Old Caldicotian News: April 2014

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Old Caldicotian,

This edition contains much happy news, but the immediate past has been distressing for all of us. The testimony given in court at the sex abuse trials of ex teachers has been harrowing. As I am sure you are all aware, Peter Wright was convicted of sex offences committed between 1959 and 1970 and three other teachers, Martin Carson, Hugh Henry and John Addrison have been convicted on similar charges relating to offences committed in the 1960s and 1970s. It is a painful reminder that although so many of you have very happy memories of your time at Caldicott, this is certainly not true for everyone. On behalf of the school, I would like to offer sincere apologies to anyone who suffered at the hands of teachers at Caldicott. That the abuse was committed between thirty-five and fifty years ago does not lessen the pain. We are truly sorry and although we cannot erase what happened in the past, we do work tirelessly to make present day Caldicott the safest environment possible. These convictions were the culmination of a lengthy police investigation, in which the school has played an active supporting role. The school issued the following statement at the time:

“This verdict brings to a close a lengthy police investigation and subsequent prosecutions of some staff members for abuse committed at the school during the 1960’s and 1970’s. The school cooperated fully with the police during their enquiries and we want to thank them for their thorough investigations. We are deeply saddened that adults in a position of trust and responsibility have committed crimes of this nature against children in their care at Caldicott. Although these offences took place a generation ago, they remain shocking, and we applaud the bravery of the victims who came forward to give evidence against Peter Wright and the other staff members. Although long delayed, we are pleased to see justice done. “Caldicott is now a very different school. We put the safety and welfare of our pupils at the heart of everything we do. Our policies are fully in line with current legal requirements. These policies were developed with guidance from police, victims and child protection regulators. They are constantly being updated in conjunction with changes in the law and in collaboration with the regulators. The school’s pastoral care is now the subject of continual scrutiny by the school’s governing body. We have been the subject of regular independent inspection by Ofsted and ISI. Our most recent inspection reports found that the level of residential and pastoral care respectively was “outstanding” and “excellent”. These reports can be read on our website at www.caldicott.com.”

The police have issued a statement which said: “I would like to thank staff at Caldicott Boys' Preparatory School for their continued support to Thames Valley Police whilst it investigated these claims. The investigation would not have succeeded without their assistance.”

I hope that this brings to an end the very distressing chapter in the history of the school. Caldicott is currently a strong and successful prep school where the boys are thriving. We continue to prepare boys for the top senior boarding schools in the country. Despite the dreadful revelations from the past, the staff, boys and parents are proud of what the school has become and feel part of a happy community. The school is full with 294 boys including 104 boarders in the final two years. The Summer Term begins tomorrow and Steve Wood and his team have done a wonderful job in ensuring the grounds look excellent and the cricket squares are in immaculate condition. Old boys would be amazed by the transformation of Spens Field in the last few years. It is now the busiest sports field with rugby and football pitches as well as three hard cricket wickets. There is a pavilion and parents can park on the field. The extra pitches allow us to organise matches for all levels and all age groups in rugby, cricket and football.

There have been a number of recent developments that ensure that Caldicott facilities remain impressive. The Junior Corridor has been extended to encompass the other classrooms in that area. New classrooms have been built at the southern end of the Academic Block and we are awaiting the opening of the new split level library where the lecture room and meeting room used to be. All the dormitories have been renovated. There has been extensive upgrading of the equipment in the Centenary Hall with a new sound and lighting console and the Music School has been completely overhauled. In Chapel the Harrison and Harrison organ sounds as good as new after its thirty-five year service!

Boys enjoy being at Caldicott. I believe there is a healthy balance between hard work, competitive sport, lots of culture as well as the time to be carefree prep school boys. In an increasingly hectic world this sense of balance and wellbeing is an essential part of education for seven to thirteen year olds. I would welcome old boys returning to the school and I hope that we will see many of you in the year ahead. If any past pupil would like to see me, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Simon Doggart

FROM CHRIS MASTERMAN

Dear OC, I hope you enjoy the latest edition of your news and would just like to ask that you remember these few points: please email your news to me at [email protected] and be aware that I shall generally reproduce the message per se unless you have personal details that you would rather not be included, in which case please do point this out to me. I have in the past, indeed still do, tended to add personal comments of a ‘lovely to meet…’ nature; I think it is perhaps unduly subjective, overdone and unnecessary, so I shall endeavour to reduce their frequency in the future, but rest assured that I genuinely do enjoy my many meetings with you all.

Many hours are spent trawling through senior school magazines and as I get even older I would appreciate doing this less often and therefore ask you, especially younger OCs, to send me news of their achievements, something that has been happening less in recent years than it once used. Please accept my apologies for any errors and omissions; there would perhaps be fewer mistakes were more news to be received in writing.

I send you all my very best wishes,

Chris Masterman

GENERAL, SOCIAL & SPORT The Headmaster hosted a marvellous cricket dinner here at school in May to raise money for a new charity to assist young cricketers in the West Indies with the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers as the main guest and speaker. The many other guests comprised several of our staff, past and present, as with fathers, and colleagues from other prep and senior schools who enjoyed Sir Garry answering questions posed by past parent and England captain Chris Cowdrey. Old Boys included Simon Bradshaw, whose son Charlie is here in the 4th form, and Charlie Langley until called away when his wife Kirsty seemed ready to give birth to their daughter Thea Mae. Past parents included: Heywood, Figg, Rogers, Wildblood, McCreery and I am sure many more too. Past staff included James Fletcher, Kevin Rich, Steve Ilett and James Woodcock. The Staff v Parents cricket match was, needless to say, won by the staff, but in a close game the maximum scores, retiring at 30, were achieved by the three OCs playing, Charlie Langley for the staff and Simon Bradshaw and Ryan Thomas for the Parents. All three were again present at school the following day which was the Saturday morning of the annual fête; also present were other current parents Ross Baker, Guy Butterwick and Charles Bracken, and other OCs Daniel Jolowicz and Philip Clarkin, and from Radley with most of their GCSEs behind them, Tom Lloyd, Charlie Bracken and William Swift, all of whom, I think are likely to be including English as one of their A levels; Tom is also doing Maths and Latin and, I think, Greek too. Another post GCSE boy here was Muyiwa Ariyo who was going on a pre-season tour with the 1st XV squad, and past staff included Debs Kroiter and Jane Balgobin: lovely to see them all… as indeed it was later to see Alex Wright (Radley) and Sam Wood-Dow (Bradfield) who dropped in during the evening, both having finished their A levels. Our 2013 Sports Day took place on a lovely Saturday morning in late June and saw returns from OCs including, I think: Barnaby Nunn, Toritse Atake, Muyima Ariyo, Mustafa Ahmed, Duncan Eglinton, Henry Revill, Harry McCullagh, Samuel Sogbesan and Taryn Gosal as well as several OC current fathers. Sports Day, Speech Day or its subsequent staff party saw the return of William Pritchard, Harry McCullagh, Bryn Williams and Jack Taylor who share a flat at Newcastle university, Ben Maxwell, and Jameses Doggart and Walker who were both far too efficient at running the bar later that day. The following evening and Andy Baker and I went to the Oval to which we had been invited by Oli Broom for the launch of his book ‘Cycling to the Ashes’, the account of his wonderful trip to raise money for two deserving charities, from Lords to Brisbane a few years ago. It was a lovely evening enriched by seeing again Oli, who modestly recalled his exploits, his parents and his old friend Mark Singleton. Our cricket festival saw a few OCs return including Alex Schoff, Temur Ahmed, and Horatio Scott-Lyon. Tom Morgan was at The Emperor for a small part of his 18th birthday celebrations; he had been assisting Tom Chapman and others at the activity week in August before settling back with Freddie Chalmers, who had helped at a later rugby course, as gap helpers for the term. For his birthday he was joined by OCs Freddie, Angus Spratling, who is due to help us here in the summer term, Felix Peters, Will Voaden and Tim Doughty before heading to London with many other family and friends. Other OCs whom I have enjoyed talking to of late have included: Stuart Ritchie QC, Daniel Jolowicz, Jonathan Beloff, George Chilvers, Guy Butterwick, George Peel, Simons Smith and Bradshaw, Hamish Jacob, Alex Masih, both Doggarts, Andy Marshall, Andy Strauss. Many of us enjoyed a Race Night on Friday, 13th September to raise money for the senior rugby squad’s tour to Dubai over the half-term. Among those present were the following OCs: Simon Smith, Andrew Marshall and Simon Bradshaw and our Gaps Tom Morgan and Freddie Chalmers who did great work behind the bar and as bookies too. The OC tag rugby took place in the second Sunday of the term rather than the first, perhaps leading to a reduction in those free to play, but it was great to see the following and many of their parents: Charlie Langley (staff and OC); from Eton Henry Weir (injured), Alexei Peters, Barnaby Nunn, Adam Roeske; from Radley, Simon and Luke Stalder; from Wellington, Zak Redgrave, John Chibo, James Doggart; from Harrow, Ed Taylor. Recent school leavers included Felix Peters, Hugo Stewart, Tim Doughty, our gaps Freddie Chalmers and Tom Morgan. Slightly older, Obi and Chuka Ilogu, Pip Blake and Charlie Doggart. Several of our own staff played, and I think won, and a few of our boys too. Thanks go to them all and especially Matt Hutchings for the organisation, Adam Hurst for helping, and Mark Smith for reffing.

