Feature OP News Courting success — Queen’s Medal for Perseans at the Bar Sandhurst trainee

School News Obituary Perse smashes Tom Rosenthal (1953) records to win general Celebrating the life of knowledge crown polymath publisher

edition bequest Jeremy Taylor first Taylor Jeremy School News / Persean Books 12 04 A round up of the latest School News

OP News 08 Interesting news from our Old Perseans

Meet you at the bar 12 OPs making waves as barristers

Charity 16 Old Perseans making an impact

Obituaries 19 Celebrating the lives of Old Perseans

Past Events 23 Eating, drinking and merriment

On the 25th March, Founder’s Day, The Perse celebrated its 02 398th birthday. In Cambridge terms 398 not out is a fairly middling achievement, but by most standards nearly 400 years of successful operation is impressive. 16 In the years since 1615 we have been able to refine our educational offering which has stood the test of time. We should therefore be confident in asserting the value of a Perse education characterised by high academic standards, strong pastoral care, extra-curricular opportunities and breadth of pupil intake. With great age comes perspective. Whilst current politicians measure education by exam results, we know that the real value of education lies in how it prepares children for adult life. We are proud to teach above and beyond exam courses and give children the understanding and strength of character needed for success in the modern world. No school is perfect and in nearly 400 years of history The Perse has got some things wrong. However, longevity promotes self-confidence which in turn facilitates openness. As I frequently tell pupils it is important to learn from experiences, reflect and grow. Our 400th anniversary will be a wonderful opportunity to commemorate, celebrate, take stock and reflect. This commitment to continuous improvement should ensure our ongoing success.

Ed Elliot Headmaster Old Perseans / Summer 2014

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07 School News / Academic & Sport Breaking Records

The Perse broke all records with a magnificent points tally to claim the national Schools’ Challenge general knowledge crown. In this University Challenge equivalent for schools, captain Daniel Adamson (U6), Hugh Goddard (L6), Franklin Nelson and Pratap Singh (both Y10) faced a team from Hereford Cathedral School in the final and amassed twice the points of a worthy opponent, storming home with 1180 to 590. Hosted by The Perse, this was the first Senior national victory for the School, although Perse pupils won the Junior national title in 2011 and 2012. Daniel is CHEMISTRY a veteran of the competition, having competed for the School every year since COMPETITION Year 7. He praised his teammates and Mr Adrian Roberts, school organiser. Two teams of Perse chemistry Pratap Singh was also joint winner of the Trinity College Prize in this year’s students travelled to Rugby School National Cipher Challenge, an annual cryptographic competition run to take part in the annual Rugby by Southampton University School of Mathematics. His skill at breaking School chemistry competition and cryptograms published on the competition website earned him his share one of them, ‘Perse Permanganate’, of the prestigious prize, which was presented at Bletchley Park. won through to become quiz champions. The quiz comprised 10 tough rounds on general chemistry knowledge, where the students were tested on topics from ores and ‘BANKERS famous chemists to isomers and chemical boiling points. WHO

04 LOST INTEREST’

Vectors: where you are and where you are going

Fifty Year 12 physicists from The A competition aimed at giving 14- Perse, The Leys, Netherhall, Hills to-18-year-olds experience of the Road Sixth Form College and stock market saw The Perse School’s Parkside gathered in the School ‘Bankers Who Lost Interest’ team hall for the inaugural workshop give the lie to their name. for the Rutherford School Physics They won the online stage of the Partnership, entitled “Vectors: where competition by more than doubling you are and where you are going”. their £100,000 of virtual money PARTING IS SUCH Professor Mark Warner and Dr Lisa — a huge feat in itself as the FTSE SWEET SORROW Jardine-Wright, co-directors of the 100 Index declined by 3% over the project, gave an overview of vectors challenge period. Lent term ended with three sell-out in physics, deploying a tennis ball on The team progressed to the performances of Romeo and Juliet a string, an outsized rubber band, regional final — a quiz comprising by The Perse Players. It featured matches and chalk to demonstrate the current affairs, business news, modern dress and an innovative significance of vectors in everyday life. personal finance and economics set, in which a tiered central block It is intended that after a series of questions — and finished second, represented balcony, bed and tomb. pilot workshops the programme will putting them in the top eight schools The balcony scene between Juliet run nationwide, to complement the nationally. They will hope to go (Emma Broadhurst) and Romeo online resources available at one better in the forthcoming (Tom Harwood) — both Lower Sixth www.rutherford-physics.org.uk. It is all national final. — was particularly memorable, with aimed at inspiring students to study lighting and music enhancing physics and engineering at university. the ravishing performance. Old Perseans / Summer 2014 TERRIFIC TURNOUT FOR HOCKEY & NETBALL PURPLE ARMY DIGGING DEEP

