BROMSGROVIANS connected ’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 2014/15

Chairman’s Welcome

Welcome to Bromsgrovians Connected, the new magazine for Old Bromsgrovians. It’s designed to provide news about OBs, young and old, and information about achievements and upcoming events. We have chosen, as our logo, the martlet, which is the small bird on the School crest. In heraldry, Future Old Bromsgrovians: The Heads of School 2014/15 with the Headmaster, Peter Clague the martlet signified someone who had to make their own way in the world through hard work The first word... and perseverance. The modern What a privilege; the first word of the To compensate, I am currently interpretation is of a ‘constant first edition of this wonderful new working on a strategy to enhance the quest for knowledge learning magazine for Old Bromsgrovians. I have School’s collection and display of its and adventure’. Both of these had the great pleasure of speaking with memorabilia and to ensure that we are great descriptions of today’s many alumni since I took up the post of capture and preserve the stories of Bromsgrovians who, you’ll see, are Headmaster in September. For those I those who have passed through this pursuing their dreams all around haven’t yet met, that’s me in the photo great School. Most of those tales and the world. And the martlet bird has above – for once, I’m the short bloke! items associated with School life come further links to the School - our OB from Old Bromsgrovians, so I relish the cricket club was formerley called Amongst the myriad of challenges opportunity to meet many more of you that face any new Headmaster is the in the years to come. The Martlets. need to quickly become conversant with the School’s history. In the case I hope you enjoy reading about your of Bromsgrove’s five centuries, that’s PETER CLAGUE contemporaries, and those from quite a task. Fortunately I have had HEADMASTER outside your own time, and will send the great benefit of being tutored by us your news. the redoubtable Deputy Headmaster, whose knowledge of the School’s past HANS ROSTRUP is encyclopedic. However, as you may CHAIRMAN be aware, Mr Bowen will retire in June after 34 years of loyal service. At which An extended version of The Chairman’s stage, I shall be on my own. Welcome is available online at www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

IN THISTHIS ISSUE: ISSUE: The The year year in photographs… in photographs… The Theinside inside story… story… News About from your you… era… A Level, IB, BTEC and GCSE Pupils celebrated their superb exam results over Picture This… the Summer. 87% A*, A & B at A level, 38 point average for IB and 88% A* to B A LOOK BACK AT THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2013/14. at GCSE.

School For Scandal was the School’s major production of the year. The same play was performed by pupils in 1926, when the cast was decided by committee!

We were delighted to welcome back so many Old Bromsgrovians Remembrance Day 2013 was a and Friends of the School to poignant reminder of what sacrifices Commemoration Day this year. Old Bromsgrovians had made during Particularly special as it was the war years. At Pre-Prep, pupils outgoing Headmaster, Chris commemorated former pupils with a Edwards’ final ‘Commem’ after ten years of dedicated service. poppy, each inscribed with a fallen The dining room, opened in 1964, is currently undergoing soldier’s name. a refurbishment programme which will see a complete transformation of the whole building. Once completed our new Dining Hall will rival the best in the nation.

Housman Hall has undergone a complete transformation throughout 2013/14, with the official re-opening of the House taking place in November 2014. You can see in the photograph opposite that it is almost unrecognisable from how it looked just 12 months ago. The Matthew Taylor Observatory was officially opened on Our Day Houses are now scheduled 29th June 2014. Matthew Taylor generously funded the to undergo a refurbishment Observatory for the benefit of pupils at the School. programme, ensuring that they match the very high standard of accommodation offered in the boarding houses. Handel’s Messiah was the Choral Society’s major performance of the year, performed in Routh Hall.

Bromsgrove School partnered Launched in 2014, to coincide with the with the Bromsgrove 100th Anniversary of the Great War, International Young Musicians’ Mr Bowen’s Book and Presentation ‘A Competition (BIYMC), where History of at War they held their four-day 1914-1919’ proved to be an instant hit. competition in Routh Hall. New performing initiatives began, such as the Sixth Form Recital and Informal Concert Picture This… Series in the Old Chapel. EXTRA-CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2013/14.

As 2nd Deputy Head (Co-Curricula), Paul Mullan is responsible for the extra-curricular activities that occur at Bromsgrove School. Here, he gives you Thirty-eight pupils have received their Gold Duke some highlights from the 2013/14 of Edinburgh Award since September 2013, with academic year. a further seventy-seven gaining Silver and 149 awarded Bronze.

The U18 girls finished 4th in the indoor Our Chapel Choir sang Evensong at hockey National Finals. Bromsgrove is proud to Gloucester Cathedral and the Chamber regularly host National Finals and competitions in Choir took an overnight trip to St David’s. the Arena.

The School was delighted to host Colonel Bob Carruthers OBE and his team, who conducted our Biennial Review, the CCF “Outside of the classroom equivalent of an Ofsted inspection. pupils take enriching 160 pupils undertake Bromsgrove Service every week, and they have access to a wide variety of voluntary opportunities seriously” activities from charity shop helpers, language learning mentors, support mentors for international pupils, gaining Sports Leader awards and Pupils continue to successfully achieve working alongside SEN pupils at RADA awards, and in 2013/14 pupils a local school. gained a number of Silver and Gold. CAS Projects have offered IB students the opportunity to organise events, such as the one for local residential homes.

During the last academic year, the Upper Sixth European Youth Bromsgrove School is Parliament team won the National currently ranked 4th best Finals and represented Great Britain. for A Senior team also won the Three sport, awarded by School Counties Debating Competition. Sport Magazine.

Informal lunchtime debates continue to attract good audiences.

Our senior cricketers won the regional Chesterton Cup, played at New Road, for the second year running. Housman Hall Lupton Helen Wicks (née Fisher, 01-07) completed her degree in applied About You theology and is working for Woodlands Church, an active Church in Bristol. FIND OUT WHAT OLD BROMSGROVIANS FROM YOUR ERA ARE DOING NOW. Helen is a youth worker and is happily married to Martin Wicks - a GP trainee.

Former Housman Hallians might like to Prep School Hazeldene follow the Housman Hall blog, written by current students. You can read all of the blog posts on the School website at www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/ housman-hall-blog.aspx Harry Heath (96-12) appeared on University Challenge in September Joanne Shum (05-07) competed in the 2014 with fellow students from Exeter, Asian Games, as part of the Lyttelton where he is currently studying History. National Water Polo team. Although Richard Hemingway (57-62) her team lost - they are classed as Credit: Richard H Smith recently wrote to us enquiring about an “amateur” team because they are Mr Bowen’s book and gave us a little working or students – whereas the other We are delighted to hear that former bit of background to his connections to teams are professional athletes. Joanne Prep School pupil Rufus Norris (1975- Bromsgrove: Richard’s parents came trained with the team for two hours per 1978) has been chosen as the new from Bewdley and both his father and day. Director of the National Theatre from We were delighted to receive these younger brother were at 2015. We wish Rufus the very best and photographs from Emory Winship Bromsgrove, as well as a grandfather look forward to following him in his new (71-72). One is of the Gordon House Rosemary Flint (00-05) has taken on and a couple of great uncles. His role. Hockey Team and the other is of a few the role of Art Technician at School and father’s cousin Kenneth Hemingway cricketers sitting next to the Pavilion. If is thoroughly enjoying life on the other died in WW1 in 1916. Guy Jarrett was Elmshurst you’re in the photographs, please let us side of the pupil / staff divide. Rose Richard’s mentor in the Classical Sixth. Will Fisher (98-07) is currently working know. appeared on the BBC One quiz show for ITV based at Southbank. After Pointless in February 2014. Richard went on to read Mods and Maxime Cox (04-13) spent time with studying ancient history at St John’s Greats at Worcester College Oxford. He prospective medics at Bromsgrove College Durham, Will worked at the keeps in touch with a number of OBs in September. Maxime is currently BBC for a brief spell before getting a and they reguarly get together in studying medicine at St Hilda’s College, prestigious graduate trainee production London for mini-reunions. Oxford.

