THE December 2017 Sibford Rocket The annual magazine of Sibford Old Scholars’ Association INSIDE: Animal Magic It’s monkey business for former pupil!

Looking Back Special 175th anniversary feature

Shaken, not stirred From Sibford to The Savoy

PLUS Old Scholars remembered News from the annual reunion AGM reports

SOSAThe Sibford Rocket / 1 elcome to The Sibford WRocket, the 2017 annual magazine of Sibford Old Scholars’ Association (SOSA). We hope that you will enjoy reading about what some of our former pupils are up to these days and share in their memories. 2017 has been a special year for Sibford School and we hope that you will enjoy our 175th anniversary feature. It’s also been a great year for welcoming former heads back to Sibford ... as you’ll see from the following pages both John Dunston and Sue Freestone have been back to the school this year. In producing The Rocket it never ceases to amaze me what diverse career paths old Sibfordians follow ... and this issue is no exception as we feature former pupils working with creatures, cocktails and colours! We compare and contrast two very different versions of the Kander and Ebb musical Cabaret. And we share in the reflections of Maggie Guy who has retired after 33 years at the school. If you’ve got news that you’d like to share with other Old Scholars, don’t forget to get in touch ... you can email me at [email protected] or write to The Sibford Rocket, Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, Banbury OX15 5QL. In Friendship Ali Bromhall Editor On 13 October 2017 Old Scholars and former staff joined present pupils and staff Cover photograph: Rainbow to celebrate 175 years of Sibford School. Pictured from top are: Former Head John over Sibford School Dunston and wife Suzie with current Head Toby Spence and wife Jill; Grace Beckerlegge The Sibford Rocket welcomes articles from and Jenny Munday (Head Girl 1979). SOSA president Harriet Langridge and Catherine Old Scholars and other interested parties. Please note, the Editor reserves the right to Roussel (née Stewart); Eleanor Smith; Richard Hughes, Liz Belcher, Erica Strofton, edit articles for reason of length or legality. Judith Beeby and Lori Spencer; David Dyer, Jean Wain, Peter Wain (Head Boy 1950) and Keith Dyer. Stuart Hedley (former woodwork teacher), Yvonne Hedley and Di Howes (former science technician). 2 / The Sibford Rocket From Sibford ... to The Savoy American Bar names first senior female bartender in a century Former Sibford pupil Philippa Guy the American (1998 ~ 2010) has become the Bar. She first female senior bartender to be relocated appointed to the famous American to London Bar in The Savoy in over 100 years. in August She follows in the footsteps of 2015 to join The Savoy as a the famous Ada Coleman, who was server, becoming junior bartender senior bartender at the American in December 2016 and senior Pippa is pictured in The Savoy’s Bar in the early 20th century. bartender in July 2017. American Bar in her special After leaving Sibford, Pippa went “I love my job,” said Pippa. “I’ve white jacket. She explains: “In the to Leeds Metropolitan University worked very hard to get to where 1930s our head bartender, Harry to study Sports Science. While still I am and I consider myself one of Craddock, introduced white jackets at university she took a part time very few, extremely lucky, people to the bar and since then it has job working for Arc Inspirations, that can genuinely say I look become an iconic piece of our which is where she learnt how to forward to going to work every heritage. The Savoy had a custom make cocktails. day. white jacket made especially for me to wear. It’s great to put the jacket After graduating and a gap year “My workspace is a beautiful Art on and become a part of the bar’s spent travelling she returned to Deco bar within The Savoy. I could ongoing history.” Leeds to work as bar manager at never work behind a desk, I don’t Oporto and it was while hosting think I would be able to sit there Top right: School photo ... Pippa in the ‘Leeds Love Cocktails’ event for long enough! I love meeting her last year at Sibford. that she met Declan McGurk of new people and, daily, I meet people from different walks of life with completely differing reasons for visiting the American Bar. To me it’s fascinating.” A spokesperson for the Savoy said: “In a city where female bartenders are the minority, impressively, Pippa has managed to break gender barriers at such a young age, through sheer determination and considerable passion.”

Favourite drink Pippa’s favourite creation is The Moonwalker. “I love making this drink,” she says. “It was sent to Neil Armstrong and the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission and was the first thing they drank on arriving home. We still have the letter from Armstrong thanking bartender Joe Gilmore who created the drink.

The Sibford Rocket / 3 Jamie’s animal magic!

When Jamie Clubb was at Sibford (1987 – 1994) he came up with the most authentic excuse for school absence on record: ‘Sorry I can’t come in today …. I’ve been bitten by a hyena!’ And when he met current Sibford pupils in July 2017 he was delighted to learn that in the subsequent years no one has come close to beating his originality! “Maggie Guy apparently told pupils to ask about my hyena bite when they met me,” he said. “The kids thought it would be a laugh to try the excuse themselves but I pointed out it wouldn’t work as I’d already done it ... and have the scars to prove it!” As the son of Sally Chipperfield and Jim Clubb, Jamie has been around animals throughout his life … and today is no exception. He is Administrative Assistant at Amazing Animals … the largest supplier of trained animals for the media industry in Europe. Heythrop Zoological And while he doesn’t get involved much with Gardens, home of Amazing the day to day training of the animals … he Animals, is a private animal leaves that to his Dad who is director of the collection, registered under company … with more than 100 species the Dangerous Wild Animal on site he’s never far away from a furry or Act 1976. The zoo is not feathered friend! open to the public, however, Life in the office of Amazing Animals keeps the company does hold open Jamie on his toes … “you can’t begin to days three times a year and imagine the paperwork involved when your also organises private tours filming with a tiger!” he says. He is also responsible for Amazing Animals’ … which is how Jamie met work experience programme and is a respected authority in the field of current Sibford pupils who animal training and animal welfare. were visiting as part of their In 2006, he co-wrote an NVQ in Animal Training for the Audio- Curriculum Enrichment Week. Visual industry and became an NVQ assessor (later Credits for the zoo’s changed to QCF assessor); and in 2016 he was inhabitants include: part of a team invited to help develop two of Films the Government’s new Trailblazer Standards • Victor Frankenstein ~ ‘Animal Welfare Assistant’ and ‘Animal • Jungle Book Trainer Level 4’, which will be delivered • Tarzan shortly. • Fantastic Beasts and “If it hadn’t been for the influence of Pam Where to Find Gibson, Sibford’s Business Studies teacher, I’d Them probably never be doing what I am now,” TV says Jamie. “Other teachers who really • Our Zoo • Endeavour • Mr Selfridge • Dr Who Commercials • Johnnie Walker • British & Irish Lions Tour • Schweppes 4 / The Sibford Rocket Jamie’s animal magic!

inspired me were Raymond White Jamie never got and Maggie Guy, who were brilliant to do the knife English teachers, and Peter Agnew, act. After leaving who gave me a love of history that school he spent I have to this day.” four years teaching When Jamie first began at Sibford kick boxing and then his single aim was to keep his head set up an Extreme low for five years so that he could Wrestling business get out as quickly as possible. where he got “I didn’t really want to be at to perform school at all,” he says. “I was the Gothic martial only kid at Sibford who lived in a arts as part of caravan rather than a house and all an act called I wanted to do was get back to the ‘Dead Souls’. circus every day.” “There were no knives involved between Amazing Animals and his Jamie’s place at Sibford was in the act,” says Jamie “But it did self-protection and mixed martial courtesy of his Grandfather who feature swords, spears, barbed arts business, Clubb Chimera. had plans for him to join the family wire, dancing and gigantic Burmese His love of History and English business. pythons! has led to him writing a number “Grandfather was a self-made “Ironically the act was inspired of books including ‘The Legend of millionaire having established by my performance as Puck in Salt and Source: The Amazing Story of a sand and gravel company in Sibford’s production of “A Right Britain's Most Famous Elephants’ and Dartford, Kent,” says Jamie “He Midsummer’s Dream Up’ where ‘Mordred’s Victory and Other Martial was hoping that my Dad would my character was described as ‘a Mutterings’. His latest book ‘When take over the reins in due course kung with a bit of foo and puck Parents Aren’t Around’, which looks but instead Dad ran away to join thrown in’.” at children’s self-protection, is due the circus, which is where he met Today Jamie splits his time out soon. my Mum. “Grandfather disinherited Dad as far as the company was concerned but paid for me to get a decent education in the hope that I would eventually take over the business. “I didn’t do well in my GCSEs and that summer Grandad sat me down and asked me what I wanted to be and I said, ‘a knife thrower!’ It was then that he realised I was never going to join the sand and gravel business. Instead he told me not to waste my time anymore and paid for me to stay another two years at Sibford. “Sixth Form was fantastic. The pressure was off me and I really enjoyed it. I loved English, History and Business Studies … and got my A Levels … although later, with help from Mr White, I re-sat my English to improve my grade.” Jamie is pictured with his Dad Jim

The Sibford Rocket / 5 Same show ... two very different productions ibford School’s 2017 sell-out production of the SKander and Ebb musical Cabaret, brought back some happy memories for Old Scholar Debbie Stripe. Debbie, who lives in Shipston on Stour, came along to see the production in February and described it as ‘fantastic’. “I did this show myself as a pupil at Sibford some years ago,” she recalled, “and it was lovely to hear from the cast of 2017 that they had been told by staff members who had seen our production that they had a lot to live up to ... and live up to it they certainly did!” Come to the Cabaret! Katy Harper in 2001 and Matt It was back in 2001 that Debbie and her fellow Rainsberry in 2017 take on the role of Emcee. pupils took to the stage in Cabaret. A write-up in the 2002 issue of The Sibfordian by drama teachers There were, however, marked contrast between the Simon and Angie Talbot described the performance as two shows. ‘a resounding hit’ and went on to say, ‘this show was While the 2017 Emcee was brilliantly performed very special and it will be one we shall remember for by Sixth Form student Matt Rainsberry, Debbie a very long time.’ recalls that in 2001 the role was taken by Head Girl Katy Harper. And there was certainly a more liberal approach as to what might be acceptable for pupils to wear on stage! Says Debbie: “I certainly remember us Kit Kat girls doing some rather raunchy dances, and, as you can see from our outfits, it was all quite saucy!” She continues: “It was very interesting to see the 2017 Director’s use of the audience as part of the production. The way we were sat at tables and the fact that part of the performance took place within and around those tables was a brilliantly immersive The Kit Kat Girls then: Stephanie Danton, Alizarin Kimball, experience. Johanna Russell, Debbie Stripe, Samantha Danton and “But the most marked difference for me between Maia Keeling. Below in the 2017 producton. the two performances had to be the emphasis on the trapeze artists who formed part of the Kit Kat Club entertainment ... they were incredible! “Being back at Sibford reminded me where my passion for the stage came from, and I’m so pleased to see that the school still has such strong, high quality values in the performance arts area. “Having not done any acting since leaving Sibford in 2001, last year I joined Shipston Amateur Dramatics Society and, two performances in, I am absolutely loving my rekindled desire to be on the stage. A passion that most definitely was kept alive and grown through my time at Sibford.”

