Issue 15, 2015 The Gossip Bowl

The Alumni Magazine

PRIOR PARK ALUMNI A Community for Life President’s Letter From The Headmaster

IN THIS ISSUE: My predecessor as PPA President, Tony Bury (1970), set himself three objectives: rejuvenate the PPA community; make the PPA more relevant to the life 2 President’s Letter What makes a of the school; and support the school financially. He achieved great success on all three fronts. I, too, Good 3 From The Headmaster have started my presidency with three objectives: increase participation in PPA activities; clarify the 4 - 5 School News mission of the PPA; and make the PPA more fit for purpose. These tasks continue the work that Tony and School? his predecessors have undertaken in recent years. In 6 Prior Park Alumni Update TERRY ILOTT spirit, they also dovetail with the vision for the College Class of 1968 that was articulated recently in the Foundation’s 2020 7 Development Report Vision document. In our ultra-competitive world we can be mistaken in thinking that a The first of my priorities, increasing participation, is addressed more fully on page place amongst the ‘elite schools’ can only be achieved by a high listing 8 - 9 Alumni Day 2015 six. What of the other two? Well, it seems obvious to me that, in the era of social media, the PPA has to do more than provide opportunities for social get-togethers. in the annual league tables. There is more to it than that. 10 From The Archive The PPA committee is working to redefine the PPA’s purpose and objectives. In a similar vein, we are striving to make the PPA more fit for purpose by re-jigging Whilst I respect schools that aim high academically – Such a vision enables every student to share in the life of the the work of committee members and investigating how we might transfer part of we certainly do at Prior Park – the flawed league tables need school and to genuinely support the head and the staff in 11 Rosemary Adamson Interview the responsibility for the PPA from the committee to the year reps. The real action to be read with a healthy scepticism. achieving higher goals. Along with this vision the school must of the PPA, after all, is to be found among the year groups. have a clear ethos, which needs to be articulated by everyone A few years’ ago a close colleague of mine left a school that Headmaster’s Academic involved in the institution. And it needs a set of values that staff 12 - 13 I am inspired, too, by Tony’s quest to make the PPA more relevant to current students. was highly placed in the tables to go to an even higher-ranked Society and students believe in and hold to be important. Alumni already contribute significantly to careers events and such at the school. school, in the belief that the education there must be more 14 Joe Ball: An Actor Prepares I would like to go further, so that students join the PPA on entering the school, not enlightened. He was disappointed to discover that his new Standards, vision, ethos and values are the permanent anchors on leaving. That, I think, would make a big difference, dispelling the PPA’s image as school was so obsessed with its league position that all in students’ lives, not just when they are at school but long Vince Mehers: Working in a refuge for old duffers like me. We will keep you informed of our progress. originality had long disappeared from the curriculum – and after they have left. 14 Africa even worse, the teaching. Students learned by rote. It was as Our ethos is to care for our students so that they feel empowered if the school was maintaining its position through fear. to develop their talents in many different directions. We also 15 Weddings Terry Ilott Another misconception is that excellent facilities make a want our students to be rooted in the Christian values of Prior Park Alumni President good school. Facilities are important of course and we are consideration, compassion, kindness, service, contribution 16 Reunions 2014-2015 fortunate here at Prior Park to have world heritage buildings to others and openness to God. On these they can build their alongside exciting new resources such as the Bury Sports lives. They will be their inspiration in good times and comfort 17 Veterans’ Lunch Centre and the Art Faculty. However this is not an infallible sign in bad. of a good school. Sometimes schools exhaust themselves by Working Prior Park Alumni I also believe passionately in a school that encourages its permanently raising funds in order to keep up with competitors. 18 - 19 Alumni Sports students to trust in themselves and to be bold enough to Alumni Weddings Sports This arms race, well-recognised in educational circles, was embrace change, even to make it their friend. If values are the inevitable consequence of the “parent power” revolution. Page 11 Page 15 Page 18 - 19 the anchor, then the skills and confidence to be flexible and 20 - 25 All The Gossip I have visited schools with jaw-dropping facilities and yet I adaptable are the sails, using the surrounding winds to steer have found some of these to be soulless places. By contrast, I through the great changes, personal and professional, in life. have visited inner-city schools with very limited facilities that 25 Gap Year Report have been beacons of inspiration. By encouraging and inspiring young minds, teachers have a privileged role to play. Here at Prior it is often noted that the So what does make for a good school? Such a school must 26 - 27 Obituaries staff show the same level of respect to the students as the strive for the highest standards in everything it does: from the students do to them. Thus, people contribute to a good school manner of the staff, both teaching and non-teaching, to the in far more profound ways than league tables and buildings. 28 - 29 Calendar 2015/2016 presentation of the students. Such standards breed pride in the school and develop within the student an inner discipline 28 - 29 Prior Park Alumni Committee and respect which they will take with them through life. James Murphy-O’Connor A good school must have a clear vision, in terms of what is Prior Park College Headmaster 30 Year Group Representatives important now and what the school aspires to be in the future.

2 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 3 School News

The Paragon The Foundation It has been a hugely productive, busy and rewarding year, This year our wonderful art teacher, Alex Hucks, as part of our Proof of the buoyant good health of the Foundation is The following year the school will expand to include Years writes Paragon headmaster Andrew Harvey. wider drive to raise awareness of other cultures, introduced the addition of Prior Park Gibraltar. A programme of Eleven and Twelve, with full senior-school provision in students to artists from China, India and Australia, as well In sport, all teams have enjoyed success against local and refurbishment is underway to see the school, housed in September 2018. Mr Peter Watts, currently Deputy as African textiles and Inuit art. The drama productions this national opposition and many teams have returned with the former Sacred Heart campus in Old Town, open for Headmaster of Sherborne School, has been appointed year have been colourful, creative and very funny, from the silverware. Years Eight to Ten in September 2016. Headmaster. Nativity Play and Year Three’s A-Z of Mexico at The Egg Music has gone from strength to strength. Watching pupils, Theatre, through to Year Four’s Pirates of the Curry Bean from our youngest in Reception to our eldest in Year Six, and Years Five’s and Six’s Cinderella Rockefella. The Parent perform in front of an audience with such confidence is always Teacher Association has been very active, from meticulous humbling. Highlights include our samba band opening the organisation of the May Fayre, through to The Paragon Party The College Widcombe Street Party; Sing Out!, bringing Christmas cheer and Quiz Night. This year, the PTA has raised an incredible College continues to prosper, with the new student roll to have a thriving sporting life and great emphasis is placed on to The Orangery Care Home; and various groups achieving £7,900 for our chosen charity, The Lewis Moody Foundation, (2015/16) expected to stand at about 600, of which 175 the local community, with students engaged with other local success at the Midsomer Festival. and £3,500 for the school. – 180 will be boarders. The Bury Sports Centre, which has schools, community centres and care homes. opened up new horizons for sport and fitness, has freed up The principal job of the Foundation, as set out in the three space in the old gym, which is now available for multiple use. headmasters’ recently published Vision 2020, is to foster The new Arts Faculty in St Peters has similarly allowed for the development of individuals capable of “showing a new, much larger Sixth Form centre to be created in the compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, basement of the Mansion. At the same time, Arundell House understanding and love”, “faithful friends” with a strong is moving into bigger premises. A forthcoming space audit sense of service, able to “develop and express their opinions might allow further improvement in facilities and a small and take an active role”, guided by “firm beliefs and a sense increase in student numbers. of social justice”, “confident, capable, compassionate and Academic performance continues to be impressive. In 2014, independent-minded” and thus able to “contribute fully to students passed all the A-level papers they sat, 78% of them society”. Hence, it was entirely appropriate that at the 2015 with A*, A or B grades. The 2014 GCSE results were equally Speech Day, George Stock, Archbishop of Cardiff, spoke of encouraging, with 82% of papers being graded A*, A or B and Oscar Romero, who died in defence of the poor, and noted more than 50% being graded A* or A. that it was more important “to be more than to have more”. The keynote speaker on the day was Lord Patten of Barnes. There were 86 teaching staff at the school in the summer of 2015. On the extra-curricular front, The Good Schools Of particular interest to Alumni, the PPA Music Prize was this Guide notes that “Prior has gone overboard when it comes to year awarded to Alistair Addley, while the William Genders activities”, of which it counted more than 60. College continues Art Prize went to Eleanor Carney. Cricklade It has been a very positive and creative year at the Prep School, Being the year of a general election, we undertook a mock with a lot to celebrate, writes headmaster Mark Pearce. election with five pupils representing the various political We have seen various cross-departmental collaborations, in parties. Our candidates each presented up to three national particular between Art and Outdoor Learning. policies and one local policy. A very engaging exercise, the speeches were impassioned and discussion lively, resulting Our annual Green Day, dedicated to raising the awareness of in a landslide victory for the Conservatives. the importance of our environment, this time had a focus on bees. The new Polytunnel has added to our outdoor facilities Sport continues to thrive, with pupils representing the school and our green-fingered pupils and staff have been supplying at county, national and international level, including selection the kitchen with lettuces, courgettes and parsley. for the England national development fencing programme and a Great British Biathle winner. The cricket and netball tour of The Music department has held regular events, including the Dubai enabled senior pupils to experience a different culture Summer Concert, a concert in honour of St Cecilia, Junior and visit some of its famous landmarks, including the tallest and Senior lunchtime concerts and the End-of-Term concerts. building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Our next overseas visit The Junior Choir joined 5,500 other children to take part in will be a skiing trip to France in 2016. Young Voices at the Genting Arena, Birmingham – a thrilling Eleanor Carney with Robert Genders presenting the William Genders Art Prize and inspiring experience.

4 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 5 Prior Park Alumni Update Development Report

This year has seen a changing of the guard at the PPA.

