SU o 149 No. ISSUE

WINTER 2011 School News

EDITOR E DITORIAL Richard Hudson Churchill’s Hall We have received this week the sad news of characteristic style as though it were a visit to Shrewsbury School Richard Raven’s death. I hope I may be the dental hygienist. I of course agreed to an Shrewsbury forgiven for jumping the gun and paying my extension on the original deadline: it even gave SY3 7AT own tribute with a couple of reminiscences, the me a frisson of excitement to do this to Tel: 01743 280630 second hardly even a reminiscence, as it was someone who was formerly my teacher. The [email protected] so recent. The first was my first ever encounter new delivery date was to be five or so days after with him, and the second my last. his operation. In the event, he posted the ASSISTANT EDITOR I arrived at Shrewsbury in 1967. I had not remainder of the obit section off to me on his Annabel Warburg attended a prep school and it was necessary way to the hospital from which he would not for me to learn some Greek very quickly. RNER return alive. OBITUARIES EDITOR agreed to give me a crash course at his house In the context of our Salopian community, I Richard Raven on Kennedy Road. I was in Moser’s and he was think these two stories are really about service, an old Moserite, so a bond was quickly formed. that quality without which a school such as this Old salopian club Actually, my main memory, apart from an could not possibly function. Michael impression of him as a kind man who – or more Charlesworth, Michael Hall, Mark Mortimer and Alex Baxter (Director) accurately whose solicitous wife – gave me a now Richard Raven, four of the giants of my Miriam Walton (Administrator) delicious tea and was a very effective teacher, Salopian youth; very different characters, and Old Salopian Club was of their cats, Hannibal and Hasdrubal, who not always comfortable with each other, but The Schools were rather more interesting to me than the united by this one great quality, a sense that Shrewsbury intractable Greek verbs which did not fit into service to the Salopian community is primarily SY3 7BA nice neat categories like their Latin what the privilege of being a member of it Tel: 01743 280891 (Director) counterparts. We move on 44 years to just over means. 01743 280892 (Administrator) a week ago, when Richard rang me to discuss Read the pages which follow and see what a the delivery of his ‘obit’ section of this magazine thriving place the Shrewsbury School of 2011 Front cover: of which he has been the skilled and is. Men such as RNER laid the foundations for Sponsored Walk 2011. Winning pupil prodigiously efficient editor for the past few the 21st century school which, in all essentials, photo by Aut Angpanitcharoen (Ch) years. He told me – cheerfully – of his it seems to me, differs only in scale from the impending heart operation, downplayed in one I first encountered in 1967.

Bumps 2011. Head of Division II. Rigg’s chasing Churchill’s. See page 34

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A CADEMIC NEWS – NEW RECORDS SET

EXAM RESULTS exams were awarded either A* or A grades, and 81% were awarded an A*, A or B grade. GCSE/IGCSE Our Fifth Formers’ outstanding 2011 GCSE results have broken all PRE-U DISTINCTION recent records. 98% of the exams taken were passed at grades Many congratulations to those students who have received special A* – C, and 40% of the exams were awarded an A* grade – the recognition from the University of Cambridge International highest that the School has ever recorded. An impressive 68% of Examinations Board for their outstanding achievement in the exams were awarded either A* or A grade. Ten boys gained straight Cambridge Pre-U examinations. The following were all awarded A* grades in all their subjects. the highest grade, Distinction 1 (Distinction 2 being the equivalent We are delighted to be in the position of awarding honorary of an A*). scholarships to the following six pupils who gained straight A* Lower Sixth French students: Jack Flowers, Kiran Morjaria, grades and were not already academic scholars: Tabitha Price, Linus Plassmann. Tom Bland (Rt), Harry Cox (Rb), Mark Lawley (S), Edward Lloyd Upper Sixth Physics students: Mohamed Janahi, Stephen Lilico, (Rt), Edward Mallett (S), Libby Naylor (EDH) Thomas Elcock. A further three honorary exhibitions have been awarded to the Upper Sixth French student: Philip Lackner. following pupils who were not already academic scholars and who gained nine A* grades plus one A grade (or similar): Martin Chow (SH), Lucinda Emms (MSH), James Steele (O).

A LEVEL AND PRE-U Our recent leavers from the Upper Sixth have also broken records with their A Level and Pre-U exam results. 2011 is a particularly tough year for university applications, but despite the extra competition, the vast majority of our leavers have achieved the grades they needed to continue to their chosen universities. The average UCAS points per candidate was our highest ever at 401.0. Well above 99% of the exams taken were passed, and a record- breaking 22% of our exams were at the top A* grade. We had 160 A Level candidates this year, of whom 60 (38%) achieved three or more A*s or As, or the Pre-U equivalent, and an outstanding 13 students achieved three or more A* grades. In total, 56% of our Jack Flowers and Kiran Morjaria Tabitha Price

GCSE Awards 2011

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S ECOND GIRLS’ BOARDING HOUSE OPENS

There was a buzz of excitement and anticipation, as more than 150 scholar and great-great-granddaughter of Emma and Charles guests celebrated the formal opening of the School’s second girls’ Darwin. She read from her acclaimed biography of Charles Darwin, boarding house, Emma Darwin Hall. Bright September sunshine which centred on his marriage to Emma. She spoke of the meant that guests were able to admire the courtyard and newly shattering effect on the eight-year-old Charles of the death of his planted garden before gathering in the central hall where, overseen mother, of his meeting with his cousin, Emma Wedgwood, his by Peter Hankin’s stunning portrait of Emma Darwin, the formal proposal, their life together and the loss of two of their ten children, speeches were given. which profoundly affected them. Her personal insight into their lives Headmaster Mark Turner paid tribute to all those who had helped and marriage brought Emma Darwin vividly and inspiringly to life. bring Emma Darwin Hall to life and spoke about Emma Darwin There was no doubting that she was an intelligent and stimulating herself, who embodied the artistry of her father’s family (the life companion for Charles. “Had she been alive today,” Ruth Padel Wedgwoods), the scientific intellect of her mother’s family (the said, “Emma would probably have had her own highly successful Allens) and the philosophical non-conformism of her husband, career as well as a family.” Charles. Speaking of the house that bears Emma Darwin’s name, Ruth Housemistress Kait Weston expressed sincere gratitude to Sara Padel was sure that “Emma and Charles Darwin would have been Hankin, Housemistress of Mary Sidney Hall, for her wisdom and extremely enthusiastic about the project. They would have been expertise. She reflected on the value of role models such as Emma delighted to see it open.” Darwin for the girls in the house, before introducing a much more Replying on behalf of all the guests – and in particular the first recent role model: Gessica Howarth, one of the first intake of Sixth generation of Emma Darwin Hall girls – Isabella Barber, Head of Form girls, who is currently studying Mathematics at Oxford House, expressed heartfelt thanks to Ruth Padel for performing the University while also rapidly establishing an exciting career for official opening of the house and sharing her time and wisdom so herself as an opera singer. generously. Gessica’s beautiful performance of an aria by Handel was followed by a fascinating and moving speech by Ruth Padel, poet,

Left to right: Isabella Barber (Head of House), Mark Turner, Ruth Padel, Kait Weston (Housemistress)

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Emma Darwin Hall

Happy new inmates

                                          ! Kait Weston, the first Housemistress of Emma Darwin Hall

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Richard Charters has joined the Spanish Faculty on a temporary Academy of integrated Sports and Arts, which I thoroughly enjoyed. full-time basis. He has previously taught at Oundle and Haileybury. Outside of teaching and coaching I enjoy a range of sports, from His sporting interests include tennis and football. playing netball to cycling to running various distances from 5k to half marathons. Currently I am taking an active role in the Girls’ Steve Clancy writes, ‘I have joined the PE Department as a Hunt. However most recently I have got the bug for triathlons and graduate sports coach, having graduated from Loughborough started to compete within the discipline. My other interests include University with a first class honours degree in sports science. Before travelling, shopping and outdoor pursuits.’ I went to university I was thought to be a promising footballer and played for Aston Villa from the age of 13-18, playing in youth cup Daniel Ithurbisque has been appointed Bordeaux Fellow 2011-12. semi finals and regular reserve fixtures. I also represented England He has a Masters in Criminology from the Judicial Studies Institute at U16, 17 and 18 levels, fortunate enough to play alongside some in Bordeaux. current Premier League stars. When football didn’t work out as His interests include football, boxing, tennis, running, music and the intended, my focus turned to coaching and furthering my cinema. education. As a UEFA ‘B’ licence football coach, I enjoyed success at Loughborough, leading their U19s to a league and cup double. I Alex Mason is the new Director of Chapel Choir and also joins the now take the U14A footballers and am very much enjoying my time Music Faculty. here at Shrewsbury School. I intend to go into PE teaching, with the He was Organ Scholar at Worcester College, Oxford and pursued aim of combining a qualification with work here at Shrewsbury.’ postgraduate studies at the Royal Conservatory, The Hague and the Royal College of Music. Seb Cooley joins Shrewsbury to teach Mathematics and Physics; He previously held posts at St David’s and Lichfield Cathedrals the split is appropriate for someone who has never brought himself and KCS, Wimbledon. to specialise. He graduated with a Masters degree in engineering He has recorded a number of CDs as organist and conductor from Warwick, trilingual thanks to a year in France. Even amidst and has performed as an organist on BBC Radio 3 and Radio engineers his humour did not impress, so he went to work in France. He has given concerts in Europe, Lebanon, Bermuda and Switzerland for four years. The ploy worked: many still rank his the USA. attempts at ice-hockey as among the funniest things they have ever He also played the organ for a number of episodes of The Vicar seen. Ambition satisfied, he returned to England. of Dibley! England has a long and glorious tradition of inventing or codifying Alex is married to Natalie, a professional singer, and they have sports in which it cannot thereafter achieve supremacy. Echoing two young daughters, Holly and Lucy. this, Eton College gave England Eton Fives. In 2008, the grass roots at Eton were drying up. He spent three years coaching Fives there Jackie Matthews joins the Biology and the Chemistry Faculties and restoring numbers. Seb brings with him a motorcycle (British from Welshpool High School, where she taught Chemistry for nearly engineering), many incomplete jokes (he is half German), an three years. Jackie and her family moved to the Welsh Shropshire incongruous mix of 80s stadium rock and choral music (no borders from Wokingham in 2006, taking a couple of years off to adequate excuse offered) and the current Eton Fives National title. renovate their 17th century farmhouse. She was born and brought up in Kenya and returns regularly to Lesley Drew writes, ‘It’s good to be part of the English Faculty, visit her family there. She studied Zoology at Reading University, teaching both Theatre Studies and English. I have lived in three followed by a PGCE at Southampton. She taught at the Forest African countries: Swaziland, Nigeria and Malawi, and attended a School in Wokingham for ten years where she was head of Biology girls’ High School, an International School and a Boys’ School which from 2002 to 2006. Many of Jackie’s interests are based outdoors: was turning co-ed. For the last thirteen years, I’ve been teaching and camping, hill walking, sketching, painting and gardening. Past directing plays at Wrekin College. In my first job, I initiated MUN achievements include playing polo for the Kenyan under-21 team, involvement, so I’ve enjoyed finding the flourishing MUN and whilst on tour in the UK; and climbing Kilimanjaro. She is married to debating societies here, as well as being in the audience for House Alex and they have two children, Mollie and Morgan. Plays and House Singing. It will be exciting to return to Malawi next summer with a community service group of Salopians to support the Rachael Pile writes, ‘I have joined the Maths Faculty after work of the charity ‘Medic Malawi’. My daughter and twin sons are all completing my PGCE at the University of Chester last year. This is at University, studying French, Politics and Maths respectively.’ my first teaching post. Before my PGCE I completed a Mathematics degree at the University of Nottingham. I was born in Ormskirk, in Annabel Hartshorne writes, ‘I have joined the PE Department, Lancashire, and brought up in a small village on the edge of West having just completed my PGCE in Physical Education through Lancashire. I was a competitive swimmer until the age of about 17, Thomas Telford School. Previously I graduated from Manchester so in addition to my teaching, I also coach the swimming squad. Met University with a BSc in Coaching and Sports Development. I During my time as a competitive swimmer I came a very close am a very keen sportswoman, having played and competed in second at the British National Swimming Championships. I also various sporting activities. Gymnastics has been my main discipline swam for, and captained, my county and swam for Northern from when I was at school. I am a Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Counties. I am also a very keen runner and ran a marathon last year Coach and have coached in Manchester and currently coach in to raise money for The Joshua Foundation, who send terminally ill Wales. I have also worked as a part-time coach for The Cheshire children on a last wish holiday.’

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Charlotte Rule joins the Geography faculty. She has made the eight years at a former grammar school in Newbury, Berkshire. expedition to the wild windswept north from the deep drawling These days, Mark’s main interests lie in golf and rugby and he is south of Dorset and the schools of Sherborne where, whilst a a Fourth Form Tutor in Oldham’s. Resident Tutor at Sherborne Girls, she taught and gained her qualification at Sherborne School. Prior to a brief sentence Rachael Witcombe joins the CDT Faculty from Rugby School, toughening up at a comprehensive school in Oxford, Charlotte where she taught Resistant Materials and Product Design, as well gained a First Class Degree from Oxford Brookes. as being an Assistant Housemistress in a girls’ boarding house When not camping out in her classroom, she can be found on from 2006. After graduating from Nottingham Trent University in the edge of hockey pitches or trying to borrow staff dogs to 2001 she moved north of the border to teach Graphic accompany her on her quest to explore the rugged landscapes of Communication and Technological Studies at Hutchesons’ the Northern Territories. Charlotte is also involved with the school Grammar School in Glasgow for five years. She is a tutor in Rigg’s orchestra, having removed the cobwebs from and polished up her Hall and is involved with girls’ rowing. clarinet and saxophone. STAFF BABIES Nils Sceery is the new Harvard Fellow. He has recently graduated Many congratulations to Paola and Mike Wright on the birth of with an AB Honors Degree in the Comparative Study of Religion. Jemima Catherine on 16th September. He has been President of Harvard Club Soccer and a member of the Harvard Heavyweight Crew. He is also a native French speaker.

Mark Schofield joins the Chemistry Faculty after eighteen years’ experience at three previous schools. His wife, Rachel, also joins the Chemistry Faculty as a laboratory technician. Mark joins Shrewsbury after the best part of four years as Head of Science at Rossall School in Lancashire. Before that, he spent over six happy years at Abingdon School, Oxon – where his children, Daniel and Rebecca, were baptised in the School Chapel – and before that

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Bob Kendall rooms, and Bob’s calm authority has undoubtedly helped pupils Imagine a world in which there are no modular syllabuses, no re- towards the best possible results. His advice, both routine and takes, and no public exams in the Lower Sixth. Welcome to 1996, the sometimes under significant pressure in emergency, has always year in which Bob Kendall took over as the school’s senior been appreciated by Heads of Faculties and within the wider school examinations officer. The subsequent fifteen years saw rapid community. developments in the world of public exams accompanied by a huge Bob now moves towards retirement, to applying Assessment increase in the volume of exam sittings, and Shrewsbury was Objectives to the Everton midfield, and lives in the hope that his next extremely fortunate to have Bob at the exam office helm. brush with Extra Time might be at the Cup Final. We wish him and Bob had joined the school as a Mathematics teacher in 1984, Yvonne every happiness and hope very much to continue to see appointed under Michael Hall. He was a much valued member of them around the school. Martin Cropper the Faculty, where his good humour, passion for the subject, and interest in the pupils made him a successful and effective teacher. Richard Johnson Outside the classroom, his love of football led to coaching and Richard joined Shrewsbury in 2009 and so quickly became part of refereeing at various levels, as well as representing the staff team. the furniture that it is hard to believe that he was actually only with us For many years Bob also chaired the Common Room Salaries for two years. A talented teacher, energetic and enthusiastic, from committee, and was highly respected for his fairness in dealings with the moment he arrived, he lit up the classroom, sometimes literally! staff and governors. Resourceful and always willing to experiment, he was a huge However, in recent years, it has been in the high profile post of success with our students. Richard accompanied many trips to senior exam officer that Bob has been most visible. Having started Birmingham University where students experienced an intellectual as an exam officer in 1990, he took over running the exams in 1996, lecture followed by a 5* Balti, to give them a taste for student life! and for ten years he remained in charge while continuing to teach a He was a good friend to us all, but in particular to the boys of full timetable of Maths. By 2006, the role had become so all- Rigg’s where he was an outstanding tutor. Always 'on the go' on duty consuming that Bob became the school’s first full-time exam officer. nights, wandering around the house, chatting with the boys and To see Bob juggling exams in different subjects and in different helping them with their work, he also had the highest standards – rooms, with extra timers and laptop users and a multitude of different woe betide anyone caught gaming in Top Schools. A terrific sense of start and finish times, has been astonishing; for him to do it all calmly humour gave him that knack of getting the boys on side through and good humouredly has been even more astonishing. But this is light-hearted wit. He was also extremely generous with his time, actually a fundamental part of the job because the Exam Officer has taking numerous house trips, notably to Tally and paintballing. He a hugely important role in setting the atmosphere within the exam was, in short, a huge asset to Rigg's and is sorely missed.

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Richard coached the J15 rowers and he saw many of his crew A major contribution was to take three 'elite' 4th Form near fluent progress to the national stage. He spent much of his spare time speakers of French, and successfully guide them through their down at the river where his hands-on approach was a real winner IGCSE course, as well as using French baccalauréat material to with the boys. teach them. Richard was a mean mountain biker and he swiftly progressed Virginie also helped to run the annual Bordeaux Study Visit and put from basic survival to being a confident and enthusiastic rider. He on terrific events for the French Society, as well as preparing new spent many a long grey Thursday afternoon on a saddle and usually materials for teachers to use and keeping the French Office tidier surfaced on Friday morning bearing the scars of his endeavours. than most previous Bordeaux Fellows. Without Richard, PAK would not have been unable to deliver such a Her humble and self-effacing character concealed the hidden varied, challenging programme to the boys. depths of Virginie, who worked with total dedication, enthusiasm and Richard and Sarah leave us for Dorset and Byranston School, and effectiveness, humouring some very 'funny' colleagues. they take with them our fondest farewells and best wishes. Virginie was a lovely colleague and we will certainly miss her. Shrewsbury could not compete with the draw of the sea. Richard was compelled to move back to the South Coast, where he can Pam Nicklaus spend more time indulging his passion for sailing only a bit more Pam has retired after 27 years at Shrewsbury. than a stone’s throw away lies his home in the Isle of Wight. A former Head of MFL at another local school and an experienced Andrew Briggs teacher of French, she trained in Special Needs just as they came Nick Wakeling into fashion, working fearlessly for many years in our Special Needs Nick joined the English Faculty in September 2009. Originally from Department. Pam then filled a gap in the French Faculty, teaching South London, he had been educated at Tonbridge and Trinity part time, in a way that made her seem more full time than most of College, Oxford before completing an MA in Creative Writing at Bath. us, and not even wincing when the Head of Faculty slipped a few He bravely took on his first teaching post at Shrewsbury with challenging sets her way, believing her to be an expert in ‘the bottom enthusiasm and quickly established himself as an invaluable set’. She allowed her arm to be twisted to take on the role of French member of both the Faculty and the Common Room. The enormous Speaking Tutor to the Lower 6th, which brought her many happy gap Nick has left belies the fact that he was only with us for two short hours of negotiation over timetabling, topic choices and reasons for years! absence. Her patience in supporting some academically challenged Nick very quickly became an excellent teacher. He earned the Lower 6th to pursue their “interest” in culture was invaluable. respect of both his colleagues and his students for his methodical, Every former pupil of Pam's will never forget the personal attention reliable approach and for his genuine love of Literature. His particular to detail embodied in her teaching approach. She has even won the passion for contemporary poetry led to the birth of the Creative Most Organised Teacher (Brownie badge), with the best pupil files, Writing Club. Nick inspired numerous boys to attend not only the helpful 'How to...' sheets on every topic crucial in acquiring a grasp of Thursday afternoon sessions, but also the workshops and readings French grammar or exam technique. that he organised. He even took this further into prep schools, There is nowhere to hide in Pam's classroom: expectations are inspiring creativity in potential Salopians. high, work is to be done, and pupils are condemned to success. But Nick’s other passion was Oxford, and he was able to motivate her pupils were mothered, nurtured and given a chance to shine. several English students to pursue Oxbridge applications. He rallied Pam has always taken on much much more than just her teaching the support of his colleagues and provided a comprehensive and load. She has marked Scholarship papers, standardised the inclusive programme of complementary study. Always trying to dreaded Controlled Assessment, been on several French trips, ensure that the pupils absorbed as much culture as possible, this notably to Montpellier, depleting severely French supplies of often resulted in trips to colleges and to the theatre. 'chocolat chaud'. Her contribution to the French Faculty has been Although the academic side of life was always Nick’s primary significant: she has given 100% to her work and we will be bereft focus, he was involved with all areas of school life: a tutor in without her. Tim Whitehead Ingram’s; master i/c the Ashton Theatre; cricket coach; house football referee and member of the common room committee. Ian Graham Sadly for us, it was his need to be nearer the action that led Nick We were very sad to have to say goodbye to Ian Graham. With a to pursue a job elsewhere and his return to the south will allow him professional footballing background - he played with Wolves - Ian the more frequent access to Oxford and London that he craved. We used his sporting skills to perform in a multitude of roles in the eight will miss his dependable presence and his hearty laugh! years he has been at Shrewsbury. He has run the Sports Leadership Charterhouse’s gain is most certainly Shrewsbury’s loss. courses with Clare Wilson and coached both football and PE. In his Kristina Leslie final year he coached the Under 14A team, bringing the aged veterans like Mike Tonks up to date with one or two modern training Virginie Taillade techniques – and turned a team of soft hearted rookies – most of Virginie arrived, apprehensive as to what she had let herself in for, as them wet behind the ears - into a mean machine that outgunned a postgraduate law student from the IEJ, Université de Montesquieu, most of the opposition. Bordeaux, perhaps interested in becoming a juvenile judge, though An utterly positive ‘can do’ attitude, a willingmess to step in at the not wishing to spend hours on end shut up in a small office, smiling last moment to help colleagues or squeeze out that extra mile were and taking an interest in Upper 6th pupils' franglais. Her input to the hallmarks of a character who will be greatly missed. Upper 6th French was huge. She emerged as a pied piper, with Ian has been appointed Director of Sport at Birchfield Preparatory pupils queuing up at her door for extra orals. Results this summer School, from which school we hope that many of his future protégés showed the added value of her contribution, also with the 5th Form, will come to Shrewsbury. where she helped all seven sets, enjoying several tens of lessons Peter Fanning with the bottom set in particular.

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S T MARY’S CHURCH – 11TH SEPTEMBER 2011

Address by Dom Leo Maidlow Davies OSB, wrote for monks Benedict said you should only try living alone as a Headmaster of Downside School hermit after years learning how to live in a community. He must have concluded it was dangerous to do it the way round that he had. What Then? What do you discover in a cave? Silence, and space, and His chosen comrades thought at school yourself. These are very important things, but they are challenging He must grow a famous man; and difficult. We are frightened of all of them and find ways of He thought the same and lived by rule, banishing them. Look at the sky at night. What do you see? With All his twenties crammed with toil; security lights and street lights and car lights we have made it ‘What then?’ sang Plato’s ghost. ‘What then?’ extremely difficult to see the night sky, but when we do, we see: the Everything he wrote was read, moon, planets, stars and galaxies – and space. A lot of space, After certain years he won which is worth attending too. Likewise we live with a lot of noise, but Sufficient money for his need, underlying it is silence; noise comes out of silence and falls back Friends that have been friends indeed; into it; silence is, in contrast to noise, limitless and timeless. It is ‘What then?’ sang Plato’s ghost. ‘What then?’ important to attend to silence. After his years in the cave, St Benedict was invited to found communities. That seems strange, All his happier dreams came true - because he had almost no experience of an ordinary human A small old house, wife, daughter, son, community. But in his cave it seems that he had opened in himself Grounds where plum and cabbage grew, what he calls ‘the ear of the heart’. He had entered into a profound Poets and Wits about him drew; relationship with God. This was attractive, and the people around ‘What then?’ sang Plato’s ghost. ‘What then?’ him wanted to share the experience. He described the life that should be lived in community as a The work is done,’ grown old he thought, journey into God. And to accomplish that journey he recommends ‘According to my boyish plan; creating space. Perhaps the most obvious space he created was Let the fools rage, I swerved in naught, for silence. He recommends that monks don’t talk too much and Something to perfection brought’; should be quicker to listen than to speak. This is the foundation for But louder sang that ghost, ‘What then?’ inner silence. We tend to be thinking addicts; slowly we need to That poem was written by William Butler Yeats, the Anglo-Irish poet learn how to create inner silence that can be open and receptive. who died in 1939. It’s an old man’s poem looking back on his life There should be space for very careful and attentive reading – and, perhaps, therefore, especially relevant for young people reading that Benedict calls ‘lectio divina’ or reading with God. We looking forward to theirs. ‘What then?’ is a vital and unsettling are trained to read rapidly and acquisitively and critically. What question. We may set and achieve goal after goal, even modest information can I take from this writing? Does it answer my and praiseworthy ones, but what is our ultimate goal or purpose? questions? St Benedict invites his monks to read slowly, aloud, but I’m not going to say anything more about Yeats. Instead, as a reasonably quietly, and with an awareness that when they read the Benedictine monk, I want to talk to you about St Benedict and Bible they are listening to God addressing them and asking of them education. St Benedict was born in about 480 in Nursia in Italy. His a living response in how they act after reading. He asks, ‘What parents sent him to Rome for the best possible education, and he page, what saying from the sacred scriptures of the Old and New hated it. St Gregory the Great, the Pope who sent the monk St Testaments, is not given us by the authority of God as reliable Augustine to England, wrote the life of St Benedict. He says, ‘While guidance for our lives on earth?’ Many of you come from a tradition Benedict was on this earth he could have indulged himself freely, that reveres Sacred Scripture as privileged, as God’s word but he despised the glory of the world as a faded bloom.’ The addressed to you as a beloved child. It is good to give some space question that disturbed Yeats as an old man – ‘What then?’ – seems each day to that kind of deep, reflective and responsive reading. to have struck Benedict very forcibly as a young man, as a boy in St Benedict also asks us to create space for one another. It is fact. His reaction was extraordinary. ‘He abandoned his literary easy to exploit other people as either useful to me or a hindrance to studies and, leaving his family home and inheritance, he sought to me. Before I value them they will have to earn my respect. St please God alone… Thus he left Rome learnedly ignorant and Benedict asks us to stop thinking like that. Remarkably God in wisely uninstructed.’ Christ comes to us in other people, and most of all in people our Benedict decided that the best place to be educated was alone nature may despise. He comes in the sick, the old and feeble, in in the wilderness. He found a narrow cave in the wooded mountains children, the poor and in guests. Our guide is to do not what seems and lived there with himself for three years. A monk from a nearby best to ourselves, but rather what is best for others. That path is monastery whom he had met was in on the secret and brought challenging and unattractive at first, but as you persevere in it your Benedict enough food to survive on, which he obtained by heart, St Benedict says, will begin to enlarge, and what was at first depriving himself of his own rations. distasteful to you will become a source of joy. If you ever get the chance to go to Subiaco, about 40 miles outside Probably not many of you will ever spend years in a cave, but Rome, take it. It’s a beautiful place and you can visit St Benedict’s there are ways in which you can begin to live more spacious and cave, though it’s now enclosed by a church – not very grand, but gracious lives. Don’t put off the nagging question ‘What then?’ till ancient and beautiful. Somehow the teenager Benedict’s years in a the end of life, when it may be too late to be transformed by it. cave were destined to have a transforming effect on the world. Create stillness and space now for your study, your prayer and for What happened there? I haven’t spent three years in a cave one another and you may find in that interior cave possibilities and a myself, so I can only do some guessing. In the Rule he eventually fullness of life that you have never before imagined.