In rugby sevens, the U18s won the Hard to believe the previous year’s factors to this and they should be Cambridge RFC Sevens competition School v OP Hockey games were congratulated on this impressive at Volac Park defeating teams cancelled on the day due to snow. achievement. With the School only drawn from across the UK. The Twelve months later the sun was being in its second year of full co- semi-finals saw The Perse face shining and there was a terrific education, this is a sign of exciting Hartpury College, a centre that turnout of players for both the hockey times ahead for netball and for girls’ effectively serves as the Gloucester and the girls’ netball matches. sport”, said Laura Broderick, Head of rugby academy. It was 19 – 19 at the In the hockey the OP 1st XI beat PE and Girls’ Games. final whistle, but the Purple Army Perse 1st XI 3 – 2. The OP 1st and 2nd There was a perfect result too for dug deep to take advantage of XIs drew 1 – 1 and finally OP 2nd XI the U15A boys’ hockey team, who the golden try rule in extra time. In and Perse 1st XI drew 1 – 1. finished the season with 10 wins out the final the School faced Moulton In the netball the School’s record- of 10. The U15Cs were not too far College A (essentially the academy breaking 1st VII beat OP 1st 23 – 6 behind them and remained unbeaten for Northampton Saints) and again and then won 15 – 4 against OP 2nd winning nine and drawing one of it was extremely hard-fought, but VII. Perse 2nd VII drew 7 – 7 with OP their 10 matches. The Perse ran out 12 – 10 victors. 1st and defeated OP 2nd 7 – 4. The U16 girls’ hockey team The 1st VII also put in some fine The Perse 1st VII have had their travelled to Staffordshire for their performances at the Rosslyn Park best ever season, winning all 10 of first appearance in National Finals National Sevens but a defeat by their matches to become County and as expected the tournament was 05 eventual finalists KCS Wimbledon Champions. They then lost by a of a very high standard. They lost brought their campaign to a close. single goal in the semi-final of the their first match 0 – 8 to the eventual National Schools Netball regional tournament winners, Cranleigh tournament. This was the furthest School, but bounced back with a Judo any Cambridgeshire school has gone 3 – 2 win against Clifton College. in the competition. A 0 – 2 defeat by Leeds Grammar Champion “Their hard work in training, their saw them finish third in their group commitment and strong team and equal 5th in the country overall. Robbie Hayes (Y9) has become ethic have been major contributing U14 Independent Schools National Champion in Judo and also finished second in the U14 National Schools Championships. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Winners at Roy Burrell Awards SQUAD

SAILING There were seven Perse winners Anthony Kattuman for hockey, among this year’s recipients of Michael Pepper for cricket, Imogen In sailing, Oscar Cubitt (Y9) has Roy Burrell Awards, which celebrate Wigdahl for netball and Taranne been selected for both the RS Tera excellence and sportsmanship Kendon for trampolining. National Intermediate Squad among Year 11 students Guests of honour at the and the Eastern Squad. in Cambridgeshire. ceremony were badminton Olympic Emily Fuller collected an award medallist Gail Emms and John Willis, for squash, Ciaran Flaherty for founder of the Power2Inspire charity. athletics, Adam Gough for triathlon, School News / Extra Curricular Four Groups Reach Final

Four groups of Perse pupils made it through to the Pro Corda National Forty two lectures Chamber Music Festival for Schools Final at the Birmingham Conservatoire. Of the 105 ensembles from across the country taking part in the semi-finals, Whilst the School’s 42 Lecture series only 27 groups progressed so it is a staggering achievement that four of these might not answer every question were from the Perse. The strength in depth of music at the School was also the galaxy throws up, it remains as much in evidence at the West Road Showcase Concert. far-ranging as ever. Recent speakers have tackled subjects as diverse as George Harliono-Evans (Y8) came second in the International Young Artist Bluetooth, neurosurgery and dance Piano Concerto Competition, in Chicago, competing against pianists up to in Afghanistan. 20 years old and hailing from renowned music colleges such as Julliard, Audiences have learned How the Princeton and the Liszt School of Music Weimar. His finale piece was Liszt’s Roman gods can predict their future Piano Concerto No.1, conducted by Francesco Millioto, and he has been invited and about Decoding the DNA in their back to perform a solo recital later this year. genome. Baron Tebbit, politician and Telegraph blogger, delighted in provoking debate. Pupils challenged him on everything from UKIP to 06 gay marriage and mostly survived “SOME unscathed. Baron Williams of THINGS Oystermouth, former Archbishop of Canterbury, took a gentler approach ARE MORE in exploring connections between religion and creativity. IMPORTANT THAN PUPILS TRY SCHOOL JAPANESE-STYLE PERIOD The Easter break saw a raft of trips SIX” taking place, with pupils venturing as far as Boston for a science-filled excursion. One group travelled to Japan to visit our partner school, Head Ed Elliott’s agreement that a Mukonoso Sogo High School, near talk by Holocaust-survivor Zdenka Kobe, and another visited the Laura Barraclough (Y7), the BBC Fantlova could go on after the Sewickley Academy in Pittsburgh for Young Chorister of the Year 2013, bell had rung was greeted with our annual school exchange. Other performed live on Radio 2’s Friday enthusiastic applause by the pupils, destinations included the Bay of Night is Music Night. The orchestra staff and visitors alike who had taken Naples to take in the classical sites was led by Charles Mutter, who every available space in the Perse and Normandy to learn about the visited the School recently to coach lecture theatre to hear her speak. D-Day landings. our string quartets. Laura sang The 92-year-old, whose memoir, Closer to home, pupils enjoyed “When Somebody Loved Me” from The Tin Ring, is dedicated to the an Outdoor Pursuits trip to the the film,Toy Story. She said, “I was unknown British soldier who Norfolk Broads, whilst our Sixth Form really nervous waiting in the corridor ultimately saved her life, held her geographers headed to Yorkshire to go on stage, but it was exciting audience spellbound as she delivered and our Climbing Club scaled rocks once I started singing.” the annual Josef Behrmann lecture. in Devon. Old Perseans / Summer 2014