The new Bury Sports Centre

What a busy time it’s been here at Prior, writes Director of ambassador for the school which I love so much”. Our thirteen, Development, Melanie Ball. We have recently completed our fund-raising, young leavers thoroughly enjoyed learning about first telethon campaign - The Prior Partnership – in which the Prior of years gone by and swapping stories with older Year Group Rep Meeting – May 2015 thirteen of our recent leavers came back to College to help Alumni. If you were called, I do hope that you also enjoyed the raise funds. experience. Early results are pleasing, with nearly £73,000 Four members of the PPA committee that was instrumental media and website presence, managing data, membership being pledged over the next four years. We hope that more of in shepherding the school from the Christian Brothers’ records and the budget, and liaising with committee members, you will consider joining us. management to the current lay administration stood down the development office and the school. Working with Simon It was lovely to see the Bury Sports Centre opening its doors this year. Morgan and Suzannah Angelo-Sparling (1987), Carole has to the next generation here at Prior. We are so very grateful also embarked on the enormous task of collating and digitising Patrick Mason (1953), Andy Owen (1957), Mike Stevens to all those that have contributed, and particularly to the Bury the PPA archive. (1959) and Peter Hilton (1962) gave many years of service family after whom the centre is named. We look forward to to the PPA and their outstanding contribution was celebrated As for the Alumni, the school has grown in recent years, so that inviting all our donors to see the centre later this year when it in fine fashion at a special lunch in March. At the same time, a considerable portion of our membership is now under 30. is officially opened by Lord Coe. PPA President Tony Bury (1970) completed his very successful However, this is not reflected in participation in PPA activities, The Telethon Crew 2015 We have had two ongoing appeals running in the last year to four-year term of office. Tony, principal benefactor of the new which, with the exception of sport, tend mostly to feature the protect our architectural heritage. One was for the repair and sports centre, will continue to be an active member of the PPA over-50s. We want to change this. It is true that, up to their The telethon’s first objective was to raise bursaries for children restoration of the Mansion steps and the other to enhance committee while also focusing on his role as a school governor. mid-fifties, most people are simply too busy with careers and worthy of a Prior education but who are denied access because the sound and lighting in our lovely Chapel of Our Lady of families to give time to Alumni affairs. But there may be more of insufficient funds. Just as important are those students Terry Ilott (1968), Simon Morgan (1975) and David Thomas The Snows. Work commenced on the steps this summer. (See to the story than life stages. already with us who face a change of circumstances through (1980) have joined the committee, with Terry now serving as page 10 for further notes on the chapel.) Thanks to generous no fault of their own. We have a responsibility to support them, President and David as one of two Vice-Presidents (Suzannah At a recent meeting of year reps, it was noted that some donations from a local charitable trust, we have also been if we can, when they go through difficult times. Angelo-Sparling, herself a former President, is the other). The Alumni might be inhibited from participating because they able to help support projects for a new music centre and the Vice-Presidencies are new to the PPA, as are the Sixth Form have a negative estimation of either their school career or their College started this academic year with 584 pupils. When development of a new IT suite at The Paragon. Liaison Reps, Sophie Atkin and Roberto Pitchford-Pecchia. adult achievement. “I didn’t do as well at school as I should we include our other two schools, Prior Park Preparatory In April, in a joint visit with Prior Park Preparatory School, the These innovations, taken together with committee members have/might have/could have or as other people did” could be and The Paragon, we have a combined total of 1,067 pupils Development Office visited Madrid and Barcelona, meeting now assuming individual responsibility for various action lines one unspoken inhibitor. “I haven’t achieved as much in life as studying within The Prior Foundation. This will increase further with current parents, former parents, prospective parents and (see pages 28/29 for details), are designed not just to make I should have/might have/could have or as other people have” in September 2016, with a projected 240 pupils on the new of course former pupils. A reception was held in both locations the PPA more effective but to make it more relevant to current could be another. school roll at Prior Park Gibraltar. In the last ten years, we have and it was lovely to welcome back both old and new faces. students. seen annual bursary expenditure increase from £132,000 to A further inhibitor is sentiment towards the school. It is certain In June, we returned to Gibraltar, a place of long association, £337,000. About 18% of pupils at College now receive some At the same time, PPA administrator Debbie O’Bryan moved on that not every alumnus will feel equally warmly towards the and held a reception at The Rock Hotel for our former pupils form of bursary. This proportion is likely to continue to rise. after eleven years of outstanding service. Carole Laverick, who school or, indeed, the PPA. It would be foolish to expect to share news of the development of the new school. This is has worked at PPC for four years as receptionist, administrator, otherwise. Yet the PPA, just like College itself, must exist for One beneficiary, whom I shall call Daniel, shares what Prior an exciting venture and we look forward to its future success. in St Mary’s House and as a sports photographer, and who everyone. As the Archbishop of Cardiff said at College’s 2015 means to him: “Prior Park is like my second home. I am never as If you would like to offer your support for bursaries, the is also a Prior Park parent, has taken on the role of Alumni speech day, it is more important “to be more than to have happy as when I walk into the common room to be welcomed chapel appeal, the mansion steps, Prior Gibraltar or, indeed, Relations representative, starting in January 2015. Carole, more” and it is a central role of the PPA to marshal the forces by the smiles and camaraderie of my friends around me. I never for any other worthy cause at College please contact like Debbie before her, is the first point of contact for Alumni. of friendship and solidarity to help every alumnus along the thought that I would be this lucky to study on such a beautiful me direct on +44 1225 835353 Ext 257, or by e-mail at Her wide-ranging brief includes organising PPA events and road towards fulfilment. site. I cannot imagine being anywhere else. I will carry what I [email protected] meetings, producing The Gossip Bowl, running our social have learnt from Prior through the rest of my life, acting as an

6 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 7 Alumni Day 2015

The weather on Alumni Day (Sunday 21st June 2015) was quickly reached 121 from just 53 balls, with nine 4’s and ten 6’s. typical of an English summer’s day, beginning with scudding It was his first century at Prior Park, and, with a strike rate clouds and ending with brilliant sunshine. Proceedings started of close to 229 runs per hundred balls, it was quite simply in the packed Chapel with sung Mass accompanied by the breathtaking. Jamie O’Brien chipped in with a quick-fire 20 Alumni Choir, after which Alistair Addley was presented with from 12 balls, and, with some late-order hitting from James the PPA Music Prize. Power (18 from 10) and John Devlin (14 from 11), the PPA finished on 188-7, a lead of 127. Up on the top field, a little encampment of tents and gazebos housed a bar, a hog roast and a raffle, while, nearby, a bouncy The school had a slow start to their second innings as Peter Alistair Addley, presented with the PPA Music Prize, with Terry Ilott Alumni Choir castle provided entertainment for the children. The excellent Borton ripped through the opening pair of Nutt and Carruthers. Wotton & District Silver Band entertained the crowd while James Burwell steadied the ship and eventually the school the main event – the Old Boys’ Cricket match - got under way. found their way home to victory. Peter Borton was the pick of the PPA bowlers, finishing with three for 16 from 4 overs, while Playing the school 1st XI after a number of years contested Jamie O’Brien and Ed Borton finished with one wicket each. between two old boys’ sides, the Old Boys’ XI, led by Charlie O’Brien in his final game as captain, won the toss and elected The match, played in the lee of the magnificent Bury Sports to field first. The format this year was that of a mini-test match, Centre, was conducted in an excellent spirit and was enjoyed with two, 20-over innings per side. by players and spectators alike. The PPA side bowled well to restrict the school to 134-7 from While the cricket was in full swing, a tour was organised for their first innings. Harry Elias finished with 3 for 19 off four visiting Alumni to take a trip down memory lane, following overs, Charlie O’Brien 2 for 3 from two overs and Jamie O’Brien which many gathered in the new sports hall to hear Peter and Ed Borton picked up one wicket each. McMurray (1970) make a presentation on behalf of the Not Forgotten Association for ex-servicemen. The PPA first innings never really got going. The only batsman to reach double figures was John Devlin (a swashbuckling 24 The sun was dipping down the valley when the cricket finally from 18 balls). So it was agreed that the PPA, on 73, should came to its conclusion, with die-hard supporters and families follow on, with a view to setting a target for the school to applauding the presentations to Charlie O’Brien, in gratitude for chase. Little did we know what was about to unfold. Harry his enthusiasm and organisation in running Old Boys’ Cricket Elias and Charlie O’Brien opened the innings and whilst Charlie for the past eight years. We are now looking for a volunteer found life tough against accurate bowling from Mason Tonks, to take his place - Harry Elias? The captain of the school side Harry had no such trouble. Batting like a man possessed, he accepted the winning trophy with pride.

The Old Boys’ Cricket

Peter McMurray’s presentation on behalf of the Not Forgotten Association Harry Elias (Class of 2003) Charlie O’Brien (Class of 1994) Peter Haddon (Class of 1966)

8 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 9 From the Archive Rosemary Adamson Interview Matters of The Fonseca Chapel Life and Death Rosemary with her family

You might remember the name Julian Fonseca but how Medical dramas on television typically end with miraculous many are aware of The Fonseca Chapel housed within our success: the terminal case turns out not to be terminal after wonderful “Our Lady of The Snows” here at Prior Park? all. Reality, says Rosemary Adamson, is not like that.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, Julian’s grandfather, with his wife, young son and a maid, was killed during an air Rosemary (1997) is a pulmonary ER specialist. After a gap year Rosemary makes no secret of the fact that critical care appeals Frank, left Portugal, where he was a doctor and surgeon, raid when their London house took a direct hit. Amador died in in Tanzania, she went to Cambridge, followed by two years because it is so exciting. It is, she says, “medicine on steroids”. for a new life in Ireland. He married into a large Catholic 1984 in India while on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St Francis of clinical training in London before moving to America. Why “You get a really sick patient and you do certain procedures and family, most of whose members had been educated by the of Assisi. did she start over in the USA, where her clinical experience they don’t die: that is the best feeling in the world.” Christian Brothers. Frank and his wife Mary settled in Wales didn’t count? Earlier this year we launched the Prior Park College Chapel Rosemary, whose professional life is divided between the with their two children, Amador (Julian’s father) and Joseph. Appeal as we embarked on a programme to upgrade the chapel “Because I fell in love with an American and I went back with Seattle Veterans hospital and her role as an assistant professor The boys spent their early years at school in Ireland until environment. The current acoustic quality and lighting impair him and I have never looked back,” she explains. Rosemary at the University of Washington, cites her inspirational teachers their mother died of a heart attack at the age of just 48. the aural comprehension and visual appreciation of some and her husband, Jason, who works at Microsoft, have two at PPC: Dr Margaret Ruxton in chemistry (“just amazing”) and The boys, then 12 and 14, were sent to Prior Park. events and services, limiting the participation and enjoyment children, May and Huxley. Dr Richard Wells in biology. The family chapel was established in Mary’s memory by Frank of the congregation/audience, so this is the first area on which “My father was an engineer and my mother was a doctor,” says “They may not have been medical doctors but their teaching and Amador, for the benefit of all members of their family and we have focused. In due course, we will improve the overall Rosemary. “When I was younger I did think of becoming an inspired me to want to learn more.” She also cites Mrs old pupils now deceased. Mary had been a great Irish patriot aesthetics of the chapel, which we have a moral responsibility engineer but then the medicine side of the family just had me Kate Trott and Mr Alan Hall on the hockey field, “for when I and her favourite saint was St Sebastian, who died for a cause to maintain. intrigued. I made the decision at sixteen, which enabled me wanted to let off steam”, and her housemistress Mrs Shinkwin in which he believed. Thanks to your generous support we have raised over £20,000 to choose the right A-levels. I didn’t realise how many careers (“incredible, so chilled”). And so, when Amador established the chapel, he chose to so far, but if you would like further information or to make a were available in medicine until I started down this pathway.” When she went to Tanzania, Rosemary expected to devote her dedicate it to Sebastian. This acknowledged not only his donation please contact Melanie Ball, Director of Development, How did she balance social and work life while training? The life to working overseas. mother but those old boys who died in the Great War for a at [email protected] or visit the current projects answer, she says, is that she didn’t. “There was no social life cause in which they believed. Younger brother Joseph, along page at www.thepriorfoundation.com “My dream of working abroad has now been revised: I am until you started getting used to the hours. UK hours would married and I have two small children. I cannot work in an be 56 hours per week. When I got to the US, it was 80 hours environment where there is huge danger. But I would like to per week. Then you have kids and you really know what hard create online references and modules for training medical work is! On one occasion, I fell asleep standing up after one students overseas who don’t have the infrastructure that we of my 26-hour shifts.” have, then I can provide healthcare overseas in another way.” Rosemary believes that one of the most important attributes of “A lot of the reasons I am doing what I do,” she concludes, “is a good doctor is being a good communicator: “In my job I have because of my husband. We share everything that needs to be to talk to the families sometimes more than the patients, who done together. So my most important piece of advice would are usually incubated or in a non-responsive state. You have be: choose a husband wisely.” to be compassionate but you have to adopt a secondary skill to deal with them (the patients) at some distance. Because of Livia Ng, Rob Trott and Saskia Chapman met, via Skype, the specialism that I am in, a lot of my patients die. If I didn’t pulmonary ER specialist and Prior Park alumna Rosemary have some dispassionate skills I would be an emotional wreck.” Adamson at her home in Seattle.