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C OMPLEMENTARY STUDIES

In an academic world that has become increasingly dominated by Studies, Globalisation, Introduction to Sociology, and Serbo Croat. the demands and rigours of prescribed syllabuses, attainment They reflect the particular special interests of a number of targets and examination results, our aim at Shrewsbury has always Shrewsbury staff, who welcome the opportunity to share these in been to provide ‘education’ in the broadest and fullest sense and to courses they can create and shape as they wish. inculcate among students, if we can, a love of learning for learning’s “It gives teachers a chance to do what they love, to teach sake. A key part of this is the extensive Complementary Studies something they are passionate about to people who want to learn programme, which is offered to all students in the Lower Sixth. about it,” explains Struan Hellier, Head of Sixth Form and Master-in- Some use it as an opportunity to study independently and at a Charge of the Complementary Studies Programme. “Even so, this much deeper level an aspect of an academic subject that is already is completely outside staff’s remit and they are giving their time and of particular interest to them. Others work towards gaining a expertise entirely voluntarily. We are hugely grateful to them for the qualification in skills such as music technology and sports enormous dedication and enthusiasm they show.” leadership. Global Perspectives and Independent Research (GPR) From the students’ perspective, the value of such a programme – the flagship of the Complementary Studies programme and a of courses is enormous. “When they come to apply to universities, two-year course – leads to a full Pre-U qualification and develops everybody will have their A levels, everybody will be getting good the academic research, critical thinking and presentation skills that grades,” says Struan. “What the entrance tutors are looking for is are most valued by top universities. In the second year of the added passion in a student – something to show that they don’t just course, students select a topic on which they write a 5,000-word do what has been set in front of them, but that they have voluntarily dissertation. They are paired with a tutor drawn from the Common gone out of their way to do something extra.” Room, whose role is to guide and be a sounding board, rather than Beyond the all-important UCAS statements, however, lies the instruct. belief that the best of the Complementary Studies programme is at In addition to the examined and certificated courses, students are the cutting edge of what we do academically at Shrewsbury, that also able to choose from a wide range of non-examination courses. this is what schools should be doing, and a delight in the sheer This year they include Law, Introduction to Finance, Russian, Arabic, enjoyment and excitement of shared learning. Philosophy, American Studies, Computer Programming, Film

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M ARCHES

The fact that Shrewsbury lies at the heart of one of the most glorious parts of the country hits home to most Salopians at some point early on in their School career. For those who took part in the recent Sponsored Walk, the view from the top of the Long Mynd bathed in warm September sunshine will have been one of those ‘hit-home’ moments. The beauty of the Shropshire countryside and the School’s ready access to it is a major factor for some people in choosing to come to the School. For many others, it becomes a powerful reason to keep returning long after they have finished their studies. At last the ultimate book for all of us who love this part of the world has been published – one that both describes and explains the landscape, wildlife, geology and natural history in fascinating detail. Marches is the latest volume in the prestigious and beautifully produced New Naturalist Series, published since the 1940s by Harper Collins. It has been written by Andrew Allott, Head of explain what has made it as it is, and also what should be done in Biology, and is the first large-scale survey of the area. the future to conserve it.” “Until recently, the New Naturalist Series has focused almost Having lived and worked in Shropshire for the last twenty years, exclusively on National Parks,” Andrew explains. “But I felt that there Andrew’s own personal knowledge of the natural history of the area were other areas well worth describing as well, and in 2005 I wrote is deep and extensive. “But I felt that I was a generalist, a sort of to the publishers suggesting that they do a volume on Shropshire. magpie. If you’re interested in everything like I am, you never have It’s a fantastic area with wonderful natural history and geology time to become an expert in a particular field. So I was very unmatched anywhere. It’s not well known by many people and it conscious that I had to consult all the experts and try to fuse all their really ought to be. I hit on a lucky time, because George Peterken, a research together to make the whole story. famous woodland ecologist, had offered to write a volume on an “I must have consulted over a hundred people. It was very time- area stretching from the Wye Valley up to Hereford. So after being consuming – finding them, going to see them and very often going asked to submit a synopsis and then a sample chapter, I was on field visits with them. But it was also a fantastic privilege because commissioned to write a sister volume to Peterken’s, covering the I got to meet a whole range of wonderful people who are doing Marches area from Leominster northwards.” extremely valuable work in the Marches. Some are working for Andrew is characteristically modest about his own credentials for government agencies like Natural England, others are working for joining the impressive list of experts and leading academics who the Wildlife Trusts, but there are also some very talented amateurs have written the other volumes in the series. “As a humble who are doing recording work just for the love of it. Many of them schoolmaster, I feel very lucky to have been given the commission”, are of course extremely busy and I’ve asked endlessly for favours he says. “It’s a great privilege to live in these parts, and in writing from people. But all of them are conservationists and they have thisbookIwantedtoshowpeoplewhatwonderfulnaturalhistory been very generous in sharing their researches with me for a book there is here and what a very special area it is. I wanted to try and that has conservation at its heart.”

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wrapped up in a project – become virtually obsessional really – you make time.” Most of the work was done during the holidays and Andrew is also grateful to have been granted a five-week sabbatical at the end of a summer term, when he was able to do many of the field visits. In fact he initially ended up with too many words. “My contract was for 110,000 words, but when I finished writing it was 155,000!” He agreed with the publishers to get it down below 140,000 and then had to set about the difficult task of chopping bits he thought were peripheral and would be of least interest to people. “It was hard work, but in the end I do feel the book is the better for it.” Above all, he has tried to make the book as readable as possible. “I haven’t written it for experts,” he insists. “I’ve written it for interested people who want to find out more. I’ve worked hard to make the prose flow as easily as possible, and each chapter can be read on its own – they don’t have to be read sequentially. I hope the The book includes more than two hundred stunning photos and book will make people better informed and also see why they love Andrew was keen to use photos from as many different people as this area, why it is the way it is.” possible. Some have been taken by colleagues John Balcombe In a recent CPRE survey, parts of the Marches were identified as and Mark Twells. A number were taken by Andrew himself: “There being among the tiny number of areas in the country that are still was quite a bit of serendipity – sometimes you just happen across a genuinely ‘quiet’. This is, of course, part of what makes the Marches beautiful view with lovely light, take the photo there and then and so special. But it also makes them particularly vulnerable to the that may well be the best one you ever get. But it’s extraordinary many outside forces that threaten them – environmental, but also how often the light is all wrong. I must have tried to take a photo of political influences. It is not an area that is well known in Whitehall, Criggion Quarry, for example, about five times. Finally, just hours nor among many other national bodies. Andrew hopes that his before the absolute deadline for the book, I nipped out one more book will raise the profile and status of the Marches among those time and amazingly I managed to get a lovely evening sunlight view who potentially have the power to protect it. “If the book can go – which is in the book.” even a small way to help some big conservation initiatives happen This is just one example of the huge amount of care and time that and we can really move forward in terms of conserving some of the Andrew has put into the research and writing of Marches.Ithas key sites or habitats, its mission will have been accomplished.” been a vast undertaking, over five years, which Andrew has Marches by Andrew Allott is published by Harper Collins somehow managed to fit around a full teaching timetable, his family ISBN 978-0-00-724816-2 (hardback) and the writing of two Biology textbooks. How, exactly? “Actually, I 978-0-00-724817-9 (paperback) haven’t the least idea,” he laughs. “I suppose that once you get Annabel Warburg

T HE YOUNG ENGINEERS GROUP

This year the Young Engineers Group has started working with session in the workshops and offered us a sheet of strong renewed vigour, after mixed results in last season’s races. The new lightweight alloy material. Discussions and testing have started to 2011 Regulations requiring a new set of eight lower powered find a new car design and how to construct a monocoque chassis batteries took half of our budget and it was only when local plus further development of the drive train. The boys have started to company Quest 88 offered to support the team in October 2010 learn new engineering skills and work to a high level of accuracy so that the boys could set to work modifying our car “Evolution”. that the new car can be completed by next Easter and hopefully the The season started well in the One-Hour Season Opener at next “Evolution” will be more competitive. Silverstone in May, with the team delighted at finishing one place John Holloway ahead of “Zebedee”, one of the top cars in the country. A few weeks later at the track day at the Darley Moor Circuit, the team gained more experience in circuit racing with pit stops. In the afternoon they came 5th in a short race including teams from Citroen and Peugeot. After minor changes in July, we entered the Midlands Heat of the Greenpower Formula 24 competition. As the four-hour race progressed, it was apparent that “Evolution” was underpowered. The boys battled on around the Rockingham Circuit and completed the race. In September we took the car to the North West Heat at Aintree. The team started well in the top ten runners, but when the car came into the pits for a driver and battery change, the steering had been damaged and it was decided to retire from the race. This September with a new team of Third Form boys we needed to design and build a lighter car for the 2012 season. An offer of Our car is at front. Not sure about the aerodynamics of the help came from a parent, Mr M. Manser, who came to an afternoon second car!

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N EW DIRECTION FOR CHAPEL CHOIR

As has been demonstrated every Sunday morning this term – and International Organ Festival. He has also studied with leading organ will be eminently clear to the wider Salopian community at the improviser Jos Van der Kooy at The Royal Conservatory in The eagerly anticipated Carol Services – the Chapel Choir are in fine Hague and in 2003 became only the second organist in the voice. Alex Mason, who joined as the new Director of Chapel Choir programme’s history to improvise a voluntary for BBC Radio 3 in September, is delighted with their performances so far this term Choral Evensong. In 2001 he made his first solo CD, Beyond the and full of hope and plans for the future: “There are some terrific Score, a collection of his own compositions which, in his own singers in the School. I can already see some great things words, was “reasonably well received by the critics”. Further happening here.” research reveals that it in fact won a Critic’s Choice in Gramophone, He is particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of going fully 2001. co-ed. “The introduction of girls into the Sixth Form has been Alex’s career has already included many unusual projects – absolutely terrific for music, particularly choral singing,” he says. including a holiday job as a final year student at Oxford playing the “But of course at the moment although the boys can be in the Choir organ for the BBC series The Vicar of Dibley, which also led on to for five years, the girls are only here for two. But come 2014, we’ll him being asked to play for Howard Goodall’s Channel 4 series have girls for the full five-year span and we’ll really be able to build “Howard Goodall’s Organ Works”. One of the many amateur choirs up an exciting repertoire.” he has conducted is “Wapping Great Voices”, formed of workers at Alex is in fact no stranger to Shrewsbury music: in 2002 he News International, which he was asked to set up when he was became Assistant Organist at Lichfield Cathedral and came to the Organ Scholar at St Bride’s Fleet Street, ‘the Journalists’ Church’. School to teach organ; John Moore’s son was also in the Lichfield “By their own admission, they were fairly slow,” he laughs. “But I Cathedral Choir at the time. Having spent five years in Lichfield, Alex was with them for about three years and they were doing some has spent the last four as Organist and Master of the Choristers at pretty good stuff by the end.” Alex is also occasionally invited to St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, where he was responsible improvise to old silent movies. Indeed he spent Bonfire Night this not only for running all the Cathedral choirs but was also Artistic year in Keble College Oxford, where they have just had a new organ Director for the annual St David’s Festival – a huge job in itself – built, improvising to the 1925 Lon Chaney classic “The Phantom of conducted the Dyfed Choir and St David’s Cathedral Festival the Opera”. Chorus and set up a musical outreach programme in local primary One can’t help feeling that under the direction of someone with schools. He also organised Choir tours to Bulgaria and Germany, such a range of musical experience, interest and expertise, the and directed the Choir in three CDs and in several performances on future for Shrewsbury’s Chapel Choir is full of exciting possibilities. Radio 3 and Radio 4. “Going on tour is a great experience for a Annabel Warburg choir and such a great team-building thing,” he enthuses. He hopes eventually to be able to take the Chapel Choir on tour – perhaps initially to spend a few days in a cathedral in the UK – and is also keen to give them the experience of making a recording. Alex himself has considerable experience of both touring and recording not only as organist and director of cathedral choirs but also as a performer in his own right. Throughout his time at St David’s and Lichfield and during a seven year period of working in London including six years spent teaching at King’s College School Wimbledon, he has built up a successful and wide-ranging freelance career. For several years he has been organ accompanist with Tenebrae, a professional chamber choir that has received international acclaim and performs regularly at UK music festivals and abroad. He has recently joined ‘The Sanctuary Ensemble’, a chamber music group run by saxophonist Christian Forshaw, whose CDs have reached number 1 in the Amazon Classic Charts. He will be performing with them at the Three Choirs Festival next year. Alex also gives occasional organ recitals. “I’m mainly known as an organist who improvises,” he explains. “I usually improvise on themes at the end of concerts. I ask the audience to name a theme and off I go.” He speaks modestly about this, but he is in fact a prize-winning improviser, taking first prize in a major French improvisation competition in 2001 and second prize second prize in the St Alban’s

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O MNIBUS GLADSTONE COMPETITION WINNERS

Ellie Moodey (MSH UVI), has been awarded first prize in the national Omnibus Gladstone Competition - the UK’s premier essay prize in Classics - for her essay ‘Is Ovid in the Metamorphoses more interested in pornography or moral lessons?’ In the first of two emails to Shrewsbury’s Head of Classics, Dr John Godwin, the Editor of Omnibus, Dr Karen Ní Mheallaigh, wrote, “There was a record number of 60 entries this year, so the competition was very tough. Among a group of six truly excellent finalists, Ellie’s essay stood out as the most vivid and imaginative, and was written with panache.” Later in the day, Dr Ní Mheallaigh sent a second email:“...another one of your students, Angus Thompson, has won the runner-up prize in the Omnibus Gladstone Essay competition for his essay ‘How good a storyteller is Homer?’ … it was invidious, really, to choose between the two winning essays - Angus’ essay was absolutely outstanding for the quality of his scholarly research in particular and for his truly impressive knowledge of The Iliad. Ellie Moodey (MSH) and Angus Thompson (G) “I’d like to offer you my warmest congratulations on such brilliant and talented students - I would be delighted to see work of this Ellie and Angus will receive their prize money (£200 and £100 calibre produced at undergraduate level. If they are intending to respectively) from the Gladstone Memorial Trust in due course, and progress to University (as I suspect), I am sure they will enrich Ellie’s essay will also be published in the next edition of Omnibus. whatever classes they join. It is obvious that they have a very This excellent news continues Shrewsbury’s extraordinary inspiring teacher! I hope you are very, very proud of them both, and I success in this competition. Last year, George Ellis was also wish them both all the very best of luck for their bright and promising awarded first prize and in the each of the previous three years, one futures!” of our pupils has won the runner-up prize.

Classical Literature: an Introduction, newly published by Routledge, provides a series of essays on all the major authors of Greek and Latin literature, as well as on a number of writers less often read. Head of Classics Dr John Godwin has written three of the chapters, on Virgil, Catullus and Lucretius. The book is aimed at Sixth Formers, undergraduates and others who want a structured and informative introduction to the literature of the classical world.

John has already published eight books on Roman poetry of the Late Republic, including the Penguin Classics translation of Lucretius and a new edition in two volumes of all the surviving poetry of Catullus. John Godwin Photo: Gary Williams

STORM AND SHIPWRECK; LOST LOVE AND LOST ILLUSIONS; AND LAST JOY AND HOPE RESTORED. BUT NOT “WHAT YOU LEAST... WILL”

Adrian Ho, in the Upper Sixth in Moser’s Hall, has just had his third novel published. Moser’s Hall Murder, alight- hearted mystery, with all its characters based on boys currently in the House, but given the jobs the author reckons SATURDAY 7TH JANUARY 2012, 3.00 P.M. AND 7.30 P.M. they might have in the adult world, is set The Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music, LONDON SW7 Tickets £16.00 (£14.00 concessions) in Moser’s Hall, and will keep you on the Box Office: 01743 280500 Email: [email protected] edge of your seat until its closing pages.

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B IOLOGY DEPARTMENT EXPEDITION TO SULAWESI

During the summer, seventeen pupils from the Fifth and Sixth Forms and three members of staff took part in a Biology Department expedition to Sulawesi, Indonesia. A full account by expedition leader Dr Richard Case is available on the School website. Some extracts are included here: “Most of us only began to realise just how remote our location was prehensile tail that spends its day eating leaves and sleeping). We after three and a half days of solid travelling that took us from also visited a bat cave and local farm and, in small groups, did the Birmingham to Dubai to Bau Bau by plane via Jakarta and fantastic canopy access course on which we climbed 30m into the Makassar, then overland to Labundo Bundo in local minibuses with canopy and spent a magical hour suspended in hammocks enormous sound systems but no doors or seatbelts! Labundo listening to the screaming cicadas and watching the wildlife. Bundo is a small village on the south-eastern island of Buton that After three days in the village, we trekked for four hours into the was our base for our first week with Operation Wallacea. forest to the remote Bala camp where we were to spend the following three nights. The route was mainly uphill and negotiating some steep valleys and several river crossings with heavy packs in the high humidity was pretty challenging. Leeches were also abundant, but remarkably they caused little consternation amongst the team who removed them with the calmness of experienced jungle trekkers. It was a relief to arrive at Bala camp, which was set in a valley next to a river full of deep pools and waterfalls which would provide welcome relief after our exertions during the coming days. Our accommodation, however, was basic and consisted of rows of hammocks, The team after the trek from Bala Jungle Camp each with a mosquito net, under a giant plastic canopy. The lavatory was For our first three nights we stayed with villagers in their simple a trench bordered by logs to stand or squat on, and a dining area wooden houses. During the days we split into small groups to had been hewn from the forest using tree bark for table tops and accompany academics while they gathered ecological data for logs for benches, all tied together with rattan. A wood fire was university dissertations, PhDs and scientific publications. Some met constantly alight to provide safe, but smoky, river water for drinking. at 5:30am to go birding with Dr Phil Wheeler, a lecturer in The team adjusted quickly and there were no complaints, although Environmental Ecology at the University of Hull. Others followed a our simple diet often caused conversations to turn into food postdoctoral researcher as he checked his traps in the rainforest for fantasies! civets – strange creatures combining the features of dogs, cats and During the next few days, we split into groups of varying sizes pine martens. A few fought through the undergrowth after butterflies and followed scientists specialising in birds, herpetofauna, or followed an undergraduate in her quest to learn about the megafauna and small mammals as they surveyed their transects. behaviour of the bear cuscus (a bizarre sloth-like marsupial with a Once night fell, we waded upriver in sandals searching for the jewel

Kate Harrison and Aislinn Currie-Jordan enjoying the view Imola Atkins and Luke Koch de Gooreynd learning Bahasa from 30m Indonesia in Labundo Bundo

15 School News like reflection of our head torches in the eyes of frogs, roosting birds, spiders and other beasts. Using this method, we were able to pinpoint animals from considerable distances and we found ourselves within inches of giant frogs, tree frogs (one so new to science it has yet to be named), a stunningly lovely Sulawesi dwarf kingfisher, a rare blue-breasted pitta, a Malayan box terrapin and many fascinating insects and huge Saturniid moths – the largest and most spectacular of all the lepidoptera. After a two-hour journey in the usual skeletal minibuses (one of which had to have its fuel tank tied back on), we arrived at the coast George Nugee communing The third ever specimen of a and picked up a ferry for a three-hour crossing to the Island of with a frog new species of skink Wangi Wangi. Here we clambered into a small wooden motor boat which transferred us to the Operation Wallacea dive boat for the six- each lecture we were able to consolidate our knowledge by hour trip to Hoga, near the end of the Tukangbesi archipelago in the focusing our dives on the subject in question, with Sarah spotting Wakatobi Marine National Park. We arrived at sunset to find a real interesting beasts and corals and using her diver’s slate to tropical, palm-fringed paradise. communicate under water. The Banda Sea is one of the most Soon after arrival, we were given an introductory lecture on biodiverse on Earth and it more than lived up to our high dangerous marine organisms found in the area. The lecture had the expectations. intended effect of preventing us from picking up shells on the beach After four days of fabulous diving, it was time to leave. We and ensured that no one entered the water without wearing a boarded a wonderfully decrepit wooden ferry at 4pm on wetsuit and boots! The following day we listened to more Wednesday 17th with about 150 scientists and undergraduates presentations on the island’s diving regulations which were who had reached the end of their research season and eventually reassuringly stringent, given our remote location and our distance reached home at 12:30pm on Saturday 20th. from the nearest decompression chamber in Makassar. We were All of us have returned with a real appreciation for tropical also shown around the wet lab where we found out about the ecology and the beauty and fragility of the marvellous environments research taking place on the island. we visited. In addition, I hope the chance to experience the Apart from two snorkellers, the whole team had qualified to the developing world has opened eyes in a way that no classroom PADI Open Water Standard (or higher) prior to arrival, which meant can.” Dr Richard Case that we were able to take a full reef ecology course, which most schools don’t do. This gave us an unparalleled insight into the Team Members: Masanori Asai, Imola Atkins, Aislinn Currie- biology of tropical reefs that will have left an indelible impression Jordan, Tom Harrison, Kate Harrison, Luke Koch de Gooreynd, even on the non-biologists. We benefited from a series of brilliant Freddie Lechmere, James McGeorge, Abi Miller, James Morris, lectures from the Operation Wallacea Schools’ coordinator and George Nugee, Chris Randall, Alessandro Rebecchi, Chris Rhodes- marine biologist, Sarah Carlson, whose knowledge of taxonomy Bell, Alastair Wager, David Williams, Ed Wynne. Staff: Dr Richard and passion for ecology and conservation were truly inspiring. After Case, William Simper, Jenny Burge.

Abi Miller diving the Outer Pinnacle off Hoga

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W ORLD CHALLENGE EXPEDITION – MALAWI

In July and August 2011, twelve sixth formers travelled to Malawi The view from one of our pupils: Miles Pattison-Appleton (Ch) for a month-long “World Challenge” expedition. This was the After a busy week sorting kit out at home and stuffing in as many second such adventure at Shrewsbury, following on from the meals as I could, we arrived at school for build up day to check expedition to Venezuela in 2009. The expeditions are made up of personal kit and sort more group kit. We said our goodbyes and four phases: an acclimatisation phase which includes a short headed off to Heathrow to catch our flight. trek, a main trekking phase, a project phase where the team We landed in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, where we immediately works with the local community, and finally a few days of rest and encountered our first problem. A few locals who didn’t work at the relaxation. The big difference with World Challenge is that the airport helped us put our bags onto our bus and then demanded participants are expected to earn the money themselves, by money. A key lesson learned in the first minutes. We had a little getting a job, organising events, making and selling goods. bit of difficulty finding our campsite as we didn’t read the map World Challenge expeditions are different in other ways too. very well, but we finally got there and had time to rest after our When we are in-country each student takes a turn at being the long journey. The next few days were spent in town; changing leader. They make decisions about when the team should get up, money, buying food for the coming week and getting logistics what bus they need to catch, what food to buy from the market sorted out. We then embarked on our acclimatisation trek which for dinner. The students are also in charge of the budget, and two was a four day walk in the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. As it was members of the team act as accountants throughout the the dry season we walked very long days, with relatively little expedition. This is not to say that the World Challenge leader and water especially considering the heat and the weight of our kit. members of school staff do not step in if there is an issue Our guides were very nice but not the best - they managed to get needing resolution! Following the ethos of the trip, I will leave it to us lost at one point! This week was a chance to get used to the one of the team members to describe the trip. climate and culture of Malawi as well as walking as a large group. Rob Wilson After a night back in Lilongwe with some proper food (porridge and pasta had become a bit repetitive), we travelled down to the The team: Jamie Bird (G), Owen Chisholm (S), Molly south to climb Mount Mulanje, the third highest mountain in Derbyshire (MSH), Daniel Hurcomb (I), Ann-Cristin Kimmig Africa. This was a six-day trek up and across the mountain. This (MSH), George Mallett (S), Rory Mucklow (G), Miles Pattison- time we had porters which was very nice indeed. The climb up Appleton (Ch), Will Spencer Jones (PH), James Thornhill (I), the mountain was hard in places but it was a lovely walk with Darren Wong (S), Oliver Wray (M), RMW (Staff), Angus Dobson some of the best views I have ever seen. You could see for miles (World Challenge), Laura Kebble (World Challenge)

17 School News out across Africa, right into Mozambique and Zimbabwe. We had world was so different from ours. We helped move the bricks a chance to relax a bit and enjoy the trek instead of struggling like which we later started building the walls with; it was very hard we were the week before. We couldn’t actually climb right to the work as we had to carry them all from the bottom of a hill to the very top for safety reasons but it was still an amazing trek and school. To dig the foundations we had to use tools that we had one which won’t be forgotten in a hurry. never seen before let alone used. For the cement we had to carry We had a couple of days R and R in Blantyre which we felt was sand and gravel from the river which was quite a walk away. After very well deserved, it was nice to have a chance to wash, use the a very hard three weeks we had definitely earned our rest and pool and have something to drink other than water before setting relaxation phase. We went on safari in the Liwonde National Park off for our project. The project phase was at a school called and saw lots of elephants and hippos. Next was Lake Malawi Thantwe just outside Blantyre. Our aim was to help build much- where we stayed right on the beachfront and had a chance to go needed foundations for their new staff room and library. This was and buy some souvenirs. We then headed back to Lilongwe for where we saw the real poverty of Malawi, there was little water, no the last two nights before we caught our flight home. We had a electricity, things which we take for granted everyday. But in spite very long journey back to England with a ten hour wait in Kenya, of this, they made the most of what they had. They were a very but before we knew it, we were back in Shrewsbury and on our happy and friendly community and helped us out a lot. They were way home after a very exhausting, enjoyable but unforgettable very interesting to talk to and to share stories with, although their month in Malawi.

S T CECILIA CONCERT 2011

Playing to full houses on both evenings, the Music Department paid of an uncannily sensitive musician. He lingers expansively without homage to St Cecilia in style and in numbers (as well as at great ever losing the thread; as he hurtles up and down the keyboard, his length!). This review, not altogether in order of performance, is playing remains articulate. Every note has its purpose, every phrase based on the Sunday concert, generally agreed to be the more its poetry. Take the cadenza in the first movement. A long pause, successful. then a reflective meditation leading to a thunderous climax before The opening bars of Dvorak’s 8th symphony (first movement subsiding back into partnership with the orchestra, all characteristic only) gave assurance of improved, though not flawless, orchestral of the Romantic concerto, you may think, but the combination of playing; but the lilting spirit of the work was effectively conveyed, apparent spontaneity with total control of the structure meant that with the driving finish particularly exhilarating. there was no sense of cliché. It was a pity that on Saturday this The excellent String Orchestra gave three movements from moment coincided with the launch of a fireworks party nearby! Janacek’s “Idyll”, an early composition, which, as the programme Mercifully, the Sunday audience could listen undistracted, note indicated, was strongly influenced by Dvorak. David Joyce had spellbound. his team well prepared and the quality of the playing matched the If you have ever wondered what a conductor is for, think of John high standard we have come to expect. I would like to hear more of Moore’s contribution to this marvellous event. Having played in a them and there is something to be said for a separate concert, two-piano arrangement with Galin, he was already familiar with his perhaps in Chapel, for such smaller ensembles, which tend to be soloist’s interpretation, but to convey his own empathy to a largely overshadowed by the surrounding works. inexperienced orchestra, to hold them together through dramatic Another polished contribution came from Dympna Nightingale’s changes in tempo, and ultimately to imbue them with the grandeur Chamber Choir, a disciplined group of young singers, so finely of Grieg’s vision is a singular feat. By the second performance JFM blended that even sitting close, it was well nigh impossible to pick had created that bond between piano and accompaniment which is out individual voices. Their response to direction was faultless, essential to the success of a concerto. A triumph for all concerned. precise entries and clear diction making for very relaxing listening. ItwaslatewhenwegottoMozart’sCoronation Mass and I Nothing relaxing about the Wind Orchestra’s West Side Story, apologised to my neighbour for having earlier underestimated the however, nor was there meant to be. Maria Eglinton conjured a running time. “I don’t mind if it goes on past midnight” was the barnstorming performance of Bernstein’s complex score, brimful of reply, a handsome compliment indeed. The massed ranks did not vitality and not a little snarling menace. The jazz idiom is let him down. The singing was inspired, the orchestra was inspired, predominant in the suite of Symphonic Dances, but there are and believers and unbelievers alike must have been uplifted by the echoes of Stravinsky and of Copland, as well as the personal stamp devotional urgency of the experience. In a departure from the usual of the most versatile of American musicians. What a challenge! practice of importing professional soloists, the parts were taken by Percussionists scurried hectically about and it is hard to believe that pupils at the school, further evidence of the flourishing state of the they made every station on their obstacle course, but their expertise department. Notable among them were Robert Cross (bass) and was crucial in a huge ensemble that was without a weak link. Sienna Holmes (soprano), the latter quite radiant in the Agnus Dei. Whatever their taste in music, listeners were bowled over by a They were rightly applauded, as were the orchestra and the spectacular display. conductor, but what about the choir? They had sung superbly on The soloist in the Grieg Piano Concerto, Galin Ganchev, took the both evenings and deserved their own ovation. I take this stage strikingly attired, but that was the only way in which he drew opportunity of saluting them now, and of acknowledging their attention to himself. For the rest, his unforgettable performance was important role in the musical life of the school. dedicated to bringing out the genius in the work. I have been This was a memorable weekend of celebration. acquainted with this piece for over fifty years now, but in the last six Martin Knox months have heard it afresh, heard it as never before, in the hands

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E DINBURGH FRINGE 2011

Where do we start?! There are so many impressions. We’ve been entertainment at lunch time, and for one couple during the week it lucky enough to have been involved in Racing Demon last summer was their lunch time, as they proceeded to eat their sandwiches (2010) and now in What You Will this year. The time spent in throughout one of our shows. However it meant that we had to have Edinburgh dominates your life so completely that you don’t come our voices warmed up by Mr Moore, make-up expertly applied by out the other end puffing and panting; you don’t really make a Doc Samworth, and be fully costumed by 10.30. Then we would sound at all. It’s more of a ‘wow’ to yourself and then an exhausted find ourselves sweating profusely backstage – a mixture of nerves collapse onto the nearest sofa/bed/park bench. and bright lights, not helped by our tail coats and large top hats! The rehearsal days in Shrewsbury before the Edinburgh week The words and moves flowed easily; what was more difficult was were hard work in themselves, culminating in the performance in the summoning all the energy you had inside you to prove to the Ashton Theatre the night before the departure for Scotland. audience that you were actually enjoying what you were doing. You However, the week in Shrewsbury was really the calm before the had to stay calm backstage, even if there was a missing prop or storm. In Edinburgh, the pace of life is frenetic for both cast and someone was not ready to come on. You had to keep a level head crew - you are always active; whether it’s flyering on the Royal Mile, and work around it, or else it showed onstage. It all sounds very getting to and from our University accommodation, getting to and grim but when it doesn’t happen (and it didn’t... most of the time) it from our venue, warming up and getting into costume, performing feels amazing to know you’ve avoided disaster. (don’t forget the performing!), cooking (unless you’re with Mr A brisk walk/car journey with instruments on your lap later and Percival when you’re treated to roast beef with all the trimmings) or we’re eating baguettes in Mr Hudson’s flat; make-up still smeared trying to catch one of the other 2,147 shows on offer at pretty much head to toe with our tour polo shirts on ready for the quick any time of the day or night, you are always on the go. turnaround back onto the Royal Mile. We would then ‘flyer’ for the The Edinburgh Fringe is the World’s largest arts festival and the future performances, or see other shows. Between us we watched atmosphere is electric. Step out onto the Royal Mile first thing in the 20 shows in six days, ranging from an all-male cast performing A morning and you are confronted by hundreds of performers from Clockwork Orange, to Angelos Epithemiou (Shooting Stars)orthe shows fighting for the public’s attention as they wander through the Durham based sketch-show WitTank that left us breathless with chaotic crowds. The challenge is that you are also performers trying laughter. to drum up an audience. Good reviews help enormously in The end of the week arrived in a flash, and that meant the ‘get attracting audiences, but reviews are often slow to be published out’ – the reversal of the ‘get in’ at a mere 6am which this time we and it’s grabbing people’s attention on the Royal Mile which is were involved in! We were then picked up by our respective important. So, in your special tour polo shirt, you give your spiel parents, who had stayed in Edinburgh for the ‘final fling’ and started about the show and press a What you Will flyer into willing hands the long journey home. Our reviews were very complimentary, many before attention is turned to some bloke who can eat fire and of them wowed by the ‘slick professionalism’ and the fact that we swallow knives while balancing on a monocycle ten feet in the air. were all aged 14-18! We had reviews commenting on our energy Oh, and then after the performance you do the same again, only and dynamism and it’s always warming to know that what you are this time still in costume with make up on faces, and in our cases, working so hard for is paying off. We would often hear these reviews hands and feet as well! first thing at our morning company meetings, huddled in the The start of the trip really set the tone for the coming week - a ‘Metropole’ cafe adjacent to our flats, with a coffee in hand as we 4:30am ‘get in’ for about 15 of the cast (thankfully not involving us) tried our best to ‘psych’ each other up for the long day ahead. All in meant moving all stage equipment into the theatre for our six all, an amazing experience. Mr Fanning and Mr Moore worked so performances. We had an excellent venue (C Venue 34) in unbelievably hard on the script and score that it’s only right we all Chambers Street, a real theatre. Having a 12.25pm show meant did the same to do their hard work justice. Seize the day! that we had more chance of attracting larger crowds wanting Rob Cross (S) & Ali Webb (S)

W HAT THE REVIEWERS THOUGHT . . .

