ON Old Norvicensian Features 018/2019 ONs are getting serious 2 about business (page 20-43) 1 Old Norvicensian Welcome Welcome Welcome to this year’s edition of the or even reach out to acquaintances with Old Norvicensian magazine. As ever, it whom you have lost contact. seeks to provide a link with your school Contents by updating you on news from Cathedral Attending an ON event is always a good Close, both in terms of activities of the way to reconnect; please be in touch with current school and alumni events. the Development Team if you would like further details of what is coming up. You However, it also seeks to offer stimulation are guaranteed a warm welcome in School 02 94 114 and reflection from the ongoing lives of House, where my colleagues and I will Norvicensians in the wider world. After all, always be pleased to update you on the News & Announcements Obituaries our direct contact ends relatively early in latest news and plans. Updates Weddings, babies Remembering those ONs who your lives and the most we can do is set Development and and celebrations have sadly passed away you up for your ongoing experiences; most I should like to finish by offering my thanks School news of your life is lived as an Old Norvicensian to those who have worked hard to produce and, if we get it right, the best bits happen such a quality document – happy reading! then, too! Steffan Griffiths I therefore hope that the pages which Head Master follow will be of interest in their own right but will also encourage reflection on your own experiences from school and since 44 that time. They might stimulate you to make contact with existing alumni friends Life Since News and stories of life since Norwich School 68 When I became President of the ONs, In the context of the world right now, One of the most valuable places the ONs my immediate challenge was to drive in great flux politically, socially and as a Society can practically help us all 20 Memory Lane 100 124 tangible value to ONs for their participation economically, having those friendly souls reach around that corner is in business. Take a trip down Memory Lane in the Society. just around the corner is no bad thing. We all aspire to do better business and Features Photo Album Ambassadors & Events it is a common thread that binds many Old Norvicensians The year in photos ON Ambassadors and 2019 It’s amazing that we all enjoy the social Connectivity, and particularly social ONs, from just leaving university to well are getting serious Events Directory aspect of the Society and long may that connectivity, is changing our lives into retirement. As such, we are looking about business continue. I am looking to increase the year by year at a speed we struggle to to launch a new business event in London depth and breadth of participation in comprehend. Thinking of the ONs as a to help ONs get serious about connecting the ON Society and for there to be an 7,000 person, well-educated, intelligent, and inspiring each other through business. expectation of real and clear tangible socially-connected community is an More details on this later in the magazine. value. After speaking to many ONs, the exciting prospect and one that means conclusion that we have reached is that everyone can benefit from everyone. We are looking at how technology can help we should revamp and increase the enrich further how we connect with each 78 impact ONs can have in business. Sir Nigel Bogle, giant of the advertising other and make those experiences valuable. industry, once said: “Large is just a collection A Year to Remember The vast majority of ONs need successful of lots of small.” Jeff Bezos, of Amazon fame, Throughout the year you will see a Highlights from the year business in their lives. There are some defined the optimum size of a team as no continual enhancement on what is already small micro groups of ONs who already more than the slices of one pizza. a great programme. help and stimulate opportunities with each other; however, we would like to take it to It would seem that building a successful Matt Charlton (80-89) the next level. I passionately believe that ON community is the same. Lots of small ON President “just around every corner is an ON”. groups of twos or threes who stay in touch. Keep up to date at Follow us at Join the growing community of If the Society can provide an inspiring www.facebook.com/NorwichSchoolON @NorwichSchoolON Old Norvicensians on LinkedIn A friendly soul who shares much enough framework to connect these common ground and welcomes any groups, then many things can be achieved ON as a brother or a sister. personally and collectively. 3 Old Norvicensian News & Updates EVENT HIGHLIGHTS The year 2018 saw many more successful events. Over the next few pages, News & Updates I share with you just some of my highlights. by Rachel Lightfoot (NS 03–present) School Events The magazine is filled with news and stories I sharing a love for Australia, the interview This special Norwich School bond is Seeing our pupils full of smiles and by our Norwich School family. Many thanks went well, and I was appointed as Bursar’s evident at reunions and events that I positivity at school and at events. Our to everyone who has contributed. We have Assistant and life at Norwich School bring to you throughout the year. The pupils never fail to amaze me, whether it certainly enjoyed pulling it together and began. On my first day, a colleague said, atmosphere at any event showcases the be seeing them speaking from the pulpit; hope you too enjoy the read! “you will stay forever” and here I am! life-long friendships that have been made performing at Norwich School Unplugged; and the respect for the staff. How lucky on stage for our ‘West-End’ style Over the pages you will discover your I would like to say thank you for your we are that this all begins when you step production of Chicago at the Playhouse; school has grown. Our little people support throughout my time, for your through those Norwich School gates. performing with the Choral Society and have settled well into life at Pre-Prep, attendance at events, the stories you the London Mozart Players; or just kicking the Music School has moved to 1, 2 and share, your contributions to the magazines As you know, the toughest part of my a tennis ball around the playground with 2a The Close, the crypt is a gallery and and social media pages, and the kind job is the sadness of losing members of their forever friends. exhibition space available to hire, and the words I receive plus for your support to our community and 2018 brought more Blake, once a gym, is now an amazing one another. It is indeed rather special sadness. I give a special mention to my performance space. You can also be being part of this Norwich School family. beautiful colleague and friend Hélèna married or christened in the chapel and Lewis (née Mitchell) (NS 02-18). so much more!! If you would like to take a Not only am I blessed with working This lady and friendly face greeted me tour, please get in touch as I would love to in the stunning Cathedral Close, but I on my arrival at Norwich School in 2003. show you around your school. have the privilege of the camaraderie After a brave fight with cancer, Hélèna Alex Humphris’ ON Music of the common room. The staff here passed away peacefully at home with The year 2018 marked 15 years of my time make a massive difference to the lives of her family. H’s kindness, her caring ways 90th Birthday Watching Finn McEwen (12-14) perform at Norwich School. In 2003, I arrived for Norvicensians and are a real pleasure and friendship were second to none. at his concert in the chapel and at interview with Nick Cooper, Bursar to work with. If you asked any member The bravest lady I have ever known. In January, I had the honour and the Richard Allain CD Launch with (NS 91-04). Sitting in 71a with a friendly of teaching staff “what makes Norwich Hélèna and all those gone are never privilege of pulling together a party Ben Nicholas (85-94) directing at welcome and the stunning backdrop of School special to them?” they would forgotten and will be remembered at for Alex Humphris’s 90th birthday. the cathedral. More on page 83. the cathedral, I knew immediately this answer the pupils, followed by their events throughout 2019. It was a wonderful occasion with that NS is where I wanted to be. With Nick and colleagues and the location. bond shining through. Alex and I were overwhelmed by the kindness, love and support from ONs and lifelong friends. Alex’s words: “Thank you everybody so much, for coming to the party, for all ON ELECTIONS the cards, messages and presents.” Thank you to everyone who voted in the Words from Aiden: 2018 ON Society Elections. We offer THANK YOU! a warm welcome to ON Society President “It has been a great pleasure to have been Matthew Charlton (80-89) and Vice the ON President for the past few years President Ben Steward (76-85), who and to have met so many interesting began their duties on 25th November.