Julian Fonseca (Class of 1970) Amador Fonseca (Class of 1932) Frank Muller Fonseca

10 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 11 Headmaster’s Academic Society

The headmaster’s academic society is going from strength to strength, attracting stellar speakers from our Alumni community, including, most recently, Anna-Fleur Rawlinson (2011), Francis Hornyold- Strickland and Toby Nowlan (both class of 2005). Nature Conversation

In April, Toby Nowlan, zoologist, I am now writing a book, trying to catalogue all the species in naturalist and conservationist, this very special island.” While in Madagascar, Toby discovered addressed the Society. He began a tiny bird that had never been catalogued or photographed The Great Gatsby Aspects Of Theatre by declaring: “Ten years ago I can before. remember watching One Planet and Francis Hornyold-Strickland In March, Anna-Fleur Rawlinson “I was then deciding whether to do a PhD when an offer came thinking: do people really get paid to met the Society last September, addressed the Headmaster’s Academic up to do two weeks filming of jaguars in Costa Rica. What do do that? Crazy.” addressing the question, “Is Society on aspects of the theatre. you do when this happens? I decided to do the filming and F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Toby credits his education at Prior as giving him “opportunities I have never regretted it. After several weeks of being in a Looking at the state of the arts in the Gatsby the quintessential and the ability to express my concerns”, especially when hide with a suicidal German for ten-hours at a time and not current climate, Anna-Fleur focused Modernist novel?” he created Eco-Prior. As a school student, he was strong in having seen anything, a local suggested trying Calvin Klein’s on theatre not just “as a form of science, art and languages. Obsession. It has a very similar aroma to big cat pheromones. The talk posed a number of entertainment, something fun to go I thought it would be worth a try and I drenched myself in it. questions: What is Modernism? along to” but as a “platform for ideas, “Languages have always been a passion and I have continued After ten minutes of walking through the jungle, I spotted a What were the feminist inspirations and, indeed, a way of life”. my education with courses in languages. The BBC looks pair of turquoise eyes. The eyes kept coming towards me and concerns of the 1920s? What socio-economic Anna-Fleur joined Prior in the sixth form and had “the favourably on ability with languages. When you are filming I kept evaluating which cat it would be, going up and up in size changes was the world experiencing at the time, most wonderful two years”, serving as deputy head of overseas, it is a huge advantage to be able speak the native until metres away from me I came face to face with a beautiful particularly in America and Europe? The talk school and performing in musicals and shows, including, tongue.” but terrifyingly huge jaguar. I managed to shoot off a couple focussed on the link between Modernism and under Mrs Peacock’s direction, a one-woman show in He studied zoology at Edinburgh and while there organised of pictures before panic took over.” human autonomy, both physical and social. Francis which she danced in a negligee and brandished a shotgun. his first expedition. examined the exponential growth in the car, train Toby started as a researcher and second camera on Naomi’s It was this experience that persuaded her she could pursue and private airplane industries from 1900 to 1930. “(We were) a group of six students and we had to do everything: Nightmare for CBBC. He worked on BBC’s Wild Arabia, Pole to acting as a profession. She studied drama and theatre logistics, medical, fundraising, marketing, planning etc. The Pole, One Planet and Planet Earth 2. “My area of expertise is He looked at how that growth had transformed studies at Manchester and after graduation moved down university was very supportive and not only gave money but filming grassland and desert locations,” he says. His best shot notions of human empowerment. He also to London, where she now works at the National Theatre. advice on trusts that would help.” in the last two years was a five-mile swarm of locusts. This examined how Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker At Manchester, Anna-Fleur studied Michael Frayn’s play year he has been filming bear and wolf predators in the Arctic. are presented in the novel and how feminist issues Toby was in Borneo in 2007: two and a half months in a humid Copenhagen, which, as she told the audience, examines underpin many Modernist texts, both explicitly rainforest with wild pigs eating their entire supplies and Toby cites the worst aspects of the job as “parasites, typhoid, the responsibility of scientists towards society, especially and implicitly. Francis emphasised that WW1 “running half crazy on Tramadol, leeches and rotten testicles – dysentery, suicidal cameraman, kidnapping and guns in remote when their research could lead to negative outcomes such and WW2, which straddle the publication of these are a few of my favourite things!” In 2008, it was Project locations”. The best are “small victories in conservation”. He as the nuclear bomb. the novel, also expressed traits of the Modernist Indonesia, looking at coral reef conservation. In 2010, it was cites the fact that blue whales in California are now numbered era. He cited the invention of the machine gun, She then gave an account of her research into the a search for the Vaquita porpoise, one of the rarest marine above their pre-whaling figures as one such victory. relationship between music and nostalgia, focusing on animals. “We didn’t see any on this expedition in the Sea of more sophisticated aeroplanes and radical Toby ended his talk by giving his receptive audience a piece Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Dennis Potter’s Pennies Cortez, but on a subsequent expedition we got two sightings developments in industry combining to give the of advice: “If it is your dream, go for it, grab life by the scruff From Heaven, The Singing Detective and Lipstick on and a few photos. The main problem has been gill fishing nets, rival European powers unprecedented confidence of the neck and shake every last minute out of it. You may not Your Collar, in each of which Potter uses nostalgia as which are trapping these mammals without thought. The in their ability to control nature…and other people. become a millionaire, but you will have an absolute blast and a dramaturgical device. With student days now behind government have now banned the nets for two years in an Francis, who read English Literature at Durham you could make a difference.” her, Anna-Fleur confessed that life in London is “hard, attempt to help numbers and I am hoping that I can organise before training as a commercial barrister, was and trying to work in the arts is even harder. One needs another expedition to track and film them.” speaking to about fifty students, who plied him to be thick skinned, very determined, and possibly with detailed questions in the question and answer In 2011, Toby was in Tremlay Sound, to study narwhals, and mad. Everyone in this industry is in it for the love of it,” session that followed the talk. Whether The Great Bioko Island off the coast of West Africa for a survey of rare she concluded. “You have to be. You can’t do this half- Gatsby is indeed the quintessential Modernist monkey species. That year he was also in Madagascar, an heartedly… or for the money, because there mostly isn’t novel is perhaps still moot. One student proposed expedition that he describes as “the turning point” of his career. any! Theatre is indeed a way of life... Long may it continue.” James Joyce’s Ulysses as a rival contender. “There are more unique species (in Madagascar) than anywhere else in the world. Makira is the last real wilderness.

12 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 13 Joe Ball and Vince Mehers Weddings Megan Humphreys and Lee Cooper An Actor Prepares Edward Paskell Joe Ball and Rachel Marsh

When Joe Ball (2007) left the Bristol gloom, this provides a highly-charged atmosphere for the Old Vic theatre school he had no work audience. In “The Changeling”, the main actress held but as an actor – other than voiceovers a single candle to her face and the ghost travelling behind - for a year. But, mindful of the Old her was spine-tingling as he came out of the shadows for On Sunday 10th May 2015, Megan Humphreys (Class of 2006) Vic’s adage that the definition of success is to make a the briefest of glimpses and then was gone. Joe, who played and Lee Cooper were married in the school chapel. living, Joe, whose stage name is Joe Jameson, is now a Tomazo in that production, said even the actors had goose- considerable success. bumps watching that scene. Megan’s brother Tolly was an usher, and sister India and Rosie Breeden were bridesmaids. Juliet Arkell and the Vick family were He visited Prior in May of this year in response to an If Joe could only work in just one place it would be at the there. A choir of Alumni singers, including Hannah Forshaw, Daniel invitation from Dave Langley (Director of Drama) to talk Globe: “Two thousand faces looking up at you is absolutely Hart, Anna Playfair, Laura Newmarch, Lucy Johnson, Tolly, with to the Sixth Form drama students. He had just finished amazing”. Felix and Florence Robertson, was led by Mr Robertson in some performing as Nearchus in the revival of John Ford’s “The On Saturday 27th December 2014, Joe is doing something that he absolutely loves: “When you old classics. Megan and Lee met at Cardiff medical school and now Broken Heart” at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London. Edward Paskell (Class of 2002) and are working, it is the best job in the world. Obviously, when live in Bristol. Lee is a training to be a GP and Megan is working at Rachel Marsh were married at the The Playhouse, an indoor addition to the better-known you are not working it is dreadful. Sometimes, stability is the Bristol Children’s Hospital. Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows by Globe Theatre, had been open for just a year. It recreates attractive, being able to plan (and pay for) a holiday. But I Father Peter Cornwell, who kindly took the exact dimensions of an indoor theatre in Shakespeare’s love doing it. If I hadn’t done it, I would have gone through a break from retirement. time and is lit only by candles. Far from being all doom and my life wondering, what if?” They were joined by close friends and James Campbell and Jessica Morgan family, including Edward’s brother William (1996), who provided top- James Campbell (Class of 2007) married Jessica Morgan on Saturday 11th notch ushering, sister Caroline (1994), October 2014 in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows. who gave a beautiful reading, and her daughter Ella. Ella and Rachel’s sister Jessica made wonderful bridesmaids. Kate Munton and Nicholas Freeman After the ceremony, the reception and wedding breakfast were held in the On Saturday 20th December 2014, Kate Munton (Class of 2002) was Mansion. Rachel and Edward would Working in Africa married to Nicholas Freeman by Father Malcolm Smeaton in the Chapel like to thank Gill Mead and her team Vince Mehers of Our Lady of the Snows. for orchestrating such a splendid event. With flowers arranged by Julia Timbrell and Dee Miller and the Chapel It was wonderful at our 20-year reunion to see old friends and literacy centres in townships south of Durban and was a safari Edward proposed on the summit of the Choir in full voice, it was a magnificent occasion celebrated by a close teachers and also to see how Prior Park has progressed and guide for a time. It was those pivotal experiences in Africa volcanic island of Rangitoto during a group of family and friends. A number of Prior Park Alumni were present, grown, writes Vince Mehers (1994). that culminated in me establishing a grassroots organisation, holiday in New Zealand. The couple met including Liz Munton-Blackledge (2004), who looked stunning as the Maid Friends of Mutale. in London five years ago, not long after The two years that I attended Prior in the sixth form taught me of Honour, and James Greene (2004), who performed admirably as Chief Edward had returned from Afghanistan many things and not just academically: the weekly afternoons Friends of Mutale supports crèches and after-school clubs, Parking Monitor. Among other attendees were Clare Pepler, the proud while he was serving with the Royal doing social work in town, the rugby training in the winter, which, for villages in the north eastern part of South Africa, Mother of the Bride, Paola Motka, Lily House, Jessi Baker and Charlie Hare Engineers. Edward is now a business and the old Sixth Form bar taught me even more. Ultimately, in the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, is (2002), Giles Mercer, Angela Vick and Judith Eatwell, as well as many consultant at local company Nine Feet though, the primary influence that has stuck with me to this a vital service. friends from Ampleforth (Nic’s school), the University of Edinburgh and Tall, having moved back to Bath with day was the opportunity to teach at St Joseph’s, Ujiji, on Lake the Royal Marines. Kate and Nic passed through a Guard of Honour on Would Friends of Mutale exist if it weren’t for that initial Rachel, who was a Programme Manager Tanganyika, along with Julian Jackson (1994). the Mansion Steps before a drinks reception was held in the Mansion Hall experience in Tanzania? I’m certain that it was my gap-year at the Royal College of Psychiatrists followed by the wedding breakfast in the Academy Hall. Dancing continued Teaching and travelling around Tanzania and Kenya allowed travel experience that led me to where I am today, and for that but is now completing her Clinical late into the night. me to see the world in a different perspective. The entire I am ever grateful. It is an experience I now hope to give others Psychology Doctorate. experience in East Africa is one I will always cherish as it set though our volunteer programme. For more information about Kate and Nic met at the University of Edinburgh. They now live in Leamington me on my path in life. I subsequently taught in Khartoum, the Friends of Mutale visit www.friendsofmutale.org Spa with Kate working as a Corporate Buying Director for Aldi and Nic at Sudan, travelled through East and Southern Africa, set up adult 40 Commando Royal Marines.