Shrewsbury school have established an excellent reputation for their productions at the Fringe and this year is no exception. What You Will is a magnificent musical reworking of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and is a sheer delight. British Theatre Guide

How do you successfully merge a play that has been scrutinised by academics for centuries with a genre that is most noted for jazz hand and cheesy grins? Obviously Shrewsbury School has the answer. In their superbly slick musical version of Twelfth Night, these kids show us that Shakespeare can be reinvented … If music be the food of love, Shrewsbury School – play on! Edfringe Review 2011

Shrewsbury School here lives up to its gleaming reputation with a technically flawless production. Their telling of Twelfth Night is of the highest quality in every respect. Gleaming vocals, beautiful couture and … the rendering of the plot is marvellous. Broadway Baby

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H OUSE SINGING COMPETITION 2011

Photo: Kate Bronner

The annual House Singing competition, which took place on arrangement, School House also winning the Selby Martin Cup for Wednesday night, was a vintage occasion in every way. Veterans of Entertainment – in an ‘Abba’ tribute to their departing matron, this hot-ticket event all agreed that the standard of singing was as Maureen (pictured above). good as it has ever been – and nobody envied the task which the As ever, in such a tightly contested event, there were those who judges were set of distinguishing between a number of high class performed at the top of their game and who came away empty presentations. handed. These included an excellent and quite unusual Lady Real praise goes to the team of technicians, led by Alex Davies, Gaga/Justin Timberlake arrangement of Poker Face by Oldham’s who gave the event some special effects, transforming the Alington Hall. Meanwhile, the two girls’ houses, which are clearly bursting Hall into a spectacular venue with more than a hint of ‘X’ Factor. with musical talent, also missed out on the prizes. Emma Darwin’s Top of the class was Churchill’s Hall – whose part song rendering High/Kids, by the Lighthouse Family, featured some marvellous solo of Randy Newman’s Small People was witty, sparkling and showed singing; whilst Mary Sidney Hall’s Unison Radio Gaga had the off the diminutive (and classy) Laurence Jeffcoate to excellent effect audience toe tapping to some quality music. – a performance which was followed by a Unison version of Let me For many years the Cinderella of this event, Ridgemount rightly Entertain You with full big band accompaniment. won the Music Faculty’s award for the most improved contingent, Indeed, Robbie Williams became an ever more familiar feature of with a haunting number Wayfaring Dollar and a Unison song the evening when Severn Hill presented the same song, this time in Dancing in the Moonlight. But there was no doubting the quality of harmony, as hugely professional part-song winners in a colourful the evening. For the House Singing competition remains a unique rendition, led by Charlie Straw – with immaculate backing and slick event at Shrewsbury. The Alington Hall was packed to the gunwhales choreography from a talented team (pictured below). – and space in the Ashton Theatre, where the show was performed Unusually, Moser’s Hall had not been picked beforehand as a on a video link, was at a premium throughout the night. fancied runner – but their unison offering of a medley from The Lion For once it is true to say that although the glittering prizes were King caught the judges’ eyes, to carry off that trophy. And a well worth the grind of up to six weeks’ creative labour, there spectacular arrangement by Chris Hardman (School House) of Katy remains a good deal to be said in praise of those who also ran. Perry’s Teenage Dream was the winner of the prize for original Peter Fanning

Photo: Kate Bronner

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A VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE

‘A’ Licence coach and former professional football player Steve Biggins looks back on his first three seasons as Master-in-Charge of Football at the School.

“Taking over the football from Mark Lascelles was a very big role Pre-season training and a major challenge,” Steve says. “And after ten years as a pro for the 1st XI and the and more than twenty teaching a local prep school, this was the U15A squad is also a next development for me. Though winning the Boodles Cup in my regular fixture in the first season was probably the biggest mistake I’ve made,” he summer, with tours in laughs. “I set myself up for the following seasons to be shot down.” recent years to Spain The 1st XI’s decisive win against Repton in the Final of the ISFA and Sweden. This Boodles Cup in March 2010, watched by 750 delighted Salopian summer many of the supporters, including many Old Salopians, was indeed the pinnacle U15s had other of the School’s recent football history. Nevertheless, Shrewsbury commitments, but the has consistently maintained its position for a number of years as 1stXIspenta one of the leading football schools in the country. valuable week in Although last year the 1st XI were knocked out of both the Bristol using the Boodles and the ESFA Cups, these were the only matches they lost University’s training all season. This year they have again crashed out of the Boodles facilities, attending Cup earlier than they had hoped or expected. “But there are plenty two sports lectures and playing well in three good tight games more top quality matches to be played,” says Steve philosophically. against local academy teams, including Bristol Rovers. “We’re still in the ESFA Cup. And we’re looking forward to our Another major aspect of Steve’s job – particularly during the Lent games against the likes of Millfield, Repton, Manchester Grammar Term – is at the junior end of the football spectrum, working with and Wolverhampton Grammar.” prep schools. The School hosts its annual Prep Schools Steve himself has had his own share of glory in his professional Tournament on the first Sunday of the Michaelmas Term, with 16 career. He joined Shrewsbury Town in 1977 and the following year teams competing this year in both U11 and U13 competitions. helped them win the third division title. In 1984 he joined Oxford Having spent more than 20 years coaching football at The Old Hall United FC, once again winning the third division. A major career Preparatory School in Wellington, Steve is well acquainted with the highlight was knocking Manchester United out of the FA Cup with a world of football at this level and the needs and challenges of those resounding winning header and finishing the year as the Club’s all teaching it – and he is uniquely placed to offer valuable insight and time leading goal-scorer. support. “But for me personally, results aren’t massive,” Steve says. “I want to try and help schools develop good footballers and I’m “Having played for ten years at the professional level where winning keen to go to all prep schools and help out in any way I can,” he is everything, it’s refreshing now just to coach players and let them explains. He visits local schools and those in the Oxford and play. And if we win, we win and if we lose, we lose. As long as the London area regularly and plans to visit schools in Yorkshire next players apply themselves properly and show that they have the term. “I’m happy to talk football and help with coaching – whatever capability to learn the game, that’s all we can ask.” people need.” The trials and tribulations of the 1st XI are just one element of a He has strong views on how football should be played at prep huge programme of football Steve organises throughout the school level, based on his long experience of all aspects of the School. With 19 teams playing regular external matches throughout game, and believes the FA should make hard and fast rules about the Michaelmas term, two-thirds of each year group play in a the size of teams schools should be playing at specific age levels. School team. And House football is taken very seriously, with twenty “It’s vital that children are started off in small-sided games and don’t House matches being played each week, leading to fierce (though suddenly start playing eleven-a-side games too soon. Ideally they friendly) rivalry. should be playing four-a-side up to the age of nine and seven-a- “We have some very good footballers at the School and they are side up to the age of eleven. And up to the age of thirteen they extremely well looked after here,” Steve says. “But we also cater should only be playing nine-a-side. They need to build up a proper well for every ability and for everyone who comes just wanting to understanding of the game. They can’t do this if they’re suddenly play football. We have a fantastically enthusiastic group of coaches made to play eleven-a-side games before they’re ready. It’s like and good coaching at all levels.” trying to jump two years academically. Imagine an under 11 player He has also started to bring external coaches into the School to playing in 7 a-side matches one year then being asked to jump up work with the top squads at each age level. New member of staff to the full game the next. How can a 12 year old cope with the extra Steve Clancy, a ‘B’ Licence Coach, is currently working with the 4 players, bigger pitches and offsides – many teachers and parents U14As. Andy Cook, another ‘B’ Licence Coach and former do not understand off-sides!” professional player, comes in every week to coach the U16As. Steve has recently organised a specialist training session for prep “The boys are benefiting from having a top quality coach right school football coaches, led by FA National Coach Educator Jamie from when they first arrive and throughout their time at the School, Robinson. It is the first of a regular series of sessions for prep rather than only getting that chance when they reach the 1st XI. And school coaches he will be organising – and hugely valued by those our own staff are assisting the external coaches, so they’re learning who are able to take an occasional afternoon out of busy school from them too, seeing how the top coaches work.” diaries to take part.

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“My aim is to take Shrewsbury School football to the next level information the better. I’m always happy to visit any prep school and and beyond,” Steve says. “Footballers here are well looked after – do whatever I can to help them with their football and develop their they are well coached and they get to play on top-class pitches. players.” Ultimately, though, in order to raise the standard of senior school ….So football players and coaches alike, sign up here! football overall, it’s important to educate them properly at prep Annabel Warburg school level. The earlier we can give the players good technical

L ET’S BAN FOOTBALL

In response to a Point of View article by Justin Webb with the above will not bat an eyelid at splashing out on that glamorous new striker title in a recent edition of the Radio Times, members of Fifth Form to fire them to glory. That, my friend, is what makes football fans English Set 3 have been writing letters to the editor as one of their sign up to forums, flock in numbers to ‘the local’, excitedly flick IGCSE English coursework assignments. Jacob Owen (Ch) is a through/trawl endlessly over (delete as appropriate) transfer passionate Shrewsbury Town supporter, in case you miss it. deadline day on BBC sport, hoping against hope that the ranks will be bolstered. It’s all part of the game we know and love, and Dear Editor, banning football, I can guarantee to you now, would make a lot of I am writing to you to offer my respectful opinion on your recent people very unhappy. As well as this, at the end of the day it’s the article by Justin Webb in the Radio Times about the total banning of television companies’ money; surely they can do what they want football up and down the country, from Sunday League to Big-buck with it? We may be in a recession but that’s a pretty sizeable chunk Premier League international superstars, changing to the ‘noble of big media firms’ income-broadcasting the football (and the many sport’ of Rugby. Whilst I respect your thoughts I flatly disagree with ‘analysis’ shows that accompany it), writing about the game’s the points made, and in the following letter I hope to explain why. biggest talking points, of which there are always plenty, and I will go so far as to empathise with you on the obvious over- everything else a true football-lover could possibly want to make his payment of many football stars – that can’t be disputed. Even I, the (or her!) world complete. If people want to spend their hard-earned staunchest of The Beautiful Game’s defenders (more on why it is so cash on what is for millions a lifetime obsession, then surely we named later) can admit that a large number of footballers take should let them do so? The footballers are offered the lucrative home a lot more than it is universally accepted they deserve. But for contracts and accept them without a second thought; but, ask many diehard fans, it’s all merely a part of the magic of it all. There’s yourself, would an average Rugby player do any differently? Both no massive secret to it – football is by far the most popular sport in careers are short and with no guarantee of future linked posts, so the world, and enjoys hugely luxurious broadcasting rights by many a bog-standard player will take the offer on the table to billionaire television companies in the English Premier League provide for his family. alone. Multi-million-pound deals (not just with players) are the bread What I am trying to say is this; should Football be abolished, and and butter of the everyday running of hundreds of clubs and many Rugby inevitably take its place (with the luxuries that followed), what

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Following on this point, I must also point out the fakery has become a rarity in the modern game and very often leads to nothing. Watching as many games as I myself do will tell you that yes, occasionally a player will have a bit of an unjust whine, but it would be unfair to see one little bit of play-acting in a big game and think it is the norm. And even if the player in question does fake it, there’s no question of them being subbed off unless they really are hurt. Football Managers are a special breed of people, with ruthlessness a crucial trait. Can you imagine Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to a player feigning injury wanting to leave? I prefer not to. In short; players don’t get away with connery. Any real manager will stop them and send them back into battle straight away. Furthermore I cannot agree whatsoever that we overhype young players and their potential; “they are for the future after all”, something mankind perpetually fears and spends copious amounts of time preparing for. It may appear easy when 22 good quality players are on a pitch doing what they do best, but with exceptions that can be counted on one hand, footballers spend hours and hours honing their skills right through from under-7 mudbaths to daily training with their club side. Football has become a national passion in Great Britain and since club academies can only take so many, competition for places is fierce. This means that dedicated coaches pick the finest of a bunch of millions who will then be carefully groomed ready for a (hopefully) long and successful career above those left to lick their wounds. What I am trying to say is that footballers are not overhyped, they merely make the beautiful game look easy (surely a compliment to their skills?!) when in reality 99% of games are hard slogs - the large contingent of foreign players in Britain has served only to up the quality - and being a would a typical Rugby player do with his suddenly massively professional footballer is an incredibly taxing job at the best of swollen salary - leave it? Declare himself too good a Samaritan? I times. sincerely doubt it. Whilst not disputing Bath Rugby Club’s stadium’s beauty, I doubt In short: Footballers take their salaries because they can. I am that it is as magnificent as a sold out Old Trafford or Anfield (a very nailed-on certain that a Rugby player would do the same if he frequent occurrence). Attendances in Football are also largely could. higher - Wales’ national sport is generally accepted to be Rugby, You also mentioned the “fouls and faking and the score draws” however the two largest clubs (Cardiff Blues and Swansea Ospreys) and the “over-payment and over-hyping of young men of little have just over a third of their football counterparts (from the same talent”. While again I cannot deny that these things are occasionally cities: Cardiff City and Swansea City respectively) with both seen in British football (there are after all well over 100 fully averaging 8,000, while the two FCs regularly smash 20,000. You professional teams that are nowadays financial power players as also champion Matt Banahan’s show of support for his teammates well as sources of joy), I find this particular argument hard to while out injured. Although undoubtedly a very considerate thing to swallow. Firstly, fouls often happen in a football match. However do, this is already compulsory for every single professional they are rarely intentional and although a handful can end up very footballer in the country. Playing or not, unless he is physically serious indeed, I pose the question: which is more serious, a tackle incapable of leaving his hospital bed (which we have already making a player hobble and limp (more often than not nursed back decided is rarely) he must be suited up, or in tracksuits ready to be to perfect fitness by the world class physiotherapists employed by a ballboy. It’s a nice gesture in Rugby, the norm in football. Surely most clubs), or one which leaves the victim spattered with blood, that doesn’t make Rugby more moral? I also find football fans facing severe damage to his torso (not a problem in Football) largely more passionate than their rugby counterparts - thousands leaving him writhing on the floor in agony? I heard a story recently travel the length and breadth of the country to follow their team, about Dan James, who following a Rugby accident in 2007 became which I can confirm from experience is a pretty thankless task. completely paralysed across his entire body and endured “two years What if we did turn to Rugby as a national Sport? Ban Football in of total hell” according to his mother(disclosed in a letter to a major the streets and replace it with Rugby? There would be more national newspaper) before eventually committing Euthanasia in a violence and injury - it’s an urban myth that Footballers are more clinic in Switzerland in 2009. Again, I will not protest football’s violent than Rugby players. Rugby is so violent anyway, that often a innocence, but the death toll is certainly far lower than its oval- player can injure someone as much as he pleases and get nothing shaped neighbour’s. To put it simply, Footballers only ever die in but a 10-minute sin bin for it. And you claim that Football’s dirty? freak accidents which are totally unrelated to the game, more to a This is even more likely to be the case at youth level, where the problematic condition they already had which the rigorous sport tackling is poor and tempers often flare. A noble sport? Don’t make worsened. The same could be said for Badminton or Fives. “Time for me laugh. the Nation to turn to a noble sport,” you say. A noble sport (for me, at Yours sincerely. least) won’t transform a man in his prime into a crippled wreck Jacob Owen desperate to end his life and all the suffering that comes with it.

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A RGENTINA EXCHANGE

Spanish Faculty exchange with Colegio San had lost 1-6 to Manchester City ... messages home to record MOTD Bartolomé, Rosario, Argentina except from Sean Lim, poor lad! We were welcomed at the CSB’s sports fields with a wonderful After a long time planning, pre-exchange contact via Facebook and ‘asado’ and familiar faces from their visit last summer. Then the host Skype, a long haul flight with an additional 17 hour delay in Madrid families arrived and slightly nervously our boys and girls courtesy of Iberia, it was great to touch down in Buenos Aires ... and disappeared one-by-one. Sam Morris’ host’s car broke down on the get to bed ! Up early then for what turned out to be a busy full day way home and he practised all the breakdown stuff we’d done in touring the city with highlights being the Plaza de Mayo containing class earlier in term – couldn’t have been staged better! All happy the Casa Rosada, the liberator San Martín’s mausoleum in the and alive the next morning ... and wonderfully it turned out that all of cathedral and the monument to General Belgrano. Buenos Aires the guest/host pairings worked brilliantly throughout the exchange, was adorned with political posters for the General Elections – as it which is a clear testament to the Argentinian hosts’ generous happens all the predictions that Cristina Kirshner would win proved hospitality and to the positive spirit which characterises the to be true – 50+% of the vote – as we left she was busy considering Shrewsbury/CSB link. a devaluation of the peso – boom and bust for the currency, boom During the week there were classes of all kinds and other and bust in many ways as we would see repeatedly with shanty activities – in groups we helped with some of their bilingual dwellings cheek by jowl with luxury apartments, including the ones reception/primary school lessons ; presentations were given about owned by Lionel Messi in Rosario! boarding school life and home towns ; there was a cookery class Then on to visit the Bombonera, home of Boca Juniors football making empanadas (I doubt whether George Watts’ ‘sleeping bag’ club, league leaders. A fanatical guide made us aware of how the version will catch on); a tango class ; two high quality football ‘hinchas’ would intimidate the opposition even before the match by matches (where SHC once again raised Maradona’s ‘mano de stamping on wooden terraces above the smelly away changing Dios’ goal from 1986 but again received no apology) – we lost 4-2 rooms below. We were invited to imitate a goal celebration by and then 3-1, but Christie Knight, Isabella Barber and Becky Home climbing the grills separating the terrace from the pitch by a matter won the rounders; a trip out of town to an Estancia for some R&R of inches. With all things Boca in Shrewsbury Town colours, it was a (well sunbathing – best tan to MPJW who fell asleep around midday dream come true for Jacob Owen imagining how it might be at the & ‘asado’ & fishing); a tour of Rosario where we learnt how New Meadow one day. immigrants from Spain, Italy and more surprisingly from England all We moved on to tour the Recoleta area, including the cemetery came and shaped the city; and then, for many, the highlight, a VIP where Eva Perón is buried. Then it was time for a sit down meal for evening to watch Rosario Central play Ferrocarril Este at the 29 ahead of what was a breathtaking Tango show ... Gigante ... again the home team in Town colours! Next day and onwards by coach to Rosario – the Pampas region The night was warm, the atmosphere thumping to the drum beat. was lush green and many happy cows were feeding and fattening Again a tightly packed home terrace which became a seething for the ‘asado’. News filtered along the bus that Manchester United mass of dancing and singing as the game began. When Rosario

24 School News scored the celebrations were spectacular – more noise, more university course were being considered. Final group photos, hugs singing, flares, smoke (in home colours), a huge banner covering and kisses, waves and we were off home! most of the home end unfurled. By now the bubbly and irrepressible I should like to thank all of our Argentinian hosts (students and Joe Collings had found his spiritual home. At half time Ricardo parents), the teachers at CSB (especially Adriana, Clarisa, Mariana, Fishbourne was interviewed by television to explain why we were Graciela, José, Fernando and Roberto) and the CSB governing there ... more ambassadorial action as Isabella Barber, Archie body for making us feel so like part of the family and for making Smyth-Osbourne and Will Hunter built bridges with local shanty things work so seamlessly on the ground. I should like to thank children who had also been given the chance to experience a game Mike Wright and Vicky Kirk (our most improved Spanish student!) courtesy of the club. By the end it was 3-0 to the home team – for accompanying and for being great company. And special happy days, lucky given five of the previous matches had been 0-0! mention must go to Paola Wright who organised it all so brilliantly For my money, this was better than the Camp Nou and the before giving birth to Jemima! Finally, congratulations and thanks to Santiago Bernabeu ... all 26 boys and girls who travelled – you were great ambassadors Then a weekend with the families – out to country homes, for Shrewsbury School and, yes, for your country/ies ! Without socialising, another football match for some at Newell’s Old Boys, doubt the most enjoyable trip I have ever been on with a school watersports of one kind or another, lots more ‘asado’. By the time of party – and that is down to you! departure friendships had deepened, plans for keeping in touch Stuart Cowper and future visits were being made, Gap years and even a change of

D UKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

During August, twelve pupils took part in the annual CCF and Duke Meanwhile, two further groups successfully completed Gold of Edinburgh Silver training trip and Gold assessment trip in Croatia. walkingexpeditionsintheLakeDistrictandthePeakDistrict. The teams were trained in sea kayak skills prior to departure and Expedition training for a new group of D of E Gold and Silver completed eleven days of training and assessments. The groups candidates took place during the October half-term exeat. With a covered a total of 140km in total, starting in Dubrovnik and paddling Force 8 wind blowing from the south west, the sea kayaking team to the islands of Lopud, Sudjurad and Sipan. had to retreat to the relative safety of Lake Bala. Despite the shelter, Also during the summer, the D of E Gold canoe group undertook a the waves still came crashing over our boats, splashing our faces 140km venture along the River Wye. This was the culmination of and obscuring our view. Nevertheless, it was a hugely successful many months of hard work: the training began last October with a trip, with the team learning all the basics of good leadership. Three five-day camp in North Wales; at Easter, the group undertook a four- other teams also completed Silver and Gold expedition training on day practice expedition along the River Dee and they also squeezed foot. Well done to all. in a number of pool sessions to perfect their rescue skills. Major Jo Billington

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S PONSORED WALK – IT’S ALL ABOUT NUMBERS

The 20-mile walk undertaken by the entire School on Thursday 29th We were lucky – it proved to be warm, clear and sunny, and as September passed through some superlative Shropshire walk organiser I can say with some confidence that the day was countryside. Every five years, a sponsored walk is organised in aid greatly enjoyed. Many remarked that our 800 or so walkers of Shrewsbury House. This has proved to be one of those rare (including an intrepid group from the Shewsy itself) undertook the events that brings the whole School together in a shared endeavour event in a really positive and good-natured frame of mind. Groups – and one that has the potential to raise a significant amount for the chatted as they trudged along, mingled with people they would not Shewsy, our sponsored youth club situated in Everton, one of the normally talk to and enjoyed the beauty of the Shropshire most economically deprived constituencies in Europe. countryside in a convivial and friendly atmosphere. Some staff and boys ran, a few wily pupils got away with wearing fancy dress (note the classic pose on Aut Angpanitcharoen’s competition winning photograph on the front cover), but all finished bar a very small handful of ‘fall outs’ mainly due to blisters. We have collected some random figures to illustrate the day. The most important number will be the final count of sponsorship monies – and we will be delighted to get close to our very ambitious target of £50,000. Please do all you can! Nick David

Lunchtime brass band

The walk started at the south end of the Long Mynd hill area and Number of coaches: 16 headed northwards over the Mynd itself, at that point catching a Sponsorship target: £50,000 glimpse across what is regarded as one of the finest rural views in Highest individual amount raised: £1,400 the United Kingdom - the rolling patchwork of fields towards Flapjacks consumed: 786 Bishops Castle, the Stiperstones ridge and, on a really clear day, Average number of footsteps per walker: 36,700 steps Cader Idris on the Welsh coast. After a stiff climb towards the Total walk distance: 29.0 kms Midlands Gliding Club perched on the western side, the route drops Staffed checkpoints: 23 across the valley to the west and climbs again towards the Quickest running time: Mr Ian Howarth (staff): 2hrs 46mins Stiperstones ridge, ultimately heading down towards the finish point Total footsteps taken (estimated): 29,000,000 at Pontesbury and the welcome prospect of a KH muffin and Total number of walkers: 790 transport back to school.

26 School News CCF

CCF Summer Camp Edinburgh’s Award and the staff skills we have. Secondly, Pembrokeshire was the summer camp venue for our intrepid CCF memories that some parents might have of lengthy drill (‘square this year. Record numbers, around forty cadets, opted for a week bashing’) sessions and scratchy shirts are very much memories of full-on action, courtesy of 140 Wales Brigade and Penally Camp now. We now have a varied programme that includes activities such (just west of Tenby) in particular. These ‘central camps’ are as first aid, instructional skills, survival, sea kayaking, computerised organised for cadets from all over the country and offer a variety of flight simulation and advanced navigation skills. well organised and challenging activities. Cliff climbing, raft building, We even have that most modern of documents – a ‘mission range shooting and navigation skills were some of the things on statement’ (although the MOD call it the CCF Charter) to sum up offer to improve skills, build leadership and, importantly, have fun! what we are trying to do. It goes as follows: Also, schools that wish to can develop their own programme – “The broad function of the Combined Cadet Force is to provide a and this is something we are keen to do. We arranged a visit to see disciplined organisation within a school so that boys and girls may live firing of Challenger tanks at Castlemartin Ranges (courtesy of develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the The Royal Horse Dragoon Guards) and also ran an unusual qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance exercise across the fields, waterways and theme parks of and perseverance, and a sense of service to the community. It is Pembrokeshire. The exercise was run as a competition amongst firmly believed that the self-discipline required in Service life is our four groups of cadets. They had to navigate across open equally important in the civil life of the nation today. The specific countryside with the upper reaches of the Milford Haven estuary as function of the service training in the CCF is to provide the their eventual aim – and along the way had to collect an unusually opportunity for young people to exercise responsibility and random collection of items for later: a sort of grown up scavenge leadership, and to learn from the services how they can best be hunt (the largest rock you could find, a photograph of the group developed: show them why the defence forces are needed and with a complete stranger whom the group has made to laugh and a how they function: encourage those who have an interest in the dead insect were among the required items). services to become Officers of the Regular or Reserve Forces. ” Also on route the groups came across a theme park We welcome those brave girls and are delighted to be able to (coincidentally run by an Old Salopian) where their driving skills extend membership of the CCF to them. were assessed on miniature tanks and Segway personal mobility vehicles. Summer Camp was a great success and allowed cadets Shrewsbury Cadet wins place on Expedition to South Africa and staff to enjoy the delights of Pembrokeshire as well as trying out Henry Dashwood (5th Form, SH) has been awarded a place on an some new and unusual activities. MOD-sponsored expedition to South Africa in July 2012. The MOD has selected forty candidates from all over the country to attend this three-week long expedition known as Exercise Kwazulu-Natal Northern Venturer 2012. Henry will undertake a traverse of the Drakensburg Escarpment with much time spent at altitudes in excess of 3,000 metres. He will also visit the Anglo/Zulu war battlefields, undertake a cultural project and finally find some time for rest and recuperation with a visit to the famous Ithala Game Reserve. Henry has been a stalwart member of the Shrewsbury School CCF since joining in the 4th Form and we are delighted he has beaten rivals to be awarded a place on this exciting expedition. Major Nick David

Major Jo Billington in an ill-fitting tank

Shrewsbury CCF Recruits Girls Shrewsbury School’s traditionally male-dominated CCF now has a dozen keen girls on its books. At the start of the Michaelmas term a small cohort of year 10 girls from local independent school Adcote put on uniform and paraded alongside the boys to match the small number of existing female Salopians brave enough to take the plunge. So far the cadets have all worked together well, despite a touch of hesitancy from some – perhaps reflecting that some of our cadets feel that these girls might be more of a match for them than they expected! At Shrewsbury School CCF we would like to think we are pretty up to date and forward looking. Firstly, it is a voluntary activity – as it should be – and we tend to have a regular core of 120 cadets split between our Royal Marine, Army and Royal Air Force Sections. Adventure training has grown enormously in the past few years and this reflects our greater tie up with the Duke of