6 / The Sibford Rocket Clock in memory of Mike Finch SOSA has donated a traditional Quaker clock to the school in memory of Mike Finch who died on 10 June 2016. Outgoing SOSA president Ashley Shirlin said: “Mike dearly loved Sibford, the school and SOSA. Prior to his death, we discussed the purchase of a clock for the school’s 175th Anniversary and so we felt it was fitting that the clock be donated to the school in his name.” Manufactured in Sibford Ferris in the 1870s, the brass faced 30-hour Apprentice baker! longcase clock, was made by John Wells, who was born in 1749. John Fans of The Apprentice might have was apprenticed to clockmakers Thomas Gilkes in Charlbury in 1766 experienced a bit of déjà vu when and ended up at Sibford sometime in 1770s. He married Mary French watching the 2016 series. at Sibford Meeting House in 1785 and the couple had two sons, For bakery business owner Alana Thomas and John, who both became clockmakers. The Sibford clock Spencer, who triumphed over was acquired by collector Tim Marshall who restored it before passing fellow finalist Courtney Wood it on to SOSA. It can be defined by an unusual hammer action not to claim Lord Sugar’s £250,000 found in other mechanisms of the time. investment, is none other than Sibford Head, Toby Spence said: “This type of clock was only made the granddaughter of Sibford Old at Sibford and so it is fitting that it should return close to its point of Scholar Lori Spencer née Rollett origin some 250 years later. We are extremely grateful to SOSA for (at Sibford 1957 - 62). this gift in memory of Mike. It is now on display in our Visitors’ Room And, as our pictures show, the where it is proving to be an interesting topic of conversation.” pair share a considerable likeness. • Mike was a pupil at Sibford School from 1949 to 1954. He returned Lori said: “It was very exciting to the school in adult life to take on the role of Estates Manager and somewhat nerve wracking to and, more recently, was the school’s archivist. He was also an active watch Alana’s progress over the member of SOSA (the Sibford Old Scholar’s Association) fulfilling 12 weeks of the series. It goes many roles over the years including President, Reunion Secretary, without saying that we were over General Secretary and School Committee member. He was author the moon when she won.” of the school history: ‘A View from the Hill’. Alana’s professional love affair See also photograph on page 17. with sweet treats began at the age of 14, when her Mum bought her a Beth lends a helping hand book about making chocolate. She Former Sibford pupil Beth Whitaker (2008 ~ 2013) became a self-taught chocolatier has set up a charity to help those living rough on at only 16 and in 2010 left school the streets of London. to pursue her entrepreneurial Says Beth: “There are currently 8,000 homeless chocolate-loving dream. people in London. These people have not chosen to “It’s honestly a dream come true be here, they are victims of circumstance - nobody to be working with Lord Sugar would choose that life. on a business based around my “They need the help of those who can afford to help them and for passion for cake,” she said. “ We that reason, I have started Helping Hands of London.” both believe that ‘Ridiculously The charity fills bags with essentials and then takes them out to Rich by Alana’ can become a distribute amongst the homeless. Items that go in the ‘Helping Hands’ leading player in the luxury cake bags include a toothbrush, sanitary pads, granola bars, water, biscuits, market and I’m so excited to see rain ponchos, hats, gloves and hand warmers. where we can take the business “Although we are doing this as cheaply as possible, it is still a with the help of my team and the massive project that costs a fair amount,” said Beth. “So far we have ambassadors.” distributed 60 bags and we are making more all the time! If any Old You can find out more about Scholars want to support me then please get in touch via our Go Alana’s company by visiting Fund Me page: www.gofundme.com/homelesshelpinghandsbags.” www.ridiculouslyrichbyalana.co.uk.

The Sibford Rocket / 7 came to Sibford with my parents Annie Broe (née Barth) I when I was 13 years old and is one of the newest started at the Friends’ School, as members on the we called it then, in the 3rd Form SOSA Committee. mid-term. She shares some It wasn’t easy being ‘the new girl’ reflections of her and also being a day girl … in my school days and day, most pupils were boarders. I tells us what she did, however, soon settle down and is doing now. made new friends. I left Sibford at the end of the 5th Form and went to Banbury Annie is pictured aged

Technical College where I studied 15 on her horse for A levels and went on to do a Callan PA Secretarial course. My first job was working at a Solicitors firm in Banbury. A few years later I joined my parents’ to London each weekend and Giving a colour analysis is an sign company and stayed there for knew I had made the right decision. enjoyable experience for both nine years. I then took six months I passed this course with flying the client and myself as they get out and travelled to and around colours and then went on to study to see what colours make their Australia. colour analysis, advanced colour hair, skin tone and eyes work in When I came back to the UK I analysis and make up. harmony to give them that ‘glow’. got a good job working at a sign Colour analysis is the process We also discuss make up and what company in Northampton where I of finding colours of clothing and colours will go together and how stayed for four years and relocated makeup to match a person’s skin to build outfits. I give each client a to Duston near Northampton. complexion, eye color, and hair handy sized colour swatch, which During this time, I got married and colour. In the right colours, you has all the colours they can wear had a son, Tom. will have a ‘glow’ making you look and which they can keep in their In 1993, we moved back to the younger and healthier. Conversely handbag. Although, having said that, Banbury area. “If a woman is poorly dressed you notice the clothes. colour analysis is not I took time just for women, men out of work to If she is impeccably dressed you notice the woman” can benefit too. be a mother Coco Chanel As well as colour and started back to work part- in the ‘wrong’ colours we can look analysis, I also offer a style and time when my son Tom started tired, drained and older. wardrobe weed. Most of us have playgroup. I moved back to Sibford Everyone can wear most colours, a wardrobe full of clothes but we in 2001 and am still here! but what makes the difference is wear less than half of them. I take About eight or nine years ago the undertone, depth and intensity a fresh look at your wardrobe I decided to make a change of of that colour. Every colour you through experienced eyes and direction in my career … a now can imagine is produced by mixing together we can discover what or never decision! I have always one or more of the three basic works for you, helping you to learn felt I had a flair for colour and primary colours which are red, to dress in a way which flatters styling and was always the friend yellow and blue. your body shape. everyone took shopping when they A study by Johannes Itten, I also run style workshops and needed to buy that special outfit a noted artist and colourist, have been running these as an so I decided to become an Image/ discovered that most of his art evening course at the College in Style Consultant. students were attracted to their Banbury. These are fun sessions, I started by studying at the proper colours, as we all are 50% which help people to learn about London College of Fashion on an of the time. In theory, if we were their body shape and discover Image and Styling course. I had to left alone, uninfluenced by the how, by using a few simple tricks, do this at weekends and thought I fashion industry, shops, magazines, they can draw the eye to where would struggle as I was working in family and friends we would all be they want people to look … the week but I enjoyed the course in our correct colours 100% of the emphasising the good bits and so much I looked forward to going time! hiding the not so good bits.

8 / The Sibford Rocket Memories of Sibford School By Maggie Guy, who retired from Sibford School in September 2017

ne of my most enduring Above all I wanted Omemories of Sibford was every student, the day that my husband, Chris, especially dyslexic and I were interviewed for our pupils, to find their respective teaching jobs. It was voice in writing, a glorious day in the summer of to experience the 1984 and I recall the distinct and beauty of ‘The almost immediate feeling that we rare achievement had arrived somewhere that just of getting the right felt ‘right’. word in the right Many of us, who have long place’ (Mark Twain) associations with Sibford, comment and the treasures on the almost magical sense of to be discovered belonging from the moment we in books. To arrive. There is something about me literature is Sibford that silently and stealthily transformative; lodges itself deep within your soul; every piece of this can be true not only for staff, writing has the but often for parents and pupils. potential to help Two days after our interviews us see beyond we were delighted to be offered ourselves, but also jobs by the then Head, Jim Graham deeper within ~ Chris in the PE Department ourselves. and me in the English and PE Of course, Departments, but also as assistant there were times in Nansen Girls House with of tragedy and Elisabeth Escher. To our delight bereavement, Maggie is pictured with members of the Sixth Form who Sibford became our place of work and times when I travelled to Uganda in 2010 and home. considered moving I have many very fond memories on. Meetings for throughout my 33 years at Sibford. over the past 33 years so it is Worship, especially in times of In addition to my initial roles, I almost impossible to do more than trouble, hold a poignant place in eventually became Head of English, ruminate on a random selection. my heart; the tragic death of a Head of Middle School, Senior During my early days, staff and well-loved pupil or global tragedies Mistress (some explaining needed students eventually got used to like the 9/11 terrorist attacks for American family and friends!) my ‘Americanisms’, some of which in the USA, made us all take a and eventually Deputy Head, Head have never quite disappeared. moment to listen to our still, small of Boarding and Designated Senior I continued to ask pupils to voice deep within. Ministry in Safeguarding Lead. tuck in their ‘shirt tails’ with Meeting for Worship of staff and As the need for strong pastoral admonishments about drinking pupils held us as one close knit care and resilient pupils now ‘sodas’ from Greens. group of humanity trying to make becomes even greater, I am so very Teaching remained an important sense of it all, helping to sooth thankful that Sibford is a school priority for me; escaping from my each other’s troubled hearts. These that understands excellent pastoral office to teach was a welcome are ‘the ties that bind us’. I have care as the foundation for the best balance to other responsibilities. made lifelong friends with staff and learning practice in schools. Year 7 on Monday period 9 & 10 ex-pupils, and this is what, in the Some of the most hilarious often involved some ‘brain gym’ end, gives meaning to life. moments for teachers come when just to keep us all sane! Teaching In career terms, I was always the pupils are blithely unaware that A level literature was my passion fortunate enough to be offered we are having as much fun as they and joy - Shakespeare in particular. challenges and promotions are ... even as Deputy Head! My

