Summer 2010

news Ellesmere COLLEGE Page 1 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010

Students from Ellesmere College Sail into Team GB Two students from Ellesmere College, George Shelley and his brother Ed, have been selected to represent team GB in the RS Feva Sailing Nationals. Both boys have been avid sailors since they could walk and were selected in October 2009 to join the National Squad, in competition with 70 other crews. They sail every weekend come rain, sleet or snow, mostly training at Whitemere near Ellesmere but travelling the entire country to take part in Team GB races.

Besides the sailing element the boys have to undergo rigorous land training exercises to increase their overall fitness levels. Due to their excellent seamanship, they have been selected for extra training by one of the top coaches in the UK. George and Ed have been preparing for the Nationals in May/June and the World Cup in July this year which will be staged in Carnac in . Here they will race against other RS Feva crews from around the world, with 130 boats already registered for this event. The boys have recently been sponsored by the OE Club and as a result will be sailing with the School crest on their boat. There are other opportunities to sponsor George and Ed and have your companies name on the sail or their boat. If you are interested please contact [email protected]

We wish them all the success in the future. TeamPage 2 GB Page 3 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010

Sixth Form Prefect, Joshua Boswell, found himself at the centre of political power recently when he won first place in a national writing competition organised by the Parliamentary Press Gallery. Josh wrote the best essay in the country recommending three policies which could be adopted by any of the parties in the 2010 General Election.

Josh’s winning essay outlined his ideas for reforms of the Financial Sector and minimum wage, as well as the legalisation of cannabis. His submission was read by all three party leaders and won him a two-night stay in London, a visit to Parliament and a meeting with Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, at No 10 Downing Street. Afterwards Josh commented that ‘It was an In the amazing and unique experience, as well as a great opportunity to make contacts in the light of my personal career ambition to go into Political Journalism and eventually Politics.’ thick of it politicalPage 4 powerPage 5 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010

Ellesmere Students Meanwhile, closer to home three African charity, Monduli Green and Chris has Ellesmere Sixth Form Students received coached hockey to Lower School pupils. Whilst the High Sheriff’s Award for their studying for the International Baccalaureate, at the Model outstanding display of good citizenship. Nick West has been volunteering in his local Oxfam shop. The recipients were Elizabeth Evans, Chris United Nations Johnson and Nicholas West. All three students have been supporting individual younger pupils as part of their voluntary contribution within the We congratulate all Support for Learning Department. three students for their Whilst studying for their A levels and supporting exemplary contribution younger pupils at the School, Elizabeth has done much fundraising for the School’s nominated to the wider community. Young Citizens’ Award High Sheriff, Anna Turner, presents the awards to Nicholas West, Elizabeth Evans and Chris Johnson.

Some of our ‘model’ students, who attended the Conference in The Hague Photo : From left to right: Artyom Drobysh, Niko Wojtynia, Ludwig Schinzing, Joshua Boswell, Dominick Coppinger, Georg Berezkin, Fredi Steinebach, Rebecca Maas, Viktoria Schaeff, Ouming Huang

Ten students from The School’s participation in The International Baccalaureate Ellesmere College recently the Model United Nations was Coordinator at the School, Dr. travelled to Holland instigated by Cathy Allen, Head Ian Tompkins added, ‘The Model to participate in the of English as an Additional United Nations event embraces internationally represented Language. The simulation the ethos of the IB Diploma lasted for three days and the that is offered at Ellesmere Model United Nations. Ellesmere College group was since it focuses on fostering Four hundred students from truly international with English understanding and cooperation around the world came together students Joshua Boswell amongst students from around for a realistic simulation of the and Dominick Coppinger the world.’ United Nations, with some of participating alongside Artyom the debates being held in the Drobysh, from Russia, Georg UN Peace Palace in The Hague. Berezkin, , Rebecca Maas, The Ellesmere College team Viktoria Schaeff, Ludwig were chosen to represent China, Schinzing, Fredi Steinebach, Israel and Amnesty International Niko Wojtynia, from Germany in the debates. and Ouming Huang from China.

