract with a local two partner law firm. received an excellent training from some although if I was 18 now I’d think very Unfortunately, their offices were awful, very wise solicitors. carefully before pursuing a career in the the money was terrible and the training In late 1999 I joined a firm in Islington to law. Competition for pupillages at the hopeless. The upside was that I was head their family department. Along with Bar has always been ridiculously fierce responsible for a couple of cabinets full of a couple of assistants we built an eclectic and it’s become the same for training client files that covered the entire range caseload. As well as acting for wealthy contracts. The law schools churn out far of work that used to be dealt with by high residents of Islington’s leafy squares, we more graduates than the profession can street generalist solicitors: property, crime, also ran a legal aid practice meeting the accommodate, and it shows. Some trainees personal injury, probate, general litigation rather different legal needs of the borough’s are often far better qualified than the and family issues. less well-heeled residents. partners who supervise them. My advice to Although it was interesting acting for A couple of years later I was invited to an MTS Sixth Former considering a career an alleged terrorist (he wasn’t, and was join the partnership, and jointly head the as a lawyer? Don’t study law at university acquitted) and for a shopkeeper accused family department, of a firm in Hampstead. (it’s dull) and learn to communicate with of indecently assaulting his staff (he had, In the years that followed I acted for a economy (lawyers are no longer paid by and was duly convicted), the cases that number of musicians, entrepreneurs and the word). Winter 2013 12 13

Law

I obtained my higher rights of audience so that I could appear in the Court of Appeal. Brian At the peak of my career at Duncan Lewis I was running a court team of eight advocates, supervising their work and Naumann mentoring them to be the best that they could be, and this was incredibly satisfying. At the same time I was running my own appeals, taking two cases to the Court of Appeal to change the law. One of the Brian Naumann (1991- decisions provided guidance on the very 1998) is a solicitor-advocate test for permission to appeal, amending constitutional law. at West End law firm After ten years of working in legal aid, Magrath. He spent several I was always interested in justice and the with cuts in funding on the horizon, and in idea of right and wrong; I suppose I decided the knowledge that I would not be able to years as an immigration that I wanted to make a difference too, but progress my career any further at Duncan without really knowing how. I studied for Lewis, I decided to move on and obtained specialist, eventually the Bar at the College of Law in London a job at PwC Legal. Going straight from becoming the youngest and joined the Inner Temple. Becoming a legal aid to the city was a shock to the barrister is notoriously difficult since there system and I found myself going from director in the country is such fierce competition for pupillage. representing those who had no money at all Several interviews later I was within arm’s to representing millionaires. Ultimately, the at legal aid firm Duncan reach when the Chambers concerned split change in environment was not for me, and Lewis. He now advises into two sets, and the rug was pulled out I decide to move on. I found a great niche from under me. firm in the West End called Magrath and private individuals on all I took a job as a ‘caseworker,’ what I could not be happier. I am now advising matters, especially their they labelled a non-practising barrister foreign investors and entrepreneurs who at the time, with a legal aid firm called wish to set up a business in the UK or invest family and business needs Duncan Lewis. I joined the Immigration in UK publicly listed companies, but I also Department and began to work on asylum assist them with their private immigration and immigration law. As a fresh-faced law needs and with citizenship advice. school graduate, to call it a baptism of fire There is a great deal of job satisfaction would be an understatement. My work as a lawyer, and there are many feel-good for the next several years would involve moments: that moment when your client I settled on a career as a lawyer early not just attending asylum interviews finds out that they have been granted on I think. I remember choosing History for refugees, but assisting them to draft refugee status; that moment when your GCSE to begin learning the skills of statements of their account of persecution client is granted bail and his loved ones in through an interpreter, assisting them with the back of the court room jump for joy and evaluating evidence. Not wanting to you get assaulted by hugs; that moment give up any languages though, I took drafting their detailed appeal statements (rebuttals against the reasons for refusing when a judge allows an appeal so that a French, Latin and Greek to A-Level their applications), and the drafting of legal family can be reunited and the client from which was the perfect way to begin arguments for their court hearings, and my Africa says: ‘Jesus bless you’; that moment learning drafting and advocacy skills. favourite part – attending court to advocate when you find the perfect legal argument I read law at University College, on their behalf. I represented refugees, or that provision which solves a client’s Durham. At that time the Human foreign spouses, students, workers, and problem; the enjoyment and satisfaction Rights Act was passed, and I found criminals facing deportation. of drafting that legal provision you found myself very interested in this, as well as I decided to cross-qualify and become into a concise argument; that moment constitutional law, British sovereignty, a solicitor so I took the Qualified Lawyers when you can see how far your team have and the supremacy of European Transfer Test, which involved going back come and that their skills have improved; the enjoyment of attending lectures to stay Law. Outside of the law, having been to law school to learn about what solicitors do, and to learn about the Solicitors updated on the law. There is so much scope involved in theatre at Merchant Taylors’ for what you can do as a lawyer. If you enjoy I was very interested in acting, and this Accounts Rules. I joined the Law Society and continued to work at Duncan Lewis, this writing, you can put your skills into drafting. was something I continued at Durham. I time joining the Criminal Law department. If you enjoy composing (moving) speeches, also directed a play (Les Mains Sales) in Keen to continue to be involved in you can do advocacy. You can be a barrister my final year, probably having got a feel advocacy I worked as a criminal trial lawyer, or a solicitor; with direct access or higher for it after winning the House Drama representing clients in the magistrates’ rights of audience. No two lawyers are the competition for Mulcaster. Looking courts. The firm promoted me to supervisor, same and the profession is vast and exciting. for a way to continue with something and then to head of department, and I am proud to have been ‘called’ to the theatrical and continue with the law, I eventually, I was asked to become a director Bar and admitted to the roll. It hasn’t always decided that becoming a barrister was so that I became the youngest director of been easy, and it involves a lot of hard work, but I couldn’t do anything else. the way forward. the largest legal aid law firm in the country. Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 14 15

Vulcan: Delivering the Vision

Dr Robert Pleming FRAeS (1964-1970) led the project that returned the Vulcan bomber to flight. After gaining a doctorate at the Oxford University Nuclear Physics Laboratory, he joined the IT industry, but thirteen years ago he decided to change career to pursue an aeronautical dream. He writes about the project and those experiences at Merchant Taylors’ that led him to pursue his vision and prepared him for its challenges Winter 2013 14 15

Vulcan

F or men of a certain age, the Avro Vulcan is instantly recognisable, not least because of the innumerable Airfix Vulcan models constructed by them. For others, familiarity with the Vulcan has come more recently through her appearances at airshows. The Vulcan is a large aircraft – about the same size as a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320 – but surprisingly manoeuvrable and incredibly noisy. A sight once seen, never forgotten. The Vulcan saw service in the RAF from 1956 to 1984. The RAF kept one example, Vulcan XH558 flying up until 1993 – and I was one of the hundreds of thousands of people at air displays in the 1980s who stood in awe whenever she appeared. I was also one of the 200,000 people who signed a petition to keep the Vulcan flying, after the MoD decided that the expense of keeping XH558 airworthy was not affordable following the end of the Cold War. Having followed XH558 during her final flying years, I looked more deeply into the history of the Vulcan, and the engineer in me was amazed by the leap in aviation technology in the immediate post-WW2 years that the aircraft represents. Believing that British heritage needs to have a flying Vulcan, conscious of the public support for XH558 and aware that the aircraft was retired early, in 1997 I resolved to explore the feasibility of returning Vulcan XH558 to flight. Besides, a good friend told me I’d never make it happen – I can’t resist a challenge! Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 16 17

Vulcan Origins In July 1945, just after the end of World War 2 in Europe, Churchill, Stalin and Truman met at Potsdam to decide on Europe’s structure. During the meeting, Truman was told of the successful test of the atomic bomb; Stalin’s spies ensured he knew too. By the end of August, the world had changed yet again: Truman had authorised the use of bombs on Japan; Stalin had become fearful of America’s intentions; Churchill had lost the election to Clement Atlee and on 28 August 1945, Atlee had presented a paper to his Cabinet proposing that, to retain control of its foreign policy, Britain should build its own atomic bomb. The Avro Vulcan was developed to carry that bomb to the Soviet bloc, in retaliation for a nuclear attack on the West. Innovative design The Vulcan was conceived in 1946-7 by Roy Chadwick of AV Roe (who had designed her predecessor, the Avro Lancaster) to meet the requirement for a bomber to carry the British a-bomb. of a project plan built in spare time by a This unique tail-less delta fi rst fl ew in small volunteer team of experts under August 1952. The production versions my leadership, and the enthusiasm of embodied such innovations as twin- The Avro Vulcan some senior BAE Systems personnel, spool axial turbojets, an AC power this support was granted in May 1999 – system, cabin pressurisation, electronic was developed to theoretically, the Vulcan could fl y again. countermeasures and electro-hydraulic In September 1999, a design workshop powered fl ying controls. carry that bomb including representatives from BAE From 1957, the Vulcan was the major to the Soviet bloc, Systems and retained engineering delivery vehicle for the British strategic authority Marshall Aerospace specifi ed a deterrent, until superseded by Polaris in retaliation for a survey to determine whether there were in 1969. Afterwards serving in a tactical any insurmountable technical issues, and role, the swansong of the Vulcan occurred nuclear attack on the scope of the work needed to return during the Falklands Confl ict in 1982, the West. XH558 to airworthiness. when a lone Vulcan, refuelled several By Spring 2000, the aircraft had times by a fl eet of Victor tankers, put the undergone the survey, which verifi ed enemy-held Port Stanley airfi eld out of Feasibility Study that its airframe and systems could be action. The last Vulcan squadrons were restored to airworthiness at reasonable disbanded in 1984, but Vulcan XH558 fl ew The challenge I faced was whether the cost. In addition, the availability of a on as a sole display aircraft until she was civil aviation regulations would allow an library of original documentation and sold, and fl own to Bruntingthorpe Airfi eld ex-military aircraft as heavy, powerful and design data, and several hundred tons of in Leicestershire in March 1993. Having complex as the Vulcan to fl y. The key to spares – including, vitally, eight zero-time entered RAF service in July 1960, XH558 progress turned out to be the support of Rolls-Royce Olympus engines – meant is now the oldest complete Vulcan, as well BAE Systems, who had inherited design that the restoration to fl ight was now as the last one able to fl y. responsibility from AV Roe. With the aid feasible. Winter 2013 16 17

Vulcan

It was clear I needed to take a decision: aircraft for faults, followed by rectifi cation including the fl ying controls, so the the project now demanded my full-time of those faults. During this period, the integrity of the electrical system is vital: attention. Should I stay in employment hundreds of components were overhauled the aircraft was rewired. at Cisco Systems, or take a leap into and returned for the recovery of the an uncertain future leading the Vulcan aircraft to the correct confi guration for Recovery and Testing restoration? How many chances in life fl ight. Tests followed, fi rst on the ground With structural work nearing completion does one get to make such a unique and then, with ticks in all the boxes, the in the Spring of 2007, attention focused contribution? At the beginning of April aircraft was released for its fi rst test fl ight. on refi tting the aircraft’s systems. The 2000, I resigned from Cisco. For the inspection, virtually everything components taken off for overhaul were Costings showed that about £3.5million that could be removed from the aircraft refi tted: from canopy to landing gear, would be required. After two applications was removed, requiring a major exercise from engines to powered fl ying control and considerable public support, in to track each component. Every aspect units – the list went on and on. With June 2004 the Heritage Lottery Fund of the aircraft’s structure was inspected the exception of modern avionics, the confi rmed the award of £2,734,000, with visually, and non-destructive techniques restored XH558 is almost completely the rest to be raised by ourselves. An were used to discover any underlying authentic. 18-person technical team was recruited, problems. Numerous repairable faults Ground testing started in early summer and put through a 13-week Vulcan-specifi c were found, including skin cracks, of 2007 with the application of electrical technical training course. Finally, in missing rivets and corrosion, but none so power. One by one, the various systems August 2005, following the necessary signifi cant to warrant concern. were put through procedures to ensure CAA approvals, work started. The aircraft’s hydraulic, pneumatic and oxygen systems were removed for correct operation. August arrived: it was Restoration inspection and overhaul. All fl exible pipes time to light the fi res! The four Olympus and seals were replaced, an expensive engines were started and performed The restoration was to have four phases eff ort on its own. The Vulcan has many perfectly – over 25 years since they were starting with a detailed inspection of the critical systems powered by electricity, last run. It would be wrong to imply that Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 18 19