Bonfire Party day saw visits from Dominic St George in the afternoon to visit his nephew, Nick Teague, enjoying his first game for the XV, and Archie Marsh and Tommy Wright, watching the former’s younger brother, James, before staying for the fireworks. Other OC visitors included: present parents, Angus Chilvers, Andy Marshall, Ross Baker, Robert Petschek, Ryan Thomas, Guy Butterwick, past parents and families, and Governors, Malcolm Swift and Chris Rogers; William Swift, Simon Hungin, Charlie Doggart, Henry Stalder, Taryn Ruparel, past staff James Fletcher, and, of course, Charlie Langley. Assessment Day: we had a second assessment day in October and I enjoyed meeting the sister of Chris and John Brawley and her family, and Rosie Lamb, mother of Jamie whose sister was here with her husband and two boys. The Rugby Club Dinner took place on Thursday, 5th December 2013 with Gavin Hastings as our Guest of Honour and Alex Payne, from Sky TV, as M.C. The following OCs are expected to join the present 1st XV and their fathers, rugby coaching staff, past and present, present gaps, and other guests from senior and other prep schools: Andy Marshall, Chris Sheasby, Guy Butterwick, Allan Silverman, James Richardson, Alex Sever, Ryan Thomas, John Ostroumoff, Patrick and Spencer King, Chris Cecile- Pritchard, Graham Gregory, Ross Baker, Sammy Dow, Sam Aspland-Robinson, Pip Blake, Chuka, Obi and Emeka Ilogu, Matthew Laird, Adam Webb, Alistair Bone, Adam Fedorciow, Charlie Langley, Tom Morgan and Freddie Chalmers. Past fathers, not OCs, included: Mike McDonald, Steve King, Rob McDonald, Tim Beard, Jon Morgan and Rick Aspland-Robinson. Past staff were Jim Hamilton-Smith and Kevin Rich. It was, as ever, a great evening with excellent speeches from Freddie Heffer and Rory Marshall before Gavin Hastings spoke and answered questions with great knowledge, modesty and humour. I very much enjoyed festive parties at the Broughs where Ross and Mary Baker were among the guests. The following evening I was invited again to the wonderful annual party at the Hunters where Matthew’s parents, Andy and Michele, entertain so well with many Caldicott people among the guests. It was a shame that Matthew could not be present, still abroad, I think Shanghai, as part of his university course, but OCs included Andy Marshall, whose wife Emma was responsible for the most delectable delicacies, Max Vuarnoz and Duncan MacDougall from the 60s. Helping Emma were Charlie and Clare Doggart, Emeka Ilogu and the sisters of Rafe Petersen along with others of Clare’s friends; thanks to all of them for keeping me well fed and over watered and for my lift home after a great evening that included chatting to members of these families: Vuarnoz, Gray, Ryan, Cathcart, Gordon, Marshall, Doughty, Tate, Quiney, Kane …maybe more!

A group from Harrow came over to play Harrow Football at Caldicott in March 2014

OLD BOYS’ NEWS

Robert Archer (1990 – 1995) Robert is a naval architect whose present work is based around oil rigs and he lives on the London/Surrey border.

Andrew Balding (1980 – 1986) Andrew made a cameo appearance in his sister Clare’s C4 documentary about the Suffragette Emily Davidson in May.

Olly Barratt (1986 – 1992) Olly writes: ‘Hello everyone, Forgive the out-of-the-blue email, particularly if you haven't heard from me in decades, but I'm running the London Marathon again this year and am here to beg for your support. Some of you know I ran it last year and my targets were to raise loads of money for the amazing Children With Cancer UK and to come home in under 4 hours. I raised over 3K for CWC, but my knee broke and I finished in 4 hours and ONE MINUTE. So I have to do it again. The charity is close to my heart: I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a teenager, and Mrs B. works on a cancer ward at Great Ormond Street and sees the great work they do. Some of her patients were at the finish line last year and it was an emotional moment but one that did not, at any stage, make me cry, or anything like that. Anyway, I'd love to raise a boatload more cash for CWC and this year I promise to finish in under 4 hours and never bother you again. You can sponsor me here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/OllyBarratt Many, many thanks in advance if any of you are able to donate any amount, however small.’

Jonathan Beloff (1994 – 1999) Jonathan with whom I enjoyed a drink at The Emperor in September, is still working for Sky where he is involved with the editing and production of its boxing programmes.

Pip Blake (1997 – 2003) Pip is a most welcome regular at the touch rugby; he is working, I think, in recruitment.

Ed Bosson (2000 – 2006) Congratulations to Ed Bosson and Jamie Copus who are, I think, in the GB rowing development squad.

Mark Bowman (1987 – 1993) Mark emailed in April: ‘Dear Sirs, I just wanted to update you with regards my news for the next old boys magazine. I have (as of 01 May 2013) been promoted to partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse, continuing to specialise in clinical negligence and catastrophic injury claims. Away from work I am currently, having now competed in 4 half ironman triathlons, training for my first full distance ironman, in Lake Tahoe in September 2013. This will involve a 2.5 mile swim, 110 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, all at an altitude of over 5500 feet. I will be raising money for MACS, the micro and anophthalmic children's society. For further details of how to sponsor me people should e-mail me at [email protected] (as my justgiving page is not yet set up) Hope this is of some interest. Mark.’ Thank you Mark and good luck.

Chris Brawley is now a Major in the US army.

Adam Bristow (1998 – 2004) Good to hear from new Classics teacher Sarah Stuckey, who is a friend of his from Cambridge, that he is doing well and having gained a good degree (perhaps in philosophy?) and is now doing a law conversion degree.

Oli Broom (1987 – 1993) Oli launched his great book, ‘Cycling to the Ashes’, in July at the Long Room of the Oval; it recounts the exploits of his wonderful adventures when he cycled from London to Brisbane in time for the first of the Ashes series in 2010 (some details of the amazing journey were printed in earlier ex files and the full account can, indeed should, be read in the book published by Yellow Jersey Press, Random House.) He was raising funds for the British Neurological Trust and The Lord’s Taverners and since then, in addition to writing the book, he was the Project Director of the Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation which is in the process of buying land and creating a cricket pitch and stadium for that country. I have only just started the book, but it seems wonderful and I highly recommend it to all our readers.

Douglas Campbell (1988 – 1993) Douglas writes: ‘2012 was a memorable year: Syyn Labs, SMART, Mindshare, Marriage & more. The image below was taken during my last interview with Entrepreneur magazine when they included us in their 100 Brilliant Companies article back in May.

Doug Campbell (2nd from left) Together with the talented Mike Russek, I launched a test project called "SMART: Where Science Meets Art" at a big west coast festival and it was an instant hit. You can watch our video and stay tuned by visiting TheSMARTGallery.com. And on an unexpected note, I was ordained by the non-denominational Universal Life Church! I've already officiated weddings between my good friends Matt & Liz.’

Benjamin Cathcart (2002 – 2005) Ben has been working for Disney in France for a couple of years I think and is off to university in Helsinki soon.

Jamie Copus (2000 – 2004) Congratulations also to Jamie who is, I think, in the GB rowing development squad.

Rory Copus (1998 – 2002) Rory was heard on Radio 3 over the Easter hols playing the part of York in a repeat of ‘Richard III’.

Fabian Cowdrey (2003 – 2006) Fabian has been scoring runs for his county, Kent, in one day competitions.

David Cranmer (1989 – 1994) David had a long chat at a wedding in October with Mike Adams, who still teaches at Windlesham House and who now has two children with his wife, Georgie.

Jonnie Cranmer (1993 – 1999) Jonnie was a welcome visitor (sorry to have missed him) back here in September when he came back from California and watched nephew Max playing football.

Charlie Crossley (1985 – 1991) Charlie is working in his father, Stuart’s, Development Company, and now has two sons, Wolf and Raffeti.

Oli Crossley (2001 – 2007) Oli had just completed his time at Kingston doing his foundation year in Art and Design before starting his degree in Architecture, I think in Newcastle, when I saw his mother Veronique in Costa in May. Oli is enjoying life at university in Newcastle studying architecture and it was great to enjoy talking to him and younger brother James (Wellington) in January 2014 in La Cantina.

Tom Curzon (2002 – 2008) Tom has just been offered, early January, a place at Christ Church College, Oxford, to read English; many congratulations to him.

Ed David (1985 – 1991) Ed has just dropped in (March 2014) with his lovely wife of nearly two years; he enjoyed life at Radley and university at Bristol and now lives in London working at his own online retail business.

Richard Dinan (1994 – 2000) Richard less often, and Stevie Johnson have continued to appear in ‘Made in Chelsea’ which I hear has won a BAFTA.

Charlie Doggart (2001 – 2007) Charlie completed his time working here in the maintenance department in February when he headed off with a friend from Wellington on his travels, going first to South America. Charlie returned in May from a marvellous time with friends in South America, the first part of his travelling gap year with a second trip to come soon, further east to Hong Kong for which he departed on May 21st, which had allowed him time to have a match for Beaconsfield 2nd XI for whom he scored 117 not out that included a last wicket partnership of 70, or thereabouts, of which he scored 69. He returned from his travels in Hong Kong and Thailand in early July with a job starting soon in London in a security firm. Before heading up north to university, Newcastle I think, he has been helping on the maintenance side here in September.

Keith Donan (1992 – 1998) Keith is living in Hong Kong where he works for a bank, I think, UBS, and is involved in market trading with China.

Dow brothers: enjoyed seeing Sammy at the rugby dinner and a little later a chat with mother Lorna locally: hope I have the right boys and that Jack is still in Australia, Andrew is working in insurance in the City and Colin lives at home and is about to get involved in the clothing industry.

Kristian Dyer (1999 – 2005) Kris enjoyed his years at Wellington before leaving for Shiplake, which he also enjoyed, for his 6th form years and from where he gained 3 A levels , one in Theatre Studies and two more arty ones, after which he went to university at a London college and got his degree in something like Media Art Technology; anyway, his main interests professionally lie in the area of music design for videos in which he hopes to have work soon. Living locally at home now, he hopes to work in the music industry and is even considering a move to Toronto where there are more opportunities. He is in touch with several OCs including Nicholas McAlister and Oliver Campbell.

James Fifield (1997 – 2003) James is probably to leave New York next year to do an MBA at Oxford or London.

Andrew Ford (1993 – 1999) Andrew is working for the drinks company Innocent and younger brother Jonathan has a job waiting for him with PricewaterhouseCoopers when he returned from his travels in Columbia when I met Andrew and his mother in May.