The Sibford Rocket / 9 natural inclination has always been most terrifying experience along I will, perhaps, be remembered to have fun and nudge boundaries. with hippos visiting our campsite for bringing ‘show and tell’ objects My rationale is that it helped when on safari. However, the most into meeting for worship – Jenga me anticipate what students memorable moment came when blocks being a favourite. But might be up to! In Nansen Girls’ Ed Rossiter and I had to exchange seemingly random objects were House, secret midnight feasts a large sum of cash leaving the frequent choices asking pupils to and late night swimming in the bank as Ugandan millionaires follow my links. For me, a meeting old school pool were favourites clutching black bin liners full of when I was pregnant with my with boarders. I remember crazy cash. first child and clearly blooming, cleaning binges on the last day of I was also challenged to do a sky is memorable. I spoke about the term and chasing away the ‘Hooky dive to raise funds for Uganda. As qualities of our inner child (literally Hards’ who came on their mopeds the plane was climbing to 13,000 and metaphorically) and the ability to ogle at Nansen girls. feet my nerves started to really to love someone who you had yet School trips always brought kick in; however, free falling at to meet. You see, it is not just the at least one or two infamous 120mph was simply awesome. I students who learn, but staff also moments ... like a ski trip where would happily have done it all again. learn and grow during their time at we nearly lost a member of staff Sibford. one night in a snow drift. A Having both my girls, Jennifer memorable excursion was a tennis and Philippa, at Sibford gave me trip to Italy with Stella Wilson a unique insight into their lives when we were surprised – apologies to their friends or by a visit from Chris Guy boyfriends who inadvertently and Mike Spring who had ended up in my office for a ‘telling travelled on Chris’ motor off’. My children would say that bike to Lido Di Jesolo near their worst, most mortifying Venice. The pupils simply memory is of me in black leathers greeted them in the usual way doing a duet with Tony Skeath on at breakfast with ‘Hello Sir’, the set of ‘Grease’! not realising they had only just I will end with a quotation from arrived. On our final tennis ‘Advices & Queries’ 1.02 ‘Think it morning Stella and I went to the possible that you may be mistaken’. courts early to play, just before This advice is invaluable – I have the pupils were due to arrive. many memories in my role as We heard them coming with Deputy Head of changing my view peals of laughter and discovered of a young person having really that they had all swapped listened and reflected on their story. clothes – boys in tennis skirts Many Sibford pupils remain in my with ‘enhanced’ sports bras was heart as the inspiration behind my a sight! 33 years of dedication to pastoral ‘Living Adventurously’ is my care. I am sure there were many favourite passage from Quaker times when I did not get it right, Maggie having completed her charity Sky faith & practice and one which but I always aimed to be available Dive in 2014 inspires me every day. The trip and fair. After all - behaviour to Uganda with our Sixth Form Our long association with is simply a type of language. students in 2010 was memorable Mbarara and the Head, Winnie, has Pastoral care takes time, energy in so many ways - all agreed developed into a strong personal and compassion as well as the that it had been a life changing friendship. This school has grown knowledge that it is impossible to experience volunteering at Sanyu from strength to strength and I ever get it 100% right. Babies Home, RETRAK street am deeply gratified to know that Memories define not only who children’s charity and teaching at many colleagues from Sibford have we are, but who we love to be. our partnership school, Mbarara helped this fine school flourish. My most precious memories of Preparatory School. White water Sibford has a second home/school Sibford are just that, the moments rafting down a grade four waterfall in Mbarara thanks to our 15-year of challenge and joy in the unique and flipping over was perhaps the friendship. community that is Sibford.

10 / The Sibford Rocket CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF QUAKER EDUCATION

175 years of Quaker education in Sibford hen the first pupils arrived at “The past is a foreign approach to education. Wthe doors of Sibford School And yet this education is in January 1842 the world was country; they do things underpinned by a set of Quaker a very different place, writes Toby differently there.” values which have changed very little Spence. L.P. Hartley from those upon which the school Queen Victoria had only just was founded back in 1842. ascended to the throne, slavery The Go Between Our meetings for worship, in the British Empire was finally stillness, family values and deep- abolished, communication had been revolutionized rooted culture are formative to the community. by the arrival of the Penny Black in 1840 (it would be We believe in ‘that of God [good] in everyone’ and another two years before the first telegram was sent), we remain guided by Quaker values of simplicity, cholera epidemics still scourged the country, medical tolerance, peace, sustainability and honesty. progress had not yet found successful antiseptics or As we look forward to the future with hope, anaesthetics and Louis Pasteur was some way from optimism and imagination we will, as it says in Advices proving his ‘germ theory’. & queries 42, continue to aspire to ‘be patterns, be So, at face value, the world of 1842 was indeed a examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, ‘foreign country’. wherever you come, that your carriage and life Perhaps this is why so many people love to travel, be may preach among all sorts of people, and to that back in time, via the world of history, forwards in them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over their imaginations or physically to places near and far. the world, answering that of God in every one.’ In my experience however, it does not take long to find commonalities and similarities in any foreign country. Shared humanity, love of family, laughter and sorrow, hopes and dreams, to name but a few threads. Sibford has come a long way from its earliest days and we are proud of our modern and progressive

One of the earliest whole school photographs on file ... taken in 1890. SPECIAL FOUR PAGE FEATURE This feature originally appeared in the 2017 issue of The Sibfordian The Sibford Rocket / 11 CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF QUAKER EDUCATION Sibford School Cricket Team 1899 Teaching the girls circa 1904

Teaching the boys circa 1895

From the The playground in 1899 archives

Boys’ gym display 1950 Girls’ pillow fight 1899

Sibford School 1885

Staff photo 1888

Dining Room 1887

12 / The Sibford Rocket CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF QUAKER EDUCATION Keeping the bricks and mortar in good shape Since the school first opened The new Food & Nutrition Room in 1842 there have been many changes to the physical buildings. The original school house ... in the Old Manor ... has now been transformed into elegant apartments. The Hill Building, which opened in 1930, was extended in 1950 by the addition of a Central Wing that included a new library and new hall/gym (now the Oliver Studio). In 1989, the new Junior School was opened by Lord Saye and Sele. The sale of the Manor in 2000 Home Economics in the 1930s paved the way for the building of a new Art and Music School, which was completed in 2001. The swimming pool opened in transformation of 2003 and in 2009 cricketer Darren the main school hall, Gough joined us to officially open which was originally our brand-new sports changing built in 1975 ... a complex. feat of architecture 2010 saw the opening of a new that effectively library; in 2011, 50 solar panels saw a roof put on were installed onto the roofs of the school quad! the English Classrooms, and in The refurbishment introduced a lighting rig and enhanced acoustics. 2012 we undertook a significant retractable seating rake, theatrical More recent works have included the refurbishment of the Design The Craft, Design and Technology Room in 1906 and Technology Studios, the building of new pupil toilet blocks and the refurbishment of one of the science labs. Most recently, over the summer holidays, the Food Tech room was completely gutted and pupils returned to school in September 2017 to find a new Food & Nutrition Room open for business.

Design & Technology in 2017 Music class (in the gym) circa 1892 and in the Ensemble Room 2017

The Sibford Rocket / 13 CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF QUAKER EDUCATION Heads of our time As remarkable as it might sound, Sibford has only had 12 Heads during its 175 year history. The roll-call is as follows: Richard Routh ~ January 1842 to December 1880 Robert Oddie ~ December 1880 to June 1906 James Harrod ~ July 1906 to August 1930 Arthur Johnstone ~ September 1930 to August 1956 Hugh Maw ~ September 1956 to April 1962 Jonas Fielding ~ May 1962 to August 1972 Kenneth Greaves ~ September 1972 to August 1980 Above: Rebecca and Richard Routh. Jim Graham ~ September 1980 to December 1989 Below: Robert and Elizabeth Oddie. John Dunston ~ April 1990 to August 1996 Sue Freestone ~ January 1997 to August 2004 Above: Hugh Maw (third from Michael Goodwin ~ September 2004 to August 2016 right) pictured at the official Toby Spence ~ September 2016 to present. opening of Penn Boys House with Sir Hugh Foot, Lady Foot and Daphne Maw. Below: Jonas Fielding with Deputy Head June Ellis.