14 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 15 Reunions 2014-2015 Veterans’ Lunch

The popular Veterans’ lunch, for Alumni over the age of 60, was held in the Academy Hall in October 2014. Class of 1957 Class of 1984 It was again well-attended, including at least one In September 2014, Andy Owen (1957) organised a alumnus who hadn’t been back to the school since lunch for Alumni “aged about 70” living in the South 1970. Many Alumni attended with their partners, East. toured the College and wandered up to the playing fields to watch the First XV in action. The venue was the Onslow Arms in Clandon, Surrey. Those present included Bernard Kelly, Peter Calnan, Class of 2004 – 10 years on The next Veterans’ lunch is scheduled for Saturday Tim Cox, Andrew Owen, Peter Cave and David 17th October 2015. Tickets, at £25 per person, are Lumsden. Apologies were received from Adrian available from [email protected] Beamish, John Twist, Tony Saul, Terry Richards, Philip Class of 2004 Greig and Alan Olsen. Andy promises another such The reunion of the class of 2004, who, according to their own gathering in the near future. The reunion of the class of 1984, held at College last estimation, “didn’t turn out too badly” (well, that’s what it September, was organised by Mike May and Nicky said on the invite) was held at College in November. Houghton (neé Horstmann). It was attended by Andrew Pynegar, Stephanie Young, Those attending included Adewale Onabanjo, Alexandra Auge, James Greene, Elizabeth Blackledge, Chloe Nicholas Mumar, Charles Pukallus, Mariano Proietti, Woolley, Joseph Baker, Matthew Fitzthomas-Rogers, Lucy Robin Roy, Miles Woolgar, Justin Woolgar, Gerald and Class of 1972 Peters, Harriet Glass, Katherine Drohan, Emily Swarbrick, Shelagh Davies (staff), Michael Barnes, James Brazier, Kate Bristow, Hannah Wiltshire, Stuart Paterson, Jonathan Craig Wakelin, Mark Webb, Michael May, Terry Swift, Dominic Turner, Thomas Barton, Philip Van Krimpen, O’Neill, Abass Arole, Laura Vorosmarty, Tony and Kyle Vivian, Simon Williams, Benjamin Hall, Sophia Friedrich, Breedge O’Sullivan (staff), Claire Perry, Sue Bowes, Emily Jones, Harry McCarthy, Arabella Davis, Sarah Webb, Nicola Houghton, Brian Bane, Sy Symonds, Nicola Day Charlotte Harrison, Katherine Terry, Fiona Brooks, Jessica Veterans’ Lunch 2014 and Michael Edozie. As the invitation put it, “We all Howe, Andrew Desmond, Sarah Bromley, Joseph Wheeler, take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, Emma Campbell, Donnach McNulty, Isobel Tatham, Camilla we take a little of each other everywhere.” Jennings, Phoebe ap Dafydd, Habibiana Herron, Hollie Macdonald and Caspar Vick. Class of 2010 The reunion of the class of 2010 was held in June (on the eve Alumni South West of Alumni Day) at The Green Park Tavern, which is owned by The class of 1972 convened for lunch last November, two Alumni, Robert (1998) and Jamie Tack (1997). at an event organized by Andrew Zulver. The day It was attended by Edward Borton, Tatiana Bovill-Rose, Brian Warren-Peachey (Class of 1937) started in the bar of Del Aziz, near London Bridge. Clementine Brown, Laetitia Bullman, Aisling Bury, Eleanor and Simon Beck (Class of 1969) Eleven Alumni were in attendance, including John Byron, Camilla Clark, Georgina Everitt, Charlie French, Aidan Budd, Anthony Johnson, Neville Dyke, Adrian Lovett- Hannon, James Iberson-Hurst, Bertrand Ivory-Peters, Andrew Turner, Bernard Connolly, Mark Lunt, Al McLeod, Mike Johnson, Julia Kemp, Anna Klimenko, Emilie Milton-Stevens, Vieyra and Andrew Zulver. Dominic Eedle from the Catriona Murray, Oliver Newton, Annabel O’Donoghue, class of 1970 and John Jowers, who left Prior after Beshlie Richards, Jerome Ryan, Edmund Scott, Frederick Cricklade, completed the company. Searight, Zachary Sewell, Alexander Smith, Victoria Stuart, In May, the headmaster, James Murphy-O’Connor, Seth Tapsfield, Jonty Terrington, Richard Trubody, Alexander Others who could not make it on the day included hosted a drinks party in Exeter for Alumni in the Vaughan-Fowler and Jack Fisher. John Hickey, Gerry Thwaites, Will Lee, Peter Pitt, Brian South West. Attendees included Laura Eyles (2013), Wake, Simon Beck, Fabian Cabedo, Richard Ryson, Peter Laverick (2013), Peter Haddon (1966), Ian Tony Bury and Johnny Boylan. John Hickey, as penance Class of 2010 Haddon (1962), Rex Anstis (1948), who attended for dropping out at the last minute, has undertaken to with his wife Marita, Peter Barwell (1963) and Simon organise next year’s event. Howell (1970). From left to right: Norman Culter, John Pardoe and Brian Warren-Peachey

16 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 17 Alumni Sports Alumni Golf Day 2015

We returned to Bath Golf Club but found the weather be held on Friday 4th September 2015, at Bath Golf not as kind as usual, writes Mike Stevens. However, Club, starting at 12noon with sandwiches and coffee, our twenty or so golfers, including four students from tee-off at 2pm for eighteen holes, followed by dinner the college, attempted to tame the course - with in the clubhouse. We would welcome new attendees, varying degrees of success. Best Net (McMahon to either topple Martin Woodhouse from his crown Old Girls’ Netball 2015 Cup) was won once again by Martin Woodhouse or just to have a great day out with friends. Get a while Best Stableford (Cox Cup) was won by Emilio four-ball and join us. The standard of golf is of all Fiona Rae (2009) writes: Sunday 4th Nella, with Toby Gerrish placed a close second. levels. January saw the return of the infamous Old Girls’ Netball, or, as it’s more For the less frequent players, The Factotum Putter After many years of great service, Mike Stevens (1959) P.P.A. traditionally known, the sell-out Clash was won by Darren Crawford, with Tony Jiggins is handing over the reins of the golf competition to of the Titans. However, the annual placed second. Emilio Nella achieved the Longest Darren Crawford (1988). At the golf dinner, Debbie grudge match clashed with a pre- Drive and Martin Woodhouse was Nearest the Pin. O’Bryan, on behalf of the PPA, presented Mike with season tournament for the school 1st The golf was followed by an excellent dinner at which an etched Prior Park tumbler and a Prior Park golfing Rosslyn Park 2015 VII. Undeterred, the Old Girls rallied we were able to thank Debbie O’Bryan for her help umbrella, and Emilio Nella and others paid heartfelt, in recruiting Alumni golfers. The next Golf Day will personal tributes to Mike. Carole Laverick writes: A number of PPA stalwarts to bring two teams. Unfortunately, a attended the 2015 sevens tournament at Rosslyn Park. whirlwind of illness and injury took Supporters included David Adair (Class of 1976 and hold at the last minute, leaving only part of that year’s Rosslyn Park winning team) and one team standing. Jamie Forsyth (1967), who faced sunshine, rain and But it takes more than a lack of players to halt the heroic hail to support the school. force of the Old Girls. Despite the fact that we weren’t able It was an incredible achievement for the Under to sign any of the all-star PPC shooters, we started off with 18’s to get through to the second day. This year, a dramatic shooting drill: Killer. I think it’s safe to say we Old Boys’ for the first time, PPC had taken a hospitality were all terrible but what we lacked in sporting prowess we marquee, situated right on Pitch One which was made up for in effort and comedic value. Special mentions Hockey 2015 live-streaming the matches. Next year’s dates are for Fi Murray and Molly Manister for their inspiring refusal Monday 14th - Thursday 17th March 2016 inclusive. to quit – especially after a big 21st the night before. This was A relatively small old boys’ squad returned Again we will be hosting the marquee for Alumni on followed by an intense half-court game. It was a fast-paced to their spiritual home this year, writes the U18 day(s) 16th and hopefully 17th March: to enjoy affair with Holly Feeney driving play down the court. There Ed Borton. Many of them were plump with festive spirit continued to dominate the opposition. Our all-round excellence respite from the weather; to inhale the nostalgic smell was elegant and sophisticated movement in the D from and some were clearly showing the after-effects of a 21st and the majestic movement from forwards Polson (2012) and of Ralgex; and to neck a beer between matches. Please Heather Rae and insane defensive blocks and interceptions birthday party the previous evening. Even so, we strode onto Borton P (2012), including some silky combination play down come and join us. from Tish Bullman. A massive congratulations to everyone the hallowed “Sand Siro” with great pride and even decided the right-hand side, led to a further goal for Ivory-Peters. But there for an excellent session. to do our fantastic kit justice by attempting a “warm up”. If taking the lead may have been foolish, as the pressure of being This year, Old Boys’ Rugby will be on Saturday 5th the school 1st XI needed a boost to their confidence, I doubt ahead soon began to take its toll on our tiring bodies. Still, at As ever, a massive shout-out to Debbie O’Bryan, Dee Miller September 2015. Alumni are invited back to a short we could have given them much more. the end of the second third it was 3-2 to the old boys. match and a chance to meet PPC Director of Rugby and the new PPA Secretary, Carole Laverick. While illness coach and England international Paul Hull. You could be and injury may have won out this year, we’ve got big plans Umpires Fry and Robinson started the game with the usual The final third saw our decline, as a combination of limited first to wear the new Alumni kit, take this opportunity for next year. The game will be played on Saturday 9th threat of cards to the dastardly old boys and one was swiftly fitness and over-ambition slowly pulled our game apart. to wear university socks for added colour or just an January 2016 at the Bury Sports Centre, so you will all be needed when Sam Deane (2012) put in a perfect hit (as would Despite the stoic efforts of the defensive wall that was outrageous design to mix it up a bit. You will also be warm and dry. We may have to make the first ever waiting have been on the rugby pitch) that stopped a dangerous 1st XI Morrison (2008), Greene (2004), Frere (1997) and Borton E, able to enjoy match tea in the Mansion with the Old list for players…and spectators. See you there! counter-attack. As the game settled down, we began to enjoy the school overturned our lead to come out of the game as 5-3 Girls’ hockey team to celebrate Alan Hall’s retirement. some good spells of possession and could be said to have been winners. As the final whistle blew, the result mattered not. The dominating the match. Some of us even showed signs that we capacity crowd had been treated to a fantastic game of hockey had remembered the training Mr Hall had given us. Ed Borton that was testament to the coaching ability of Mr Hall and the (2010) scored from a short corner, with the ball going bottom- love of hockey that he had instilled in us all. Refreshments in middle. But our lead was quickly overturned by two excellent the Mansion provided a fitting end to an enjoyable occasion. 1st XI counter-attacking goals. We would have settled for a We look forward to next year’s fixture, which will be the last at 1-2 score line at the break, but to our surprise we managed to which Mr Hall will be on the opposition touchline. We trust he spring a fast counter-attack which led to a superb sliding goal will be given an appropriate send off. The date for your diary from Bertie Ivory-Peters (2010). It was 2-2. is Saturday 9th January 2016. Old Girls’ Hockey did not take A quick turnaround suited the inspired Old Boys’ XI who place in 2014, but the next match will be on Saturday 5th continued to play fine exhibition hockey. Rhys Redman (2012) September 2015. Brand-new Alumni kit will be available and made some great tackles on the left flank and the midfield of this will be a chance to say goodbye to Alan Hall. Dabell (2011), Gallegos (2012), Deane and Goulding (2008)