Max Schwahn (08-11) is keen to reinstate the German OB Committee. Oakley If you are interested in connecting with Max, and other Bromsgrove Alumni in Mengmeng Yan (05-08) graduated in Germany, please contact him by email January 2014 with an MA (Distinction) at [email protected] in English Literature from Durham, and is now currently undertaking a PhD in Nikita Hertz (formerly Enotov, E 06-09 the same subject. / HH 09-11) recently got in touch to let us know that he has co-founded a Mengmeng tells us that she spent three company called SOLVY. Nikita explains of the most meaningful and enjoyable that it is a personal guide to real-life years of her life at Bromsgrove, and she math. It helps users discover the power Ellenor Caswell (09-14) visited the is very grateful to the School for first of math as a tool for solving real-world careers department in September Elizabeth Beatty (86-91) organised enlightening her exploration in literary problems. Nikita studied Financial before going off to start her teaching a legal workshop for current students studies. Economics at City University London degree in Worcester. Ellenor spoke interested in law, with her firm Harrison before undertaking an internship with one-on-one to students about the James Millington (Ly 96-07, Head Clark Rickerbys. This has become Runa Capital last year. university application process for Boy) is currently living in Hong Kong an annual workshop for which we teaching. with his new wife Stephanie. James got are very grateful to Elizabeth and the married in August at a cricket ground in HCR team who volunteer a day of Gordon Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire and their time. Elizabeth currently leads Paul Coslett (57-62) visited the the ceremony was attended by many the Commercial Litigation team at the School while he was in the area for a Old Bromsgrovians. Congratulations Worcester Office. conference. Paul was very impressed James and Stephanie! with the new sports facilities but also thoroughly enjoyed re-visiting Kyteless, Routh Hall, the Memorial Chapel, Gordon House and the Old Chapel. Oakley School School Helen Chen (08-10) returned to the School for a tour, along with her parents who were visiting from to attend her graduation. Walking around the campus, Helen caught up with Mrs Helmore and Mrs Smith in Oakley, her former House. She also enjoyed reminiscing with Mrs Boonak and Mr Jeremy (middle) with his team at the Emmy Awards Riley. Jeremy Elwell (90-93) has been Michael Holden (62-67) visited the nominated for an International Emmy Alice Batham (05-12) climbed Mount Tom Caswell (07-12) is currently School with his wife and daughter. Award for the Late Nite News with Chris (right) playing in the European Hockey league Kilimanjaro with Leeds RAG in July working and studying on the KPMG Mike and his wife now live in France but Loyiso Gola (Diprente Films / eNCA, 2014. Alice says that it was a wonderful School Leavers Programme, and dropped by whilst in the UK. ). Jeremy works on the We offer our heartiest congratulations experience, despite it taking the group returned to Bromsgrove to talk to location sound, sound design and final to Chris Griffiths (04-09) who has been five days in total. Alice is now currently current students about the scheme. mix for the show and travelled to New selected for the England squad for the studying in Australia on a year abroad. Tom is studying at Exeter, one of three York for the awards ceremony. Champions Trophy in India in universities which run the programme December. in conjunction with KPMG. In what has now become an annual Walters session for students, Simon Bucknall Veronika Kubisova (08-10) gained her (90-95, Head Boy) returned to School Thomas Cookes First Class Honours in International at the start of the Michaelmas Term to Alex Avern (06-08) married Jonathan Business and French with an Integrated speak to the current Fifth Form about Boulter in the School Chapel on 1st Industrial Placement Year Abroad, and effective communication and what November. We send our best wishes to Ian Mellor (3rd left) with fellow Hockey players now works as HR Advisor for BP at their makes a good speech. the Bride and Groom. International Centre for Business and Ian Mellor (63-68) was selected for Technology in London. the England Grand Masters Hockey squad which won the Bronze Medal at the World Cup in Den Haag over the Summer of 2014. Luke Simonds (03-08) joined the During the Summer Holidays, Richard careers department for one-to-one Pyatt (72-74) came back to School for sessions with current pupils interested a tour. Jenny Bossard (née Gricks, Ws in medicine. Luke spoke to the students 72-74) showed him around. Richard about his journey through medical loves working with wood and is very school and answered questions about proud of his workshop. He makes all Jessica Kingston (04-09) has the application process and what the manner of objects from keyrings to course entails. furniture. embarked on a number of different Sarah Mogg (11-13), one of the journeys, but the two things which have Matt Osborn (05-14) joined the Lee previous winners of the Gauntlet Award We were delighted to celebrate the meant the most to her have been her Westwood Golf Academy in June and 2013, returned from five months wedding of Liam Mullan (97-07) and gap year and degree. In January 2010 it was remarkable to hear his recent in Costa Rica earlier in 2014. She his bride Charlotte, who were married in she left the UK for Port Elizabeth in news. He met Lee Westwood who was undertook an internship in terrestrial the School Chapel on 2nd August 2014. South Africa, spending three and a half presenting prizes at the finals of the wildlife conservation with Global Vision months volunteering as a teacher and Lee Westwood Junior Golf Seriesr. The International in Tortuguero National A drinks reception was held in Routh in a children’s home. On her return students then all travelled up to St Park. Sarah also spent a month Hall, followed by the Reception in a to the UK she studied at Birmingham Andrew’s and Carnoustie to assist with volunteering with The Ara Project, for marquee on Gordon Green. City University for a degree in Quantity the Dunhill Links European Tour event the conservation of the scarlet macaw Surveying. Jessica gained work as part of their work experience and the great green macaw. A number of current staff members Nigel, Richard and Mike on Lower Charford experience at Gleeds, a management programme. were present, as well as Old and construction consultancy firm, who We were delighted to hear that Sarah Richard Fabricius (70-75) was recently Bromsgrovians from 2007. then offered her a job whilst completing Matt was assigned to walk the course Aden Symonds (97-11) finished his was later offered a position as one of back in the UK and came along with a degree. Jessica graduated in 2014 as a course marshal with Rory McIlroy, year-long placement with Mercedes their field staff to help out during the Nigel Cavill (E 71-75) and Mike and now works at Capita, where she the world number 1, who Matt said was AMG High Performance Powertrains busy peak green turtle season over the Woodall (E 69-74) to the 1st XV game hopes to work towards becoming a so down to earth and pleasant. At the earlier this year. Aden now has a summer. against Millfield. Chartered Surveyor. end of that week his task was to walk as guaranteed place on their Graduate marshal alongside Sir Nick Faldo. Training Scheme, on completion of his Richard is married with two daughters. Masters Degree at Loughborough. His work took him to Chicago and then Australia where he presently lives.

Liam with Old Bromsgrovians Karl Lockley (Ly 99-07), Matt Mullan (S 97-05), Nick Williams (Ly 00-07) and Rob Lisle (Ws 02-07) Thai

