BROMSGROVIANS connected ’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE ISSUE 7 2020/21

School staff commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Preparatory School with a cycle ride from

The first word... ‘Riding From the Past’

Born in harder times, a much more OBs who were amongst those Their 90-mile journey was a marvellous ebullient Bromsgrove Preparatory pioneering pupils recall lean times in celebration of the School’s eighty School celebrates its 80th anniversary those early days, with rationing and successful years, and a modern-day this year. Founded during the Second limited resources. They tell of classes example of Bromsgrovian comradeship. World War, its birthplace was not the held in damp and drafty out-buildings Not to mention a fine example to our modern, sprawling campus we occupy and bracing runs across the steep pupils that the restrictions under which today. Instead, it commenced in a small Welsh peaks and valleys. Yet, most we all labour at present need not rob us cluster of buildings in the remote Welsh also speak with great warmth of of all initiative, enjoyment and personal village of Llanwrtyd Wells, to which the camaraderie that is born out of pursuits. They are to be commended the School had been evacuated when adversity. Perhaps there are lessons for honouring the Preparatory School’s the War Department commandeered there for today’s pupils, as together they foundation in such an inspired and Bromsgrove School in 1939. Families face the challenges and restrictions of spirited way. were relieved that their sons were safer the current COVID-19 pandemic? from the war in this remote location, and soon asked the Headmaster A proud lesson too, from 14 members PETER CLAGUE to extend the provision to younger of today’s staff, drawn from across all HEADMASTER children. So, the Prep School was born. sectors of the School. In September, this hardy group of teachers and support staff commemorated the Preparatory School’s birthday by cycling from Llanwrtyd Wells to Bromsgrove on a gloriously autumnal Sunday.

IN THIS EDITION: The year in photographs… OB news through the decades… ‘Then and Now’ with OB Humphrey Cobbold Welcome from the Over the Easter break, the Headmaster, our remaining boarders and the residential staff looking Editor after them constructed over 1000 face shields, When the last edition of Picture This… which were then donated to local hospitals and Bromsgrovians Connected hit healthcare facilities. doormats, we could not have imagined what was heading our way A LOOK BACK AT THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20. in 2020. Despite the global pandemic and the ensuing lockdown preventing us from participating in the usual social activities, I was delighted to receive OB news and stories from around the world. From OB nurses, paramedics, doctors and allied health professionals working throughout COVID-19 in every corner of the globe to many others offering their support to pupils virtually during the enforced School closure, each and every one of you has done their bit.

It is clear that the Bromsgrovian Our boarders at School, and many more spirit is as bright as ever, and long Bromsgrovians at home, took part in the may it continue, wherever you are in weekly ‘Clap for Carers’ on Thursday the world. evenings during the National lockdown. Enjoy reading your alumni magazine.

Megan Griffiths Editor

Our brand new girls’ day house, Ottilie Hild, was completed in 2020. The House is named after the founder of Ottilie Hild School, now known as Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School.

It was not the way we wanted the academic year to end, but our Prep and Pre-Prep Survivors, as well as the rest of the Class of 2020, were welcomed into the Old Bromsgrovian community over the Over February half-term, summer, marking the end of their through to Easter and during school days at Bromsgrove. We the Summer Term of lockdown, were still able to carry out some of a number of boarders were the usual end of term traditions, in unable to go home and were a socially distanced way, including looked after by our team of the laying of the wreath in Cookes residential staff. They were Room, the lowering of the School kept busy with online lessons, flag and an online Upper Sixth weekend activities and games. valete. Music was ever present, even in the Summer Term Picture This… whilst our Bromsgrovians were at home. The Music Department put on weekly online concerts for pupils across the Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools. EXTRA-CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019/20.

In early March, Lupton House emerged as victors for ‘Best Play’ in Senior House Drama with their take on The History Boys.

When the School closed in March, pupils and staff successfuly moved over to on- line learning via Zoom. The Pre-Prep School used Seesaw.