18 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 19 All The Gossip

Meanwhile, Christopher Whitmarsh-Everiss (1956), Christopher de Souza (1960) visited the College Steve Sturton-Davies thought he had fully retired Pre 1940 Class of 1950 - 1959 right, and his brother had an awe-inspiring tour and Class of 1960 - 1969 when he brought students from Dolphin School to after forty years in the aviation industry. However, Among the visitors to College over the past twelve David Crook (1950) and his wife Ann still live locally, time at Prior. Of course, Chris had fond memories Patrick Thomas (1962) attended Alumni Day in admire the Classical Architecture of the Palladian a friend who owns Gamewatchers Safaris recently months were Desmond Pearce and his wife who photographed below in the Errington Corridor. They of time past, but he found the improvements and June having had little or no connection with the Bridge. asked him to become a part time UK Sales Consultant, came to see if he could trace his father Parmanus came with some old photographs and talked about additions to College amazing. school since the early 60’s. Having been through St. selling Safaris in Africa. Pearce’s journey from 1898, when he was a pupil the consequences of the bombing of St Paul’s - how Catherine’s College, Oxford (1962-66), Patrick taught here. Below is the oldest photo we have seen of all the boys needed to be moved into the Mansion at Marlborough College briefly before following a After a long career as an art-school lecturer, Nick a pupil from 1899. When we got to the ball court and the now Academy Hall was converted into a boyhood wish to become an RAF pilot. Patrick’s career Callow is now working at the Sir John Soane Museum Desmond held his hand to his heart and said: temporary dormitory! saw him fly in the UK and the Gulf as well as a Loan in London. He and his wife Sophie recently met up “I can feel my father’s heartbeat here, he told me so Service period with the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force. He with John Evans, Chris Cutcliffe and Terry Ilott to visit much about this place, how he used to run around spent several years instructing low-level navigation Kettle’s Yard House in Cambridge, below. and play in this Ball court.” as well as an odd job supporting Adventurous John, retired from architecture but is still a director Training by flying skydivers in small aircraft. of the Considerate Contractor’s Scheme, this year He sought redundancy in 1993. On his last day, moved house with his wife Diane, from the Chilterns his passenger was the Chief of the Air Staff. After down to Angmering in Sussex. Chris, a company leaving the RAF Patrick had some interesting spells accountant, retired on his 65th birthday at the end of surveillance and relief work in West Africa and of June. He and his wife Julia recently joined Terry for four months in the Falklands before he moved Andrew Milne (1967), left, who a lecture on Holbein’s portrait drawings at Windsor into commercial flying full time. He has only met runs Skern Lodge also came to Castle. Chris looks forward to spending more time two former chums from school over the years: have a quick look around. looking at art and walking in the countryside – Patrick Hickey whilst serving at the Royal Air when he is able to tear himself away from his true Richard Buckley (1947), left, came Tim Pardoe (1965) is still living Michael Edward Ayala (1959) is keen to re-establish Force Hospital in Cyprus, and Clive Bogie, whose passion, which is windsurfing. For his part, Terry, who with his son, daughter in law and happily in St Ives Cornwall with his wife Geraldine, contact, lost so many years ago, after his happy years death he noted last year in the Salisbury journal. describes himself as semi-retired after thirty years in their baby Otto. having retired seven years ago from general practice. at Prior. He is retired, spending much time away from He has two children, four grand-children and lives in the film business, spends his time writing novels that, Five of their ten grandchildren live locally, including Bogota, Colombia, his home country. Since 2013, his retirement in Hampshire. as yet, no-one wants to publish. Robert Mulholland (1952) visited the latest additions of twins, now aged two. Their son Juan Carlos, daughter-in-law Judith, grandson the College having been at a medical conference in other grandchildren are living in Austria and Jacob and grand-daughter Phoebe have been living Peter Hilton (1962) was pleasantly surprised when Bath, he came to walk around the site with his wife. Australia. Despite ten years of Parkinson’s Disease, in Bidborough, Kent. Michael studied economics he recently got a phone call in France from his Geraldine is still able to pursue her many hobbies. and worked for seven years at a state development daughter to announce that Emily, Peter’s three-year- Tim seems to be rather accident-prone recently, corporation before attending the London Business old granddaughter, had met William, the three-year- having fractured his wrist whilst mountain biking last School. Hired by the United Nations Development old grandson of his good friend Sean Lacey (1962) year, and his leg in February during a skiing holiday. Program (UNDP), he spent seven years in Africa, as they are destined to be in the same class in a They are always happy to meet up with any together with some years in New York and later school in North London. Peter and Sean are looking Class of 1940 - 1949 contemporaries who are visiting West Cornwall. fifteen years in Vienna. He ended his career with forward to discussions at the school gates when Michael Corrigan (1947) tells us that Anthony UNDP after five years in Mexico and three in Ecuador. they are on Grandparent duty. Peter also keeps in Tim tells us sad news of James Avenell, who he was Corrigan made his bi-annual visit to the UK from He would very much welcome news from Carlos close touch with Wilfrid de Freitas (1962) and his in contact with last year. James, who was living in Hong Kong just before Christmas and visited his Lee (Peru), Andres Guillen (Panama), Peter Kerr wife Susan. Wilfrid continues his annual visits to Plymouth, died recently. [email protected] contemporaries Andy Owen and Christopher Camps (Trinidad), Alexander (Sasha) Kreutz (Spain), the UK to attend book fairs and auctions linked to Another polyglot Alumni, Tim Heining, is making a Whitmarsh-Everiss. He also found time to visit Paul Taft (1955) writes that he is still working Frederick Sykes (UK), Adam Czartoryski (Poland/ his business as an Antiquarian book dealer based Christopher Bridge (1966), is delighted to hear major move. After three decades in Brazil, he and his his brother Terry in Bournemouth and have lunch but not flat out. He trains racing drivers and Spain) and any others who might remember him. in Montreal. Peter’s wife Marie-Blanche is slowly how things are progressing at Prior. He has Brazilian wife, Rosenilda, are selling up and moving with his cousins Michael and David Corrigan has two world champions on his books. Paul Unfortunately, his wife, Maria Eugenia, died many recovering from a serious back injury and they hope achieved an honorary doctorate for his work with to South-West London. Their daughter, Annie, is in in Bristol. Unfortunately, great friend Patrick went to watch the Isle of Man TT on his road years ago at a relative early age. Having previously to be able to attend the Veterans’ Lunch in October. the World Health Organization and likes to sing London and it is likely that their son, George, will de Wolf was not able to join the lunch but was bike this year. He still does motorbike trials and visited the school in Easter 1974 he returned [email protected] with the Sudbury Choral Society. Christopher be relocated by his firm back to the UK. Annie and telephoned later. Michael also told us the sad the odd Enduro. He is enjoying life enormously. in August 2014 with his son and family, below. spends most of his time between Suffolk, George – with a hatful of languages between them news that Anthony Coquet had died recently. [email protected] [email protected] Peter Haddon (1966) and Ian Haddon (1962) visited Colchester and Granada these days, and would - were both educated in England. Tim looks forward [email protected] College earlier this year, both photographed below. like any old boys in these patches to get in touch. to being able to participate more frequently in the They enjoyed seeing areas that were out of bounds [email protected] gatherings of his former school mates. Rex Anstis (1948) enjoyed a visit to the College when they were students at Prior. They found the with his daughter, her husband and their son brother’s private chapel interesting and the new The retirement bell has been tolling for the class Since moving to Hastings with his wife Elaine, Ken Aidan in June 2015. They were made most sports hall amazing. The old dormitories and the of 1968 as most of them pass into their sixty-sixth Edwards has become a pivotal figure in the South welcome and had a tour of the College and study hall had all been altered substantially. The old year. Most but not all. Vascular surgeon Niall Aston Coast literary scene, as editor and publisher of poetry grounds, which brought back many memories. rifle range appears not to be what they thought. and his doctor wife Sarah are happily ensconced in press Reality Street. Himself a much-published poet, [email protected] Gloucestershire with their children Henry, Charles, author and journalist, Ken also finds time to play bass Ella and Will. guitar in a band called The Moors.

Ted Bennitt has sold his orthodontic practice near Also on the South Coast is Phil Hamerton, who went Rotterdam but will continue working two days a week part time at South East Coast Ambulance Service in David Lumsden (1958) now lives in Wokingham and until 2017. June (he is now doing sixteen hours a week), whilst runs a Jumbulance group to take disabled and sick his wife Margaret has all but retired from teaching. people on respite holidays. He still umpires hockey in Another denizen of Toffee Palmer’s art room back Their children, Sarah and Sean, have two small boys, Berkshire and plays a bit of golf. He sees Charles Beard in the late 1960s, Peter Rippon, is still living in both families living close by in Shoreham-by-Sea. (1955) regularly. His brother, Malcolm Lumsden Manhattan, having more or less got his life back (1955), has been a farmer in Canada for over 40 years. to rights after his apartment was destroyed by Phil drops in to see Paul Brann on his way back from Mike Harding (1953) sadly died a few months ago. Hurricane Sandy nearly three years ago. Peter regular visits to the East Somerset Railway where he Mike’s brother, Charles Beard and David were among recently sold his design business but continues to still does hard physical work out on the Permanent a large attendance at his funeral. oversee the family firm back in the UK. Way.

