ISSUE 30 | SPRING 2020 From the Head

It is difficult to imagine half a school year passing by more quickly or enjoyably. It seems only yesterday that I first arrived at King Edward’s, and yet I now feel so very settled in this wonderful School – proverbially part of the furniture! Of course, this has been helped immeasurably by the support and goodwill of the pupils; our parents and my colleagues, who have all been so ready to bid me welcome, exchange a smile and a pleasantry, and (occasionally) point me in the right direction. From seeing the School over the past months, I know too that a similar welcome has met each of our new students: they too have settled quickly in to KES life with much help and support from our extended community. So I now feel in a much better position to pass on some collected ‘first impressions’ of King Edward’s… How would I characterise our School? Many is to create a school where kindness sits alongside the adjectives spring to mind: vibrant, busy, bustling, highest levels of academic ambition and breadth of aspirational, ambitious. Just to glance back over the opportunity at the very heart of all that we do. But I also last term of academic, sporting, charitable and artistic want to ensure that we are a place where young people achievements - as ‘The Edwardian’ does here - is to well-suited to our school, irrespective of background, marvel in how we manage to fit it all in! But before any can benefit from attending this outstanding institution. of these adjectives, I would choose ‘kind’. It is a clichéd Reading through this magazine, I am cheered and sentiment, and sometimes wrongly undersold as a inspired by the stories of our Old Edwardians. Cheered human quality. But I would take a kind School over that we played some part in your remarkable lives, everything else, every day of the week! In the past and inspired to seek to make the same opportunities terms I have seen so many instances of spontaneous available to as many students as is humanly possible. kindness: daily, routine gestures ranging from older pupils lending a helping hand to their younger peers It is an ambitious goal, but one I hope that you might through to teachers going far beyond what is required share. Whilst The King Edward VI Foundation continues to support a struggling pupil pastorally or academically. to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, These things always matter! It is also the case that we want to see this fund grow and flourish, making many of our King Edward’s pupils give greatly of their more life-changing opportunities possible. If you feel (already busy) lives in offering kindnesses to the wider you can support this ambition, or if you would like to community – whether that be through our links with offer to talk about your career, life or experience to our the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, or our current generation of students, please contact annual Summer Camp for Young Carers, or a myriad Ms Hooper, our Development Officer. of other charities and partnerships. Kindness is always With my warmest good wishes, the hallmark of a great School and a great community. Without it, nothing can be achieved – nothing of worth Neal Parker can be created. As we look to the future, my ambition Head

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2 www.kes.hants.sch.uk News from the School

New Head appointed for Stroud School King Edward’s governors are delighted to announce that Rebecca Lyons-Smith has been appointed as the new Head of Stroud School, preparatory school for King Edward’s commencing in September 2020. Rebecca has over 20 years’ experience in education; she has worked in independent prep schools for the last 12 years but has also taught internationally and in the state sector. Rebecca is an ISI inspector and a governor at a local primary school and brings a wealth of educational expertise. Rebecca is currently the Headmistress at St Swithun’s Prep School, Winchester, but knows the King Edward’s family well, having previously held the positions of Head of English and Deputy Head at Stroud. Commenting on her appointment, Rebecca said, “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Stroud and King Edward’s. I will bring to the role a real passion for developing a culture of high performance within the incredibly warm family environment that makes the school so special”.

West Side Story! In November, a hugely talented and hardworking cast and crew of fifty- three students, ranging from Third Year to Upper Sixth, put on a spectacular production of ‘West Side Story’. In preparation, cast members studied characterisation development, in order to create realistic character portrayals, which they blended superbly with the complex music and choreography and heart-wrenching narrative. Audiences at the three sold-out evening performances were wowed by the professionalism of the production, in what was a magnificent display of young talent.

KES hosts an evening with Sir Ben Ainslie We were delighted to host a charity evening with Sir Ben Ainslie and Jeff Stelling in the Dobson Theatre last term. In conjunction with INEOS Team UK, our student journalism team and members of local sailing clubs had the opportunity to chat with Sir Ben before the Q&A session with the audience. The proceeds from the event were split between Prostate Cancer UK and 1851 Trust.