Every winter, the aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection and lubrication; critical components which have a calendar life, such as the ejection seats, are overhauled there were no problems found – there were – but that is what testing is all about. By October, XH558 was ready to move again under her own power. Slow and fast taxy tests followed, including deployment of the brake parachute. Finally, after 26 months, with over 100,000 man-hours and £7million spent, Vulcan XH558 was ready to fl y again. Thursday 18 October 2007 was a perfect day, and in front of the crowd of those who had worked on the project, XH558 roared down the runway and soared into the air. There were shouts, cheers and tears of joy – so much eff ort by so many people. I felt elated, but remember thinking “I can’t relax until she’s back on the ground”. After a 30-minute fl ight, our test fl ight crew brought her back for a perfect landing. We had done it. Safely. The restoration of Vulcan XH558 has been hailed as the world’s most challenging heritage aviation project ever – the Everest of aircraft restoration. I did wonder whether I was going to end up as Mallory or Hillary…. Aircraft Operations Following further test fl ights to resolve problems with the avionics, XH558 was awarded her ‘Permit to Fly’ in July 2008. Two days later, she fl ew her fi rst display for an enthralled public at RAF Waddington. Since then, XH558 has fl own more than 230 hours in front of twelve million smiling and proud people at events during over 160 fl ights around the UK and Europe. To keep the aircraft in top condition, checks on the engines, landing gear and critical structure are driven by fl ying hour milestones. Every winter, the aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection and lubrication; critical components which have a calendar life, such as the ejection seats, are overhauled. This is not cheap: to keep XH558 fl ying costs around £2million per annum, for 40-50 fl ying hours. Winter 2013 18 19

Vulcan

Vulcan B.Mk2 Facts and Figures Dimensions: Length – 106 ft. (32.6m) with refuelling probe

Height – 27ft. 1 in. (8.3m)

Wingspan – 111 ft. (34m)

Wing area – 4,000 sq. ft. (379 m2) (= 1 ½ tennis courts)

Weight: Maximum in-service Take Off Weight – 204,000 lbs. (92,534 kg)

Powerplant: Four Rolls-Royce Olympus turbo jets of 16,500 lbs (7,500 kg) of static thrust each (=23,000 hp each)

Four alternators fi tted to the engines produce a total of 138 kW

Fuel: Capacity – 9,500 gallons (39,000 ltrs), held in 14 fuel tanks

Performance: Maximum speed – 645mph at 39,375 ft. (1,032 kph, at 12,115 m)

Unrefuelled Range – 4,600 miles (7,360km)

Maximum altitude – 64,960 ft (19,988 m) The Future be taking her fi nal fl ight in the next few years. Crew: When the last RAF Vickers VC10 was When she stops fl ying, we aim to keep In RAF service: two Pilots, Air grounded last September, Vulcan XH558 her capable of ground taxiing; she will Electronics Offi cer, Navigator- became the only all-British four-engined be in the best condition of any large Radar, Navigator-Plotter jet aircraft in the world capable of fl ight, British aircraft of her era. We are the sole survivor from the era when planning for XH558 to become the Now: two Pilots, Air Electronics Britain led the world in aircraft design centrepiece in a new facility to inspire Offi cer and manufacture. the young in design and engineering. Unlike modern airliners, the Vulcan In my view, the success of the project First fl ights: was designed to have a ‘safe fatigue was due to: the perseverance of the Prototype (VX770) – August 1952 life’: XH558 has a limit to the life of her small team that made it happen; the structure, beyond which she cannot enormous support coming from the XH558 – May 1960 fl y. There is one further life extension public’s desire to see the Vulcan fl y; and modifi cation which will be applied to the the assistance from many fi rms in the Number of Vulcans built: 134 aircraft this winter, but the life left in her British aviation industry. Olympus engines means that XH558 may One unexpected outcome: returning 20 21

XH558 to fl ight has confi rmed that working engineering heritage is able to communicate with the public on several levels: telling the historical story, exemplifying innovation, inspiring the young, and generating pride in successful endeavour. The Merchant Taylors’ contribution I’d like to think that every OMT is able to identify aspects of their life that they can my eyes turn skyward whenever I hear an for something to fi ll the gap when the idea attribute to experiences gained during aeroplane. My mother, as a WAAF just occurred to spend some time looking into their time at Merchant Taylors’. For me, after the War, had a fl ight in a Mosquito. the feasibility of returning the Vulcan to these include an interest in physics, a Naturally, at Merchant Taylors’, I joined fl ight. So at least two good things have career in computing, a love of aviation the RAF section. Air Experience Flights emerged from the horror of Dunblane - and a certain ability on the shooting gave me a taste of fl ying, and an appetite Andy Murray winning Wimbledon, and a range. It’s the combination of these for more, so I applied for and luckily won fl ying Vulcan. that led to the vision of a fl ying Vulcan an RAF Flying Scholarship – 30 hours of The breadth of the Merchant Taylors’ becoming reality. fl ying at the long-gone Luton Flying Club. experience, and the confi dence and I owe a huge debt to teachers Jim At the age of 17, I was infected by the determination resulting, have enabled me Clark, Roger Greene, Leslie Robotham aviation bug; it’s never left me. on so many occasions to grasp success and Harris Thorning, who between them Through the CCF, I learned to shoot, from likely failure – and in the case of lit the sparks of interest in Maths and and shoot well – ending up as Captain of the Vulcan, have confounded those Physics in the Lower Sixth that led me to Shooting for the year that the school won who thought the goal of a fl ying Vulcan a scholarship to St John’s Oxford and a the Public School Aggregate at Bisley. unreachable. First in Physics. Additionally, Jim Clark’s I found rifl e shooting easy, and by the I contend that all the people who Sunday afternoon sorties to use an age of 17 I had added the more diffi cult have supported the Vulcan project owe Elliott 803 computer (1,000 instructions sport of target pistol shooting to my her return to fl ight in no small way to per second, paper tape input-output!) portfolio. (Before I left Merchant Taylors’, Merchant Taylors’ School. taught me how to program a computer – I was legally the proud owner of a 0.22” launching me down a path which led to semi-automatic pistol – imagine that Robert Pleming a 23-year career in IT with IBM and nowadays!) I continued pistol shooting all Cisco Systems. through university, where I was Captain of [email protected] The Combined Cadet Force was and OU Pistol Club, and thereafter at County For more information about still is a huge contributor to the breadth level wherever I lived. In 1997, after the of experience at school. My parents’ Vulcan XH558, please visit: Dunblane massacre, the government www.vulcantothesky.org house in Northwood was under the fl ight unnecessarily took our target pistols path from RAF Northolt; now, as then, away: I lost my sport. I was casting around © Robert Pleming October 2013 Winter 2013 20 21 From the Archive

Robert Westmoreland (1962-1968) especially knowing well that we were so intercept the frequent incoming Soviet sent in this photo. He writes: “I had a most close to a primary target, the Northwood Bear and Bison bombers sent over the enjoyable time in the RAF section of the underground control centre. That scare North Cape and down the North Sea to CCF at school. I only have one photo of happened when I was in the 3rd Form, probe and test our defences. A couple of some of us, a group of we cadets during a barely a month after entering Merchant the aircraft were always on QRA (Quick stay at RAF Binbrook (then a Lightning Taylors’. Reaction Alert) by the end of the runway, interceptor base) in 1968, my fi nal year at When the photo was taken in 1968, rather than in hangars or on the main MTS. Binbrook in Lincolnshire was a major hard-standing areas, with fully kitted pilots I expect that the RAF CCF cadets now front-line fi ghter base tasked with the waiting in small huts alongside them wear the standard ‘No 2’ Service Dress, interception of incoming Soviet Air ready to get airborne immediately, with a lightweight and practical uniform. In Force bombers and on our visit that both further aircraft on 15 minute reaction time. my time and I suppose for a few years brought home the serious nature of the The English Electric (BAC from 1968) thereafter, the heavier wool Second World stand-off and made our week or so there Lightning was blisteringly fast, going from War-and-after Battle Dress was worn, we all the more interesting. For example, they ‘brakes off ’ on the runway to 40,000 ft. in RAF section guys in RAF blue/grey and took us down into the bunker where they under 2½ minutes. It was our fi rst Mach the Army section in the khaki version, serviced the heat-seeking missiles that 2 (1,300 mph) fi ghter, a speed seldom both with webbing belt and gaiters. We armed the aircraft. One missile, clamped exceeded even these days (although in its also used and marched with the Second on its test rig with nose cone removed, time, the extraordinary Concorde did so World War vintage .303 Lee Enfi eld short was demonstrated to us. The engineer daily as it cruised routinely at 1,320+ mph). magazine rifl e, a fairly heavy beast with switched on a soldering iron near it and Nowadays, the older aircraft types quite a kick when fi red. immediately it reacted, moving its fi ns as displayed at RAF base entrances are My time at MTS was in the depths it would to manoeuvre towards a target. fi breglass replicas, the real things being of the Cold War and I remember well, We saw or heard many 5 Squadron far too rare and valuable to leave out in for example, the concern, to say the scrambles during our time there as their the open but in those days, they were least, that all we pupils felt and talked aircraft roared off day and night with originals, such as the Spitfi re in our about during the Cuban missile crisis, cones of fl ame exiting the jet engines to Binbrook picture.” Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 22 23

An African

AdventureBarrie Gotch (1995-2000) was about to open a nightclub in London before a chance trip to Uganda saw him take a very different path. He writes of the challenges of setting up what is now an award-winning luxury safari lodge

M y father, Len, owns a you find in zoos are lowland gorillas which gorillas every couple of weeks. Now the fun corporate travel company called are slightly smaller, have less fur and are part – how could we buy this land? Uniglobe Total Travel and back in 2006 more adaptable to survive in captivity. In Uganda it is very rare to find land with he was invited to Uganda in order to I had now completed the final leg title deeds. Living there was a family who see the country and all it has to offer. of our trip and having always been an had been self-sufficient, living in mud huts entrepreneurial type, I immediately saw an for generations. To buy the land we were I was a regional manager for a chain opportunity. All the hotels I had stayed at in informed that every family member would of nightclubs in Leeds at the time and Uganda were charging 5-6* prices but only have to agree. Each member had different was making plans to move back to providing 2-3* levels of accommodation prices, some of which went into the London permanently and possibly open and service. Why was this? All of them were thousands of dollars. I had been made well a nightclub of my own for which I had very busy so I had to explore this further. aware that the prices we would be offered already put together a comprehensive After chatting with the agent who invited as westerners would be significantly higher. business plan and found backers in us, and hearing her confirm my suspicions, This was my first big mistake – negotiating Leeds. My father asked if I would like I decided to take up the challenge. myself and not using a local. We finally to join him on the trip to Uganda. My After returning to the UK, I did extensive agreed a price after a year of negotiation life would never be the same. research, was told by numerous people that and being let down constantly. I think we I found Uganda to be stunningly I must be completely mad, put together single-handedly boosted land prices in the beautiful and the greenest place I had a business plan and went out to find area by 1000% and I realised I was going to ever been – quite in keeping with Winston investors. My father immediately agreed have to learn very fast how to do business Churchill’s description of it as ‘The Pearl of to put in a percentage of the capital and in Uganda. Africa’. I travelled throughout the country another one of the investors was Robert I found a builder/architect in Uganda doing chimpanzee tracking, big five safaris, Fishman, an OMT from the same year and sat with him, explaining all my ideas boat safaris on Lake Victoria (the source group as me who is currently an Assistant and concepts. He came to see the land and of the Nile) and finally the main attraction Director in Deloitte Restructuring Services. his first comment was “This is going to be – gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable After 3-4 months of various challenges I tough and you will need more land”. Ouch! Forest. You trek through the forest with had found all the investors I required and Anyway, after a further two years of land guides and a group of up to eight tourists was ready to begin the journey which would purchases, negotiations, and planning we until you come face to face with a group of consume the next five years of my life. were finally ready to build. gorillas. On meeting these magical beasts, Robert and I initially travelled back to I could write a book on the challenges you spend one hour watching them and Uganda in order to find the perfect piece of building and then running a business even interacting with them if they choose of land. We found a plot opposite the forest in Uganda but the four biggest challenges to come up and say hello. Watching the that had taken our breath away which in getting the lodge built and then up and gorillas in their natural environment is an was home to a stunning 800/900 year old running were: experience which cannot be put into words. mahogany tree that could be seen for miles • The remoteness of the land. Bwindi There are no mountain gorillas in captivity around, a river, a freshwater spring and is 15 hours away by car from Entebbe as they don’t survive, the only gorillas that the added bonus that it was visited by the International airport. 7 hours of that Winter 2013 22 23

drive is on track that is sometimes You can fly to Entebbe direct from impassable for supply trucks due to London Heathrow with British Airways weather conditions. We had many in around eight hours and catch a trucks break down en route to the lodge connecting flight to Mahogany Springs with various building supplies. These which takes around 45 minutes. Those trucks were then left unattended and who wish to come on a longer safari the materials disappeared. around Uganda can travel by road. It’s a very safe, beautiful country which is • The mind-set of the Ugandan people. currently booming. Meeting the gorillas The local people that we have most of should be on everyone’s bucket list. our dealings with are from a completely On a side note – I am asked by many but now the challenge would be the different world and interaction between people who understand the challenges of service; luckily, I found an exceptional us can be very challenging when it Uganda what it was that made me stick General Manager from Kenya who comes to business issues. The pace of with the project when so many give up. had been running 5 star lodges in the life in Uganda is the opposite to that of I must admit I thought about giving up Maasai Mara and a head chef from the UK and getting anything done fast Nepal whose cooking was sublime. many times but in the end I came to the or with urgency is near-impossible. same conclusion “Nothing is a problem, I handle all the marketing, logistics, just another challenge”. I believe this • There is no infrastructure so therefore bookings, payments and client mind-set came about from an illness I no power, drainage or water system, and communication myself from my desk here had. Whilst at university I was diagnosed everything has to be created. Mahogany in the UK and the management team run with a very rare and aggressive form Springs is run by hydropower from the the lodge on the ground. of cancer in my chest and given only a fast moving river, this provides enough Mahogany Springs has now been open 30% chance of survival. I had a year of power for us to run the entire lodge to a for two years and is widely recognised chemotherapy followed by an operation level as if you were at home in the UK. in Uganda as a lodge that provides the and I am now in my tenth year cancer highest levels of service and comfort free. I do believe this experience changed • Finding a trustworthy, reliable and more to clients. We have featured in the my attitude to life and undoubtedly than qualified management team to Independent, the New York Times and Wall enhanced my determination. run the lodge. After a further two years Street Journal amongst others. We reached If any OMTs wish to meet the gorillas of constant obstacles and challenges number one spot on Trip Advisor for the or discuss any business ideas, please get to overcome, as well as having been area within a year of opening and we are in touch. presented with the opportunity to give enjoying extremely high occupancy levels. up many times, we were finally ready The plan is to expand Mahogany Springs to open in April 2011. The lodge was by adding more rooms and then ideally exactly as I had pictured it, built to an build another lodge in a different area [email protected] exceptionally high standard of comfort of Uganda. www.mahoganysprings.com Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 24 25