27 School News

C RICKET

Following the successful tours to Dubai and Australia in December Stephen Barnard consistently held the middle order together 2010 cricket at Shrewsbury School continued to flourish throughout and built essential partnerships match after match. His knocks v the spring and summer months right up to the T20 finals at Arundel Affies and in the final of the T20 were simply outstanding. His in September. bowling developed and on his day was far too quick and hostile for The 1st XI and U15 XI level enjoyed outstanding seasons. The the vast majority of school boy opponents. He has much to learn young 1st XI squad containing many of the team that won the U15 with the ball in hand, but provided us with a real threat. ESCA/ECB T20 in 2009 played with positive intent throughout and Jack Hudson-Williams, after bowling well throughout the gained a record number of wins in a touring year (we tour every previous season, took a a bit of a back seat to concentrate on his other year). The team of 2011 eventually won the National HMC T20 batting and eventually hit a purple patch that allowed the team to tournament after a third successive year of reaching the semi-final score at a fast rate throughout the second half of term. His dynamic stage. The U15 XI played well above expectations in reaching the style and running does not suit all surfaces and I would like to see ESCA/ECB T20 finals day and came within one match of making it him adapt greater soft hand skills and become a more complete a notable double for the school. batter this season, as well as competing with the ball once again. Jack Bailey, our most talented stroke player who has yet to add 1st XI consistency to his game, remains a firm favourite with all the team and staff. His fielding was equal to his batting skills but greater 1st XI Results: Played 35, Won 31, Lost 2, Drew 1, Abandoned 1 maturity and early innings control will make him a most valuable December 2010 Tour to Dubai & Australia: Played 7, Won 7 50/50 player to add to his T20 star status. His form on the T20 finals One Day Season 2011: Played 19, Won 15, Lost 2, Drew 1 day was unbelievable, despite nil preparation. Abandoned 1 Alistair Pollock was our open-throttle competitor throughout the T20 Season 2011: Played 9 Won 9 whole season. A player completely immersed in the game, he is often far too critical of himself. His wholehearted bowling is very An early start to the season saw the 1st XI locking horns with some skilful, but can be added to in the close season. A greater range of of the best players in the country. It was on April 19th and the team pace, at the top end, will give him an edge next season. His batting were once again hard at it in a Pre Season Festival. In beating was enjoyable and critical at times but here too, greater refinement Worksop College and Worcestershire Academy, the 1st XI were just and technique will transform him from club to first class status. starting to realise their full potential but Millfield brought them down Anticipation and speed in the field will also need work. to earth with a bump when they completely mastered our bowling Jamie Board sustained a standard throughout the season that attack in overhauling a reasonable total of 240 for 7. Not until July was often good, sometimes very good but rarely brilliant. I think, would the team taste a second defeat, but it was equally painful. however, he came to understand what was required from him and A strong run through May and June saw the team approach the consequently the team. Development happened, but greater Silk Trophy at Oundle on a high. After a very close first day win commitment and energy will be required to up his game still further. against Oundle and a demolition of Greys HS the team were well A batting game with greater strength and purpose will suit the team, placed to pick up the Silk Trophy, but the third day saw us play and himself, in making us even stronger in 2012. poorly throughout and that defeat relegated us to runners up again. Mark Prescott provided fantastic snippets of skill and teamwork. Nevertheless the reconvened final of the HMC T20 at Arundel in Despite his lack of top order opportunities with the bat he must September provided the team with the opportunity to win the work harder at his basics and thereby provide the team with more national final and this they did in style, bringing to a close an backbone and opportunities in the coming season. His T20 bowling outstanding run of 30 wins in 34 matches over the past nine months. has been a strength but he must now see the competition charging over the horizon and raise his all round game to extend his run in Henry Lewis captained the team with maturity and good sense. the team and promote greater success. He still has much to learn as he moves into his second term of James Aston helped the team with his dogged desire to ‘get it office. He opened the innings with growing confidence and right’. No other player showed such desire and clearly his outcomes improved technique which he must apply with greater regularity in have improved, but his lack of competitive weekly cricket outside of the coming season. I have no doubt that he will seek more from school must cast a shadow of doubt about his ability to continue his himself in 2012. upward trend. His focus must be to open the bowling and get us off Stephen Leach had an outstanding season and scored to the best possible start week after week. His catching was first consistently at the top of the order .His total of 1,051 runs speaks class but his throwing was 3rd class. volumes for his contribution but a return of only135- T20 runs will Charlie Farqhuar was nervous, understated, and yet often give him a target to smash in 2012. He was the mainstay of our brilliant for much of the season. Charlie must now put us all at ease innings throughout and showed his first-class potential on a number by continuing to build his bowling skills and relax into a style of of occasions. batting that will make me think about a promotion up the order. I Ruaidhri Smith provided our middle order with real potency and really enjoyed the way he went about trying to improve his fielding purpose but some areas of technical deficiency remain. I am sure and in the short term has made incredible strides forwards. A he will work hard on these throughout the winter. His bowling reduction in benign banter and an increase in focus is my desire. improved steadily and by September looked like one of the best in Will Mason has tempted us into selection on a number of the country, which we know he is. Destructive, rhythmic and occasions, with brilliant batting displays, but now is the time to show accurate, I can only ask for more of the same next season. his real desire for a regular place. Basics, basics and more basics

28 School News in the indoor school may convince us to give him the nod in April. Greater agility , anticipation and concentration in the field are key His great agility in the field is a real bonus but work on his speed of areas for Matt as he seeks to force is way into a strong squad. I throw may enable him to consolidate his position. hope he spends his winter months working hard in these areas. Matthew Gregson was unlucky to miss out on the T20 finals day Henry Blofield was a bit part player in 2011. He did not do but daring and exciting in his batting displays last season. 2012 will himself any harm in performing with skill when he got the chance. bring a new challenge to improve his basic batting technique and Greater strength, power, precision and speed in batting and fielding make him a constant in the 1st XI squad in all forms of the game. are key areas to be concentrating on this winter.

19th April (50/50) Shrewsbury won by 140 runs Shrewsbury 276 for 4 (J. Bailey 102 no) v Worksop College 132 all out (A. Pollock 3 for 19) 20th April Shrewsbury won by 100 runs Shrewsbury 282 for 7 (S. Leach 115, M. Cull 76) v Worcestershire Academy 182 all out (M. Prescott 3 for 32,H. Lewis 3 for 25, S. Barnard 3 for 26) 21st April (50/50) Shrewsbury Lost by 9 wkts Shrewsbury 240 for 7 (S. Leach 76 no) v Millfield 241 for 1 26th April (50/50) Shrewsbury won by 103 runs Shrewsbury 236 all out (R. Smith 51) v King Edwards B’ham 133 all out (J. Aston 4 for 28, H. Blofield 4 for 26) 30th April (50/50) Shrewsbury won by 105 runs Shrewsbury 278 for 7 (S. Leach 65, S. Barnard 117 no) v Warwickshire U17’s 173 for 6 (R. Smith 2 for 14, H. Lewis 2 for 32) 30th April (Declaration) Shrewsbury drew with MCC MCC 248 for 4 v Shrewsbury 178 for 8 ((A. Pollock 46) 5th May Shrewsbury won by 104 runs Shrewsbury 250 for 6 (S. Leach 115 no, R. Smith 62) v Shropshire U17’s 146 (C. Farquhar 5 for 31) 11th May (50/50) Shrewsbury won by 231 runs Shrewsbury 289 for 9 (R. Smith 79) v Wrekin College 58 all out (A. Pollock 4 for 19) 18th May (50/50) Shrewsbury won by 34 runs Shrewsbury 224 for 8 (R. Smith 57, S. Barnard 45) v Repton 190 all out (H. Lewis 3 for 24) 21st May (45/45) Match Abandoned Shrewsbury 216 (S. Leach 116) v Sedbergh 93 for 2 (27 overs) 11th June (50/50) Shrewsbury won 156 runs Shrewsbury 258 all out (S. Barnard 62, J H-Williams 107) v Malvern 102 all out (H. Lewis 2 for 15, M. Prescott 2 for 21, A. Pollock 2 for 20) 18th June Shrewsbury won by 3 wkts Manchester GS 171 for 6 v Shrewsbury 173 for 7 (R. Smith 76 no) 22nd June (40/40) Shrewsbury won by 6 wkts Myerscough College 117 all out (C. Farquhar 4 for 4) v Shrewsbury 120 for 4 (J. H-Williams 51no) 25th June Shrewsbury won by 7 wkts Warwick 153 for 8 (H. Lewis 3 for 41, C. Farqhuar 3 for 31) v Shrewsbury 157 for 3 S. Leach 46, S. Barnard 36) 28th June (50/50) Shrewsbury won by 6 wkts Affies SA 238 for 9 (A. Pollock 3 for 40) v Shrewsbury 240 for 4 (S. Leach 42,R. Smith 56,S. Barnard 63, J. H-Williams 36 no) 29th-30th June (2 Innings) Shrewsbury won by 104 runs Shrewsbury 1st 147 all out (S. Leach 50) Uppingham 1st 163 for 7 (declared) (A. Pollock 4 for 42) Shrewsbury 2nd 197 for 3 (declared) (H. Lewis 61,S. Leach 92) Uppingham 2nd 41 all out (S. Barnard 5 for 17, R. Smith 4 for 18) 5th July (50/50) Silk Trophy Shrewsbury won by 5 runs Shrewsbury 177 for 9 (J. Bailey 40, M. Prescott 38) v Oundle 172 all out (R. Smith 4 for 34, A. Pollock 3 for 38) 6th July Shrewsbury won by 8 wkts Greys HS SA 92 all out (R. Smith 6 for 26,J. Aston 3 for 19) v Shrewsbury 93 for 2 (S. Leach 38, H. Lewis 26 no) 7th July Shrewsbury Lost by 64 runs Eton 271 (J. H-Williams 3 for 41) v Shrewsbury 205 all out (H. Lewis 43, J. H-Williams 54)

29 School News

T20 Season 8th May Shrewsbury won by 9 wkts Oswestry 61 all out (A. Pollock 3 for 7, J. H-Williams 4 for 7) v Shrewsbury 62 for 1 (3.4 overs) Shrewsbury won by 8 wkts Ellesmere 54 all out (H. Lewis 4 for 1) v Shrewsbury 58 for 2 (7 overs) Shrewsbury won by 8 wkts Adams Grammar 99 for 5 v Shrewsbury 102 for 2 (11.5 overs) 25th May Shrewsbury won by 7 wkts Bromsgrove 72 all out v Shrewsbury 75 for 3 (7.3 overs) 10th June Shrewsbury won by 72 runs Shrewsbury 173 for 8 (M. Gregson 58) v Denstone 101 for 8 (S. Barnard 3 for 21) 3rd July Shrewsbury won by 4wkts Worksop 151 for 9 (H. Lewis 6 for 19) v Shrewsbury 155 for 6 (J. Bailey 42 no) Shrewsbury won by 65 runs Shrewsbury 176 for 6 (S. Leach 41, J. H-Williams 40) v Felsted 111 all out 7th September Shrewsbury School won by 7 wickets 1st Semi Final (toss won by Shrewsbury School) Wellington College 112 all out (S. Barnard 2 for 18, R. Smith 2 for 19, A. Pollock 3 for 14, M. Prescott 2 for 6) Shrewsbury School 118 for 3 in 14.2 overs (Jack Bailey 62 not out) Shrewsbury School won by 6 wickets Final (toss won by Shrewsbury School) Portsmouth Grammar School 116 all out (R. Smith 4 for 17) Shrewsbury School 119 for 4 in 19.2 overs (S. Barnard 62 no J. Bailey 41) Noteworthy Notable Victories over two the very best schools in South Africa – Greys (SA) & Affies (SA). Stephen Leach (Shropshire & Worcestershire CCC)(Captain) & Ruaidhri Smith (Glamorgan CCC) both played for the ECB U17 Development XI in beating the ECB U17 EDP XI. Stephen Leach & Stephen Barnard both played for Shrewsbury CC in winning the ECB National Club Championship The 1st XI squad during this period contained only one U18 player – therefore the 2012 squad will start with 10 players who have performed throughout the period above.

Back row (left to right): Charlie Farqhuar (S), Mark Prescott (Rb), Jack Bailey (R), Will Mason (S), James Board (Rb), Ruaidhri Smith (Rt), Alex Styles (S), Henry Blofield (Ph). Front row (left to right): James Aston (R), Alistair Pollock (I), Stephen Barnard (Rb), Henry Lewis (I), Jack Hudson-Williams (Ph), Stephen Leach (M)

30 School News

Wisden Report and Averages Season 2011 Played 19 Won 15 Lost 2 Drew 1 Abandoned 1 two high quality South African schools (Affies & Grey High School) An impressive season for a very talented 1st XI containing only one together with a third successive National 20-20 semi-final speaks U6th (Stephen Barnard). Only two losses and excellent wins against volume for the team’s high skill level and tenacity.

Batting (150+ only) Inn N.O. Runs HS 100s Av Grp Uni MCCU S. G. Leach 19 3 916 116 3 57.25 12 Yes Yes S. J. Barnard 16 3 560 117 1 43.07 13 Yes No R. A. J. Smith 19 3 498 76 31.12 12 Yes Yes J. G. Hudson-Williams 16 3 364 107 1 28.00 12 Yes Yes H. G.Lewis* 18 1 396 61 23.29 12 Yes Yes J. F. Bailey 15 5 230 102 1 23.00 12 Yes Yes

Bowling (10+ only) Ov M Runs Wkts BB Av Grp Uni MCCU R. A. J. Smith 115 15 409 25 4-18 16.36 12 Yes Yes A. W. Pollock 134 19 428 25 4-19 17.12 12 Yes Yes H. G. Lewis 107 13 428 23 3-24 18.60 12 Yes Yes J. N. Aston 83.8 12 344 18 4-28 19.11 12 Yes Yes C. E. Farquhar 99.3 20 369 17 4-11 21.70 12 Yes Yes M. R. J.Prescott 75.3 18 288 12 3-32 24.00 12 Yes Yes S. J. Barnard 96 12 341 13 5-17 26.23 13 Yes No *These do not include T20 matches

2nd XI would suggest Shrewsbury School has a strong cricketing Played 13 Won 8 Lost 5 Drew 0 foundation. Shrewsbury 3rd XI beat Ellesmere by 7 wickets (bowling them out for 18). We then beat them again in the 10 over This was a good season. Notable victories were recorded against match with inspirational skipper, Toby Free (our number three of the Forty Club, (who fielded a full strength regional side that had course!), scoring 87 not out. His other scores of 29 not out, 4 not won the Forty Club national championship in 2010), Repton, out and 55 give him a healthy average of 177. Wrekin managed Myerscough College and Manchester Grammar. Although 5 79 and were defeated by 9 wickets with Will Inglis scoring 46 and games were lost, two were by the closest of margins and the Oz Knight taking 3 for 10. Repton were dismissed for 84 with team that faced Warwick contained no upper 6th formers against Third XI debutante, Harry Croft, taking 6 for 16, Shrewsbury a team that featured 5 of their 1st XI. Even against Sedbergh, winning by 8 wickets. Against Sedburgh we finally won a toss and defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory with 26 needed off made 233 for 8, with all four top order batsmen making healthy 20 overs with 5 wickets in hand. contributions. In reply Sedburgh were all out for 146 with Adam The boys enjoyed their cricket and were well led by the U6 Morris luring 5 of their batsmen out. formers who set a business-like tone on the field and brought some belief to the team batting, which was sorely missed 4th XI towards the end of term. Two batsmen scored over 200 runs; Will Played 2 Won 2 Lost 0 Drew 0 Mason score 304 at 43.4 and George Hanmer 228 at 25.3, with Harry Croft, George Thomason, Freddie Cox and Jack Bailey The 4th XI won both their games against Bedstone and Oswestry also contributing more than 100. On the bowling front Archie 1st XIs. Bedstone were bowled out for 56 and there were seven Darroch was the outstanding performer taking 19 wickets at 15.3. wicket takers among the Shrewsbury bowlers of which there were Three other bowlers reached 10 wickets with Will Leigh-Bramwell 10! Shrewsbury proceeded to win by 7 wickets. Against Oswestry 12 at 22.0, Paddy Lynch-Staunton 11 at 21.0 and Adam Morris a fine partnership between Archie Smith-Osbourne and Ed Grant 10 at 23.2. saw us reach 124 for 6 and in reply, Oswestry 1st XI could only reach 101. There is a ruthless edge to both teams which 3rd XI remained unbeaten. Played 4 Won 4 Lost 0 Drew 0

They say that a successful club can often be gauged by the strength of its reserves. Looking at the 3rd XI and 4th XI results, it

31 School News

U16A through their strong top order batsman and Fred Earlam bowled Played 5 Won 5 Drew 0 Lost 0 the last over with the opponents requiring 10 runs. He kept a cool head and we won by two runs. The U16A side had a quality season in terms of results, losing The finals day was held at Arundel, Sussex. Shrewsbury got off none of their matches this year. Though, due to exams, we didn’t to a fairly slow start on a slow and low pitch, but the middle order play as many games as usual, that we were playing either local did well – Charles Kidson (30), Fred Earlam (20) and Marcus first teams, or senior second sides, makes the achievement all Bedson (30) saw us get 130. Sedbergh fought hard and the the more impressive. Our ability to bowl sides out cheaply game went down to the wire. Henry Blofield bowled the final over (Wrekin 2nd XI were skittled for a meagre 59) whilst also when they required 10 and Shrewsbury won by 7 runs. We played achieving high scores when asked, shows the strength in the a strong Whitgift side in the final, and with none of Shrewsbury’s school at the moment. A fearsome batting line up meant that we batsmen firing we only managed to get 73. We lost by 9 wickets, were truly batting down to 10, whilst the number of bowling but we acknowledged how well we did to get to the final. options sometimes made it difficult to allow everyone to bowl as much as they deserved. Some very promising first team players U14A for next year here. Played 15, Won 11, Lost 4

U15 A Of the 4 games lost, only one was against another school. Played 24 Won 18 Lost 6 We lost our first match against Shropshire U14s by 7 wickets, scoring 180 for 6 with everyone bowling during the Shropshire The under 15s put in some hard work preparing for the cricket innings. In our third match was against Staffordshire U13s, Staffs tour in December. We enjoyed a fun and successful tour to Dubai scored 192 for 4. We bowled nine bowlers and were 153 all out – and Austarlia. Traditionally the junior teams have struggled on losing by 39 runs. After holding Cheshire Under 14s to 136 for 7 tour, and this trip was very much like past ones. We played some only to lose by 26 runs. We lost our last match on May 21st – by strong opposition and came away with 2 wins and 5 losses, but it 10 runs to Sedbergh, the only school team to beat us. was a great experience for the squad. Fred Earlam also scored a During our Lent Term indoor net sessions I wasn’t too sure who century in Perth. would score our runs, but we scored 2,454 runs during our 15 We carried on training throughout the winter and pre-season to matches, averaging 163 per match. Freddie Earlam scored 644 make sure we were fully prepared for the start of the summer. An runs, averaging 64.4; captain and opening batsman George experienced Worcestershire bowler helped out and had a huge Lewis scored 413 runs averaging 29.5 and Freddie Adair scored benefit on the seamers in particular. 381 runs averaging 29.3. We played two of the stronger county sides in our age group Our bowling attack was extremely varied. We gave everyone a in May – Shropshire and Cheshire. Having narrowly lost to them bowl in certain matches. Our fielding, however, was initially very last season, we had some confidence leading into the games, poor – it had to improve and eventually we were taking many but we lost both. Despite losing two games already, we were catches and running players out. pleased by our performances and we looked forward to the first The whole season was one of huge improvement and a great round of the taverners later that month. deal of enjoyment. We played Denstone in the opening round of the Taverners. It was a damp day and we were outplayed. We realised they were a LORD’S TAVERNERS U14 very beatable side, which became evident later in the season SCHOOLS FINAL when we beat them by 27 runs with Harry Flowers getting 82 not Shrewsbury School hosted Thomas Telford in the final of this out. year’s Lord’s Taverners Under 14 schools final. Shrewsbury We then brushed aside Wrekin College with Charles Kidson batted first and scored 165-7 off their 30 overs. George Lewis 50 picking up 6 for 24. We went into the Repton fixture with huge and Freddie Adair 49 were the main run scorers while Dan confidence and beat them by 128 runs with James Hulton-Harrop Vaughan 2-14 and Jack Stanley 3-31 were the pick of the batting very well on a difficult Repton surface and Henry Blofield Thomas Telford attack. In reply, the visitors struggled to 63 all out, getting 4 for 8. Tom Edwards top scoring with 14. For the hosts Yutaro Sato 3-7, Having lost out in the Taverners early on, we were itching to do Nick Pearce 2-16 and Rufus Litchfield 2-27 were the principal well in the t20 competition. Our performances in the early rounds wicket takers. Shrewsbury will now represent Shropshire in the were very encouraging including Shrewsbury racking up 234 in National competition next summer. our 20 overs against the Marches with Henry Blofield and Shrewsbury XI Nick Pearce, Yutaro Sato, Rufus Litchfield, Charkes Kidson putting on roughly 165 runs for the 2nd wicket. George Birt, Freddie Adair, Reiss Rashid, Freddie Rowley, Jamie We also enjoyed a festival at the end of the season involving Humes, George Lewis, Freddie Earlam, Charlie Adams. Shrewsbury, Millfield, Tonbridge and Oakham. We won 1 and lost 2 and Harry Flowers carried his fine batting form into the festival scoring a magnificent 100. We had a tight affair in the Midlands final of the T20 Additional reports of other School cricket teams can be found on competition. We batted first against Loughborough Grammar and the School website www.shrewsbury.org.uk only Harry Flowers really got going. We managed to get 134 in our 20 overs with Rob Treasure getting a crucial 18 at the end of the innings. They started well and it looked downhill after 10 overs before Henry Blofield came on and took a hat-trick. We saw

32 School News RSSBC

After disappointment for the 1st VIII at the National Schools Regatta It was worth recording that our leavers this year, of which there in May, the chances of a selected place in the Princess Elizabeth at were eleven, all left as National medallists in their time at Henley was slim. This was confirmed when the draw came out. Shrewsbury! We wish them every success for their future, both on After an excellent build up, however, the Ist VIII was ready for battle and off the water. at the world’s most prestigious Regatta. Special mention to Camilla Aylwin, as our first girl to cox a Henley The 2nd VIII, as in the last few years, had a run in the Temple VIII, and to Jamie Lambie who coxed our 1st VIII for 4 years and Challenge cup, for University crews. To get into the Regatta itself is who became an inspiration to many coxes at RSSBC. the achievement here. Only truly top line School 2nd V111s have So, to the future. I write this article after a very busy Boat club any chance of success in the time trial. With two J15s in the crew weekend, with Victoria, Sabrina, Williams and girls Sculls on our boys just missed out by a few seconds. It was, however, a great Saturday. Congratulations to Harry Lonergan, Charlie Lane-Fox, experience to race on these hallowed waters and just reward for a Toby Thomas and Eliza Hodgson for their victories. great National Schools result. The Bedford Head, on Sunday, was the inaugural race of 2011/12 The draw for the Princess Elizabeth gave us a relatively easy season. Let’s hope we can keep up the results of six events entered Wednesday start. Winchester College were dispatched and six events won! The icing on the cake was having the four successfully. We always knew that the seeded American crew from fastest crews of the day - the perfect result, and a great start to the St Joseph’s prep would be another matter. This proved the case. RSSBC year. Nevertheless, victory was ours by three-quarters of a length, a great We have well over 100 Salopian Oarsmen and women on the race and one that we needed to win to continue our record of river regularly at present, with large groups at all age groups, l getting to the quarter-finals every year since 2006, a record would suggest the largest boat club in Salopian history! Here’s achieved by very few Schools. Our loss to Radley on the Friday was hoping to be able to report a great first half to the season and an a huge disappointment for us all, but hopefully those times of update on the progress of our NEW Boathouse! despair can be retained in the memory bank and used as a positive Paul Manser for our 2012 assault.

Per ardua . . .

...adastra

33 School News

B UMPERS 2011

2011 marked the 143rd bumpers at bumped by a girls’ crew on day one this Shrewsbury, and there seems to be no year. cooling of the passion this event generates The Head of the River was fiercely fought amongst rowers and non-rowers alike. over between Rigg’s and Moser’s (1st and This year was particularly special as 2nd respectively at the start of the day). In proceedings at Henley had concluded the round 3 Moser’s had a strong start, initially previous weekend, so the 1st VIII were able closing on Rigg’s, but ultimately Rigg’s to represent their houses (except for were able to squeeze away to set up a nail Riggites Fred Day and Sam Lapage who biting finale. In round 4, Moser’s tried a were absent at final trials for the GB Junior tactic not seen at Shrewsbury for a number World Championships team). of years - a rolling start. The risky - but Notable performances on day 1 came perfectly legal strategy - means that two from Oldham’s who bumped up in all three members of the crew can start rowing divisions, and Mary Sidney II who bumped before the hooter sounds, as long as the School House III to lift the girls off the cox does not let go of the rope until the bottom of the chart for the first time in their start. Rigg’s were not fazed, and whilst short history. Rigg’s and Churchill’s Moser’s closed initially, Rigg’s were able to continued to occupy the top two positions pull away and record their 3rd consecutive in each of the three divisions. year as Head of the River; a fitting tribute to On day two, the high quality of racing the outgoing housemaster Mr Mostyn from continued. Severn Hill were the day’s “top the men of Rigg’s Hall (this without their 2 bumpers” moving up in all three divisions. top oarsmen!). Moser’s moved within one bump of Rigg’s In the all important Staff-Postors race, the in Division One after a controversial bump Common Room VIII won by the narrowest on Churchill’s. of margins - one foot. On the final day of bumps the sun After racing was completed the decided to come out, and a large crowd Headmaster presented the following prizes: were treated to some high quality racing. Head of Division 3 medals: Rigg’s III; The bump of the day (and of the week) has Head of Division 2 medals: Churchill’s II; to go to Ridgemount I who bumped Severn Head of Division 1 medals and Head of Hill I in the dying stages of their race, the River Trophy: Rigg’s I; 3rd and 4th bumping with Severn Hill just one foot from Bumpers Cups: (tied) Oldham’s and the safety of the suspension bridge! School Ridgemount; 1st and 2nd Bumpers Cups: House had a barn-storming final day, with (tied) Rigg’s and School House; The six bumps in all six races - which may have Leadbitter Trophy: Rigg’s. made up for being the first house to be Rob Wilson

Rigg’s Hall remain Head of the River for the third year in succession

34 School News

A THLETICS

Ninety years ago in 1921, a place, though their Heat time would in fact have won bronze had young lad called Bob Tisdall left they been able to match their time from earlier in the day. Shrewsbury School after what Further promise was demonstrated in our various Inter-school was a quite glorious athletics fixtures, with particular individual successes at our two Bromsgrove career at schoolboy level. fixtures. James Plaut (3rd, S) won in both the Junior 100m and Having been crowned Public 200m, with further wins for Nick Pearce (3rd, I) in the Junior Javelin, Schools’ 440 yards champion, Chike Kandi (4th, M) in the Inter 100m, Ivan Sanin (4th, G), Matt the County Tipperary-raised Davies (5th, M) in the 110m Hurdles, Rob Cross (5th, S) in the high Tisdall went on to win a record jump, and George Mallett (L6th, S) in the Senior 1500m. four events at Cambridge in the As with last year, Shrewsbury athletes proved to be amongst the annual match against Oxford: top athletes at the County Combined Events Championships held the 440 yards; the 120 yards over two evenings at Telford Stadium. Ivan Sanin (winner of last Hurdles; the long jump; and the year’s Junior title), did well to take the bronze medal as he stepped shot put. Of course, as athletics up to the Intermediate age-group. His points total of 3357 was not aficionados will be quick to far off Matt Davies, whose 3365 points earned him the silver medal. point out, Bob Tisdall’s Both were selected to represent the County on the back of these achievements went even further than mere varsity level. Indeed, this performances. Rob Cross also impressed with a 7th place, and Shrewsbury Schoolboy travelled to Los Angeles in 1932 as part of indeed Rob was very much the find of the season, with some strong the Irish Olympic team, going on to win the 400m Hurdles in an performances across not just 400m flat and hurdles, but also in the unofficial world-record time, forever immortalising his name in Irish high jump and triple jump. sporting folklore. Our key event of the year is always the Shropshire County If ever there was an inspirational figure it was Bob Tisdall. Athletics Championships, and here again Shrewsbury fared Whether the present generation of Shrewsbury athletes reaches the extremely well, with one of our largest medal hauls in very many dizzying heights of Olympic glory remains to be seen, but certainly years. On the day we took home 33 medals, with 10 golds the 2011 season proved another important stepping stone in re- (including double-gold for Jon Au-Yeung from School House in the establishing athletics as a key summer sport at Shrewsbury. There Senior 800m and 400m Hurdles). James Plaut very nearly did the was an early indication of success at the prestigious Achilles Relays 100m/200m double, and Chike Kandi won the Intermediate 100m held at the Iffley Road track in Oxford (where Bannister first broke by a country mile. Chike (and indeed Howard Stringer) narrowly the 4-minute mile). This was the first time in many years that we had missed selection for the English Schools’ National Championships, travelled to the event, a competition that sees some of the top though both remain in the same age-group next year and look athletes in the country competing. Our Intermediate 4x100m quartet good for making the qualification times next season. ran a strong heat, winning in a time of 46.5 and putting them into The team have been led from the front by this year’s Athletics the final. They went on to finish just outside of the medals in 4th Captain Roy Chatterjee (SH), who, despite a broken arm in plaster,

Spectacular medal haul at Shropshire County Athletic Championships

35 School News managed to compete for us on a number of occasions in the 100m site, despite the fact there is no longer a track at The Schools. and 200m. His enthusiasm and talent have been a real inspiration Whilst the Sidney-Darwin Dash (a sprint down central between the and encouragement to the rest of the club, and he leaves a very two famous Salopian statues) was a new initiative, the ‘Quarter-Mile’ healthy crop of athletes to carry forward and build on the successes was in fact a ‘revival’ of an event from many years before. Back at of this year. the start of the year, I had been handed by a colleague a silver My thanks go to the team of coaches who have given up trophy top from 1879, presented to a certain W Hughes, the winner significant time and effort to help develop this squad of athletes. of a Quarter-mile race. Rather strangely for an event requiring steel, TRF (former British record-holder at high jump) produced some determination and raw speed, the trophy was furnished with a strong jumpers this year, and IPH proved an excellent addition to docile cow on its top! However, such inertia was not the order of the the coaching core, working most particularly on our endurance day when the heats took place, involving well over forty boys from group. I have no doubt that when he takes over as Master i/c in across the houses. The Quarter-mile event was won by Howard 2012 the profile and attainment of athletics at the school will Stringer (PH) in 51.35, with the Junior event being won by Stuart significantly rise. IJG once again was willing to help out in all Brown (G) in 53.67. In the Sprints event, as expected Chike Kandi manner of different events, and his enthusiasm and advice will be (M) took the title in 13.24, though 3rd former James Plaut (S) was sorely missed when he moves on to Birchfield next year. The not far behind in 13.72, suggesting he may follow in his father’s athletes further benefited from the Hammer workshops held by DK footsteps and become an athletics record-breaker here at in the run-up to the County Championships. The fact that Shrewsbury. Whatever the case, it is clear from this season that Shrewsbury athletes went on to win five medals in that event at the there is talent in abundance, and an enthusiasm and motivation that champs points to some highly efficient coaching! will allow athletics to continue to grow and thrive. In closing, it is perhaps worth mentioning one final highlight of the Peter Middleton season, an athletics event that actually take place on the school RSSH

Only a fortnight into their Shrewsbury careers, with the kind the first lap of 1.5miles, the Hunt were in third position, with first permission of their Housemasters, we were able to take four of our place having a lead of nearly 200m (their opening leg runner is one 3rd formers to the Manchester Relays today along with our of the top athletes in the country in this agegroup, and is taller than I Intermediate and Senior Squads. After strong performances in the am!). Step up Oscar Dickins (R), winner of the New Boys' Race this New Boys' Race, we brought a very strong quartet, and it was great year. Despite the huge gap, Oscar was able to gradually reel in to see them run officially for the Royal Shrewsbury School Hunt for second place first of all, and then in the second half of the lap, he the first time. ploughed onwards to chase down first place. Not only did Oscar The boys ran terrifically well, with Ben Remnant (Ch) having the get onto the shoulder of the leader, but in the final 500m he was tough task of running the opening leg. Following a sudden hailstone able to kick and give our team a lead of nearly 100m going into the downpour, we were able to supply Ben with the Huntsman's old third leg. Oli Pope (PH) was given the task of keeping us in running spikes to give him extra traction, and Ben got off to a strong contention going into the final lap, and despite relinquishing the start and was in amongst the lead pack at the first corner. Following lead, he fought hard to stay within sight of Manchester Grammar School, giving our final leg runner Tom Sykes (also PH – thanks to Andy Barnard for releasing two footie players!) a good shot at attacking the lead once again. Though the gap again seemed difficult to chase down, Tom fought hard and dug deep and within the first mile had put real pressure on the Manchester runner. He timed his attack well, pushing past with 400m to go, and strode forward to assert a commanding lead. In the end, the Hunt were comfortable winners, taking home the trophy for the first time. There's a lot of promise in this group of runners, and I am sure there will be plenty The Wave of the Future: Tom Sykes (PH), Oliver Pope (PH), Oscar Dickins (R) and Ben Remnant (Ch) more successes to come.

