An Evening with Nicholas Cleobury, OV We were in for a treat this week, with an alternative Music Evening organised by King’s Assistant Director of Music, Hon OV Christopher Allsop. Christopher led an enthralling ‘Michael Parkinson’-style zoom interview with OV and internationally acclaimed conductor, Nicholas Cleobury (Ch 58-68). We were also delighted to be joined in the zoom event by some 80 members of the King’s family: OVs, current pupils, current and former staff.

King’s Director of Music, Hon OV Simon Taranczuk opened the evening with an introduction to Music at King’s School today; despite the very real restrictions on live performances since the start of the school year, Simon was very pleased to share that there have, nonetheless, been over 50 concert performances online during lockdown, including a series of OV concerts. Simon also talked about the many young OVs currently either studying music or on music scholarships at university and music college, a testament to the important place that music plays in school life today and the quality of music provision at the School.

Christopher invited Nicholas to talk about his formative years at King’s and we learnt that Nicholas arrived on College Green aged 7 when his brother, the late Sir (Ch 57-67) came for a choral scholarship trial. Although Nicholas was in fact too young to join the choir, he was allowed in at the same time as his brother.

St Alban’s played an important part in Nicholas’s early years at King’s and, even as an older student at King’s Senior School, he used to go back to St Alban’s and run a small choir. All choristers were boarders at St Alban’s and, although Stephen and Nicholas only lived in Birmingham, nevertheless they boarded at King’s – first in St Alban’s and then later in Choir House. The organist at the time that the boys joined the choir was Douglas Guest, and one of the highlights from this time, Nicholas recalled, was singing in the 2nd performance of Britten’s War Requiem and at the opening of Coventry Cathedral. On Douglas’s departure, came the “fabulous appointment” of Christopher Robinson and a year later, as his assistant, Hon OV Harry Bramma. This was an incredible combination. Harry Bramma was, Nicholas said, “a wonderful teacher, an inspiration and a friend to this day.”

During the evening, music was shared with the guests, featuring musicians who have influenced Nicholas’s life. The first music track was the opening of Leighton’s Magdalen Service, conducted by Christopher Robinson. Leighton was Nicholas’ teacher at Oxford.

Nicholas also recalled his English teacher, Martin S. Fagg with fondness, as being someone who was another “complete inspiration” and Colin Beswick, the Precentor who married Nicholas and Heather and also baptized their son, Simon. Nicholas also talked about the excitement when Paul McCartney came to visit College Green when he was courting Jane Asher (during a visit to her uncle, a Canon who lived on College Green). Whilst Nicholas claims he himself was “not sporty” at school, he understands how important it is nowadays to have “music and sport side by side” in School.

Over the years, Nicholas enjoyed taking part in the Three Choirs Festivals, with wonderful musical memories of the conductor Sir Adrian Boult (later his teacher) and the music of Elgar and combined with his love of cricket, remembering how (prior to the mobile-phone era) the test scores for Worcester County Cricket were put up on the hymn board in the cathedral during rehearsals!

The second piece of music was part of Messiaen’s Dieu Parmi Nous, (played by his later boss, ), and Nicholas talked about how his first exposure to Messiaen’s music “opened the world to me … the colour, the vigour” and he decided that was the moment, “I want a bit of this”.

Christopher asked Nicholas at what age did he realise that Music would be his life’s career and Nicholas said that, although he felt music was always there, it took a while for him to have the confidence to realise it was a career for him. He recalls having tea in the House of Commons with then MP for Worcester, Peter Walker, about possibly going into politics, who asked him, “What do you think you’re best at?” to which Nicholas replied, “Music”. The response was “Well, do that then!”. It became clearer and clearer as time went on that Music would be a permanent and important part of Nicholas’s life. After King’s Nicholas went on to Worcester College, Oxford, where he was and Assistant at Christ Church, and out of this came a number of significant things, such as being conductor of the Schola Cantorum choir, and also an introduction to Michael Tippett, who was “such an influence and a great man”.

The third piece of music was the opening of the first movement of Tippett’s Second Symphony.