Chrishan Raja was Head Monitor in 2006-2007. After leaving MTS, he read Law at Magdalen College, Oxford and Harvard Law School. He now works for a Wall Street law firm in New York City, London and Washington, D.C., where he is currently based

A s I sit and attempt to do The school seemed to foster an almost as they did every other philosophical, justice to my time at Taylors’, it is tangible spirit of endeavour, a constant political and religious subject obliquely hard to believe that over six years encouragement to students to push referenced in the texts being studied, and themselves in whatever discipline(s) I remember being stunned by David’s have passed since I last donned that they saw fit. Without making a conscious general knowledge of everything. I was grey suit (boring but easy, I always decision to be so, I found myself occupied fortunate enough to be taught by him for thought – I hear today’s 6th Form has every lunchtime with a myriad of “extra- three of my first four years of Latin, during more trouble). That said, having left curricular” activities, ranging from sports which time he became a trusted adviser more recently than the other Head to music and drama. It felt so easy to get and mentor. It came as a wonderful Monitors whose experiences have involved because there was so much on surprise when, during my final weeks as filled these pages thus far, I apologise offer and – well – everyone seemed to be Head Monitor (three years after David had in advance if this piece takes on doing it. left the school), I received a letter from the same character of “stream of What springs to mind most when I him congratulating me on being accepted think of the school is the cast (and I use to read Law at Oxford, apologising for the consciousness” recollection of which that term deliberately) of characters, both delay in communication and, of course, J.G. Brown often accused me during students and teachers alike, with whom offering some words of advice. A2 History. Above all, I hope that interactions took place on a daily basis. Such strong affinity with teachers was the following encapsulates, to some This formed a key element of life at MTS common in the school as I remember it; to degree, the school as I knew it; if, in which may, I feel, be often overlooked. My this day, conversations with other OMTs doing so, I give my peers pause for contemporary, Peter Belden (erstwhile are punctuated with memorable instances: laughter then all the better. CCF dropout and self-styled intellectual, J.G. Brown’s extraordinary memory for The MTS that I joined in 2000 appeared now WestPoint graduate and First facts; N.G. Blight’s superhuman arm- extremely daunting. I’ll never forget that Lieutenant in the United States Army), wrestling ability; and Roger Coode’s first day, squeezing through the green habitually vaunted my memory for small, French accent (impossible to replicate), door at the entrance to the “table tennis often useless, details. Please allow me the to name but a few. On a personal note, lobby”, amazed at the sight of so many indulgence of now putting this to good GCSE Biology with N.T. Richards was a pupils who seemed to know exactly what use: particular highlight, with our initial fear of was going on. Then Head Master Jon As 3rd Formers, my year had the honour the omnipresent “pop quiz” soon turning Gabitass’ ability to memorise every new of Latin with either D.J. Critchley or M.C. to deep appreciation of a teacher whose student’s name was well documented Husbands (I kid you not), the former passion for his subject was matched and so came as no great surprise; more being the only teacher who continued to by a wicked sense of humour, often shocking, however, his ability to chase wear his Master of Arts gown during every with hilarious consequences. For one, down Tom Davies during U12 rugby! class. These contained as much Latin the practical demonstration of a reflex Winter 2013 24 25

From a Head Monitor

reaction using (only) a metre ruler and privilege; and further just how they dealt his tireless eff orts and willingness to tabletop: “A rapid, automatic response to with the rest of the school staring at them step in whenever the need arose. A word an external stimulus that does not require each morning! A neat (albeit admittedly too for our fellow Monitor, Matthew initiation by the brain” (exam emphasis bizarre) trick I developed was a daily Putt, without whose Wolsey-like powers added). Generations of Neil’s students pre-occupation with cleaning my glasses, of administration the year would have have such defi nitions forever embedded thereby averting the gaze of some seven been far more diffi cult. One of many in their minds. Unforgettable, too, the hundred other students. such feats of organization was the end of time (future 1st XV rugby captain) Oliver The most diffi cult part of being Head year Prefects’ Dinner. It will come as no Nash was made to stand on a chair for Monitor was, by far, the strange – and surprise that the JCR voted, for the fi rst forgetting the defi nition of the endocrine sudden – feeling of separation from time I understand, to invite a number of system. I understand that most, if not all, my peers that resulted, a burden that teachers to share in this annual occasion; of those described above (as well as many hopefully this tradition has continued others) have since retired or moved on. since. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope that this I left the school in 2007, but my spirited relationship between students and connection continued, both at Oxford teachers continues to this day. (where I was joined by the larger than life There was perhaps no greater exponent presences of Shanil Ghelani and Mihir of this dynamic than C.P. Overton, a What springs to Kelshiker) and thereafter at Harvard, much-loved teacher of Chemistry, rugby mind most when where Neil (B.) Shah and I both attended and hockey coach and mentor to many of graduate school. Since leaving Taylors’, us, who sadly passed away earlier this year. I think of the I have on several occasions paused to His classes were the stuff of legend, with refl ect on what I truly learnt during my stories of notes scrawled on an overhead school is the cast time there. MTS and institutions of a projector at a hundred words a minute (and I use that similar ilk always seem to be fi ghting rife among all year groups within the the stereotype of “exam factories”, where fi rst week of each new school year. While term deliberately) GCSEs and A Levels (and their modern I never had the chance to attend those equivalents) dominate above all else. classes myself, I did have the pleasure of characters, Of course grades are hugely important of spending a hockey season coached both students and but, as I hope the foregoing has shown, by “CPO”, as he will always be known. there was much more to it. The constant His hockey coaching and end of season teachers alike, with juggling of work, sports and music was celebrations, just like his teaching style, also great preparation for my current life were as brilliant as they were unorthodox. whom interactions as a corporate lawyer, where seemingly My fi nal two years at the school felt took place on a simultaneous demands on my time are markedly diff erent to those that had gone common. Managing relationships with before, as if somehow going through daily basis. clients and colleagues in the workplace the hellish process of taking nine or ten is further made easier by the fact that, on GCSEs (the most gruelling examinations some level, I feel like I’ve been learning to I’ve experienced to date, save for Oxford deal with real people and real personalities Finals) had forced us all to “grow up”. One only felt truly lifted on the last day since I was eleven years of age. of the earliest transitional experiences of the year. There were also the most I leave you with a demonstrative occurred in CCF, where suddenly we memorable of privileges: Doctors’ Day exchange from 2005 with (then Head were entrusted with training younger Dinner at the Hall, dining in the House of Science) K.G. Bridgeman, who was cadets, much to the delight of (future of Lords with OMT Parliamentarians and checking off the register before covering RSM) Andrew Pollock. These changes giving a reading at St. Paul’s Cathedral a Physics class one Friday afternoon: became all the more pronounced with my in a Triennial Year being more than “Pillai… Pollock… Raja… Ah – so you’re appointment as Head Monitor at the end suffi cientquid pro quo for the added Chrishan Raja?”… “Yes, sir.”… “Are you as of the Lower 6th, which was of course a workload. In attempting to deal with clever as they say you are?”… “I guess that great honour. I remembered wondering, this, amidst the regular challenges depends on how clever they say I am, sir.”… aged eleven, who those students sitting of school life and added pressures of “Good answer.” next to the Head Master (facing us) were; university applications, I am indebted To borrow an expression from my what they had done to be aff orded such a to the Second Monitor, Alex Turner, for current location: that’s training for life, 101. Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 26 27

Development:

in terms of fundraising. The Telephone event in summer 2014. With the Medical Campaign was an obvious highlight, Group that Caron Evans-Evans and Sid raising £100,000 over three years, but Datta (OMT 1992 – 1999) have got off the there have been many other wonderful ground this year, we hope we will have gifts. The total raised in 2012/13 was in three groups meeting regularly. Also in excess of £250,000. Just as exciting has summer 2014 we hope to launch an event been the increase in the sheer number for our recent leavers as well as an annual of supporters we have. When Stephen year-group reunion event. This will mean Wright, in his speech at last December’s an opportunity for OMTs to attend every Benefactors’ Day, announced that he hoped five years. there would be too many people to fit in We are also in the process of launching the Head Master’s house in 2013, he may our online Net Community. There is more well have been right. Simon Everson has information about that below. We hope been able to thank and invite over 300 it will make engaging with the school a benefactors who have contributed to our lot easier for OMTs and parents in future. Campaign over the course of the year. We Online event registration and the Careers Development look forward to welcoming many of them Directory are particularly important back to Benefactors’ Day in the Great Hall developments. Director’s Update this year. As the Development Office and the It hasn’t all been about fundraising, of Old Merchant Taylors’ Society run more course. We ran a personal information joint activities, our programme of events, MY first two years at Merchant Taylors’ form mailing during the year, which helped publications, careers and networking have flown past. It is a great place to us gather a huge amount of information initiatives will expand. There will be more work and I am now getting to know many about what our OMTs are doing now, what organised opportunities to return to the OMTs, parents and friends of the school they did while they were at MTS and what school and to meet fellow OMTs and well. At each event the school holds, there sorts of events and publications they would parents. If you would ever like to visit are an increasing number of faces that like to see us produce. the school for a tour, you are always very are familiar to me. That said, it is always Overwhelmingly our OMTs wanted to welcome – please do get in touch. fantastic to meet new people – OMTs who see more networking events, year-group are re-engaging with the school for the reunions and informal events. We launched Nick Latham first time since they left, or parents of the the City Network in February 2013 – to Development Director next generation of OMTs. be repeated in 2014 – and have plans to 01923 845 545 It has been another successful year launch an Arts and Creative Industries [email protected] My Merchant Taylors: Your New Online Community

BY now most of you will be aware of are considering, or are interested in be forwarded to you and you just need to the Net Community and may indeed a change of career, and would like to update your details. While you are doing already have used it to buy event speak to someone in that line of work. so, why not let us know about what you tickets or to update us with your We have a Careers Directory which did while you were at school and what details. For those who haven’t, the Net contains hundreds of contacts in a sorts of things you are interested in now, Community is an online portal which variety of different professions who have so we can make sure we include you in gives you the opportunity to link with volunteered to be contacted. mailings and event invitations that we the Development Office database. This The Net Community includes a think you might enjoy. may not sound particularly exciting. calendar of school and OMT events and If you haven’t received a username However, the database is becoming a where registration or ticket purchasing is and password from the Development mine of very useful information. necessary, there is the facility to register Office, get in touch and we can issue You may wish to catch up with an and pay online through a secure portal. you with one that you can then change old classmate that you haven’t seen For those unlucky OMTs and parents once you have logged in. If you would for years. By logging in to the Net who didn’t receive a telephone call in our rather choose yours from the outset, Community you can track down fellow campaign over the summer, fear not – simply visit the Net Community at OMTs and get back in touch. It may there is the facility to donate securely to https://development.mtsn.org.uk and be that you are interested in finding whichever project you wish to support. go to ‘new user registration’ and fill in out about a particular career path you Perhaps this issue of Concordia had to your details. Winter 2013 26 27

Telephone Campaign raises over £100,000

OVER a two week period at the donations, or by monthly or annual Direct The callers very much enjoyed their beginning of August, our team of Debits. This means that we have a reliable experience. One of the team, Simon 13 recent Merchant Taylors’ leavers source of income for the next three years, Armstrong (2007-2012), said that “The raised over £100,000 for bursaries enabling us to plan with confidence campaign was great fun to do. Not only and a range of other projects we will the number of boys we are able to offer was it rewarding to raise so much money support through our Annual Fund this bursaries. When combined with other to help future students at the school but year. They did superbly well and the donations we have received over the it was also great to hear about the diverse feedback has been overwhelmingly course of the year, we can really make a and often hugely impressive things positive from everyone who has been difference to many lives through both the OMTs have gone on to do. It certainly in contact with us since the campaign. bursary scheme and other projects aimed gave me a few ideas in terms of future Thank you very much to everyone at improving the pupil experience at career paths I might enjoy.” who received a call on our first ever Merchant Taylors’ School. Thank you again to all our supporters! telephone campaign. We are very grateful to all who took the time to speak to our team of callers, and particularly to those who supported our campaign. Our team of callers (pictured) were trained for two days prior to the campaign so that they were able to process donations over the telephone. This made a huge difference. It meant that much of the support we received was immediate, in the form of card Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School