Persean Books

THE SCHOOL IS EMBARKING ON AN EXCITING VENTURE TO CATALOGUE, ACQUIRE AND EXHIBIT THE MANY AND VARIED WRITTEN WORKS OF PERSEANS AS PART 07 OF ITS 400TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN 2015/16.

The Perse possesses a number of works already by OP Jeremy Taylor, 367 years after it was published, and a small exhibition of some of them is now which has been generously left to the School by the displayed in the foyer of the Barry Room. They late Alban Reade OP (see obituary p22). include well known works, for example, by or on Perse archivist David Jones is now working Mel Calman, Spike Hughes, Humphrey Jennings, on a new Perse history marking the School’s 400th FR Leavis, WHD Rouse and William Wilkins. anniversary. He would like to hear from anyone with Even the current small collection covers a vast recollections of the following: range of subjects — reflecting the wonderful variety of Perseans — and spans many ages, but it is a long • Porters/caretakers – Norton and Harvey way from being complete. (1934 – 47) and Morgan (1947 – 55) The plan to build and display a proper • The Wagstaff family: grounds staff of the collection that shows the full range of Perse scholarship 1930s onwards and interests, and records the breadth and depth • Perse School secretaries from 1934 • Boxing — specifically, when did it end? of Perseans’ achievements — both as a celebration • PE under Ferdie Finch: the type of activities and to inspire future generations — seemed to • Boarding: did GM Macfarlane-Grieve take strike a chord with OPs who attended the recent in boarders in the 1920s? 1950s reunion dinner at the School. One immediate consequence of the dinner is that three OPs have already kindly promised or presented to us copies We would be delighted to be told of Persean of their works. publications that you think we may not Within a few days of the occasion, and with be aware of, and very delighted indeed to wonderful timing, we received out of the blue a 1647 receive contributions of books to first edition ofA Discourse of the Liberty of Prophesying the collection [email protected] OP News

08 OP News Old Perseans / Summer 2014

The Perse’s own Ivo Dawkins (2012) was Cambridge’s third man for the 160th Boat Race. An engineering student at Caius, Ivo said before the event: “It’s a real privilege to be rowing in the blue boat. The last six months of training have been tough, so we’re really looking forward to putting everything into practice on race day.” Sadly, it wasn’t to be a light blue year — Oxford powered to their fifth victory in seven years, forging ahead after one of the Cambridge crew almost fell into the water following a clash of oars.

OP Alex Goy (2004) has been named Broadcast Journalist of the Year at the Headline Auto Awards for his work at the newly-launched “It was XCAR.com. Praising his team, he described his win as an utterly “an utterly wonderful surprise. I was expecting to lose out to any of my fellow nominees as they’re all brilliant examples of how to stand in front of wonderful a camera and talk about cars. That may sound 09 a little blasé, but it’s essentially what we do.” surprise.” You can see Alex in action at XCAR.com and YouTube.com/XCARfilms, or follow Alex Goy him on Twitter @A1GOY.

Peter Stoakley (1962) celebrated reaching terra firma successfully following a 70th birthday parachute dive by tucking into a grand full English breakfast. Peter’s dive raised around £2,600 for St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester, a total boosted thanks to the local Brasserie Blanc which created a series of special desserts in his honour and donated a pound for each one sold.

See what his older brother Roger has been up to on page 16 (Charity feature). OP News

After more than 14 hours’ striving, Victoria Arscott (1999) was ushered down the finishing chute by marshals of Ironman South Africa, with the commentary blaring, “Victoria you are an Ironman”. “It has been my biggest challenge to date; it hurt a lot, but this was as much a mental challenge as a physical one. I really had to dig deep to get to that finish line. I’m super proud that I’ve achieved what I set out to do and that I’ve raised over $5000 for Médecins sans Frontières”, she said.

The Friends of Perse Choir is recruiting and OPs are more than welcome to join. Together with the School’s student chorus, the choir performs three times a year: in November as part of the OPs are School’s Michaelmas Term concert at Emmanuel URC church, in December in the Senior carol more than service, and in late May at a concerto and choral concert in OLEM church on Hills Road. welcome Participants are usually asked to attend one or two rehearsals before each performance, held on 10 to join. Saturday mornings.