Page 6 Page 7 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010 National

Mathematics Awardsmaths Year 8 Physics Following their recent participation in the National Intermediate Mathematics Challenge a group of top performing Competition Winners Ellesmere College pupils have now The Physics Department recently ran its A wide range of topics within Physics was received their results. third annual Year 8 Physics Competition, evident, from Optics to Convection, Energy in Whilst nine pupils won Silver awards and four producing an enthusiastic response a mousetrap-powered car, Standing waves, pupils achieved Gold awards, Year 10 pupil, Mark from the year group. Circuits, Rockets, and from a wildly entertaining McBrien excelled in the Challenge and won the demonstration on Friction to a personal blast Best in School award. Fellow Year 10 students, Twelve entries made it to the final stages, where from the past with Thermoelectricity. However, Joseph Haigh and Andy Main also gained Gold guest judges Louise Paton, Head of History and as in all competitions, there had to be winners. awards, as well as Christian Cieslik in Year 11. Ranjit Chatterjee, Head of Middle School and In third place, Andrew Bolton and Charlie Silver awards were gained by Year 9 pupils, Head of Biology, joined by Year 13 students, Whitehead offered a model of energy changes Benjamin Hughes and John Leadbeater. John quizzed them on their models. within roller coaster rides, and in second place, Paul, Dominic Simpson and Luke Taylor in Year Rebecca Neary and Catriona Jones recreated a wartime foxhole radio to show tuned circuits. 10 as well as Gordon Humphreys, Ryan Morley, 1st Katherine Neary and Freya West in Year 11 also The overall winner was James Schofield, who achieved Silver awards. A further ten pupils from demonstrated Newton’s Third Law using a Years 9, 10 and 11 also gained Bronze awards. fan-powered vehicle.

2nd

1st: Overall winner - James Schofield, with guest judges Ranjit Chatterjee, Head of Middle School and Head of Biology and Louise Paton, Head of History. 3rd 2nd: Second placed winners, Rebecca Neary and Catriona Jones Mr John Cowley, Head of Mathematics, with some of the 3rd: Third placed winners, Andrew Bolton and Charlie Page 9 PageCollege’s 8 award winners. Whitehead Page 9 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010 Old Ellesmerian Simon D’Arcy, who left Simon himself College in 1969, started his solo challenge benefitted from to circumnavigate the UK clockwise from this test when, Chichester Marina on June 1st 2010 in in 2009, he a 24ft Cornish Crabber as part of ‘The discovered that Prostate Challenge’. he had lived, unaware, with a The voyage of some 2500 miles, will take between tumour for five years. After successful treatment, Lower School three to four months, and is part of a campaign Simon is now hoping to galvanise men over to highlight the little-known fact that a simple 50 years old to take the test as a result of his PSA blood test for the early detection of Prostate Charity Baskets a adventure, through the massive press coverage Cancer is available to all men over 50, simply by which the Challenge will generate. visiting their GP and requesting it. Keep up to date with Simon’s voyage by logging Huge Success onto www.sailingchallenge.blogspot.com

Following the production Miss Lizzie Jones from the team of young gardeners Prostate Challenge and sale of winter Charity was delighted to enthusiastically embraced the hanging baskets by receive the sum of £200 and challenge to produce high Old Ellesmerian keeps the flag flying for charity a group of Ellesmere congratulated the pupils on quality hanging baskets, which Lower School pupils, their continuing support for were then sold to staff and a representative from their work. parents. Cancer Research was As part of the Wednesday It seems as though the pupils’ invited to meet the team afternoon ‘Survive and Thrive’ green fingered efforts are and be presented with programme of activities likely to go on blossoming a cheque. for Year 7 and 8 pupils, a in the future.