Above: The Harrod family: Elsie, Above: The Spence Mabel, Gulie, James and May. family: Jill, Oscar, Below: Three heads and their wives Isobel, Eliza and Toby. pictured in 1930 ... Robert Oddie, Left: Michael Goodwin. Arthur Johnstone, Elizabeth Oddie, Above: Jim Graham and Kenneth Mabel Harrod, Jessie Johnstone and Below: Sue Freestone Greaves. James Harrod. with husband Rupert. Below: John Dunston.

14 / The Sibford Rocket AGM 2017 The Head’s Report

hile this is my first official Head’s Report Wto the SOSA AGM, it is actually my second appearance at the SOSA AGM and Reunion. My family and I were delighted to attend the event “last year when I was briefly ‘wheeled out’ by Michael Goodwin! It has been an action packed first year here at Sibford, one which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I can say with assurance that I have received a warm welcome from all parties not least the SOSA family. Michael leaves a tough legacy to follow after his 12 years of headship. The school is in good shape, nicely poised to look forward adventurously to the future. Interest in the school remains very high and we were delighted to welcome another 23 prospective families to our Open Morning earlier on today. It has Toby Spence is pictured with wife Jill and children Oscar, Eliza and Isobel. been busy! there is a different type of warmth here at Sibford. Before I talk more about the school and future It’s a warmth that I have found throughout the plans it would be polite to introduce myself to you community, a ready welcome and a desire to welcome more fully. My educational journey has involved 10 into the community. years working as a teacher of History and Outdoor With new students I often talk about the ‘arms of Education in the state sector and a further 14 years in Sibford’ reaching out to envelope new members of the independent sector – including five at our sister the community. It really is a very special school. Quaker School, Bootham in York. During my first term I met personally with just In 2014 I took up my first headship at Greensteads about every staff member employed by the school. International School; a British Curriculum, co- They gave me a fascinating insight into the life, educational, 2-18 age range school, set within the Rift workings and pace of the school. Only the minibus Valley of Kenya. drivers were upset that I hadn’t been to see them Leading a Quaker school is both an honour and a first! privilege. There are only a handful of Quaker Schools SOSA, however, is the one group who, so far, I in the UK and opportunities to apply for leadership haven’t got to know as well as I might have liked and roles are few and far between. To this end, one month who I’d like to get to know better – starting this into my headship in Kenya, when the role of Head at weekend! Bootham was advertised it was far too early to even I’d like to thank Ashley and Harriet for their warm consider an application. However, a year later on, the welcome to the SOSA community and for explaining job at Sibford was advertised … and the rest, as they how it works – including the infamous Rockets. I say, is history. am told that I will have the pleasure of performing My wife Jill and our three children had become ‘Rockets’ later on this evening… yes, I am just a little quite used to the wonderful community and warm scared! climate in Kenya. A new house was being built for us Apart from my interest as Head, there is a good and we were fortunate to have a fabulous lifestyle. So, reason why I hope to have a close relationship with as you might imagine, it wasn’t an easy task that I had SOSA as I have a family connection. (not least in mid-winter) to convince my family that it As one of his final legacies, Robert Brearley Oddie, was the right time to make a move to Oxfordshire. Sibford’s second Head, supported the setting up of Hard decision as it was, I had no doubt (and am an Old Scholars association. Most of the other pleased to report that I have been proved right!) that

The Sibford Rocket / 15 AGM 2017 HEAD’S REPORT CONTINUED Friends’ schools had an Old (a) to foster interaction between School could not be more Scholars group but Sibford lagged former scholars and staff and important at this time – equality, behind. The ‘Sibford Old Scholars’ present day pupils and staff; respect, diversity, tolerance, Association’, more commonly (b) to further school day sustainability, peace, honesty, truth, known as ‘SOSA’, was inaugurated friendships; courage – are all words which on the 19th June 1903. Its first (c) to enjoy the mutual benefits we use regularly around our President was Joseph Spence that can arise through a sustained community. Hodgson. relationship with the school and So what are our plans for It turns out that Joseph Spence former scholars; the future? We are making Hodgson and I are related. His (d) to encourage a spirit of loyalty improvements to Science, our great grandfather – John Spence amongst present scholars; Junior School and our Food and of Birstwith (1746 – 1806) is (e) to assist the further Nutrition classroom. We are at the brother of my great (x6) development of the school. the early stages of investigating the grandfather – Robert Spence of Mike Finch also tells us that, possibility of installing a climbing Hartwith (1742 – 1793). I will in 2009, SOSA changed its wall and have longer term plans leave the technical expression of constitution to become more for an astro-turf. We are also in our relationship to your better closely connected to the school discussion with SOSA about plans judgement. My best guess is that and to enable a greater embracing to refresh the much loved Pavilion. Joseph would be my third cousin role in supporting the school’s Whilst maintaining and nurturing five times removed. Answers on a alumni project. our outstanding pastoral and postcard are welcome! This relationship is important to boarding provision, we will review Joseph Spence Hodgson was, by me. I hope that during my headship the curriculum for 2018 and plan all accounts quite eccentric and I will have a close and supportive to do more work with local state very active … the latter I would relationship with SOSA. SOSA is schools and further afield. like to think is a family trait. He a guardian of the history and the We will focus upon tracking was involved in more than one archives – indeed, in many respects and monitoring pupil progress Quaker school. There is a picture SOSA represents the ‘walking – linking strong pastoral care to on the wall at Ackworth of Joseph archive of the school’. I very much clear academic targets. We will Spence Hodgson. It is a sepia look forward to hearing your be looking at innovative learning print showing him in tweed jacket, stories and memories. approaches and encouraging more beard and sideburns, surrounded Sibford School has a long, pupil responsibility for learning. by Persian cats. I have read that varied and rich history. It is a We also wish to find ways of in 1858 a number of Ackworth privilege, challenge and honour working more closely with Friends Old Scholars offered to pay for to be the 12th Head of this House and the wider Quaker a new swimming bath and in the fabulous community. I use the community. spring of the following year it was word challenge quite deliberately. Our shared values are vital to us. opened at a cost of about £470. Yes, there are the challenges of We continue to see that of God in Ackworth’s website goes on: ‘After leading a complex and diverse everyone and believing that each he had spoken at the formal opening community. However, I set the is talented, each is different and all on 6 December 1898, Joseph Spence word more in the context of 2017. are valued. Hodgson, after a short spirited We live in changing times, times of On our journey I am very much speech, dived into the water in black increasing uncertainty and a sense open to your advice, thoughts frock coat and tall silk hat, to the of instability. and suggestions as we look to surprise and delight of the children’. As Old Scholars you may well build upon the firm foundations of

So I have a direct link to one of feel that you have ‘seen it all the Sibford community and look the founding fathers of SOSA. I before’ and you are right. In the forward adventurously to the next hope to develop and strengthen ‘here and now’ I hope that Sibford 175 years. I also look“ forward to this link as the years progress. can lead by example with a strong getting to know you and working On page 31 of Mike Finch’s fine voice and active role to play in the more closely with you over the history of the school, ‘A View from lives of the community and further coming months and years. the Hill’, he tells us what SOSA’s afield. Thank you for support and main aims were and still are: For me the values of Sibford friendship.

16 / The Sibford Rocket HEAD’S REPORT CONTINUED AGM 2017 MINUTES OF THE 111th SOSA AGM HELD 17 JUNE 2017 Members and non-members attending the Annual General Meeting were warmly welcomed by President, Ashley Shirlin.

Present: Ashley Shirlin (President), Harriet Langridge, Richard Hughes, Margaret Shelley, Wendy Finch, Peter Robinson, Toby Spence, Ali Bromhall, Amanda Brown, Ian Weatherhead, Chris Weatherhead, Liz Beebey, Lori Spencer, Erica Strofton, Judith Beeby, Liz Belcher, Richard Wrigley, Pat Wrigley, Pat Phillips, Mark Mercer, Simon Matthews, Lesley Matthews, David Smith, Russell Steed, Janet Steed, Paul Levy, Patrick Smart, Catherine Stokes, Pippa Lacey, Annie Broe, Marion Charlwood, Guy Kingham, Navid Sadrzadeh.

1. Greetings and Apologies: Presented by Ashley Shirlin Apologies were received from the following: Sue Schreiber, Julie Hathaway, Hugh Gibson, Violet SOSA has purchased a clock in memory of Mike Finch. Toby Spence and Malins, Jimmy Setna, Robert Wendy Finch are pictured with the clock. See also page 7. Inverarity, June Ellis, Alfred Holland, Hilary and John Haddleton 4. President’s and General Ashley then continued: This is the Secretary’s Report: second and final time that I will be 2. Obituaries: Presented by Ashley Shirlin making a report as your President. Presented by Ashley Shirlin Ashley Shirlin explained to the When I was invited to become Janet Sewell, Robin John Donald, Meeting that the election of Vice President and then President I Clare Smith (nee Southwell), David SOSA’s next School Committee set out to achieve various goals. Long, Simon Austing, Joan Shields, Representative was being brought I wanted to put the Association’s Mick Canning, Ray Guillery, Eddie forward to the beginning of the finances back on a sound footing, I Goudge, Elizabeth Francis, E. Noel, Meeting so that the elected wanted to modernise the website. H. Powell. individual’s name could be passed I wanted to restructure the The meeting held a few moments directly to Sibford General Committee and make decision of silence. Meeting’s AGM which was taking making more open. I wanted place at the same time. to turn SOSA into a registered 3. Minutes: Amanda Brown (Proposed by charity. I wanted to invest in the Presented by Ashley Shirlin Richard Hughes and Seconded by archives. I wanted to change the The minutes of the last SOSA Harriet Langridge) was unanimously perception of SOSA being an old Annual General Meeting held on elected as SOSA’s School codgers group. 18th June 2016 were unanimously Committee Representative for the Looking back on the last three approved by the AGM and signed period 1st January 2018 – 31st years I’ve had mixed success in as a true record by the President. December 2021. achieving these goals.