Rob Gaylard (1988 – 1991) Rob made a most welcome visit here in early march to see his nephews, sister’s children Guy and Alex Stonor; he, Rob, is working with the UN and is based in New York where he hopes to stay for a few years having been posted in the past to places such as Afghanistan and Somalia. He is married and is still in touch with Ed David, who he was seeing that evening, and Chris Heck and Richard Tootill, both of who live in Australia where they still enjoy close games of squash, although Rob reckons he can beat both at tennis, a game that he is playing quite a lot.

Omar Gemei (1996 – 2002) I enjoyed seeing him locally in March when he was home for the weekend from his work in finance with a Russian company; he is studying for his accountancy exams, having read Russian at university at Leeds (and Moscow).

Simon Guillebaud (1983 – 1986) From Simon in February: ‘Simon is back in Burundi after a few years in the USA. He runs a charity called Great Lakes Outreach, working with the most marginalized people on the planet in a desperately poor war-torn country. His third book has just come out, a lighter read, chronicling his riding across the whole of the USA. Here’s the blurb: Bike for Burundi started out as four men cycling over 3,000miles across America from San Diego to Charleston to raise money for the poorest country in the world. Their epic adventure included highs and lows as they persevered through sandstorms, over snow-capped mountains and across desolate deserts. It was a race against time and a battle against the elements. They were run off the road by a biker gang and attacked by numerous packs of feral dogs. They had to deal with the loss of a team member medically evacuated by helicopter, several spectacular crashes, multiple injuries, hallucinations, dehydration, mind games, road-kill, and more. Spurred on by the urgent situation back in Burundi, they defied the odds to complete their task through blood, sweat and tears – some of pain, others of laughter! Relive the adventure through Simon Guillebaud’s vivid, moving and hilarious recounting of events and people they met along the way on what was the journey of a lifetime!’

James Heywood (2000 – 2006) James was vice-captain of the St Edmund’s Hall rugby side that won the Oxford University Cuppers competition: well done to him.

Sam, Harry & Jack Holdstock (1991 – 2005) From Joan Holdstock: ‘Sam is at the Sorbonne on his Erasmus year and loving Paris in all its variety.’ ‘Jack still happy in Geneva and relishing the prospect of another ski season.’ ‘Our lovely news is that Harry and Nuvia became engaged and plan to marry in spring 2014 in Madrid…’

Sam Hilton (2002 – 2007) Sam has also been working at The Foresters in the summer before he heads south to university in Bournemouth. Sam was enjoying life at university when we met in October and he had made the top rugby squad.

Chuka Ilogu (2001 – 2004) Chuka has finished a great time at Manchester University with a degree in geography and, having helped at his old school, Harrow, for the summer school, he is playing football for the OH side, and waiting for work. Great to see him and older brother Obi at the touch rugby.

Emeka Ilogu (2003 – 2007) Emeka enjoyed a few weeks at home over Christmas before returning to university and some serious rugby in New Zealand.

Hamish Jacobs (1985 – 1986) Hamish has hardly changed in the 25 or more years since I’d last seen him when he returned with his brother to see his nephew Nikita Jacobs; Hamish is working in Shanghai with his own business concerned with green issues having worked previously for Coca Cola.

Adrian Jarvis (1991 – 1997) Adrian is playing fly half for Bristol in the Championship, on Sky in September in a defeat to the Cornish Pirates.

Johnsons (1993 – 2001) The brothers who went on to Radley, not the Eton ones. I hear that James is about to qualify as a doctor having changed career and Matthew is involved in theatre and music in London where he also has a company that entertains at children’s parties.

Stevie Johnson (1996 – 2002) Stevie has been a regular performer in ‘Made in Chelsea’ over the winter, although I think that Richard Dinan might have moved on by now; Stevie seems to have had a more important profile in this series, having learnt to ride a bike, to rap, to make cocktails I think and to generally become a more manly figure.

Daniel Jolowicz (1994 – 2000) Daniel deserves my thanks for his loan of several books on structuralism even if they were often beyond me. Good to see him in September before he headed off to Greece for a holiday, perhaps with some work attached, and then returning to Oxford where he will continue work on his doctorate and start some tutoring as a lecturer in classics at Corpus Christi college.

Rhys Jones (1995 – 2001) From Rhys in Australia in August: ‘Dear Chris, I hope you are well. For some reason Caldicott popped into my mind and I thought I'd send you an email to check in and see how you are. I am doing very well myself. Last time I spoke to you was about 5 years ago when I was at university. Well since them I have finished university and I have been working for Probation and Parole for the past 3 years. In layman's terms I work with offenders to rehabilitate their offending behaviour while balancing their risk against community safety. While the Department (Corrective Services New South Wales) lacks resources and I am finding I am rather overworked, I enjoy my job a lot and I feel like I make at least a small impact on the lives of people I come into contact with. I always think about continuing my studies, perhaps a masters of Criminology or Counter Terrorism and Intelligence but I guess there is always a finite amount of time to get things done, and at the moment I lack that precious time. I am still living in the city in Sydney. I'm in a new relationship of two months which is going very nicely. I try to keep an average of reading a new book every two weeks but I sometimes falter and take three weeks. Apart from that I'm busy seeing friends and family. Kind Regards, Rhys’

Asa and Ben Joseph (1993 – 2000) I hope for more news soon having enjoyed a most welcome surprise if brief meeting with the boys’ mother outside The Trafalgar Studio theatre in April; I think it is Asa who was about to get married and perhaps Ben who is working in China.

James Kay (1998 – 2002) Good to meet him and father, Brian, in GX in late March. James is working in engineering consulting which included time working in Wexham at the hospital. Lovely meeting his mother Louise later in the year and to learn that he, James, had that week been swimming with sharks in a cage and doing the highest bungee jump in South Africa; he was working in Oxford for Newton, I think a management consultancy firm.

William Kay (1998 – 2004) William had just completed his degree from Oxford, Brookes, I think in Estate Management.

Max Kuhnke (1995 – 2001) Lovely to hear from Max Kuhnke after quite a while: ‘Well after uni (graduated Cum Laude from an American Uni with a major in International Relations and a minor in Management) in 2010, I took up a number of internships: British Embassy, Washington DC; two MPs in their Westminster offices. For the past two years I have been working as an Intelligence Analyst on the situation in Libya. I completed my Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) last summer, and after deciding there were few things I would have liked less than being a lawyer, I decided that I wanted to join the Army. So I have been thorough all of the testing and everything and I am off to RMA Sandhurst on the 5th May. I'm currently in the process of trying to figure out which regiment I want to be in, and am preparing physically to be able to have my pick of them! Exciting times, eh?’ ‘My parents are moving house and in the boxes I have been coming across a whole bunch of old photos. I recently found this one and thought that you might be interested in seeing it!’

Charlie Khoo (1996 – 2002) ‘Charlie Khoo is in his final year at University College Hospital School in London. Recent placements have been for general practice in Uxbridge, and Accident and Emergency in Stevenage – neither has given him a vocational calling! A recent triumph was to score a try in the penultimate rugger match of the season for RUMS. Apart from medicine, his main scientific focus is on making the world’s best syrup: his essence of rhubarb is sensational (he says). On Boxing Day, Charlie and Katie Rose head off for New Plymouth, North Island, New Zealand, for their elective, and with a couple of weeks’ travel at the end.’

Daniel & Tommy Jolowicz (1994 – 2006) On the same day as seeing the Manns I enjoyed seeing Corinna Jolowicz who told me that Daniel was enjoying some time in Crete attending a Classics’ conference and they had recently enjoyed watching Tommy acting in a play in Oxford where he too is reading Classics.

Mike Lesslie (1995 – 1997) Mike was the author of the play ‘Prince of Denmark’ a prequel to Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ about the lives of that play’s characters when younger, and it was performed, twice, by Harrow’s new Junior Rattigan Society. He was the subject of an interview in the Harrow Record in Autumn 2013 in which he talked of his own writing experiences and offered advice to aspiring writers.

MacDonald brothers (1993 – 2003) I hope to hear further from father Rob soon, but I think that the eldest, James, works for JP Morgan; Tom is off to America and working in the music industry; Will, the youngest, is doing well with the family business.

Nicholas Mainguy (1968 – 1972) From Nicholas in April: ‘Hello, I was looking at the lost old boys list and saw my name. I went to Caldicott from 1968-1972. I was one of two Canadians the other being John Traves. I now live in Vancouver B.c. and have many fond memories of my years at Caldicott. Thanks Nick’

James Neil, Mark Shephard, Adam England, David Elphinstone (1990 – 1996) From Marcia Neil: ‘James and Gabby were married on a sunny September day at Chalfont St Giles church… they are living in Fulham. Mark Shephard was Master of Ceremonies and Adam England and Dave Elphinstone were all in great form.’

Haydn Mann (2000 – 2006) Haydn is working at The Emperor during the summer while on holiday from Manchester University where he is studying.

Max Morgan (1997 – 2004) Max was about to set off for Edinburgh where he is in his final year of his Sports Management degree when we met in the New Year.

Paige Newmark (1969 – 1974) Paige featured prominently on a BBC 2 programme in October, ‘A Very English Education’, which followed up the lives of some of the pupils who had been involved in a 1979/80 programme, ‘Public School’, which was about life at Radley College when under the Wardenship of Dennis Silk. Paige had gone on to university at York, was married with two children and living in western Australia where he was a theatre director running a Shakespeare company.

Sam Noble (1985 – 1988) Sam was a most welcome visitor with his wife in November, appropriately enough for one who had not returned for a long time on Remembrance Day. Sam, who had loved Caldicott, won a scholarship to Pangbourne, which he also enjoyed, before he went to university at Nottingham where he read History. He worked in advertising and now runs his own company in that field. He has a son, Charlie aged six, and is still in touch with several OCs including Simon Gorringe and Charles Tingey and Ostroumoff.