Wendron / On behalf of the Llanwrtyd and District 25-year Reunion A Family Affair OB Netball Wendron-Gordon Heritage and Arts Centre, we would like to thank all Old Bromsgrovians who Over forty leavers from 1989 gathered have provided Pat Dryden and the other to celebrate 25 years of leaving School Project Managers with their memoirs at Commemoration. They all met in the and oral histories. OB marquee and followed this with an evening dinner at the Holiday Inn. The These stories and photographs will be event was organised by Robert Sitch made available in the town’s Heritage (E 84-89), Paula Clarke (O 84-89) and Centre, giving visitors and young people Adam Temple (W 84-89). the opportunity to learn about the wartime experiences of Bromsgrove pupils. Georgina & Tim Boffey, Lydia & Richard Evans, Jennifer Muddyman, Ally Taft, Becky Alton, Helen Chloe & Colin Broomfield and Pascale & Simon Reilly (née Lambert), Brittanie Adams, Lisa Nash, We hope a copy of these memoirs and Massey Emma Rowe and Kirsty Wells digital recordings will be available to It was lovely to see so many Old This delightful photograph of Old view in the Old Chapel once the group Bromsgrovians return for the annual Bromsgrovian fathers with their Congratulations to Brian Massey has finished collating their findings. netball fixtures against the School daughters who were, at the time, all (57-62) on being awarded an MBE John Dillon, Victoria Small (née Phipps), Gareth teams. The 1st team match led to a current Upper Sixth pupils, was taken at in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for Chidlow, Victoria Cockburn, Edward Horton, School victory of 40-16 victory, and the Penelope Bryant, Chris Bywater, Nikki Bywater the National Hockey Finals. services to the community in Hexham Gwen (centre) with Former Head Groundsman, Eric (née Hawkins), Jayne Cheshire, Vicky Hill, OBs won the 2nd team match 38-16. Northumberland. Now retired as a Land Burford and Deputy Headmaster, Philip Bowen Paula Clarke, Debbie Thompson, Rob Sitch, Adam Temple, Anna Compton, Claire Bennison The fathers never imagined that their Agent, Brian and his wife, Margaret, run The OB Netball Team is looking for children would all be team mates and a bed and breakfast business in rural Originally from Merthyr, Gwen Ceridwen new members. They play in both the friends at the same School which they Northumberland. worked for the School during its exile Redditch and Worcester leagues, with 50-year Reunion attended over 30 years ago. to Llanwrtyd Wells, and then at 14, training on Monday evenings with six other young ladies, moved between 8pm and 9pm at Bromsgrove with the School back to Bromsgrove The Class of 2014 School. Players of all abilities are in late 1943. Gwen mainly worked for Llanwrtyd Wells is held dearly in the welcome and membership is open to the Headmaster and his wife, Mr and hearts of many former pupils, and OBs and non-OBs; it is a great way to Mrs Walters. Gwen commented that Mr Bromsgrove enjoys a special bond, meet new people and get fit at the same Walters was a wonderful man. especially when Remembrance Sunday time. comes around each year. Gwen and the other housekeeping For more information please contact staff resided on the top floor of what is This year Jenny Bossard (née Gricks, Helen Reilly (née Lambert, TC 97-02) at now Lyttelton House. Their sitting room Ws 72-74) and Christopher Price (S 39- [email protected] or is now the Chaplain’s Study, one of 44) attended the town’s Remembrance Harriet Eales (Hz 00-08) at the mathematics classrooms was the Service, and a wreath was laid on [email protected]. The 1964 1st XV Rugby team recently We were delighted to welcome the Class kitchen and the Housman Room the behalf of the School, with our respects held their 50th Reunion at the School. of 2014 officially as Old Bromsgrovians dining hall. They served food through paid to all of the lost former pupils Twelve former players, as well as Tony at the end of the Summer term. We a hatch and on Gwen’s visit, she found and townsfolk of Llanwrtyd Wells. Finn (64-92) who was their coach, hope to see the 2014 Leavers at our OB OB Golf Steve Chan (96-04) recently visited that hatch boarded up. The classrooms enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Old events and wish them every success for Bromsgrove with his family. They now on the Lupton and Lyttelton Chapel and then wandered down to the future. enjoyed a full tour of the School corridor were studies. The cellars BIST Lower Charford to watch the present including a visit to the dining hall, below Lyttelton (now their changing 1st XV beat Millfield 15-5. Celebrations Memorial Chapel and even his old rooms) were the air raid shelter. continued at a local pub late into the House – WG. evening. As with most of the other girls, Gwen The Social View... never went back home. She later What are OBs saying married and finished work with us in L-R: Mark Blake, Alex McIntosh, Patrick Dolan, on Social Media? Tommy Robinson, Lawrence Hill, Sam Williams, about 1950. Richard Vaughan, Nick Poxon, Chase Edwards, Matt Fell, Alfie Broadhurst, Andrew Parffrey, Mark Donkin (S 77-82) asks, Anthony Webb, Sam Bellamy and Harrison Hill If you remember Gwen or any of the other House staff from Llanwrtyd Wells, “Geography Field Trip to Harlech... The Old Bromsgrovians v the School we’d love to hear your stories! Jack Slattery (Ws 07-14), who is does anyone remember?” annual golf match at Blackwell was a currently undertaking a gap year at highlight of the Michaelmas term. For We intend to hold a special lunch Bromsgrove Interational School If you were on that trip with Mark and the first time in eight years the School for our Llanwrtyd Wells pupils at (BIST) travelled from remember teachers Don Gibbon and won. Adam Robertson (03-11) and Dmitry Bromsgrove during the Lent term. Bangkok to Kanchanaburi for their L-R: Ian Sanders, David Powell, Richard Strugnell, Patsy Davies taking you to Harlech, Eremeev (06-11), both of Wendron- The Alumni team will be in touch with Remembrance Service. Martin Smith, Albert Adams, Ian Matthews, Charlie Pearson, Bill Jay, Tony Finn, Simon Hill, have any photographs of your time there Anthony Webb made a gracious speech Gordon, returned for a visit in further details soon. Peter Robins, Frank Dunne, Roger Bowen or would like to pose another question on behalf of the OB team, followed by September. Dmitry is now in Japan, Jack laid two wreaths on behalf of to OBs, please email us or write to us at the Captain Harrison Hill. Golf is in great working in the IT sector and Adam is Bromsgrove UK and Thailand, and for the School address. t heart at School with a number of other interested in a career in Politics. the Mercian Regiment, to whom the talented young players waiting in the Bromsgrove CCF are attached. wings. Our News to You The Queen Mother’s visit in 1965 NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE BROMSGROVE ALUMNI OFFICE. 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Robin Evans and John Darby (both S Robin and John, along with Jonathan Queen Mother’s visit to Bromsgrove. 60-65) were on the ‘front line’ to greet James-Moore and John Mence can be Chris Arnell (L 60-65) remembers, the Queen Mother. As School Prefects, seen in the photograph opposite. they escorted the Queen Mother for New OB Merchandise “That was my final day at Bromsgrove part of her visit near the Chapel. Robin If you’d be willing to share your stories and what a special day it was! We particularly remembers that the Queen with us, please get in touch. enjoyed fabulous weather and there Mother was accompanied by very little On Commemoration Day, we were was a great buzz of excitement. The security, and she was a ‘very warm delighted to launch our new OB Silk helicopter, in which the Queen Mother lady who managed to appear genuinely Ties, Bow Ties and Lapel Pins. They are was transported, was a sort of high viz interested in all she was told.’ still available for OBs to purchase from red; this was standard for VIPs such as the School Shop. her. It was a lovely end to my time at Bromsgrove.” Email: Schoolshop@bromsgrove-school. co.uk / Telephone 01527 579679 Ext 220.

Robin Evans and John Darby, along with Jonathan James-Moore and John Mence escorting the Queen Mother

Tim Smith (G 64-68) has sent us a selection of photos from 1965 (below) which he retrieved from his own album. He remembers that the Queen Mother had come to Bromsgrove from visiting (who also had a centenary celebration) and landed in the helicopter before being driven off to the Junior School. The QM later returned through the Station Road gates to visit the new Dining Hall.

Tie £23.50

Pre-Tied Bow Tie £30.00

Self-Tie Bow Tie £30.00

Lapel Pin £11.00 Tim Smith’s photographs of the Queen Mother arriving by Helicopter on Lower Charford

Umbrella £36.00 (please note this item is collection only.)

Have you purchased one already? Let us know what you think and send in your photo wearing the new tie or pin!

There is more merchandise on the way, but if you have anything specific in mind which we might not have The Queen Mother chatting with Chairman of Governors, Lord Cobham and the Headmaster considered, please let us know. Overseas Receptions Can you help with careers and university visits? F1 Sponsorship

Over 100 Old Bromsgrovians, parents We’re launching a new initiative that We’re always interested to hear what A group of current Upper Sixth and guests attended Receptions in will bring together current pupils who job sectors our Old Bromsgrovians students are hoping to take part in the Thailand and Hong Kong at the start of are hoping to study at particular have gone into, and if they are willing to F1 in Schools competition. Part of this the Michaelmas Term. The attendees universities, and OBs who are already come back to School to speak to current involves acquiring sponsorship so that welcomed the new Headmaster, Peter studying there. We’re hoping to visit students. Would you be interested in they can buy the necessary materials. Clague, as well as Peter Ruben and universities including Warwick, helping us with sector-specific events? They are interested in contacting any Rachel Scannell, where they were able Birmingham, KCL, UCL and more. If you If this sounds like something you’d be OBs who might be able to help, but to meet parents whose children are are currently studying there, and would willing to take part in, please contact specifically those with a knowledge or currently studying at Bromsgrove. be willing to show current Sixth Form us (contact details can be found on the interest in engineering or manufacturing. students around and answer their back cover) with your full name, years at If you are interested in sponsoring the Old Bromsgrovians networked with questions during an organised trip, School, House and your current students, please contact us and we will other former pupils and parents, and please let us know. occupation/sector. pass your details on. two superb evenings were enjoyed in the respective countries. Alison Ip, Margie Tam, Tracy Mok, Esther Cheung, Carol Lee Just for fun Former School Coach Radio 4 Broadcast leads the way for USA We recently snapped this honours board in Cobham Hall at the Prep School. Do you recognise any of the names, or are you one of the pupils listed? Let us know!