20 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 21 All The Gossip

Tim Walsh sold his exhibitions and conference Tony Jiggins (1981), visited with Nigel Skelchy (1983), Grant Murdoch (1981), left, changed Annette Martinez (1989) Lawrence Ryan (1991) graduated from UWE, moved business some years ago and lives in retirement with Class of 1970 - 1979 on a brief visit from Malaysia. According to Nigel, “it the direction of his career in April, came back with parents, to London in 2000 and tried a few things out before his wife overlooking the marina in Bristol. Plinio Coll (1971) came from Uruguay to visit the is worth having a child just to send them here!”. following 22 years involved in young son and family. She has landing a job at Metronet, upgrading the tube system. College this year, bringing a friend in tow. Plinio was peoples’ services in both voluntary and married an Englishman Following a six-month stint travelling round Central Rick Jarrams retired this year after long service born in Gibraltar, and was extremely interested in the local government. He has been appointed to a post and has come back to live America he returned to London and Metronet until as a GP in the Midlands. The good side is that he developments of the new Prior addition in Gibraltar. within a newly-created project and programme office in the UK from Manila. its demise. He joined Morgan Sindall, a large Civil can spend more time on recreational pursuits with within the County Council in Lancashire. Loved going back to Engineering company, in 2008 and has been there his wife Sue. The bad side is that he is no longer the Prior where she had ever since, working on rail infrastructure projects, allowed to serve as club doctor for his beloved West Kit Johnson (1987) thinks he is the first parent of many happy memories and could name lots of her including the new Shepherds Bush Station. Lawrence Bromwich Albion. his era to have a child also become an Old Girl! Both contemporaries in old photos. married in 2007 and has two daughters, Stella (6) Kit and his daughter Arabella (2015) were taught and Daisy (3). [email protected] Still with the ’68 gang, Andrew “Spike” Colter by Dennis Clarke. Kit is still in Bath and next year has been spending time recently helping Joe celebrates 25 years selling houses in the City. Class of 1990 - 1999 Steven Clubb (1993), right, visited Loughlin lay the foundations for the extension of Rebecca Gardner’s (1990) eldest daughter graduated with Coreena, Henry and Mitchell, Joe’s new house (in fact, a very old house in need Gareth Warfield (1982) visited the College with from high school recently in Phoenix, Arizona. Hannah from Brisbane where he runs his his jet-lagged family from Australia to have a look own dental practice. of considerable repair) in Dorset. This is a mark will be going to Seattle’s Art Institute, following in her around all the new developments, shown below with of true friendship, as Spike actually lives in Jersey. mum’s footsteps, majoring in photography. Rebecca’s his daughter, Lily. younger daughter, Laura, is an honour student and Sinan Ciddi (1996) came back to meet Denis Clarke. Geoff Cardozo, MBE, who retired from the army with graduates in a couple years. the rank of Colonel and then spent several years Charles Beatson (1974) and working with the charity Veteran’s Aid, retired for Bridget Beatson visited the Johanna Gardner (1990) has sold her thirteen-room good this year and now lives in Brittany. Originally College recently, as did Philip Bed and Breakfast on The Riverwalk in San Antonio, bi-lingual in English and French, Geoff added several Hudson (1974), Graham Sharp Texas, and now lives near Austin. She’s semi-retired, other languages to his repertoire while in the service. (1974) (pictured right) and David spending her time being creative. Recently, she had Verrecchia (1973), who came for lunch and a tour, one of her paintings published in a book featuring Geoff was one of the conspirators, along with only to find themselves roped into the PPA year reps’ encaustic artists. Her two boys, Caio (23) and PPA stalwarts Tony Bury, Simon Howell and Peter meeting. Hayden (22) live and work in Seattle, Washington. McMurray (all of the class of 1970), who, over a In a rather random turn of events, Ben Moorhouse [email protected] (1987) is now the proud owner of the unique Mobile grand lunch in Rules, Covent Garden, attempted William Lee (1970) turned up on Speech Day with his Suzannah Angelo-Sparling (1987) still works at the Cinema. Famous for various TV appearances, the to sweet-talk Terry into putting his name forward great friend Robert Genders (1969). Robert recently Holburne Museum in Bath. She will attempt not 1967 vintage vehicle came up for sale recently and for the role of President of the PPA, only to discover endowed the William Genders Art Prize in memory to lose too many balls at this year’s Alumni Golf Ben is now running it as a going concern as part of when the bill arrived that he had already sent in his of his brother. Robert Genders is an Art Dealer in Day but is sorry to miss watching the Old Girls Class of 2000 - 2010 the marketing agency that he runs. Corporate events, application letter. Ireland and William Lee runs his own photography hockey the following day because of being away. In March, BBC’s Gardener’s World featured Juliet festivals of various shapes and sizes and even the business, Bantam Blue, www.bantam-blue.com; they She will start rounding up the 1987 leavers over the Davis, mother of Rebecca (2000), Lucy (2001), odd private outing make up the usual bookings. Ben Another GP hanging up his stethoscope is Charlie have remained firm friends for many decades. next 18 months in preparation for the 30 year reunion Arabella (2004) and Christian (2007), as over the was quoted as saying, “it certainly beats working for Murray. He and his wife, Awatif, spend a lot of time in 2017! Watch this space. [email protected] past ten years she has become an expert breeder of a living!” visiting their grown-up children, Nadean and Nadal, hellebores in her wonderful garden at South Stoke. in Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur. Harriet Enser (neé Cannon) (1989) lives near Weybridge, Surrey where she is the Business Gemma Vaughan (neé Perkins) (2002) and husband Yet another former GP, Michael Callandar, is already Manager, Camera & Grip Division, for ARRI Rental Patrick had their first child Jake in 2014. settled into retirement in Ireland. which is a German camera rental company (films/ commercials, etc.). Her husband Mike is a Marketing Meanwhile, fellow lawyer, Rafe Pigott, has moved Manager for the British Marine Federation. They have firms and now works for Levy & Co Solicitors in Essex. two daughters: Eloise (10) and Florence (4). His daughter married this year. Dominic Campbell (1993) visited Prior with his fiancée to show her his school, which is sadly too Norman Chan (1986), returned to the College far away for their wedding. John (aka Simon) Beck (1969) returned for the year with his family to show them around, 30 years reps’ meeting in May, shown here in his old bed on - apparently the rooms still smell the same cubicle in the newly converted Art Faculty. (thanks, Norman). John Bagwell (1986) visited the College recently, he Class of 1980 - 1989 is keen to set up a PPC skydiving event. Graham Foxwell (1980) has been working in Qatar for eleven years, Jo Horton (neé Hall) (1987) tells how after a ‘Sliding where he runs his own business Doors’ moment on a trip to the UK and Portugal in financial services. Shown right travelling solo for the first time in many years, she Katie Playfair (2000) got married in Bath Abbey to in the 1977 first team rugby photo. decided she wanted to get back into the profession Ashley Grote, master of the choristers at Norwich that she had trained for all those years ago. Her Cathedral. Formerly Head of Classics at Brighton Nicky Houghton (neé Horstmann) children are grown, the house looks after itself College, she’s now in the same post at Norwich (1985) hasn’t wandered far and is and part-time graphic-design work wasn’t cutting School. living in Priston just outside Bath with her two boys, it anymore. Jo was accepted onto the Masters of Alex, 16, and Oliver, 13, and Fred the dog. She is about Heritage and Conservation Architecture course James Osment (2003) is a police officer living in to start a new job organising dinghy and windsurfer at Sydney University and after only one semester James Edmund (1996) completed his first London Salisbury. racing for youngsters for the Royal Yachting Paul Douse (1985), right, came had landed a Heritage Architect’s job at one of the Marathon and was passed by a familiar face during Association. Her sister Julia Horstmann (1987) is with his wife Jennie and visited top firms in Sydney. Full-time work and part-time the race, Ben Fergie. James had his three boys, Sam, Recently Joe Richards (2004) was in Vogue again, Peter Marsden has retired after a career in corporate currently dividing her time between Shepherds Bush the callers of the Telethon on a university: it’s a good job she like to be busy. Roll Max and Joseph, watching him cross the line as he he is doing well. He is frequently seen at Bath Spa law in Manchester. and Thailand. hot Saturday morning. on a PHD! raised £7,000 for Sparks Children’s Charity. University. www.vogue.co.uk/brand/joe-richards

22 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 23 All The Gossip

Former head boy James Greene (2004) is to marry Thomas Yardley (2008) returned for the year reps’ Frazier Christie (2011) has been representing Harry Hamling (2013) came back with Aidan Steve Capon has been promoted to Deputy Head of former deputy head girl Elizabeth Munton Blackledge meeting in May. Great Britain rowing in the quadruple skull. His first McLaughlin (2012). Harry is now at Leeds University Former Staff News Boarding at Epsom College in Malaysia, where his (2004) next summer. event was at Essen Regatta in May, with his most studying Economics and Geography while Aidan, Tony O’Sullivan wrote of Vic Ferguson’s funeral. wife is teacher of French and Spanish. exciting opportunity coming at the U23 World having graduated, is faced with the dilemma of “There was a good turnout from former and present Among PPC musicians and actors doing well in the Championships in Bulgaria in July. He receives some working in London or New York. colleagues from Prior. Denis Clarke was there along professional world are the Hastings brothers – Ben sponsorship from White Horse Surveyors, owned by with Tony Ryan, Sy Symonds, Brian Bane, John and (2008), actor and musician, who is on Broadway in Chris Freeman, father of Thomas (2013) and Harriet Liz Moran and Giles Mercer as well as Breedge and New York in the middle of a run of Wolf Hall and Bring (2014). I.” Vic taught at Prior from 1953 until 1988, like Tony up the Bodies with the Royal Shakespeare Company, a total of 35 years. They overlapped for 23 years but, and Edmund (2004), operatic and solo tenor, who of course, kept up their friendship for the 15 years is currently rehearsing with Longborough Opera for since then. Tony and Breedge O’Sullivan are frequent a season of Verdi’s Rigoletto and Wagner’s Tristan visitors to the College, recently visiting the Telethon und Isolde. team. 2010 - present Jack Penrose is currently teaching at St Kevin’s College in Melbourne, and enjoying it very much. Harry Lister-Smith (2007) Janus Intelmann (2010) returned to help out in the Apparently he is having a blast coaching the 2nd XV, has been filming War and Modern Languages department. Peace for the BBC, playing assisting with the music department, and developing William Sexton and George Tuckey (both 2011 and the Spanish programme for years to come. He has Lieutenant Ilyin. The show is Charlotte Sturgess-Osborne, below, and Chris Sutton both recipients of the PPA Gap Year Award) are had a great six months or so, and managed to travel set to air in 2016 and he was (2012) have been using the music rooms at College to two of four graduate engineers from Southampton around parts of Australia in his free time. shooting in April, May and lay down some tracks for an EP to send out demos of to start a marathon 10,000 mile driving expedition Isabelle Sully (2011) has just graduated from Oxford June in Vilnius, Lithuania. He their music. Charlotte has nearly fully recovered from to Mongolia. The mission is to donate the 4X4 Brookes with a 2:1 in International Hospitality Retirements include Clare Pepler (Modern will be appearing in cinemas a life-threatening accident in 2014 which interrupted ambulance they are driving to a Mongolian hospital Management. She has got a job in London for Languages), Wendy Cornish (Learning Support), Liz in the autumn this year in the her studies at Cardiff University. She is going back with the aid of GoHelp. They have been tirelessly Threshold Sports in the logistics team. Threshold Parker (Maths) and Angela Spelman (Philosophy). new Warner Bros film ‘Pan’. this October to resume her degree in Biology. Chris fundraising and raised an impressive total of £20,000. organise large cycling and running events as well as Ceiledh Mapes is moving to the USA, Cathy Williams has finished his degree and is hoping to get into the They hope to be in Ulaanbaatar by early September. corporate sporting challenges. She absolutely loves is moving to New Zealand and Alice Peterson is Rebecca Bowles (2007) visited recently with RAF as a pilot. Charlotte adds: “In my final year I’m William is to start work at Dyson when he returns. her job. relocating. boyfriend Francisco, they are moving back from hoping to use dissertation data I collected in the Spain to make a new start in the UK and wanted to summer of my first year. In my Sixth Form, Dr Trott see the school. set up a biology expedition in Indonesia with the conservation charity Operation Wallacea. For me, Olivia Brown (2008) is currently undertaking her the trip confirmed my subject choice. I was set on long to realise that she wasn’t quite as useless as she brought me,” she says. “Of course, in only a few weeks, two-year training contract at city law firm Taylor doing biology and working with Opwall again. In my had believed. The students didn’t need anyone to the improvements they had made were minimal, but Wessing. She studied at Leeds University before first year, I worked as a team leader, helping other GAP teach them written English. to me, at the time, these moments were the most doing a two-year law conversion in London. She is students raise funds for expeditions, and went out hopeful sights in the world.” Jenny concludes: “The “In truth, their understanding of grammar probably happy to talk to anyone who is considering a similar to Mexico to collect data on spider monkeys. The opportunity I was given by the PPA to visit Nepal is REPORT exceeded mine,” Jenny explains, “especially in path. [email protected] charity then use this data to show the United Nations one for which I will be eternally grateful. The kindness classes nine and ten who were preparing for their how unique and biodiverse an area is, so that it gets YEAR I was shown by everybody is testament to the nature GCSE equivalents. What they needed was to speak Emily Swift (neé Coles) (2005) and her husband, protection under the UNREDD programme.” of this beautiful country. David, celebrated their first wedding anniversary in the language. So that’s what I did. I taught spoken June, after the most wonderful wedding in St Mawes, English, with both the teachers and the students. In each place, I was inspired by the people’s Georgy Gurtskaya (2014), Malik Godunov (2014) Cornwall, last year. They met at Exeter University. We played games, worked on different creative resourcefulness; overwhelmed by the simplicity and Vasily Titov (2014) came for Alumni Day and Her sister Hetty Swift (2007, former Head of Fielding exercises and enjoyed role plays, almost all of which of their values; and, dare I say it, envious of their enjoyed the view of the cricket from the new balcony House) was maid of honour at their wedding, and involved me making an absolute fool of myself at the contentment. They were, for the most part, free from of the Bury Sports Centre with Roche Housemaster also made them the most incredible wedding cakes. front of the class. But the more ridiculous I was, the that fatal misinterpretation of ‘want’ as ‘need’. They Martin Knights. more they laughed; and the more they laughed the were some of the happiest, and thus, in my eyes, more at ease they were, the less self conscious they richest people I have ever met.” were, and eventually the more confident they became.” Jenny remembers that every morning the national anthem was sung out to the mountains from the Gap Year Awards playground. “As the students sang together, you Fiona Kempster (2011) [email protected], Jenny Dinwoodie could sense the harmony described in the anthem’s This year, the PPA has made Gap Year passed on the following news: Ellie Thompson (2011) Jenny Dinwoodie (2014), looking for a gap-year opening line – ‘woven from hundreds of flowers, we awards to Harry Palmer (2015) and and Sarah Dalrymple (2011) both got accepted into project, found an organisation doing genuinely are one garland’,” she says. “This harmony, a harmony Larissa Obolensky (2014). Kings College London for their intercalating degrees worthwhile work in Nepal, Pahar Trust Nepal (PTN). that flourishes from so much variety, is everywhere in in medicine, Sarah in crisis medication and Ellie in Harry was selected for the European Run by former Gurkha soldiers, PTN focuses on Nepal: in the Hindu Temple that shares a Kathmandu nutrition. Triathlon Championships in Geneva raising funds for the development of schools in hilltop with a Buddhist Stuppa; in the hot, humid Hector McCormick (2014) came back to College in July and finished sixth, just three remote rural areas. jungle trees whose highest branches can spy the Connor Baiano (2013) is doing very well studying recently to collect some of his artwork and Luke freezing, snow-covered mountains; in the best friends seconds off fourth place and for the Louisa Close (2003) appeared on the BBC’s Escape opera singing at RNCM, while Hollie Macdonald is Tapsfield (2014) came in after his gap year in “I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I who teach each other the songs and dances of their World Championships in Chicago in to the Country Series 16 Episode 8 which aired in now a professional flautist. Australia. entered the gates of Namje school on my first day,” respective castes.” September. Larissa is dedicating time July – spotted by none other than Dr Giles Mercer. Jenny recalls, “but it certainly wasn’t the welcome I and energy to The Rickshaw Theatre Ka Chai Ho (2013), known as Jeffrey, visited the Madelaine Meyjes (2015), received: cheering, tika and flower garlands galore. When Jenny’s final day at each of the four schools in Project, which takes a team of Cambridge Nick Kempster (graduated 2008) last year became College after reading week from Swansea University, right, has been doing some I was both touched and overwhelmed. But in the which she worked arrived, the students performed students out to India to run educational theatre the youngest person to row the Pacific Ocean. He where he is studying medical engineering. Tessa part-time amateur modelling back of my mind was a niggling voice: I wasn’t even the projects they had been working on. “It’s difficult workshops with disadvantaged kids and young rowed in a team of four from San Francisco to Hawaii, Coombe (2014) also came in to do a cake sale for – photo from a St Martin’s a teacher and had no idea what I could do that could to express the feelings of joy and pride - as well as people. We will report on their progress in the spending 48 days at sea in aid of the HPV and cervical her trip to Uganda and Jack Knights (2013) visited Graduate fashion show. She possibly benefit this school.” However, it didn’t take inevitable sadness at having to say goodbye - this next edition. cancer. when taking a break from Swansea University. really enjoyed it.