Turning back to the current day, Christopher posed the question to Nicholas, “Who are the that King’s current pupils should be looking at now?” and Nicholas mentioned George Benjamin and James MacMillan, but he also encouraged the students to “listen to other music! Listen, listen, listen!”. Christopher explained that the current A Level syllabus at King’s has a module on 21st Century Music, which allows for a study of contemporary composers.

After Tippett, Nicholas then launched himself into a career of conducting and directing and “after four years at Christ Church, I decided my future lay in orchestral and operatic music. I learnt my trade being a chorus-master, working with many leading conductors, such as Simon Rattle.” Nicholas spent some years as chorus master at Glyndebourne and then worked freelance in Europe, Scandinavia and beyond, including 15 years with Zurich Opera.

More recently Nicholas has been more involved in teaching,recently spending over three years in Brisbane, Australia. Two highlights Nicholas recalled were conducting the 50th anniversary of Tippett’s ‘A Child of our Time’, in the Adelphi Theatre in the Strand, involving a lot of big-name soloists who all performed for free, with the proceeds from the event going to the Save The Children charity. Secondly, Nicholas remembered conducting a performance of Handel’s Messiah in Soweto, translated into several African languages, with choirs from Springs and Soweto Townships. Prior to the concert, he was invited to get changed at the home of one of the organisers, “in the same room where Mandela and others plotted against apartheid”, which brought a powerful and poignant meaning to the performance that afternoon.

Finally, Christopher asked Nicholas, “As music re-emerges and re-awakens after this pandemic, is there anything you would like to see change or develop?” Nicholas replied, “I hope that we have all realised that music is not an add-on but an essential part of life. We will come back appreciating it and I hope that music of quality is not thought to be elitist. Music is for everyone, no matter your colour or sexuality. Let’s appreciate it and not denigrate it.”

Nicholas’s final piece of music was Elgar, very fitting for us here at King’s – the climax of the 2nd movement of the Second Symphony. For Nicholas, “Elgar gets inside every fibre of my body, he combined majesty with pain”. Nicholas is sure that “Elgar stayed in Castle House during the Three Choirs festival”. Nicholas sang Elgar’s music under Christopher Robinson and Harry Bramma, saying “to describe it as a privilege is an under-statement”.

Nicholas ended the evening with a quote from one of his great inspirations, Michael Tippett, “If, in the music I write, I can create a world of sound wherein some of my generation can find refreshment for the inner life, then I am doing my work properly.”

A video of the evening can be found online HERE and we offer a heartfelt thank you to Nicholas for sharing with us such an entertaining, inspiring and interesting dialogue. OV Chris Tarrant’s Surprise Virtual Appearance at King’s & Stroke Awareness On Friday 19th March, the King’s Music department held their Spring Open Mic Night.

Open Mics are a much looked forward to event at School. In non-covid times and in good weather they can be held outside in the beautiful surroundings of the School Gardens. In the current climate and due to restrictions and year group bubbling, this recent event took place from the individual homes and gardens of all pupils taking part. What a fantastic evening it was, with soloists and bands bringing a wonderful mix of music to our living rooms, superbly put together and managed by the Music Department.

Each act was introduced by a member of staff. In an extra special twist, one act, Rosie, was introduced by a very special guest….none other than OV Chris Tarrant (Ch 60-64)! Chris introduced Rosie before she performed a wonderful version of ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta. We were so thrilled that Chris was a part of the night and it was a great surprise for all the pupils, staff, family and friends watching at home. You can watch the open mic night here and Chris appears at 18.48 minutes in.

Chris has also been speaking out this week about his experience of a stroke, the incredible research and work done by The Stroke Association and he has been encouraging others to help guide the future of stroke research and care by speaking up and being part of a new partnership and project being run by the Stroke Association.

Chris says “Six years ago, completely out of the blue, I had a sudden and life-changing stroke….research into stroke is severely underfunded. Just 1% of the total UK public and third sector health research spend goes towards stroke research.”

Chris remains eternally grateful to the Doctors, Nurses and Physiotherapists who helped him make a speedy and strong recovery. Within months he could work again.