The Sibford Rocket / 17 AGM 2017 MINUTES OF THE 111th SOSA AGM CONTINUED The finances are now on an even has already made his presence felt. Finch who, as we all know, was the keel, the website has been very The rest of the Committee person who kept SOSA together successful, the reintroduction of has given invaluable support for so many years. I hope that you Committee roles such as Reunion and I would like to take this will take the time to view the clock Secretary has, in general, worked. opportunity to thank all on the which is in the Visitors’ Room and Whereas it was not possible to Committee for their commitment take a quiet moment to reflect on convert SOSA into a registered to SOSA and the principles of the passing of Mike. charity we do now have Sibford Truth, Honour, Freedom and Old Scholars Charity (SOSC) to Courtesy. In particular, we should 5. Treasurer’s Report: fulfil that role. We have digitised take this opportunity to thank Presented by Ashley Shirlin the SOSA archives and made these Richard Hughes for serving as At last year’s AGM we elected available online. We continue to one of SOSA’s School Committee Cindy Poulton as Treasurer but for struggle in changing the perception Representatives for 12 years. a variety of reasons she decided to of SOSA but maybe subsequent With regards to The Rocket, Ali stand down a few weeks ago. younger Presidents will be able to Bromhall has once again produced I would like to take this achieve that. an excellent publication and we opportunity to thank Cindy for It has been a privilege to have should thank her accordingly. maintaining SOSA’s records during been your President and I wish With regards to membership we her time as Treasurer. all the very best to my successor have 1,285 members of whom we As last year, when Mark Bennett – Harriet Langridge. Harriet has have 363 email addresses. resigned the day before the SOSA been an excellent Vice President For a variety of reasons SOSC AGM, it therefore falls to me to and has taken much upon herself has not achieved its fund raising present the 2016/17 Accounts. especially as she has also been goals. However, we continue to The Association’s Gross Income Reunion Secretary. Thank you support current pupils who are in over Expenditure was £2,249 Harriet. need of financial assistance. which is an increase over the As General Secretary for the last I am delighted to say that SOSA previous year’s surplus of £1,530. three years things have, as ever, has purchased the clock we spoke The balance of the Current been challenging. of at last year’s AGM and we have Account was £10,338 and the With regards to the Committee donated it to the school. We balance of the Deposit account both Nikki Knott and Cindy should thank Peter Robinson who was £5,494. Poulton have resigned during the went to great lengths to find and Although we agreed at last year’s last year. We welcomed Navid acquire an appropriate clock. AGM that we would transfer Sadrzadeh for the first time and he The clock is a memorial to Mike £1,500 from Current to Deposit

Toby and Jill Spence are pictured with Old Scholars and members of the SOSA committee.

18 / The Sibford Rocket MINUTES OF THE 111th SOSA AGM CONTINUED AGM 2017 MINUTES OF THE 111th SOSA AGM CONTINUED for the period ending 31/3/15 and examined and signed £2,700 in respect of the period by an independent ending 31/3/16 Cindy decided to individual. My thanks defer both these transfers until to Peter Robinson for we were sure of how much the undertaking this. clock would cost. In the event, this Ashley Shirlin was less than anticipated and so I proposed (seconded by would hope that we would be able Ian Weatherhead) that to make this transfer in the near the 2016/17 account future. be approved. This was One item that you can see from unanimously agreed. the Accounts is the purchase of Ashley then went a salver for £500. This item was on to say that the discussed at a SOSA Committee Committee have Meeting in March 2016 as a received a request from possible leaving present for Sibford Meeting House Michael Goodwin. The Committee for a donation towards decided however that expenditure some much needed of this magnitude on this particular maintenance of the item was not appropriate. Meeting House. They are Unfortunately, Mark Bennett went hoping to raise £3,000. ahead with the purchase and wrote Ashley Shirlin two cheques to one of his own proposed (seconded companies for £250 each on the by Erica Strofton) that same day for the salver. SOSA donates £1,000 to this project. This was There followed a general discussion unanimously agreed. during which it was suggested that Maggie is pictured with former Head, Sue the Constitution be changed to say 6. Head’s Report: Freestone, at a tea party held to mark her that no-one could sign a cheque to Presented by Toby Spence retirement. To read some of Maggie;s memories themselves. It was also suggested that See page 15. of Sibford see page 9. the salver should ultimately be sold group agreed to go ahead with the but that it be held for the time being 7. School Committee Report: refurbishment of the class rooms, in the hope that the price of silver will Presented by Richard Hughes Food Technology, and three Science rise. Laboratories. The building of the Management accounts to 31st Climbing Walls and upgrade of the Simon Matthews proposed March 2017. Pavilion will not start until 2018. (seconded by Ashley Shirlin) that School roll is 412 pupils. At the date of this report the the Treasurer monitors the price of Junior School numbers grew cash balance stood at £1,491,329 silver over the next year to see if the during the first two terms to reach compared to £1,664,954 the salver appreciates in value. This was 94. previous year. unanimously agreed. Senior School day pupil numbers Salaries are over budget Richard Wrigley proposed (seconded are down on budget resulting in (£125,686), the reasons are: long by Ian Weatherhead) that Mark a projected deficit of £132,119 term sick, increase to Pensions, Bennett be removed from SOSA’s (represents nine pupils). increase to National Insurance and Membership under Clause 3.f. of the After bursaries and discounts pay increases. Constitution. This was unanimously total income shows a negative Maggie Guy retires at the end of agreed (with one abstention). variance of £84,877, forecast to be this term after 33 years service to £72,437. the school. As defined by the Constitution Capital expenditure to date Spotlight presentations were the Accounts have been is £224,195. The Development received from the Art

The Sibford Rocket / 19 AGM 2017 MINUTES OF THE 111th SOSA AGM CONTINUED department, PHSE and the English to themselves or any person Richard Hughes department. or organisation associated with Proposed by Ashley Shirlin. Educational visits were themselves.” Seconded by Ian Weatherhead. reviewed during the year by John This was unanimously adopted. Charlesworth and Sarah Lane. 10. Any other business The following policies were 9. Elections • The Meeting warmly thanked reviewed: Assessment, Sickness All the following individuals were Ashley Shirlin for the work he Absence, Stress and Employee elected unopposed: has done as President. Wellbeing, Admissions, Missing General Secretary • Ashley Shirlin announced Child, Student Computer (1/8/17-31/7/20) that Paul Levy had been Acceptable Use, Medical Capability, Ashley Shirlin invited to become the next Family Friendly and Data Proposed by Margaret Shelley. Vice President. The Meeting Protection. Seconded by Harriet Langridge. unanimously approved this At each committee meeting the Ordinary Committee Member election. Head presented a report. (1/8/17-31/7/20) • Harriet Langridge announced In March the school held a Edd Frost that Ashley Shirlin had Symposium to inform the school’s Proposed by Ashley Shirlin, Seconded been invited to become an staff of new strategic plan. by Margaret Shelley. Honorary Life member. The The meeting was informed that Reunion Secretary Meeting unanimously agreed the Friends at Saffron Walden (1/8/17-31/7/18) this invitation. will be closing at the end of the Navid Sadrzadeh • Some members do not appear summer term; this will leave six Proposed by Harriet Langridge. to be receiving the paper Quaker schools. Seconded by Ashley Shirlin. copies of ‘The Rocket’. Ashley Ordinary Committee Member Shirlin explained that paper 8. Proposed Amendments to (1/8/17-31/7/19) copies were not sent out the Constitution Annie Broe depending on what preferences Ashley Shirlin Proposed (Seconded by Proposed by Ashley Shirlin. members had made on the Harriet Langridge) that Clause 8b to Seconded by Amanda Brown. SOSA website. The Committee have an additional sentence: Treasurer will review this at their next “No signatory may sign a cheque (1/8/17-31/7/18) meeting.

20 / The Sibford Rocket AGM 2017 REVIEW OF THE ANNUAL REUNION By Catherine Stokes (née Hunt) and Pippa Lacey who both attended Sibford from 1969 to 1974 Catherine: “I have always felt that my time at Sibford was the best years of my life. I felt so privileged to have gone to a school in the heart of the Cotswolds. Without the help from the Quakers this would have not been possible. So I am thankful for that. Then and now ... “Sibford taught me to be Catherine (pictured independent, treat everyone top left) in the as equal and have respect for netball team and others. I met some wonderful with Annie Broe people and made some friends (centre) and Pippa for life. Sibford certainly set me Lacey (right) at the up for my journey in life. 2017 Reunion “I have attended numerous reunions at school and at other venues, all organised by Highlights of the day ... Ashley. He’s certainly been This year’s reunion was the 175th elected, which included Annie. the back bone in keeping us anniversary of the founding of the Toby Spence (the new Head) all connected and I thank him school. gave an address which was for all his efforts. Not an easy It was also a sad one as we very entertaining, but we were task!” remembered an old friend who had saddened to learn that Friends sadly passed away this year. It’s hard School Saffron Walden was closing. Pippa: “Like Catherine I look when you lose friends of your year. Catherine’s Mum was matron in back with great affection on my However the sun shone and it was the Sanatorium at Saffron Walden days at Sibford, and the lasting a glorious weekend. for many years. friendships that were made. Pippa and I arrived together and In the evening we joined “I am dyslexic. Dyslexia met Annie Broe (née Barth) at the together for dinner. Ashley made was only just beginning to be school. We are so proud to see a very heroic speech – ‘A testing acknowledged when I started how, over the years, Sibford has friendship’, which told the story at Sibford. flourished, with new buildings and of a friend who he had given The school was very so many more opportunities. support to in his last years before sympathetic to people with Coffee was served on the playing he died. That’s what Sibford did learning problems. Ken Greaves field, an ideal opportunity to catch for us; taught us to be supportive had a great interest in it and up with fellow Old Scholars ... not irrespective of circumstances. since then Sibford has gone so many this year but those that Entertainment was shuffled by from strength to strength. I were there really made the day. Navid with his amazing card tricks. was never made to feel ‘could We took a tour around the The finale was performing ‘Rockets’ do better’ but rather ‘let’s find school reminiscing. Buffet lunch outside. ... if any of you don’t know a way round it.’ was served whilst we were what this is, then come to next I try to keep true to the entertained by Sedleigh. How year’s reunion and find out! school motto ~ Truth, Honour school meals have changed! An enjoyable day and we look Freedom and Courtesy ~ in In the afternoon we attended forward to next year where our all I do and I have just read the annual meeting, Ashley’s last year will be celebrating 60 years of Michael Finch’s book ‘A View one as president. He does such an age. Where has that time gone? It From the Hill’. amazing job. A new committee was all seems like only yesterday.