James Offer (1983 – 1987) James made a most welcome surprise visit one Sunday evening in early September after he had enjoyed a lunch in the nearby home of Ross Baker and his family where Gavin Sampson was also a guest. James was back in the UK following many years working in security in Iraq, but mainly in Afghanistan for the foreign office and for a bank involved in improving the infrastructure of the country. He had been enjoying some time off that allowed him to follow the British Lions in Australia and spend some time in America. Future plans might involve further security work, this time in the Yemen. He also has an interest in some software and in wines.

Tolu Ogunsanya (1996 – 2002) Tolu made a most welcome visit with his Swedish girlfriend in April, his first return since leaving in 2001 when he went on to Wellington. He then went on to university at Leeds where he read a business type degree before joining up with his twin brother Tobi and their two twin sisters at Warwick where he achieved his Masters in Management Consultancy (I think that I published a picture of the four of them from the national press at the time). He now works as a senior consultant for Ernst and Young with Tobi doing a similar job for a rival company. Tolu saw Christian Ibru while at Warwick and still sees Tom Simkins with whom he had been at Wellington too. He still plays football for his company on Sundays, but had to stop rugby after a promising start at Wellington because of a knee injury. Great to hear him say that English had been his favourite subject here and that his ability with language helps him in his work. Tolu later sent the following news: ‘It was an absolute pleasure and delight seeing you last week. Despite the lengthy time, things at Caldicott haven’t really changed much, thus I enjoyed walking back down memory lane and the nostalgia that came with it - still have fond and vivid memories of my time there. Great to see that you are still teaching English also, from me to you - it was always my favourite class at Caldicott not least because of how you engaged us and made it exciting! My girlfriend also told me to tell you how charming she found you, I've attached the picture we took on the Great Lawn. It really has been way too long, I promise not to leave it so long next time round - hoping to make it to the Summer fete and I will try and get some of my other contingents (Tom Simkins, Stevie Johnson and Tobi) along with me. Things have really progressed for me since leaving, hard to believe now that I managed to complete my undergraduate in Leeds University (alongside Tom Simkins & Stevie Johnson) and then a Masters at Warwick University with Tobi (who was there also for his undergraduate). Currently I am being kept out of trouble in my Senior Management Consultant role at Ernst & Young, Tobi is also in the same role level but at Accenture, Tom Simkins is a journalist at ITN and Stevie Johnson is making his name on Made In Chelsea! A mixed bag but we all still find time to keep in touch with each other. Anyways, I am sure it is all systems GO at the moment with the new term commencing, hope you are not too stressed and still finding time to enjoy yourself. It was really a pleasure seeing you Musty and I found coming back quite emotional because of how much I missed the place and the teachers who made the experience. Please pass on my regards to everyone there, the Ogunsanya family (en masse) send their love and well-wishes, All the best, Tolu’

Tolu and CJM

Matthew Podesta (1976 – 1982) Matthew and his wife were welcome visitors for a tour here in September.

Arran Purewal (2000 – 2005) Good to see him locally in late August before he returned to UCL where he told me that Charlie Redwood has started. Arran has been in touch with Gilbert Harrold and Jamie Annunziata.

Chaand Raja (2004 – 2007) From Chaand in February 2013: ‘I know it has been a while, well 5 years. I hope everything is okay at Caldicott. I do miss it and would really like to come back to visit. I am now at Cardiff University, reading Economics. I'm in my first year and loving life as a fresher. There were a few boys who I bumped into in my last year at Charterhouse who went to Caldicott. I hope all is good, and I hope to see you all soon. Pass my love to the Caldicott family.’

Stuart Ritchie (1978 – 1983) Stuart is a QC and is married with two young children. He has been an excellent Governor of his old school for a number of years and it was very good to see and listen to him when he spoke to the academic staff on matters concerning aspects of our profession and the law.

Jack Roddan (2002 – 2007) Jack Roddan has been coaching squash here for several months before heading off to Russia for a while and returning with further squash coaching lined up locally.

Teddy Sasada (2001 – 2007) Teddy Sasada returned from Oxford for the Easter holidays; he has some local coaching lined up, languages, and he too, along with James Heywood, was in the winning Teddy Hall Cuppers winning side. He has been working in The Foresters again having gained a 1st in Russian in his end of year exams. He is to be secretary of his college’s rugby team, Teddy Hall, when he returns. Teddy was home in April from Oxford where he is reading Russian, having now ceased French, at Teddy Hall. He will be spending next year in Russia, but for the time being he is working hard and is again playing rugby in the Cuppers final in May (he is secretary of the college rugby club). He has stopped working at The Foresters where he had done much holiday work in the recent past and is busy giving private tuition instead, mainly in French and Latin.

Peter Schlatter (1971 – 1977) I enjoyed showing Peter, his wife and two children around the school when they visited in early July from their home in Switzerland where he works in pharmaceuticals. Peter had enjoyed his time at Caldicott in the late 1970s and at St Edward’s, Oxford, where he was to return for the 150th anniversary gaudy when one of the speakers was to be the Headboy, Angus Spratling, to whose younger brother, Ludo, I had introduced the family earlier.

Alex Sever (1996 – 2001) Alex is living in London and continues to provide private tuition to a variety of age groups in a mix of subjects in the capital and home-counties.

Amir Shah (1998 – 2000) We send Amir our congratulations upon his recent engagement about which I hope to receive more details soon. Great to see him in late May when he returned home for the weekend for a brief break just before he sat his end of year exams at Teddy Hall, Oxford, in French and Russian. Chris Sheasby (1975 – 1980) Chris was playing for the English legends side who defeated their Australian counterparts before the first of the current autumn internationals.

Haroon Sheikh (2002 – 2007) Haroon is in his second year at LSE studying finance and economics.

Grey Silverman (1992 – 1999) From Sarah-Jane Silverman: ‘… Greg is now in Aberdeen working for BP on the commercial side of their graduate scheme… He got a 2:1 in Natural Sciences from Durham….’ Greg returned south for a weekend in May from Aberdeen where he now lives and works and I was lucky enough to chat to him and his mother, Sarah-Jane, in Farnham Common. Greg still works for BP, looking after several oil fields in a job he enjoys and finds rewarding. It was lovely to see him and I hope to hear more from him soon.

Mark Singleton (1987 – 1994) Mark has long been a close friend of Oli and it was lovely seeing him at The Oval for the launch of the book. Mark had loved his school life both here and at Oundle where he played most sport at first team level, including three years in the 1st XI side for cricket, a game he continued to excel at including five years in the challenging Birmingham league with a team who included Alan Donald and Gladstone Small and whose opponents included Wasim Akram. He still plays top level squash with many victories, but none as yet against Henry Prideaux. He works as Marketing Director for PaddyPower (I’m not sure exactly what that entails, but bet it has something to do with sport). It was great to see him.

Simon Smith (1972 – 1977) Simon was back in September with Andrew Marshall to support the rugby tour Race Night and then to watch their son and Godson respectively reversed, Rory Marshall, play for the 1st XV in a close win over Cheltenham.

Angus Spratling (2002 – 2008) Angus was a most welcome guest, along with younger brother Ludo and their family, at our Carol Service in the Chapel of Eton College where he read a lesson beautifully. In mid-January he was off travelling to Thailand and Singapore where he was to do some teaching before joining us here as a Gap for the summer term, after which he is to read geography at university with Exeter being his favourite I think. Angus was helping at the pre-season cricket training in April before he joined us for the summer term as a gap student. He had been working, then travelling for the first half of the year and promised to supply further details soon.

Dominic St George (1988 – 1993) It was lovely seeing Dominic for the first time for several years when he returned to show his nephew, Nick Teague, and other members of the family, around his old school. Dominic is married, works in finance in the City and is still in touch with Nick Kinder and Tom Basey.

Theo Stephens (1981 – 1987) Theo emailed from Australia where he works in Manly library; he has a three year old boy with another child due soon. It was lovely hearing from him after quite a while; he had come to Caldicott just over thirty years ago and said how much he had enjoyed his time here.

Tom Stevenson (1990 – 1993) Tom was working in Switzerland in the same company as one of the Sidders’ brothers after which he transferred to Rwanda where he saw Oli Broom for the first time since Caldicott and they recognised each other ‘across a crowded room’ according to Tom’s mother.

Ed Stoppard (1983 – 1987) I have just watched an exciting BBC 2 documentary about the thrilling 1976 formula 1 rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda which was narrated by Ed. He had the main role of Alexei in the Radio 4 Classic Serial in November, ‘The Russian Gambler’.

Andrew Strauss (1986 – 1990) Andrew with his wife Ruth ran the London Marathon for the Lords’ Taverners and I think he is likely to be involved with the England set-up in a consultancy role and with Sky during the Ashes. Oh, he’s just donned some headphones in the so-called third man position alongside Atherton and Hussain to comment upon Jimmy Anderson’s 300th wicket, and other crickety things too. He has just completed, most efficiently, his first session as a commentator in the Ashes series with Sky on the morning of Wednesday 10th July and doing some perceptive analysis too. He is also writing for the Sunday Times. He is now back with us as a father, of Sam, and he is enjoying his present life commentating and writing. Andy has written a second autobiography, ‘Driving Ambition’, which really is most enjoyable and illuminating, and he is keen to continue his work on cricket in the media and writing, and has decided not to apply for the job of Managing Director of the England team to replace Hugh Morris. He is off to report on the Ashes in Australia in November. It’s been good to hear him on Sky even if he could not do or say anything to help England’s first test first innings performance. In addition to his broadcasting he writes regularly for the Sunday Times and I have very much enjoyed his sensible and knowledgeable articles, perhaps especially two excellent ones written in February on the complex issues of Flowers and Pietersen. His wife, Ruth, Sam and family flew out to join him in December for a few months before returning here in April. Andy was a most welcome return visitor on the first boarding day of the summer term just after he and his family had returned from their few months in Australia with son Sam returning to his friends in the first form. Andy has continued to write some perceptive and knowledgeable articles for the Sunday Times.