When Old Bromsgrovian and Foundation Trustee Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham heard that some of our boarders were unable to go home over February half term, he invited six of them to spend the day with him at the House of Lords. The pupils were allowed to sit on the famous red benches of the Earlier this year, the pupil-led magazine, Two Zero One, was Lords and stood at the same despatch box where Winston entered into the Shine School Media Awards 2020. In June, Churchill made his famous war-time speeches. Lord Jones January 2020 marked the 20th the results were announced in an online ceremony. then led the pupils in to the House of Commons chamber anniversary of the move from Ottilie Hild and explained to the pupils how our democracy works. School to Bromsgrove Pre-Prep on its The Bromsgrove team swept the board with a number of present site at Avoncroft House. awards for Best Front Cover, Best Overall Content, Editor of the Year and Best Magazine. The team also received highly commended awards for Best Illustration and Artwork, Best Print and Design and Best Cartoon.

The School’s Fifth Annual Research Competition was hosted “Despite the enforced School by Master of Scholars, Dr Rimmer. Six Senior School teams entered closure due to COVID-19, a the competition, along with, for the first time, a Prep School team. total of 826 fixtures were played They were charged with explaining how future historians would view our time by answering the prompt: in 2019/20.” what era are we living in today?

In January, Isata Kanneh-Mason led a piano masterclass for three Head Groundsman, Richard Hare, and the rest of of our students in front of a small the Grounds & Gardening team, were nominated audience. Each pianist responded The 1st Netball Team were again as a Wildlife Hero by the Wildlife brilliantly to the excellent advice. crowned National Champions in Trust. the Independent Schools Cup. Our cricketers were also named as In the last five years, the School has planted an National Champions after winning orchard of fifty different fruit trees (all midlands- by five runs against St Bede’s. based varieties), introduced several wildlife meadows across all the School sites, planted large Despite the enforced School numbers of trees and hedges, left manicured closure due to COVID-19, a total lawns for wildlife and introduced a bee-keeping of 826 fixtures were played in club with a beehive on site. We are also in the 2019/20 across boys’ and girls’ process of building a wildlife-friendly area, which sport. includes a wildlife-friendly pond.

Housman Hall During lockdown, Jean-Marc Knoll (2016-2018) has Funbi Akinsanya (2015-2017) has (1987-1992) ran a marathon in his also had his contract extended at been nominated as a Top 100 African house in Madrid. He ran the distance . Over the last two About You and African Caribbean Future Leader. – 9.65m – between his window and seasons, Ollie has continued to win rave The magazine, known as Future washing machine 4,373 times to reviews and had established himself Leaders, offers nominees mentorship complete the length of a full marathon, FIND OUT WHAT OLD BROMSGROVIANS FROM YOUR ERA ARE DOING NOW. in Premiership side before lockdown opportunities to further their leadership just over 42 kilometres. He raised caused matches to cease. qualities. The magazine aims to more than £3,000 for charity, with the highlight outstanding African and monies to be spilt equally between NHS Most recerntly, Ollie made his England Elmshurst Years 7 and 8 were treated to a Congratulations to Momo Watanabe African Caribbean Students who are Charities Together and the International debut in the Six Nations match against We were delighted to welcome fascinating talk by the hugely talented (2013-2015) who has graduated from currently studying in top academic Committee of the Red Cross. Italy. Karim Haji (1987-1992) who visited Sophie Spurgin (2002-2010). the Royal Veterinary College in London institutions around the UK, with the Photo Credit: Worcester Warriors the School with his wife and two Sophie began her further art and is back in her home country purpose of then investing in their career Fraser Foster (Lupton 2005-2016) children. He is currently Head of education in Bournemouth, where she of Japan to study for her licence to prospects. pictured with his former Houseparent, Financial Services for KPMG in London. learnt multiple art and textiles skills, practise there. Mr McClure. Fraser will be supporting which equipped her amply, for her students who want a career in future art career. She became a textiles Momo is now advising one of our construction management through the breakdown artist, working for film, TV current pupils, also from Japan, who graduate programme at Balfour Beatty. and theatre. wishes to study at RVC in the near future.