3 Natalie Black (KES 1994-2001) Awarded CBE in New Year Honours List

Natalie Black was the School’s first Before joining the Civil Service, female Head of School at KES back Natalie was the Chief of Staff for in 2001. Since her years at KES, Security at the London Organising she has kept incredibly busy and Committee of the Olympic and is currently Her Majesty’s Trade Paralympic Games, London Commissioner (HMTC) for Asia 2012 and has held other roles in Pacific. She was awarded a CBE for government including Deputy Public Service in the Queen’s New Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, Year Honours List. Director of the Internet Harms Unit Natalie graduated from LSE with and Director of the Office of Cyber Security, Cabinet Office. Appointed HM Trade Commissioner Natalie Black a degree in International Relations CBE with Dr Liam Fox MP. Pic: DIT before completing a Masters to her current role by Liam Fox in degree in Public Policy at Harvard September 2018, she now has a (as a Fullbright Scholar). She is also key role in developing new post- a Policy Fellow at the University of Brexit trade agreements with Asian Cambridge. and Pacific markets.

Jon Laughton (KES 1973-1977) The 70s - Vinyl, Flares and successes

were enrolled only on the basis of kindly and patiently showed me their academic ability and living in the ropes. The syllabus was almost the catchment area, whilst there identical although I did have to sit my were identical pressures to meet own special unique Latin exam at the high academic standards and also end of that academic year. be active on the sports fields. The In those first few months, I realised mostly male teachers were all fairly that I needed to work hard to fit in forbidding but also encouraging, and adapt to my new schoolmates with one or two terrifying and teachers alike. Maths lessons, individuals thrown in for good in particular, were an ‘eye-opener’ measure! Corporal punishment – the teacher, known simply was still practised at this time in as ‘Charlie’ to everyone, was a British education although I cannot forbidding Welshman coming remember this being ever carried towards the end of his career out at KES. and he took no prisoners at all! It is almost impossible for me to As a trueborn Mancunian, I was Exercise books had to be pristine, believe that it has been nearly half heartened to find out that the handwriting very neat with all a century since I arrived at King Headmaster, Mr Dobson, was answers correct and underlined Edward’s. I was a ‘fresh faced’ 14 someone who had also spent time in otherwise you were in for a public year old who was a little cautious, the North at Manchester Grammar ear-bashing. I immediately fell short due to joining in the middle of the School and would therefore of Charlie’s very high standards 1973 Easter term, having moved welcome my somewhat different with my first piece of homework down from the Northwest of northern accent. However, in truth, and duly received his ear-splitting England where, for three years, on my first day he simply said ‘Hello’ advice on what I should have I had attended another King and passed me on to the Head of done. Nevertheless it worked! He Edward’s – The King’s School in Junior School, Mr Pryor (aka ‘The also inadvertently gave me my Macclesfield, Cheshire. DEEP’ – after his initials), who took nickname; he frequently accused The similarities between the two me along to my form. There I was me of slouching in a seat against the grant funded schools was evident put under the guidance of another wall and henceforth for the next few – the all-male students at both pupil – Vivien Downer, who very years I was known as ‘Slouch’.

4 www.kes.hants.sch.uk The next academic year was the start something I particularly liked. to start my career off at British of the two years leading to O Level In spite of my love of literature and Aerospace near Manchester where examinations. I passed all ten exams history my chosen subjects for A I rapidly ascended the management in 1975 with reasonable grades Levels were maths, physics and ladder, becoming an executive by and, in the process, developed an chemistry and two years later I the age of 24, and was fortunate affection for literature and authors scraped passes that enabled me to meet my wife, who also worked such as Orwell, Fitzgerald and Maxim to take up a place on a metallurgy for the company. Aerospace and Gorky, all of whom I read later as degree at Manchester University. manufacturing have been the focus an adult. This time also fostered a The challenges of growing into of my career ever since and, over love of theatre and Shakespeare adulthood clearly affected the the years, I have run factories in that continues to this day – my parallel studying for my A Levels, the UK and on the continent, at wife and I being frequent visitors to but I don’t regret the fact that Production Director, Plant Manager Shakespeare’s Globe in London and during most of that time I worked all and Managing Director level. I now other local theatres. weekend putting petrol in cars at the run my own companies working Of course, fashions and musical local garage in Beaulieu nor having with many of the world’s well-known tastes were very different in the a great social life. These things are aerospace companies, coaching mid-seventies – long hair and flared of real significance in the way we their leadership teams, helping jeans were ‘de rigueur’ and music develop and mature as members them become more effective in the was all on vinyl or audio cassette. of society and the five very close way in which they do business, and The image of any number of boys friends I subsequently made at exploiting emerging technologies. carrying the square ubiquitous Manchester University are all still I have been very fortunate to travel my great mates and testimony to HMV plastic bags, designed all round the world on business the way in which we need to adapt to specifically to hold a vinyl album, (and for pleasure), experiencing our changing circumstances. is time-stamped on my memory. different national and business Albums were swapped, copied Since graduating with a BSc in cultures. The core values I learned to cassette or sold. Progressive 1980 I have further completed an in my formative years at KES bands such as ‘Yes’, ‘Supertramp’ MA in Management Learning & (working hard, setting an example, and ‘Genesis’ were very popular, Leadership at Lancaster University taking personal responsibility for along with more established acts Management School in 2004 and, what you do, being a team player such as, The Rolling Stones’, ‘The in August 2019, at the age of sixty, I and supporting colleagues) have Eagles’, ‘The Moody Blues’ and the graduated with a distinction on the enabled me to find my way through ‘Top of the Pops’ acts from those full-time MSc in UAV Technologies at some really challenging situations days. But by 1976, the musical ‘new Wrexham University where I am now and for that I am eternally grateful wave’ arrived and punk started to also a fellow and sessional lecturer. - but I still cannot believe it was take over even though this was not My science degree enabled me almost 50 years ago!