If you would like more information The Friends of about membership of this friendly, The Perse Choir informal choir (no audition required), please get in touch with Ben Wingfield, Head of Extra Curricular Music via [email protected]

The Rodney XI is a cricket team made up predominately of Old Perseans. It’s a friendly side looking to recruit new players of all ages and ability for around eight very good-natured fixtures a year, mainly in London — but at least one a year back in Cambridge. The team has been largely made up of OPs of the 1997 vintage although it has also widened the net to include other years and even some current pupils. As well as the fixtures, the Rodney XI has nets at the Oval in springtime. Contact Nick Harrison (1997) for details [email protected] Old Perseans / Summer 2014

An Old Persean has won The Queen’s Medal at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for gaining the highest score in military, practical and academic subjects over the arduous 44-week training course. Set on an Army career from his days in the CCF at The Perse,Richard Whittle (2007) secured his place at Sandhurst when he was 16. He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge, with an MEng, having received an Army bursary during his four years there. During his third year, Richard passed the P Coy Army Reserve Pre-Parachute Selection, and in his final year he joined the 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (4PARA) as a Second Lieutenant. During that year Richard volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan, and so postponed his year at Sandhurst. He was promoted to Lieutenant in the TA during the tour. Richard then joined the British Army 11 and took up his place at the RMA. He was awarded the Queen’s Medal by Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank at the 173rd Sovereign’s Parade.

As the man trusted to stop the rot on many of the nation’s most iconic structures, OP David Deacon (1954) has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Institute of Corrosion. As a coatings expert, David has surveyed and advised on how best to protect STOP a vast range of structures, including the Forth Rail and Road Bridges in Scotland, the Thames THE Barrier, Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, and the London Eye. His remit has extended to ROT encompass off-shore oil and wind turbine platforms, plus many major pipelines. He said he hoped his story might be “an encouragement for others to get on in their chosen career, without going straight to University and getting a degree!” Feature

Meet you at the bar OPs making waves as barristers

Michael Pooles QC 12 1974

The Perse of the late When I left The Perse in 1974 I did not 1960s and early 1970s intend to be a barrister. I read Law, an idea that had been planted by Mr Shannon in shared with the present what was, I think, one of the first Career generation of Perseans Sessions held at the School. His suggestion a quality of academic was somewhat light-hearted and related excellence. to an absence of “straight answers” to a brief questionnaire. I had not thought beyond graduation. In contrast to the single-minded Ask any of my generation of Old ambition that seems to be essential for Perseans about the particular contribution young people nowadays, ending up at the of The Perse to their careers and those of Bar was somewhat accidental in my case. us who have engaged in any element of It is impossible to overstate how fortunate public speaking or presentation will be I was. likely to refer immediately to Speeches, the I have enjoyed my 35 years of regular presentations we each had to make practice enormously. When I started at to the rest of the class in The Mummery the Bar most of us were, to a greater or on the subject of our choice. I could still lesser extent, generalists. Nowadays that is deliver, at short notice, a brief exposition rare but specialising as I do in professional upon D-Day or upon The Motor Industry negligence, and in particular the mistakes in Britain. The ability to speak clearly, of lawyers, I remain a generalist behind a concisely and with the avoidance of Plague veneer of specialisation because I deal with Words was engendered in those sessions by mistakes in most of the areas in which Messrs Langlands and Rowlandson and I lawyers practice. remain grateful to them. Addressing the Old Perseans / Summer 2014

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House of Lords or the Supreme Court, as it financial disputes, many of which involve now is, is a not dissimilar experience. issues concerning non-disclosure, off-shore The Perse of the late 1960s and early companies, non-matrimonial property, 1970s shared with the present generation of foreign property and trusts outside the Perseans a quality of academic excellence. jurisdiction. I also undertake private law For those of us who propped up the bottom children’s work, from contact disputes half of the class, that could sometimes to applications for leave to remove from be mildly demoralising. However, on the jurisdiction. On a day-to-day basis departure from The Perse and arrival in the I’m usually either in court or in chambers outside world it was a revelation to find preparing cases or writing advices. The that distinctly “average” performance at main highlight of the job is definitely The Perse would still equate to high levels being in court and getting a good result for of achievement in the outside world. For a client. that and for so much else I will always I am so grateful to The Perse for be grateful. providing me with such an excellent footing from which I have been able to pursue my career of choice, one with which I am very happy.

Rosa Abulafia 2005

Laurie West-Knights QC I attended The Perse between 2003 and 1970 14 2005 for sixth form and had a fantastic time. During my time at the School I was clear in my mind that I wanted to pursue I am a practising QC. By chance, I am a career at the Bar. I was attracted to the in the same set as Michael Pooles QC. intellectual challenge of forming and Two things made me want to advocating arguments. The Perse certainly practise at the Bar, though the former was helped ferment my view that I wanted to slow-burning. The first was the wonderful be a barrister and gave me an exceptional Mummery system of teaching English foundation with which to pursue my career. Literature, now long-abandoned, sadly. I am indebted to all of my teachers who Each form had the use of a theatre taught me at A level, who encouraged us all classroom and in alternate periods put to think independently and not shy away on parts of a Shakespeare play. It brought from putting forward our views. the text completely alive. I doubt that After graduating in Modern many missed an A grade. The second was History from Oriel College, Oxford, I the books by Henry Cecil (pseudonym of undertook the Graduate Diploma in Law a Circuit Judge). I did not finally decide at City University. This was a one-year law until I changed to Law in my second year conversion course which was specifically at Cambridge, though the seeds were designed for those pursuing a career at the undoubtedly sown by my time as Master Bar. I then completed the Bar Professional of Revels of the Swan Theatre. Training Course before being called to the Initially I specialised in criminal Bar and starting pupillage. law; first simple crime, then more serious I have now been a tenant at 36 crime. Gradually I tended towards more Bedford Row for a year and a half and have civil law until after 10 years — a quarter been enjoying it enormously. I specialise in of a century ago now — I stopped criminal matrimonial finance and divorce, as well work altogether; the two strands are hard as dealing with co-habitation disputes. I to combine for practical reasons. To this am instructed in cases involving complex day my ability to cross-examine and deal Old Perseans / Summer 2014