36 School News

T UCKS 2011

With a slightly later than normal date in Shrewsbury's busy Malletts), and indeed Severn Hill not only took the team Michaelmas calendar, the entire school reloacted to Meole Brace championship title, but they were also winners of the House 'B' on the afternoon of 19th October for the annual running of The Team championships. Their monopoly was halted by Ingram's Tucks, an historic race that has been in existence for well over who took the Junior team championship, and with the top three 150 years. Indeed, this is the second oldest race in existence, so juniors coming from other Houses (Oscar Dickins (R); Ben it is certainly a well-trodden path! 700-odd Hounds (boys and Remnant (Ch); and John Dempsey (Ch)), perhaps their girls) and about 30 gentlemen Subscribers (staff) take part. In dominance may be under threat in future years...With the order to ‘kill’ (win the race) hounds will have to safely negotiate opening of a second girls house, this year also saw the first Girls' narrow bridges over the Rea Brook, stiles, fallen trees, muddy Inter-House Challenge, adding an extra competitive element for fields, not to mention the bunching up of the ‘pack’ at various the girls who have competed in this race over the past few years. ‘bottle-necks’. With individual gold and silver (Imola Atkins and Anna Despite the wet conditions, this year's race proved a vintage in Thompson), Mary Sidney Hall were the first winners of the Girls' terms of the quality of the field. Indeed, not only did IPH impress Trophy, though Emma Darwin Hall were not far off them! for the staff with an astonishing time of 16.51, but in retaining the One final evolution of the Tucks race this year was its Hector Rose Bowl, George Mallett's time of 17.20 also smashed development into a Tri-Nations global event. Shrewsbury the previous course record of 17.30. His younger brother Ed's International School in Bangkok hope to run their own version of time of 17.38 would in fact have been quick enough to have won The Tucks this year over the same distance, and with Tallinn the previous year's race, and promises a great deal for the future. English College in Estonia also having requested to 'adopt' our Severn Hill were the standout traditional race, for the first time this year Shrewsbury Runners will House with an unprecedented top four individual spots (Seb have an official World Ranking! Blake and Otto Clarke adding to the achievements of the Peter Middleton

37 School News

T ENNIS

This Summer Term was the most satisfying of my four years at year. Aubrey Higgin (this year’s departing Captain) and Ollie Forster- Shrewsbury from a tennis perspective. The trip to Majorca provided Constance were both whole hearted players and contributed much a catalyst for a season with more boys improving at a faster rate to Shrewsbury School tennis in their five years. They can reflect that than ever before. Mr Clark was especially pleased with his U14 & they have been part of an overall revival in participation levels in their U15 squads; Mr Portier did a fine job in increasing the participation time and they have enthused many boys in Oldham’s and Rigg’s. levels in the 6th form and Mr Hann and Mr Adams enthused the 5th A highlight this year was the level of performance in both the form. Top Squad trained well and a number of boys made significant Junior and Senior House Tennis competitions. The format was progress over the term. based on timed extended tie breaks and this led to a much higher Results were very strong in the U14A and U15A teams and there level of intensity and vastly improved play from previous years. The is cause for future optimism. The biggest improvement was in the finals were outstanding with Ingram’s narrowly overcoming Rigg’s 1st VI which contained two 5th formers and a 4th former and was by five points in the senior competition and School House beating therefore a very inexperienced team. The improvement was shown in The Grove by three points in the junior final. The joy of the School a very close loss to Malvern followed by a narrow win over a House boys after their victory was terrific to see as was the sporting previously unbeaten Cheltenham College. At the end of the season way in which every point was contested by both teams. we also competed very well against Repton who had four tennis At the end of term Tennis Dinner the following awards were made: scholars who all train in excess of 15 hours a week every term. Player of the year: Harry Bromley-Davenport. These results were very satisfying after poor results against similar Runner up player of the year: Alex Norman. strength sides in Oundle and Uppingham. U15 player of the year: Ollie Pumphrey. Top Squad is now filled with boys who love to compete and who Clubmanoftheyear:Will Milligan-Manby. realise that every defeat is a learning experience. In addition a number of boys have started to reflect on their game and have Going forward, I think it is very important that more of the top looked to improve in key areas. This is perhaps best illustrated by players train regularly at the Welti Centre on Sunday evenings. It is Harry Bromley-Davenport (SH,5) who has changed his extreme during these sessions that boys can work on their technical faults western grip on the forehand and developed an excellent second and look to build a higher level of consistency into their games. Mr serve. Harry and Will Phillips (Rb, L6) developed an effective 1st pair Clark and I were lucky enough to be able to take eight boys to the partnership towards the end of the term and their continued quarter finals of the Wimbledon Men’s Singles this year and what improvement will be important in achieving good results. Will is a stood out for me was the consistency of Nadal and Djokovic. At the very tenacious player with excellent movement and if he can improve top level of the game the top four players in Djokovic, Nadal, his second serve and backhand he will be a top performer. Michael Federer and Murray provide excellent role models for all of our Cheung (O, 4) and Alex Norman (R,5) made significant boys. As all of them are constantly looking to improve their games. I improvements and their win against Oakham in the Youll Cup was a look forward to an exciting season next year. superb performance, and they should be an excellent 2nd pair next Myles Harding

Salopian nominated for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year title Sam Ecroyd (Rt IV) has been nominated by the British Eventing Pony team Chef d’Equipe, Sarah Hancox, for the BBC’s 2011 Young Sports Personality of the Year title. As well as being a seriously competitive Eventer and budding Showjumper, Sam is credited by Sarah as being a tremendous team member: “Sam has shown this attribute on many occasions – when team-mates have been very nervous before competing Sam can chat and give confidence, even when he is waiting to compete himself. His natural thought is for others who might be feeling the pressure of high level competition.” During the summer, Sam and his pony Three Wells Breeze travelled to Poland for the European Pony Championships, the top international equestrian competition run by the Fédération Equestre Internationale. Sam was picked to be one of the team of four to represent Team GB and elected to go in anchor position – last. Following a personal best dressage and a clear cross-country, Sam then executed a perfect fault-free round in the show jumping to be the only rider and pony in the top 11 to jump clear. This was good enough to bring Team bronze and gain Sam an individual silver medal. Apart from those partnering one pony, Sam is the first Briton for ten years to gain an individual medal.

38 Old salopian News

N EWS OF OLD SALOPIANS

1940 – 1959 and beyond and also supplies fixtures to numerous commercial enterprises. Recent projects include numerous Jamie Oliver Martin Downer (DB 1944-49), formerly Chief Dental Officer for restaurants, Shoreditch House Hotel, Cath Kidston stores and many England (Department of Health) and currently Emeritus Professor, pubs, clubs and restaurants. University College London and Honorary Professor, University of Manchester, received the 2010 Distinguished Scientist Award for Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Health Services Research of the Mark International Association for Dental Research for his work on the Holloway distribution of dental disease and oral cancer, and their determinants. In 2011 he augmented a PhD and a higher doctorate with an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University, lending the term “mature student” a whole new dimension. Revd Chris Jenkin (I 1950-55) and his wife Mary are setting up a hostel for street children in Western Uganda. Further information about the Kasese Street Kids project can be found at http://kasesestreetkids.blogspot.com/, together with details of how to make donations to support their work. Francis Clark-Lowes (SH 1958-61) writes: “After leaving Shrewsbury with four ‘O’ levels at the age of sixteen, I had a number of false starts before settling in Saudi Arabia where I taught English for over nine years. In the meantime I had walked from London to Cairo and had gained a BSc in Sociology, a Viennese wife and my son, Philip. My daughter, Julia, was born in Jeddah. After leaving Simon Lewis (R 1985-90) has announced his engagement to Saudi Arabia I settled in Brighton, gained an MA in the Psychology Aimee Ng. of Therapy and Counselling and a doctorate for research on Nigel Hibbert (R 1988-93) is now a partner with Cheviot Asset Wilhelm Stekel (see Publications page 53), worked for seventeen Management in Liverpool. years as a counsellor, translated three books from German, Tim Dale (PH 1989-94) and Laura had their third baby boy, campaigned for Palestinian rights, remarried and joined the Matthew Emrys James, on 8th November 2011. Unitarians, for whom I lead services from time to time. I am now retired.” 1990 – 1999 Major Chris J. Hancock RA (C 1992-97), Adjutant of 29 1960 – 1979 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Plymouth, recently Robin D. S. Yates, FRSC (I 1962-66) is Chair of the Department of announced his engagement to Dr Emma-Beth Wilson, an Accident East Asian Studies and Professor of East Asian Studies and History and Emergency Registrar. and Classical Studies at James McGill University, Canada. He has Dr Peter Michalko (C 1996-98) is currently working as a doctor just been inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada near Dresden in Germany. After leaving Shrewsbury he studied (Division of the Humanities). medicine in Vienna and immediately afterwards went to Germany. Sir Andrew McFarlane (M 1968-72) has been appointed to the He ended up in Dresden, “a city so pleasant to live and work in that Court of Appeal. I have been reluctant to leave ever since, despite my original intention to spend just a couple of months, maybe a year here”. 1988 – 1989 Hamish Clegg (SH 1994-99) and his wife Sophie are delighted to Crispin Cripwell (I 1980-84) is pursuing a career in wealth announce the birth of Florence Olivia Mabel on 3rd March 2011. management. He and his wife Amanda have three children, Ben Jonathan Beeston (Rb 1995-2000) married Candy Yeldham on (born in 2000), Poppy (2002) and Adam (2004). 9th July. Their romantic meeting, engagement and wedding were Canon Mark Oakley (Rb 1982-87) has been appointed Canon the subject of a feature article in The Times in August. Residentiary and Treasurer of St Paul’s Cathedral, London. His Erol Munir (SH 1996-2001, Head of School 2001) is a Captain in responsibilities at the Cathedral include the Arts, Fabric and the United States Army. “My military career is somewhat unusual Collections. He remains a Deputy Priest in Ordinary to HM the because I am in a very niche speciality – Space Operations. There Queen. St Paul’s Cathedral celebrates its 300th anniversary this are only approximately 400 Space Operations Officers in the US year and a fifteen-year clean and restoration has just been Army. We are embedded with larger Army divisional/corps units and completed. are the Commander’s subject matter expert on everything ‘Space’. Mark Holloway (SH 1985-90) and his firm Holloways of Ludlow He has been deployed in Texas, Colorado Springs, the Middle East won the prestigious ‘Kitchen Designer of the Year’ award in 2010, (where he took his first command of a Missile Warning Detachment) just five years after diversifying into the kitchen business. Established and Misawa Air Base in Japan. “Our mission changed drastically in 1984 in Ludlow and completely re-launched in 2002, Holloways following the March 11 9.0 earthquake, as we were on the closest of Ludlow has built a reputation for supplying beautiful and unusual military installation. Therefore we were tasked for many fixtures and fittings for residential refurbishments throughout the UK Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief missions along the North

39 Old salopian News

Eastern coast of Japan, which was both a hugely gratifying and Neil Bradshaw (G 1999-2003) is engaged to be married in May humbling experience.” He is currently in Oklahoma and will be 2012 to Charlotte Avery. based in Washington DC from January 2012. Sam Hoskins (O 1999-2004) is setting up a horse racing club. Erol and his wife Kathryn welcomed their first child into the world More details can be found www.hottotrotracingclub.com on 11 July 2011. His name is Olivier Mehmet. 2000 – 2011 David Moore Dutton (S 2001-06) has been commissioned from Sandhurst into the Royal Engineers. He has also recently announced his engagement to Laura Maitland, a 2nd Lieutenant studying to be an Army doctor. Rob Lowcock (S 2001-06) graduated from the University of Nottingham in July 2010 and has launched the website The Agora (http://www.jointheagora.com). The site aims to be a place to discuss ideas and current affairs without political bias. James Taylor (R 2003-2008) captained the England Lions team against Sri Lanka A in the three-match, one-day series at Northampton. James scored two centuries in three games, giving the England Lions a tremendous 2-1 victory. James was then selected for the senior England team for the one-day international Erol Munir with Will Harries (R 1996-2001) at US Marine Camp Fuji against Ireland. prior to their ascent of Mount Fuji last summer Michael Webb (S 2003-08) has been appointed Senior Economic Advisor to David Ruffley MP. Richard Ashcroft (I 1997-01) has been a qualified safari guide for several years and has worked in Namibia, Botswana and currently Ben Williams (Rt 2008-10, Head Boy 2009/10) was on 12th Man Western Tanzania, where he guides and runs a remote camp in duties at Edgbaston in August for the senior England cricket team Katavi National Park. In February he will be part of a small group of versus India. safari guides/adventurers who will be kayaking (unsupported) up Oli Webb (S 2004-09) After a very successful year in British the world’s longest lake, Tanganyika, starting in Zambia and hoping Formula 3 International, with 3 wins, 14 podiums, 4 poles and 4 to finish 40-50 days later in Burundi. They will be raising money for fastest laps, Oli has enjoyed considerable success this year in his communities on the lake. Richard’s own personal cause is a rookie ‘World Series by Renault’ season. children’s orphanage in the township of Katatura in Windhoek, Namibia. This was supported by a local resident and friend, who was killed in a car accident in which Richard was also involved. Henry Brydon (PH 1997-2002) writes: “My travelling compadre Jamie King and I set out from London on our trusty steeds in May 2010 in an attempt to ride bicycles to Sydney in order to raise £25,000 for Brain Tumour Research, a cause I very feel very passionate about after my brother, Jack, survived the disease in 2003. Having crossed Europe, we followed the Silk Road through the Middle East and Central Asia, and are now (October 2011) in Indonesia having cycled through South East Asia. Please help me reach my fundraising target by making a donation on http://www.justgiving.com/henrybrydon. You can also follow our journey via our website www.theblazingsaddles.com.” Anthony Pasquill (M 1998-2003) has recently become engaged to Daniella Garnero. Anthony is currently Musical Director of Sydney- based chamber choir Bel a cappella who have sung concerts around Sydney since his appointment in 2008. During 2011 the choir has performed alongside the Marrickville Symphony Orchestra in works by Wagner, Beethoven and Cherubini. Anthony is currently involved with the Symphony Australia Core Conductors programme, which is designed for musicians aspiring to a career conducting around the world, and has already spent time working with the Auckland Philharmonia with Chief Conductor Eckehard Stier and recently Christopher Seaman, as well as a week in Melbourne with Sebastian Lang-Lessing. In 2012 he will work alongside the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs as their Assistant Chorus Master; he will be preparing the choirs for concerts with many international conductors at the Sydney Opera House including Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’ with David Zinman and Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pique Dame’ with Vladimir Ashkenazy.

40 Old salopian News

P RIVATE EYE – FIFTY YEARS ON

Early on in my tenure as Churchill’s Hall housemaster, a boy ‘Absolutely’, comes back the reply. Only we have more authority handed me a pile of ‘old books’ which he had found in a forgotten now. But the spirit is the same. I recall a remark attributed to the late corner of his study, which he rather thought he oughtn’t to throw Claud Cockburn to the effect that even at the Sermon on the Mount, away. A brief glance at the six battered but handsome leather it’s important to have someone at the back prepared to say, ‘hey, bound volumes showed them to be the missing ‘Head of House’ hang on a minute ... ’.’ books covering the period from 1874, when Churchill’s Hall was We discuss the ‘look and feel’ of the magazine, long an integral founded, to 1970. We already had the two later volumes, which are part of the brand, but born out of the necessity to keep costs low. still kept up to date. Thus it came about that I discovered for the first Tony, as artistic director, is responsible for this look and feel. ‘We still time, to my shame as an Old Salopian, that Richard Ingrams and get more words on the page than any other magazine’, he says Willie Rushton had been successive heads of house in Churchill’s. proudly. He takes me round the offices, shows me the windowless For the intellectual ‘pseuds’ of my generation (1967-72), The Private cell where the lawyer checks the copy, and then the holy of holies, Eye quartet of Booker, Rushton, Ingrams and Foot were already folk the editor’s small office, upright piano half hidden behind a heroes, unconsciously given additional stature by Donald Wright, coatstand, a stack of the blank pink paper on which the ‘jokes’ are our great reforming headmaster, who was busily dismantling much written ready to be worked on for the next edition. He shows me the of the useless and obsolete (as we considered them to be) chair where Ingrams, who still comes in for a day or two a month to paraphernalia of the old style public school (itself a term which we write jokes, will sit with the rest of the joke team. I can almost hear regarded as a dirty word), such as compulsory daily chapel, first the giggling which must issue from this office on joke-writing days. lesson and detachable collars. Mounds of proofs and paper everywhere. It’s all wonderfully unglitzy and ‘retro’. Like an old Bloomsbury publishing house before the arrival of the multinationals. Finally, the question I have been turning over in my mind for years. How much does the magazine owe to the spirit of Shrewsbury School? ‘Nothing,’ comes back the prompt reply. ‘Only to the inspiration of particular individuals, Laurence Le Quesne especially. This was really about a group of like-minded individuals – amongst whom Tony, a year younger than the others, modestly does not include himself – having fun with the Wollopian,a magazine of which the then headmaster Jack Peterson may not even have been aware.’ ‘Interestingly,’ Rushton reflects, ‘none of the five Salopians involved have sent their own sons to Shrewsbury.’ Ah well, I console myself. Money must have been tight in those early years … So it was that with something like the reverence of a pilgrim I Richard Hudson approached the unassuming offices of Private Eye on the very day that their Issue No 1300, the 50th anniversary edition, was published at the end of October. The previous offices, at 22 Greek St, had contained a strip club. Visitors would be greeted by a doorman who would, whatever their business, announce, ‘Naked and they dance too!’ These offices are more respectable. A blue plaque above the door indicates that the building once housed Handel’s secretary, John Smith, who later become famous and respectable enough to be painted by Zoffany. Is there some symbolism here? I wonder. I spent the next two hours in the company of Tony Rushton, Willie’s slightly younger cousin, who joined the Eye in 1962, six months after its launch, and has remained with it ever since, serving variously as its managing director, advertising director and artistic director, sometimes all three, but always the latter. I showed him his cousin’s two extensive entries in the head of house book I had brought with me. He reminded me that the reason Willie did not get to Oxford was that in spite of sitting it seven times, he failed to get maths O level. How refreshing to be reminded that a fulfilling life is possible without exam grades. Or at least was. Galley proofs of the next edition were laid out on an adjacent table – it’s still a ‘rubic’s cube’ cut-and-paste job - and alongside the proofs, 20 or so cartoons from some of the 70 or so cartoonists used by the Eye, selected for inclusion in that issue. Are the editorial aspirations the same now as they were in 1961? I ask Rushton.

41 Old salopian News

OS GATHERING – OCTOBER 2011

For the first time we started this year’s annual gathering of Old musical theme throughout this traditional gathering of Old Salopians on the Friday night with a splendid concert. This opened Salopians will long continue. Lunch in Kingsland Hall concluded with some vigorous barbershop singing by Churchill’s, under the with a speech by the President, Richard Barber. He spoke of the guidance of Richard Hudson (M 1967-72), Housemaster of great honour it has been to be President of the Club this year and Churchill’s and Editor of The Salopian, and then flowed into a quoted the response of a prominent Old Salopian, made several programme given largely by Old Salopians. months ago, to a question about what he thought of the Club: “Well, James Cross (O 1975-80) gave magnificent renderings of some what I wonder is what’s the Old Salopian Club actually for?” “In Flanders and Swann favourites, with piano accompaniment in one essence,” said Richard Barber, “my Presidency of the Club has number by his son Rob (SH LVI). Andrew Hughes (Ch 1999-2001) been about trying to answer that question.” who played the Haydn Cello concerto at the opening of the He paid tribute to all those who have worked with him over the Maidment Building by Prince Charles ten years ago, played The last few months “on the once-in-a-generation review of how the Swan from Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals and was joined by Club can achieve the full potential of the great organisation that we his sister Louise, who was also very involved in music at are… We know how crucial it is that the Club should preserve the Shrewsbury for many years. Chris Lloyd (Ch 1997-2002) joined in traditional spirit and values on which so many we’ve spoken to have with the Shrewsbury Big Band, and the concert concluded with laid so much stress… But the younger generation of Salopians too some unforgettable bass singing by David Shipley (M 2001-06), have been ever-present in our minds as we have plotted the way now at the Royal Academy of Music and winner of the Junior forward, because we must also remember that we have not just Kathleen Ferrier prize, a national competition for young singers. inherited this Club from our forbears; we have borrowed it from our David filled the hall with his outstanding voice – surely an instrument children – and we hold it in trust for them too. We want the Club to for a glittering career ahead. All present felt privileged to have be a vibrant manifestation of the view that you come to Shrewsbury witnessed such an outstanding display of musical talent. Never has for life, not just for the few years of your schooldays here; that the an Old Salopian Day enjoyed such an uplifting ‘curtain-raiser’ as Club is the natural extension of your time at the School; and that its this. members – of every generation – should find the Club relevant and In spite of a dire weather forecast, Saturday dawned and supportive, and that in turn its members should be active in support remained bright and dry, the Site looking its impeccable best. The of Salopians at the School today.” programme started with the traditional Chapel Service, at which the He spoke warmly of Peter Worth, who will succeed him as Founder’s Hymn by former Headmaster J. M. Peterson was sung in President in a few months’ time. “I know that he will encourage the the presence of JMP’s daughter Fiona, married to Nigel Hodges Club and its agenda forward with vigour and foresight.” (SH 1954-59). This was followed by a pre-lunch concert at which The programme then moved into an afternoon of watching current pupils gave an astonishing display of virtuoso playing, football matches against Bradfield, visiting houses and tea in Quod including solos for trumpet and voice, string trio and quartet, brass, before the Club’s AGM, an account of which is given below. The violin, and concluding with a piano solo by 15-year-old Galin day concluded with a dinner of much hilarity and reminiscence in Ganchev from Bulgaria (M IV) which moved the whole audience to Kingsland House for those who left the School between the mid- jaw-dropping wonderment. fifties and sixties, the main topic of the round-table discussion being What a tribute these two concerts are to John Moore and the level “Would Kek have survived and thrived in the Shrewsbury of today?” to which he and his colleagues have raised Shrewsbury’s music It was an altogether fitting way to conclude the very full and past and present! The Club hopes that the tradition of weaving a successful Old Salopian Gathering of 2011.

John Richards (Ch 1957-62), Richard Burbidge (Ch 1955-60) and Hugh Ramsbotham (Staff 1975-99, 2010 President) arriving for the Chapel Service on October Day

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AGM REPORT 2011 – THE SALOPIAN CLUB

The main business of the AGM this year was to discuss and Our Engagement agenda: how we engage with and enthuse approve proposals to make substantial changes to the Objects, and involve our members far more widely in our events and Name, Constitution and Governance of the Club. activities. At the start of my Presidential year change was in the air. Within Our Alignment agenda: how the Club should align its focus more the School we had a new Headmaster who was about to launch a closely with the interests and success of the School and major consultation on the School’s strategy in his “2020 Vision” Foundation. initiative; within the Club Nick Randall had become Chairman Our Relevance agenda: how the Club makes itself relevant to of the OS Committee; and following Tony Walters’ retirement pupils at the School in supporting them into life after Shrewsbury; we would imminently be appointing a new Director of the Club. More how we enthuse the staff by our contribution to the School; and how widely there were major changes happening in our environment: we demonstrate tangible value for money to parents whose subscriptions represent the entirety of our income. • A revolution is taking place in communications through websites Our Governance agenda: what the Objects, Name and and social networks, meaning that the Club’s role of “enabling Constitution of the Club should be and how it should actually be members to keep in touch with each other” is now radically structured and run. different for the younger generations of Old Salopians. From this emerge the Review’s proposals which were explained in • The way in which members like to get together has changed - a full presentation to the AGM by David Thomas (Rt 1971-75) who from a few formal dinners to many more informal gatherings and has led the Review (full details of which can be found on the Club’s themed events. website). These can be summarised as follows: • The arrival of girls into the Club’s membership, and the interest of parents in alumni activities, are broadening the range of the 1. Objects of the Club Club’s activities TheobjectsoftheClubwillbechangedtothefollowing: • The need to strengthen the Club’s input to careers advice and • To promote links and fellowship between Salopians of all help for Sixth Form and young Old Salopians is urgent and ages. growing. • To organise activities (sporting, cultural, social, business) in Against this background, it was also clear that the Club could be support of (1). doing so much more to fulfil its potential: • Together with the Governors, School and Foundation, to • Its three objectives as currently drafted – which are essentially promote Old Salopians’ knowledge of and involvement in the (i) to help Old Salopians make links with each other (ii) to make success and prosperity of the School. donations and (iii) to support the branches and sports clubs – • To help Salopians make the transition into their working lives seemed inadequate in capturing the full range of what the Club and support the development of their careers. should aspire to do. The main changes are the emphasis on working with the School • The Club has traditionally been engaging well under 10 per cent and the Foundation to promote the success and prosperity of the of its membership in its events and activities School; and the focus on careers. This latter is an area of great • We have not developed a dialogue at strategic level with either importance and opportunity, and one where other schools are the School or Foundation. doingbetterthanweare. • Among most members of the Common Room there has been only a fragmentary awareness of the Club. 2. Name • There has been only a very slim dialogue between the Club and The Club will be known as “The Salopian Club”. Individually current pupils, and the whole of the “life after Shrewsbury” everyone will continue to be “Old Salopians” and our Clubs may agenda has been confined to contributions from individual Old continue to use the word “Old” if they wish. But our consultations Salopians rather than to any wider initiative by the Club itself. have shown that the inclusion of the word “Old” in the overall • The Club has had no formal strategy. name of the Club has been off-putting to younger members, and • Our governance structures have been loose, with a Committee have revealed widespread support for this move. Many other of about 40 people, meeting twice a year for a couple of hours alumni clubs have made a similar change. each time, no annual plan or budget discussed and signed off in Committee, and no continuity of Chairmen who for years 3. Governance have been changing on a virtually annual basis. Committee Composition: This will be reduced in number from 40 So the time was ripe to do something that had not been done for to a maximum of 15, all with clear accountabilities. more than a generation, namely to review: Subcommittees will be formed to plan and oversee specific areas • the aims, governance and strategy of the Club of activity, i.e. Sports, Regions & Events, Careers, Arts & Activities, • how it should strengthen its common agendas with the School Ladies, Young Members and Nominations. Membership will and Foundation include the Director of the Foundation, the Careers Master and • what the most appropriate structure should be for the the Head of School (to reinforce the links with the current pupils). organisation itself. The Headmaster will also normally be invited to attend. Together with Hugh Ramsbotham, Richard Raven and Hugh Periods of Office: With the exception of the President (1-2 years), Faith, and in consultation with very many Old Salopians of every age elected members’ terms of office will be extended to 3 years to and experience, Nick Randall, David Thomas and I have addressed provide sufficient time to deliver on the Club’s plans, with the four main agendas: opportunity for election to a second 3-year term. Appointments

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and re-appointments will be managed by the new Nominations & Governance Committee. Old Salopian Club Committee 2011 Frequency of meetings: The Committee will meet 3 times a year, Chairman Nick C. Randall (O 1972-76) once per term. Vice-Chairman David T. Thomas (Rt 1971-75)

4. Relationship with the School and Foundation Hon Treasurer Jonathan C .R. Arthur (O 1970-75) A new Governance Council will meet once a year to discuss Director Alex Baxter strategic matters linking the Club, School and Foundation. It will President 2011 Richard P. F. Barber OBE (SH 1955- be chaired by the President and will comprise the Headmaster 60) and the Chairmen of the Club, the Governors and the Foundation. President Elect 2012 Peter Worth (M 1965-70) Careers Chair 5. Strategy and Plans A 5-year Strategic Plan will be developed and updated every three Sports Chair Paul Nichols (O 1966-71) years. This will describe what the Club will do, by when, and the Arts & Actitivities Chair Nigel Davies (R 1983-88) resources and funding needed (including the level of Young Members Chair Hugh Faith (O 1997-2002) subscriptions). The first Strategic Plan will be developed over the Ladies Chair Ashlea Stewart (MSH 2008-10) summer and will be posted on the website in late January. It will be summarised in the next edition of The Salopian magazine. Careers Master Chris Conway An annual plan, calendar and budget will be developed every Foundation Director John Rolfe Spring for an August to July year. This aligns the Club’s planning Head of School Will Hunter (Rt) cycle with that of the School.