Ian Hooper (KES 1993-2000)

Ian Hooper is an OE for whom health Scooch, as the company is named, what they do. This might be on a technology is playing a massive role has partnered with a FastTrack Strava cycle, simply walking with an in his career. leading technology company, Android smartphone, steps counted A couple of years ago, when Ian medical professionals, behavioural on a Fitbit or swimming with an attended his 10-year reunion, he scientists, Fortune 500 employers Apple Watch to name just a few. As was working for a company called and various investors to bring the the individual keeps active, they earn Seamless that he had helped grow business to market. The team rewards from their sponsor. from start-up stage. Seamless went have spent four years honing the “Scooch helps employers establish on to launch on the stock market on technology and only came to market a culture of health. The service Nasdaq as Grubhub and Ian moved in 2019. The concept of Scooch is puts employee health and positive to help Will Shu when we was simple. It encourages employers starting Deliveroo. However, rather to sponsor staff to move enough to change for community and than continue with this venture, extend their life and slash the odds environment at the heart of any and motivated by taking a career of chronic illness. The app connects company. We design bespoke break to help his sister through up to smartphones and wearables to reward schemes for our clients to chemotherapy, Ian then took on create a common medically-backed sponsor every employee to maintain another big project aimed at fixing algorithm to show how much the a healthy level of physical activity.” staff health. individual is moving, regardless of www.scooch.co.uk

5 Charlie Kenny This further motivated them with the desire to build something (KES 2002-2009) that supported couples who find Disrupting the themselves in this position and give fertility industry! them the best chance of getting pregnant. Charlie Kenny left KES in 2009 and took a year out travelling with friends To date, they have supported before going on to study Business 5,000 couples through the Management at Cardiff University. app and Salve is working After university, he moved to with clinics in the UK, London and joined the frantic world Germany and the US. of advertising. Making adverts for They are now working technology was fun but Charlie had on raising their second a desire to get under the hood and round of funding to actually build things and so he signed expand further into the up for a software development To date, the focus has US and move the idea into bootcamp - essentially an intensive been on fertility treatments other areas of medicine. 9am-6pm course that takes and guiding couples through the When asked what advice he would participants from no experience to rollercoaster that is IVF. The app give to anyone wanting to follow job-ready in three months. automatically tells patients when a similar career path, Charlie At his first job, working for a big and what medications to take, their said, “I’d say my journey has been data company, Charlie learned appointment dates and they can also meandering albeit on purpose. a lot. He discovered he loved pay for treatment, sign their consent Each new job was a new chapter technology, and everything that forms and securely message their and a lot was learned. Try different goes into making it, but came to the clinical team. There is also a library things, it helps focus the mind on conclusion that he was an average of information and guidance (videos, what you really want to achieve coder at best. With this in mind, he images and text) to educate patients during your career. Also, use your moved into product management, and help them feel more in control network’s network. This might not finally finding his niche. throughout the process. be those immediately available to you, but an individual with one Throughout this time, Charlie Charlie was inspired by a friend, who extra degree of separation can had been working on a personal is an embryologist who described really help you out sometimes. If venture, which he has now moved how high-tech and interventional anyone wants to get into tech there on to develop, and work on, treatment can be and, as a result, is a plethora of free educational full-time. Called ‘Salve’ (www. how hard it is to manage. Personal material out there. I’d try and salveapp.co.uk), Charlie’s business experience also meant that Charlie consume as much of that as enterprise is a technology platform and his co-founder had people possible first!” for patients going through life- close to them who had experienced changing treatments. difficulties conceiving. www.salveapp.co.uk