The Sibford Rocket / 21 AGM 2017 ANNUAL REUNION ... PICTURE SPECIAL

22 / The Sibford Rocket AGM 2017 OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS BY ASHLEY SHIRLIN A testing friendship ... y Presidential Address last you should complain to the local Myear was about friendship authority about conditions and and, as Edd Frost commented a then potentially lose your home? couple of years back, it’s quite Homelessness in my classmate’s difficult to write a second one case would have been a breach (although Edd managed very well, of his licence, which would have after a glass or two on the night resulted in his recall to prison. before he presented his second!) Nothing was ever simple over I had originally thought I’d speak the last two years but I quite about 175 years of Sibford but, quickly learned that if something as there is a second event to could go wrong it would. celebrate this later this year, I put For example, there was the that aside. In any event, as you can issue of a bank account. After see from this youthful visage, I only seven years of inactivity, banks coincide with a small fraction of automatically close accounts. My that timescale! classmate had been in prison for I toyed with the idea of nine years. No problem I thought, anecdotes from my time as a pupil. decision to release him. My stance open another one. Many, many people however would therefore was that if an individual Has anyone tried to open a be aghast at what I might say so is released then they should have bank account without photo ID? I’ve chosen instead the topic of ‘A a basic level of existence and that Upon his arrest, his Passport testing friendship’. they shouldn’t be set up to fail and was confiscated by the police. As some of you know, my two therefore be returned to prison, His Driving Licence was the old years as President has coincided Upon release my classmate style, which didn’t contain his with the release from prison of was granted a few months photo. Reapply for a licence then. someone who was in the same accommodation in various hostels. Not possible without a Birth year as me at Sibford. He had This time would normally be spent Certificate. Get a duplicate Birth been jailed for life and had served finding work and somewhere else Certificate then. Not possible nine years prior to his release on to live. It was clear to me that as he was born abroad and his licence. there was something physically parents had not registered him on Following his release, he was wrong with him when I visited their return. Go to the country of diagnosed with Huntington’s him in prison. His GP on release birth then. Has anyone ever dealt Disease. identified that there was a problem with the Malawi High Commission? For those of you who are not and his HD was subsequently So, if you don’t have a bank familiar with HD, there is no diagnosed. This effectively ruled out account or photo ID how do you treatment or cure and it leads to any chance of ever working again. get your benefits in cash? It’s quite dementia. Most people die before This in turn drastically reduces difficult. then, though, as pneumonia or the already limited places open to What you need is someone like suicide account for many deaths. anyone with a criminal record to me who is daft enough to have I first asked myself, when I heard live. There are, however, landlords the DWP pay the money into his of the sentence, should life mean who do provide accommodation account and who will then send life? Initially it appeared harsh but, without the need for references. you cash. Has anyone bought a having now spoken to a few of his My limited experience of this type Postal Order recently? Not cheap victims, I am now of the opinion of accommodation is that they when you only get £50 a week to that there are certain crimes that are near slums. For example, is it cover your food, light, heat etc. deserve this sort of sentence and right that an individual must use One area that I did anticipate that an individual should serve the the toilet at a local supermarket problems with was trying to claim full term. every day as the one in his flat other benefits such as ESA and However, people far more was continually blocked for over a PIP. I’m a reasonably bright chap knowledgeable than me took the year? A huge question is whether with most of my faculties still in

The Sibford Rocket / 23 AGM 2017 OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS continued working order but I found the understanding as otherwise we didn’t identify the cause of death entire system bewildering. I’m all in would have been barred from all so tissue samples have been sent favour of preventing benefit fraud the eating establishments in the away and there may have to be an but why are there two similar town. inquest. As the cause of death has medical assessments needed to Where do other Old Scholars fit yet to be determined there is no obtain both these two benefits? into this? Death Certificate but I did manage Surely one should be sufficient? My classmate was a good looking, to get an interim document that Whereas I can’t speak about athletic, popular boy at Sibford allowed for a cremation. Edd Frost the location of all the Assessment who played in a band at some of has provided invaluable support Centres, I can talk the reunions we had during this time and when I die I about one of the two How were eight in London. Having want him to see me off. we visited. Armed place mats going to spent a small fortune As Executor of the will, I’m sure with my classmate’s help someone living on supporting my that I will have many other delights letter we set the classmate I resorted to look forward to. Satnav and drove without a table? to Facebook to raise As I’ve said, nothing is ever off. Public transport some money for simple with this person, in life or in wasn’t an option as the Centre luxuries ... like a bed. death. was in a different town. One person gave £500 and To conclude, I entitled this Having arrived where the letter another, who is also on benefits, address as ‘A testing friendship’. said we should be, we were sent £20 so that our classmate It was Sibford that brought my confronted with a PC World on a could have a couple of decent classmate and me together. commercial estate. After milling Sunday lunches. Although I had not seen him for around a bit I spotted a lady in a One or two withdrew their over 25 years there was still a wheelchair heading off towards a support when I told them the small remnant of the person I liked nearby industrial estate. I thought nature of the crimes but that was hugely but I continue to struggle there was a strong chance she more than fair enough. with what he did. might be going to the same place. Many, many people have given What I and many others learned This proved to be the case and I’m me moral support which I’ve really at this School is that all individuals glad to say that she didn’t get run needed during this sad saga. One deserve a basic existence whatever over getting to her appointment as donation did make me chuckle. a person’s failings. there was no pavement for her to How were eight What I’ve also use and she managed to avoid the place mats going to Most Old Scholars learned over the various lorries that passed her by. help someone who will help someone last two years is Over the last two years there was living without a who is trying to that most Old haven’t been many happy times for table to eat off, not help someone else Scholars will also me and my old school friend. enough food to feed help someone who We had the occasional day out one person and only is trying to help when I drove the 250 miles to one other person who could be someone else ... even if they hate where he lived, and eating out was remotely thought of as a friend to what that other person did. always entertaining. invite to dinner? They say it’s the Was I his friend or simply Amongst other things HD thought that counts though! someone who couldn’t walk away sufferers lose control over their So, where are we now? Well, when there was no one else? limbs. just over a month ago I was called My classmate caused chaos in by a Coroner who informed me Thank you for listening to me restaurants with food and drink that my classmate had been found on such a difficult topic. I’m sure going everywhere. In general, other dead in his flat. As in life nothing is that Harriet, who will make this diners were sympathetic but often simple in his death. address next year, will choose we were quietly asked not to The flat was initially a potential a lighter topic. Perhaps she will return. crime scene but murder has now regale you all with anecdotes of Some places however warmly been ruled out. The body couldn’t her experiences of Sibford over welcomed us back and I am initially be identified but that was her 175 years of association with grateful to them for their eventually resolved. The autopsy Sibford!

24 / The Sibford Rocket Introducing the new President

Harriet Langridge, SOSA president 2017 ~ 2018

y time at school was between Sagar for arranging visits to various and Development. M1975 and 1980, and I was a companies in 5th form. A couple of years after boarder despite living fairly close Our careers officer had my apprenticeship I got the by in Bloxham. persuaded me that I wouldn’t wanderlust, doing a couple of My father had suffered a stroke be able to be a helicopter pilot overland trips, through the African several years earlier, making life (something to do with being a girl!) continent first, and Asia and the difficult for all of us, so I was so I decided to go into engineering, Middle East after. despatched to Sibford. and was offered a four-year These were fascinating times, In those days, our education apprenticeship with IMI Norgren. and I look at some of the places I was about more than the three As their first girl apprentice - visited, and have photographs of, R’s - but having said that I could something that I didn’t actually knowing that after the past few have done with someone teaching think about at the time - it must years they will be quite different, me how to properly iron a shirt have been quite difficult for the if they still exist. I’m so glad that (anyone who was after me in the men who taught me. I’m still (30 Mum encouraged me to go when laundry room will attest to my we talked of it; I saw life in a very ineptitude with the iron!). Our careers officer different way, some of it good, The Quaker ways were subtle in had persuaded me some of it not so. some ways and routine in others. that I wouldn’t be After getting my travelling bug I remember my Mum saying that able to be a out of my system, I ended up down she was always impressed at how in Hampshire, working for the the whole school would be silent helicopter pilot next 11 years in a few different at the start of meetings, plays, or plus years later) the only ‘girl’ who roles from Development Engineer, concerts for those few moments. completed the four years there. to Sales Engineer to Engineering The teachers all had an effect It’s a shame that more girls were Buyer. on how we grew up - some more not encouraged to take up this Industry was changing, and than others. A few that come to interesting career. Having been told several redundancies later, I had mind are Jim Shields and Alan that ‘I wasn’t good enough for A had enough and set out on my Jarvis - probably the reason that I levels’ at school, I took my ONC own, doing lawn mowing and went into engineering, and Graeme and HNC ending up in Research gardening. Another few years