Mary Windsor Josephine Nip (2000-2004) and her family visited the School in December Gordon 2019. They live in , where Alan Granville Wright (1934-1937) Josephine is a full time mum to a 5 and celebrated his 100th birthday on 18th 3 year old. August 2020. Congratulations to Candy He now lives in a Royal British Legion Lockett (2012-2017) who has won Lupton Lyttelton Home and celebrated his birthday with the Women’s Weight Throw at the We are incredibly proud of our OBs Congratulations to the residents, staff and some of his Conference Carolinas Indoor Track and Anya Butler (2010-2019) visited the English Department to share doing their bit during the pandemic. (2004-2015) on his two-year contract family, albeit with social distancing still Field Championships and also recorded Nick Daniels (1965-1970) has been extension at Worcester Warriors. Justin in place. a new personal best. some exciting news: the BBC have commissioned her to create a film using his 3D printer, despite limited joined the academy for the 2016-17 accompanying her winning Housman funds, to produce some of the parts for season and was promoted to the senior Verse poem, to be broadcast later in the face shields. squad two years later. Despite a stress year. fracture of the back, he has made six senior appearances to date, including his first start in the European Challenge Emily Lou (2014-2019) returned to Cup victory over Enisei-STM. He has School and caught up with Mrs Ashcroft also represented England at U17 and (Careers department) about life at U18, and was part of the U20s side Central St Martin’s. that won the Six Nations in 2017 and reached the final of the World Rugby Congratulations to Greg Smith (1992- Junior Championship. 1997) on being elected as MP for Hazeldene Housman Hall Photo Credit: Ryan Hiscott/JMP Cath Freer (née Hancox, 1991-2000) Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiren Buckingham in the General Election. has written a positive blog about her Doyle (2004-2019) and Hannah Brock cancer experience and asked us to (2017-2019) surprised Mrs Ashcroft in share it with you. Her aim is to promote the Futures department. It was lovely to hope, positivity and perhaps give some catch up and hear how they have been a little more strength. getting on since leaving the School in 2019. Visit: https://cath462.wixsite.com/ cancerundercovid Thank you also to Katie Palmer-Reid (Mary Windsor 2011-2018) who returned to the School to speak to students about what it is like as a first year Law student. 1