6. Finance The Club recognises that the Foundation is the fundraising arm of OLD SALOPIAN MERCHANDISE If you are interested in obtaining the latest in Old Salopian the School, and will support the Foundation in its aims. The Club sartorial elegance, look no further than the School Shop run by may occasionally raise funds for its own or specific School Michele Hignett and her team. It contains good stocks of Old purposes with the prior consent of the Foundation and the Salopian clothing and accessories, which can all be ordered by School. telephone. Current lines include the country tie, city tie, Old The Club will continue to provide grants to sports and other Salopian umbrella, house sports shirts and scarves, School Salopian clubs as it sees fit. It will also set aside amounts each cuff links and much more. To order call Michele on 01743 280 year for donations to individual current and Old Salopians. 868; she can also be contacted via e-mail on [email protected] Certain Club events will be subsidised to encourage attendance by younger Old Salopians. These proposals were overwhelmingly endorsed by the AGM, and the new Committee unanimously appointed.

Summary We believe that these changes: • provide a firm basis for significantly reinvigorating the Club • strike the right balance in bringing the Club’s governance up to date without overburdening it with too weighty a structure. • are very much in line with the advice and opinions given to us by most of the Old Salopians we have consulted. From these measures should emerge a Club which will be able to: • command the enthusiasm and involvement of a far greater proportion of its membership • be regarded by the School and Governors as one of Shrewsbury’s “special attributes” or “key selling points”, and one of the principal attractions of the School for future parents • be run with up-to-date governance and management, with a clear forward vision while at the same time preserving the traditional Salopian spirit of which we are all so proud. These are ambitious targets to aim for. We are far from being that sort of Club at present. But with the enthusiasm and commitment of so many Old Salopians whom we have consulted or who have expressed their views to us throughout this year, I have no doubt that we shall get there. The task now is to enthuse and involve all Old Salopians in the new vision now created and turn it into a reality for our Club. Richard Barber, President

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MLC MEMORIAL LUNCH

MLC Memorial Lunch hosted by Khalid Aziz, Shrewsbury to see Michael. We spent the whole day with him at his former Chief Secretary of the North West house in Woodbank Drive. I am glad that we did so because after a few months, I heard from Robin Brooke-Smith that Michael had Frontier Province Government, Pakistan passed away – that was the last time that I met my mentor… On 12 March 2011 Shrewsbury School hosted a remarkable, even After I was imprisoned in 1999, Michael impressed upon the many unique occasion, whose story deserves more space than I have. Gallians (Alumni of Lawrence College) in the military that he was Towards the end of 2010 my half brother, Martin Charlesworth certain that I had been framed. His unequivocal belief in me at the and I were approached by Khalid Aziz, former Head Boy at time of my deepest pain and tribulations cannot be forgotten. Lawrence College Pakistan when Michael Charlesworth was However his pleas then fell on deaf ears. And my mentor’s belief in Principal. He was also Chief Secretary of the NWFP Government me could not be vindicated unless I was absolved of those when I was Principal of Edwardes College, Peshawar. Khalid was a unfounded accusations. I fought for that to happen for more than ten good friend to me during my five-year tenure at Edwardes College long years. and he kept in close touch with Michael over the decades. On 5 October 2010 the now independent and resurgent Supreme I wrote to Khalid to invite him to Michael’s memorial service at the Court of Pakistan found that I was innocent. One of the members of Shrewsbury School chapel in September 2008. This was not the tribunal hearing my case remarked, “Mr Aziz we regret what possible because Khalid was wrestling with a very difficult political happened to you and there is no way that you can be compensated situation in Pakistan. but we are acquitting you with honour and ordering your re- Khalid’s request now, two years later, was that he wanted to host instatement in the civil service with the direction to the government to a ‘service’ for Michael in Shrewsbury because he said, ‘There is pay you all the back benefits and to retire you honourably.” unfinished business from Pakistan’. He felt that Michael’s I know how happy Michael would have been had he been alive contribution to Pakistan and to him personally was so great that when this happened. some tribute was required and he was going to shoulder the So I have come to Shrewsbury to be with you all and to pay my burden of making sure that this duty was carried out. So the wheels personal homage to a great man who was my personal mentor and began to turn and Martin and I planned a dinner for around sixty folk whose words and image sustained me and my family during our representing three common denominators – MLC, Pakistan and darkest hour. Shrewsbury School. The Headmaster, Mark Turner, kindly agreed for It is thus that I can call a formal closure to the passing away of us to use Kingsland Hall for the occasion. Michael today – thank you Michael for everything you have meant to It is not possible for me to convey the essence of such a unique me and us. I want to thank you all for joining us in remembering and and moving event. So my best course is to present the following praying for Michael Lindsay Charlesworth, teacher, mentor and key passage from Khalid’s tribute to Michael after dinner: friend; may God bless his soul in heaven!” ‘You may be speculating why I requested this special memorial Khalid’s address was emotional and deeply authentic, and as he service? The answer is simple. I wanted to pay homage to Michael returned to his seat next to the Headmaster everyone present rose after I had redeemed myself and could thus stand honourably in the spontaneously in a standing ovation. presence of the memory of a great man, who had always believed in We gave Khalid a tour of the School Site. As evening fell, we me and who was in many ways my foster father. This closure could realised something special had transpired and the long link not have occurred until my personal record had been cleansed of between Shrewsbury and Pakistan was renewed with a final moving the blemish brought upon me by the Pakistan Military in October tribute to one of our greatest. 1999. Robin Brooke-Smith To cut a long story short, I was head of Pakistan’s Accountability Bureau when the October 1999 coup by General Musharraf took place. I was asked by the General to become the State’s main witness against the former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. I refused to become a false witness. For that I was wrongly implicated in a criminal case trumped up by the military and I spent three years in prison for my refusal to please them. During my internment in Attock Fort on the River Indus, I had to face a drummed-up firing squad to force me to sign the papers as a witness. When the countdown began, I had no other thoughts in my mind except the quick passage of images before me of my father, mother, my wife Toni (who is here today), our children, and of Michael Charlesworth. It was a surreal moment where I saw my parents, wife and Michael staring from above and saying how proud they were to see me strong and unbowed, though my inner voice was shouting, “What a waste, What a waste.” I am glad that I am alive today. In 2007, while on my way back from the US to Pakistan, I stopped over in London and while there I dreamt that Michael was unwell and might not live long. I told my wife about the dream and we drove to Mark Turner, Khalid Aziz and Richard Barber

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T HE ALEX WILSON FOUNDATION

Henry Wilson writes: community. In short, we wanted to set up a fund that would enable The Alex Wilson Foundation has been set up in memory of my one Shropshire schoolboy a year to benefit from the outstanding brother, Alex Wilson (1990-2009). Alex attended Shrewsbury education that Shrewsbury offers. between 2003 and 2008. During this time he contributed an The Foundation’s intent initially is to set up a five-year enormous amount, both to his house, Radbrook, and to the School scholarship. It is hoped that the fundraising efforts will be successful as an outstanding sportsman. He was also a Praepostor, Head of enough to enable a pupil to enter the School as a Third Form day Radbrook and excelled academically. Shrewsbury played a major boy entrant; alternatively this scholarship would be open to a Sixth role in creating this person we all grew to love. He was able to Form day boy entrant. This student will be drawn from the succeed academically, thrive socially and, most importantly to him, Shropshire area and be someone who would not otherwise be able partake in as much sport as he could possibly dream of. to afford the School fees. It is envisaged that the candidate would In his final year he was Captain of Football, Vice-Captain of be an exceptional sportsman, who would also flourish academically Rugby and a member of the 1st XI cricket team. Mark Lascelles and contribute wholeheartedly to all aspects of the School. commented that he was one of the best sportsmen that he had We are looking to raise £12,000 a year for five years. In support of seen in his time at Shrewsbury, “blessed with strength, stamina and this, the School have very kindly agreed to match any donation an extraordinary ability to influence games”. On leaving the School, received. With Gift Aid factored in, this makes any sum very he spent a Gap Year at Christ’s College, New Zealand, before attractive. In addition to this, for those of you who attended the taking up his place at St Andrews University where he made friends School whilst Alex was there (in other words between the years quickly; in his first year he was selected for the University 1st XI 2003 and 2008), an incredibly generous donation has been made. football team and was nominated for Scottish universities trials. Any donation made by former pupils who attended within this time As a family, my parents and I were always supportive of Alex’s period will be matched. So for example, if you were to pledge £50, achievements and grateful for all the opportunities that Shrewsbury the donors will match this, creating a total of £100. The School will gave him. When his short but brilliant life was cut short following a then match that figure, taking it to £200 even before Gift Aid is tragic accident, we decided to create a Foundation in his name that included. All of a sudden that target we are aiming for becomes would enable others to benefit from the wealth of opportunities that infinitely more achievable. he was able to access as a member of a very special School

The Foundation was launched at the Alex Wilson Memorial Football Match, which took place at the School on 25th September. Two strong sides, the Alex Wilson XI and an Old Salopian XI, provided a very entertaining game on a slippery, wet pitch. In spite of the conditions, a large crowd turned out to support the two teams. It proved to be a very competitive game with close chances at either end. The Alex Wilson XI, captained by Alex’s older brother Henry and made up of Alex’s contemporaries, kept their nerve against a star- studded OS outfit. At the end of normal time the game was tied 0-0. The players agreed that the match should be decided by a penalty shoot-out. In a fairytale finish, Henry Wilson put away the perfect penalty to ensure that the Alex Wilson XI were victorious by 5 goals to 4. There are plans to make this game a regular fixture within the Old Salopian calendar.

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O LD SALOPIAN GOLFING SOCIETY

“Black is the beauty of the brightest day”

Marlowe’s magnificent lines of lament for Tamburlaine the Great seem scant, as I write of the sudden death of Ian Campion, President of OSGS these past eight years of fun, sunshine and laughter. His generosity was “boundless as ocean’s tide”, in hand, heart and spirit. He gave the Campion Trophy – a Claret Jug – for the Society’s Annual Matchplay Knockout. The AGM became the highlight of the year at Royal Birkdale, where he was an Honorary Member, alongside the likes of Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino. In 1976, as 37-year-old Captain of Royal Birkdale, he presented the Open Claret Jug to Johnny Miller, adding memorable words of commiseration in Spanish to the runner-up Seve Ballesteros, aged 19. That was typical of the encouragement and engaging interest that he always gave to the young. Ian mixed effortlessly with all, tigers or rabbits. He was the best searcher and finder of others people’s golf balls whom I have ever witnessed. He represented Shrewsbury in the Halford Hewitt in over 100 matches. In 1993, Ian with Will and Jonty – père et fils – made Hewitt history as the only father and sons to have played in the team that won the tournament. He was one of the funniest after-dinner speakers: a reputation earned from assiduous preparation and masterly timing. His aim was to entertain and his technique was to have his audience in stitches long before he delivered the punch line. Elected Captain of the prestigious Seniors Golfing Society last year, Ian was an outstanding advertisement for Salopian values at the most prestigious golf clubs across the land. A senior member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Ian was regularly seen on TV as the Chief Recorder at Open Championships. An enormous congregation – reinforced by a brass band whose music Ian loved – honoured his memory – summa cum laude – at Emmanuel Church, Southport, close to his childhood home, on 9th November. A full obituary will appear in the Summer edition of The Salopian.

Our performance in the Inter-School competitions fell short of Shuttleworth (R 1990-95), George Bromley-Davenport (Rt 2001-06) expectations in 2011. and his father John, Old Etonian. In the Halford Hewitt, David Cassidy in his first year as Captain In 2011, we held 15 regional meetings and 4 matches (against the overcame absenteeism from three regulars (including Jonty Campion Boys, the Boys & Parents, the Old Malvernians and the Old on honeymoon) with some lion-hearted young wild cards, Gordon Reptonians. 38 members and guests attended the OSGS Annual Gow, Ed Lowes and the evergreen Jonathon Mawdsley. We lost Dinner at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in September 2011. narrowly to Fettes in the first round of the main tournament, meeting The final of the Campion Matchplay Knockout Competition, a similar fate with Aldenham in the first round of the Plate. inaugurated in 2009 at the suggestion of Henry Howard, will be played As holders of the G L Mellin Salver, we lost in the semi-final to between James Shaw and Anthony Smith, who has played in more Haileybury, the eventual winners. Peter Worth, in his first year as matches in the Halford Hewitt than any Salopian golfer. On 30th Captain, undoubtedly has a winning team for 2012. Surely it is September, at Royal Birkdale, “Smithie”, as he is known affectionately, inconceivable that a pairing of the might and craft of James Shaw and won the Tommy Hall Cup, which he had won for the first time 50 years William Painter will ever again cede a lead of 3-up, as they did against before, at Hawkstone Park. Anthony Smith is a worthy successor to some deadly rearguard action from the Haileybury second pair. Our Ian Campion, as President of the Old Salopian Golfing Society. 65-year-old stalwarts, winners of the Peter Burles Salver in 2008 and The boys paid eight visits to Little Aston GC, sponsored by OSGS, 2009 departed in the second round. Our valiant 75-year-olds, Robin in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. Moulsdale & Richard Lavelle, Michael Tilbury & Gerald Woods did not We are very grateful to Richard Barber, President of the Old qualify for the closing rounds of the Bunny Millard Salver. Nor did we Salopian Club, for his support at the Halford Hewitt and for his qualify for the finals of the Grafton Morrish Trophy, for the first time in attendance at meetings during this year. five years. Nor did our fortunes change north of the border in the Plans are being considered to provide further encouragement to Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools Trophy in late September. In an the best of our younger players as our Halford Hewitt team does untidy match, Mark Ferguson and his team of six younger braves fell require strengthening, with some of our lower handicappers ripening to the Old Strathallians in the first round. beyond their prime of bygone days. On a happier note, OSGS membership stands tall at 380 members. Tim Lewis – Honorary Secretary We welcome the new members: Will Hawksley (SH 1990-95), Teddy

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O LD SALOPIAN HUNT

Reminder – in case you read this before 10th December, that is the Hunt memorablia date of the Thames Hare & Hounds alumni race, so scrape the mud The OSH is seeking to collect as much Hunt memorabilia as off your spikes and get down to Wimbledon Common for a 2.30pm possible. In particular, if you have any old photos or race reports start. Full details are on the OSH pages of the School website. which you would like to have included on the History pages of the During the summer months – our off-season as a cross-country OSH website, please email [email protected]. We are club – the OSH has been actively supporting the RSSH in two ways: very grateful to Oliver Clutton-Brock (R 1958-63) for a photograph from 1866 showing Gentlemen of Dayboys Runs. Bob Dowty, who • We have funded the provision of four trophies, three of which was Huntsman in 1949 and 1950 (and was known as Dick in his commemorate masters who have made a major contribution to school days) has kindly sent us the three photos displayed below. the Hunt and with whom many Old Salopians will remember He writes: “I don't recall Gentlemen of the runs having batons but running. The Mark Mortimer Cup is awarded to the Junior Hunt both Whips carried Whips, which were handed on. The first picture Champion and the Willie Jones Cup to the Girls’ Champion. shows my successor Wilson with his whip. The Huntsman carried a The Bob Parker Cup is due to be presented on 6th November bugle, which was also handed on. The other two pictures are of the by Bob himself to the winning team at a newly instituted Prep 2-mile race in 1949. One shot shows Lloyd, Senior whip leading Schools Championship to be held on the Site annually, and the Bean, Junior whip and myself, Huntsman. The other shows the Huntsman’s Cup will be presented to the overall winner. The finish with the Swimming bath in the background.” OSH is pleased to be able to support the future of the RSSH in More recent memorabilia is also welcome! this way. Athletics cups • Looking back, the OSH has helped fund the presentation of The Hunt is reinstating the Inter-House athletics competition in 2012. Hunt memorabilia for display in the Hunt Gym (formerly the This has been sadly missing since the demise of the track Stott Pavilion). This includes a framed century-old approximately twenty years ago. Peter would like to retrieve as Steeplechase shirt, complete with mud and tears. many of the School athletics cups as possible so they can be presented again next year. If you know of the whereabouts of any of Peter Middleton, Master-in-Charge of the Hunt, has pointed me to these, please contact him at [email protected]. two articles that have appeared online recently describing some of Finally, race reports from the OSH v RSSH and the TH&H races the history of the Hunt, the oldest cross-country running club in the will be available on the website within a few days of each race, and world. They are written by Roger Robinson, and are at will also appear in the next edition of The Salopian. http://www.runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=23934 and David Thomas http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=23062.

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O LD SALOPIAN FOOTBALL

With a clutch of new, young players and a string of good results, 2nd XI Old Salopian football appears to be in fine fettle. After a boozy yet successful pre-season tour in Amsterdam, the team settled down to the serious business of league football. A series of strong performances has seen the 1st XI reach second spot in the Arthurian League, just three points behind leaders Old Kings Wimbledon. In the nine games played so far, the 1st team has scored 36 goals, while conceding just 14. The traditional Old Salopian fixture against the School took place on 24th September, with five Old Salopian sides taking to the field. The game against the School 1st XI proved a tough, hard fought contest which saw the Old Boys win by 2 goals to 1. As evidenced this year, games against the School are a big draw amongst Old Salopians. The Old Salopian Football Club is very proud of its links with Shrewsbury and the warm and friendly rivalry that has developed over the years. The Club recognises that the continued flow of talented footballers from the School side into its Old Salopian counterpart is central to its continued success.

MOSER’S HALL 1982 REUNION SARACENS CRICKET Jonathan Crown writes: The Moser’s Hall year reunion of 1982 in London on 11th November Although not a stellar season for the Saracens, there was still was a great success, with eight out of the full eleven in the year some exciting cricket played. In the Cricketer Cup first round turning up. We had dinner in Covent Garden and it was a delight to an extraordinary game versus the Marlborough Blues saw the catch up; everybody was on very good form. We all agreed that 29 Saracens take the last 5 wickets for 0 runs to win the match by years is a little too long, and perhaps it would only be 28 years until 21 runs! Sadly the side succumbed to a good Old Malvernians we next meet! side in the next round of the competition. Various friendly matches took place throughout the summer in the lead up to the traditional Devon tour in August. Three games were played during this annual jamboree, with the team putting together some really good performances. Tom Cox was in particularly good form with the bat scoring two centuries in successive matches. The final record was won 2 lost 1. The Saracens are seeking to build a capable team over the next couple of years, with a view to launching a strong Cricketer Cup campaign. It is hoped that some of the successful cricketers from recent successful School sides will feature.

Left to right: Mark Nixon, Ian Sample, Justin Lord, Nick Maxwell, John Pritchard, Jonathan Crown, Angus Mackenzie, and John Edwards

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O LD SALOPIAN YACHT CLUB

The second weekend of October once again saw the OS Yacht Club taking to the sea for the annual independent schools Arrow Trophy regatta at Cowes. Always an exciting weekend, both on and off the water, this year was no exception and saw Shrewsbury as the only school to enter two crews, proving both the growing enthusiasm for yacht racing amongst usually land-locked Salopians and our commitment to providing opportunities for new, young sailors. This year was the first to be raced on Sunsail’s new Benetteau F40 fleet – fast and powerful yachts, which made for some exhilarating racing, as well as more than a few moments of drama and excitement as crews grappled with their tendency to overpower quickly in strong gusts. The weekend is always an enjoyable mix between competitive racing and a lively social scene. We began with a Friday night “dinner cruise” from Portsmouth to Cowes down a dark and breezy Solent, naturally making it ashore in time for essential pre-race team talks in the Pier View pub. Saturday dawned sunny but breezy, and with five “round the cans” races to be fitted in before dinner there was little time for relaxation apart from a snatched snack lunch in between starts. The two Salopian crews had mixed fortunes, with a fourth place being our best result of the day, but both crews improved noticeably in their sail and boat handling as the day progressed. Spirits were high as we returned to the marina to shower and dress for a lively annual dinner at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club – more than usually enjoyable this year because Harrow that the weekend had been an enjoyable success with our crews repressed their normal compulsion to sing! winning overall 4th and 7th places in the fleet racing. Sunday morning arrived rather too quickly for most but, with The OS Yacht Club welcomes new members of all ages and Salopian honour at stake, both crews put up a spirited showing in ability. This year’s crews included four people who had left the the first race under even windier conditions. Disappointingly, an school in the past four years (one only this summer), and we are incident at the start of the second race saw the Committee Boat committed to encouraging and supporting participation by younger rammed and nearly sunk, leading to cancellation of the remaining Salopians. For details please email the Secretary, David Richards two races and an early return to Portsmouth. Despite this, all agreed ([email protected]).

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S ABRINA CLUB

Henley Royal Regatta 2011 Elizabeth Cup was temporarily removed from the security tent to This year saw a break with tradition, using a professional caterer allow it to be included in the crew photo below. (thank goodness, said some previous helpers) and moving the event to lunchtime. Shrewsbury 1961 1st VIII The Saturday event was in a specially allocated space alongside 50 years on the hedge in Butler’s Field and it is expected that this will be repeated next year for both the Saturday and Wednesday lunchtime events. Overall, the lunchtime events were deemed to be a huge success and the Committee are actively discussing the best way to build on the experience of this year.

Shrewsbury Room Leander Club available during Henley Royal Regatta 2012 As usual, The Shrewsbury Room at Leander (room 11) will again be available to Sabrina members for the duration of the Royal Regatta in 2012. Left to right: Robert Stanbury (Cox), Nick Bevan (1960 winning crew Interested parties should contact [email protected] member and sub for Bow), John Bissell (No. 6), Richard Owen and a draw will take place sufficiently early in 2012 for the unlucky (Bow), Helen Young (Peter Gladstone’s sister and Guest of Honour), losers to book other accommodation. Steven Shaw (No. 2), Stuart Martell (No. 4 ,kneeling), John Godby The winners of the draw will be expected to take the room for five (No. 5), John Bannister (Stroke), Guy Rooker (No.3 – Malcolm nights (Tuesday to Saturday) at a cost of approximately £200 per Rooker’s younger brother), Christian Randall (No. 7 – Sub for Julian night(B&Bfortwopeople). Vaughan-Jackson). This year’s winner was David Watkins (Headroom 1970-75, 1st VIII 1974). The following kindly stood in as substitutes during the Row-Over: Henley Royal Regatta1961 Crew celebrate 50 years Nick Bevan for Richard Owen, Guy Rooker for his elder brother since winning the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup Malcolm, who sadly died some years ago (They both rowed No. 3 in successive 1st VIIIs) and Christian Randall, from this year’s 2nd VIII who filled Julian Vaughan-Jackson’s place at the last minute after the authorities failed to issue Julian’s Canadian re-entry documents in time! John Bissell and Robert Stanbury kindly came over from California and Belgium respectively for the Celebration. It was a bitter-sweet moment as the boat entered the pontoons at the end of this splendid occasion, when it finally dawned on everyone that this was probably the last time that the 1961 crew will ever row together again! As a reminder, here is how Sir Herbert Thompson in The British Rowing Almanack described the race after Shrewsbury beat Kings Canterbury in the 1961 Henley Regatta Final to win The Princess Elizabeth Cup: “As splendid as any race in this or any previous year. Shrewsbury 1st VIII 1961 The average weight of the Shrewsbury boys, 12st 13lbs, was 2lbs heavier than that of the reputed best Boat Race crew (the On a glorious sunny weekend during this year’s Henley Regatta, the Cambridge VIII of 1934) and in any average year the boys could 1961 1st VIII took to the water again to celebrate 50 years since have won The Ladies.” winning “The Princess Elizabeth Cup”. The crew enjoyed a practice John Bannister outing upstream on Friday and an excellent and most convivial Dinner with partners at The French Horn in Sonning later that Note: We apologise for an error in the Sabrina report published in evening, suitably concluded with a rousing rendition of “Carmen the last issue of The Salopian. We printed a photograph of the 1961 Salopiense”. Winners of the Princess Elizabeth Cup. Although the name of The crew, who had been in robust training for several weeks, Malcolm Rooker at No 3 was included on the picture itself, the enjoyed a course Row-Over during the Saturday lunch interval caption incorrectly omitted his name and included that of Nick inspired by much cheering/jeering from the Regatta stands, and Bevan instead. then joined all the other revellers at the annual Sabrina Club Party in Butler’s Field which, as usual thanks to the excellent organisation, OS rowers were out in force at Henley this year! was a roaring success. It was a great pleasure to see so many recent – and some not so We were most honoured to be joined on both days by Helen recent – OS oarsmen competing and coaching at this most Young, the younger sister of our coach Peter Gladstone. prestigious of events. In no particular order: James Scott of the At special request from the Regatta authorities, the Princess

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2009 and 2010 1st VIII, who was rowing Sabrina AGM October 2011 for the winning University of California, The AGM was held on Saturday October 8th 2011 and started with Berkeley VIII. Other Salopian oarsman the election of our new President, Martin Slocock (Rt 1948-53) who competing at such a high level included then took over the chair from the retiring President Nick Bevan (O Ben Spencer Jones (Imperial, 1955-60). Martin’s first duty as President was to present the retiring London) and Alex Blake and Jack President with a John Alford painting of a rowing scene and to Lowrie in the Durham University VIII thank him for his considerable contribution during his time in office. coached by Wade Hall Craggs.The Elections then continued as follows: College of St Hild and St Bede, Durham Captain Nick Randall (O 1972-76) retired under rule 6 and stood University contingent included coach for immediate re-election; and crew member Ed Whitehead with Treasurer Paul Manser resigned and Philip Wood (M 1992-97), a fellow crew members Patrick Aylwin Chartered Accountant and active oarsman, was elected in his and Sam Goodbody. place; From the same era, Ed Stephenson RSSBC liaison Paul Manser (DB 1974-79), current River Master rowed in the Newcastle University crew was elected; and Patrick Lapage stroked the Secretary Malcolm Davies (R 1951-56) announced his retirement Harvard heavyweight crew in the in 2012 and asked for nominations for a new Secretary. Ladies Plate (defending his win in the James Scott with the Temple Challenge Cup The Captain outlined the plans and funding for the rebuilding of same seat for Harvard in 2010) with the old boathouse. It is anticipated that demolition will take place Will Gray (Leander) in the same event. during the Christmas break and the new building should be opened Will Fergusson and Fred Gill rowed for Goldie and William at the beginning of the 2012 academic year. Simultaneously we will Robins for Thames Rowing Club. In the Thames Cup Justin soon be contacting all Sabrina members who may wish to Woolley (Captain) and Richard Hawley-Jones competed for contribute towards the refurbishment of the Clubroom and adjacent Agecroft Rowing Club, a home for many Salopian oarsman based rooms. in the North West during the last sixty years. Three siblings of OS oarsmen competed in the School 1st VIII in Report compiled by: Nick Randall (Captain) the PE cup crew: Kris Blake, Sam Lapage and the first girl to cox (Tel: 01824-707953 email [email protected]) the VIII, Camilla Aylwin. Malcolm Davies (Honorary Secretary) (Tel: 01709-370071 email [email protected])

Top left: Martin Brown, William Gray, Adrian Hobcroft, Alex Joynson; top right: Matthew Poston, Richard Poston, Matthew Kimpton-Smith, Debbie Poston; bottom left: Nick Randall and John Godby; bottom right: James Martell (left) and Simon Butler (right)

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ARTS AND ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

The newly created Arts and Activities Committee aims to connect hear from anyone who is currently working within the Arts or all Salopians (past and present) with an interest in arts and anyone who participates in Art, Music and Drama at any level. culture. Its purpose is two-fold: Over the coming months we hope to publish a diary of events in which Salopias are taking part, to enable those interested to go • to promote interest, support and participation in a wide range along and show support. We are keen to encourage anyone of activities among Old Salopians with particular emphasis participating in exhibitions, concerts and plays to share these with on Art, Music and Drama the wider Old Salopian community. At the same time we will be working closely with the School’s Art, Music and Drama • to encourage Old Salopians to continue such activities after departments to support current School activities. School and maintain links with the School (supporting If you would like to support this new Committee at any level current Salopians). then please email your details and indicate your area of specific interest. We are also looking for volunteers to become Committee If, like me, you spent more time in the Art School, Music School or members, with a focus on Art, Music or Drama. Theatre, rather than on the sports fields, then the Arts and Nigel Davies Activities Committee will be of interest to you. We would like to Arts and Activities Committee Chair

P UBLICATIONS

Patrick Robertson (Ch 1953-58) work. This book, which comprises the outcome of the author’s Robertson’s Book of Firsts: Who did what for the first time doctoral research, sets out to reassess Stekel’s significance in the Bloomsbury ISBN 978-1596915794 early history of the psychoanalytic movement. It also attempts a preliminary evaluation of his importance in the history of The book examines world firsts and American firsts. It contains two psychotherapy in general. world firsts for Shrewsbury School: the first organised athletics meeting in 1840; and the earliest known written examinations Chris Wildblood (Ch 1971-76) conducted in any school, first recorded in 1817. The Realm of the Desert Elephant Troubadour Publishing ISBN 9781848767690 Francis Clark-Lowes (SH 1958 – 61) Freud’s Apostle: The Realm of the Desert Elephant is the stunning photographic Wilhelm Stekel and the Early History of Psychoanalysis record of Chris Wildblood’s journeys through the Kunene region in Authors onLine ISBN 978-07552-1309-2. Northwest Namibia, one of the last true wilderness areas of Sub- Saharan Africa. The book captures not only the elusive desert elephants in their natural habitat, but explores the ancient lands of Wilhelm Stekel was one of the first adherents of Sigmund Freud’s Kaokoland and Damaraland. These two very contrasting areas are psychoanalytic movement. It was he who set up the so-called the home of a huge diversity of wonderful wildlife, from the dung Psychological Wednesday Society, and in the activities of that beetles and mopani moths to the black rhino, giraffes and, of organisation and its successor, the Vienna Psychoanalytical Society, course, the elephants. The Realm of the Desert Elephant also he arguably played the most prominent part of any member up until explores the lives of the semi-nomadic Himba people. the time of his resignation in November 1912. Chris was first taught to develop photographs when he was ten Freud acknowledged Stekel’s originality, particularly in the area of years old. For nearly twenty years he ran his own studio complexes symbolism. Despite this, historians of the psychoanalytic movement in London, dealing with top photographers in the fashion, music, have tended to marginalise or even ignore completely Stekel’s advertising and magazine worlds. He has won various awards for contribution. This is particularly surprising since many of Stekel’s his underwater and wildlife photos. Chris is also a dive-master, innovations in theory and technique have a distinctly modern ring to yacht-master and a pilot, and can often be found exploring the seas them. Moreover, Stekel played a very important part in the and oceans, from Scotland to Indonesia. popularisation of psychoanalysis, particularly through his journalistic

B OOK DONATIONS

We are very grateful to Edmund Palmer (R 1955-60) for his historical topics and an enthusiasm and eye for books that generous donations to the Library this term, which include some complement the existing Library collections. thirty books on subjects such as The Story of the King James Bible Anisa Malik-Mansell, Librarian and Epic Sea Battles. He has a real interest in religious and

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Richard Raven The Salopian community received, with great sadness, the news of the death of Richard Raven last week, at the age of 80. The son and father of Salopians, Richard married Elizabeth Armitstead, the sister of a third. He was a boy in Moser’s from 1945 to 1950. He was awarded the Sidney Gold Medal at the conclusion of his school career and he won a Classical Scholarship to Christ Church, Oxford. After National Service and a short spell teaching at Radley, he returned to Shrewsbury as an Assistant Master in 1960. He was resident tutor in School House and he edited the Salopian Newsletter: then, after a year’s sabbatical in Cambridge and in California, first as a Schoolmaster Fellow and then as a visiting Professor, he served as Housemaster of Severn Hill from 1968 until 1981, when he was appointed Second Master. Richard retired from the staff in 1993 and was honoured by an invitation to serve a term as President of the Old Salopian Club. He also made a substantial, generous and varied contribution to the civic life of Shrewsbury, most notably as a magistrate. It is difficult to imagine the Salopian scene without him. A fuller, worthier and more comprehensive appreciation than is possible in this brief announcement, together with details of a memorial service, will be published in due course.