“The Mummery system of teaching English made us articulate and confident public speakers and the School fostered an atmosphere of academic excellence within which critical thinking was encouraged.”

with nasty surprises with a straight face that decision. The Mummery system of remains grounded in the magistrates’ and teaching English made us articulate and Crown Courts era. confident public speakers and the School I now do mostly commercial work fostered an atmosphere of academic as a QC, and have for the past 20 years also excellence within which critical thinking sat as a part-time civil and criminal judge was encouraged. Throughout my time at (Recorder). I absolutely enjoy the latter, The Perse, but particularly in the sixth partly because of its complete contrast form, all of my teachers were willing to be with my practice and partly because of the challenged and to engage in debate. interface with a wholly different facet of My actual experience of the Bar human life. Finding myself as the Judge in before I left school was limited to a a Crown Court still fills me with a sense of careers day spent with a local barrister in 15 great responsibility, and there is never any Cambridge Crown Court. Two aspects shortage of unexpected events to deal with of that day have stuck in my mind: the — on top of the detailed and instinctive three bright green Kawasaki motorbikes knowledge of criminal law and procedure in court which the Defendant was alleged required. The complexity of the criminal to have stolen and the long lunch in the law has grown out of recognition, as have Blue Boar during which I was advised the requirements for sentencing. on no account to read law at university. Would I make the same decision Following that advice, I read philosophy today? Probably not. But such is life. and linguistics at Cambridge and was very However, I have The Perse to thank for a glad that I did as I watched my friends have rounded and stimulating education. nervous breakdowns over the finer points of constructive trusts. I have now been at the Bar for 13 years. After some early forays into crime (a low point being a prosecution for the theft of 101 portaloos), I now specialise in clinical and other professional negligence and costs law. My practice is a varied one — I can be dealing with osteotomies one Jamie Carpenter day and oligarchs the next — with a good 1994 mixture of court work and paperwork. I joined my current Chambers in 2005. By the time I left The Perse in 1994 I knew Knowing that the Head of Chambers and that I wanted to be a barrister. At the time another QC were both Old Perseans, I it felt like a calling. Looking back now, I made sure that I wore my OP cufflinks to put it down to a love of argument and — the interview. just possibly — the sound of my own voice. I am sure my time at The Perse influenced Feature Charity

The motivations of Old Lturungen caused a stir — An Perseans to commit themselves in his warrior clothes but he wholeheartedly to charitable had charisma. With good accidental endeavour are as diverse as English, he was able to speak the OPs themselves. at local schools and donations meeting Three men who have risen to followed. He returned to Kenya the challenge are Roger Stoakley with enough money to pay which left (1954), a retired county librarian, for half the costs of a teacher Mark Lello (1979), managing training course. Now, 20 years them with no partner of a law firm, and Ed later, Lturungen is a respected Walker (1994), CEO of Hope headmaster of a school of nearly option but to into Action; the causes that 1,000 children. do something, inspire them are educating poor The fund the Stoakleys set 16 children in Africa, sail training for up provides education, urgent an extension youngsters and providing decent medical treatment and food for homes for ex-offenders and the seriously malnourished. of a personal drug addicts. “As I am now well into my Roger Stoakley’s decades of seventies, our involvement in passion effort to educate some of Africa’s Kenya is coming to an end as most destitute youngsters began we hand over to some of the to make it with a visit to Kenya. He and his youngsters whom we have wife, Aase-Marie, met Lturungen, helped and who will carry on this available to a young man from the Samburu work,” said Roger. people — one of the few Mark Lello has been those who remaining nomadic warrior tribes associated with the Rona Sailing in Africa. He was a burden to his Project off and on since 1983. would benefit, people because he was lame and A sail training organisation, it had been sent away from the takes approximately 2,000 young a faith-based tribe to attend boarding school. people to sea each year on week- “He had just finished his long voyages (not cruises!) along dedication school leaving exams when we the south coast and across to met him. He had nowhere to France and the Channel Islands. to service… live. Because of his lameness he Currently a Mate on the was not suited to a nomadic life, project, Mark’s duties typically there are no jobs in the semi- see him helping run a 70-foot desert where he came from and ketch along with up to five other he could not move to another adults with crews of eighteen part of Kenya because of tribal rivalries. So we brought him to Continued England to try to work out a This article is continued future for him.” on page 18. Old Perseans / Summer 2014 Charity