He goes on to say “my recovery has been made possible thanks to stroke research, which continues to improve care and find new ways to rebuild lives. The Stroke Association has launched a unique opportunity for stroke survivors, like myself, and those who care for stroke survivors, both informally and as health and social care professionals, to have our say on the future of stroke research…. it’s vital that we come together and make our voices heard”

You can find out about the current work the Stroke Association is doing by clicking here .

Important Conversations and Instigating Change. King’s and OVs agree it’s time to “Change the Narrative”. With International Women’s Day and the devastating and brutal kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard this month, many important and long overdue conversations and movements have been taking place both at King’s and around the country, addressing gender inequality and sexism within our communities.

King’s Headmaster, Gareth Doodes gave an incredibly impactful and important assembly to the School body recently when he addressed the need to “change the narrative”, encourage mutual respect, look at the undercurrents of sexism in reporting and messaging and crucially to dissipate the climate of fear. This assembly is transparently honest and absolutely not to be missed. You can watch it here.

As Gareth has made clear on many occasions for all of us at King’s, diversity and gender equality is at the heart of the School’s vision going forward. March has therefore been a momentous and important month for King’s with two huge historical moments taking place.

Firstly, we have been delighted this week to announce, jointly with , that both boys and girls will equally enjoy the benefits and many opportunities that being a Cathedral chorister offer. Going forwards there will be choral scholarships for both boys and girls, and girls will enjoy singing at the same number of Cathedral services and events.

In another first this week, King’s School Governors have been delighted to announce that Patricia Preston is the new Chair of Governors. Pat takes her place as the first ever female Chair of The King’s School Worcester Board of Governors.

Pat has worked for over 25 years in a variety of marketing roles for Beecham Pharmaceuticals, now GlaxoSmithKline (1981-1984), H Samuel Jewellers (1984-1987), Charles Green Jewellery (1987-1990), Business Link Hereford & Worcester (1997-1999) and Tube Plastics Group (1999-2011). She has also lectured part-time on the CIM Marketing Courses at Worcester College of Technology. In recent years, working for Robovision Ltd, Pat has specialised in new product development with particular focus on intellectual property, sustainable product sourcing and supply chain management, including the establishment of new partnerships in Eastern Europe and the Far East.

Already known and respected as both a Governor and also a Trustee of the King’s School Development Trust, we are delighted that Pat has been elected to this role and we thoroughly look forward to working with her in our development and alumni relations activities.

We have been delighted to see that female and male OVs have been starting conversations and instigating change when it comes to talking about gender imbalance and sexism.

King’s Barnabas speaker Claire Gott MBE (Cl 97-06) is Head of Industry and Corporate Social Responsibility at WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering professional services companies, and she is a true advocate for female engineers. She shared with us her thoughts on this subject, “I’m passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of female engineers to play a more influential role, not just because gender balance is morally important but because diverse and inclusive teams perform better”.

OV Alex Wenyon (Cr 07-14) is a Campaign Management Controller at Nissan Motor Corporation GB. She told us “This year, for International Women’s Day I chose to challenge the lack of gender balance on the board of directors within Nissan Motor GB in the next 5-10 years by supporting and encouraging fellow women around me. Late last year I submitted a project proposal which strives to achieve zero inequalities within the company and in particular on the board of directors which is currently made up of all male members. This is common place in the automotive industry which has traditionally been a male dominated environment. This project proposal was one of many to be submitted to the Managing Director who has encouraged us to come together to bring positive change to the business. I am excited to see where this will lead!

Out of the office, I am a cox for the Molesey Boat Club Men’s squad and have been coxing since starting at King’s in 2009. Rowing, like many other sports, still has a long way to go in achieving gender balance. Henley Royal Regatta has sixteen men’s events compared to eight women’s! I think that we should work to have an equal number of men’s and women’s events at HRR to showcase the elite talent of both genders. This would make it more of an honour to race at the regatta and would give more women the opportunity to get a race down the full course. The standard of racing would be higher and it would be a great platform to showcase the best of the best.”

Alex was recently interviewed on the blog “Row Like a Girl” where she spoke on her experiences and hopes on gender equality in rowing. In the interview Alex said “I feel that there is still work to be done in the UK at an international level, especially in terms of providing equal opportunities for coxes to be considered for seats in either squad. It’s been really encouraging to see Kendall Brodie and Aranka Kops coxing their respective countries in the Men’s 8s at the World Championships; it would be great to see GB flying the flag for this as well!”.