Lee Falconer and Peter Ruben with two of their Richard Wilmot, Peter Clague, Low Pak Khuan Rachel Scannell (centre) with OBs former pupils Credit: USA Field Hockey Philip Bowen with BBC Producer Maggie Ayre

Craig Parnham (Former School In late June, the Deputy Headmaster, Hockey Coach) is currently Head Coach Director of Music and some members of of the USA Women’s Hockey Team. In the Sixth Form recorded a special piece a recent game against the Blacksticks, for BBC Radio 4’s Soul Music Craig successfully coached USA to a programme, honouring A.E. Housman 2-0 win and has gained much respect and the soldiers of WWI. This was from the American side since his broadcast on Tuesday, 11th November. appointment at the start of last year. The roll call of the Fallen, as well as extracts from Mr Bowen’s book and poignant songs, were recorded in the Staff Leavers Memorial Chapel at Bromsgrove School Peter Clague, Thiti Pawakranond, Dr Daniel Moore by one of the Radio 4 Producers. If you The following staff members, who didn’t catch the programme, you can still listen to it on BBC iPlayer at Did you know? Advent Service all gave 10 years or more service to Bromsgrove School, retired or left at the www..co.uk/iplayer. end of the Summer term. Many OBs The School produces an Online The Christmas Advent Service at will remember their teachers with great News Review, packed with academic Bromsgrove is always a delightful affection, and if you would like to send achivements and sports information, occasion and this year was no Bromsgrovian 2014 your best wishes to any of the former as well as extra-curricular activities and exception. With carols under staff listed below, please contact us so snippets of news from OBs. candlelight, Year 2 pupils and the Prep We will be having a small print run of we can pass the message on. School Choir performed their favourite The Bromsgrovian 2014 this year. If you The News Review is available to pieces of festive music. The Senior do not have access to email or the view on the School website at Chapel Choir sang Creator of the Stars Mary Harris (86-14) internet in order to download a copy, www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/ of night by Malcolm Archer and the Andrea Mellar (88-14) and you require a printed edition, please download-area.aspx, and where we Chamber Choir with There is No Rose Dr Alan Woollhead (91-14) contact the Editor, Megan Griffiths by have an up-to-date email address on from A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Richard Barr (98-14) telephoning 01527 579679 Ext 366 or the Alumni database, all OBs receive Britten. Margaret Bourne (99-14) writing to her at the School address. All an email when each issue is ready to Lindsay Caldwell (99-14) OBs who have previously requested a download. All Old Bromsgrovians are warmly Enda O’Brien (02-14) copy will receive one. invited to attend this Service each year. Norah Barton (04-14) Chris Edwards (04-14) Advent to Christmas CD Alumni Commitee The Music School, under the direction of Highlights include the Year 2 Director of Music, James McKelvey, have version of Light the Advent Candle INTRODUCING THE NEW BROMSGROVE ALUMNI COMMITTEE. produced a Festive Advent CD, recorded and Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols in the Memorial Chapel. performed by the Chamber Choir. We are pleased to introduce the new Comprising of Year 2 pupils, the Junior The CD is priced at £10 and orders can Bromsgrove Alumni Committee, set up in Choir, Prep Choir, Prep Chapel Choir, be taken by email:music@bromsgrove- 2014 to provide a comprehensive events Senior Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir, school.co.uk. or by telephoning programme to all of our alumni, parents, the CD called Advent to Christmas with 01527 579679 staff and friends of Bromsgrove, the Choirs of Bromsgrove School brings Ext 235. bringing together the School, the together the voices of over 300 Foundation and the Bromsgrovian Club. pupils and staff. If you would like to find out more about Chairman Secretary Bursar the work of the Alumni Committee, have Hans Rostrup Jenny Bossard Lesley Brookes ideas about events or venues, or would (S 72-77) (Ws 72-74) like to help at one of our functions, please contact us at

Oldbromsgrovians@bromsgrove-school. co.uk

or telephone 01527 579679 Ext 357/366.

Headmaster Adele George Social Media/Web Peter Clague (0 97-02) Megan Griffiths

William Jordan Rose Lake Assistant Pastoral Head (G 66-72) (TC 01-06) Catherine Maund

Chairman of Foundation Head of Foundation Assistant Head Dick Noake Jane Rogers Rachel Scannell (E 59-64)

Chairman of Governors Stewart Towe CBE (L 65-70) The Inside Story AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT WHAT OUR OLD BROMSGROVIANS HAVE ACHIEVED.

Ha Anh Vu (Mary Windsor 00-02) is an international model, author and former Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef. Here she talks to us about her time at Bromsgrove and what her hopes and aspirations are for helping others achieve their dreams...