24 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 25 Obituaries Obituaries

Michael Burnham Bryan Wilding David Stretch-Dowse Paul Langford Class of 1945 Class of 1956 Class of 1966 Class of 1998 Michael died on Wednesday 29th April Bryan, who died in August 2014, entered Cricklade in 1947 Terry Ilott writes: It might appear paradoxical that Father-of-two Paul Langford, described by friends as 2015, after a short illness following an elbow at the age of seven. a man who didn’t much enjoy his schooldays, had a “world class gent”, died in January at the age of 34 fracture. He was 87. no great academic success, didn’t shine on the after a two-year battle with cancer. In 1952, he moved up to St Peters and two years later to St pitch, had no children of his own and experienced Born in 1927, he was a contemporary of Pauls. Life-long friend and PPA alumnus Barry Plews (1958) Fly-half for New Milton Rugby Club and hard-hitting very little in the way of worldly success in adult life Cormac Murphy-O’Connor at Prior. He remembers that Bryan was “a cheeky chappy, always with a batsman for Milford Cricket Club, Paul, according could nevertheless be said to provide an outstanding studied civil engineering at Loughborough, which was followed by a grin on his face looking for some fun or adventure. If something was happening Bryan to friends, showed the same fighting spirit in the battle against cancer that he model of faith, hope and charity. Faith because Dave appeared never to waver in short service commission in the Royal Engineers. In 1950, he joined the was more often than not in the thick of it.” demonstrated on the pitch. “Paul was a delightful young man with a quiet sense his commitment to a life of virtue; hope because his optimism never deserted family firm, which specialised in signage, enamel and glass lettering. of humour,” remembers Denis Clarke. “A self-contained and thoroughly good In 1956, Bryan left Prior and later joined the Royal Navy, serving on HMS Woolaston, a him, despite the considerable ill-luck that came his way; and charity because it Michael was a great sportsman: a member of the MCC and President person. He applied himself to his studies, presented himself well and was a reliable, coastal minesweeper that was involved in operations in Sarawak. Back in civvy street, he would be hard to find another man so filled with self-effacement, loving-kindness of Beckenham RFC. dependable member of the community. His face always showed a happy smile.” worked for tobacco firm, Gallaghers. He married Virginia in 1965 and was very proud of and respect for others. Paul, of Lymington, Hants, worked for British American Tobacco before joining He married Sally in 1954. They had six daughters, all of them outstanding his family and his nine grandchildren. “Bryan always took pride in Prior Park and all that Dave was born in 1950 near Exeter. In 1958, he followed his older brother, Chris, to Lime Wood Hotel in Lyndhurst, where he worked in the accounts department. at sport. Sally and Michael were devastated when their youngest, Mary, it stood for,” notes Plews. “He loved attending reunions with his contemporaries, either Cricklade, where the regime, like that of most boarding schools at the time, could After spending last Christmas at home, Paul went into Oakhaven Hospice, where died suddenly in her sleep at the age of 42. In her memory, Michael those organised so generously by John Whitaker, on the Isle of Man and in Marbella, or best be described as primitive. Dave became the class clown, with a quicksilver he died surrounded by his family - Lydia, whom he married in 2010, and their two and Sally founded the Mary Burnham Prize to be awarded at Speech at the veterans’ lunch that has now become a regular feature each October.” and surreal wit. A brilliant mimic, he could impersonate all the teachers with daughters, Esme, three, and one-year-old Elodie. Day each year to Prior’s most improved female student. Virginia held a memorial service for Bryan at Prior in January at which many Alumni as uncanny precision. His intelligence, which he had in abundance, was not the sort Michael was very active in the Catenians. He was also an active well as friends and family were in attendance. to pass exams, but its contorted logic often had us doubled-up with laughter. member of the PPA, serving as a much-respected President. His final, Even more impressive was his moral compass. I remember, in St Peter’s, Dave short hospital stay was not vexed and he died peacefully at home, with explaining to me why he had joined the Peace Pledge Union. Sometime in the Hannah Pointing following year he became a vegetarian. He became a vegan at 30. his family around him. Class of 2007 Clive Bogie As an actor, Dave won the admiration of his peers but no great celebrity. He Class of 1961 set up the Torn Curtain Theatre Company. He was for some years a stand-up Giles Mercer writes: Hannah, who died unexpectedly comedian. He wrote for the stage and television. Acting being such an uncertain in April, was a pupil at Prior from 2002 until 2007, Peter Kiely Clive died peacefully on Sunday 5th October 2014, aged 71. profession, he decided, at the age of 50, to train as a plumber. He discovered a coming to us from The Paragon. Class of 1946 A former Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Artillery, cherished real talent for practical work, but perhaps lacked the confidence to turn it into a Few eleven-year olds spontaneously engage their husband of Mary-Claire and incomparable father to Elizabeth. viable profession. In 2012, he was diagnosed with serious spinal cord problem head-teachers in adult conversations and Hannah Peter was born in Roehampton in 1929. that necessitated a major operation. No sooner had he recovered from that and I seemed to like each other from the outset. We would greet each other After leaving Prior in 1946, he qualified as a than, in 2013, he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, an aggressive like a couple of fellow workers in an office. Hannah didn’t seek popularity; it chartered accountant, becoming a partner form of cancer. was simply that she was very greatly liked, loved even. Hannah’s housemistress, in his firm in 1955. He married Kit in the Angela Vick, explained: people – all people – mattered to Hannah. She had an inner, same year. I spoke to Dave shortly before his death in March this year. We had planned John Walker to get together in the spring if his health permitted. It didn’t. But in those final positive spirit and a marvellous sense of humour. Her smile was never far away. They had four children. They moved to Sonning Common in 1956, to a conversations what was striking was Dave’s equanimity when faced with his It was a smile that, I believe, reflected an inward joy. Hannah also had an house and garden they had planned themselves. There, Peter served Class of 1964 imminent and premature demise. He had achieved peace and, in so doing, offered independence of mind and spirit. When she decided to move to Ralph Allen for as treasurer of the parish and oversaw the building of a new church the Sixth Form it was a big loss to Prior, but she had thought it through and her Stephen Tobin writes: John died in March at the age of 67. We an example to those who survive him: his wife Kate, her two daughters and three and hall. In 1971, they moved to Kidmore End, to another lovely garden. judgment deserved respect. Hannah was a good, diligent student. When she both joined Prior in September 1961 and within a short time grandchildren, all of whom tended him in his last days, as well as his brother Peter retired in 1985 and they moved to Poole in 1990. Chris and Chris’ family. found things hard she persevered, as one teacher said, “with little fuss”. She loved had formed a friendship that lasted right up to his demise. art. She responded with relish to poetry. She was a star performer in the annual Peter was active in the Catenians and was well-known in the world of By the time we’d entered the upper-fifth, the country was at general knowledge quiz in the junior house, Baines. For all the shock we feel at her railway modelling. He died in August 2014 at the age of 86. a cultural watershed. Our enthusiasm for British beat groups untimely death at the age of 23, her inspiring example, her great, selfless spirit, - most notably The Rolling Stones - made us and our clique a target for the trad-jazz Vic Ferguson the love she showed and the love she received: all of these will forever live on powerfully in our lives. For that we are infinitely grateful. aficionados of the lower-sixth, and particularly the editors of the student mag, Priority, Teacher John Grieg who took great pleasure in lampooning us. But for John and me it wasn’t a passing fad. Desperate to get amongst it, we baled out of Prior as soon as we had finished our O-levels. Denis Clarke writes: When I came to PPC in 1978, Vic Class of 1953 Both of us went on to make a hash of the disappointingly unglamorous world of technical Ferguson, who died in July, was already a very highly college before linking up again in London, where things took a gratifying turn for the better. regarded head of biology. After leaving Prior Park in 1953, John, who Sharing a series of flats in the then-affordable localities of Notting Hill and Chelsea, we died this year at the age of 77, enjoyed a Other Deaths careered through the last years of the sixties until, inevitably, adulthood proper, finally I have spoken to many past pupils who attribute their 40-year career in banking, travelling the brought the party to a close. careers in medicine to both his dedicated teaching Martin Lawrence, (Class of 1942), died March 2013; world with Lloyds Bank International. and his fostering of their confidence and curiosity. “Vic was a very special teacher,” John Beckett (Class of 1945), died 2014; John was an irrepressible entrepreneur, developing anchoring systems for motorway remembers Geoff Ferreira (1964). “His skill, knowledge and enthusiasm set many Recently in retirement he worked as a A.F. Joyce (Class of 1947), died 2013; construction before setting up a company building and installing kitchen furniture. of us off on careers in the biomedical sciences.” Vic was also a very constructive fundraiser for Aid to the Church in Need. He is survived by his wife Geoffrey Hamilton-Cubitt (Class of 1950), died October 2013; Throughout this period, with my own career struggling to take flight, I spent many figure in the change-over to lay administration and his excellence as a teacher Ineke, his son, his daughter and four grandchildren. Richard Beamish (Class of 1953), died September 2014; restorative weekends down in Maidenhead with him and his lovely Norwegian first wife, was vital to the on-going reputation of the school. He was promoted to head of His funeral, at St Paul’s church Hayward’s Heath, was well attended by Sidsel. Later he moved first to France and then to Spain before finally returning to the UK. science by Patrick Tobin and later helped Richard Wells to succeed him in that role. Mike Oura (Class of 1954), died December 2014; family and friends, including his brothers Jimmy and Philip, and PPA Brian Long (Class of 1955), died 2012; I last saw him last summer. He looked tanned and relaxed, and was quite obviously deeply Vic was also an outstanding sportsman: he captained Bath CC as a fine attacking veteran Andrew Owen. Anthony Coquet (Class of 1960), died January 2015; taken with his new partner, Louise. They moved to Portsmouth only three days before bat, wily spin bowler and shrewd cricket brain. He coached cricket and hockey at James Avenell (Class of 1966), died May 2015; he was taken ill. When I spoke to him for the final time, just a week before he died, it PPC. Vic formed part of the self-titled “old guard”, a group of dedicated teachers seemed he was on the mend. Alas, no such fortune. With his situation deteriorating, he who served both the brothers and the lay admin with distinction. All who knew Robert Littledale, parent of Andrew (Class of 1992), Richard was moved to Southampton, where, whilst awaiting an operation to replace a heart valve, him will agree that Vic brooked no nonsense but he was also a man of integrity, (Class of 1994) and Edward (Class of 1999), died April 2015. he succumbed to a cardiac arrest. commitment and unswerving loyalty.