Hugh Donovan (KES 1965-1972)

In August last year, Hugh Donovan My initial ambition was to visit all his home in Loveland, Ohio (where became the 62nd member of The 50 states. A few years ago, with there are three counties). In the Extra Miler Club – those people 49 states down and Alaska to first six days, he completed 197 who have visited all of the 3,142 go, I started looking for the next counties and, in total, travelled counties, or county-equivalents, in challenge to satisfy my love of travel over 92,000 miles. He went on 76 America, including the boroughs in and my curiosity.” flights, rented a charter plane in Alaska, parishes in Louisiana and Retirement in 2018 made an Alaska and drove his own car as 42 independent cities. He did all of attempt possible and, at the start much as possible. On average, he this in less than eight months. of the 2019, Hugh set himself the would drive 12 to 13 hours a day, Hugh said “I moved to the US challenge of visiting every county stopping only once or twice. He in 1988 and was immediately within the year, including the ones ended up completing his challenge impressed by its size and the in Alaska and Hawaii, and set out in 236 days, and that included diversity between states. on his journey on 1st January from several breaks within his travels.

6 www.kes.hants.sch.uk His family helped him with his He also wants to go back and visit project. His son, Mike, and his some of the counties in places like grandson, Will, helped create Southern Florida. Asked whether the routes that Hugh would take, he felt he had met his objectives keeping track of his journey on Hugh says; “I feel I exceeded Twitter and social media, whilst his my objectives. Clearly, finishing daughter, Mary, created a Facebook all 3142 counties in 236 days page called Operation 3142 and was a successful outcome and regularly posted maps of his satisfied my competitive spirit progress. Hugh’s wife, Julie, also but the number of days became tracked him daily on an app called a secondary consideration and FollowMee. Every night the app I genuinely hope that others will would send her a report of which be inspired to beat that time. I counties Hugh had visited. On two rekindled many old friendships occasions, he had to backtrack and made multiple new ones along because he had missed a county. the way. The trip also brought all On 24th August, at 1.50 pm, Hugh my family members much closer became the 62nd member of the together, a very positive effect that There is no official record for the 100% club when he arrived in I had not envisaged. I thoroughly fastest a person has been to every Clermont County. Hugh’s favourite recommend a shared family county in America but, if there county remains Kauai County in project, although not necessarily was, Hugh would certainly be Hawaii and he now plans to write a as ambitious as this one.” challenging for the top spot. book about his experience.

Paul Downing (KES 1957-1964)

Paul Downing left school in 1964, and graduated with a BSc from what was then the Hatfield Polytechnic. He enjoyed an interesting and varied career in the chemicals, plastics and oil industries, spending time living and working in Russia, Germany and North America, before retiring in 2013 at the age of 67. Despite retirement he remains busy within his local community in Bradwell, Derbyshire, where he is chair of the parish council and a director of the Bradwell Community Land Trust. When Paul and his wife Liz were couple purchased and refurbished Paul specialises in Deep Sky living in Houston, Texas they took an old farmhouse in the Andalucia astronomy (galaxies, nebulae and up astronomy, buying several region of southern Spain, shipped star clusters) and his images have telescopes, imaging cameras their equipment over from Houston been used in several books and and associated equipment and, and established an observatory. astronomy journals. Currently he is in addition to learning about They now split their time between working to produce a large number the sky, taught himself how to Bradwell and southern Spain - the of images of open star clusters for a take astronomical images. They clear moonless skies of southern new book on the subject. were founder members of a new Spain being excellent for astronomy. More of his work can be viewed at astronomy club in the city and They are members of the British www.paulandliz.org Paul was President of the club for Astronomical Association and Paul several years until they moved back works as one of the webmasters to the UK in 2004. Once it became for the BAA website. He was clear that he had a talent for taking also made a Fellow of the Royal images, and wishing to continue Astronomical Society for his work with their astro-activities, the on astronomical imaging.

7 Teacher Memories

Hill Lane 1954

From John Bowden (KES 1953-1958) “ Bowden! You are to report to the Headmaster’s study at 2 o’clock!”