Toby Swift (2002 – 2008) Toby is another whom we congratulate upon his offer of a place at Oxford, his college being Jesus where he is to read French.

Anton Thompson-McCormick (1999 – 2005) Anton performed some Irish Interludes, both moving and humorous, during the November Harrow football tour to Belfast. Anton was prominent for his ‘flamboyance and stage presence’ as Mercutio in the OH Players’ ‘Romeo and Juliet.’

Charlie Waggett (1981 – 1986) Charlie and his wife, Harriet (née Latham), now have three children: James, Poppy and Sam, and have recently moved to Glasgow.

Chris Wakefield (2003 – 2005) Chris is enjoying university life in Leeds where he is studying International Relations and playing a lot of cricket for the university side.

Mark Waller (1977 – 1983) Mark emailed in February. He had fond memories of his time here (1977-1983), his friends including Barnaby Stoppard, Justin Hogbin, Adam Bennett, Karim Lakarmi, Alex MacInnes and others. He now lives in London and is an artist exhibiting in galleries such as The Tate, Serpentine and the Musee d’Art Moderne de la ville de Paris.

Thomas Watling (2004 – 2007) Tom has completed his time at Winchester and is going to read English literature at Durham University.

Alex Watson (1987 – 1993) Alex has been based with his wife Liz in Salt Lake City for just over a year and they have enjoyed some skiing and visiting many places including Canyon and Yellowstone national Parks and weekends in Vegas and LA. They now have three dogs.

James Watson (1992 –1997) James was married to Alison at a wonderful ceremony at a castle in Aberdeen in October 2013 where they were blessed with great weather helping to make it an unforgettable weekend with friends and family from many countries. The honeymoon was spent in the Maldives with lots of diving and swimming. The couple have done together the London Triathlon and James has also completed the Henley half Iron Man and Blenheim Palace triathlon. He continues to commute to work with Blackstone Investment in Berkeley Square and they are currently house hunting in the Chilterns.

Alex Weir (2001 – 2007) Alex is enjoying life at university at Birmingham where he is reading Ancient History, or something similar, and he received his Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award in November, I think at St James’ Palace.

Bryn Williams (1996 – 2002) Bryn was returning to university in Leeds in mid-January having done some work experience in directing and script writing among other aspects of film, with Agile, the company for which Kris Brodie works. He was based here over a part of the holidays to make a film with some friends; I gather that it went well and I hope to see it soon, I think it’s called ‘Out of the Ether’ and stars Aled, his younger brother.

Sam Williams (2001 – 2007) I hear scored a great try at Twickenham playing for the Oxford U 21s in their Varsity match.

Alex Wright (1998 – 2004) From Alex Wright: ‘I finished at Oxford this summer, happily with a first. Now I’m applying for Masters courses, in Renaissance literature and culture, to start, hopefully, next October.’ Alex Wright is now doing his MPhil in Cambridge, its subject being, I think, 16th century Renaissance and Cultural Literature. Alex has been accepted to do a PhD, at Cambridge; he has been offered some prestigious funding from Sidney Sussex.

David Wylie (1986 – 1989) From David Wylie (was Willey) in May 2013: ‘So what of me then; Life since Caldicott has been fantastic, starting with 5 very enjoyable years at Wellington College where I was very active in the sporting fields of rugby, hockey, cricket, cross country, Athletics, squash, shooting, CCF field gun to name but a few areas! I even represented Berkshire U18’s in hockey and managed to get my 100m time down to 11.6 seconds (not so fast now!!!) At Wellington I managed to get 3A, 5B, 1C, 1D at GCSE and then AAB at A levels in 1994 in Biology, Chemistry and Geography. I went to Exeter University to study Biological Sciences and had a very enjoyable 3 years there graduating in 1997 with a 2:2 Bsc (Hons). University Hockey was played in the 4th team mainly due to fact scientists did not have Wed afternoons off and made commitment hard!! Life post Uni has been a blur and I find it hard to believe that 16 years have passed! A series of jobs for Safeway (IT), Siebel Systems (IT), Nuffield Hospital (IT / Accts), Postilion, S1 and now as a self-employed contractor in the Payments Industry have ensued. Socially I have kept up with a few good friends from Uni and some from Wellington but none sadly from Caldicott days. I played hockey for Woking Hockey club 2nds / 1st for a good few years until frustrations with injuries and lack of commitments of others forced me to pursue my own self motivating sporting interests of road running and triathlon, road and mountain biking. Currently squash, MTB and road running are floating my boat in and around hectic work life balance! I have also travelled extensively through Africa; Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and also visited Australia, Singapore, Mauritius, Italy, France, Portugal, Croatia… the list is long! Work has also seen me travel to Middle East and Europe and most recently since 2011 the lovely weekly commute back and forth to Stockholm, a most beautiful city and indeed Sweden as a country. I got married 4 years ago in July 2009 on a beach in Zanzibar to my beautiful wife Joanna (Solicitor) with my dear parents and mother in law present in what can only be described as a most magical moment that I shall never forget. That was followed by 4 weeks amazing honeymoon in Tanzania staying in some of the most remote and truly stunning places I have ever been. I am delighted to say we are 15 weeks pregnant with our first child as I write this so life is going to take a whole new twist shortly! Any how I feel I have waffled on enough! Take care and kind regards Dave’ David is now the proud father of a son, Sebastian William, born on Sunday, 10th November. He is loving being a father and we send our congratulations to David and his wife Jo.

Haofeng Xu (2004 – 2007) From Helen Xu in a letter to James Paget: ‘Time really flies. Haofeng has started Cambridge for more than two terms now. He is very much engaged in the hectic life at uni. He fitted quickly and nicely. He joined the rowing team at St John's College at the very beginning. It seems that he performed well and was in the top college team ever since. He attended the rowing camp during Christmas holiday and the Easter holiday (each lasted for a week) and he was heavily involved in the training sessions during term time (4 times each week and including Saturday and Sunday). He told me that he was to have competition today. I could feel that being a member of the first team is always tough, either in Caldicott Rugby or at Eton Rugby/rowing. But he really enjoyed it. Looking back his last two years at Eton, Haofeng's academic achievement was extremely high after his wonderful GCSE performance when he got 12 A*s. His As exams were fantastic when he took 5 subjects and his lowest score in all modules was 96 (Math, six modules scored two full marks, two 99, one 98 and one 97, all out of 100. Physics 300 out of 300, Chemistry 296 out of 300, Latin, one paper full mark and one paper 96 out of 100). His Physics was equal first in England. Last year, his A level exams were again brilliant for his four subjects (maths, further maths, physics and Latin). I don't know the scores of each module but was told that his lowest score is 93 of all modules. Again, his Physics was outstanding. This time he scored 598 out of 600 and was, again, the first of whole England - he received a congratulatory letter from the Chair of the examination board. For this, he also received a letter from the Eton Headmaster Mr Little. The first year when I was told that Haofeng achieved the highest mark in Physics in England, I didn't feel much special. When I got to know that for the second year that he achieved the highest mark again of England, I felt very proud of him - it definitely means that he learnt his subject profoundly. I hope you share the pleasure with me. As always, I would say that Caldicott, Simon and the fantastic staff like Mr Masterman and you were those who established a sound foundation for Haofeng and the boys. Please pass my warmest regards to all of them. In addition, Haofeng's bagpipe was rewarded as being the joint captain of the pipe band at Eton in his last year. He plans to contribute to the bagpipe community at Cambridge next year - well, after his rowing commitment. Haofeng will start his work experience in an automation company in Yorkshire right after he finishes his course in June and will work for two months. So he will be fully occupied until the end of August. I hope you are well and please do keep in touch.’ Thank you to Helen for this great news about Haofeng.

NEWS FROM SENIOR SCHOOLS

BRADFIELD Andy Baker enjoyed meeting Harry Stopps in early March when he returned for a brief visit. Harry was enjoying life, is in his final year and hoped to go on to a drama college after A levels.

CHARTERHOUSE Received from Helen Xu as part of her letter: ‘Another good news to share with you is that Mackenzie and Nelson Xu are both developing well at Charterhouse. Mackenzie got conditional offers from Imperial College and UCL reading nature science. Nelson got condition offers from LSE and Warwick. Although it's too early to celebrate the final outcome, it is good news so far and I hope they can meet the requirement in the forthcoming exams. So, another good example of Caldicott education, isn't it?’

DR CHALLONERS Philip George is in his first year in the 6th form and was about to take an AS in Spanish shortly after the term started in April.