26 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 27 Calendar 2015/2016

September 2015 Saturday 24th January 2016 June 2016 Headmasters Round - London Friday 4th The Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0DR Saturday 9th Saturday 11th PPA Golf Day at Bath Golf Club - 18 holes of golf Old Boys’ Hockey with a farewell to Alan Hall; Old Girls’ Class of 2010 (5 Year Reunion) (More details to follow) followed by dinner October 2015 Netball in the new Sports Centre (More details to follow) Contact Darren Crawford on [email protected] Sunday 12th Friday 16th March 2016 Old Boys’ Cricket (More details to follow) Saturday 5th Chapel Appeal Concert - PriorDonnas - starts at 7pm Old Boys’ Rugby - University Sock Match with brand new Tickets are available at www.priorparkschools.zealouskitebookingsystem.co.uk Monday 14th - Thursday 17th Thursday 30th kit - starts at 2.15pm Rosslyn Park Grand Leavers’ Concert (More details to follow) Old Girls’ Hockey - with brand new kit, and a chance to say Saturday 17th Open to all, 16th and 17th for the Under 18 age group goodbye to Alan Hall - starts at 1.45pm Veterans’ Lunch 2015 (More details to follow) (More details to follow) Date TBC

Class of 2006 (10 Year Reunion) (More details to follow) Saturday 12th November 2015 April 2016 Class of 1995 (20 Year Reunion) - Come and watch October 2016 afternoon fixtures of rugby and hockey followed by a tour Saturday 7th Saturday 28th of the school and then later come back for curry and drinks Class of 2005 (10 Year Reunion) - Fireworks and fizz on Mansion Lunch (More details to follow) in the Refectory Friday 14th the Portico, followed by supper in the Academy Hall Contact Tim Dunn on [email protected] Classes of 1965, 1966 and 1967 - are having an informal Contact Hannah Smith on [email protected] or Francis Hornyold-Strickland on [email protected] May 2016 reunion in Bath and then joining in on Saturday 16th Wednesday 16th October for the Veterans’ lunch Figaro Opera (Julian Slade Theatre) - Alumni Night Date TBC Date TBC Contact Chris Dowse on [email protected] or Adrian ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald on [email protected] at 7.30pm - Also on Tuesday 15th, Friday 18th and Official Opening of the Sports Centre - by invitation only Headmasters Round (More details to follow) Saturday 19th Saturday 15th Tickets are available at www.priorparkschools.zealouskitebookingsystem.co.uk Date TBC December 2015 Veterans’ Lunch 2016 (More details to follow) Mass with the Alumni Choir Saturday 19th Monday 14th Class of 1995 (20 Year Reunion) - for Cricklade Prep Date TBC School leavers Evening Christmas Carol Concert in the Chapel (More details to follow) Class of 1976 (40 Year Reunion) (More details to follow) Contact Geoff Chang on [email protected] Contact Robert Armstrong on [email protected]

The Prior Park Alumni Committee

Suzannah James Terry Ilott David Thomas Carole Laverick Melanie Ball Tony Bury Angelo-Sparling Alumni Relations Murphy-O’Connor Director of Promoting President Vice-President Vice-President Representative Headmaster Development Entrepreneurship

Roberto Pitchford- Pecchia and Sophie Simon Howell Paul O’Dea Christopher Liu Scott Parker Simon Morgan Eileen McPeake Darren Crawford Promoting Social Atkin Membership Promoting Music Website Design PPA Archiving Former Staff Member Member Enterprise School and Sixth Form Liaison Representatives

28 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 29 Year Group Representatives

Year Representative Email Address Year Representative Email Address Sport Representatives Choir and Music Representatives

2015 Abrahm Unwin [email protected] 1992 Katherine Mill [email protected] Mens Callum Smith [email protected] Beatrice Hutchison [email protected] Hockey 2015 Holly Simpson [email protected] 1991 Matthew Tobin [email protected] Jasper Tapsfield [email protected] Harriet Garner [email protected] 2014 Sophie Ward [email protected] 1991 Edmund Layet [email protected] Matthew Gallegos [email protected] James Sackett [email protected] 2014 Anya Matthews [email protected] 1990 Richard Watson [email protected] Hugo Harris [email protected] James Roper [email protected] 2013 James Smith [email protected] 1990 Johanna Gardner [email protected] Edward Borton [email protected] Emily Murphy-O’Connor [email protected] 2013 Georgina Couling [email protected] 1989 John Richards [email protected] Thomas Wheeler [email protected] Tabitha Hutchison [email protected] 2013 Anya Boulton [email protected] 1989 Nick Flanagan [email protected] James Campbell [email protected] Peter Vaughan-Fowler [email protected] 2012 Esther Scriven [email protected] 1988 Martin Woodhouse [email protected] Lawrie Frere [email protected] Annabel de Grey [email protected] 2012 Lucy Howlett [email protected] 1988 Susan Hall [email protected] Matthew Sackett [email protected] Rugby Kieran Kelly [email protected] 2012 Bryony Exton [email protected] 1988 Darren Crawford [email protected] Luke Nolan [email protected] Peter Laverick [email protected] 2012 Joseph Barron-Snowdon [email protected] 1987 Benjamin Moorhouse [email protected] Rhiannon Lampard [email protected] Jonathan Carley [email protected] 2011 George Tuckley [email protected] 1987 Suzannah Angelo-Sparling [email protected] Sinead Maya [email protected] Edward Robinson [email protected] 2011 Nicholas Pitts [email protected] 1986 Edward Mason [email protected] Anna Playfair [email protected] Daniel Keepax [email protected] 2011 Fiona Kempster [email protected] 1986 Justine Gallen [email protected] Sophia Friedrich [email protected]

2010 Sophie Griffiths [email protected] 1985 Mark Gallen [email protected] CCF Jim Coelho [email protected] Natasha Goldsworth [email protected] 2010 Hannah Eyre [email protected] 1984 Nicola Houghton [email protected] Julia Hamilton [email protected] Golf 2009 Fiona Rae [email protected] 1984 Michael May [email protected] Oliver Williamson [email protected] William Acton [email protected] 2009 John Neville [email protected] 1983 Martin Fowler [email protected] Darren Crawford [email protected] 2008 Thomas Yardley [email protected] 1981 Tony Jiggins [email protected] Regional and Overseas Cricket Sam Jones [email protected] 2008 Sam Stopp [email protected] 1981 John Giacobbi [email protected] Sebastian Stubbs [email protected] London Harriet Gillingham [email protected] 2008 Emily MacKean [email protected] 1980 Stuart White [email protected] Hamish Pearson [email protected] Gibraltar Joe Holliday [email protected] 2007 Tolly Humphreys [email protected] 1979 William van Heesewijk [email protected] Benjamin Eyre [email protected] Gibraltar Kenneth Bonavia [email protected] 2007 Henrietta Coles [email protected] 1979 Christopher Liu [email protected] Edward Singleton [email protected] New York Simon Pearce [email protected] 2006 Scott Parker [email protected] 1976 Robert Armstrong [email protected] George Harper [email protected] West Coast USA Philip Sales [email protected] 2006 Phoebe Hammill [email protected] 1975 Robin Fisher [email protected] Harry Elias [email protected] Hong Kong James Tsao [email protected] 2005 Hannah Smith [email protected] 1975 Martin Bury [email protected] Hong Kong Candy (Hoi Ki) Au [email protected] 2005 Francis Hornyold-Strickland [email protected] 1974 Andrew Zulver [email protected] Ladies Catherine Braithwaite [email protected] Hockey South Korea Jae Woo Kim [email protected] 2004 James Greene [email protected] 1974 Simon Morgan [email protected] Eleanor Gallegos [email protected] 2004 Elizabeth Blackledge [email protected] 1974 Anthony McQuiggan [email protected] Mollie Hunt [email protected] 2003 Anne-Marie Jenkins [email protected] 1970 Simon Howell [email protected] Abigail Everitt [email protected] 2002 Charles Hare [email protected] 1970 Tony Bury [email protected] Sarah Dalrymple [email protected] 2002 Kate Freeman [email protected] 1969 Simon Beck [email protected] Giorgia Smith [email protected] Reunions 2001 Sophie White [email protected] 1968 Terry Ilott [email protected] Georgina Everitt [email protected] The classes of 1965, 66 and 67 are having an informal 2000 Tula Penfold [email protected] 1967 Adrian FitzGerald [email protected] Anna Greene [email protected] reunion in Bath on Friday 15th October 2016 and then 2000 Jacob Heather [email protected] 1966 Peter Haddon [email protected] they will be joining the Veterans Lunch on Saturday Netball Constance Redman [email protected] 1999 Samuel Hill [email protected] 1966 Chris Dowse [email protected] 16th October 2016. Mollie Roberts [email protected] 1998 Paul O’Dea [email protected] 1964 Robert Rayner [email protected] They are looking for any classmates who Laura Eyles [email protected] 1998 Fionnuala Kennedy [email protected] 1962 Peter Hilton [email protected] would like to attend to contact them as soon Fiona Murray [email protected] 1998 Helen Goodman [email protected] 1962 Ian Haddon [email protected] as possible, Chris Dowse on chrisdowse586@ Ann-Marie Layet [email protected] 1997 Holy Hammill [email protected] 1959 Peter Keenan [email protected] btinternet.com and Adrian ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald on [email protected] 1997 Christopher Ash [email protected] 1958 Barry Plews [email protected] Tennis Liam Delaney [email protected] 1996 Andrea Blades [email protected] 1957 Andrew Owen [email protected] 1995 Abigail Lynch-Staunton [email protected] 1953 Patrick Mason [email protected] 1994 Caroline Paskell [email protected] 1947 Joseph Corrigan [email protected] 1994 Julian Jackson [email protected]

30 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 31 Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH Tel: +44 (0)1225 835353 (ext 244) Email: [email protected]

www.priorparkalumni.com

Prior Park Alumni

Prior Park Alumni

32 www.priorparkalumni.com