The reason? During morning break We proceeded to the school playing His reply, “No! I will not and do not time, we would play inter-form field and slowly walked around bargain. I want, need, require an football using a tennis ball. The the 880 yard running track for the immediate improvement of at least pitch was the area between the next hour or so. I was not a good 100% in your studies. Otherwise you gym colonnade and the bicycle student; (I did just enough to pass are wasting your time and that of the shed. Should someone kick the the end of term examinations) but I teaching staff.” ball too high, it would land on was a happy one. At the end of my five year school the gymnasium roof, and I would Dr Stroud, full of wisdom said, career, I left King Edward’s in 1958, scramble up the nearest drain pipe, “John, you and I need to have a having gained GCE ‘O’ Levels, and gain access to the roof and return serious discussion about your also passing the National Civil the ball to the ‘pitch’ below. studies or rather your overall lack of Service Examination to enter the If caught in the act (unfortunately study. You need to work harder and Royal Navy as an artificer apprentice too often) and normally by Mr apply more effort in the classroom. (passing in the top 2% out of Mason the sports, gym and maths You will probably continue to 1200 entrants). The work ethic master, but sometimes by Peter represent the School in sport but engendered in me by both Dr Stroud Clarkson (a fantastic master you must apply more effort in the and Peter Clarkson has served me and one to whom I am eternally classroom. At present, your work/ well throughout my life and I am 8 indebted), that terse sharp sports split is approximately 25% grateful for the tutelage of both instruction was what I would hear. work and 75% sport and that is not of these men and the many other In 1957, I was again summoned by Dr good enough.” inspirational masters, too numerous Stroud to discuss a ‘private matter’. My response was, “Well sir, suppose to name individually. I was to do 50/50?”

8 www.kes.hants.sch.uk From Bruce Gillham (KES 1954-1957) Ken Pike - Meeting a Problem creatively – a memory of a great English teacher.

It was in 1956 when, as a member It was true that I was indeed a Fired by this idea I did just what of the Upper Sixth, I confided in Ken practised member of the theatre he suggested. As a result, I had to my difficulties in understanding group, run by our inimitable history grapple with every nuance in the Milton’s Masque ‘Comus’. Certainly, master ‘Dutchy Holland’. Indeed, I’d Masque, anticipate every entrance the content of a seventeenth century played Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s and exit, understand the necessary poetic divertissement was, at first Henry IV:Part II in that year. movements about the stage and sight, unlikely to attract a seventeen Anyway, Ken Pike exercised a stroke think about all the costumes and year old boy, however book’ish he of genius when he said: props. In fact, I came to understand might be. I remember that he looked the masque in a totally practical and at me quizzically and said: “What I suggest you do is to detailed way. create a ‘Director’s Script’ for the “Well you do have an advantage”. play, so that with it you would be Ken Pike had rescued me, and I struggled to think what it might be! able to produce the masque for taught me many useful lessons at However, he continued: an audience at some point in the the same time, but most importantly future” showed me what creative problem- “You do already have a grasp of the solving actually means. workings of dramatic presentation, don’t you?”

Dr Lesley John Stroud - An Extraordinary Headmaster.

John Stroud, my headmaster at The assembly at that time played a King Edward’s School Southampton vital part in the consolidation of the in 1956 was a most remarkable school as a community of scholars. man. I first met him when I joined However, here we were in the midst the School in the Lower Sixth in of a crisis, assembled and fearful September 1954. He made an of what was about to happen. Dr immediate impression on me Stroud looked straight into the because he was so dapper, so myriad of eyes before him. His face reassuring and so interested in all his was impassive as he explained what charges. He was the first man I had had transpired. There was little ever met who kept his handkerchief need for this as the grapevine had up the sleeve of his jacket. His suits already informed most of us well Quite rightly, Dr Stroud suggested were always immaculate - mid beforehand. In fact, many of us felt that he would have to do something brown with a mauve and purple the hurt as keenly as he did because in order to make his position clear. thread running through the cloth. most of us had received only We were appalled to hear that He was indeed the archetypal well- kindness at his hands. we were all to assemble in the presented man exuding authority He ended by asking the boy who had Hall at the end of the following without any noticeable effort. taken this action to own up there and day at 4 pm and stay at school in He was certainly not a man to then and take the consequences. silence until 5 pm unless the boy trifle with, and I remember that The vast room fell silent as we all involved presented himself to the the Headmaster’s notice board waited for the confession. At the headmaster prior to this. was an important part of his end of two minutes, it was clear The following day no confession communication policy. Maybe it was that there was going to be no easy had been forthcoming and we all in 1955, when some unfortunate resolution. Dr Stroud took a deep duly spent an hour in the School wag, doubtless egged on by his breath and expressed his regret. He Hall. Suffice to say that no incident fellows who saw excitement in the was sorry for two things, first that of this kind ever happened again to offing, scrawled the word ‘Bull’ all the boy lacked the bravery to own up my knowledge. over the pristine notices. and second that he as headmaster, The next day began, as usual, with would now need to take some action. a full school in assembly. We were all agog about what the consequence might be.