ETON Great to hear that Alex Shoff has carried on as before with three centuries so far, mid-May, two for his college side and one for his county, Middlesex. Lovely to see Barnaby Nunn on Sports Day and for the touch rugby; he was enjoying Eton very much, including cricket for his 3rd XI I think and he had been pleased with his recent English exam. In the new school year we heard that he was playing centre back for the school 1st XI, a couple of years young. Alexei Peters was enjoying life when he played touch rugby too. Both Henry Weir (until injured) and Adam Roeske were playing in their Colts 1st XV. Felix Peters did pretty well at his A levels and is doing some work at The Blackwood Arms in the summer and autumn. Will Pritchard is enjoying life and playing at prop for a most successful JC’s XV which recently beat Radley by over 60 points. Henry Weir was back on games in mid-October and playing on the wing for the Colts XV against Epsom; he was appointed as captain shortly after and also has a part in a play; and Adam Roeske was in the centre. Freddie Beard was playing at prop and captain of the 2nd XV. Jasper Tahany was working hard in preparation for Trials when he wrote in late November; he was very happy as his first term drew towards its close, captaining the C football XI playing at CM, enjoying his cello playing and getting used to the extra academic demands. It was lovely to hear from him before he headed south to New Zealand for Christmas. George Peel made another welcome return to see brother Roly as one of the excellent Kings in ‘The Madness of George III.’ Will Pritchard confirmed that he had enjoyed a great season with his JC XV, unbeaten and with only one remotely close match, a win over Wellington by about 30 points. Great to hear from Jack Rogers in December: ‘Dear Sir, Apologies for my lack of contact: symptomatic of just how busy everything has been. It feels like a few weeks since I broke up after my first term at Eton, the same time I sent my last email. But in reality it has been two years and I am now half way through my time at Eton with my GCSE’s rapidly approaching. I will try and give a brief summary of events since January 2011 when I sent my last Email: The rest of my first year at school went smoothly, representing the School for the yearlings A’s in both Hockey (top scorer – and league winning team), Cricket (County cup winning team) and Squash, playing a girl in the House Play, and the coming middle of the year in exams. Olympics were the main event of the summer and we were lucky enough to receive tickets and saw Bolt, Blake and Farah all compete in their respective events – Quite an incredible experience. The start of another school year came and passed. In October half term I returned to India to Captain the side I had been a part of the year before. With the heat and local conditions working into the favour of our opponents we were soundly beaten much like England were at the same time. But this tour will be particularly resonant in my memory as the time we met Sachin Tendulkar (we trained and stayed at his home ground called the MIG club) a true Icon and a personal hero. But unfortunately having returned from India I became ill with Dengue fever that knocked me over for a good 4 weeks leading up to the Christmas Holidays. Watching the fireworks from Central Park, 2013 started for us in New York. I spent another successful season in my years A side for hockey (Winning 11 losing 2) but this was a term when academics also started to go well; I entered two Lower Boy Essay prizes for Geography and Economics and came second in both. Easter holidays comprised a trip to watch the Grand National and a history trip to Berlin that was fascinating. Yet again cricket was the main focus of the Easter holidays with an U15 tour to Dubai that prepared us nicely for the season were we came 3rd in the nationwide Lord Taverners competition. With Exams having placed me roughly 200th in the year of 250 it was a bit of a disappointing start to the summer holidays but that was quickly forgotten with a weekend at the Glastonbury Festival watching legends such as the Rolling Stones. Then to Lords to see a steady and level headed England batting line up take apart the Aussies – How quickly things can change! The beginning of my 3rd year at Eton (D block) brought with it a focus on the academic aspects of school life (much to Parents’ approval) in the run up to my GCSE’s (English (Language + Literature), Maths, History, Geography, French, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Design and Art). It hasn’t all been work though, I have been training with the first eleven for cricket as well as organising a climb up Kilimanjaro for after my GCSE’s. The focus on academics has paid off as shown by the results in my end of term exams: I came first in Art, 5th in Design, 7th in Geography and in the top 50 in maths, as well as top 60 in the year overall meaning I gained a merit. This is a happy start to the Christmas Holidays…… I have travelled to see Manchester City convincingly thrash the table leaders Arsenal 6-3, but I don’t feel that I will be watching England win when we travel for Christmas down under to see the Boxing Day Test. In more general news, Barnaby (Nunn) has played a few games for the Association (1st football), Henry (Weir) has captained the A’s Rugby and everyone from Caldicott seems to be enjoying themselves in my year and in the years below – Have seen Jasper Tahany around and he seems very happy……..’ Good to see the Sharma family locally in January; Nikhil is in his final year working for As in two maths and two sciences and had just been offered a place at Cambridge. He still enjoys tennis and squash, the latter being played for the school’s top side at three or four, sometimes alternating with Arran Maitala. Alexei Peters was one of the OCs helping Tom Chapman and other colleagues in the pre-season cricket course; he hopes to bowl his off-spin for the Colts B XI this term with a possibility of an A team place – having gone from the Fs to the Bs in his time at Eton so far anything seems possible! Matthew George was looking forward to the term and his cricket when we met in GX in April; he is in the top English set as is Freddie Sasada.

HAILEYBURY David Zhai’s GCSEs were most impressive, 12 good ones in all with 5 at A*. I have no details, but I think that both Sepehr Ramezani and Omasan Harriman have been playing in rugby teams this year.

HARROW Freddie Chalmers has been selected for the Public School Barbarians having played well for the winning south side over the north: well done Freddie. Henry Revill and Oliver Roberts were the two new OCs joining Newlands house in September and they featured along with other OCs in the house magazine published in December 2012. Academic prizes went to Henry for best effort grades at half-term and Olly was top scorer of the house in the Harry Watts General Knowledge competition; both boys featured in the New Boys’ Play and Henry joined the Chapel and Harmony Choirs. Felix Reding-Reuter is to be congratulated on many things, not least his 3 A*s in GCSEs taken a year early and for top effort grades at half-term, end of term and for a Copy Prize; he also did well in the General Knowledge and in the debating competition. Well done also to Fraser Coupland on his being awarded his Senior House Colours and for his selection, along with Brandon Plumb, in the house Endurance competition; Fraser also did a fine job in managing, directing and singing in The Glee and the Twelve. Sporting achievements came from both Felix and Brandon in winning cross- country and water polo teams, and Felix at rowing. Olly Roberts captained the Shell Sunday soccer side and both he and Henry played for the house in the Yearlings hockey and in their winning house Shell rugby 7s; also in the 7s Jake Speed played for the Removes and both Felix and Brandon for the fifth form who won their competition, while Fraser and Toby Speed did well for the senior house team. Brandon scored for the Colts A XV against Radley, a narrow defeat, and James Breeden was a pivotal member of the winning Blue team in the Jubilee Cup for present and OHs at five-a-side football. Max Arzt-Jones was in the B team for cross-country and Henry Daggett featured with some excellent play at Harrow Football, including a match against an OH team that included two pairs of OC brothers, Bone, Ali and Oli, and Fleming, Charlie and Rory. James Breeden was again a dominant player in the 1st XI’s win over Westminster. Alex Rushton scored twice for the Yearlings D in a draw with Bedford Modern. Eddie Eyton and Cameron White performed in a woodwind evening in January and Eddie sang well in the junior singing competition as did Oliver Wilson in the intermediates; Max Arzt-Jones came in third for the Inter A cross-country team against St Edward’s; Hugo Laing played three in the junior squash side against Aylesbury; James Lane was impressive as Desmond Curry in the Park house production of ‘The Winslow Boy.’ Logan Hawley’s ‘Roma’ won a photographic competition; James Breeden scored twice and played excellently in the 1st XI’s 7-0 win over Wellington and we congratulate Freddie Chalmers upon his selection at fly-half for The Lambs, the English Independent Schools Rugby Squad. Recent Harrovians, February and March 2013, have mentions for Henry Daggett playing for the Outcast’s XI at Harrow Football and for his House, Moretons, at the Founders’ day football when George Parsons represented The Headmaster’s House and Fraser Coupland for Newlands; playing for their old Houses were Alex Breeden, Adam Fedorciow, Oli Bone and Charlie Fleming, while Vicky Singh played hockey and Henry Prideaux won his squash match against the school side. Sheldon Kaplan had mentions for skiing and acting in his House play, ‘Tartuffe’ as was Ben Maxwell. More sporting mentions came for Max Arzt-Jones, Elliot Mackay and Hugo Laing at cross-country, football and squash respectively, and Yusuf Akhtar was present at the inaugural meeting of the Geopolitics Society meeting. Yusuf was also in The Headmaster’s house Universal Challenge side as was Conor Gallagher. The following boys played in their house sides at Harrow football: George Parsons, Yusuf Akhtar, Will Heywood and Milton Zuanic. Henry Daggett had one of his pictures reproduced in the house art competition section. Max Arzt-Jones was again part of a successful inter cross-country side and James Breeden again in the goals with three for the 1st XI against Oratory and one against Radley; James Lane, Danny Graham and Yusuf Akhtar also scored for their sides. Freddie Chalmers was looking forward to starting his Gap term with us in September, but was working hard for A levels in maths, geography and economics. He had scored a fifty for the 3rd XI cricket side and had enjoyed a rugby tour to Ireland with the Lambs, the English public school side, which was unbeaten on tour with Freddie kicking the winning penalty from the touchline, against Leinster I think. Tom Morgan is also coming in September as a Gap; he was playing for the 2nd XI and hoping for a place in the firsts as the season progresses. From early ‘summer’ Harrovians there have been sporting mentions for: Yuta Hoshina, James Breeden, Henry Daggett, Max Arzt-Jones, Brandon Plumb, Milton Zuanic, Henry Revill, Angus Wardlaw, Felix Reding-Reuter, Hugo Laing, Sheldon Kaplan, Oli Wilson and Ben and Archie Maxwell; Felix also enjoyed some success on stage; Jake Figg was in the Model United Nations’ delegation; Eden Curtis, Osman Mirza and Ed Griffin all did well with their monologues in February in the Ryan Theatre. The Mortimer Singer Prizes saw very good performances from Aled Williams in the Solo category with his ‘beautifully crafted song’ ‘The Drowning’; his ‘great stage presence and sophisticated lyrics’ were noted. James Lane with his version of ‘Californian Daze’ was praised for his guitar work and ‘great voice.’ James was also in Kid Paret who won the Band category. In the Fox Talbot photography prize Cameron White was runner-up in the junior competition. Brandon Plumb won the U 17 javelin in the Harrow Borough Athletics Championships. Eddie Eyton scored some runs in his Yearlings E’s win over Dulwich. Sheldon Kaplan lent an object for the Second Definition. Muhammad Shah played well in the school’s polo team against Eton. Oli Roberts took 5-17 in his Yearling’s B side’s win over Highgate. George Parsons and Hugo Laing played rackets for the school. Jeremy Sturgess-Smith achieved an A* in maths and A’s in chemistry and economics. He is off to Imperial College to read chemistry. Freddie Chalmers and Tom Morgan also did pretty well at their A levels and are both back here as gaps for the autumn term. Aled Williams’s excellent GCSE grades were 4A*s, including both his English exams, and 5 As. The Headmaster and HKS saw many OCs when they took 0ver 25 boys to Harrow for their tests including Archie Maxwell playing rackets and Horatio Scott-Lyon who was playing number 1 for the U15 squash team. Ed Taylor was in the centre for his Colts 1st XV. As our half-terms started on the same day it was good to see returning to collect younger brothers: Simon Hungin, Sebastian Tallis, Sam Trew and Jack Bell. From recent Harrovians: Yusuf Akhtar was one of three 6th formers to visit Singapore in July for a Young Leaders’ Summit; Aled Williams’s Monologue performance of ‘Market Boy’ was described as ‘engaging, unsettling and brilliant.’ sporting mentions for: Alex Ferreira and Matthew Ede winning as a pair in a fives match at Charterhouse and both playing against Mill Hill too; Horatio Scott-Lyon winning at number one in the Juniors against St Paul’s, Eton and Wellington, and indeed many other matches, mainly wins, including one win over Berkhamsted at number three for the senior team as well as at one for the Yearlings and the Junior Colts sides; he may have lost against Lancing but he seems to have amused the team coach, Simon Halliday; Brandon Plumb playing 2nd XV rugby; Muhammad Shah in the A XI soccer side’s win over John Lyon; Dan Graham playing polo in France; Hugo Laing winning for the Colts squash side against Marlborough, as did Hector again. A lot of OCs were involved in the Shell drama production; on stage were: Harry Maxwell, Oliver Atkins, Oscar Chalmers, Jack Bell, Austin Curtis, Sebastian Tallis, Hector Scott-Lyon and Edward Revill; stage crew included Alex Ferreira, Eddie Eyton and Gordon Thompson (both lighting), Matthew Ede and Philip Gallagher. Directors included Jack Owen, Max Arzt-Jones, Ed Griffin and Aled Williams. Eden Curtis provided some ‘poignancy’ to the Druries house play and did some impressive climbing. Eddie Eyton sang a solo for the Byron Consort at St Pau’s Cathedral. Alex Ferreira played squash for the Yearlings. Cameron White played Gershwin’s ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ at the OH Room Concert, a most impressive performance it seems, and he also seems to have kept others amused on the train to Somerset House for an art trip. Yusuf Akhtar opened proceedings at a meeting of the Senior debating Society. Lovely to hear from his mother Kathy at Christmas that Gordon Thompson was really enjoying life at Harrow in his first term once he had got used to the two hours of prep most days; he was enjoying Mandarin, and lots of DT and has been making a variety of useful objects, and had managed the 10 mile long ducker without any difficulty. He is in Lyons House where he is very happy. In January Ed Revill and Oli Atkins played football against our boys for their U14 sides. From the ‘Harrow Record’ Autumn 2013 comes the following as having won prizes on Speech Day: Eddie Eyton for poetry, (Shell); Joshua Clay, poetry again, fifth form; Conor Gallagher, Greek; James Lane, rock band; Felix Reding-Reuter, practical science; Aled Williams, excellence in dramatic arts; Yusuf Akhtar, history; Edward Griffin, History of Art; Sheldon Kaplan for Art History and Chinese; Lars Mann, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Oliver Wilson won Remove prizes for History and geography (I hope it is our OC Oli). Aled Williams won a place at MGC Futures Company, established by theatre director, Michael Grandage, to introduce 20 top young actors to professional theatre. Felix Reding-Reuter represented Luxembourg Under 16 rugby team and is due to play for the U 18 side in the European Championship this year. In June Ed Taylor was one of the Elmfield boys who rowed non-stop for 24 hours to raise money for cranial-facial surgery charity. 2014 Harrovians tell us that the Rattigan Society’s production of the demanding ‘Our Country’s Good’ saw fine performances from Aled Williams, Osman Mirza, James Lane and Edward Griffin with James’s performance being described as ‘exceptional.’ The Society later produced ‘The Recruiting Officer’ which included Edward Griffin, Angus Wardlaw and Cameron White who was ‘highly entertaining’. Eddie Eyton sang a solo for the Byron Consort. Yusuf Akhtar had a letter published in which he argued the need for fairness in the reporting of inter house competitions. Sporting news included George Parsons top scoring in one of the matches of the Sri Lankan tour; Muhammad Shah playing 1st XI football; Matthew Ede and Alex Ferreira winning at Eton Fives; Felix Reding-Reuter winning a medal against a range of schools in Alberta; Max Arzt-Jones for cross-country; Yuta Hoshina, Edward Griffin and Henry Daggett went on the Harrow football tour to Newcastle and Henry, referred to as ‘Man Mountain’, won the man of the match award for his performance against the Outcasts and helped his House, Moretons, win the shooting. James Lane won second prize in a photography competition did much commendable organising in the OSRG Private View. Connor O’Shea and Osman Mirza were prominent in the Lyon’s house play. Aled Williams has been revising hard for his GCSEs and he has the eponymous role in ‘King Lear’ early in the summer term, so he certainly has his work cut out. Sorry to hear that Seb Tallis broke a leg skiing in the holidays which is very disappointing for him in his first cricket season.