Old Ellesmerian, Simon D’Arcy, faces new challenges as he sails around the UK

Page 10 Page 11 Page 10 Page 11 Jayne Griffiths, Academic Secretary. With 3 miles to go my legs ached and I started to long for the finish line, but then I spotted a raised over £1,500 for the Oswestry banner over Westminster Bridge - ‘3 MILES Orthopaedic Hospital thanks to an AND YOU ARE PART OF HISTORY’. These eight Sixth Form extremely supportive army of sponsors. words spurred me on and I pushed myself along At 9.45 am on 25 April 2010, standing in line the Embankment, down Birdcage Walk where the with thousands of other like-minded people crowds were deafening, and with Buckingham in Greenwich, London, I was about to fulfil Palace looming ahead I knew I could do it. Students Run Moments later the most precious medal I have one of my life’s ambitions and compete in the 2010 Virgin London Marathon. My heart ever owned was hung around my neck. racing, I briefly reflected on the last sixteen Although it was an amazing experience, it was in Reading Half weeks of training – 378 miles in the snow, rain hard work and the training totally consumes your and sunshine, along towpaths and beautiful life. My immediate reaction to ‘would you do it countryside. again’ was ‘never’..... Marathon ....2 days later The atmosphere was unbelievable, and I was soon away, surrounded by rhinos, cowboys, fire- ‘maybe’...... 5 days fighters, the odd Superman and Fred Flintstone. later and....‘where The London Marathon, and all of the training - the did I put that entry 378 miles, the highs and the lows – filled my head form for 2011’... and I was overwhelmed with an immense feeling of pride. Running the London Marathon

Helen Coney, Graduate Trainee of the way. I don’t think I could Teacher in Drama, raised over £1,500 for have done it without three different charities. Sixth formers James McCarthy and Julian Sole take a welcome break at the Reading Half Marathon such amazing She writes... support from family, friends and As part of their Duke of opportunity to participate in the race in order ‘Running the London Marathon for me was fulfilling a lifelong ambition... and it was the generosity of Gold Awards, Year 12 students, James to raise funds for the forthcoming Duke of everything I had hoped for. strangers. McCarthy and Julian Sole, who had no Edinburgh Gold Award Expedition to I ran it in memory of previous experience of long distance Canada in July. Running through London is like nothing I have ever experienced. There were crowds of people my late Uncle (who had completed the marathon running, recently took part in the Reading Julian commented, ‘It was a good experience shouting my name, children holding out their himself 15 years previously) and feel proud that I Half Marathon, completing the course in pushing ourselves to embrace a new challenge’. hands for me to ‘high five’ them as I ran past and made it over the finish line for him – even though under two hours. James added, ‘We can now look forward to the complete strangers handing out sweets to me to aching muscles and limbs were a constant pain. I was certainly not a runner before I started As part of a group of Sixth Form students who Canadian trip in the knowledge that we have keep my sugar levels up. I met inspiring people, on this incredible journey, but I definitely feel are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh contributed to the group’s funds.’ each with their own story to tell and I really felt like one now! Gold Awards, James and Julian took the that everyone was there for me each step Page 13 Page 12 Page 13 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010 The School Musical: Little Shop of Horrors Just before Easter the School Musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was delighting audiences with its wacky humour and impressive performances from students from Year 9 to Year 13. Directed by Helen Coney and Musical Director, Roger Paul, the production also included choreography from Head of Physics, Amy Darrant, who has been developing dance as an Henry Maybury, playing the downtrodden option in Arena Arts activities sessions. Here’s a flavor of some of the best moments: Seymour, with Ben Williams.

Our three delightful ‘Shoop, Shoop’ Luca Kuhn, as Audrey Girls, Daisy Clarke, Jenny Griffiths and Hanna Swann

Matt Steggles as Orin enjoys inflicting pain on his hapless patient, Tom Phillips.

Page 14 Page 15 Page 14 Page 15 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010

Ellesmere College Parents’ Society

ECPS organise social events to be enjoyed by parents, staff, friends and children of Ellesmere College. Numbers have grown steadily throughout 2009-2010, the Society has been able to raise money for several causes including the charity ‘Self Unlimited’, The Dyspraxia Department at College, and the Macmillan Nurses.