J. H. E. Acton (SH 1944-48) he did not come to the sport with the same His son Martin (SH 1977-82) writes: natural gifts as some,” Grundy writes, OBITUARY John Acton followed his father to “Michael could push himself across the Shrewsbury and was brought up in finishing line by sheer will-power. I recall on J. H .E. Acton (SH 1944-48) Bramhall, Cheshire. After leaving, he joined one occasion the look of total exhaustion P. J. Ambler (R 1964-67) his father at EG Stead Estates in on his face as he finished – “gutted”, I think, G. R. Astbury (Ch 1960-64) Manchester for a short period before was the Salopian slang – and wondering if I M. Baillie-Gage (I 1932-36) changing careers and entering the paper could have pushed myself physically to that (died May 2011) industry; after learning the trade in Devon extent. Probably not.” M. D. Balfour (SH 1953-58) and the Midlands he returned to Cheshire, Patrick Hickman-Robertson (Ch 1953-58) J. R. Blomfield (Ch 1969-74) where he joined Bowater Packaging with writes of his contemporaries in Arnold Ellis’ N. E. G. Botham (O 1984-89) whom he stayed for his whole career. He History Lower VI: R. A. B. Brown (I 1952-57) was a keen sportsman; his two loves were “Michael Balfour and Sven Siig Godesen W. I. Campion (M 1953-57) hockey and golf, played at Alderley Edge occupied adjacent desks in the front row, D. N. Carr (S 1948-51) C.C. and Wilmslow G.C. He enjoyed immediately beneath the podium from R. B. Christie (Ch 1949-54) himself and was a proud Salopian. He which Arnold taught. N.J.S. Walker and I sat N. R. Cooper (R 1960-65) married Jill in September 1958 and they at the opposite end of the form room, also Prof. M.J. Craig (I 1933-38) had two children, Philippa and Martin, also in adjacent desks. This, or course, was for J. D. Cran (DB 1940-43) two grandchildren, Douglas and Alan. He the ease of passing notes, in the former M. W. Cross (Ch 1951-57) died on July 29th 2011 of vascular case because Arnold would have had to Capt. C .R. G. Davies (SH 1957-61) dementia. lean over his desk to see what was going Very Rev. R. A. B. Ewbank (Rt 1936-41) on. We four confederates would later join P. E. Gilbert (R 1950-54) M. D. Balfour (SH 1953-58) each other at the evening tutorials, held in H. N. Hanmer (SH 1940-44) The headline given by The Times to Arnold’s study, where refreshments were M. J. W. Hebblethwaite (SH 1948-52) Michael Balfour’s obituary (September 20th supplied by Mrs A, whom we all His Honour Judge I. S. Hill (M 1935-40) 2011) was “eclectic writer and publisher worshipped, not least for the cocoa and P. J. Hope (O 1944-49) who became an expert on wristwatches buns. Arnold himself was never other than R. L. Hudson (DB 1949-54) and planned to open a museum dedicated “Mr Ellis” to us at these sessions, but F. P. Hulme (Ch 1944-48) to the banana”. His Salopian Michael took advantage of them to F. H. King CBE (SH 1936-40) contemporaries may not have recognised introduce the use of Christian names from J. S. M. Jones (DB 1943-48) him under that heading, but they would boy to boy – a custom that was well in Prof W. K. Lacey (SH 1935-40) readily have identified the ability, wit and advance of its time and remained peculiar P. V. Lewis (Rt 1953-58) quirkiness of the character they portrayed. to our form.” A. T. Lowe (DB 1941-45) Michael was the son of one Salopian, Engineering so profound a change was A. A. H. Madin (DB 1950-54) David Mathers Balfour, CBE (SH 1923-27) typical of Michael Balfour, who was adept at R. N. E. Raven (M 1945-50) and the elder brother of another, Patrick distinguishing between valid traditions and J. R. H. Richards (O 1950-54) (SH 1955-60) and his loyalty to The Schools those that had run their time. In later life, J. A. G. Robotham (I 1935-40) ran deep. His natural modesty, as apparent though he never compromised his P. Shimwell (M 1934-38) at The Schools as in later life, tended to gentlemanly mien, he never allowed class J. A. Stephens (R 1952-56) disguise both his intellectual qualities – his distinctions to come between him and an G. O. Storey (CWM 1930-31) fondness for the written word, in particular, astonishing range of friendships. Younger J. E. Vidal (R 1926-31) and his always powerful response to it – than the Private Eye mafia at Churchill’s, M. B. Wedgwood (R 1922-27) and his formidable prowess at Shrewsbury and temperamentally averse to their more J. A. Whitehead (SH 1942-46) as a cross-country runner. Dominick anarchic values, he shared their devotion to J. H. G. Whitfield (SH 1936-41) Grundy (S 1954-58), his former friend and a Frank McEachran, and in 1970, as head of R. H. N. Williams (O 1941-45) close rival in the field, remembers how the Garnstone Press which he had founded G. L. Yorke (SH 1932-36) seriously Balfour took that prowess. “Even if four years earlier, he was proud to publish

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More Spells, the second volume of Kek’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the Bible. fearful illness, just as malignant as cancer famed anthology. Because of a bi-polar mental illness, he but more profound in its effects on family On August 1st 1958, a few days after may have seemed to many to have a gruff and friends.” We will all miss him formally leaving School House, Balfour was exterior, but behind that he was a gentle enormously.” a best man at the wedding in School and amiable person of kindly and generous He died on June 24th 2011, aged 40. Chapel of his former housemaster, Michael disposition. Quite recently, his mother had Charlesworth. There can scarcely be a the misfortune to break both arms; R. A. B. Brown (I 1952-57) more eloquent tribute to his qualities as a Jonathan took over the complete running of His brother Hugh Boswell Brown person, as a friend, and as a Salopian. the household, shopping, washing, (I 1949-54) writes: cooking and assisting with dressing. The Rick starred as the cheeky new scum in J. R. Blomfield (M 1969-74) family were delighted to find he had the Paul Dehn’s masque ‘Call-Over’ written for His father, Roger Blomfield (Staff 1958-86), resources to cope. our Quatercentenary. As a member of the writes: He was a great lover of the Shropshire Shooting VIII he won the Public Schools Jonathan was born in Australia in 1956 countryside and he enjoyed membership of Clay Pigeons at Bisley and came second in where I was teaching at Geelong Grammar a local hill-walking group, whose the Smallbore. He also swam for the School. The family then returned to adventures he recorded in his diary. The School. England and settled in Shrewsbury, where entries for many Mondays often began with He went to Grenoble University and then Jonathan spent his childhood and began the words “Got a bit lost at first”. He has read Forestry at the University of British his education at Kingsland Grange and been sadly missed since his death, and the Columbia. He spent much of his holidays later went to Moser’s. Although he family has come to appreciate the many working in the Yukon, in his spare time struggled with school at times, he did day-to-day contributions that he made. bagging grizzly bears. Not being attuned to achieve five A levels, one of each of the corporate thinking, he survived 365 days grades A to E. The upper grades he N. E. G. Botham (O 1984-89) working for MacMillan Bloedell, at that time obtained at Chichester Sixth Form College, Nick Botham came from Yarlet Hall to the the biggest pulp manufacturer in the world. where he won a prize for his grade in Oldham’s of Jeremy Goulding. His real love He joined a Canadian company Political Studies. at Shrewsbury was fencing; he became the consulting forestry in Kenya, which gave Meantime he was becoming a Under-16 West Midland Sabre Champion him an entrée to farming and founded reasonably skilled dinghy sailor, and I recall and fenced for the School in the Public Kenya Horticultural Exports, still a large how angry he was when paired with a Schools Championships. He was very exporter of fruit and vegetables. Squeezed novice girl as crew, who promptly capsized fitness conscious and took part in many out by politics and financial aggression, he the boat. He and I built from a kit a Mirror triathlon competitions. moved to Zambia and farmed mainly Dinghy, and this provided all members of He went to the University of East Anglia livestock for many years just outside Ndola, the family with great pleasure, taking it to to read Art and Music. There he joined the until his death in April 2011. the Mediterranean at Le Lavandou, and to T.A. (29 Commando Regt). After university In 2006, being physically very strong, he Carrick Roads, Falmouth. he joined the West Midlands Police, being survived an attack at home after selling Jonathan had a keen interest in all promoted to Sergeant in 1996. Then he some cattle. This left him with a damaged matters historical, be they to do with joined the Criminal Cases Review neck and 52 stitches around his face and churches, coins or stamps, and he had a Commission in Birmingham, which is an neck. He reckoned that the worst thing was remarkable collection of sundry organisation investigating miscarriages of that it was an inside job; both the physical memorabilia, mainly Victorian. Amongst his justice. After that he decided to acquire a and psychological stress, I am sure, possessions was a very battered copy of legal qualification, first at Wolverhampton caused his cancer. The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley, and University, next with a training contract at Rick was unconventional, often on the front page was stuck an ancient Eversheds and then at the Magistrates outrageous, but a much loved leader of his label announcing the book to be part of Courts at Kidderminster and Telford, where community. Testament to this is the fact that Moser’s Hall Library, 6d, so presumably he he remained until his death in September there were over 250 people at his funeral, bought it in a bazaar sale. 2011. He married Jane in 1995, but the held in the Browns’ garden. He married He was a keen supporter of the CPRE marriage ended in divorce in 2003. Shelagh 38 years ago and had two and of the Civic Trust. He achieved a His family writes: “Nick was a very deep daughters, one of whom, Joanna, was respectable degree in History at Exeter thinker and took a great interest in tragically killed in a riding accident when University, and went on to obtain a Buddhism, after going on retreats to the she was 17. His widow and daughter Certificate in Amenity Horticulture at The Buddhist monastery at Samye Ling in Katrina continue to live on their farm. Somerset College. He later ran a small Scotland; he started to take lessons in the gardening business; among his clients Tibetan language. He was a loving and N. R. Cooper (R 1960-65) were Michael Hall and Michael Ling. He considerate person, with a wicked sense of After leaving Shrewsbury, Nigel went on to disliked all change and often contested humour, full of compassion for his fellow study at Queen’s University in Belfast. Nigel local planning applications. He was a humans, and true to the teaching of his was a true child of the Sixties and the person of faith, and made a number of faith.” haircut that he sported throughout his contributions to St Chad’s, his local parish The family have received many wonderful university years was testament to the church. He served for a time on the PCC letters of condolence from friends, but particular fondness he had for the Beatles! and was pleased when asked to be a perhaps one of the most telling was from a From office clerk to auditor to accountant sidesman. He was a keen member of The medical consultant who summed up Nick’s to fund manager, Nigel worked for many Church Bible Study Group; he had an condition when he wrote: “Depression is a years in the City before deciding to retire in

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2007 from the French bank, Société Alec Binney in 1951 and fully justified his Americans to travel abroad. In 1991, after Générale. Never one to sit still for too long, selection as a Fleming Scholar. He was losing a lot of money, the agency folded he most recently made his family very Choregus and School Librarian, stroked the and Michael became unemployed. He proud with the setting up and very rapidly 2nd VIII, won the Bentley Elocution Prize would put his hand to anything and took on successful establishment of his accounting and acted in the title role of the School’s a number of poorly paid jobs, including one business from home. production of Richard III. I first met him in as a night-time parking attendant in Nigel was fortunate to have spent many 1956, my first term at Shrewsbury, when I Roanoke Airport. It was then that he of his younger years travelling with family prepared him for the Oxford (tenth term!) received a telephone call from Gabbitas, and this love for travelling continued Entrance Examination. After two years in the London-based education consultants. throughout his later life. He travelled to New the Navy (it had only 500 National They had been asked to find someone who York when his son James started at drama Servicemen at that time) he went to must have two qualifications; firstly, school there and joined his daughter Hertford College, Oxford and afterwards headmastering experience in India; and Cordelia on a road trip across Chile when taught Chemistry at Ampleforth College. In secondly, knowledge of the International she lived there for a short while. 1966 Donald Wright persuaded him to Baccalaureate Examination. Michael Cross A passion that Nigel enjoyed throughout come back to Shrewsbury as House Tutor was the only name on their books with the his life was that of flying. Nigel was a keen in School House, first with Michael Hart and right credentials. So Michael and Carol glider pilot and loved nothing more than to then with Graham Garrett. He was a bundle found themselves just outside Bombay launch himself into the sky in an engineless of energy and lived life to the full. He expecting to start up a new school. It was aircraft and gently float back down to the coached on the river, sang in the Concert unfortunate that the school had neither ground. Nigel also loved skiing and his Choir, produced plays and started Basic pupils nor buildings. This was because the family enjoyed wonderful skiing trips in the Year as an alternative to the CCF. He would building had been approved by the Federal Austrian Alps. Good food and drink were think nothing of driving back from Government, but it had not been approved always an important part of Nigel’s life. He Talargerwyn on a Sunday morning just to by the state of Maharashtra. The owner of was a keen cook and always loved trying have pre-lunch drinks before collecting the the putative school then sacked the out new and exciting recipes as well as boys in the afternoon. He would regularly Headmaster of another of his schools, in dining out in all types of restaurants. pay an evening visit to London to go to a Dubai, and put Michael in his place. A Away from his busy working life, Nigel theatre or Covent Garden and often sleep colleague of mine at Westminster School, threw himself into many other aspects of on Crewe station because he had missed Cedric Harben, had already been life. Over the last few years, Nigel worked the last train back to Shrewsbury. When appointed to this Dubai job, so when with pride as Chairman of Governors to Shrewsbury became a trial school for the Cedric arrived, Michael was moved to help his children’s old school, Lyonsdown Nuffield Physical Science Project, he another school, then to a management Preparatory School, go from strength to volunteered to teach it. All was done with position in the company, and then to yet strength. good humour and usually without too much another headmastership, in Abu Dhabi. A Above all, Nigel was the most friction. The same could not be said for his group of us visited Cedric in 1996 and magnificent and wonderful father to his two pet dog Crumpet, who considered the Site Michael and Carol thought nothing of children, Cordelia and James, could have as his exclusive territory and attacked any driving over from Abu Dhabi to meet us. ever wished for. Even in the clutches of his other dog on sight. After Abu Dhabi, they moved to Michael’s illness, he retained his marvellous sense of In 1973 he took a sabbatical term with eighth(!) headmastership, at Ruwais in a humour and personality where possible. He the Save the Children Fund in Bangladesh. remote corner of the UAE, and finally he will be sadly missed by all, but especially During that term he was appointed Rector retired in 2001. They then settled down at by his children and wife Elena. He died on of St Paul’s School, Darjeeling. He would their home in Virginia. Carol continued to July 23rd 2011. self-deprecatingly say that he got the job work as a kindergarten assistant, while because he was the only English teacher Michael got passionately involved in D. J. Cran (DB 1940-43) within 1,000 miles of the school and thus running a charity that provided support for His son Tom writes: was able, at short notice, to be called for the poorest in nearby Bedford, also in the My father was a private family man who interview. Darjeeling was followed by three affairs of his church, in which Carol had was a devoted husband to Rona June and other headships in El Salvador, Uruguay been ordained as deacon. father of William, Edward, Thomas and and Colombia. It was in Cali, Colombia that I last met Michael and Carol two years Penelope. He had an illness when he was he met and married Carol, who was ago when they were on a narrow boat on young; this prevented him from becoming teaching in an adjacent primary school. the Llangollen Canal. Michael was his usual an engineer and against his better Michael depended on Carol enormously lively self but had several serious medical judgement he qualified as a Chartered during the last thirty years of his life. In his conditions. About six months ago, I was not Accountant. He always talked favourably retirement she provided the support surprised to learn that he was very ill, about his time at Shrewsbury and was very mentally, financially and physically that confined to his bed, first at home and then proud to have received The Headmaster’s enabled him to keep going. She provided in hospital. He finally died of heart failure on Prize for English Literature on Speech Day. the perfect steadying influence for September 1st 2011. Many Salopians will He died on January 4, 2011 in Huddersfield. Michael’s wilder extravagances. remember him either in School House or in He is greatly missed by us all. In 1989, Michael left South America to set the Basic Year. Some may have disagreed up a Travel Agency in Virginia, near their with some of what he was doing but all will M. W. Cross (Ch 1951-57, Staff 1966-73) new home, a job that he thoroughly remember him as a lively, dedicated and Peter Hughes (Staff 1956-80) writes: enjoyed but unfortunately coincided with exceptional schoolmaster. He was larger Michael Cross joined Churchill’s under the oil crisis making it very expensive for than life and twice as witty.

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TheVeryRev.R.A.B.Ewbank society quietly like yeast working in bread. each day and leave the outcome in God’s (Rt 1936-41) Robin encouraged, inspired, educated, hands. At the funeral service of The Very Rev. motivated and spiritually guided hundreds Robin will be remembered as a loving R.A.B. Ewbank in Ely Cathedral on May 9th, of Zimbabweans. I was privileged to have husband, father, grandfather, priest, the following eulogy was delivered by The been taught by him. I met Robin who, as educationalist, and an author, missionary, Rt Rev. Cleophas Lunga: Dean Emeritus and Canon, had some work prophet and a great spiritual guide. To our Robert Arthur Benson Ewbank was born to do on a part-time basis at the Cathedral. dear Robin, your ministry was not a mirror to in India on May 24th 1922 and was taken to Robin was a very gifted person and he reflect the Diocese, but a hammer with Cumbria in England when very young and believed that all that he was, to his family, which to shape it; with this recognition, later brought back to India. He attended a students, friends and parishioners, was therefore, Matabeleland will never forget you. boarding preparatory school and in 1936 accorded to him through God’s grace. he was sent to Shrewsbury School. When Robin and his dear wife Alison, who we P.E. Gilbert (R 1950-54) war broke out in 1939, his older brother fondly call Mother, have always been very His brother, John (R 1956-60) writes: Walter became a pacifist and worked for humble. It was at the installation of Robin On joining Shrewsbury, Peter soon shone five years in forestry. Robin’s health was as Dean of Bulawayo, that Bishop Robert at rowing and represented the School in the uncertain but he was successful in winning Mercer said: “Robin and Alison, you have 1st VIII at Henley on two occasions. After a scholarship to The Queen’s College, served our diocese and country in a variety leaving Shrewsbury he continued his Oxford before he developed tuberculosis, of ways for twenty-five years. Some of rowing at London Rowing Club, where he spending five months in a sanatorium in those ways were hidden, for you have not rowed for them in their Senior VIII in the Scotland, and was declared unfit for military done your works to be seen of men.” Grand Challenge Cup at Henley on several service. In Bulawayo, Anglican Church members occasions. He was an Olympic triallist for He went to Oxford in 1942 to read at St John’s Cathedral came to recognise the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Classics. It was here that he decided to the worth of their priest. They came to love His father Paul founded, with Wilfrid Ash, become a priest as his brother Walter had Robin because they saw that in his own shy the building company Gilbert Ash Limited at done before him. Here he met Alison way, Robin loved them, tried to teach them, the end of the Second World War. Peter Frances Margaret in the Student Christian console and strengthen them, and tried to started his working life in the Civil Movement; they became engaged but inspire them through the difficult years of the Engineering side of the building industry could not be married until he had finished bush war and the years of the atrocities in and then joined the family firm. Peter his training at Cuddesdon College. They Matabeleland. Further, they appreciated his worked at Gilbert Ash until he emigrated to were married at Easter in 1948 and Robin rock-like stability. He was not one to panic, the United States in 1963. He then travelled was ordained shortly after that in Lincoln to become hysterical, or to run away in across the States to San Francisco, where Cathedral to a curacy at Boston where they times of political and economic upheaval. he continued his career in the building lived for four years, during which time David Robin was appointed Dean because the industry and met and married his first wife was born. He was then appointed Chaplain Cathedral and the Diocese as a whole and they had three sons. and Classics tutor at Uppingham School, needed somebody rock-like who would Work took the family to Seattle, where where Tim and Benson were born. preach the faith in season and out of Peter was involved in the building of many In 1957 Robin took up an offer to start a season, who would not be swayed by of the skyscrapers now on the Seattle secondary school for black boys in the fashion or by crisis, who would be steadily Skyline. His first wife died in 1987 and Peter Diocese of Matabeleland, Cyrene Mission. orthodox in the basics of the faith, at the later remarried. He died suddenly at home The family relocated to Zimbabwe and same time appreciating the various strands on July 22nd 2011. Mark was born two years later. The family of Anglicanism. Nobody could accuse Malcolm Davies (R 1951-56) writes: remained at the Cyrene Mission until the Robin of being an amateur in religious or ‘Bobo’ was my study two-year-old and, school was closed in 1978 during the war, political affairs; and no one could accuse as such, had to teach me my ‘colours’. He after which the boys’ school relocated to him of being anti-black. made such a bad job of it (or I was so Whitestone School in Bulawayo. The then When Robin got to know that I was thick) that I failed so miserably that the HoH Bishop of Matabeleland, The Right working on his biography, he wrote to me didn’t just beat me for not knowing the Reverend Robert Mercer, appointed him thanking me but also persuading me not to answers but he beat Bobo for not teaching Dean of Bulawayo in 1980 at the age of write, since he thought that he was not me well enough! sixty, where he remained until he reached remembered in Matabeleland. When I was retiring age but continued to work there elected Bishop of Matabeleland, Robin M. J. W. Hebblethwaite (SH 1948-52) under his successor Dean Ken Berry and wrote to me: Michael Hebblethwaite was in School was honoured to retain the title Dean Dear Cleophas, HouseduringTomTaylor’s Emeritus. In 1991 he was asked to be the I congratulate you not on being elected housemastership. The following is based Caretaker Principal of Gaul House Bishop but on having the courage to accept on an account sent by Robert Howland: Theological College in Harare. In 2000 the job in the present state of Zimbabwe. From an early age sailing was one of Robin and Alison were offered a house in You must have had a strong sense of Michael’s great loves. Following an early England and lived in Ely till Robin’s passing vocation before you took on such a burden hilarious experience of coarse sailing with away last month. of work because God will not fail you. house-mates James Shaw, John Turnbull As a shepherd Robin operated stealthily If I may give you some advice, it is this; no and Robert Howland in the Norfolk Broads like a submarine; his influence quietly on knows how the situation in Zimbabwe at Easter 1952, he must have taken sailing permeated through his flock. It was his will develop. So don’t worry about the future, to his heart since it became such a large belief that the Church ought to influence just do the thing that needs to be done part of his life.

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Salopian colleagues’ memories of brief period in the Colonial Service in suit, with a touch of tomato purée thrown in; Michael are of a warm, amusing, hospitable Nigeria was followed by reading Law at and, when you came back from one of your and very good friend. On leaving Brasenose and joining chambers (Gray’s exotic sailing holidays round the Med, you Shrewsbury Michael did his National Inn) in London; his ambition to become a resembled an over-ripe walnut. Your familiar Service in the Royal Artillery and later successful barrister was fuelled by his voice had an unmistakable, gruff, gravely served with the T.A. in the Argyll and father who was the Governor of various quality, which seemed to emanate from Sutherland Highlanders for eleven years. prisons, latterly HMP Winchester. He joined several miles below the crust of the earth; After studying in Leicester, Michael joined the Western Circuit, became Q.C. in 1969, and, when you passed sentence, you his father Douglas (Ch 1922-27) and uncle a Crown Court Recorder 1972-74, and a would shake your head like a dyspeptic George (Rt 1918-21) in the family knitwear Circuit Judge 1974-94, being Resident elephant seal, and putting on your sternest business at Greenock. His business career Judge at Winchester 1992-94. In retirement facial expression, tell the offender, “You in knitwear took him to London and he was Chairman of Trustees of Hampshire really shouldn’t have done this, you know”. Stranraer where Ian and David were born, Victim Support. He was married three What about the other side of the coin? and finally Perthshire. times, with a son and daughters Jane and Those of us who knew you well, Ian, Inspired by a colleague, Douglas Julie from his first marriage. He died, after could perceive in the centre of that Coburn, Michael took up West Coast deteriorating health, on July 8th 2011. Many expansive visage an almost irrepressible sailing, owning successively three boats. tributes were paid to him. His son David twinkle in the eye; and we sensed that that Another School House friend, Steve Colin, said: severe look could rapidly transform into a retains vivid memories of a sailing holiday “Daddy was loving, vibrant, shy smile and an infectious chuckle. As for with Michael through the Western Isles in conscientious, hardworking, sociable, kind, your appearance when sentencing, we the summer of 1965. For over fifty years, sometimes opinionated. And above all he appreciated that beneath that implacable Michael had a mooring at Port Ballantyne was very generous. Generous with his time surface, there existed the kindest and most on the Isle of Bute where, from 1968, he whether to friend or foe, young or old, the humane of judges. There were some who kept ‘Starletta’. He used to say that he haves or have-nots. He inevitably had a accused you of leniency, but you made every important decision in his life on very important influence on my and my recognised that imprisonment is not that mooring aboard her. During holidays sisters’ lives… From weekends spent at necessarily an end in itself. Few people and weekends he cruised the west coast home, our friends remember Daddy’s sentenced to prison come out the better for extensively with his wife Vivien, son David generosity, not only in a B&B sense but the experience. As a practising Christian, and cousins or friends as crew. He also also in the time he gave to them. They have you well understood the need for mercy participated in the Clyde racing calendar for written about his brilliant sense of fun that when passing sentence; and as a judge, many years and served as committee combined with a terrific mind. Above all, you well understood the difference between member, Flag Officer and Commodore of they enjoyed Daddy’s controversial the bad offender and the sad offender. You the Clyde Corinthians Yacht Club. conversations – some might say displayed, however, three qualities for Entertaining afloat was always very arguments. Often one would hear him which you will be particularly remembered – important to Michael, particularly the arguing (on the strength of a pink gin or you were fair, you showed genuine humility obligatory gin & Crabbies at noon two) a topic completely opposite to his own in what you were doing, and your sense of regardless of what one was doing at the beliefs – just to stimulate debate. In later life humour was never very far from the time. Michael was known as a quiet and he loved being surrounded by his family surface. And you recalled with special confident sailor who never raised his voice and at special occasions would always pleasure the young man and woman sitting and was recognised by his friends as a true compose brilliant poems and ditties which next to each other in the front row of the jury ‘gentleman of the sea’. Michael suffered perfectly captured everyone present. As in a long trial, who on the very last day of latterly from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s; with all his speeches, whether public or just the case announced to spontaneous he died on August 2nd 2011, husband of for the family, he would always put so much applause that the had become engaged. It Vivien, father of Ian and David and a much thought into them… must have been a very public courtship… loved grandfather. Daddy was certainly not a person you And so you retired, with the plaudits of the could ignore. He really did enrich the lives Bench, the Bar and the Court Service His Honour Judge Ian Starforth Hill Q.C. of all those around him. He was a very ringing in your ears. It was almost exactly (M 1935-40) special man and we can all count ourselves seventeen years ago to the day. We wished Ian Starforth Hill came as a Scholar to fortunate to have known him.” you a long and happy retirement. That you Moser’s from The Dragon School, Oxford, His Honour Judge Christopher Clark, achieved with the love and support of where he was Head of School and Captain Q.C. said: Wendy. At first, you returned to Preston of Cricket. At Shrewsbury he was Head of “Ian was a realist. A few weeks ago, when Condover, where your performance as House, a Praeposter and in the School he was gradually slipping away from this Mother Goose in the village panto had Fives IV. He won a Heath Harrison life, he scribbled a few notes on a piece of become legendary. Then you moved to Exhibition to Brasenose College, Oxford. In paper. It was a rough draft for today’s Alresford, where you and Wendy made lots 1940 he joined up and applied for a service. At the bottom of the sheet he wrote: of new friends, many of whom are here commission in his father’s old regiment, “Whoever may be the unfortunate chap today. The 47th Sikhs, with whom he sailed for you persuade to speak, I want him to base During your eighty-nine years, you found Bangalore and served in the Middle East, it on reality – warts and all.” the time to enjoy life, to make many friends, North Africa and Italy, being Mentioned in Well, Ian – here it is – warts and all. and to do much good while you were here Despatches and demobbed in 1945 as So let’s start with the reverse side of the on this earth. We salute you and will Captain and Adjutant of his regiment. A coin. You had a face like a crumpled wet remember you with great affection.”