Oakley School Wendron Wendron-Gordon Llanwrtyd Wells 91 Years’ Service Congratulations to Emilie Birks (2001- Do you remember Brian Glover (1943- Bud Gemmell (1965-1971) has Charles Tsai (1989-1994) and his wife, Due to the circuit-breaker lockdown We know that many Old Bromsgrovians 2006) who has been announced as 1948)? His son has contacted us to see recently been in touch with his Dr Catherine Chu, Executive Director of imposed in over the half-term remember their teachers and House a finalist in the Media category for if anyone has any anecdotes or memories of the Hong Kong Flu Mission Hills were welcomed to break, Nikki and Megan from the staff with great fondness and often keep the Women of the Future Programme memories they would like to share. pandemic of 1968/69, whilst he was still Bromsgrove School in January 2020. Bromsgrovian Office were unable to in touch with them through the years. Awards 2020. at School. represent the School in the usual way Brian was particularly good at sport and After a tour of the Prep and Senior at Llanwrtyd Wells for Remembrance At the end of the Summer Term, we Emilie has over thirteen years of was captain of the rugby team. When “The School was badly affected, with Schools, Charles and Catherine were Sunday. They did, however, send bade a fond farwell to Steve Challoner marketing experience, with UK, he left the School, he played rugby for fewer than 100 boys up and about at invited to look through the Archives, a wreath, which was laid by Old (Director of Staffing), Christine Fletcher international and global companies. Moseley 1sts and hockey at one point. Most of the others had gone with particular reference to photographs Bromsgrovian Christopher Price, in the (Housemother of Mary Windsor) and Dr During this time, she has developed her Bromsgrove HC. He sadly passed away home. There was talk of the School from Charles’ time at Bromsgrove. He town’s War Memorial. Margaret Werrett (Senior Mistress) who skills and competencies in all the major in 1965 aged only 35 and so his son closing and the rest us getting an early then recorded his own reminiscences have a collective 91 years’ service to the areas of marketing strategy, planning has very little information on his time at end of term. This did not happen and on film. A visit to Wendron-Gordon School. and implementation. She is currently the School. Happily, we have been able we carried on as best we could, having brought back many memories, heading up the Marketing Channel to find documentation in the archives to lessons with only a handful of boys and including roll call in the common room Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we Strategy in Europe for Yamaha Music send on to him. very little by way of games and other and a peak into his old dorm. weren’t able to pay tribute to them in Europe GmbH, as well as sitting on the activities.” the usual way at Commemoration Day Global Brand team at Yamaha If you are able to help with any this year, so we put together some Corporation in Japan. memories or anecdotes about Brian “There was a silver lining, however. I got video montages from their time at Glover whilst at School or afterwards, my first paid gig as a drummer on New Bromsgrove. You can watch these on please contact the Archivist, Nikki Year’s Eve in a hotel in Shrewsbury, our YouTube Channel: bit.ly/bsstaff20 Thorpe on 01527 579679 ext 365. aged 16. Because of the flu pandemic, the only musicians available for the Well done to Thomas Muir (2012-2017) cabaret were me and a pianist!” who was part of the chorus for CBSO’s performance of Mahler’s 8th Symphony at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Staff News Congratulations to Steve Taylor who has Walters given 50 years of service to Bromsgrove Mark Gunton (1977-1982) organised School. Mr Bell (former Houseparent of WG, the first - probably ever in their now of Walters) received a surprise history - ‘socially distanced’ OB Lodge Steve was 16 when he first started visit from Anton Larin (2009-2015) – meeting in the Old Chapel. He says working at Bromsgrove on 1st August he says that even Mr Bell’s change of that the buildings and grounds looked 1970, as the caretaker’s assistant and Lidia Pozhidaeva (2011-2017) has Two generations of Old Bromsgrovians House can’t keep the WGers away! wonderful and were a tonic to all was appointed by Capt. P Cavell, the recently collaborated with an online have unknowingly been working during these troubled times. Bursar at the time. school to produce a course on how to alongside each other for almost three get into top UK universities. She has years. Hamish Docherty (Lyttelton He has served under six Bursars, shared her knowledge of 2007-2012) is a Senior Consultant for Captain Cavell, Major Glissen, Colonel application processes for undergraduate strategic communications firm Teneo, Spencer, Group Captain John Rogers, and graduate courses. and has worked as a communications Anthony Siddall and Lesley Brookes, adviser to Humphrey Cobbold and five Headmasters, Lionel Carey, Earlier this year, Lidia successfully (Wendron 1980-1985), CEO of Nick Earle, Tim Taylor, Chris Edwards graduated from KCL and started her Congratulations to (2008- PureGym, since 2016. and Peter Clague. studies at Imperial College Business 2017) who has been promoted to the School. She has also just had her first senior squad at Worcester Warriors for It was only when the two were In the early days, one of Steve’s jobs research article published by the 2020/21 season. He has already discussing an interview opportunity with used to be to arrive at work early in Nature Scientific Reports. made seven senior appearances since William Bedford Russell (2006-2013) Humphrey to publicise a new gym in order to lay fires in the offices so that it joining the Senior Academy, four of performed in George’s Marvellous Bromsgrove that the penny dropped! would be warm for the staff when they Research Article: www.nature.com/ them this season including the Medicine at the Blue Orange Theatre Humphrey has been CEO of PureGym, arrived for work. articles/s41598-020-72016-4 in Birmingham over Christmas 2019. the UK’s largest gym chain, since 2015. Cup matches against and Exeter Those who remember William from their Hamish left the school in 2012 and He went on to work in the maintenance Online course: https://london-inn- Chiefs. He is about to start the final year School days will know that he was went on to study International Relations department as a labourer and has school.thinkific.com/collections of a degree in Sport and Social Sciences always performing in Bromsgrove’s own & Modern History at the University of worked for the last six-and-a-half years at Bath University. productions, so we are thrilled to see he St Andrews. He joined Teneo’s grad with the grounds team. has carried on his acting. scheme in 2016 where one of his very Photo Credit: Worcester Warriors first clients was PureGym.