In addition to these good causes, the ECPS have been keen to enhance the life of the School in whatever way they can, donating the Christmas Tree planted in the main quad, contributing to the Wildlife Garden and of course building the Lower School Play Area, during the 2010 Easter holiday. It is hoped that many future generations of College students will be able to enjoy these and many other generous contributions by our Parents in the years to come. Forthcoming events to which College Parents are keenly invited include the hugely popular Ladies Luncheon where over 200 Ladies will enjoy lunch on the College Terraces on 1st July. There will also be the KS3 ‘Neon Glow’ Disco on 27th May and the family Summer Picnic on 18th June following Lower School Sports Day - come one, come all! Also, look out for details of coffee mornings next term and the Winter Masked Ball on 11th December! For further information on joining the Parents’ Society or attending any of these events, please call 07949 971409 or email mailto:[email protected]

Page 16 Page 17 eventsPage 16 Page 17 Force News Annual Awards Ceremony

Ellesmere College CCF held its Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday 20th May. The Guest of Honour was Lt. Col. Guy Chambers of The Rifles, an Old Ellesmerian, with the Headmaster, parents and Contingent officers in attendance.

Lt. Colonel Chambers gave out 44 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Certificates won by Y10 and Y11 cadets over the last 14 months in addition to a number of trophies from Army Summer Camp 2009, which was held at Crowborough, and for the year 2009/10.

were Best Navy Cadet 2010: Trophies Cdt.L/Seaman George Shelley awarded as follows: Best Army Cadet 2010: Best Cadet: Cdt.CSM Harry Hughes Army Summer Camp 2009 Cdt.L/Cpl Nick Crow Best RAF Cadet 2010: The Wootton Trophy Cdt Flt.Sgt. Martin Jones

Best Shot: Finally, the R Blake Hartley Memorial Army Summer Camp 2009 Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Cdt.L/Cpl Guy Cooper Contingent for 2010 went to The Richmond Trophy Cdt Flt. Sgt Martin Jones

Page 18 Page 19 Page 18 Page 19 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010 Lower School Production of ‘The Greeks’ Oswestry Spring saw the turn of Year 7 and 8 pupils The plays were directed by Joanne Davies, Maths to take the stage, presenting their version Teacher and Lower School Tutor, Sighile Abbots, of the Greek Myths. English and Drama Teacher and Rae Nicolson, Festival Support for Learning Teacher. Joanne Davies Pupils from both years peformed six Greek stories, commented, ‘I am really happy and proud of the including some well known ones like ‘Icarus’ who work the pupils put into the performances and we flew too high, ‘Pandora’s Box’ and the golden have all had great fun rehearsing and performing News touch of ‘King Midas’ with some lesser known the plays.’ ones such as ‘The Golden Apple’. For the second year, first place at the Oswestry Many individual performers also won prizes, Music Festival was achieved in the Youth including Kevin Zhang, performing on the Chinese Choir ages 21 and under class by the Ellesmere Violin. Pictured are some of the solo category College Chapel, retaining The winners: Elizabeth Walsh, John Paul, Freddie. Harry Moore-Bridger Cup Herzog, Matthew Dewhirst and George Fradley. GREEK

Young performers Jamie Thomas, Sophie Austin, Elliott Lee and Dylan Hughes Page 20 Page 21 Page 20 Page 21 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010

Artist - Judith Marie Graf Hidden Talents

This year’s International Baccalaureate Art Students produced an impressive display for their final examination pieces. Here is a small sample of their work...