Former Head of School, Joe Fowles (Cl 05-12), is Engagement Manager at the consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, and he has worked extensively on gender diversity topics in recent years and he shared with us the following: “Time and again, our research has highlighted the significant gender imbalances in finance and entrepreneurship – whether it be the challenges facing female founders seeking venture capital, the outsize impact of COVID-19 on female entrepreneurs’ businesses, or the continued lack of diversity at Board and senior management level in financial services. These are systemic issues that require sustained and coordinated action across public and private sector – but individuals can also make a difference. This is why I founded a male allyship network at Oliver Wyman. Our mission is to engage male colleagues and encourage awareness, dialogue and action to decrease inequities in our firm and our society. Now operating across over 20 of our offices worldwide, we are helping to slowly move the dial on gender equality through sponsorship, amplification and education.”

And finally, current Head of School, Olivia told us this week, “It is so important that King’s is addressing the issue of gender equality, as even today many girls in school and women in wider society do not have, or feel as though they do not have, the same opportunities as men. King’s is launching a ‘change the narrative’ club which hopes to lead the movement of actively implementing gender equality into King’s life. This club will be: opening discussions around gender-based issues, inviting speakers into School to discuss topics such as sexual harassment and toxic masculinity, and using blank wall space across the School to showcase the stories of female success, whether this be OVs or other inspirational women. It makes me very proud to know that OVs all around the country are also playing a part in instigating change and promoting gender equality in their fields of work. My hope is that as this action continues,

alongside the work of current King’s pupils, in 10 years’ time the King’s community, and schools across the country, will be a place where every girl knows she has the same opportunities as her male peers and can achieve whatever she sets her mind to.”

We read a quote this week; “bigoted thoughts can turn into bigoted words, which can turn into ‘empowered’ actions”. We are pleased and proud to see the King’s family, staff, pupils, OVs and parents are taking decisive steps to encourage an inclusive and respectful environment.

In the words of Gareth Doodes, we all must “shout it out and at the same time, shout it down. OV Lunchtime Concert Our final OV video of this little mini series features OV Dani Brennan (Br 12-19). Dani played a major role in the music and drama departments, performing regularly in our concerts and on the stage. A particular highlight was her performance of Ensign Nellie Forbush in the senior musical production of South Pacific. Dani’s love of performing has led to studying Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. In advance of World Theatre Day tomorrow here she is performing “When it all falls down” from Chaplin the Musical. You can listen to the concert here

Founder of King’s Hawford, Douglas Garrad. We were greatly saddened to hear of the death at the age of 95 of Douglas Garrad, who founded Hawford Lodge, now King’s Hawford, in 1955. Douglas was an inspiration to us all and he created a school with energy, heart and a spirit of adventure and countless children have been captivated by the dynamic, exciting and unique education provided at Hawford. The school began in 1955 with 15 children, quickly becoming popular for its location and its free spirited approach. With his wife, Mary Ann, who provided the catering, they lived on the top floor of the main house and the Garrads worked long hours building up the school. Douglas assisted digging out a pit for the swimming pool and introduced sheep onto the top field to keep down the grass. Many former pupils speak with great fondness of those early days, with the School growing rapidly and the current kindergarten acting as a theatre for the many productions that were performed with great enjoyment. Douglas has, in recent years, been a regular visitor to the School site, enjoying performances and assemblies, and was proud to be part of Hawford Speech Days. He leaves a considerable legacy and we will miss him greatly. He died with his family, peacefully, at home and we remember Mary Ann and the family in our thoughts and prayers.

OV and Old Hawfordian Nick Stephens (Br 77-84), (Persian House, Hawford 73-77), attended the virtual funeral for Douglas on Friday 19th March and has kindly written the following words:

To a certain generation, those who were fortunate enough to have attended Hawford Lodge School, education was a time of weekends preparing for Latin vocab tests on a Monday morning, of learning poetry to recite in front of the whole school, remembering to put up your finger if you only wanted a small portion of luncheon (and living in fear of the tangerine blancmange), of times spent shivering in the Cobb (itself named after a dearly-departed former member of staff), that open-sided sports hall that offered little shelter from the elements, of lining up outside the kitchen window to receive our milk and iced buns at morning break (jam sandwiches twice a week), of inside and outside shoes and woe betide the small boy found wearing the wrong ones in the wrong place, of star books, and school caps, of Medes and Persians, Romans and Greeks.