Will Spooner as a horse

JOHN LYON SCHOOL Good to see Temur Ahmed for the first time in a while; he was happy and working hard for A levels in 4 subjects I think, perhaps including maths and philosophy. Temur Ahmed has made a few welcome returns here to see younger brother Zunair; he, Temur, is in his final year with A level work going well; he already has offers from several universities including his favourite, Manchester, where he hopes to read economics with philosophy.

THE LEYS Adesola Adebayo went to school at The Grange in Lagos, Nigeria, from where he gained lots of iGCSEs, mainly As and Bs, and he is now studying at The Leys.

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ Ashwyn Randev received a great report at the end of his first year from both his Housemaster and his Headmaster with regard to both his academic and extra-curricular life. Equally complimentary comments were made about his character too; I shall not embarrass him here by quoting from them, but will just say well done upon captaining the U14 cricket XI, he did a ‘fantastic’ job, and upon his year in general. He also seems very happy. Shoaib Sheikh has been working hard for his A levels and has already received several offers from his main choices of university.

MILLFIELD Mark Smith visited his previous school over half term and reported that both Tommy Ruhan and Angus White were very happy and doing well, not least at rugby where Gus was in his age group’s 1st team squad and Tommy was playing a year up and had already represented the county, Somerset.

OUNDLE Harry Reynolds was joint sporting editor of the 2013 ‘Oundelian’ to which he also contributed an article on House teas.

PANGBOURNE Harry Wakefield was one of the cricketers who made significant contributions for a very successful U15A XI.

RADLEY Toby Swift has been a regular 1st XI batsman and he scored a 50 in June. Great to hear that George Bracken was top of his whole year in his latest English exams and elder bother Charlie did very well in his GCSEs, all being A*: very well done to both boys. Both Swift boys did very well in their respective exams with Toby’s A levels being 2 A*s and 2As and Will gained over 10 GCSEs of which 5 were A*s and 5 As: I hope these grades are correct and well done both boys. Toby ended his school career very well as he had captained the XV and played first team major sport in all three terms. Simon Stalder was in the 3rd XV and younger brother Luke scrum half for the Colts’ 2nd side. much of this comes from ‘The Radleian 2013’ and might therefore be repeated or refer to OR OCs. 2012 leavers included: Alex Weir to read History at Birmingham; Oli Kane, Classics at Bristol, Jack Roddan also at Bristol in 2013 reading German and Russian; Turoe Holder, International Relations at Exeter; Sam Chamberlain at Southampton reading Marine Biology with Oceanography; Sussex and Drama Studies and English for Patrick Spencer; Adam Lambert, maths at Warwick and Thomas Ciampi off to Bowdoin in the USA. Prizes were awarded to: Oli Gillen-Toon, Art; Anthony Stephen, Harry Lloyd and George Bracken, Latin and Greek; Product Design for Oli Atkins; Alex Wright for Economics; English for Toby Swift (speech) and George Bracken; James Bosson for History; Harry Lloyd for French; Mark Lambert, Theatre Studies. Other mentions went to: Ed Bosson and Toby Swift for senior debating; photos of DT creations by Alex Wright, Oli Gillen-Toon; drama for Mark Lambert’s ‘moving portrait’ and music included Harri Guy on the saxophone for which he also won the Woodwind Festival Class. Sporting mentions included Toby Swift who played first team sport in rugby, cricket and hockey and as captain of rugby he received an outstanding report as both hooker and captain where he was an inspirational leader who played with passion and intensity yet was always scrupulously fair; ‘he was one of the greats.’ Alex Wright was a good prop for the 3rd XV, while Marcus Ritchie, Tristan Lambert and James Bosson all played for a most successful 4th XV. In the Colts’ side Oli Gillen-Toon played for the As occasionally as did William Swift who was more often in the B XV with Charlie Bracken and Harry Lloyd. Harri Guy was in the JC 1 and Luke Stalder also played for them a bit but was an impressive scrum-half for the JC2 more often and Tom Wildblood was ‘all-action’ for the Midgets 1 and George Bracken an intelligent and able captain of their 5th side. At hockey Toby Swift was part of a solid back four in the 1st XI, Simon Stalder was in the attack of the 2nd side and James Bosson was an ‘immense…player of the season’ for the 4ths; Will Swift was in the Colts 1 as was Oli Gillen-Toon on occasion; Luke Stalder was ‘excellent’ in midfield for the JC 1, Tommy Wright was reliable wherever he played for the JC 2 as did Harri Guy, while for the Midgets 2 Tom Wildblood offered ‘pace and skill ‘ before earning promotion to the 1st side, and George Bracken played with his customary ‘authority’ for the M6. Cricket: as mentioned Toby Swift was a solid middle-order bat in the eleven; Harri Guy’s captaincy of the JC2s went ‘from strength to strength’ in a side for which Archie Marsh provided the ‘guile’ as ‘spin king.’ Tom Wildblood shared the new ball for the M 1s and scored some useful runs too, while George Bracken’s leg spin was ‘almost unplayable’ at times for the M3s which he captained with intelligence and in a ‘very fine way.’ At football, Hugh Gillen-Toon played for the 6th XI and Harry Lloyd for the Colts for whom he scored some very good goals to earn the ‘Golden Boot’ and Mark Lambert played for the Colts 3. Finn Fordham played for the squash team of which Hugh Gillen-Toon was Club Secretary; he led by example on court with some ‘sublime squash at times’ and winning the school championship. The senior golf team included Alex Wright, Simon Stalder and also Finn Fordham and Tommy Wright played, these two being in the junior team which was captained by Tommy and also included Luke Stalder. At athletics Edward Chamberlain won some javelin events. In addition to his sporting successes, Harri Guy also won a prize for woodwind. Another pre-season cricket helper was Luke Stalder who was hoping to ply his left-arm orthodox spin in his Colts A side this season when not studying for his GCSEs; he still enjoys golf and has a handicap of 9. Older brother, Simon Stalder, has been revising hard for A levels in two maths, physics and chemistry, after which he intends to have a gap year that might include travelling to Australia and perhaps a B.P internship in Houston. After this he will be off to university, perhaps Bristol, to study chemical engineering.