Artist - Emmie Hughes

Artist - Luana Nanu

Artist - Jo Stoica Artist - Thomas Phillips Page 22 Page 23 Page 22 Page 23 Ellesmere’s 1st Sevens put together a magnificent run of matches at this year’s King’s Worcester Rugby Sevens Tournament and triumphantly took the title again this year. The final was an epic encounter against old rivals Rugby News Old Swinford. The Ellesmere team started well with a superbly taken try from Lloyd Hayes, who played equivalent U14 event last year, won through Under 18s every minute of the competition, leading by example Under 15s defeating the hosts on the way, to play throughout. Ellesmere led 14 – 0 after playing Sevens Success! Ellesmere again. Despite falling behind by half excellent sevens and putting Iwan Phillips one on one Ellesmere’s Under 15s Sevens Team were time and only keeping ourselves in the tie with against the full back, who he danced around to score Rugby under the posts. Just before half time it looked as delighted to defeat Malvern College by 54 some great cover tackling, the Ellesmere team points to 5 to reach the final of the Adams’ U15 exerted considerable pressure in the second though we might score again as a move that started Sevens Competition. After topping their group half scoring three unanswered tries to run out from behind our own line swept down the field. with wins over Sandbach and Old Swinford winners by 24 points to 12. Sevens Unfortunately when looking for support there was an Hospital, and Birkenhead School withdrawing interception from the last pass that resulted in Old The boys were delighted with the win, the first due to an unfortunate injury to one of their Swinford scoring. At half time the result was 14 – 7. at this age group for a number of years, having players, Ellesmere defeated Malvern College Triumph After the turn round, Ellesmere College was put made rapid progress in understanding the game by 54 points to 5 to reach the final. Sandbach, of rugby sevens and having approached the under immense pressure and although never missing the group runners up and the winners of the tournament in a very positive fashion. a tackle, Old Swinford succeeded in get around the team for two tries. With two minutes to go it was time The Winning U15s Sevens Squad to stand up and be counted, we were 19 -14 down. L – R Top Row Conor Carington Sykes, James Preston, Colin Dickson, Louis Chaudron A great break from George Baxter and an offload in L – R Middle Row James Latter, Dom Simpson, Luke Taylor L - R Front Row Ed Morris & Sam Owen the tackle saw the fresh legs of Andy Coughbrough score wide out. Ellesmere College regained possession and with the last play of the game we were given a penalty which the team ran from the half way. The ball moved out to the wing where for a second time Iwan Phillips danced round his opposite man and sprinted off up field. The sweeper came across to cover and a great pass inside saw Andy Coubrough go in under the posts. This was followed by the kick and final whistle. Ian Williams, Director of Rugby, commented, ‘This was a great tournament for the team and a magnificent final match that went right down to the wire. The Ellesmere boys wanted it, produced some great rugby and took the Cup. Well done to them all.’

Page 25 Page 24 Page 25 Mixed Doubles Teams members - James Joule, Year 13, Joanne Bowen, Year 11, Patricia Lieberoth-Leden, Year 12 and Christian Cieslik, Year 13. Soccer News During the Easter holidays Year 9 pupil, Fraser, who Fraser Murdoch, participated in the already plays in Scotland U15 Squad Training Camp that the College 1st was held at the Sport Scotland National XI cricket team, and is a member Centre in Largs. of the Gresford Fraser, who lives just inside the Welsh border Cricket Club, in Rossett but was born in Scotland, joined plays at both U15 Ellesmere College in 2007. Besides playing level and for the football here, the 14 year old has attended the Club’s Senior Crewe Alexandra Football Club since the age of Seconds team. Tennis Academy Students 7. He was signed up in December 2003 as an Fraser Murdoch Ian Williams Under 9 player and recently was signed again for Director of Sport at Ellesmere College a further 2 years until U16 level. at the Top of Their Form commented, ‘Fraser is a natural sportsman and In addition to his football prowess, Fraser is a team player whose talent on the playing field talented cricketer who has also been selected has been recognized from an early age. We are Pupils from the College’s Tennis Academy However, despite a battling display, the effects every year since the age of 10 to play for North delighted that these opportunities have arisen for recently celebrated their best ever of having played fourteen sets in little more than East teams. In the past two seasons he him and wish him well as he develops both his showing at the Senior Students National two days eventually took their toll. In the final, the has played at U12 and U13 level and this season football and cricket skills’. was selected to play for the Wales U14 team. Finals at the Bolton Arena. quartet slipped to a narrow defeat against Queen Mary’s College. Year 9 student and rising football star, Fraser Murdoch The Girls’ Team were faced with a baptism of fire in the first of their three matches, coming up against Academy Director Nikki Hoy was delighted with the top seeds and eventual champions from her teams: Culford School. However they came agonisingly ‘We came here last year and close to a huge upset before eventually going performed creditably, but it is a down in a match tie break after the scores were measure of how far the Tennis tied at 3-3. The team recovered well from this Academy has progressed in the disappointment, recording convincing victories against Benenden and Peter Symonds College to last twelve months that this year secure third place overall in the eight team event. we were extremely close to being