Class notes:

Updates Philip Feibusch (1978-1982) attended the auction of Bruce Ritchie’s has moved Hugo Blom (1976-1982) rare book collection in Edinburgh in jobs. Having recently retired from the May. He writes: “I believe it was Bruce’s Royal Netherlands Navy, he now works wish that the books were auctioned so for Royal Dutch Shell where he is the that many people could enjoy them. In Global Logistics Programme Manager our case he achieved just that. Bruce (based at Shell International Exploration taught me while at MTS and it goes and Production in Rijswijk, The without saying that I remember him Netherlands). as an inspiration. That thirty years on, and after his death, he has managed to writes: Robin Bradbury (1937-1943) reach into my life again and give such “One of my fondest memeories of MTS pleasure is a further credit to him. My was the Friday afternoon Three Sixths daughter, Lucy, now 19, is studying session that Norman Birley used to take English Literature at UCL. I mentioned in the Physics Lecture Theatre – the only the auction and that I would be happy to class time in the week that all Sides got take her. She jumped at the chance and together. I enjoyed the intracies of order, we had the most amazing day viewing motions and amendments. Later I came various books and bidding for a number. to build up my skills when serving on The books we bid for were personal the local councils. I have just completed favourites for Lucy and whilst we didn’t sixty years as a member of my Parish get all those we tried for, we did get a Council and enjoyed every moment of few. It was an unforgettable day, linking it. First elected in Coronation Year, 1973, my own education with her passion as I moved round to live in different for literature. It is a day we will always Somerset villages I was elected onto each remember and of course we have the council in turn and did my share of books as permanent reminders too. If chairing and so on. only a few purchasers get the pleasure One of my little mementos, much From the Evening Standard we have done then he achieved his aim.” treasured, is a “Povah Pewter” awarded to me in 1942 in the OTC for map reading. A subject I always enjoy – a plaque on electronic gadgets fixed to the windscreen – useless and misleading times without number, there’s nothing to beat knowing your map route. Best wishes to all in UIVB 1937!”

Simon Ryder (1968-1973) runs a successful mortgage company, the Commercial Mortgage Bureau, which has just won the NACFB UK Bandish Gudka (1993-95) was nominated as “Future Leader in Wealth Management” at Commercial Finance Provider of the the Wealth Management Awards on the 29th October 2013 at the Savoy Hotel in London. Year Award. The brief for the nomination was for an outstanding individual within the Financial Services who has made and followed bold and inspiring plans and demonstrated strength, Correction In the previous innovation and success and the capability to reach seniority in the field. edition, we incorrectly stated Bandish has also recently gained Chartered Wealth Manager status. Speaking 7 that Philip Simon attended the languages, he manages assets for international and UK resident HNW clients including Guildhall School of Acting. It Corporates and Charities at Vestra Wealth. Bandish commenced his career at Citigroup, should have read the Guildford where was awarded “Founder Member” honours with their UK Wealth Management School of Acting. Business. He subsequently successfully built and managed a large UK and international client base at Barclays Wealth.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Winter 2013 28 29

OMT News

Stephen Oxlade (1956-1964) writes: “I have a wealth of memories from MTS: excellent teaching from very able staff (there were three Wranglers in the Maths. Dept.); rugby matches in the lower teams; the start of the Sailing Club; cross-country matches at home and away; CCF Field Days at Portsmouth; the Field Club and Summer Camps organised by David Chivers; Scout Camps and expeditions to Scotland and the Pennines; fishing in Hampermill Lake; and many more. After Natural Sciences at Cambridge, I did my teacher training at St. John’s Oxford, and entered a very interesting career as a teacher of Chemistry, Geology and Physics, in five different schools. Coaching a variety of sports, I specialised in rowing and ran the boat clubs of three. I still act as an umpire for rowing; sit on a Committee for Recreational Rowing, and am the Coach of Juniors for the England Home Countries team. Sports-wise, I now sail an X One Design at Parkstone Yacht Club and belong to Leander Club (Rowing). My brother, Edwin, (3rd. Form 1957) is a Doctor of Botany and has lived in Belfast for 30 years. Now retired, he lectured at Stranmillis College, Queen’s University, and has written two books on genetics, and a recent book “Fifty-five Dan Hassell (1978-1983) completed the years Running”, which starts, of course, at MTS. Also a resident of Co. Sligo, New York marathon in 3.59.41 just scraping Eire, he writes widely on gardening, and trout and salmon fishing, and travels under the all-important 4 hour mark. He to Norway, Iceland, and mainly Russia to pursue this interest. His best fish would like to thank all those who supported weighed 35 lbs., caught in Russia three years ago. him in raising nearly nine thousand pounds A life-time friend is Andrew Alchin (3rd Form with me and Head Monitor for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 1963-4), and he organised a team, “The Prembroke Globetrotters”, from Pembroke College, Cambridge to take on the Eggheads on BBC 2. This was Robert (Bob) Hurran (1957-1963), in 2009 and we managed to defeat the Eggheads in a close contest. Andrew having almost completed his role as one worked for IBM, mostly in Europe, and then for the British Library. He lives on of the two War Memorial Trustees, took the Edgware Road and would welcome contact with old friends. over as Chairman of the OMT Club at the AGM in March. His challenge is to find the Ian Parsley (1988-1995) returned to live in Northern Ireland in 1999 and has younger, more active OMT volunteers to remained there ever since; he runs a small PR company and married Paula in lead the Club in the future and make the 2011. He has been involved in democracy promotion/conflict resolution both most of the new facilities for the enjoyment there and, on behalf of a number of organisations including the Council of of the greatest possible number of OMTs. Europe, as far afield as Moldova and Estonia; closer to home he served for six Meanwhile, aiming to move to Chalfont St years (to 2011) as a local councillor. He is also a qualified football referee, though Giles next year, Bob has temporarily moved no longer practises. to Northwood. Charles E.L. Price (1949-1954) is the new secretary of the Rollers Dinner Chris Norland (1970-1975) is living Club. 2014 will be the Diamond Jubilee of “The Rollers” famous prank whereby just outside Chichester. He writes: “I have they rigged a series of devices in the roof of the Great Hall, sending toilet roll bumped into Mr Hull a couple of times cascading down during a school assembly. It has been celebrated every year over the past 10 years or so, who taught me since by the responsible members of the Classical Sixth of the time. Some of Geography while I was at MTS. Mr Hull (we the Rollers are pictured below with Head Master Simon Everson. always used to call him “Charlie Hull”... he was a really lovely guy, and a great teacher) now lives in retirement quite close to where I live in West Sussex, and last time I saw him a few weeks ago (outside Waitrose in Chichester), we reminisced about a Geography field trip I was on that was led by him, down to the Arun Gap in the South Downs, pretty close to where we both have ended up living.”

Contact: [email protected] Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 30 31

Class notes:

Nikhil Sangani (2002-2007) works for Goldman Sachs and is also General Births Secretary of his youth community (The Navnat Youth Association). On 17th August he organised “The Great Gatsby” Matthew Miller (1982-1989) and his wife are delighted to announce the birth of their Social Experiment. The aim of the evening third daughter, Akiko Georgina Homewood Miller, who was born in Tokyo on 31st October. was to bring new people from a variety of backgrounds together via the medium Charlie Sutters (1993-1998) and family are celebrating the birth of their second of board games, on the condition that child, Edward, who was born in Haywards Heath on 29 June, a brother for Rosalind. Charlie everyone who attended had to bring at and family now live in Bolney, West Sussex. least one person with them. The event was a great success as over 130 young Peter Halford (1980-1984) and his wife, Martha, proudly announce the birth of their professionals attended the 4* H10 venue in daughter, Emma, on 24 May 2013. Waterloo, London, with tickets selling out within one week.

Steve Taylor (1964-1972) recently Marriages retired after 35 years of school teaching, and was licensed as Vicar of Westbury-on- Severn in Gloucestershire on Dec 1st. He would be pleased to make contact with school contemporaries.

Robert-Jan Temmink (1984-1992) has just been elected as a Master of the Bench of The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. The Masters of the Bench, or Benchers, are responsible for the governance of the Inn. Masters are elected by their peers from the Inn’s members who have been called to the Bar. The majority of the Inn’s Benchers are Queen’s Counsel or senior members of the judiciary. But for Master Shami Chakrabarty, he is the youngest and most junior barrister to have been elected to the bench for 146 years! Middle Temple currently has over 375 Ordinary Benchers and 80 Senior (retired) Benchers. The Inn also elects Honorary Masters of the Bench, distinguished individuals from other walks of life who have excelled in their respective professions. Currently the Inn has about 95 Honorary Benchers. The Inn has one Royal Bencher, His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge. Daniel Rodriguez-Clark (2001-2006) (born Daniel Clark), got married in St Pari Vandra (1992-1997) is now Andrews this summer, where he also went married to Muriel. They have two boys Varun Paul (1998-2003) married to university. He and his wife are moving to Leon and Maxence and are living in Rebecca Helen Nonoo on 30th August 2013 Lima, Peru in January to begin teaching in Totteridge. at Heythrop Park Resort, Oxfordshire. an International School.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Winter 2013 30 31

OMT News

Honours Lord Stirrup elevated to Knight of the Garter Lord Stirrup (1961-1967) was invested as a Knight Companion in the Garter throne room by the Queen before the annual Order of the Garter service on June 17th. Hundreds gathered at Windsor Castle to see the Garter Knights process to St George’s Chapel. The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 and is the oldest British Order of Chivalry; the monarch announces the Knights on St George’s Day, 23rd April; the Order is strictly limited to 24 knights, without consulting ministers, chosen for their contribution to public life. The deaths of Baroness Thatcher and Viscount Ridley left two vacancies in the order this year. The knights wear blue velvet robes and black velvet hats with white plumes for the event. The Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Cambridge were among those who attended.

Appointments General Richard Barrons promoted to Commander of Joint Forces Command On 19th April, General Richard Barrons (1972-1977) took command of JFC in succession to Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach. The creation of JFC, which reached full operating capability on 2nd April, brings together more than 30,000 military and civilian personnel to ensure that joint capabilities are correctly prioritised. Reaching full operating capability means that JFC is now fully-manned and able to fulfil the entire range of its responsibilities in support of Defence’s objectives for current operations, future contingencies and for the longer term.

Awards and Prizes

Thomas Nelson receives top First Simon Perretta wins Diamond Jubilee in his year for Greats at Oxford Scholarship from IET Thomas Nelson (2002-2009) has been rewarded with a number Simon Perretta (2006-2013) has been awarded a £4,000 of University prizes, including the Cawkwell Prize (best Classicist Diamond Jubilee scholarship by the Institution of Engineering in the judgement of the Tutor in charge of Classical Studies) and and Technology. The Harold Lister Sunderland Prize for best performance in the Greek Literature Papers. Thomas was also made the Waddington Tom Isaacs receives Scholar for being the single best Classist in any one year. Global Parkinson’s Award Tom Isaacs (1981-1986) has received the Tom Newport wins prestigious Global Parkinson’s award, one of three J.L. Harley Medal individuals in the world honoured this PhD candidate Tom Newport (2005-2010), following his year by the Central Executive Committee success in gaining a First from Oxford in Biological Sciences and of World Parkinson’s Program for their gaining a Nuffield Scholarship, is now the proud recipient of the tireless dedication and hard work on behalf of all those with Harley Prize, awarded by the New Phytologist Trust. Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

Contact: [email protected] Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 32 33

Class notes:

The preparation for the summer Henry Stuttaford fixtures started at the end of 2012 through represents contacting the Scotland Hockey coaching setup. Given my experience at 1st team Scotland at hockey level for the University of Manchester I was invited to attend hockey camps in the build up to the summer fixtures as well as Henry Stuttaford following the fitness programme. Despite (2006-2011) is now not linking up with the squad for a few representing the months I was able to stay in touch and Scotland U21 hockey work on my weights and fitness training. team. He writes: This was clearly very worthwhile as when “This summer I I met the squad we had fitness tests pretty represented Scotland in much immediately and whilst I was still two U21 international matches. behind on the weights training, my score My hockey career at Merchant on the 30:15 running test proved the joint Taylors’ began in the U13 ‘C’ team on highest within all of Great Britain hockey. a grass hockey pitch (we won 12-0). In July, the squad played England at the But during my time at the school I was Lilleshall sports centre. This is a fantastic lucky enough to benefit from the arrival place with incredible facilities for a variety of Joe Cowan as Head of Hockey and of sports, including video towers, which the upgrading of the hockey facilities. meant that both matches were recorded. great sportsmen. Whilst it was a slightly By the time I left MTS I had worked my The games themselves were both lost nervous experience I was very proud to be way up to vice-captain of school hockey, but they were high quality; I felt that I playing at this level and am now looking even winning the main hockey trophy played well and it was great to be part of to make the squad for the U21 European in my final year. a team with so many good people and Championships in Portugal 2014.”