What do you remember about your I hope that these fortuitous You’ve obviously done a great deal in time at Bromsgrove? opportunities may come again in the your career, but what would you say My time at Bromsgrove was memorably future so that more of those like us can has been your greatest achievement to fruitful and enjoyable, both in and out maintain this tradition and help spread date? of the classroom. Drama and Theatre Bromsgrove’s good name all over the My public exposure is the ideal platform Studies in particular was most helpful in world. to realise my passion of helping others. building my confidence during my first From 2010-2013 I was appointed days under the spotlight. What did you do after leaving Goodwill Ambassador by Unicef Bromsgrove? Vietnam. In 2013 I was also appointed The School took special care of our I went on to read Business Studies at International Goodwill Ambassador by circumstances as overseas students university, studied Artist Development at Global Angel Foundation alongside living abroad without family support; the British Academy of New Music, and popular names such as Joss Stone, my teachers took great care and efforts I had plenty of opportunities to travel Natasha Bedingfield and John Forte. to make sure we quickly adapted and the world as a fashion model. These Tony Ingle thrived under the Bromsgrove system, were the stepping stones on my path to And your final words to Old (Lupton 76-80) tells us all about his role as Chief Winemaker in even though English is not our first success, and thus gave me the power to Bromsgrovians reading this? South Australia… language. inspire countless others. I have reached out to many Bromsgrovians in Vietnam, and would What does your role as Chief And what do you do in your spare time What’s your favourite memory of And after university and modelling? like to extend the network to other Winemaker entail? away from the winery? School? More than being a model and an Bromsgrovians around the world to I work for the Angove Family I actually own a small vineyard myself! The memory of Spring in Bromsgrove artist, I have constantly sought to build up a sense of community and to Winemakers in South Australia, founded I spend time with my family, and my is something I always cherish, like the reinvent myself as a household name, support one another in our paths. in the late 19th century. Angove make daughter, who is 19, is about to spend rolling lawns carpeted with beautiful hosting various popular shows such as wine and brandy which they sell in the next year in Europe which is very daffodils. Vietnam’s Next Top Model 2010, Global (Editor’s Note: To get in contact with Ha Australia and in many other countries exciting, whilst my boys (16 and 13) Angels Award at the Roundhouse in Anh, please email or write to us at the around the world. are at in Adelaide and My three cousins, who also had the London and Miss Global in Los Angeles School address and we’ll pass on your enjoy playing Aussie rules. opportunity to study at Bromsgrove, to name but a few. I have recently details.) I am responsible for all issues relating to have all gone on to enjoy great published my first book named It’s me, the picking, creation and maturation of I’m also passionate about rugby, but in successes in further education and their Ha Anh - a collection of memories and their wines, and then have the onerous South Adelaide it is not a popular sport. subsequent careers, which has further anecdotes along my journey in life, duties of tasting and showing the wines Throughout the summer months, I cemented Bromsgrove’s reputation in including the years at Bromsgrove. at dinners and presentations in various watch cricket at the Adelaide Oval. our circle of acquaintances. markets at home and abroad. I am following the Bromsgrove School rugby season through my nephew, Charley Robinson, who is currently Feature Me! studying at the School. If you’d like to feature on The Inside Story page, please email us at: [email protected] and include in the subject line ‘Feature Me! Inside Story’. Please include a mini-biography about yourself and some recent photographs. We’d love to hear from you! He gave superb strategic guidance to Governors as well as giving them the confidence that the recommended policies would be Obituaries successfully implemented’. OLD BROMSGROVIANS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2013/14. ‘The huge success that Bromsgrove School has subsequently achieved was in no small measure achieved by the John Ash, S 44-48 battle against lung cancer for eighteen foundations laid during Nick’s months. Married for nearly fifty years to d. 11th April 2013 Headmastership. In particular I recall Sally who has always been by his side Revd. John Nicholas vividly his carefully considered view Prof Sir Michael Drury with loving support, he also leaves two that girls should not only be brought John Baylis Ash was born in devoted daughters Katie and Jennie, Francis Earle, into the School but that they should be OBE, L 39-43 Birmingham on 19 February 1930 and two beloved sons-in-law and four adored introduced from an early age. This was died near Toronto on 11 April 2013. He Headmaster 70-75 d. June 2014 grandchildren. in contrast to many Schools at that time was in School House from 1944-1948 d. 3rd January 2014 and Nick must take substantial credit for Professor Sir Michael Drury was one of and sang alto in the School choir and David Cross was born on 14 All pupils and staff contribute to a the success of co-education.’ Nick and our most prominent Old Bromsgrovians. played the ‘cello in the School orchestra January 1938 in Birmingham. School’s history and help build and Ann spent their long retirement in their A Luptonian from 1939-43, he was one returning for many annual concerts after He qualified as a Chartered Accountant develop it but a Head provides the much-loved Dulwich. After Bromsgrove of the last remaining Bromsgrovians to he left. and was a partner in private practice for Edith Cooke, Piano ultimate contribution - vision. he returned to the classroom to teach have spent his years at School in many years until he retired in 2003. He some Mathematics and Philosophy at Llanwrtyd Wells during our Welsh exile. John attended the (then) London Teacher 79-99 was previously a trustee and National During his fourteen-year Headship Nick . School of Printing and Graphic Arts Treasurer of the Western Front d. 9th September 2014 fundamentally transformed the School. After studying medicine at and emigrated to Canada in 1957. He Association. He remained a director of Nick introduced co-education which at The School was well-represented at Birmingham, he qualified in 1949 just later graduated at McGill University and Edith Cooke was a much valued Auto Suppliers Ltd. He had a keen the time was brilliantly far-sighted. We the Memorial Service held at St Faith’s after the birth of the NHS. He spent much of his life teaching and in member of the Music Department, who interest in the Great War 1914-1918 were one of the first traditional public Church in January. Headmaster Chris practised in Bromsgrove for many years later years was very involved in had a very distinctive voice and has written an account of life at schools to make the change. He Edwards, Nick’s Deputy Tony Finn, Jim and was our School Medical Officer, as community and voluntary work. having trained as a singer as a young School and the deeds of Old oversaw the smooth assimilation of girls Page, three colleagues all appointed by well as the Cottage Hospital Doctor. He girl. She joined Bromsgrove School in Bromsgrovians in that war. He Nick in September 1981 - Julian Foord, set up the Department of General John is survived by his lifetime partner into the School from the age of 8 so it 1979 under the Director of Music at the discovered three Old Bromsgrovians Catherine Maund and Philip Bowen - Practice at Birmingham University, Horst Weidemann whom he met in was done properly and by stages. time, Bernard Hall-Mancey. who had been awarded the Victoria were present, and Hans Rostrup led the became its first Professor in 1981 and 1958 shortly after he had left East Cross whilst researching for his book. A purpose-built girls’ day and representation of Old Bromsgrovians. one of the best-known GPs in the land. Germany and also by his sister Barbara Many Old Bromsgrovians will have been He always enjoyed buying, renovating boarding house - Mary Windsor - was Children Charlotte and Harriet read the He was a distinguished President of the who lives in Dallas and by his nephews taught by Edith over her 20 years at and selling antiques, drinking fine wine, opened. There were major changes to lesson and delivered the eulogy Royal College of General Practioners in and nieces and their children. Bromsgrove, and the School was fly-fishing and shooting. His interest in boarding and its location. Houses in the respectively. In a moving address, 1985 and knighted in 1989 for - Bryan Pickering (School 51-54) saddened to hear of her death in motorsport began at an early age with town were brought onto the with much celebration and wit, Harriet services to General Practice. September 2014. a visit to Shelsley Walsh Hill climb. Campus with the opening of Elmshurst captured the essence of her father and Although never a competitor in and Wendron (now Oakley) which began the man. In a biography – Just a G.P. a Our condolences go to Edith’s family motorsport, he was closely involved with Alan R Clarke, S 45-50 the substantial development of the reviewer admired ‘a sense of and friends in Exeter, and all those who the Team Bond Formula Junior racing d. 29th June 2013 School near the South Gate. Below the As a young Curate, he had served in humour, winning our affection; honesty, knew her at Bromsgrove. cars, admiring the spirit which outdoor pool and squash courts - other Bristol, New York and Whitechapel. In commanding our respect: two qualities engenders that “fast is good – faster is Alan Ross Clarke (School House/ than the sports fields - there were 1961 he authored a Penguin Special that can fairly represent general practice better!” Millington) died on 29 June 2013 gardens, orchards and grass tennis What’s Wrong With the Church, a study itself. A book then to be commended following an eighteen-month battle with courts. The entrances to the School of the , by a young to all who would teach, or learn, about David was a stalwart of Team Bond and cancer aged 82. He was predeceased were at Routh Hall and the pedestrian priest who asks whether the C of E in being “just a GP”. it was in 2008 that he managed to by mother Marian and father Alan gateway below the Cookes building. Our the 1960’s is outdated and living in persuade Chris Featherstone to part with Percival Clarke of Wilmslow, Cheshire, sports facilities took a great leap forward the past. It foreshadowed many of the He was a very supportive Governor and the Bonds which he had kept for nearly and a baby sister Anne Monro. He is under Nick with the building of our first changes to come. He wrote other books Chairman of the Education Committee fifty years. In 2013, David Cross was the survived by his wife of 55 years, Lise; sports hall and a new indoor heated on Logic and Maths. He was always an at Bromsgrove for much of the 1990s. recipient of the International Historic a son Nigel; daughters Geraldine, swimming pool. Nick was passionate original thinker. He spoke at Speakers’ Latterly, he was a Vice-President. In his Motoring Award for Publication of the Constance, her husband Brian Surerus, about raising academic standards. Corner and on Thought for the Day. later life he always enjoyed his visits to Year, for his first Dalton Watson Fine and their two sons Spenser, Andreas his old School, especially at Books publication, Inside the Paddock and daughter Lindsay; daughter-in-law He was a fine scholar with a double first Bromsgrove School was a relatively Commemoration. (which was widely reviewed to great Michiko, her daughter Akiko and son in Maths and Theology at Trinity short part of his long life but he joins the acclaim and featured as Book of the Dexter. Cambridge. He was an eloquent speaker pantheon of those Heads - a fairly small The Headmaster, Chris Edwards and Month in Classic and Sports Car and and formidable preacher in the number since 1693 - who altered our Matthew Horton (Vice-President) Octane). The book, for which he worked Ross left England for Canada in 1955 Memorial Chapel. He was never afraid to direction and changed our appearance. represented the School at his funeral David Cross, E 51-54 so hard to gather photographs from and settled in Vancouver BC where he challenge an audience or congregation. The School