Two Year 11 pupils, Joanne Bowen and Christian champions in two of the three Cieslik played alongside Patricia Lieberoth-Leden, competitions. I am very proud of Year 12, and James Joule, Year 13, in the Mixed all of them.’ Doubles Team. They played very well and qualified for the final thanks to excellent performances against Boston Grammar Schools and Greenhead College. Page 27 Page 26 Page 27 Ellesmere College Newsletter - Summer 2010 Confessions of the First

Female Pupil me the prize, she said in her low crooning voice, “It is so good to see a girl beating all these boys”. Prophetic words? Diana Flint graduated with a BA (Hons) in Italian from Reading University. She I am so glad Ellesmere felt the experiment chairs the Committee of The Arts Fund, is a governor of Downe House successful enough to have girls forever and School, Newbury, and has recently been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for am proud to have been the start of it all. Shropshire. We asked her to describe her experiences as the first ever girl to Diana Flint (nee Topham) OE ‘72 study at Ellesmere College.

We were washing up after So, I donned the long boots and supportive Mrs Skipper as my songs involved me! The only time I a particularly enjoyable long kilt and put metaphorical tutor, and was not put in any felt truly self conscious was when we lunch party at which my blinkers on, walking in a straight house. I was a day girl, and had a joint event with Moreton Hall – parents had entertained my line looking straight ahead, once I passed my driving test, sitting on the boys’ side of Big School brother’s housemaster from drove myself to school. caused stares from those girls. , together with The reaction of the boys was I have many memories – mostly the “new” HM of Ellesmere varied! Some ran up asking good, but on the whole I had a great College, David Skipper. to carry my books; some experience of Ellesmere. I made It was definitely a plate furtively asked me to play and still have many friends among dropping moment when my tennis – an assignment which boys and staff, and came away with father announced that he and worked fine the first time, but good enough A-levels to do a degree the HM thought it would be I found myself alone on court in Italian. This had not been on the a “jolly good idea” if I went to the second time as I guess the agenda from my previous school. Ellesmere to do my A-Levels! poor chap had been mercilessly At the end of my Lower VI year I was I had already planned to go to teased. I was pulled into all terrified that boys seemed so intelligent France for the autumn term the after school activities. The and self confident. I had missed to brush up my French, so novelty of having a female pupil one term of the year, so really put in it wasn’t until January 1971 was obvious: not a natural an effort for those Lower VI internal that I found myself, the only Thespian, I had to be all the exams. What amazed me was that I whether taking my place in female among 400 or so boys, queens of in one play; came away with all the prizes! Who Chapel at the back of the choir starting the Lower VI a full term I took part in the Sevens Club should have been awarding them at stalls, or walking into meals late. I had to wait till the Upper (debating); I was put on stage Speech Day that year but the then alongside the Head Boy all the VI to have female company in for an Any Questions Debate; I Minister for Education, a certain way up to top table, or cutting the form of Cath Fenn and sang in the Ellesmere Choral Margaret Thatcher? Stooping to give Tricia Jonathon. across the grass to lessons! I Society. I did not play rugger, was allotted the charming and but suspect some of the team

Page 28 Page 29 Page 28 Page 29 Old Ellesmerians’ Club New President and Ellesmere’s New Committee Members Development Team

A recent addition to the staff at Ellesmere has been the new Development Team, led by Nick Pettingale, Director of Development. Nick began his career as a Graphic Designer, specialising in company branding for businesses across Europe.