Ravi Patel signs new Middlesex contract

Middlesex spinner, Ravi Patel (2004-2009) has signed a new three-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2016. Ravi has taken 54 wickets for Middlesex at an average of 26.50 across all forms of the game, with 40 wickets in 11 first-class matches. “We have always rated Ravi as a first-class bowler but in 2013 he showed how adaptable and smart he is by being extremely effective in Twenty20 cricket,” said Middlesex Director of Cricket, Angus Fraser.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Winter 2013 32 33

OMT News OMT Speakers The following OMTs have returned to the school to speak to boys:

Sameer Kassam (2000-2005) Adrian Boehler (1983-1990) Lord Stirrup (1961-1967)

Conn Iggulden (1984-1988) Bob Chilcott (1969-1973) Rushab Shah (2008-2013)

Adrian Boehler (1983-1990) spoke to the boys during Reading Week in year studying Automotive Engineering, to the Modern Languages Society October. He spoke about the process of returned on September 26th to talk to Panglossia in September. Now Global writing and the perseverance needed to Design and Technology students about Head of Institutional FX Sales at BNP succeed as an author. He also underlined his work experience at Formula 1 team Paribas, Adrian gave an inspirational the importance of English as a subject Williams and also at Jaguar Land Rover. talk about how his study of languages and learning the rules of grammar and Rushab’s VW Beetle-inspired chair from had helped him in his career at Goldman punctuation. his A2 studies is still in Reception at Sachs, HSBC and in his current role. Sandy Lodge. Sameer Kassam (2000-2005) Bob Chilcott (1969-1973), prominent returned on November 14th to talk to the Lord Stirrup (1961-1967) returned composer and conductor, returned Modern Languages Society Panglossia on November 22nd to talk to the Cortex in June to give a masterclass to the about his study of Spanish and Arabic Society about the crisis in Syria. He Chamber Choir, as well as a talk to the and (as a result of the latter) his career in initially spoke about the qualities Music Award Holders and others about a global governance. He focused especially of leadership and the importance of career in music. on his experiences in Iraq where he has diplomatic power alongside military been part of a team trying to encourage power. He then examined the impact Conn Iggulden (1984-1988), best- democratic norms in the Iraqi Parliament. of colonisation and decolonisation on selling author of the Emperor and Syria before giving his assessment of the Conqueror historical fiction series, spoke Rushab Shah (2008-2013), in his first current situation.

Contact: [email protected] Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 34 35

Class notes:

OMTs’ plays transfer from Edinburgh to London

its draw, but it’s the depth that will make you glad you went.’ Breman Rajkumar (The Skinny)

Breman Rajkumar (2005-2010) has ‘meticulous depiction of middle-class dynamics...It’s still enjoyed a spectacular start to his career in a rarity to come across even one strong, female character theatre. He has won the Directors’ Guild from today’s emerging writers, let alone three...it stands out Award for Best New Director and the Sunday as a perfect example of teaching, disguised and made more Times Playwriting Award at the National effective through drama.’ (Ed Fest Mag) Student Drama Festival 2013 for his new comedy, The Babysitter. The play, by his ‘The script is dazzling...it is also incredibly funny.’ theatre collective InDepth, centres around a (Broadway Baby) family with a young child suffering from epilepsy. The play will soon start a run at the new Diorama Theatre in Great Portland ‘Breman Rajkumar, a new Joe Orton if ever I saw one... Street, having recently gone down a storm at the Edinburgh Rajkumar takes dangerous risks with plot, language, Fringe. While there, they were listed in the ‘Top 10 shows to see at performance and taste that make you hoot with delight.’ the Pleasance Courtyard by Fringe Review, received a couple of 4 (Robert Hewison, NSDF13 Report) star reviews from Broadway Baby and Three Weeks magazine as well as selling over half of their performances in the Courtyard’ ‘Breman Rajkumar is a writer to watch.’ (British Theatre Guide) – an unheard of feat for first time companies at the Fringe. They also received the following praise at the Fringe: ‘writer/director Breman Rajkumar has an ear for dialogue that already demands respect’ (A Younger Theatre) ‘sparky dialogue and intriguing characters.’ (The Scotsman) ‘Redemptive, warm theatre delivered with truth...Fabulously ‘The Babysitter becomes a play that matters more than just an vibrant and genuinely witty...One of the best scripts out there’ hour of comic or farcical interactions. Its lighthearted relief is (Noises O Magazine)

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Winter 2013 34 35

OMT News

‘The performance had the audience rolling in their seats. Ben Behrens And in the aisles... don’t risk missing out on this spectacular bit of fun.’ (Three Weeks) After a smash-hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe – where it was chosen for ‘If you’re looking for the ultimate in Fringe hilarity and performance on the BBC Comedy Stage creativity, then don’t miss Captain Morgan’s boat.’ (Clippings) – Ben Behrens’ (2004-2009) Captain Morgan and the Sands of Time transferred ‘Tap Tap Theatre is a young company on the brink of to the Arcola in Hackney. The show has excellence.’ (The Scotsman) been nominated for the National Student Drama Festival Award, and received an NSDF commendation for acting, while the Arcola Theatre is now one of the most respected arts venues in the UK, having blazed a trail in artistic excellence and innovative management since its opening. There are two actors, one musician – but no tech, no props and no need for them, as the remarkable duo from Tap Tap Theatre effortlessly play 44 characters including: a mute; skeletons; and the pair of cockney Siamese twins encountered by Captain Morgan in his quest for the secret of time-travel. It’s a whirlwind adventure-comedy of monsters, sword fights and shivered timbers. The two actors use nothing but their bodies to conjure objects and set – a trick Ben first learned at MTS.

‘It is an honour to watch them... Tap Tap prove that you can make theatre anywhere, with barely anything.’ (Broadway Baby)

‘The level of energy and skill demonstrated in ‘Captain Morgan’ is astounding, and the end result, outstanding.... this is a true example of a Fringe success.’ (Ed Fringe Review)

Film

Riz Ahmed (1994-2001) has spent the last three months in L.A. opposite Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko) in Nightcrawler. This dark thriller follows a (metaphorically and literally) driven young man (Gyllenhaal) who discovers the nocturnal Nigel Lindsay Four Lions, he played world of L.A. freelance crime stars in new Alan Shrek in the West End and journalism, with Riz starring as Partridge film on Broadway. Here he is Gyllenhaal’s driver and protege pictured in one of his most along with Bill Paxton and Nigel Lindsay has enjoyed recent roles, playing media Rene Russo. Riz’s latest movie, a stellar few years in film boss Jason Cresswell in the Riz Ahmed joins Closed Circuit, with Rebecca and theatre. After starring new Alan Partridge movie Jake Gyllenhaal in Hall and Eric Bana premiered in Chris Morris’ hit comedy Alpha Papa. ‘Nightcrawler’ in the UK on November 1st.

Contact: [email protected] Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 36 37

Class notes:

Career Moves

Rob Stewart (1977-1981) is now Executive Director at Eximius 1950-1970 Developments Ltd Ian Adkins (1977-1981) is now Colonel REME Reserves in the Territorial Army Paul Humphreys (1977-1982) is now Partner, Global Wealth at Knight Chris Daykin (1959-1967) Frank Philip Feibusch (1978-1982) is now Managing Partner at Five Bar Gate is now Chairman, Social Security LLP & Six Bar Gate LLP Sub-Committee at Groupe Consultatif Acturiel Europeen Mark Iwaszko (1978-1983) is now IT Director & Digital Forensic Investigator at FRP Advisory LLP David Adams (1981-1986) is now Development Director/Owner at London & General/David Adams Property Development 1971-1980 Chris Coker (1981-1986) is now Group Finance Director at SDL plc Jeremy Harford (1981-1986) is now Managing Director at Mestec Ltd Nick Boxall (1982-1986) is now Factory Manager at E park and Sons Ltd Andy Teskey (1982-1986) is now OBE Peng Project Engineer - Dover Chris Harris (1969-1973) North Commercial Project at Brion Energy Roger Lamb (1982-1987) is now Commercial Manager at Interservefm Ltd is now Managing Director at Converged Alliance - part of the Qubic Group Andy Iwaszko (1982-1987) is now Consultant (For AIITS) at CMC Communication Systems Ltd is now Interim Finance Compliance Manager at Mark Saragossi (1969-1975) is now Partner at OCTA Daniel Sen (1981-1988) GSK/ViiV David Pollock (1971-1975) is now Chief Financial Officer at Flight Support Services Arun Dehiri (1984-1988) is now Commercial Director at Colt Technology Services Nick Vandekar (1972-1977) is now Chairman at Berwyn Devon Business is now Senior Manager, HR Business Support & & Professional Association Allan Ngam (1986-1988) Service Delivery at HSBC Malaysia Bank Berhad is now Managing Director Rrsat Europe at Rrsat Simon Kay (1973-1978) Bruce Webb (1985-1989) is now Google Trusted Photographer Mike Searle (1974-1979) is now Commercial Manager at King Facade at Google International Paul Hunt (1983-1990) is now Senior Corporate Development Manager Jon O’Neill (1975-1980) is now Global Head of Testing and Environment at Euromoney Institutional Investor Management Office at ANZ Simon Berry (1985-1990) is now Global Commercial Director at Vieri Haute Joaillerie Prabs Kapadia (1985-1990) is now Mortgage and Protection Advisor at Lloyds Banking Group 1981-1990 Vivek Nathwani (1985-1990) is now Founder at Pincer Communications

Zahid Torres-Rahman 1991-2000 (1984-1989) is now Founder and Director at Business Fights Poverty Amar Shah Andrew Brown (1976-1981) is now Consultant at Cadence Partners (1995-2000) Andrew Allwright (1976-1981) is now Head of Regulatory Strategy for is now Assistant Director in Corporate Trading at Thomson Reuters Financial Advisory at Deloitte UK

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Winter 2013 36 37

OMT News

Brij Dave (1986-1991) is now Project Manager at Transport for London 2001-2010 Paul Golz (1987-1992) is now Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester James Rose (1988-1993) is now Director (UK) at CXINLAW Richard Suchet Adam Forrest (1988-1993) is now Deputy Launch Authority at The Portishead Lifeboat Trust (1996-2001) is now Solicitor at Knocker & Foskett is now Arts and Entertainment Finian Davern (1988-1994) Correspondent, Sky News at Sky Asif Mohamedali (1989-1994) is now Partner, Credit Portfolio Management at Audley Tree Advisors Neil Jones (1994-2001) is now Technical Project Manager at Dyson Shamus Jivraj (1989-1994) is now Head of Regulatory Affairs and Daniel Rifkind (1994-2001) is now Senior Consultant at Cityspace Change (interim) at The Co-operative Banking Group Recruitment Ltd Neil Dhot (1989-1994) is now Head of Corporate Affairs at Water UK Alasdair McInnes (1996-2001) is now Asset Manager at Kennedy Wilson Simon Golz (1990-1995) is now Store Manager at Dwell UK Andrew Mizner (1996-2001) is now Staff Writer at Global Richard Price (1991-1996) is now Location Development Manager at Legal Group Amazon.co.uk Thushan Dias (1996-2001) is now Principal Consultant at Mahmood R Jessa (1991-1996) is now Chief Intelligence Officer Leigh Fisher at Connectiv Marco Caflisch (1996-2002)is now Business Development Manager at Andrew Chang (1991-1996) is now Data and Analytics Director at Red Elementum SCM Fuse Communications Darryl Gibbings-Isaac (1997-2002) is now Senior Consultant Zaheer Merali (1991-1996) is now Technical Leader at Cisco at Booz & Company Amar Bhat (1992-1997) is now Acute Internal Medicine Registrar at Tim Harrison (1997-2002) is now Senior Project Manager at BBC Technology NHS Michael Young (1997-2002) is now European Can Equity Broker at Mint Paul Katz (1992-1997) is now Advantage Process Lead (Manager) Partners (division of BGC Partners) at Diageo Tim Bunting (1997-2002) is now Managing Director at Montgomerie Ahsan Qadir (1992-1997) now works in Digital Banking at Lloyds Rose Ltd Banking Group Josh Fineman (1999-2002) is now Business Development and Content Rupinder Bhandher (1993-1997) is now Director at XPSDIRECT Creation at Superflex Pankaj Patel (1991-1998) is now Managing Director at Aequitas, Viraj Popat (1996-2003) is now Senior Executive at Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants Charith Saranapala (1996-2003) is now Commercial Solicitor at Porsche Mark McKinley (1993-1998) is now Senior Consultant - Lead Systems Cars GB Ltd Engineer NSW at Scott Lister David Gati (1998-2003) is now Solicitor at MacFarlanes Ajay-Neil Kemwal (1993-1998) is now Strategy Manager at KPMG Richard Carson (1998-2003) is now Senior Surveyor at DTZ David Goodhew (1993-1998) is now Vice President, Coal Logistics at Merrill Lynch Rory Gullan (1998-2003) is now Fashion Photographer/Videographer/ Creative Direction at Rory Gullan Photography is now Healthcare Solutions Lead at MSD Peter Kerridge (1992-1999) is now Trade Mark Counsel at GlaxoSmithKline Sharp & Dohme GmbH Tom Hannah (1997-2004) Jordan Hurwitz (1997-2004) is now Associate at King & Wood Mallesons Gary Sher (1994-1999) is now CFO at RBRG S J Berwin is now Senior Director, Revenue Simon Fishman (1993-2000) Aidan de Gruchy (1999-2004) is now Implementation Manager at IBM Optimisation at Expedia, Inc Johan du Plessis (1999-2004) is now Site Mechanical Engineer at BP Tim Haidar (1993-2000) is now Editor in Chief - OilandGasIQ.com at IQPC Ilyas Amlani (1999-2004) now works in Equity-linked Origination at HSBC Samuel Knights (1995-2000) is now Board Director at Capture Charles Kavanagh-Brown (1999-2004) is now Intern at Telefonica Cameron Richmond (1995-2000) is now Front End Developer Hadleigh Measham (1999-2004) is now Change Management at Boden Recruitment Specialist at Lawrence Harvey Group