The Sibford Rocket / 25 President’s profile continued at college was in order and an and machining services. Joshua Peter Brooke RHS Certificate and HNC in It is due to this that I have gone 14 June 1962 ~ October 2017 Horticulture joined my Engineering back to my engineering roots, At Sibford 1976 ~ 1980 certificates. and have enjoyed the ‘regression’, We are sad to report the death 1996 saw me married to Terry, including starting to use machines of Joshua Brooke at the age of who has managed to put up with I last used 25 plus years ago. It 55. Joshua’s funeral took place my ‘why don’t you do it like this?’ goes to say that a good training in on 27 October at Fairspear comments when doing something whatever your chosen career is, Natural Burial Ground at to his Frogeye Sprite, a legacy of will stand you in the best stead. Leafield near Witney. my training. Going to car shows SOSA has been a part of my life was traded for airshows - yes I’m before. In the 1990’s I was involved Edward Ernest Goudge still nuts about helicopters! for several years … and now I’m 25 April 1940 ~ 18 March 2017 Since childhood I had been back! At Sibford 1951 ~ 1956 taken to steam fairs, so was very I truly believe that keeping in News has reached us about the aware of the wonderful steam touch is very much a two way death at the age of 76 of Eddie traction engines that were on the thing - between School and Old Goudge. Eddie was a passionate show circuit. Recently I somehow Scholars, for those that wish it. I campaigner for racial equality and managed to get involved with hope to see some more of my used his love of dance to break helping to run a fabulous McLaren contemporaries this year especially, down barriers. Our condolences agricultural engine, this led me to but in subsequent years too. To go to his wife Margaret and the start and run a company which quote an elderly advert, ‘It’s good rest of his family. The following is sells miniature (quarter, third and to talk’. an extract from an article about half size) traction engine castings Eddie that appeared in the 2012 Harriet edition of the SOSA Magazine. hen former Sibford WScholar Eddie Goudge and his wife Margaret moved to South Africa in 1971 to set up a dance school, they weren’t going to let a little thing like politics get in their way. “To be honest I was a bit naïve regarding the political situation in South Africa and in particular, apartheid,” said Eddie. “When we saw two different bus stops, one for white and one for blacks it was totally alien to us. So, when we opened the dance school, as far as we were concerned, everyone was welcome. It wasn’t in line with the law of the land … but we didn’t care.” While in practice Eddie and Margaret initially did teach only white pupils, their crusade to break down race barriers had begun. In 1979 Eddie became the first white man invited to teach in a coloured area and, in the following year, as Chairman Photograph taken by Nickie Logue at a 2017 ‘Lister Girls Lunch’.

26 / The Sibford Rocket said: “I have a very special place in my heart for Eddie. He was an amazing man with so much life till the end.” Lesley Van Onselen Lives Remembered said: “Still find it hard to believe he’s not with us anymore. Such a significant impact loss to the dancing world.” Caryn on all those he Bredenkamp said: “I learnt my very came into contact first ballroom dancing steps, a basic with. Ultimately rhythm foxtrot, from Eddie in the his dance studio inaugural year of Stellenbosch was made up of University’s ballroom dancing 90% of non-white club. His gift of partner dancing pupils and he has is something that has stayed with seen his students me always, and inspired me to enjoy considerable go on from ballroom dancing to success in the years of loving other dance forms dance world. too. Perhaps more importantly, his “We taught one instruction gave me access to a brother and sister worldwide family of friends who (black couple) share the passion of dancing so who went on to that no matter where I have lived, become South I have been able to find a place African Dance and a people to belong to through Champions and dance.” subsequently represented Rainer Guillery their country 28 August 1929 ~ 7 April 2017 in the World At Sibford 1950 ~ 1946 African Dance Championships,” he said. “That was something that would never have been allowed to Eddie and Margaret are pictured during a visit to happen when we Sibford back in 2012. first moved to the country. There have of the local South African Dance been times when I Teachers’ Association, he managed have literally been the only white to get a permit to run a multi- face in a room full of five or six racial dancing competition. hundred people, but I was a firm “We called it ‘normal’ but the believer that all races should be Association was horrified,” said allowed to mix together. The only Eddie. “I was castigated and voted way to change attitudes is to start out of the chair. But I wasn’t at grassroots level and so that’s ainer (Ray) W. Guillery died in going to give up the permit and what we did. I didn’t consider what ROxford after a short illness. He so we went ahead and ran the I was doing as brave. To me it was was 87. competition anyway which set a just natural.” Ray had a long, productive, precedent for future events to be Many tributes have been made and impactful career as open to all race groups.” to Eddie, whose funeral took place a neuroscientist. He held Eddie’s ‘strictly no limits’ on 30th March at Mossel Bay in professorships in England and the approach to life was to make a South Africa. Lee-ann Rayners US, including at University

The Sibford Rocket / 27 College London, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Chicago, and Oxford University; at the time of his death, he was an Emeritus Research Fellow at Oxford University. Among his other efforts, he was a past Treasurer of the Society for Neuroscience and was Editor-in- Chief and Founding Editor of the Journal of European Neuroscience. Ray was also a Fellow of the Royal Society (London). Born Rainer Walter Guillery in Greifswald, in north-eastern Germany, his father, Hermann, was a pathologist from a Rhineland Catholic family, and his mother, Eva, was a laboratory technician, from a Russian-Jewish family who had escaped after the Bolshevik revolution. On both sides he had distinguished scientific forebears: his maternal grandfather was an apothecary, his paternal grandfather an ophthalmologist, and a great-great-uncle on his father’s side was Otto Deiters, a pioneering neuroscientist who gave the first accurate description of nerve cells. Ray’s parents divorced when he was two, and he was brought up with his older sister by their mother, initially in Berlin, where he attended the Rudolf Steiner school. Ray is pictured with former Sibford Head, Michael Goodwin, during a visit to In 1938 the family fled, his mother the school in 2011. escaping to London, where she was active in the Oxford Refugee Madison, Wisconsin, I had my own took a job as a housekeeper. After Committee. By the end of the workshop and made many toys a short spell in Switzerland, looked war, he said, ‘I was an adolescent for my grandchildren, including a after by a family friend, Guillery who was able to think of himself, rocking horse. I also made a walnut joined his sister at a school in proudly, as English.’ desk for my eldest grandchild who Holland, but they were on holiday Reflecting on his time at Sibford lives in the UK. I had to make it so in England when the Second in an interview during the summer that it could be transported flat World War broke out. Evacuated of 2011 Ray said: “One of my and put together on the other side to Oxford, he was sponsored favourite memories of Sibford of the Atlantic, which was quite a by Oxford Quakers to attend was the woodwork lessons with challenge.” Sibford School, staying during the Roland Herbert who was an In fact, Ray had ambitions to school holidays with Wilfrid Le incredible man. The skills I learnt become a carpenter but his Gros Clark, Dr Lee’s professor of back then have stayed with me mother had other ideas and anatomy, and his wife Freda, who throughout my life. When I lived in because at that time Sibford had

28 / The Sibford Rocket no sixth form Ray was sent to a connections with the school father’s share of the farm, the grammar school for two years … his great, great grandfather, family moved to Grounds Farm. to prepare for the Higher School Joshua Lamb, was involved with Arnold’s sister, Judy also worked Certificate. the school’s foundation, and his on the farm. Later, when she In 1948, he won a scholarship father-in-law, Roland Herbert, was retired, his son, Adrian, joined to read medicine at University head of woodwork at Sibford. His him. They bred and fattened pigs, College, London, but after a year, funeral was held at Sibford Quaker had sheep and arable land. Always encouraged by John Z Young, Meeting House on 20 October. mindful of animal welfare, the pigs he switched to anatomy, taking Frederick Arnold Lamb was born had plenty of room and clean his BSc in 1951. He stayed on at Woolman Cottage, on Hook straw. If one of the breeding sows to do research, under Young’s Norton Road in Sibford Ferris. It was short of iron, Arnold would supervision, on the hypothalamus, was a small thatched house with even take it out for a walk to allow for which he was awarded his PhD no mains water or electricity. it to root around in the earth. He in 1954. In December that year he His parents, Fred and Ivy, had 6 won many prizes for the quality of married Margot Pepper, a medical children – Barbara, Bob, Gerald, bacon produced from his pigs. student at St Mary’s Hospital who Judy, Arnold and Len. Just after the Their four children, David, Joanna, later became a dermatologist; they war the family moved to Grounds Colin and Adrian were born in had three sons and a daughter. Farm (where Fred farmed). quick succession from 1958 to Ray never forgot Sibford and in Arnold went to Sibford Gower 1962 and Ina became a full time later life kept in very close contact Primary School, which he enjoyed. mother as well as farm accountant with the school. Rocket editor Ali When his younger brother, Len, and part time farm worker. Bromhall said: “It was my privilege got a scholarship to Banbury The farm was very hard work to meet Ray during his visits to Grammar School, Arnold went as and despite this, Arnold would Sibford. He was a generous and well, so that he could accompany often be found in his large garden humble man who always had a his brother on the cycle ride to producing a lot of the fruit and smile on his face. The first steps school. Ill health, however, led to vegetables used by the family. on his career path were made Arnold leaving school early (he Being a farmer and keen gardener during his time here … he told didn’t much like Banbury School weather was always important to me that he had been in Nansen any way) and when he recovered, him and he recorded rainfall from House and, although he didn’t he started work on his father’s the rain gauge in the garden. realise it at the time, Nansen was farm. As well as his gardening, Arnold a neuroanatomist … just like Ray Arnold married Ina Herbert on had a keen interest in nature. was to become.” the 7th August 1954 at Sibford He wanted to create a lake Meeting House. At first, they lived to attract all types of wildlife, Arnold Lamb with Ina’s mother, Eva. They then particularly birds. Not having a site 31 March 1929 ~ 10 October 2017 moved to Pillerton Priors where on the farm that could be used, he any Old they lived in bought land and built a lake, now MScholars an old army usually known as Lamb’s Pool. For will remember hut, which many years, he wrote the ‘nature Arnold Lamb had previously notes’ in the Sibford Scene. He was who died on 10 been used as a also a valued member of the Parish October 2017, cafe. They had Council. aged 88. Arnold a small holding Ina and Arnold then found an was husband and Arnold acre of land in Sibford Ferris. of Ina, father to worked on Not only did it have an area of David, Joanna, threshing gangs woodland for wildlife but also Colin and Adrian and did other an old overgrown rockery. They and grandfather agricultural bought the land and built Back of eight work. Acre (a pun which Arnold enjoyed). grandchildren. When Over time the rockery was made Arnold Arnold took into the beautiful garden that can had strong over his be seen today.