9 From Andrew Sandilands KES Staff 1968 (KES 1965-1969) Former Head of School Thank you so much Mr Sergeant! Mr Sergeant was my form master, and also my maths master, in my first year at KES. It made a big difference to have a form master and teacher who smiled so much. In fact, I cannot now recall ever seeing mystery having missed the previous us - those extra classes calmly him without his smile. academic year. The GCE ‘O’ Level and carefully, never rushing us, I had joined KES in September examination in mathematics patiently explaining what we had not 1965 entering the 4th Form after loomed up. I failed mocks in maths. understood during the year. missing the whole 3rd Year for Well, had it not been for my maths In my case, Mr Sergeant’s reward family reasons. I was in a new master Mr Sergeant’s interest was to see his pupil pass the GCE city, Southampton, so in new and generosity in giving me extra ‘O’ Level maths exam despite having surroundings, with no friends or classes, together with three or so failed mocks. Yes, I can say that acquaintances outside the School. other pupils who, like me, had failed thanks only to him, I did pass! I So, KES became my life. Hence their mocks in maths, it does not passed with a safe margin. Thank Mr Sergeant’s smile was, for me, a seem likely that I would have passed you so much Mr Sergeant. much needed sign of warm welcome ‘O’ Level maths at all. My memory of Mr Sergeant is and, as I learnt, of his care for and Mr Sergeant summoned us to indeed that of a kind, careful, caring dedication to his pupils. He was classes after school in what teacher, dedicated to his pupils, really kind to us. was evidently his own time. He patient and always smiling. God Maths in the 4th Form was, for me, a gave us - some three or four of Bless you Mr Sergeant!

Ken Croft – Not just a good teacher. A wonderfully good teacher and person. The best!

Tall, with dense, dark hair very end of it. This nearly happened in Spanish – my Director of Studies surrounding a bald pate, gold- to me. I came into teaching late, in Trinity Hall once commented rimmed spectacles, at times a only after studying and working in to me on the outstanding results slightly stern but always friendly other careers - academic research, achieved within Ken Croft’s classes. expression, for me Ken Croft in his international insurance and law. Despite their small size, one or more teacher’s gown was an impressive Perhaps this made me a better, or at of his pupils got into Cambridge year figure. least a more interesting, teacher in after year. I first met him in the Fifth Form, in my case. I do hope so. “How does he do it?” he asked me, September 1966, when I started my For me Ken Croft was a born expecting of course a revelation Spanish lessons with him. Not many teacher. His classes were especially on teaching methods. But I had weeks passed before many of us entertaining. Those who were my no notion of these as a 19-year-old after class would crowd around our classmates (I would love to hear fresher. I simply answered, without lockers chuckling, or even laughing from them) will remember how hesitation, “He is a good teacher.” out loud, as we went over the lesson. and why Ken Croft made us smile Looking back, I think this is by far the Our source of enjoyment, of and laugh. So, of course, we paid best spontaneous tribute a young amusement, came from Ken attention and learnt. He was the lad can pay to his teacher. Croft’s classes. He had a real flair only and outstanding model for my Of course nowadays, at the age of for teaching. He would spice his classes at university in Barcelona 69, I can say, with the experience of classes with a sudden anecdote, and I always used my experience life and my professional knowledge which would often pass beyond with him as a Spanish pupil to tell my as a teacher for over 30 years, that the classroom into life in general. students about what, in my opinion, Ken Croft was not just a ‘good’ So he also taught us about life. I made a good teacher. teacher, he was a ‘wonderfully good’ remember, even now, his comment I will never forget the following. teacher and person. For me ‘the about how hard and frustrating it When I was at Cambridge – thanks best’ in his profession as a Spanish would be for a person not to discover principally to Ken Croft’s excellent teacher and certainly my role model his or her vocation in life until the teaching I won an Open Scholarship in all those years. Can I say more?

10 www.kes.hants.sch.uk Reunions

25-Year Reunion In January, we were delighted to welcome back so many faces from amongst the 1994 and 1995 leavers. Everyone enjoyed an evening of catch-up, marvelling at the changes that have been made to the fabric of the School since they last graced the corridors. Some travelled quite a distance to revisit KES but none more so than Matthew Scarborough who, whilst missing out on the actual reunion date by just a matter of weeks, dropped in to King Edward’s for a visit during a return home from New Zealand.

11 London Universities Reunion In March, students currently studying at London colleges and universities met for dinner at King’s College on The Strand.