Contact: [email protected] Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 38 39

Class notes:

Charlie Webber (2002-2007) is now Marketing Assistant at 2001-2010 Egmont UK Ltd James Booth (2001-2008) is now Recruitment Consultant at Spencer-Ogden Neil Maroo (2001-2008) is now Dentist at Tangmere Garden Smile Centre Shiv Thakrar (2001-2008) is now Senior Associate - Audit Yath Gangakumaran (Infrastructure, Services and Real Estate) at Deloitte (2001-2006) Shimol Khakhar (2003-2008) is now Senior Finance Administrator at is now Senior Strategy Analyst at KPMG UK Channel 4 Simon Brown (2003-2008) is now Trainee Solicitor at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) Zubin Mehta (1999-2004) is now Manager at Accenture Alex McRae (2003-2008) now works in M&A at Houlihan Lokey Akis Pattihis (1999-2004) is now Architect at Squire and Partners Elliot Roston (2003-2008) is now Campaign Manager at Glam Media Alex Robertson (1999-2004) is now Hotel Operations Manager at Tom Sammes (2003-2008) is now Analyst in Strategy and Decision Exclusive Hotels and Venues Sciences Practice at PA Consulting Group Kavit Patel (1998-2005) is now Trainee Accountant at Aequitas Cheyne Sun (2003-2008) is now Catalogue Support Specialist at Amazon Accountants Richard Walker-Taylor (2003-2008) is now Divisional Manager - Life Daniel Drage (1998-2005) is now Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Sciences at Burns Carlton National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology Ali Gokal (2004-2008) is now Trainee Solicitor at Linklaters David Hopps (1998-2005) is now Customer Pricing Analyst at Diageo Anooj Dodhia (2002-2009) is now Analyst at Bank of England Joseph Pike (1998-2005) is now Underwriter at Brit Insurance Sunil Unadkat (2002-2009) is now Graduate Trainee Management Arjun Ahluwalia (2000-2005) now works in Public Sector at Thomson Consultant at KPMG Reuters (Practical Law) Ali-Abbas Punjani (2004-2009) is now Analyst at Lazard Jack Langmore (2000-2005) is now Associate at Baker & McKenzie Rajeev Malde (2004-2009) is now Analyst at J P Morgan Jean-Louis Gandon (2000-2005) is now Product Consultant at S&P Capital IQ Timothy Melvin (2004-2009) is now Recruitment Consultant at Shirley Parsons Associates Olly Griffiths (2000-2005)is now Senior Research Executive at YouGov Pratik Shah (2004-2009) is now 2013 Cohort Member at Mhiran Patel (2000-2005) is now Associate Dentist at Albion Dental Entrepreneur First Nick Thompson (2000-2005) is now Assistant Manager at Devonshire Ricky Zeiderman (2004-2009) is now Sales Executive at Corporate Finance Limited Business Environment Nigel Tse (2000-2005) is now working in Client Valuations at Barclays Joel Schwarzmann (2003-2010) is now Forensic Technology Associate at PWC Mike West (2000-2005) is now Business Analyst - Global Standards Programme at HSBC Vivek Chadha (2003-2010) is now Intern at DC Advisory Simon Melvin (1999-2006) is now on the European Graduate Scheme at Kushal Chandarana (2003-2010) is now Technical Consultant at IBM Easy Jet Dom Dickinson (2003-2010) is now Trainee Recruitment Consultant at Sam Popeck (1999-2006) is now Consultant at The SJB Group Intelligent People Richard Massing (2001-2006) is now Senior Associate, Real Estate Deals Dan Lesser (2003-2010) is now Graduate Software Engineer at BT at PWC Tom Speed (2005-2010) is now Graduate Marketing Analyst at The Josh Lee (2001-2006) is now Tax Adviser at KPMG UK Value Engineers Thomas Jemmett (2001-2006) is now Associate at Slaughter and May Louis Allen (2006-2010) is now Founding Partner at 2urDoor Jack Trudeau (2001-2006) is now Head of Phaidon Consulting Services for the Americas at Phaidon International Neel Popat (2000-2007) now works in Buyouts at European Capital Peter Belden (2002-2007) is now Executive Officer in the US Army 2011- present Alexander Gilford (2002-2007) is now Senior Associate at Deloitte William Hatcher (2006-2011) Real Estate is now Chassis Team Leader at Full Blue Racing is now Audit Supervisor at H W Fisher James Franks (2002-2007) Jamie Thacker (2005-2012) is now IT & Communications consultant at Rajiv Kotecha (2002-2007) is now M&A Analyst at Baker Tilly Hearn’s Coaches Ltd Corporate Finance Emiel Khakhar (2007-2012) is now Associate at Q Ventures James Leigh (2002-2007) is now Assistant Manager at Deloitte UK Jack Cherkas (2007-2012) is now Junior Infrastructure Architect at IBM Jason Roston (2002-2007) is now Merchandiser at BS Clothing Ltd UK Ltd

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Winter 2013 38 39

OMT News Dr Kapil Sugand gains international recognition

Dr Kapil Sugand (1999-2004) has had an eventful year. Besides training to be a surgeon, his research has been featured in the international press including the BBC for his work on revolutionising the face of education using holograms. His work has also been featured in the prestigious monthly technology magazine, WIRED. In October, Dr Sugand became a published book author after Medical School: An Applicant’s Guide and Medical School: An Undergraduate’s Guide hit the bookstores. He will also be heading a national outreach scheme to promote medical education and encourage prospective students from underprivileged schools to apply to university. In addition, he is a principal editor of two other medical textbooks. For more information, visit the BBC at www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22860678, WIRED at www.wired.co.uk/magazine/ archive/2013/11/start/taking-lectures-to-another-dimension and YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pljG4ynfIz0. For his contribution to society, Dr Sugand’s biography is now enlisted within Marquis’ Who’s Who in the World 2013 edition.” MTS-OMT Medics Careers & Mentoring Group

June 25th saw the first meeting of a careers working closely with the Careers Office and Nick Latham in and mentoring group for medics at all stages the Development Office. If there are any parents in the medical of their careers. In attendance were parents, profession interested in joining the group, or being abreast of our teachers, OMTs and current students who met plans, please email [email protected]. to discuss a way forward for the group. The full range of experience was covered, from students about to move into the Sixth Form to medical students, young doctors and Consultants. Our aims are to provide a support network to help medics through school, medical school and subsequently in their careers. The meeting was exciting and full of fantastic ideas for the future. We will meet again in September and are planning a convention in July 2014,

Contact: [email protected] Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 40 41

Class notes:

OMTs climb Kilimanjaro This summer a group of OMTs made their way to the roof of Africa. Chirag Pindolia, Nikhil Gudka and I all successfully reached the summit early in the morning of September 11th. Our ascent had started five days earlier at Machame Camp. It took a while for the excitement to set in but, before we knew it, we were ascending to our first camp. Looking back, all the days seemed to just blend in to one; the altitude plays such a huge role and as you go up you notice how thin the air is getting and how much colder it is. The days leading up to the summit weren’t hugely physically challenging; it was a case of consuming lots of calories, drinking plenty of water and making sure you did as much as possible to avoid altitude sickness. It was surreal to spend six days above the clouds; at night you could look down and see the city light pollution, while simultaneously being able to see the stars and the Milky Way with unparalleled clarity. The final day was the hardest by a long way; we woke up at 23:00 for a quick snack and started climbing at midnight in the dark. The temperature was -15C, and -25C after the strong wind chill; all one could see was the person’s feet in front. If one was brave enough to look up, one could see a pilgrimage of head torch lights heading to the summit. As morning approached water bottles froze, exhaustion kicked in and we started to question whether we should carry on. Thankfully we all persevered and made it to Stellar Point. By then the sun had risen and the 45-minute walk to Uhuru Peak was a lot flatter. Reaching the peak gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment I have ever felt.

Paras Shah (2005-2010)

OMTs volunteer in South Africa

University to teach Maths, as part of the a Department-led project, where a team ‘Warwick in Africa’ volunteer programme. of 37 architecture students is designing When he realised there were no creative an early learning school in Calais Village subjects in the school curriculum, drawing (Limpopo). In April 2014, they will travel on his experiences of A Level Art, and his to the village to construct the school trip with the department to the St Ives themselves using a design they are School of Painting, he started an Art club, currently drafting. In order to supply using himself as a model. the materials needed for this building Jeremy Judge (2002-2009) has project, each student needs to raise £1,000 just finished his BSc Mathematics at Mikhil Haria (2007-2012) is helping to (none of which will go towards personal Warwick and is about to start a Masters design and build an early learning school expenses). If you would like to sponsor in Pure Mathematics at Fitzwilliam in South Africa. Mikhil, in his second Mikhil please go to http://www.justgiving. College, Cambridge. Over the summer, year as an Architecture student at the com/Mikhil-Haria he travelled to Soweto with Warwick University of Nottingham, is part of

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Winter 2013 40 41

OMT News Class of ’88 Reunion September 21st 2013

“25 years of joy, pain and hangovers”… Embarrassing dance moves once thrown at A couple of us from the Class of 88 was the title of the invitation cascading the Durrant’s disco were constrained by the had our sons join the school recently. Our across the social media networks to tease fear that this time images could be plastered reunion helps us consider the advice for out the OMT graduates from 1988 for our on Facebook. our boys embarking on their journey in our grand reunion. We had a great turnout of The delayed recognitions after re- footsteps: grab the amazing opportunities around 70 people, both old school boys uniting with our fellow classmates were with both hands, create memories you and friends from local girls’ schools, where soon followed by a real sense of familiarity. want to be engrained for the rest of your our links were so strong that even a couple Behind the grey hair, beer bellies and lives, don’t set limits and express your of marriages ensued. We were especially wrinkles, essentially we hadn’t changed. individuality – this is what the school touched by those who travelled far and wide What was clear is that Merchant Taylors’ nurtures. How does Merchant Taylors’ to be there: not just from around the UK but had a profound effect on shaping our lives. in 2013 compare to 1982-8? The school also from San Francisco, Berlin and South Both our personalities and career paths has somehow managed to maintain Africa. were largely set on the school campus in the its traditional roots whilst creating an The new clubhouse was an exceptionally 80s – what seemed like small opportunities environment for the new generation to learn appropriate venue for the event, giving we embraced back then shaped what we the life skills to adapt to a work and social a sense of evenings at ‘Ye Olde Greene do today in a big way. A performance at a environment that will look vastly different to Manne’ from our later years, whilst gazing Phab Review led to a career in media, a foray what it does today compared to when they over playing fields reminiscing about the with the Debating Society led to a legal have their reunion 25 years from now. rugby games from earlier years. Little did we career, one nifty with a protractor became know back then how well scrums and hard an architect, one proud of his cheeseboard We remembered too those of us that are tackles would prepare us for the conversion production in D&T ended up in the building sadly no longer with us... but their memory to the adulthood followed. industry, and so on. This just demonstrates lives on in us and we hope they looked on Some of us prepared for the meet by how diverse a bunch we were…a testament with joy at the reunion. re-enacting the slow walk up the Long to the ‘something for everyone’ environment The evening also allowed us to raise Drive and a stroll around the grounds. the school afforded us. £255 which we have donated to the school’s Others were not so prepared for the barrage There was certainly evidence of the Bursary Scheme so that those who wish to of memories that flooded back from the clichéd ‘school old boy network’ at the event. experience Taylors’ life in the future, but moment Madonna’s ‘Holiday’ kicked off Many of us have kept in close contact, need help, can do so. the playlist. Wham, Culture Club, Michael nurturing wonderful friendships over the Jackson, Human League all played their years. Some business cards were exchanged Arun Dehiri, Julian Seabrook, role in creating a real a sense of nostalgia. and many links re-established. Daniel Sen

Contact: [email protected] Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 42 43

Class notes:

OMT News Lord Mayor’s Show 2012

over £1400 which went to the various trekking half way up Annapurna in the Masonic and non-Masonic Charities Himalayas (both for charity). Peter was they and their various Lodges support. initiated into Freemasonry in 1979 and Freemasonry is the largest fund-raiser is a senior Mason in several orders in for Charity after the National Lottery in the Province of Hertfordshire, as well as the UK. Our Lodge raised £10,000 back heading the Sir Thomas White Chapter in 2004 to help convert the Manor for this year. He is married to Yonna. Phab week guests. Jeremy joined Westminster Bank The three who took part were Richard (later NatWest) in 1960, and worked The Sir Thomas White Lodge is a Price (1991-1996), Peter Cox (1958-1961) at many branches in London and the Masonic Lodge exclusively for former and Jeremy Gaskell (1957-1959). provinces. He was made redundant in pupils of MTS and for current and Richard graduated from the 1995 and has dealt in old stamps and former Masters of the School. Three University of Leeds in 1999 and is a postcards since. A keen Freemason, of its Members were privileged to be surveyor by profession. He has worked he is a member of many Lodges and selected to walk amongst 80 other for a number of firms, currently being Chapters, and holds a number of high London Masons in the Lord Mayor’s an Associate Partner with Green offices in London. He has twice been Show Parade last November. As and Partners, as a retail warehouse Master of our Lodge and twice of the a first on this wonderful occasion, specialist. Richard married Lucy Chapter. He is married to Nina. they were wearing their full Masonic Bickmore on May 18th. He is a member regalia, a most unusual occurrence, of both our Lodge and Chapter. Jeremy J Gaskell and carrying banners promoting the Peter is a Chartered Accountant and charitable work that Freemasonry has spent all of his professional life does. They walked through the in Hertfordshire. Highlights include Websites – Sir Thomas White Lodge – streets of London from London Wall working for Sir Elton John and Graham www.sirthomaswhite.com to Aldwych and back again, and Taylor at Watford Football Club, Freemasonry generally – by doing so, raised sponsorship of running the London Marathon and www.ugle.org.uk

Gilbert Roscoe taught Physics at MTS from 1966 to 1973, and then moved on to Shrewsbury School. At MTS he ended up running the Scout Group and the Sailing Club, and was heavily involved in school plays. He was also the school’s resident (sometimes official) photographer. Here is one photo taken at the Moelfre scout camp from around 1968. He is pictured on the far right. Paul Handyside (Scoutmaster) is second from left.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Contact: [email protected] 42 43

MTS online Merchant Taylors’ is now on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

On Facebook: Merchant Taylors’ On Twitter: @merchanttaylors On LinkedIn: Thomas White

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Andrew Cuthbert MBE writes of his school days at Merchant Taylors’, his memories of National Service and his career

Following early years at Terry’s Preparatory School, interrupted by orderly dashes to the air-raid shelter during visitations from Goering’s bombers and Herr Hitler’s “doodlebugs”, I managed by the skin of my teeth to sort of pass the common entrance to MTS – assisted by a bout of measles I think. Four things stand out in my memory: I formed a boxing club which met in the bicycle shed once a week, until I met up with my old friend Sandy MacNab who proceeded to knock hell out of me; so I gave up that little enterprise. My work handed in contained more of Mr Riddell’s red pen than my blue ink. Miss Nicholson put me in the corner for some misdemeanour, just when I was dying to go “north”. Miss Nicholson, not being a mistress you argued with, I sadly left a puddle on the floor, which luckily for me was not noticed by the bespectacled Miss Nicholson. Lastly, I remember our class was a little unruly and following a bit of a skylark someone was injured. I owned up to this and received six of Mr Riddell’s best for my trouble. LIV at MTS did not really extend my brain too much and, again, I got into trouble for being the rowdiest of a rather boisterous form, which caused injury to yet another pupil. I took the blame and another six of the best from Hugh Elder. With hindsight (sorry

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for the pun) I was fortunate to be caned by the Head rather than old school friend Hamish Darke on the Far East Station. On Dick Hawkey (our form master), who played first class squash two occasions, under the direction of our Gunnery Officer Lt and I think my backside would have accordingly suffered much Cdr Henry Leach (later 1st Sea Lord), we scored direct hits on greater pain. Communist positions in Malaya during the Emergency. My At school my sporting prowess was on a par with my action stations were either loader on Red Two Bofor or deep academics – pretty ordinary; though at Terry’s I did once win down in the bowels of the ship as handler in the lower cordite the Victor Ludorum but then it all went downhill after some gallery; not a very pleasant place to be during action stations! idiot medic thought he discovered I had a weak heart. Anyway, I learnt a lot from my immediate boss Commander Michael I enjoyed my rugby and was very average at cricket; though I Pollock in the Commander’s Office. He later became 1st Sea remember as an OMT my stepfather asked me to play for his Lord and we kept in touch right up to his death. During my Sunday side at Durrants and, as a desperate measure, he invited time in the Far East I was able to stay with my brother Ian on me to bowl at a rather stuck-in batsman. Much to my surprise, his rubber plantation in the midst of the Emergency. I was and probably my step father’s, I bowled him first ball, which was sent up-country with a Lee Enfield .303 rifle and five rounds of an absolute fluke! I played for Colin Cole’s Extra C and enjoyed ammunition. I asked the Master at Arms “Why only five?” and the bar at Durrants. he replied that the “commies” would get me long before I had Rugby in those days and at my level was very much a fired off all five rounds! “gentleman’s” game and I remember a tackle that brought me After National Service one came down to earth with a bump down. I had gone quite grey at an early age and the tackler and I enjoyed jobs with Whitbread’s as a trainee Abroad Cooper, came up to me in the bar afterwards and shook me by the then a gravel pit manager near Slough and then an assistant to hand, apologising profusely for tackling an old gentleman so the directors of an electrical wholesale firm run by a girlfriend’s hard. I was all of 23! On HMS Newcastle there was a Surgeon father in the West End! Then I met my wife and we married in Commander Dow, who had played rugby with the Huskissons 1960. I fell in love with her and her county of Norfolk, so took a and as soon as he learnt I was an OMT, I was in the ship’s first job with a crop spraying company there; ending up as a director. team and then played for Singapore Naval Base. Once I played In 1976 my wife Sheelin was appointed Head Mistress of a girls’ against a Fijian side with no boots. Fame at last, I thought, boarding school – Runton Hill in North Norfolk. We had ten but pride before a fall, as they were very hard tacklers. Thank very happy years there and during that time I raised money for goodness my three grandsons look as if they are set for better our Church by organising Pageants and Son et Lumieres, then things than their grandfather! Country Fairs in aid of Norfolk Scouts and St John Ambulance. My favourite day in the week was Friday – Corps day. I Country Fairs followed at Chatsworth, Holkham Hall, Fyvie relished drill under Messrs RSM Mallion and CSM Bell. We Castle, Castle Howard, Belvoir Castle, Stratfield Saye, Woburn were all proud as punch to be inspected by Lord Alexander of and Broadlands. Tunis. I was privileged to be a member of the successful Drill One day I had a sort of dream that Norfolk should have her Squad which swept the board at Summer Camps against all own Sail Training ship; so in 1980 I organised a Country Fair comers. I shot with my old and very great friend Ian MacGregor at Holkham specifically to raise money for this. Then started a at Bisley camp. Then like many sons of divorced parents, I, journey which resulted in a Norfolk Boat charity which helps to as they say in Norfolk, “did different” and joined the newly send more than 120 children on sea-going voyages every year. formed Naval Section and the RNVR at HMS President. All We invest our capital and spend about £25,000 of its interest this because my father had ended his war in command of his each year to achieve this. I have been recently truly humbled battalion in Rome and I suppose I wanted to prove a point. by being presented with the honour of an MBE, which I am to My end of school exam results were far from satisfactory. One receive just before Christmas this year, 2013. Humbled, because thing I did learn from the famous John Fryers was how to hold it has been very much a team effort by many friends and family. my pen and write. I don’t think students are taught this these days, judging by the way many hold their writing implements. Andrew Cuthbert (1950-1953) I ended my days at Taylors’ by steeling back the last night of term to haul a chamber pot to the top of the flag pole – oh well – Son of Eric Cuthbert (1910-17) little things...! Stepson of Alan (Beady) Turner (1920-1925), I then enjoyed two years’ National Service in the Royal Navy, Brother of Ian Cuthbert (C1940-1943) mostly on the cruiser HMS Newcastle; meeting up with my & David Cuthbert (C1943-1947)

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the leaking by his press secretary, Colette Ludlow in the imminent election, halving Bowe, of an opinion secured from the the Conservative majority. He secured Solicitor-General, Sir Patrick Mayhew, to the candidacy for the supposedly safe Lord undercut Heseltine’s position. Dudley in the 1968 by-election caused Gilbert was as tenacious with Sir by the elevation of George Wigg to the Gilbert Brian Hayes, Permanent Secretary at the peerage, but at the depth of Labour’s DTI, the Cabinet Secretary Sir Robert unpopularity the Tories swept home Armstrong and eventually Heseltine by 11,656 votes. Gilbert nursed the Lord Gilbert, who has himself. He shook Armstrong, in constituency and in 1970 regained it by died aged 86, was, particular, by suggesting that he saw the just 336. At Westminster he specialised in “scandalous” episode of the leak as no financial issues and was put on the Select as Dr John Gilbert, more serious than a waiter spilling soup. Committee on Expenditure. Labour members of the committee were In 1972 Wilson recognised Gilbert’s a middle-ranking convinced that the trail led to Downing ability by appointing him a Treasury minister under Harold Street, and Gilbert’s weighty thoroughness spokesman in the reshuffle forced by enabled it to issue a unanimous report Roy Jenkins’s resignation over Europe. A Wilson and James accusing Sir Robert of neither giving a clear persistent critic of the Takeover Panel’s lead to his civil servants nor disciplining limited powers to tackle insider dealing Callaghan; at the age those who “connived” in the leak. and other abuses, he asserted in a BBC Removed from the Defence Committee documentary that malpractice was taking of 70 he was recalled after the 1987 election for attacking place on the Stock Exchange, a charge by Tony Blair to ensure Labour’s “non-nuclear” policy, Gilbert furiously rebutted. Gilbert raised questions found fresh challenges on the Trade and about several takeovers, making his Atlanticist continuity at Industry Committee. He joined forces with greatest impact questioning Sir Geoffrey its Conservative chairman, Sir Kenneth Howe, Consumer Affairs Minister, over the the Ministry of Defence. Warren, to tease out of Shell executives the collapse of the banking group London and admission that their own, “better”, petrol County Securities. In between, he made an impact was frequently bought from a competitor. Boundary changes at the February interrogating the mighty on Select And he asked uncomfortable questions 1974 election helped Gilbert hold the new Committees. The lean, magisterial about the Matrix Churchill “arms for Iraq” Dudley East constituency with a majority Gilbert directed an accountant’s affair, saying that ministers had “connived of 11,622. On Labour’s unexpected return forensic brain against the evasions in and were complicitous in the activities to power, he became Financial Secretary of highly-placed witnesses to of the men who were put on trial”. to the Treasury under Denis Healey; his deadly effect, notably during the John William Gilbert was born on April transatlantic experience proved useful Defence Committee’s hearings into 5 1927, the son of Stanley Gilbert, a civil in discussions with American business the Westland affair. servant, and the former Mary Davies. leaders on Healey’s tighter tax regime for A former international banker with Educated at Merchant Taylors’ School, foreigners working in Britain. a private pilot’s licence, Gilbert was Northwood, and St John’s College, Oxford, With Labour committed to a red- not a typical Labour MP; indeed, a where he read PPE, he was a management blooded programme of nationalisation, psychologist who showed photographs trainee with the Forte catering group Gilbert was perceived as a “dove” despite of politicians to women voters found before moving to Canada, where he his views on the City — and was not that most reckoned the pinstriped qualified (in 1954) and practised as a helped when Conservative MPs got up Gilbert a Tory. Yet he was an asset to chartered accountant. After a spell in and said so. His first months were spent his party and to Parliament. international banking in New York City, he getting Healey’s first Finance Bill through Gilbert made his greatest mark — and took a PhD in International Economics at a hung Parliament. won The Spectator’s “Inquisitor of the New York University, thereafter insisting Later that year Gilbert announced Year” award — in opposition, after the on being called “Dr Gilbert”. that charitable payments to thalidomide resignations of Michael Heseltine and Gilbert had joined the Labour Party children would be subject to income Leon Brittan from Margaret Thatcher’s in 1945, serving as secretary of the tax, only for Wilson to overrule him; Cabinet over Westland. When Brittan, Oxford University Labour Club, and a compromise was found, with the himself a renowned QC, appeared was an active trade unionist. Returning government paying victims £5 million to before the committee, Gilbert accused to Britain early in 1966 as an industrial offset tax due. Gilbert went on to launch him of having a selective memory over and financial adviser, he was selected for “granny bonds” to protect the elderly Winter 2013 46 47