conveyed its sincere and we offer our sincere condolences to around the world and write the pursued a career painting and teaching d. 18th September 2013 Geoffrey John - Chairman of Governors condolences to Ann, his widow, children Lady Drury and their family. Sir Michael fascinating script, has a foreword from Art. in the latter part of Nick’s Headship - Titus, Harriet and Charlotte. May his was a famous son of Bromsgrove – The Earl of March. A sequel went to the wrote: ‘I was very sorry to hear of Nick’s soul rest in peace. Town and School – and his service to David Spencer Cross died at home in publisher just before he died. The funeral was held on 13 July 2013 in death. As an ex-Chairman of Governors I - Philip Bowen (Deputy Headmaster) our local community was both lengthy Kidderminster on 18 September 2013. - Dalton Watston Publishers and distinguished. Burnaby, Vancouver BC. David had fought a brave and dignified had the privilege of working very closely - Ian Clarke (School 49-53) with Nick. - Philip Bowen (Deputy Headmaster) Roger Neville Jeffries, John Edmund Page, Christopher Peace, Freedom of the Town ceremony back in Barry Walters, 2007. O 46-51 S 39-43 W 51-56 S 47-15 d. 12th September 2009 d. 20th March 2014 d. 1st August 2013 Michael was Chairman of the d. 8th June 2014 Bromsgrovian Club in 1996 and stayed (Editor’s Note: we have only been John Page (born 28 January 1926) Chris came from Sheffield where his in touch with many of his James Barry Thomas Walters, aged 81, recently notified of Mr Jeffries’ death) who died in March 2014 at the age of family – Samuel Peace and Sons – had contemporaries, regularly passed away peacefully at Norewood 88, was the elder son of Miriam and been file makers for many generations. organising Welsh get-togethers. He Lodge Nursing Home on Friday 6th Roger was the second generation of Edmund Page, who was himself one of However, mass competition in the wrote a book of his experiences in June 2014 after a short illness. Jeffries to attend Bromsgrove School R. G. Routh’s first boarders in Gordon market forced Chris into a new field of Llanwrtyd Wells and kindly donated the after his father Cedric and his two House when it opened in 1898, and engineering and having armed himself profits of his book sales to the School. He was a much loved father to Kate, uncles, Keith and Philip, the latter later was to become a long-serving with an MBA, he started a laser Megan and Mark, father-in-law to Brian, whose name is inscribed on the Ian Durie Kerr MA., Governor. cutting business, still based in Sheffield. In 2008, Michael, along with his Steve and Louise and Grandpa Barry to Bromsgrove School Chapel wall for his MB., B.Chir., (Cantab). He developed in this field successfully, daughter Catherine, attended the Rosie, Emma and Penny. heroic death during WWII. After John Page joined the School during tackling a range of cut materials with Pre-1950s Reunion held at the School attending Bromsgrove School, Roger D.A., D.Obst.R.C.O.G., its evacuation to Llanwrtyd Wells and different equipment over many years which was to be his last time at A former District Councillor for boarded at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar F.R.C.G.P., G 53-58 became Head of School on the return and retiring about ten years ago. Bromsgrove. Portishead Coast ward, Leader of North to Bromsgrove in 1943. Following his Somerset Council and former Chair of School in Sutton Coldfield and later d. 7th April 2014 attended Battersea Polytechnic father’s footsteps, he went to Oxford to As a youth, Chris was a Queen Scout The funeral took place on 3rd March Portishead Town Council. The Funeral Institute in Surrey. read Greats after service in the King’s and always a practical man. He spent 2014 in Llandeilo Parish Church. Service took place at St Peter’s Church, Royal Rifle Corps during the final two many years renovating and improving Portishead on Tuesday, 17th June. Ian died on 7th April at home with his years of the Second World War, an old stone farmhouse on land close to During the late 1960s he decided to family around him. He suffered a long spending his time in Palestine during the River Derwent near Hathersage. He travel the world so he quit his job, illness which he bore with typical dignity Major Sam Townsend, the British withdrawal. always had a love of things nautical and packed his backpack with a sleeping and lack of complaint. Ian was Head Old Bromsgrovians over recent years of poor health had Millington 34-36 bag and left for an around-the-world of Gordon and Head of School before He spent almost his entire career as a enjoyed views overlooking the Tyne at d. 15th October 2013 who also passed away backpacking trip starting in France. studying medicine at Magdalene He eventually ended up in Tokyo, Japan classics teacher at Brighton College, Newcastle from an apartment there during academic year College, Cambridge and The Middlesex Major Sam Townsend was awarded an where he resided for the rest of his where he is remembered with great and where he and his wife, Gillie, could Hospital, London. MC in 1945 as one of the youngest 2013/14: years. Roger was a respected lecturer respect and affection, not least for be near to the families of his children, majors in the British Army. Major at a number of prestigious universities showing tolerance towards the liberal Richard and Anna. Peter Beddall, S 57-60 d. 25/6/14 He undertook postgraduate training in Townsend was born on July 27 1919. in Tokyo including Waseda University, attitudes of the 1960s and 1970s. He Exeter and joined Clare House Surgery, He played rugby for the first XV and Jeremy Bent, S 68-73 d. Nov ‘13 Gakushuin and Aoyama Gakuin, along was an attentive and principled Innovative and determined in Tiverton, Devon on his 30th birthday. He spent his last term’s allowance on the way publishing English housemaster for whom pastoral care business, humorous and generous with John Clayton, E 55-59 d. Jan ‘14 was a partner for exactly 30 years and gunpowder to make a large rocket which conversational books for Japanese was of the highest priority, and as Head friends, a lover of good food and wine, looked after 1,700 patients. He was an exploded on the cricket pitch just before Jack Harris, S 48-53 d. Aug ‘14 students. He was also a keen of Department he ensured his many his family held a most fitting memorial excellent GP, loved by his patients. he left the School. sportsman. As well as being a pupils understood the benefits of a service on 4th October 2013 – with a Richard John Massen, Former Staff quality classical education. traditional jazz band playing, a couple of 59-64 d. 29/12/13 sportsman, Roger enjoyed playing Ian was also School doctor at Blundell’s rousing hymns and happy words from Serving with 4th Field Squadron Royal chess, igo (Chinese chess) and shogi for 10 years and was one of the first Ronald Melville-Smith, Lu 33-37 His first marriage was to Jancis friends and family. A good friend, he will Engineers, Major Townsend landed at (Japanese chess). GP trainers. He was made Fellow of the d. 4/4/14 Hillier, with whom he had three be well remembered by fellow Arromanches on D-Day+6. He linked Royal College of General Practitioners in up with 7th Armoured Division south of Anthony Merrington, W 45-50 He leaves behind seven children, children, and after taking a Wendronians. 1989. Caen and was immediately involved in d. late 2013 Kathryn, Amanda, Philip, Violet (OB sabbatical year teaching in Oman in - Ted Beaumont (Wendron 52-56) 1977, he married Jackie Hine, a the battle of Villers-Bocage. 96-98), Margaret (OB 92-93), Juliet and Ian and and his wife Judith went to Michael Mould, 1940 d. 2013 leading fashion model of the day. He Camelia, and nine grandchildren. Nepal in 1995 for a sabbatical of three embraced her four lively offspring with In January 1945, as the 7th Armoured Kenneth Murdoch, G 42-47 d. 2014 - Violet Pacileo (nee Jeffries) months where Ian worked as an warmth and understanding, Division advanced towards Germany, Jonathan Nelsey, W 63-68 d. 8/10/13 Anaethetist in the Western General reliving his idyllic Somerset Major Townsend was given the task of Hospital in Pokhara. A life-changing John Nicks, W 35-40 d. 31/10/14 childhood with his step-children, his building a bridge over the Vloed Beek experience. On separate occasions they speciality being country rambles and canal near the Belgo-Dutch-German Derek Richards, G 51-56 d. 7/9/13 trekked to the base camps of Everest, camping trips which paid scant borders. After clearing a number of Kanchenjunga and Annapurna. Ian was Paul Stevenson, S 55-58 d. Dec ‘13 attention to the prevailing health and booby traps, he was able to push a a great enthusiast and doer. safety culture. bridge over the canal on rollers despite Jim Vernon-Allen, E 37-42 d. 7/9/13 coming under heavy fire from railway He taught himself the flute to Grade 8 Keith Weaving, G 43-48 d. Nov ‘12 In his retirement he continued to live guns sited some four miles away. Major (Editor’s Note: We have only just been informed standard and he was a keen sailor, in Sussex before moving to Winchester, Townsend was awarded a Periodical about Mr Weaving’s death) photographer and walker. He retired in leading a physically active and MC. After the war, he worked for the 1999 to spend more time on his hobbies Jonathan Whitehouse, L 85-90 mentally fulfilling life. Although the Mike Rees, S 40-50 Cleveland Bridge Co before moving to and was always occupied. d. 10/9/2014 months leading up to his death were d. 17th February 2014 a firm of management consultants. In difficult, he died at home surrounded by 1950 he joined John Crossley and Sons Chris Williams, Lupton 63-67 His attitude was always positive even Jackie, his wife for 37 years, and other It is with great sadness that we learnt of Halifax and was managing director d. Mar 14 when he was unwell. He leaves his wife members of both families. A bench in of the death of Michael Rees at the from 1964 to 1968. Judith, four children and eight his memory has been placed near the beginning of the year. Michael joined grandchildren. His youngest grandchild Chattri Memorial on the Downs outside the newly created junior school after In 1971 he retired on medical advice (and first granddaughter) was born at Brighton. Bromsgrove was exiled to Llanwrtyd and settled in the Lake District. the time of his death. - Jim Page (School 45-49, Head of Wells during WWII and he was - Extracts from The Telegraph - Ian Houston Lower School 60-89) instrumental in helping us with the Thank you! The Foundation The Bromsgrove School Foundation was Donor Tree The memories and experiences that I created to provide bursaries for children The Donor Tree, which is in the stairwell had in those few months will always be from disadvantaged backgrounds, who of the Hospitality Suite, is our way of with me, some more physically than are genuinely in need and determined expressing our appreciation for your others (for example, the surgical rod to succeed against all odds. In January support. Donors giving £250 or more and screws after shattering my leg 2014, Foundation funds passed the can have a bronze, silver or gold leaf during a rugby fixture). The year was £1million milestone, thanks to the engraved. a chance to explore. I participated in a generosity of Old Bromsgrovians, number of classes and activities that I parents, Governors, Trustees and friends. wouldn’t ever have had the chance to 400 new donors have made gifts, Sir Thomas Cookes experience. donated venues or auction prizes or Legacy Society pledged a gift in their wills to The Sir Thomas Cookes Legacy Now that I’m preparing to leave Bromsgrove. Thank you to everyone Society acknowledges and thanks all university life and venture into the who has supported the Foundation. those who have made a gift in their wills working world, I especially realize the to Bromsgrove. Members are invited gift that Bromsgrove gave me for The Foundation works with children’s to an annual lunch and a new memory allowing me to spend a year on its charities: the Royal National Children’s board listing those who have made campus. I will always support the School Foundation and Buttle UK Trust, who bequests to the School over the years and the dedication it has to making provide grant funding for children who will soon be placed alongside the Donor every student’s experience as meaningful meet their criteria. With your support, Tree. as mine.’ we can help transform lives, and every penny raised goes directly to supporting Jane Rogers, Head of Foundation is very these children. happy to talk to anyone interested in making a gift in their will to Bromsgrove: [email protected] or telephone: 01527 579679 Ext 365.