The Sibford Rocket / 29 Arnold was also a keen Festival! end of the next term however the sportsman. He played cricket, At the outbreak of war the Head wrote: ‘We are very pleased hockey, badminton and tennis growing family moved to Pamber with Janet. She works hard and competitively but is probably most Heath in North Hampshire where is reliable, sensible and helpful. remembered for table tennis. our parents ran a small holding. Lessons are not easy for her but Together with Roland Herbert They attended Reading and she is a cheerful trier!’ We think he made Sibford Table Tennis Basingstoke meetings often with us that’s how she was for the rest of Club’s first table and they joined all cycling the eight miles or so. her life … a cheerful trier! the Banbury and District league, At that time, school leaving Music was one of Janet’s best soon after it started. He and Ina age was 14 years so with no subjects and she was praised had much success and continued local opportunities for further for her advanced piano playing. to play into their 80s. Indeed, many education our parents made the We were all to benefit from of the best players in the Banbury difficult decision to send Janet to our Mother’s pianistic skills and League came from Sibford, all Sibford aged 12 years. Father’s love of singing. Our family introduced to the game by Arnold In due course, each of us singing around the piano was and Ina. followed … Brian in 1945, Helen in reinforced at Sibford particularly After his retirement, Arnold 1946, Bridget in 1948 and Rachel with A.J. and Sunday morning became a regular attender of in 1950. Quite a commitment Choral. Janet belonged to choirs the Society of Friends’ Sibford and helped by Friends Education all her life, ending with the Penn meeting. He has supplied flower Committee and some local singers and Jordans choir. arrangements for the meeting, authority tuition grants. By the end of five years at from flowers picked in his garden In 1948, our parents were able Sibford Janet had blossomed for several years. to buy land and a house near and A.J. described her as ‘a loyal, Newbury and set up a market conscientious and trustworthy Janet Sewell née Eavis garden and later pig farm. For 16 head girl’. Those of us who knew 12 April 1931 ~ 20 February 2017 years they trailed up and down Janet all her life can recognize At Sibford 1943 ~ 1948 to Sibford and prided themselves those qualities. on never missing a After Sibford and Parents’ weekend. a year working at a They often stayed Nursery school, Janet at the Cannings’ went to Doncaster farmhouse in the to teacher training Ferris with other college. Then a parents including the successful teaching Flynns and Quintons. career via Leicester Janet had a shaky and London. start as her school She loved London reports show and enjoyed showing (she never threw visitors around. She ibford was very important anything away was very involved Sto Janet and she was very and we found the in the Friends involved all her life, writes Janet’s full set of Sibford International Centre, sister Bridget. She was Head Girl reports amongst her Tavistock Square, from 1947/48 and later became possessions!) and made many long-lasting friends President of SOSA. For many years, At the end of her first term the around the world. We always she was a member of the School report shows she was struggling. teased her as everywhere she Committee and General Meeting. The English teacher wrote ‘she travelled she had a contact and Janet was the eldest of Alan must bestir herself to improve usually a bed! and Irene Eavis’s five children and this standard.’ We imagine she She had her first headship at the was born at Worthy Farm, Pilton, was finding it difficult being the University Primary School in Accra, Somerset … now more famous youngest rather than the eldest Ghana and was there for five years as the home of the Glastonbury and was very homesick. By the just after their independence, so

30 / The Sibford Rocket exciting and challenging times. the Quaker tapestry and helped Back in London and two headships organise to take it to Bayeux for a of schools (both near prisons, few weeks one summer. Holloway and Pentonville, which All those strong and secure she always laughed about) she early influences from family and ended her career with the ILEA school sustained and made Janet as Primary Schools Inspector and the cheerful, competent, capable Advisor. and compassionate person she For several summers, Janet took was. With her failing health, she groups of children from Inner spent her last year in a care home London to Sibford for a camping in Headington, Oxford, where holiday on the playing field. They she was looked after with great were happy times and the children affection and respect and had must have benefited from the more visitors than anyone else! experience. Swimming was another of Janet’s Margaret Joan Shields passions and during the war it née Bailey was almost unheard of to have 1 April 1922 ~ 30 May 2017 swimming lessons. That incredible former Sibford teacher married to for her daughters and looking after little pool at the old school started Jim Shields, Head of Science her two nephews for long periods. so many of us off and into a life Joan Bailey was born in Sunbury- Money was tight, but Joan was time of swimming pleasure. When on-Thames, where her parents ran an excellent manager, and would she was on the School Committee, a chemist’s shop. Her sister, Betty, often stay up late into the night Janet set up an appeal for the was born three years later. to run up clothes for the children proposed new pool as she felt so Joan had many happy memories on her Singer treadle sewing strongly that the new buildings of their childhood, especially of machine. She would save out of the should include a good facility. fishing in the river for tiddlers, housekeeping so that the family In 1977, whilst serving on the family rowing trips upriver and could take a holiday each year. School Committee, Janet met the holidays in Edenbridge on the farm When Chris was 10, Joan recently widowed Joseph Sewell run by her grandmother and uncle. returned to teaching, first as and they married in Friends House, During the war, Joan finished a domestic science teacher at Euston Road. It was witnessed her schooling at Twickenham High Sibford School and then as a by a large gathering of family School, then trained as a teacher teacher at the primary school and friends, many with Sibford of domestic science at Battersea in Sibford Gower, where she connections. Both Janet and Polytechnic. She married James remained until her retirement. Joe continued on their Sibford Shields in 1947 and when Jim Jim and Joan followed the Committees and it was a happy got a job teaching at Leominster Christian faith throughout their marriage lasting 33 years until High School they bought their lives. When the family was young Joe’s death in 2011. They lived in first house in Kingsland, where they attended the Baptist Chapel in Beaconsfield for most of those Christine was born. Hook Norton. Later, Joan and Jim years and were members of In 1956, Jim was appointed to became attenders at the Quaker Jordans Meeting. Janet embraced teach science at Sibford School, Meeting in Sibford, and Jim was all of Joe’s family and delighted in and the family packed themselves, buried there in 2010. the grandchildren and later great their ginger cat and many of their Joan spent a long period as a grandchildren. possessions into their Morris carer for Jim, who developed She served on numerous Friends Minor and installed themselves in dementia in his final years. In the Committees and Trusts, as well as Beech Cottage. last years of Joan’s own life she being a governor at a local special Joan loved Sibford, and involved suffered several fractures and was school and undertaking voluntary herself in the local Bright Hour registered blind due to macular work for Oxfam, a retirement meetings, the fetes and the events degeneration, but she received help home and the local Music Society. at both Sibford School and Sibford and support from her much-loved She was a founder member of Gower School – as well as caring friends, neighbours and carers.

The Sibford Rocket / 31 SOSASIBFORD OLD SCHOLARS’ ASSOCIATION

SIBFORD OLD SCHOLARS’ ASSOCIATION Officers and Committee from 01/08/2017

Harriet Langridge, Paul Levy, Ashley Shirlin, Richard Hughes, Navid Sadrzadeh, Edd Frost, Annie Broe, Simon Matthews PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT RETIRING PRESIDENT Harriet Langridge Paul Levy Ashley Shirlin GENERAL SECRETARY Ashley Shirlin Tel: 07545 704620 Email: [email protected] TREASURER Richard Hughes REUNION SECRETARY Navid Sadrzadeh COMMITTEE MEMBERS Edd Frost, Annie Broe, Simon Matthews (co-opted) SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES Margaret Shelley (January 2012 until December 2019) Amanda Brown (January 2018 until December 2021) Please note that if you wish to contact any of the above Committee Members please do so by addressing your enquiry through the General Secretary – Ashley Shirlin (details as above) who will forward on your emails/correspondence etc. Ashley is also the person to contact for general enquiries and to submit information for inclusion on the website. SOSA MEMBERSHIP & ALUMNI CO-ORDINATOR Wendy Finch Email: [email protected]

SCHOOL MEMBERS Toby Spence (Head) Tel: 01295 781200 Email: [email protected]

Peter Robinson (Business Manager) Tel: 01295 781210 Email: [email protected]

ROCKET EDITOR Ali Bromhall (Sibford School Community Development Officer) Tel: 01295 781216 Email: [email protected]

For further information about Sibford Old Scholars’ Association visit our website: www.sibfordoldscholars.com For further information about Sibford School visit: www.sibfordschool.co.uk

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