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Full copies of these addresses may be discomfort. Friends remember his sense of infected milk when he was seventeen. He requested from the Old Salopian Office at humour and readiness to laugh, his strong spent a term and a half away from School The Schools. values and uncomplicated approach to life. while recuperating. Golf was considered a He was actively interested in so many suitable activity for him and he was allowed P.J. Hope (O 1944-49) different things – literature, the classics, to bring a set of golf clubs to School in his Peter Hope was born in Heswall on the crosswords, sport and his business – but last year. Chipping into a wastepaper- Wirral in 1930. After prep school at above all his family. He died on May 25th basket became very popular with other Holmwood School in Formby, he won an 2011. senior boys in the house. Exhibition to Shrewsbury in 1944 where he After Shrewsbury he decided to follow his was Head of House in his final year. He R. L. Hudson (DB 1949-54) father into architecture. The doctors played 1st XI football and had a keen Roger passed away unexpectedly in his advised against taking up the place he had interest in other sports including boxing. It sleep in Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital on been offered at Liverpool University, so was at school that he developed his February 26th 2011 after a fall at home. He instead he studied by correspondence passion for climbing and hill walking is survived by Margaret, his wife of forty- while working in his father’s office, through his participation in the Rovers with nine years, his son Nigel and daughter Kim, eventually qualifying after nine years. Philip whom he climbed in North Wales and daughter-in-law Deb and son-in-law Rogan worked at Hulme Upright and Partners from Scotland. One of his mentors was Charles and four grandchildren. 1949 until retirement in 1989, being a Evans (OS), later to be an integral member He was born and educated in partner from 1960 and Senior Partner for of the successful 1953 Everest expedition Shrewsbury. At school he joined the RAF much of that time. Notable projects led by John Hunt. After 18 months of Cadet Force, was made House Captain of designed by the firm and managed by him National Service (during which he spent Rowing and was a Praeposter. He was a were The Medical Institute at Hartshill, some time teaching Latin to WRENs in keen oarsman and rowed for the School in Century Oils, and Wood Mitchell, amongst Felixstowe!) he went up to Peterhouse, the 1st VIII at Henley and later for the elite many others. He did several residential Cambridge on an Exhibition to read RAF Coxless Four. After his time in the RAF, designs for friends, some of which were Classics. All his life he maintained his he started retailing in Gloucester, returning considered avant-garde at the time. He interest in football, being a member of the to Shrewsbury to manage the soft joined the committee of the North Staffs Liverpool Ramblers, first as a player with a furnishing department at Grocott’s in the Architectural Society in 1970 and served as reputation for being ‘hard but fair’ and later Square. In 1962 he opened his own their President in 1976. as President. business on the Welsh Bridge, retiring in Philip married Paula Milton in 1958 and After Cambridge, he joined ICI in 1999. they had three sons, all of whom were Dumfries, where he was a good deal closer He was a well-known businessman in educated at Shrewsbury (also in to the Scottish mountains. He was then Shrewsbury and a past President of the Churchill’s) under Headmasters Wright and moved to Harrogate before finally returning Chamber of Commerce. He was a junior Anderson. Philip loved the outdoor life. In to the North West to take over the family founder member of the Shropshire Sailing school holidays he had worked on the farm engineering company in Liverpool and Club and past Commodore of the Club. He next to the family home and in later life he Birkenhead, where he remained for the rest had previously been part-owner of a maintained a large and productive garden of his working life. During his time with the narrowboat and for many years helped with and some woodland nearby. He planted company, Peter travelled the world the Lyneal Trust Canal Boats for the thousands of daffodils around the village. particularly in the Far East. Disabled. He was a member of the Philip was a very keen golfer. He was a Sadly Peter was diagnosed with arthritis Shrewsbury Rotary Club and past President member of Trentham Golf Club for sixty-four in the 1960s. This ended his football career, of the Darwin Rotary Club, which he helped years, during that time serving as both although he rose to become President of to form. In January this year he was given Captain and President. He got his the Liverpool Ramblers. He was able to ‘The Paul Harris Award’ for his services to handicap down to 3 at one point and won continue with his passions for hill walking, Rotary. He was a member of Probus and the club foursomes competition more than often camping in the bleakest and loneliest Shrewsbury Croquet Club. A true Salopian! once with his father or with his friend Brian parts of Scotland accompanied on many Walker. He played for Shrewsbury’s Halford occasions by his brother Michael (O 1951- F. P.Hulme (Ch 1944-48) Hewitt team in 1970 as they progressed 55), and for golf at Formby Golf Club where Philip Hulme was born in Burslem on through the first three rounds, before being he was a member for over twenty-five August 7th 1929 to parents Victor, an dropped for the quarter-finals where the years. He also served as a Magistrate on architect, and Alix, a nurse and ambulance team was defeated – which gives him the the Southport Bench for ten years and was driver in the First World War, who met unusual record of having never played a active in the forming of his local Parish Philip’s father after he was gassed while losing match, but without winning either! Council, Hightown, being its first Chairman. fighting in France. Philip was educated at Many Old Salopian golfers will remember He married Barbara in 1960 and they had Newcastle High School before entering him taking part in the Autumn Meeting, first two children, Andrew (SH 1976-80) and Churchill’s under Tom Taylor in 1944. He at Hawkstone Park and later at Trentham. Sarah and four grandchildren, all of whom was the first boy not to take Latin, because Following retirement, Philip kept very survive him. His final years were marked by he was bad at it and the School had an active serving on different committees, his never-failing cheerfulness, first through excellent reputation in the Classics which it putting his architectural knowledge to good the years of suffering severe arthritis, wished to maintain! He enjoyed sports, use for twelve years at the Beth Johnson followed by cancer which was diagnosed however, although he was restricted in his Housing Association, including five years four years ago. All of this he bore without activities after he had a kidney removed on the main Board, and on the Building complaint despite considerable pain and following a bout of TB contracted from Advisory Committee at Keele University. For

59 Old salopian News twelve years Philip was an elected International plc, then a partner in the peers was reflected in his occupancy of the Councillor on Whitmore Parish Council, stockbrokers Buckmaster & Moore and chair of the Society of Authors for three giving many years of good advice finally founder and Chairman of the years, his presidency of English Pen for concerning planning matters. He was on investment company Clayhithe plc. nine and of International Pen for three. He the Butterton Village Hall Committee from In 1993, while still working, he suffered a was appointed O.B.E. in 1979, C.B.E. in 1967, but his longest piece of voluntary severe stroke and spent the rest of his life 1985 and became a Fellow of the Royal service was as Secretary to St Thomas’ fighting to regain his health. He died on Society of Literature. Church, Butterton. Philip acted for forty- September 9th 2011 and is survived by his His public manner has been variously seven years as Secretary of the church. He wife Sue and their three children. described as scrupulous, precise, was instrumental in the reconstruction work punctilious, even pedantic, waspish – and after dry rot was found there in 2003 and F. H. King, C.B.E. (SH 1936-40) camp. (He famously adopted fictitious forced the church’s closure. He organised Francis King, who died on July 3rd 2011, personae through which to deliver his more the applications to English Heritage, which was among the most distinguished and mischievous messages, most notably that provided the bulk of the restoration money, highly-regarded novelists of our time. of Italian contessa Francesca di Rimini- but was also involved in many of the local His twenty-eight novels show a recurring Pimini.) In contrast his private persona was fundraising efforts. He managed the fascination with the louche and the bizarre, characterised by kindliness, hospitality and complex dealings with the Diocese and which he would sometimes introduce generosity. The melancholy which infused English Heritage as well as various casually, but with shocking effect, in the much of his writing can be interpreted in the contractors, one of whom went into course of an otherwise urbanely careful light of his sexuality and the secrecy and administration during the works. It is narrative. The novels’ real strength, brevity which contemporary laws and generally agreed within the village that, however, is in their observations of the mores imposed on his relationships. The without Philip’s efforts, the church would moods and motives behind such legal and public acceptance of gay most probably now be fenced off as a happenings. He himself confessed that he lifestyles, especially the permanent dangerous ruin. Philip’s other interests were was subject to depressive anxieties. But he partnerships of which he wrote strongly in horse-racing, cricket and travel. He was was naturally reticent, concealing his inner support, enabled him to find happiness also active in the local Probus Club and turbulence from friends who saw only a with the actor David Atkin in his middle took an interest in NADFAS. witty and equable companion with years; and after David’s death with Deham Although suffering from a number of exceptionally good manners. Abdelkrim, his civil partner, who survives minor ailments, he was still very active at Born in Switzerland and raised in difficult him. the time of his death, so it was a great family circumstances in India, he arrived (A memorial service for Francis King was shock to all when he died very quickly on alone in England at the age of nine and held at St Luke’s and Christ Church, October 1st after contracting a blood overcame much emotional insecurity to win Chelsea on November 2nd 2011. Jonathan infection. At the Service of Remembrance a reputation at Shrewsbury for being Fryer’s address at this service is available held at St Thomas’ on October 14th the ‘ferociously bright’, a Sydney Gold Medal on his website. Detailed obituaries were church was overflowing with family and and an Open Scholarship in Classics to published in The Times, Telegraph, friends remembering a modest, kind, Balliol College. As a conscientious objector Guardian and The Independent and are still gentle, courteous and popular man of quiet he worked on the land during the war available online.) achievement. He leaves his wife Paula, before returning to Oxford, to study English, three sons, three grandchildren, two step- and beginning to write poetry and fiction. Professor W. K. Lacey (SH 1935-40) grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He joined the British Council and served Patrick Lacey was a Praeposter and won an in Florence, Salonika, Athens, Alexandria Open Exhibition (and later a Scholarship) in J. S. M. Jones (DB 1943-48) (briefly in 1956), Finland and finally Kyoto, Classics at St Catharine’s College, John Jones was a distinguished member of his happiest posting, where he was a Cambridge, getting Firsts in both parts of Dayboys in the post-war years. He was regional director. During this time, following the Classical Tripos. In World War II he rose Head of House and a Praeposter, also the Somerset Maugham Award for The to the rank of Major in the 7th Rajput Junior Whip, a member of the Athletics Dividing Stream in 1951, he began to Regiment, Indian Army. After two years Team and in the School Crew. After establish his reputation as a writer and at lecturing at Durham University he returned National Service with 1st RHA, serving in the end of his tenure in Japan made the to St Catharine’s as Fellow, Lecturer and Egypt,hewentuptoStJohn’sCollege, brave decision to pursue his risky calling in Tutor in Classics. From 1969 until retirement Cambridge to read Mechanical preference to a comfortable academic life. he was Professor of Classics and Ancient Engineering. He rowed for Cambridge in He returned to Britain in his forties, History at Auckland University, New the University Boat Races of 1952 and settling first in Brighton then in London, and Zealand, thereafter Professor Emeritus, with 1953, also in the Olympic IV in 1952; he continued writing to the end of his life, Cold a number of classical publications to his was a member of the crew that won the Snap, a novel published only last year, name. He died peacefully from pneumonia Grand at Henley, and was a member of his being his fiftieth book. He established in Auckland Hospital on July 24th 2011, College (LMBC) Head of the River crew for himself as a book reviewer and drama aged 90. three years. critic, particularly for The Sunday Telegraph, There were a number of eulogies at his After Cambridge he went on a Fulbright and, assisted by chronic insomnia, gained funeral. His son Roger said: “To try and Scholarship to Stanford University, a reputation as a hard, fast and disciplined sum up in a few words what Dad has California to read Nuclear Engineering. worker. meant to me and his family is an After working in nuclear chemicals, he More a writers’ writer than a popular one, impossible task. Among Dad’s passions became Chairman of Brent Chemicals the eminence he achieved among his were his faith, his family, his friends and

60 Old salopian News fishing. To endure the trials our family has Patrick Lacey’s own personal memoir, photography was very interesting and suffered without bitterness or depression running to more than twenty pages, is diverse at this time, as it involved taking takes a special character. Few people available on application to the Old Salopian photographs for such firms as Sentinel outside wartime could have had so much Club Office at The Schools. Wagon Works, Shukers, Percy Throwers personal tragedy in their life. Yet he did not The full text of the eulogies is available by and many more local businesses, some let his grief corrode him nor did he turn application to the Salopian Club office. sadly no longer in existence. Estate agents, against God. Dad made friends as easily schools and agricultural photography also and as naturally as breathing; his fan club P.V. Lewis (Rt 1953-58) made up a large part of the business. He stretches around the globe. He had an Paul Lewis, after Ridgemount of the late worked with energy, skill and enthusiasm, openness that made anyone he spoke to Bevan/early Connell era, went straight in to expanding the business considerably. Later feel welcome and accepted no matter their his father’s architectural firm, Marcus Brown his two sons joined him in the business. background. From the master of St & Lewis, in Queen Street Wolverhampton Adrian became President of the Associated Catharine’s to the kitchen hands at and remained working there until his Photographic Laboratories, a national Eastcliffe, everyone was treated with the retirement. organisation where he served for two years. same respect. He would always greet He joined Wolverhampton Cricket Club in He was also a President of the local newcomers and make them feel welcome. 1952 when he played in the 2nd XI and Chamber of Commerce and a member of Many of my friends became his friends too. rose to be Chairman and later President the Shrewsbury Darwin Rotary Club. Dad loved his work. He was always (2000-05), when the Club won the National Adrian married Janet in 1959. They had a interested in ancient Rome and Greece, Club Knock-Out Cup at Lord’s. He daughter and two sons, followed in due writing several books on the subjects and designed, secured funding for and oversaw course by eight grandchildren. Adrian was he loved discussing Classics with his ex- the building of a new pavilion costing more very much a family man, enjoying exciting students to the day he died. than £500,000 in 2007, activity described family holidays including sailing abroad on Dad believed in community service and by the Chairman of Trustees as “colossal”. yacht flotillas. The family also enjoyed delivered Meals on Wheels into his eighties. At South Staffordshire Golf Club, where dinghy racing on Lake Bala and spent He was a rock; not just any sort of rock, his he held a single-figure handicap at one many weekends there during the summer. faith was immeasurably strong, he had time, he was successively Captain, His other passion was classic cars; he many facets, was incredibly precious, rare Chairman and President and was the only restored a Rover P6, a Fordson Van, MGB and always sparkled. To me and to many, person to have held all three offices. He and Triumph Stag, showing them at classic Dad was no ordinary rock, Dad was a was also the only person to have been car shows. Adrian and Janet together loved diamond. Thank you, Dad.” President of both Wolverhampton C.C. and the Shropshire countryside, walking many A member of his local church South Staffs G.C. miles in England, Wales and abroad, often congregation said: “Two things in particular He was described as “a family man with with old friends. Throughout his life Adrian stand out in my memory. First his a passion for sport and for organising”. had a strong Christian faith which upheld admiration for the Man of Faith portrayed in Apart from his cricket and golf he was a him in many of life’s traumas and he was the Book of Job and the emulation of those keen player for Wombourne Hockey Club. never afraid to acknowledge his faith to qualities through all the tribulations of his He also served on the Board of the others. He gave many hours to church own life. Secondly his unshakable faith in Wolverhampton Area Health Authority for work, first at St John’s Methodist Church, the life hereafter – when he would be many years. Shrewsbury and latterly at Christ Church, reunited with his beloved Iris and his three He lived in Tettenhall virtually all his life. Bayston Hill. His strong faith influenced the sons Jonathan, Sebastian and Alistair who He died on March 15th 2011 after a ten- way he acted in business and was the had gone before him. May he rest in peace year fight with prostate cancer. He leaves a foundation of his life. and rise in glory.” widow Mary, a daughter Jane and three Soon after Adrian retired in 2002 he was Cambridge contemporary, long resident grandchildren. diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia; he in New Zealand, recalled sixty-five years of was, however, still able to enjoy a limited friendship based on a shared love of family A. A. H. Madin (DB 1950-54) lifestyle but eventually went to Mount House and fishing. He ended: “It was Pat and Iris’ Adrian and his younger brother Greville Nursing Home in February 2010, where he great faith that carried them through the were both in Dayboys in the 1950s with was well looked after and became a valued trauma and heartbreak of losing sons. And Stacy Colman as their Housemaster. Adrian resident, putting a smile on many people’s now, Patrick, you will be in good company. was a passionate oarsman and stroked the faces while he was there. Adrian was proud There are lake fishermen there who were School 2nd VIII. For National Service he to be a Salopian. He died on August 24th selected by Jesus and his Apostles. Your joined the Royal Navy, sailing the 2011. fisherman’s tales can be retold about our Norwegian Coast and the Mediterranean, sleeping in the boat in the Western Bays of including the 1956 Suez Crisis. J. R. H. Richards (O 1950-54) Taupo, both having fish on lines Following National Service, Adrian Dick Richards, who was in Oldham’s under simultaneously in a small pool of the worked at a firm of Insurance Brokers in Bill Matthews, died on June 27th, after Tongariro and many other times of great Birmingham for several years and then battling cancer for nine years. His wife died friendship, happy times, mutual aid and gained experience working at Kodak in a few months earlier. His daughters Helen support. Patrick, dear friend, all our family preparation to joining his father-in-law Tony and Amanda read the following combined will miss you, your humour, spirit, wisdom, Brazier in the commercial photography, reflections at their father’s funeral: your concern for the less fortunate and the developing and printing business known as “Daddy was born in Oswestry on August St Catharine’s Latin grace before our meals West Midlands Photo Services, later to 3rd 1936. After spending his very early together.” become Abbeycolor. Commercial years in India where his father was

61 Old salopian News stationed, he was sent to prep school aged surprise for him at Lord’s. We smuggled his Shrewsbury; Michael and his three brothers seven. He won a Scholarship to cricketgearuptoLondonandhis were all in Rigg’s under Mr W.D. Haydon. In Shrewsbury and subsequently a place at colleagues told him that he was having a his own words, “The first two years weren’t Cambridge. His father persuaded him to try birthday lunch at Lord’s. When he got there, particularly happy ones for a number of the Army instead and he took a Short the surprise was that he was batting in the reasons; firstly, we had to wear Eton collars, Service Commission, serving in Malaya. nets against the West Indies test team. which meant that you had to be very careful The Army did not hold his attention and he Daddy did well and thoroughly enjoyed not to lose your front and back studs; on decided to take a Law degree at King’s himself. When he came out of the famous Sundays the rig was monkey jacket and College, London, It was while he was at dressing room having changed, dozens of dark striped trousers; woe betide you if you King’s that he met and married our late small boys rushed up demanding his were ever seen with your hands in your mother, Margaret. Married and with a baby autograph – all fixed by his KMP friends. pockets – that would earn you three strokes on the way, Daddy embarked on his career. Cars always featured heavily in his life. As a on your backside with a swagger cane in For much of the 1960s he worked for NCK, teenager he actually built and drove his your pyjamas before going to bed”. He an international advertising agency. His own car! Over his lifetime he owned and loved his sport, won the Under-16 work involved a great deal of travel as he worked on such beauties as a 1934 MG Gymnastics cup and was House Captain of was despatched to branch offices in New Roadster, 1962 Lotus Elite, a Gordon Fives. “My House was successful on two York, the Caribbean and all over Europe. Keeble, a Bentley and an Alfa Romeo occasions while I was at Shrewsbury and Mummy would often travel with him and in Junior Zigato. He loved to drive them as a special treat when the Bumpers 1969 they visited Trinidad in January, Venice around tracks such as Goodwood or take ended we had a supper followed by a in April, Paris in the summer, slipped in a part in Owners Clubs competitions. Daddy ‘sing-song’ – the only decent meal we ever family holiday and then rounded off the loved books. Reading was his most had!” year with a trip to Marbella! As we grew up, consuming hobby. He always had several After leaving Shrewsbury, Michael started the amount of travelling he did became books on the go at once and he would work at P. Henderson & Co., Shipowners. unsustainable and he took a position with read for up to three hours each evening. He This was the beginning of a long and UK-based advertising agency KMP.A encouraged us to read and to love books. successful career in shipping. In August senior colleague recalls, “Dick joined us at He was witty and often delivered a joke 1938, he was called up and having trained KMP where I was supposed to be with such a straight face that the recipient as an anti-aircraft gunner was offered a managing director, but was really Master of might be in danger of misunderstanding commission in the 58th Light Ack-Ack Ceremonies in a kindergarten. We were him. He kept this up to the end. He noticed Regiment, following which he joined the stacked with creativity and talent, but not and commented to one of the British Expeditionary Force in France. After much of either in handling money. Dick grandchildren that the ‘pat rate’ between us several months with the Royal Army took one look at the mess of our accounts was rising in proportion to our concern for Ordnance Corps, Michael joined a draft of and turned us into a proper business him. He was also a private person. It was officers in February 1943 embarking on the overnight. Suddenly there were profits we rare for him to express his feelings. He said T.S. “Almanzora”, destination India and the never knew we had – and he probably kept little of his illness to friends; he was brought Burma Theatre. He joined the 101st Light the board out of jail by making us, at least, up the old-fashioned way and found it A.A. Regiment which was then seconded to appear honest to Her Majesty’s Inland difficult to be on the receiving end of the 14th West African A.A. Brigade, Royal Revenue.” sympathy. However, he was an emotional West African Frontier Force, 14th Army From the mid-1980s Daddy worked as a man, feeling things deeply. (General Bill Slim). Most of his nearly two consultant to the media industry, and for Our parents enjoyed more than fifty years and a half years with the South East Asia the last ten years served as a Member of of married life. Daddy was always a Command was spent on Air Defence the Board of Trustees at Rockdale, a local devoted husband and loved our late duties. After demobilisation, Michael Housing Association for the elderly, where mother very deeply. He never shied away returned home to start work again at P. his sound judgement and financial skills when things were hard and cared for her Henderson & Co. have been appreciated. Daddy always had throughout her life which was blighted by In 1947 he and his family emigrated to his own way of doing things and was a frequent illness. More recently his courage South Africa where Michael carved out a great believer in sticking to routine. His has been impressive; even when very ill he long and successful career in the shipping working day began in the Italian coffee bar was determined to fight his illness and world, working for the Robin Line, Mitchell opposite Charing Cross Station, sitting with spare us his pain. He battled cancer for Cotts, Parry Leon and Hayhoe, ‘K Line’ and his late great friend Geoff. They would enjoy nine years. He bore it quietly and stoically Freight Services. He finally retired at the buttered buns and coffee, trading banter for with his trademark humour always on hand. distinguished age of 83! the best part of an hour before setting off to He saw all his grandchildren the week Based in Johannesburg, which boasts their respective offices – two men as before he died. There was a lot of laughter one of the best climates in the world, his content as they could be in each other’s and quite a few tears. He is irreplaceable, social life was a round of parties, tennis and company. He was a loyal man, keeping in and we will all miss him, more than any golf, at the latter of which he excelled. He touch with friends over the years. words can say.” loved writing and right up until the day he Daddy met and made many friends died he was up to date on current affairs, playing sport. As a younger man he played M. B. Wedgewood (R 1922-27) family birthdays, Scotland and rugby, village cricket at Hildenborough, normally Michael Wedgewood was born in England and cricket and South Africa and batting at number 2 or 3 and sometimes Dumbarton in October 1909 and while her Springboks. He loved a delicious meal, getting a respectable score. For his fortieth living in Helensburgh attended Larchfield a good wine and of course Famous Grouse birthday the Board of KMP arranged a Prep School. He followed his father to every evening!

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Michael married Lora Workman in 1939. R. H. N. Williams (O 1941-45) England in 1958 to start a family, settling She died in 2001. He is survived by his Hugh Williams was a gentle, hardworking first in Ninfield, Sussex and then moving to children, Claire, Brian and Peter, six and humorous man with a great love of Bosham to create a Garden Centre of their grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. plants and nature. This dates back to his own, known as the French Gardens, which He was in his 102nd year when he died on childhood during World War II when he was very successful in its day. July 28th 2011. moved with his parents and brother John Hugh was a true gentleman in every from his bomb-damaged home in sense of the word. He had an inventive and J. H. G. Whitfield (SH 1936-41) Blackheath, London to his grandfather’s creative mind and had many diverse His son-in-law, Nicholas Pearson (Rt 1943- country house in Shropshire. There, with a interests, which included painting, drawing, 47) writes: year off school while his parents were writing, astronomy and natural history. He John Whitfield spent one term at Christ preoccupied with the War, the eleven-year- created many inventions ranging from a Church, Oxford after leaving Shrewsbury old Hugh explored his grandfather’s navigational route-marker and a camera before joining the Indian Army and serving magnificent old garden and the range-finder to a simple helicopter. He for the rest of the War in India and Burma. surrounding countryside. wrote numerous stories both long and short Demobilised with the rank of Captain, he He was educated at Dulwich College and and a book of humorous poetry. In 1988 his returned to Oxford to complete his Law Shrewsbury, and after National Service with book The Hamlyn Guide to Plant Selection degree. He was also in the Torpid crew the Fleet Air Arm studied Horticulture at was published in the UK and in America which finished Head of the River in 1948. Seale Hayne College in Devon. He worked and proved to be a bestseller. After Oxford he returned to India to work for in Nigeria for seven years as a tobacco Hugh’s wife Elspeth, their three children the Inchgape Group as Company Lawyer. buyer for the British American Tobacco Dawn, Helen and Jonathan and five He finally came back to England to work for Company, buying from the local villages grandchildren will always remember him for British Steel Piling. For the last thirteen and markets. He married Elspeth in 1952, his love, gentle manner and his great years of his working life he was Secretary to who joined him in Zaria and often humour. He will be very much missed. the Institute of Directors. He died on accompanied him in his travels all over the October 8th 2011. region. Hugh and Elspeth returned to

Richard Raven

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C OMING EVENTS 2012 ......

What You Will School Play (Royal College of Music, For further information, please contact the Old Salopian Office: London SW7) [email protected] or telephone 01743 280892 7th January By popular demand, this highly acclaimed School Play, which Connect to Old Salopian networks: won rave reviews at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe will perform twice on Sat 7th Jan, at 3pm and at 7.30pm. The venue is the fabulous Old Salopian website: www.osclub.org.uk Britten Theatre at the Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS. Tickets £16. E-mail Facebook – go to ‘careers advice’ page of the website and follow [email protected] the links to Facebook

Birmingham Dinner (St Paul’s Club) Linkedin – go to ‘careers advice’ page of the website and follow the 26th April links to Linkedin A black tie dinner in the heart of Birmingham, hosted by Richard Woodgate (Rt 1954-59), Birmingham area Regional Vice- If you have not used social networks before, follow the simple Chairman, in the lovely surroundings of the St Paul’s Club. instructions to join in both cases. The evening will include musical entertainment to accompany the first class fare. Maximum numbers 60, so book early through [email protected]

England vs. West Indies (Edgbaston, Birmingham – OS Box) 9th June The Birmingham Regional Committee has managed to secure an exciting day out on Sat 9th Jun at the England Test match against the West Indies. The event will provide 40 Old Salopians a private dining area, with balcony and seating at Edgbaston. All food and drink is provided on tap throughout the day at a cost of £125 per ticket – great value. Hurry to secure a place by emailing [email protected]

Henley Royal Regatta 27th June and 30th June This is the one of the highlights of the Social Calendar. It allows the School and the Sabrina Club to entertain at the HRR. The School will host the party on Wed 27th June and the Sabrina Club will do likewise on Sat 30th June.

Old Salopian Day (Shrewsbury School) September Although the date is still to be confirmed, this year’s event is expected to coincide with the Old Salopian footballers’ annual visit to the Schools. So expect a different format and a fun day out!

City Drinks (City of London Club) 29th November This year the event moves back into the City of London. The City of London Club is booked and eager to see Old Salopians return to this traditional venue on the last Thursday in November.

Christmas Drinks (Shrewsbury) 7th December The date given is still provisional, but the annual seasonal drinks event at Shrewsbury School will take place sometime during the first week of December. Guy Fawkes and Philip Sidney. Photo by Oliver Darrington (Ch)

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