A Few Words from our North American Friends Recent leaver Jack Slattery says, The English Speaking Union (ESU) ‘Bromsgrove School has given me the scholarship program is a coalition of boarding schools in the US and UK. Emory Winship, who attended grounding, stability and platform for life, Bromsgrove from 1971-1972 says: which has enabled me to gain a Gap Students at these schools may apply for a scholarship to enjoy one year at a placement at BIST, and also to become ‘The English Speaking Union, and CSM within the CCF. This has helped participating institution. For our former pupils from North America, Emory especially Bromsgrove, were truly some me on my road to Sandhurst. I am very of the more important formative grateful for this privilege and the Winship, Topper Webb and Wilson Hallett, this represented spending a year experiences of my life. Forty years later opportunities that have been available to I still think of them fondly, in part me at Bromsgrove.’ at Bromsgrove School. We are enormously grateful to each of them for motivating me to gladly give regularly to so generously supporting the the Bromsgrove fund. Foundation. I made many good friends and The Matthew Taylor Observatory memories whilst I was at Bromsgrove; I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. The new Observatory, complete with dome and two telescopes was officially Of them all, I’ll never forget these few opened on 29th June (Commemoration Day). This will allow GCSE, A level and IB words that Mr Finn, my Housemaster students to take part in astronomy projects, as well as the new GCSE Astronomy left with me. We were down on the course. playing fields and I observed to him Jack’s mother, Anne-Louise says that foolishly that cricket really was a bit of the School has provided her son with a Wilson Halllet (centre) on Commemoration Day 2011 Matthew Taylor, who was a pupil from 1968 to 1973 in Walters House, generously an odd sport. He looked at me with his ‘brilliant education, preparation for life, donated all of the funds for the Observatory and its equipment. During his time at clipped, stern smile and said, “Winship. pastoral care and guidance’; she has OB Wilson Hallett (HH 10-11) says: School, Matthew was Secretary of the Astronomical Society and the project is very Cricket is not a sport. It is a way of life.” seen him grow into a ‘confident young ‘I first heard about the program close to his heart. because my brother had done it. man with an exciting and bright future Thanks to Mr Finn, the friends I made, Topper Webb (E 72-73), a graduate of that I could never have envisaged 18 Bromsgrove School and the ESU, I had my boarding school in the US, had gone years ago. We are very proud of him and a taste of that way of life, which made to Bromsgrove in the 1970s and was we thank you all very much for changing my own way of life a good bit richer and instrumental in getting me placed there. our lives.’ my world view a great deal broader.’