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or so young people who generally poverty. But he was struck by have never sailed before. Safety the shortcomings of hostels and is paramount; however, the angry that the churches weren’t afterguard (officers) like Mark are doing more. experience encouraged to let the trainees He said he’d always had a carry out all duties on board. Christian faith though he had is always So they are shown how to coil kept it fairly quiet in his school ropes, helm and even navigate days. “I’d go to church group on valuable for (alongside a qualified navigator). Friday night then go out with He said: “The experience is the lads and get plastered on the trainees always valuable for the trainees Saturday night. It took me a while and often and often enables them to to marry the two really. I guess develop themselves and in it grew.” enables them extreme cases change their With the full backing of his lives significantly for the better. wife Rachel, he founded Hope to develop Amazingly, something like 60 into Action which galvanises the per cent of the skippers were Church to house the vulnerable. themselves 18 themselves once trainees, which To date they have 18 houses, shows how much they gained located from Norwich to and in from the project and continue to Nottingham. value it.” The charity aims to give extreme “I kind of knew I didn’t want homeless and vulnerable people, to go into the City”, OP Ed former drug users and those cases change Walker recalls, thinking back leaving prison a home rather to his time at university, where than a bed in a hostel. Clients live their lives he studied geography. Instead in ordinary houses on ordinary he joined Tear Fund’s Disaster streets and get both a bedroom significantly Response team and “struck and a sitting room, allowing them lucky” being sent out to Burundi. to entertain friends and for the better. “It was sink or swim but I ended family members. up loving it!” “We are now in seven cities … He worked his way up to The idea is to franchise it out. become a Programme Director, We have the know-how here now with a £5m budget and staff of and we sell it. By 2020 we want 400 in a war zone. “When I was to be established in 20 towns. 30 I chaired a meeting with all 15 I want to see every church doing members of the Security Council. it: a home for the homeless in When I was 31 I chaired a meeting every community.” with 14 ambassadors, including the American, French and British. It was a crazy situation.” Back in the UK he worked as More online Director of YMCA Client Services Read Roger, Mark for three years, dealing with and Ed’s stories in full emotional, rather than physical, www.perse.co.uk/oldperseans Old Perseans / Summer 2014 Obituaries

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TOM ROSENTHAL 1953

From The Daily Telegraph, 23rd January 2014 Thomas Gabriel Rosenthal was born in Tom Rosenthal, who has died aged 78, was one London in 1935. His parents were refugees from of the most eminent publishers of his generation, Nazi Germany. They first settled in Manchester, but successively directing the fortunes of Secker & Tom and his sister Miriam spent their adolescence Warburg, William Heinemann and André Deutsch. in Cambridge, where his father became a Fellow of He was also an art historian, broadcaster, Pembroke College. bibliophile, opera buff, literary critic and all-round Tom attended The Perse School, where he cultural connoisseur. Moreover, he looked the part: excelled at English and drama. He was early bitten his cigars, red shirts, yellow polka dot bow-ties, by the collecting bug, accumulating a hoard of imperious beard and high brow (in both senses of matchbox labels and bicycling from Cambridge to the term) giving him an unmistakable profile on the London to attend meetings of the Phillumenists’ intellectual scene. Society. During his National Service he gained a Although his final years were dogged by commission in the Royal Artillery. The Army helped ill health, Rosenthal was active to the end. In his to make him, as he sardonically put it, “a sort of seventieth year he gained a PhD on the strength crypto-Englishman who can pass for white, but at of his books about Jack Yeats, Sidney Nolan, Paula heart, deep down, I have always known myself to be

Picture: Nigel Sutton Picture: Rego and Josef Albers. nothing other than a German-Jewish intellectual.” Obituaries

Bailey, Roger Cyril (1944), died 4th January 2014, aged 85 years ‘ERIC’

Bridges, Julian Roy (1976), GRANT died 6th February 2014, aged 56 years 1939 Buck, Harry Grant (1939), died 17th November 2013, aged 92 years Mrs Linda Grant writes William Frederick ‘Eric’ Grant was born in Leeds in Clarke, John Walter (1942), 1923. He moved to Cambridge at six with parents died 23rd August 2013, aged 87 years William and Ellen, and younger brother Ian, when his father got promotion on the London North Eastern Clee, John Geoffrey (1949), Railway. He attended St Philip’s School and then died 30th July 2013, aged 83 years obtained a scholarship to The Perse.

Dollman, Alexander Francis (1938), died 10th October 2013, aged 93 years The others took Gladman, Donald Edward (1942, one term only), died 30th January 2013, aged 81 years a bottle of pop to drink; he always took Islip, Peter John (1953), died 18th January 2014, aged 78 years a flask of tea.