Obituaries

against then-rampant inflation, and introduce Capital Transfer Tax in the 1975 Finance Bill. A consistent anti-Marketeer, he campaigned for a “No” vote in the 1975 referendum on EC membership, and no one was more surprised when the repercussions won him promotion. Judith Hart, who had campaigned alongside him, refused demotion from Overseas Development Minister to Minister of Transport under the Environment Secretary Anthony Crosland. Robert Mellish, the chief whip, also rejected Transport, so Wilson picked Gilbert to show there were “no hard feelings” over Europe. Gilbert made quite an impression at Transport. This proud owner of an Aston Martin convertible and a Mustang, he advocated the compulsory wearing of seat belts (failing to get a Bill through), party moved to the Left. He was one of election Blair asked him to take a life emission and noise checks and stiffer 20 MPs who refused to vote against the peerage; it was assumed a seat was being penalties for drink-driving; he also nuclear deterrent in 1981 . “found” for a promising Blairite, but in christened London’s embryonic orbital Gilbert was a natural target for fact the award heralded a return to the motorway the M25. When EC transport Labour’s extreme Left, and in 1985 MoD. ministers ordered restrictions on lorry detected a campaign to deselect him. Procurement minister once again, drivers’ hours, which British unions His critics claimed he had attended only Gilbert worked closely with George refused to accept as they involved fitting one local party meeting in 22 years; his Robertson on a year-long Strategic every vehicle with a tachograph, he backers retaliated by recruiting 37 union Defence Review, being credited with secured a two-year exemption. delegates to the Dudley East party’s securing Treasury approval for the He did less well with public transport, general committee, swamping the seven eventual construction of two large vetoing London Transport’s eastward Fleet already there. They included Gilbert’s aircraft carriers at a cost of £2 billion. (now Jubilee) Line extension, capping wife, an interior designer, representing Gilbert was a passionate supporter railway investment, acquiescing in bus the quarrymen’s branch of her husband’s of wildlife conservation. In 1972 he and rail service cuts and suggesting buses General and Municipal Workers. urged Edward Heath to bar “rich and might replace some trains. Labour’s National Executive refused insensitive” women wearing leopard-skin In October 1976 James Callaghan to bar the pro-Gilbert delegates, and coats from government receptions; at the moved Gilbert to Defence. It was the rebels dispersed after a meeting MoD he halted the practice of treating rumoured that he wanted to sack him “noted” their demand for his resignation. free-fall parachutists’ gloves with sperm outright, but Gilbert was in America and Having made sure of his seat — until a whale oil. could not be contacted, so was found a further challenge in 1989 — he upset the John Gilbert married first, in 1950, berth as Minister of State for procurement. leadership by redoubling his attacks on Hilary Kenworthy, daughter of the He was co-opted on to a Labour working Labour’s “non-nuclear” policy , and by 10th Lord Strabolgi. The marriage was party that proposed cuts of 28 per cent, arguing that renouncing atomic weapons dissolved in 1954, and he married his including phasing out Polaris, reducing the had no moral basis because it would second wife, Jean, in 1963. He had two British Army of the Rhine and cancelling make Britain dependent on America’s daughters, one of whom predeceased him. the Tornado aircraft project, but dissociated nuclear “umbrella”. himself from its report. Despite this In 1994 Blair nominated Gilbert to Lord Gilbert, born April 5 1927, embarrassment, he was sworn of the Privy the panel of privy councillors set up died June 2 2013 Council in the 1978 New Year’s Honours. to oversee the security services; one After Labour’s defeat in 1979, Gilbert observer described him as the “quiet This article first appeared in The Telegraph on stood down from the front bench as the power” behind it. On the eve of the 1997 3rd June 2013 Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 48 49

Class Notes:

to teams of people working on major marketing campaigns for leading brands. Sadly, his career was cut short by the Jeremy diagnosis in November 2010 of a primary brain tumour. The biopsy following its William excision showed it was of a type with a very poor prognosis. Buckland It was during the 20 month period after the diagnosis but prior to his death that his Warren planning their future together before he positivity shone through. The treatment became ill – said “What I loved the most was at times aggressive and debilitating, 11th July 1982 – about Jeremy was how relaxed, genuine but despite this he worked when he could and authentic he was – not just with me and lived as normally as possible. He kept 1st August 2012 but with everybody he knew. Jeremy was in close contact with his many friends, an exceptionally intuitive person, who was minimising the seriousness of his condition and behaving as if things were relatively Jeremy was educated at Taylors’ completely honest and true to himself. He could not engage in hypocritical normal. During this time he watched his from 1995, when he was just 13, lifelong friend Tim Morris pass away with until 2000, when he went up to relationships. He was instantly likeable with the power to make you feel good about an even more aggressive cancer than Nottingham University. At both yourself and warm about yourself in the his own. They went through St Martin’s, St Martins, his prep school, and at most difficult of times. Various friends have Taylors’ and Nottingham University Taylors, he participated in the wide described him additionally as thoughtful, together, as well as enduring many matches variety of sporting and musical caring, loyal and always positive.” at Vicarage Road over the years. activities available. He also enjoyed After graduating from Nottingham Jeremy had the charm and self-assurance his involvement in the Duke of University, he took an MSc course in of very many boys of his background, Edinburgh’s Award scheme and still Business Studies at the University and then as well as enormous inner strength and found some time to work on the remained in Nottingham for a couple of resilience. He enriched the lives of his academic subjects he chose. It is years working in internet advertising and friends, family and colleagues. His time at difficult to know the extent to which marketing. He then moved to London, to Taylors’ undoubtedly contributed to these an individual’s character is formed by a job in the same field. He was very adept qualities, which enabled him cheerfully nurture or by nature, but there seems at keeping at the cutting edge in the fast and positively, to carry during the last 18 little doubt that school environments moving and fast growing world of internet months of his life, the heavy cross that he affect a person’s development and marketing, and at Publicis, where he worked had to bear. what he becomes. for two years up to his death, he provided At his funeral, his fiancée – they were valued input on the internet elements Timothy Warren

John R S Blake Charles E. Norland (1956-1961) died in August (1933-1937) died 31/12/2012 aged 93. 2013 aged 70. He lived in He lived in Chichester, West Sussex. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Kenneth E. Munn (1933-1939) died 20/06/2013 aged 92. He left Denis J. McCulloch (1932- Merchant Taylors’ in 1939 and went straight to Pembroke College, 1936) died 17/02/2013 aged 94. Cambridge to read Natural Sciences. His time there was interrupted by war service in the Army Operational Group. He returned to Pembroke after the war and was then a schoolmaster at Haileybury College from 1947 to 1983 when he and his wife retired to the Cotswolds. Mr Munn’s son Richard writes: ‘My father had many Ian Miller (1945-1949) died in happy memories of MTS, especially the scouts and the rugby. He April 2013 aged 80. He lived in went on to play rugby for the OMTs for many years and recounted Chesham, Buckinghamshire. stories of their tours to the West Country.’ Winter 2013 48 49

Obituaries

host and a very good cook. On one occasion my wife and I went round to dinner there. Needless to say wines Paul of exceptional quality were on offer and the main course featured the Overton largest sirloin steaks I have ever seen, following dinner plate sized portions It was with great of smoked salmon with dill as a starter. Everything was expertly cooked from sadness that the school fresh produce sourced from one of his weekly visits to Waitrose. learned that former Paul devoted his life to the school teacher Paul Overton for 26 years. He never gave anything less than 100% in all he did. His loyalty had died after being to the boys, colleagues and especially to me and the Chemistry Department taken ill while out was unwavering. A fire in his house in East Drive shopping on 7th June never likely to repeat. tragically destroyed or damaged 2013 at the age of 58 He balanced his Chemistry teaching many of his treasured possessions around many other school activities. and it is true to say that he never Closest to his heart were his rugby and fully recovered from the shock. In his Colin Paul Overton, the ‘C’ seems hockey teams. Many memories endure. final years at the school it became to have remained a mystery to many I recall on several occasions seeing him, increasingly apparent that his health of his pupils, came to Merchant in full games kit, riding the legendary was starting to suffer and in 2008 he Taylors’ in September 1982. He bicycle down from the Manor at a furious made the difficult decision to take had been working in the Inorganic pace with a large sack of rugby balls over early retirement. He returned to Chemistry Laboratory at Oxford as his shoulder. Mid-week matches often Jarrow to live with his elderly mother a graduate demonstrator. His energy meant early lunches to facilitate early who now survives him. and enthusiasm, in all he did, was departures. Reluctant to miss any part For a while he was able to continue immediately apparent. of a lesson, but equally reluctant to miss his regular trips to Durham Cathedral He was a member of the Royal Society lunch, Paul would go to the Dining Hall, and to watch his beloved Newcastle of Chemistry, had a real passion for collect his meal on a tray, and eat it in RFC. Indeed the last time I saw Paul the subject and loved teaching it. His front of the class whilst still conducting was when he came down to watch lessons, never lacking pace, were based the lesson! Newcastle play Saracens at Watford. It around the belief that pupils learned He spent several years as a residential was not a great day but I think he was best through practical experience and he tutor in the Manor when it was still able to see the comical side. The coach enabled the boys to carry out a great deal a boarding house, where he gave broke down on the A1, he only arrived of practical work. Former pupils recall the invaluable support to the House Master. at half-time and Saracens won. It was ‘devotion and dedication’ of his teaching Paul was always very popular with the good though to meet up with him for and many have added that, without it, boys. True, pranks were played, but these a short while after the game in the they would not have got the grades that were always good-natured and usually Members’ Bar. have enabled them to be where they are featured the bicycle. Paul was, in the most traditional today. Anecdotes of many of his most He had a great love of classical music, sense, a true schoolmaster. Since the dramatic demonstrations proliferate, especially sacred choral works. An news of his passing spread, a large showing that what he taught them unfulfilled ambition was to teach in a number of very moving tributes have was not easily forgotten. Each year, he cathedral choir school. He was, however, appeared on Facebook. Many regard guided the brightest Sixth Form pupils a regular visitor to St Paul’s and Durham him as the most influential teacher in their preparation for the International Cathedrals. He had an upright piano during their time at MTS. He was, and Chemistry Olympiad. Astonishingly, in which he once told me he played very always will be, affectionately known by a period of seven years, three boys went badly but I confess I never witnessed pupils and colleagues alike as ‘CPO’. all the way to reaching the final team this. to represent Great Britain, a feat we are He was a wonderfully generous Tony Horrox Concordia Merchant Taylors’ School 50 PB

Letter from Australia

Will Copping (2005-2012) recently travelled to Australia during his gap year on a Wallaby Scholarship. He writes of his experiences Down Under

After a couple of days spent in Singapore spent my time exploring the busy little staving off jetlag, I arrived in Sydney, where side-streets. Thankfully, I fi nally worked I began my journey up Queensland. The out Australian Rules Football, something outdoors culture, the friendly nature of the of a cult there. I also met Joyce Webster, people and the prospect of getting sunburn whose late husband Tony had generously at the end of autumn were all pleasant founded the Wallaby Scholarship. We surprises. I was able to enjoy the pristine had dinner with another OMT, Andrew white sands of the Whitsunday Islands and Gemmill and his wife Diana. Though our snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef. school experiences were diff erent, the I returned to Sydney after a month, spirit of MTS hadn’t changed. I returned to settling into hostel life. My eff orts to even stand up on a surfb oard met with limited success, but discovering Pyrmont fi sh market cheered me up immensely, even if it did end my healthy eating habit. I visited the Sydney Opera house and the Harbour Bridge. These iconic buildings were a Waving goodbye to pleasure to see in real life and no photo urban life, I spent a could ever hope to do them justice. Canberra was a world apart from month on a sheep Sydney, with pristine white buildings and farm acquainting a planned, geometric layout. I familiarised I couldn’t myself with Australian politics and current myself with a very recommend an aff airs during this time, visiting the grand different type of Australian Parliament and popping into opportunity like the High Court for an afternoon. Whilst not work. this highly enough. teeming with nightlife, it was still a relaxing time. I can only thank Waving goodbye to urban life, I spent a month on a sheep farm acquainting Sydney for my last week to see John Filmer, everyone who myself with a very diff erent type of work. I another OMT. helped to get the was a fountain of stupid questions and I’m I returned home after three months a pleasantly surprised the farmer put up with seasoned traveller. When Gavin Brown fi rst ball rolling and who me, despite me driving a trailer through a discussed the Wallaby Scholarship with me hosted me whilst I ditch! I won’t forget the strong community I was sceptical about the opportunity for spirit I found there. Although I left the farm refl ection it provided, but that is precisely was there. fed up of fox hunting, I also left with great what happened. I can only thank everyone memories and an authentic farmer’s beard. who helped to get the ball rolling and who My last stop was Melbourne, where I hosted me whilst I was there. Merchant Taylors’ School Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561 MT S 1561

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Jon Rippier Editor Getting here

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Guided tours (last tour 11.30) Please contact Gregg McCann, Admissions Secretary The Head Master speaks at [email protected] +44(0)1923 845514 Add a friend to Concordia’s mailing list [email protected] 11.15 and 12.15 Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT Development Offi ce Merchant Taylors’ School Sandy Lodge, Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT 01923 845545 [email protected] www.mtsn.org.uk