RGS HIGH WYCOMBE Lovely to see Taran Gosal and Samuel Sogbesan back on our Sports day, both boys enjoying life at R.G.S. Good to see Tim Doughty at The Emperor with Tom Morgan as part of the latter’s 18th birthday celebrations; he is off to university at Nottingham to do a business type course I think. Good to see Tom Pearce locally in January on the day he was to return to RGS where he is a weekly boarder in the 6th form studying for A levels in English and Latin plus a couple of a more sciency nature. He is also playing scrum half for the 1st XV who are enjoying a great season.

RUGBY Ned Loder has continued to shine with his skiing and is doing well in races at just below national level for his age group, under 16 I imagine.

SHERBORNE Lovely to see Will Voaden in late August, another who was celebrating the 18th birthday of Tom Morgan.

ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD I heard from Horatio Scott-Lyon that Angus Spratling made a great speech at the Gaudy on Saturday 6th July as Head Boy and that he, Horatio, has been awarded an academic exhibition: our congratulations to both boys. Angus did well in his A levels and was doing some work at Holy Trinity church, I think in Brompton, before returning here to work for the summer term as part of his gap year. Late August and Will Prew has been helping here with a holiday rugby course before starting at Teddies next week; well done to Will as I hear that he has been selected to captain his U14 rugby team. Sam Jackson is enjoying school life and seemed very happy when he returned to see young brother, Sebastian. I was so pleased to hear from the family of Theo Smith and their letter included news of Theo’s success on stage as Jenkins in ‘South Downs’ by David Hare, which was good enough to go to Edinburgh for the Festival, and he later wowed the crowd as Toad in the school’s 150th anniversary production of ‘Wind in the Willows’; he also visited Israel on a RS/History trip, and paddled up the River Wye for three days and attended a five-day residential cookery course at Taunton as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

STOWE Piers Edinborough played in the back four for the yearlings B hockey team and he also won the Walpole Cup for the best all-round contribution by a third former in his House.

WELLINGTON Angus Eglinton was enjoying life and was happy helping out Tom Chapman and other staff here over the hols at a sporting camp for our youngsters. He was hoping to play for the Yearlings’ 1st XI in the summer term. James Doggart was also working here at the same camp; he had enjoyed success at rackets over the winter and was looking forward to the cricket season in which he was hoping for a 1st XI place, having done well on the tour to South Africa. Our congratulations go to the college 7s squad who beat Sedbergh to become the national champions on May 11th 2013. The match was played at Twickenham in front of a large crowd that had just seen the full England side beat Fiji and contained Sam Aspland-Robinson, a try scorer, and Patrick King. I enjoyed a local Cantina chat with Yaroslav Kinebas and his mother and sister in May; he had just finished his final exams, ISB, and thus his school career bar return for results and farewell. He hoped to read Philosophy and Psychology at Kings College, London. Alex Masih was here in June in the middle of his GCSEs; he plays 1st team cricket for his year group and has chosen English as one of his 4 A levels. Finlay Eglinton was enjoying his post GCSE period when he called in to collect Duncan in June; he has chosen the IB for his next stage of study. James Doggart has been here helping with a summer activity week in July. George Oakland had settled happily when he returned in mid-September, he was in the choir and in the top set for English. I heard at the touch rugby from John Chibo that he had been on the senior tour to New Zealand along with Zak Redgrave, Sam Aspland-Robinson, Patrick and Spencer King, Max Hayes and Guy Newson. John Chibo is playing number 8 for his Colts XV, is in the top set for English and acting in ‘The Crucible.’ Guy did very well in his GCSEs with 5A*s and 5As. Howard Summers and I returned on a Thursday afternoon and enjoyed chatting to and/or watching play: George and Freddie Mackaness with the latter captaining the Yearlings, including George Ackland whom we unfortunately did not see, to a win over Cranleigh; George (Mackaness) was sadly still off games with a knee injury; the Colts XV played some very good rugby in their win over the same opponents with our three OCs, Zak Redgrave, Oli Parsons and John Chibo playing especially well ….. really, it’s not just me! Sean Morrisroe had been playing for the Colts B XV until we arrived when he had to retire suffering from a wrist and finger injury; it was lovely to chat to him and indeed to all those we saw and several of their parents too. Angus Eglinton had received the team of the week mention in the programme for his performance with his partner in a rackets match involving a brave come-back in a win at Radley. I was sorry not to see James Crossley on the day, but it was great to hear from him via email later on sounding happy; lovely to see him with older brother Oli in the New Year when he told me that he was still enjoying his horse riding but had exchanged show jumping for polo and had played for the college’s senior team. HKS saw the XV beat a side from Australia (Paramatta?) with strong performances from Sam Aspland-Robinson, Patrick King and Max Hayes, with Guy Newson on the bench. Congratulations to James Doggart for his winning one of the major singles rackets trophies at Queens in December. Ewan Cuttell had enjoyed a good term when he returned with father to collect Rory; he had been playing rugby for the Yearlings B XV, no longer on the wing but in the second row where at least it was warmer. George Oakland has made a welcome return or two to see brother James and he has continued his lovely singing in the choir, including a solo or two, and a recent performance for the college’s 150th anniversary of a piece commissioned for that occasion. The Year Book had some news perhaps not previously recorded: Sam Aspland-Robinson played in the winning Rosslyn Park VII and in the 1st XI hockey side; JJ Gibbs and Max Hayes were in the College Earls Court Field Gun Crew and JJ was excellent in ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’; James Doggart was also in that show, was in the 1st XI cricket and next year’s captain of rackets and is in the 1st pair. In the CCF JJ was the top shot with full marks in the Inter-house March and Shoot and he took part in the Marine endurance; he also sang well in the Montgomery competition; Yemisi Belo was in the Drum Corps. Henry McCreery was in the 1st XI hockey side; Alex Shoff scored a century for the Yearlings cricket side. Of the recent leavers, Yemisi Belo is off to Essex to read Sports and Exercise Science; Yaroslav Kinebas reading Physic and Philosophy at KCL; Charlie Doggart at Newcastle studying Sociology. OWs referred to included Tolu Ogunsanya playing football for them, Ben Hawker playing in the 1st pair at tennis, Adrian Jarvis scoring 161 against the Old Amplefordians and Nick Kertesz having a strong season in the OW rugby.

STAFF NEWS

It has been a pleasure to see several past members of staff returning for visits including: Doug and Felicity Anderson over here from their home in France a few times towards the end of the summer term; and past gaps Richard Pentecost, helping, as ever, with the cricket festival, and Pippa, now Woolmer, who is in about her tenth year working at Epsom in the sporting world and in a House capacity too, and with a young child, boy I think; Steve Ilett, just completed another enjoyable year as Headmaster of Milbourne Lodge prep school. Andy and Clare Granville over for a few weeks from teaching in Brunei, a job and way of life the whole family is enjoying enormously. Lovely to see at the school play, ‘The Madness of George III’, past drama teacher Coral Ash, and Jane Balgobin who has returned to teaching at an earlier school, Chesham Prep, as an IT teacher and who was going to teach maths in January at Weatherby. Carole Lee is still enjoying retirement which includes work with junior county golf and marshalling duties at the Portugal Open at Vilameura. The Andersons: good to hear from them in Australia before Christmas; Doug is still doing some tennis coaching and learning French (they spend a few months in Beaune each year) and Felicity is doing about three days a week relief teaching at a couple of schools. They both enjoy daily 5k walks to ward off old age, although this seems a long way off from what I recall of enjoying their company on a visit earlier this year. Richard Wilson made welcome return with his Dragon football side; he and his wife now have three children and they run a boarding house and he teaches geography and coaches a lot of games. Another welcome return was from James Hamilton-Smith in March with the 7s side from Moulsford where he is deputy head.

Ed Godfrey enjoying retirement

Serena Lloyd (née Holley) made a brief but most welcome return in October to see Sarah Bisschop; she and husband Tom now have two girls and are happily working, Serena part-time, at Windlesham House school where Mike Adams still works. Mike and his wife, Georgie, live near the school with their two children and Mike recently sent me a photo of him and his wife with David Cranmer met at a wedding in October. Lovely to hear at Christmas from Carole Lee and Clive Vaughan, Richard and Natalie Chuter, and from the MacAskills who wrote from Belhaven where Innes is still Head, even if thoughts of retirement have led them to buying a place further south in the Cotswolds. Tim Pitman called in to visit Andy and Maxine Baker who kindly invited me over to see him just after the end of term in December; he and his wife are still at Westbourne House with their two children, aged 8 and 6, where they run a small girls’ boarding house and Tim is the pastoral Deputy Head, and he still coaches sport, including the running of girls’ hockey, and teaches French, divinity and geography. He has seen Mike Spens, Jim Massey, Tim Wright and Mike Adams occasionally, as well as Kevin and Jo Rich who also work at Westbourne running the senior boys’ House as well as teaching and coaching sport.