Lane, David William Eric (1946), died 20th August, 2013 aged 85 years 20

Larque , Michael John Digby (left 1940), Whilst at The Perse, he formed the Swallow Club died 22nd May 2012, aged 85 years with five other pupils, cycling around various areas of Cambridgeshire in the holidays. The others took a bottle Scott, David Michael (1940), of pop to drink; he always took a flask of tea. died 1st July 2013, aged 88 years From 1939 to 1941 he worked in the parcels office at Cambridge Station and from 1941 to 1942 Smith, Gerald Carlisle (1946), studied history at Fitzwilliam House, Cambridge, which died 18th September 2013, aged 84 years later became Fitzwilliam College. In 1942 he was called up while leading a Children’s Special Service Mission Stuart, Colin (1947), in Newquay. died 23rd January 2014, aged 83 years Eric joined the Royal Engineers and spent time in India. After the war he resumed his studies Tupling, Audley Michael (1944), at Fitzwilliam House, being awarded his BA in 1948 died 27th July 2013, aged 86 years. and his MA and Cambridge University Certificate of Education in 1950. Williams, Geoffrey Charles Dennis(1946), Following studies at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, died 18th May 2013, aged 84 years from 1951 to 1953 he was ordained first a deacon and then a priest. Eric served as a curate and later a vicar in Islington. From 1960 to 1982 he was Head of RE at Therfield School, Surrey. In retirement, Eric worked part-time as chaplain to Box Hill School and had permission to officiate in the Guildford More online and Southwark dioceses. This list was accurate when we went to print. Obituaries may be read in full on the website www.perse.co.uk/oldperseans Old Perseans / Summer 2014

MAURICE MIKE REYNOLDS BIGGS 1940 1945

Written by Chris Elliott, Cambridge News Peter Armitstead (1946) writes Maurice Reynolds was a much-loved character in Michael George Biggs, known as Mike, attended the city, known for his charitable work, including the Perse Prep and the Senior School, leaving in supporting Headway, the organisation for people 1945. He distinguished himself, as did his younger recovering from brain injuries. brother, Peter, as a rangy forward in the 1st XV. Born in 1924, the eldest of three brothers, Mike then went on to Loughborough College, he won the top prize for French in his first year as it then was, to study horticulture. at The Perse. After The Perse he joined Lloyds Bank in Sidney Street. Too young to be called up, he became a member of the city’s air raid precaution (ARP) team and also joined the Home Guard. In 1942 he In earlier times Mike joined the Army and he saw action in Normandy, had been a regular Belgium and Germany. player for the Old Persean Rugby Club.

“I’ve yet to meet a more dependable, 21 Following National Service, he joined truthful, nicer person the family business of Biggs and Sons, wholesale than my old bro.” merchants and florists, which had been founded by his father on his return from the First World War. After their father’s untimely death the two brothers took charge of the family business — Peter taking charge of retail and Mike wholesale matters. The Back in Cambridge after demob, he joined wholesale side served colleges, hotels and restaurants Renbro, his family’s well-established radio and and became one of the largest wholesale businesses television company, as its accountant — and when in Cambridge. their father retired, Maurice and younger brother Mike and his wife Marjorie had three Colin (1946) took over joint responsibility for children. They were a devoted family and their long running the business. marriage was much blessed, even though it had In 1972, despite already having three teenage its tragedies. children, Maurice and his wife Margaret decided to Mike was a committed mason and held high foster — and in the next 18 years, they gave a foster office in his lodge; he was also an enthusiastic bridge home to 15 youngsters. player. The Perse was important to him throughout Five years ago, Maurice was given a lifetime his adult life and he regularly attended School achievement award by Headway in thanks for his functions. In earlier times Mike had been a regular work over two decades. player for the Old Persean Rugby Club. Colin said: “When we were in business There was a strong vein of nostalgia in Mike together he was my rock, and I’ve yet to meet a and he particularly relished many experiences more dependable, truthful, nicer person than from his years as an adolescent and young adult. my old bro.” The friendships he made in that period remained important to him.

Obituaries

PETER JOHN ALBAN SCARISBRICK READE 1969 1965

Chris Scarisbrick (1967) submitted this obituary Mrs Erika Cruttwell Reade writes of his brother. Peter moved with his family to We spent 10 years producing, performing and Cambridge in 1957 when his father was appointed touring puppet shows in Britain, Italy and Spain. Headmaster of the new Cambridge Grammar It was a magical time — though sometimes fraught School for Boys. He secured a local authority with tensions — and Alban was at his happiest in scholarship to The Perse, where his academic that independent world. achievements were of the highest order. Peter was awarded School Colours in cricket, hockey and athletics. His bowling figures included eight wickets for four runs on one occasion, and two hat-tricks. He was twice School Great joy came to Alban’s discus champion. He also acted in Perse Players life with the birth of his productions, and, while still a schoolboy, was cast in the combined Oxford and Cambridge production children, Ninfea and of As You Like It. Hereward, and he took

a real interest in their lives.