Such was the comforting world over which Douglas Garrad presided. Some years ago, when I climbed the stairs, as a pupil, towards the classrooms of 2Y or 3Y, I passed those doors of Mr Darling’s lodgings with its gargantuan radiogram, the staffroom, and most securely, in the corner, was the Headmaster’s study.

Douglas Garrad, whose funeral it was last week, held the responsibility for the formative education of so many young gentlemen (and later, young ladies) before they were dispersed across the senior schools of Worcestershire and beyond. From across the years, I can remember his voice and was less than surprised to hear and see his son use the same tones and mannerisms, so that it was like seeing our headmaster appear before us. A headmaster is both remote and integral to our lives. There is that which is public and that which remains hidden from our knowledge. It was no surprise to learn of the many facets of his life beyond the school gate: from his charitable work, his long-term support to St Andrew’s Church in Ombersley, to music in the Cathedral, and so many other activities.

A funeral is, of necessity, a family occasion, which others are privileged to attend. It was therefore a real pleasure to learn so much about the life of the man who was so integral to the upbringing of so many others: from the elder sisterly report of the child in Burma and Somerset, the daughters’ joy and grief in the telling of Douglas’ story, the school holidays spent in relaxation in Scotland, the hard work behind the scenes, the life he found in his garden and on the golf course, the poems read by granddaughters, the reflection by the current headmaster on the legacy of Douglas’ work in the setting up of Hawford and his roles afterwards. Each part fleshed out the man who lived again before our eyes and brought to mind the love he had for Mary-Ann, for his school and for his charges. As we were reminded on Friday, we were not children, nor pupils, but we were people. Douglas Garrad treated us as such.

He expected us to do our best, and we tried for him. Many years later, when studying Eliot for A’ Level, I discovered the dedication to Ezra Pound at the start of the Wasteland. It is a dedication suited to many pedagogues of note, but to Douglas Garrad it should stand as a testimony of his commitment, his culture and his legacy:

Il miglior fabbro – He made me better New Chair of Governors announced Following the announcement of Hugh Carslake’s retirement as Chairman of Governors at the end of this academic year, on behalf of the Governors, we are delighted to share with you that Patricia Preston has been elected as Chair from 26 June 2021.

After graduating from St Catherine’s College, Oxford, with a degree in Modern History, Pat joined Beecham Pharmaceuticals as a marketing trainee. Over the next 25 years, Pat worked in a variety of marketing roles in diverse

market sectors including luxury goods, retailing, business services and the toy industry. A career break to have children enabled Pat to study for the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Diploma and later teach on CIM courses.

In recent years Pat has specialised in bringing new products to market, with particular focus on intellectual property and developing sustainable supply partnerships worldwide. She retired from full time employment in March 2020 but now works on marketing programmes on a projects basis. Outside of work, keeping fit with Joe Wicks and reviving rusty French language skills have been lockdown pastimes. Walking in the Lake District and along the Cornish coast are planned for the summer with travel further afield from the Autumn.

Pat’s association with King’s community has been a long and happy one. Her sons, Jon Preston (Cl 02-09) and Pete Preston (Cl 04-11) and her husband Jeremy Preston (Cl 66-76) are all OVs and the friendships made at Kings remain strong now.

Pat has been a Governor at King’s since 2011 and she sits as a member of the Finance & General Purposes Committee. She will take on the role of Chair from June 2021. Pat is also a valued Trustee of The King’s School Development Trust.

Pat comments, ‘King’s has played a very important role in my life and that of my family for a considerable time. A new chapter soon begins. With my fellow governors, I look forward to supporting our inspirational Head, Gareth Doodes, and his dedicated staff, in all they do to make King’s an exceptional educational experience for our pupils.’

26/03/2021