Humphrey appeared on BBC Question Time in March 2020 to discuss the impact of COVID-19.

You can read our ‘Then and Now’ interview with Humphrey overleaf. Life on the Frontline Then & Now... After leaving Bromsgrove, Rosie Thompson (Oakley 2010-2015) moved to London and qualified as a Paramedic with the London Ambulance Service. She has been working on the front line for three years and has spent the last seven months fighting the coronavirus in Central London. Her journey was documented by the BBC One show, Ambulance. You can catch up with the show on BBC iPlayer (Rosie’s episode was broadcast on 21st October 2020).

She has also recently been interviewed for ‘The Notable Blog’, run by fellow OB Ellie Birch (Oakley 2008-2017), who has kindly agreed for us to reproduce part of Rosie’s interview here. You can read the full version at https://thenotable.blog/ or follow them on Instagram @thenotableblog We cover a range of roles within Here is Rosie’s story: hospitals from giving general Humphrey Cobbold Life on the NHS front life in Central anaesthetics or sedation for operations “A large part of my job is about London is incredibly stressful, to running the intensive care unit. An (Wendron 1977-1982), Chief heart-wrenching, harrowing and anaesthetist who specialises in Executive Officer at PureGym, the mentally as well as physically extremely cardiothoracics also undergoes UK’s largest gym operator, looks leadership... a skill that I learnt challenging. In saying that, it is also additional training to be able to use and back on his time at Bromsgrove interpret transoesophageal beautiful. It is moving and is full of School… a lot about at Bromsgrove.” wonderful opportunities. You never know echocardiography predominantly for use what each hour of every day will hold. during and sometimes after heart One day you could be delivering twins operations. Which route did you take after leaving What do you love about your job? importance of taking advantage of any and helping somebody who is sleeping Photo Credit: Sunday Times/BBC Bromsgrove? What I love most about being a CEO is opportunities that present themselves. rough into accommodation. That feeling During the first wave of Immediately after leaving Bromsgrove, having the chance to build and create is truly invaluable! I like to think of these Christiana Burt (Hazeldene 1991-1996) COVID-19, we were mostly doing I jumped on a plane to New Zealand something new. A lot of what I do is I believe that young people should deeds as ‘earning my place in heaven’. has been a Consultant Anaesthetist at intensive care work as all ‘elective’ work to become a gap year teacher. It was designing plans and then configuring spend the first 5-10 years of their These are the jobs that make the tough Papworth Hospital in Cambridge since within the hospital stopped in order to a tremendous year of experiences and and inspiring the best team to execute post-school lives assembling a ‘mosaic’ moments worth it. The next day you 2012. Royal Papworth is the UK’s make room for all of the patients we taught me the importance of taking them. In my role as CEO at PureGym, of experiences, building a combination could be dealing with a multiple leading hospital for medical and surgical received. At Royal Papworth, we also opportunities when they come, even if and before that Wiggle (the online sports of skills. Breadth is more important than casualty RTC (road traffic collision) or, treatment of heart and lung conditions perform advanced techniques of they are a bit bold! retailer), I’ve been able to help grow depth. In fact, it is the key to building a even worse, a cardiac arrest. No matter in adults. Christi featured in an episode mechanical support for the heart and businesses to become the leading solid foundation from which to build a how many arrests we go to on the of BBC Two’s Surgeons: At the Edge of lungs including ECMO (extra-corporeal I then went on to study Natural players in their respective fields. multi-faceted career. frontline, they never get any easier. But Life. The series was filmed membrane oxygenation) so during the Sciences at Cambridge University, there is something so special about pre-COVID, and she happened to be on pandemic, we were doing a lot of that! thinking I wanted to become a nuclear Ultimately, a large part of my job is Therefore, at University, or wherever you being able to be that small ray of call on the day that a double lung My job