Forthcoming Reunions 2020 Poole Veterans’ Luncheon - CANCELLED 6th May 12.00pm at KES Capon Club Dinner - CANCELLED 12th June 7.00pm at KES Class of 1979 – 40 year reunion - CANCELLED 26th June 2.00pm at KES Class of 2010 – 10 year reunion (to be confirmed) 20th November 7.30pm at KES

OE golfing events 2020

The Interhouse Challenge Shield The annual Triangular match between the Old Date: 12th May 2020 Symondians, Old Tauntonians and Old Edwardians Venue: Rowlands Castle Golf Club Date: 24th June 2020 Details: 1st tee at 10.30 am Venue: Hockley Golf Club A Stableford competition. OEs may Details: 1st tee at 2.00 pm bring a guest. Team of 8 by selection organised by Nick Creal. There are also three further planned events. The Under 35s v Overs at The Berkshire Golf Club If you would like further information about any of these (date to be confirmed), The Wally Kemp Cup and the events then please email the Development Office on Ray Paull Cup (venues and dates to be confirmed). [email protected]

12 www.kes.hants.sch.uk Can you help with careers advice?

Thank you to OE Joe Weatherley (KES 2008-2015) who came back to KES towards the end of last term to speak to our elite sports performers. Joe is a highly-rated top-order batsman, off-spin bowler with Hampshire and reigning London Cup champion with Hampshire County Cricket Club. As one of the guests programmed to speak to this group of students this academic year, he gave invaluable insights on how best to balance sporting ambitions and academic potential, based on his experience. At KES, we are fortunate to have a large number of OEs, like Joe, who are already giving their time to come in to school for specific careers lunches and events. The benefits to current pupils of hearing first-hand the experiences of alumni is immeasurable, but certainly of tremendous help when considering a particular career path, attending a Forthcoming Reunions 2020 specific university or HE institution Poole Veterans’ Luncheon - CANCELLED 6th May 12.00pm at KES or applying for jobs. Capon Club Dinner - CANCELLED 12th June 7.00pm at KES Class of 1979 – 40 year reunion - CANCELLED 26th June 2.00pm at KES In March, pupils also benefited Class of 2010 – 10 year reunion (to be confirmed) 20th November 7.30pm at KES from a talk given by Ellie Steel (KES 2003-2010) about her GB powerlifting career to date. Ellie has been competing for Team GB for a number of years and gave an inspirational address to current students. Our Careers and HE Department are constantly seeking to expand their network of alumni, working in all types of professions, who would be willing to help with events. If you feel that you would be able to give a couple of hours of your time to help with the next generation of KES alumni, then please do contact us at [email protected] We would be extremely grateful for your input.

13 Obituaries

Martin Cyril Hall Michael James Day and subsequently worked for (Former Head of Music (KES 1951-1959) Whitbread throughout the UK as a sales manager. He married Selina at KES 1985-2005) Michael was Deputy Head of School Jones, the international singing whilst at KES and played for the 1st star, becoming her manager and team rugby and hockey teams. He proceeded to Brasenose College, agent which took them to venues Oxford to read Arabic and Turkish across the country and worldwide. and spent most of his career in In later years, Patrick turned his university administration, returning hand to computer programming to Oxford to the appointments before ending his career running a committee for some thirty years print business in Southampton. A before retiring. Outside of work he charismatic personality and keen was, amongst other things, a JP rugby player, he will be missed by serving as Chairman of the Oxford his many friends and family. bench. Michael was married to Ann Adrian Harold Redfern Rowe for 56 years and was a devoted family man. He leaves three (KES 1937-1943) children and six grandchildren. Adrian was commonly known as Jack and, following his secondary Alan Gosling education at King Edward’s, joined Martin retired from King Edward’s (KES 1948-1951) Guy’s, took the 2nd MB in 1945 in 2010 after 25 years in the Music Alan left King Edward’s in 1951 with (despite being interrupted by V1 Department which flourished under A Levels in French and Latin. He flying bombs and temporarily his leadership from 1985-2005. He came from a family who owned a living in an air raid shelter) and taught academic music well beyond shoe manufacturing business in obtained his BDS in 1948. He the demands of the examination Northampton but spent his career was appointed house surgeon syllabuses and prepared many working for the Inland Revenue as to Kelsey Fry (later Sir), before students for their transition to an Inspector of Taxes. A committed he was called up for national H.E. courses. He directed both the member of the OEA, Alan was service. He served 18 months in choirs and orchestras for many Chairman of the London Branch the Royal Army Dental Corps in years and it is a great testament to for many years. He had a lifelong Egypt’s canal zone, and in Libya in him that so many of his students passion for railways and was active a mobile dental truck. He passed have followed successful careers within his local enthusiast group. the FDS exam in 1954 and in 1962, in the music industry. He was His particular interest was the was appointed senior lecturer in an outstanding organist and Midland & South West Junction line the conservation department at accompanist and passed away in - Cheltenham Spa to Andover, and Guy’s, being awarded the MDS June 2019 aged 68 after a long on to Southampton, crossing the degree in 1965. He was a pioneer battle with illness. Berks & Hants at Grafton Junction. in the area of endodontology. In He even named his house Grafton 1967, he was appointed as Head of House! Alan was married to Mehala the Department of Conservative and sadly passed away towards the Dental Surgery and promoted to end of 2019. professor in 1971.This was followed in 1985 with his election to the role Patrick John Rogers of Dean of the Dental School, a (KES 1950-1956) post he held until 1991. In 1993, his Patrick passed away in October distinguished services to dentistry 2019 aged 80. Upon leaving King were recognised when he was Edward’s in 1956, he went into the awarded the Colyer Gold Medal RAF on a short service commission. of the College of Surgeons. Jack On returning to civilian life, passed away, aged 93, in May 2019 he joined Strongs Brewery in after a short illness. He leaves his Romsey as a trainee salesman, wife Pat and three sons.