During his design career he visited friends in

Mel Halstead Ethiopia at the time of the ’85 famine which Ian Johnston and set him on a path of charity and development Siobhan O’Conner work. He is Chairman of the Institute of Development Professionals in Education. Ian Johnston herself as “a sociable person, who enjoys being and working with others. The years I spent at Lesley Farrar is PA to Nick and Administrator to the Lesley Farrar and Nick Pettingale At the April meeting of the OE Club executive Ellesmere College were very special and have OE Club. Lesley’s career began in accountancy, Ian Johnston [Talbot 1946] was elected the Club We have recently added 480 new names to the OE assisted me throughout my higher education and working for a variety of employers from small President for the coming year. Since retiring career. So I am excited about being a member of database and are working on a memorabilia area enterprises to multi-nationals. Lesley has had the from a successful business career, Ian has been the OE Executive and hope I can help motivate just outside ‘Big School’ at the moment. a staunch supporter of the Club and attends young OE’s to support and attend OE events”. good fortune to be able to take two career breaks, most of the reunion dinners around the country. the first over 20 years ago when she worked for How can you get involved? Ian said ‘I consider it a great privilege to be Siobhan O’Conner VSO in Kenya for two years, an experience which All Old Ellesmerians have received a questionnaire President of the Club and look forward to my Siobhan joined Ellesmere College in 1988 Lesley described as ‘life changing’. The second from Nick in the past few months as he and Lesley year in office. My main mission is to increase the from Abbots Bromley. At school she was very was more recent, and saw Lesley return to college seek to gather information. It is planned that during involvement of younger OE’s in Club activity this involved in theatre and drama and, along with to take a legal qualification. year and I look forward to working with Mel and history teacher, Mr Reffel, directed a school play. the Michaelmas term a new interactive section of Siobhan in the coming months’. the College website will be launched which will Siobhan trained as a journalist and started The Development Office has four main objectives: enable OEs to search the database for lost friends Mel Halstead her career in regional radio before moving into 1. To connect Old Ellesmerian’s with each other television production, where she worked for and join professional networks of fellow OE’s Melissa (Mel) joined the College in 2001 as a and with the College. several TV companies including Granada TV, and current and past parents. So the first step weekly border in St Aidan’s, becoming heavily moving from there in 1999 to oversee press for 2. To create meaningful ways in which OE’s can involved in the sports teams, and playing first towards becoming more involved is to complete Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. Based in input into the College of today. team netball and hockey. Mel went on to study the Questionnaire and return it to the Development the UK and US, she worked with Bill Wyman A levels and, as a school prefect, took part in 3. To assist the College through good business and Yoko Ono on various projects. Siobhan Office as soon as possible. organising and fundraising for the Sixth joined Taylor Herring Communications as an practice. Form Ball. If you would prefer to do this on line, then copy Account Director in May 2002. She has a strong 4. To create income streams that will enable the and paste the link below into your web browser In 2005 Mel went to study midwifery at the background in consumer, health and lifestyle PR College to fulfil its vision for the next 20 years. University of Leeds, qualifying as a midwife in and over the last seven years has worked on a and chose the Former Pupils Questionnaire. 2008. She currently lives in Leeds and work as variety of national publications and www.ellesmere.com/downloads/questionaire a midwife at St James’ Hospital. Mel describes TV productions. Page 30 Page 31 The Old

Ellesmerian Festival

will be held on Saturday 11th September 2010, opening at 12 noon

A fun event for all the family, with OE v College Sports, music, children’s entertainment and tours of the school

Provisional Programme: Rugby 1.00pm Recent Leavers v College 1st IV 2.00pm OE Legends v OE Under 25’s Hockey 1.00pm Mixed Over 30’s v Mixed Under 30’s 3.00pm OE Men’s Under 30’s v OE Men’s Over 30’s Football 3.00pm Dad’s v Lad’s Footy Netball 2.00pm Girls and Mum’s v College 1st Team Tug of War 4.00pm All Comers

Other activities will include a barbecue, bar, ice creams and the pool will be open for swimming. There will also be School Tours, a display of the OE Archive and a Sale of School Merchandise. Children’s entertainment such as Bouncy Castles and Face Painting will be available from 12 pm and at 3 pm there will be an open mic and Cream Teas in the Arts Marquee.

Come along, meet old and new friends and bring all the family for what promises to be a delightful afternoon.

Artist - Gunnar Schildei Page 32