Foundation Dinner Dance at Grafton Manor Donor Roll THANKING OUR DONORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT DURING 2013/14.

Cookes Lupton School (cont.) Friends of the School David Baker (63-67) Richard Astbury (55-58) David Higgs (53-57) Acorn Arable Ltd John Dunstall (63-68) Richard Brookes (61-65, Ian Hodge (56-61) Flowers of Worcester Ian Gibson (66-71) School Governor) J Roy Hughes (45-50) Old Bromsgrovian Lodge Peter Byng (60-64) Benjamin Kemsley (94-99) Rathbones Elmshurst Kim Daniels (60-65) Colin Kendon (76-81) Rudell The Jewellers Julian Adams (83-89) Guy Escolme (81-86) David Moore (66-71) Thomas Horton LLP Mark Chown (81-86) Mark Escolme (80-86) Rowland Morgan (53-58) Paul Adams Justin Golby (85-89) Carlton Douglas (83-88) Matt Neal (78-84) John Benjamin Robert Jolly (60-66) Francis Dunne (61-66) Alan Powell (48-53) Lord Cobham Ann Towe, Stewart Towe CBE, John Benjamin, Lord Digby Jones and Olivia Safe John Kirkus (50-55) Paddy Firminger (42-47) Christopher Price (39-44) Sally Cross James Leek (57-62) Eric Walker (56-59) David Pulham (58-63) Chris Edwards A hundred OBs, Parents and Friends Telephone Campaign Tim Mitchell (46-51) Deborah Williams (née Evans, 75-78) Richard Pyatt (72-74) Martin Greenstreet of the School gathered for a splendid Antony Neales (48-53) John Pyke (53-58) Alastair Jones evening in May 2014. They were Richard Noake (59-64, Lyttelton David Roberts (53-58) Cyrille Regus MBE entertained by opera singer and OB Foundation Chairman) John Boardman (57-63) John Say (39-43) James Sommerville Olivia Safe, who was herself a bursary Ian Routh (53-58) Drew Bradman (98-03) Paul Snape (58-62) Michael Whitehead recipient and Music Scholar. John Ruck (50-53) Bill Byrne (78) William Stallard (51-56) Simon Skelding (57-62) Ian Elliot (74-79) Gregory Watkins (72-76) Parents An auction followed in aid of Richard Smith (72-77) Roger Harrison (76-81) Mr and Mrs Bannister Foundation bursaries with John Ben Turvill (93-00) Rufus James-Moore (53-58) Thomas Cookes Mr and Mrs Bloor Benjamin from the Antiques Stuart Wadsworth (58-63) Siward James-Moore (49-54) Olivia Knight-Adams (91-94) Mr Blunt Roadshow as Chief Auctioneer, Alexander Walsh (94-99) Alex McIntosh (96-04) Suzanne Middleton (95-00) Mr Chiu and Ms Wong supported by Lord Digby Jones, a Topper Webb (72-73) Andrew Muir (64-74) Claire Pottinger (81-89) Mr Coffee and Ms Grimmett Charlotte Collie, Calum Slater, Andrea Lloyd and former Foundation Scholar. Sam Adamson John Withers (51-56) Kelvin Morris (76-81) Olivia Safe (92-94) Mr and Mrs Cooke David Reeve (50-54) Mr and Mrs Cox We wish to thank everyone who Lord Digby Jones hosted the 2014 Gordon R Shakespear (59-64) Walters Mr and Mrs Derriey attended, donated or purchased one Campaign, where a team of twelve Mark Adams (72-77) John Steveni (75-80) Richard Gard (76-81) Mr and Mrs Domuschiev of the wonderful auction prizes. Over recent leavers telephoned alumni and Richard Brook (45-50) Stewart Towe CBE (65-70, Alex Hadley (96-98) Mr Eaves £10,000 was raised, more than former parents to update them on Paul Bryan (58) Chairman of Governors) Digby, Lord Jones of Mr and Mrs Fraine double the original target. These School developments and events, and Jeremy Davis (46-54) David Walters (81-86) Birmingham Kt. (69-74) Mr and Mrs Gibson funds will enable severely ask if they would be able to consider Robert Dowler (57-62) Gareth Walters (70-81) David Kilburn (73-78) Mr and Mrs Grigorov disadvantaged children to access supporting Foundation bursaries or Barry Dumughn (50-55) Adrian Yates (73-78) Stephen Morris (67-76) Mr and Mrs Guo Bromsgrove School. help build a musical instrument pool. Trevor Eve (64-69) Matthew Taylor (68-73) Mr and Mrs Hales John Faull (46-51) Mary Windsor Jack Slattery (07-14) Mr and Mrs Haynes Thanks to Stephen and Wendy A huge thank you to everyone who Andrew Fryer (60-64) Ayesha Bell-Paris (99-06) Stephen Williams (68-73) Mr Hurley Morris for providing the superb took part in the Campaign, which Sir Robert Hastie (43-51) Debbie Dawes (83-89) Adam Wood (75-80) Mr and Dr King Grafton Manor venue, and to Sarah raised just over £70,000 in gifts and (62-67) Caroline Logan (91-96) Mr and Mrs Langford Derriey, Claire Hales and Sharon pledges from 171 donors, and helped Nevil Malin (48-53) Caroline Moore (87-98) Wendron / Wendron-Gordon Mr Lau Stirling for their help and support in us to further develop careers support Andrew Parffrey (68-73) Victoria Underwood (82-87) Sir David Arculus (59-64) Mr Lawrence and Ms Hughes making the event such a success. for current pupils. Bryan Parkes (48-53) Andrew Broadbent (63-67) Mr and Mrs Lloyd Raymond Sancroft-Baker (62-67) Oakley Tony Collett (55-60) Mr and Mrs Maumi The Campaign provides work Graham Sim (69-74) Theodora Dyakova (05-07) Ralph Duncan (46-51) Mr and Mrs Morris Mailing List experience for our young OB callers, and John Thorpe (52-57) Samantha Evans (89-94) Thomas Evans (45-50) Mrs Peel employers’ state that they particularly John Vine (51-55) Neil Gaylor (58-64) Mrs Pridden If you are not currently receiving value this type of work. Each Emory Winship (71-72) School Ben Key (79-84) Mr and Mrs Shinner invitations to our events but wish to member of the calling team also J Alexander (53-58) Jeff Lomax (49-54) Mr Smith be included, please contact Megan received an employment reference Hazeldene Julian Barnes (77-82) DSE Miller (68-73) Dr Stiff Griffiths: mgriffiths@bromsgrove- from Lord Jones. Joanne Gilfillan (87-92) Simon Bucknall (90-95) James Nailer (90-95) Mr Ward and Mrs Stirling school.co.uk or telephone 01527 Caroline Merritt (89-94) David Buller (48-53) Will Packwood (07-11) Mr and Mrs Sun 579679 Ext 366. Amy Morgan (98-03) Andrew Clark (47-52) Tim Ridge (62-67) Mr and Mrs Turner Lucy Walmsley (89-98) Thomas Ellis (87-92) Tim Roberts (63) Mr Westman Anyone with a connection to Rebecca Zakrzewski (91-01) William Friel (62-67) Philip Root (65-69) Mr and Mrs Weston Smith Bromsgrove is welcome to attend any Charles Grundy (65-70) John Taylor (55-60) Mrs Wilson of our events. Michael Hales (47-52) Stanford Wong (01-06) Mr and Mrs Yuan Richard Hemingway(57-62)

Events WHAT’S ON AT BROMSGROVE DURING 2015.

February 2015 April 2015 June 2015

Donors’ Lunch Ladies’ Lunch Commemoration Concert Saturday 28th February Saturday 25th April Thursday 25th June Venue: Bromsgrove School Venue: Bromsgrove School Venue: Routh Hall Time: 12noon – 2.30pm Time: 12noon - 2.30pm Time: 7pm Donors from the last academic year are Places: £15 per person For bookings, please contact invited to a lunch at Bromsgrove School. [email protected] All eligible Old Bromsgrovians, Parents or telephone 01527 579679 ext 235 and Friends of the School will be sent The Sir Thomas Cookes Legacy invitations in the Lent Term. Society Lunch Thursday 30th April Commemoration Day Venue: Bromsgrove School Saturday 27th June Time: 12noon – 2.30pm Old Bromsgrovians, Families and their March 2015 Members of The Sir Thomas Cookes Guests are warmly invited to the OB Legacy Society are invited to an Marquee on Lower Charford between Pop & Jazz annual lunch at Bromsgrove School. 1pm and 5pm. Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th March All eligible Old Bromsgrovians will be Venue: Routh Hall sent invitations in the Lent Term. Time: 7.30pm For bookings, please contact Date TBC [email protected] or telephone 01527 579679 ext 235 May 2015 London University Visit German Reunion Heads of School Lunch with Mr Bowen Mothering Sunday Service Saturday 16th May Sunday 15th March Venue: Bromsgrove School Venue: Memorial Chapel Time: 12noon – 2.30pm To find out more about any of these All welcome Heads of School from 1982 – Present events, or if you have suggestions of (the period Mr Bowen has been at your own, please email us at: Bromsgrove School) are invited back for [email protected] Choral Society Concert a special lunch. All eligible Old Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and Cantique Bromsgrovians will be sent invitations in Telephone Jenny or Megan on de Jean Racine Ralph Vaughn Williams, the Lent Term. 01527 579679 Ext 357 / 366 Five Mystical Songs Saturday 21st March Or contact us by post: For bookings, please contact Special Preview of Hagley Park Bromsgrove School [email protected] Sunday 17th May (provisional) Worcester Road or telephone 01527 579679 ext 235 Venue: Hagley Hall Bromsgrove Time and Price: TBC Old Bromsgrovians, Parents, Staff, B61 7DU Pupils and Friends of the School are invited to an early summer event where they will get a sneak preview of the restoration work that has gone into transforming Hagley Park before it is open to the public. There will be cricket between the School and Hagley teams, as well as music from Bromsgrove pupils.

facebook.com/oldbromsgrovians LinkedIn Old Bromsgrovians @BromsSchool

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk | [email protected] | +44 (0) 1527 579679 ext 357 / 366