22 Training at The Middlesex Hospital, he continued to In his subsequent professional life, though slightly hidebound by the formalities of achieve academic success, bureaucracy, he became an inspirational teacher, winning prizes in and many students appreciated his unique style. Great joy came to Alban’s life with the birth Pharmacology and Anatomy. of his children, Ninfea and Hereward, and he took a real interest in their lives. As they grew older they began to realise that they had quite an intriguing parent. Training at The Middlesex Hospital, he The breadth of his knowledge and interests continued to achieve academic success, winning was exceptional, and a constant source of surprise prizes in Pharmacology and Anatomy. In 1978 he to them. His natural elegance and style ensured that embarked on two years of travel to Australia, South there was no question of blending into the crowd. Africa, Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea. Working It seemed as if he felt his time on earth was his passage as a locum GP, he encountered many an exciting opportunity to engage with all sorts of examples of medical problems never seen in the west, people. Even at the end of his life, the presence of including a case of Kuru in Papua New Guinea. a night nurse was an opportunity to find out where Peter practised as a GP for the next 30 years they came from and to compare experiences. and he was an inspirational GP trainer. His two Alban had many impressive qualities and lifelong passions were nature and angling. none more so than the spirit with which he endured Early in 2012 Peter was diagnosed with a his illness: not only stoicism, but a tenacious grip brain tumour. He knew from the outset that his on aspects of life that absorbed him. prognosis was poor, and he resolved that he would pack as much as he could in to his final months. Best of all, he walked his daughter Katherine up the aisle at her wedding.

Old Perseans / Summer 2014

SPORTS DINNER

Past There was as much good-natured banter as you might have expected when Old Perseans who had played rugby, cricket and hockey for the School years — if not decades — before Events gathered for the first Perse Sports Dinner. Glory days on the field were relived and ignominious episodes recalled … and a great time was had by all. The event took place in the main hall at the Upper and the dinner included a few nods to Burns Night — including the Selkirk Grace. Highlight of the event was a Q&A session with John Steele (1982), whose varied career as Army officer, professional rugby player and coach and administrator at sport’s highest level allowed him to give a privileged insight into the workings of the RFU, UK Sport and the Youth Sport Trust.

“Glory days on the field were relived and REUNION DINNER RICK FREE FOR LEAVERS REUNION ignominious episodes OF 1954 – 58 recalled … and a great 23 A dozen members of the Former school friends — 1955 – 56 Lower Sixth time was had by all.” who in some cases had reunited for a lunch at the not been in contact for 60 Oxford & Cambridge Club. years — were reunited at Organiser Rick Free (1956) an OP Reunion Dinner for said, “We again had the Leavers of 1954 – 58. The pleasure of the company nostalgia was leavened of Keith Symons, who had with laughter as gentlemen been a form master to in their 70s scanned the us when we all started at faces of those in the room the Upper in 1950; he is to match up guests with now approaching his 90th the names they recognised birthday, with hopefully from decades before. many more to come!” Laurence O’Toole (1955) The other participants travelled from Paris for the (pictured right) were: dinner and Tom Bussmann Graham Cooper, Alan (1956) flew in from South Weeds, Tony Plumridge, Africa. Several guests David Buscall, David Earl, brought mementos of their David Tomlinson, Terry THE COUNTING time at The Perse. It was a Elsden, Geoff Pinfold, HOUSE 1991 REUNION very happy occasion and Barry McConnell and Bryan the School is now looking Anstee. Alan Weeds made Leavers of 1991 got together at The Counting forward to the Reunion of a short speech during the House pub in London to discuss where the 1974 – 78 Leavers on meal, in which he praised last 23 years have gone. The happy band 10th May. the School for all the comprised Gerald Chong, Avi Shown-Keen, opportunities it had given John Motts, Chris Walsh, Angus Crane, Tony the group. Patman, Chris Heffer and Angus Fletcher.

OP Reunion Dinners Benefactors’ Lunch 2014/15 1959 — 1963 Saturday 6th Sept 2014 2014/15 1979 — 1983 12.30pm, The Perse. 2015/16 1964 — 1968 2015/16 1984 — 1988 Girls’ Drinks 2016/17 1969 — 1973 Saturday 20th Sept 2014 2016/17 1989 — 1993 Late afternoon/early evening 2017/18 1949 — 1953 Further details to follow. 2017/18 1994 — 1998 The Perse in Scotland OP Reunion Dinner Saturday 11th Oct 2014 Saturday 10th May 2014 12.30pm, The Corinthian 6.45pm for 7.30pm Club, Glasgow. Open to all. (School tours from 6pm.) The Perse. Open to all OPs The Perse in London Dinner from Classes of 1974 – 78 Wednesday 3rd Dec 2014 RAC Club, London. The Perse in London Further details to follow. Drinks Reception Thursday 22nd May 2014 6.30pm — 9.30pm For more information

Royal College of Physicians, on our events please visit

London. Open to all. perse.co.uk/oldperseans/ events or contact the OP Cricket Match Alumni & Development Wednesday 25th June 2014 Office by telephone on Play begins at 12.30pm, 01223 403 808 or e-mail The Perse. Open to all. [email protected] The Perse School, Hills Road, School, Hills Road, Perse The is a registered charity no. 1120654 charity no. is a registered of Jeremy Taylor OP: By permission of the Masters of the Masters permission OP: By Taylor of Jeremy Cambridge, CB2 8QF. Tel: 01223 403 808. 808. 403 01223 Tel: CB2 8QF. Cambridge, The Perse School Perse The [email protected] www.perse.co.uk/oldperseans [email protected] and Fellows of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and Caius College, of Gonville and Fellows Alumni & Development Office, Alumni & Development Cover image Cover

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