14 www.kes.hants.sch.uk Snippets

Alice Dean Peter Jones (KES 2010-2017) (KES 1986-2013) recently shaved her hair off (along Former Head of Sixth Form with her dad) in their quest to raise has published a further book. money for PDSA (Portsmouth Entitled ‘He did his bit’. It tells the Down Syndrome Association). Both story of Charlie Pritchard, a Welsh of them had their long luscious hair rugby international who played cut on 22nd December and they before WW1 and was tragically have so far raised £1900. Their cut killed during the war. Back home in hair has gone to the Little Princess Kira Fowle Newport, his family faced a future Trust to make wigs for young without a father and husband and (KES 2014-2016) cancer patients. his home team had lost its captain. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com has been taking part in a self- All they had were memories, some /Team-Dean motivated challenge in aid photographs and a box of the rugby of MIND (the mental health shirts he had swapped during his Hugo McCullagh charity) in memory of her Auntie. stellar career. In February, Pete (KES 2010-2017) Starting on her 22nd birthday in held his book launch at the World is currently in the midst of a September 2019, she ran her first Rugby Museum in Twickenham challenge that has already seen half marathon, and ran one every where, over a hundred years him complete the 2019 Nottingham calendar week (twenty-two in total) later, these shirts are now on Christmas Marathon and will further completing her final run in February! display. Copies of the book can be see him take part in the Manchester She completed three official purchased on Amazon. Marathon in April, scale the Three half marathons and even had to Peaks in 24 hours this summer complete two on a treadmill due to Andrew Crossley and take on the Race to the King Storms Ciara and Dennis. (KES 1973-1979) (two-day Ultra Marathon) in June. www.justgiving.com/fundraising is hoping to organise a reunion Hugo is seeking to raise money for /Kira-Fowle for the 1979 leavers. In order to two charities; Children With Cancer gauge the amount of interest in UK and Huntington’s Disease Riccardo Barnard (KES 2008-2015) such an event, please contact Association. the Development Office on has completed his MPhil in https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com [email protected] if Economics from the University /HugoMcCullagh you would be interested in attending of Cambridge, being awarded a so that we can forward your contact Distinction, and has secured a job details on to Andrew. as an economics analyst. Neil Forsyth (KES 1954-1962) has released a new book entitled ‘Shakespeare the Illusionist: Magic, Merchandise Dreams and the Supernatural on Film’. This was recently published The School has a range of by Ohio University Press. Edwardian merchandise for sale. This includes bespoke gold or silver John Evan Walls plated cufflinks, (which come (KES 1933-1939) in individual presentation boxes and is trying to track down news on make ideal gifts), school scarves, Mike John Warwick Fryer ties and a number of books on the (KES 1945-1951) history of the School. so that he can get back in contact To purchase any of these items with his old friend. If anyone has please visit the KES PAY section news on Mike’s whereabouts please of the main school website. email The Development Office on payments.kes.hants.sch.uk/shop [email protected] so that we can put the two of them back in touch.

15 King Edward VI School Wilton Road Southampton Hampshire SO15 5UQ Tel: 023 8070 4561 www.kes.hants.sch.uk