involves a lot of teamwork, it is physicist, before eventually joining the about leadership and managing teams. decide to go after Bromsgrove, do what sunshine in people’s darkest moments. transplant came up, which was included very sociable, sometimes very hard work management consulting firm, McKinsey I enjoy the cut and thrust of leadership – you find interesting and are passionate If you can make somebody’s day just in the programme. but mostly extremely rewarding. – and so begun my career in business. a skill that I learnt a lot about at about. These experiences will make you that tiny bit better, you know you have Bromsgrove. Importantly, I have had a better, more well-rounded and capable I spent over fifteen years with McKinsey, succeeded. Christi spoke to us about her role and to learn about leading and supporting person, providing a variety of potential which allowed me to travel the world, the recent challenges that COVID-19 teams, through both the good times, career options. In the end, experience and understand an array of companies I have always had an in-depth desire has brought to a hospital setting: and the bad. is everything. Your career will naturally and leaders. to want to help people and be there for come later. others. I think being a healthcare A consultant anaesthetist is a doctor Do you have any advice or tips for practitioner that is a quality you must who undergoes core general medical Despite this amazing experience, leaving McKinsey was one of the best decisions current pupils? possess. In the words of Adam Kay (the training and then subspecialises in The great American golfer, Arnold author of This is Going to Hurt) ‘…a anaesthetics. The total time taken to I made, as it opened up a whole new landscape of opportunities to actually Palmer, once said: “The harder I work, great practitioner must have a huge complete training up to consultant level the luckier I get”. Whilst the essence heart and a distended aorta through after finishing medical school is a lead businesses, rather than just advise them. of this is true, for pupils looking at life which pumps a vast lake of compassion minimum of eight years, with the beyond Bromsgrove, I’d add the and human kindness.’ average being ten years. Humphrey as Captain of the Hockey 1st team (front row middle) Sports News OBEC OB Netball OBEC continues to maintain a strong tradition of dragging Old Bromsgrovians, It has been an unusual year for the their partners and friends (some now Old Bromsgrovians Netball Club, as permanent OBEC members) up hills it has for everyone. From a netball predominantly in Snowdonia (but other perspective, we are used to meeting mountains are also available!) Despite up at least once a week for training the pandemic, the club has met in and competing regularly in two local numbers from pairs to a dozen across leagues, Worcester City Netball League the UK. and Redditch Netball League, which were unfortunately cancelled in March For the annual AGM in September 2019 2020 as part of national lockdown. It - based at the Tyn Y Coed Hotel in Capel has been unusual not to see our netball Curig - the weather was atrocious but family regularly and we can’t wait to get groups still made it to the summits of back on the court! Snowdon and Moel Siabod, and walked down the river path to Betws y Coed. However, the club has continued to keep in touch with one another In November 2019, Helen Rowberry remotely, including a Zoom quiz and organised a highly successful winter catch up meeting. We’ve also continued walking weekend staying in a rustic to focus on our return to netball, OB Golf cottage known as ‘Beudy Mawr’ in the starting to put in place COVID compliant Llanberris Pass near to Snowdon. The procedures and investing in new Hopefully, there will never be a year like However, the token October OB meeting timing of the weekend was superb as training kit, which we look forward to 2020 again! still took place, albeit under all sorts of there was enough snow on the ground putting to good use in the near future. restrictions, but with only about nine of to make the conditions challenging but It started off with the late cancellation in our stalwarts down to play. not dangerous. A mixed ability group Whilst there is of course little to report March of the OBs vs. School, due to the had great fun in the cold by day and sat for the majority of 2020 in terms of coronavirus outbreak and Government One major point to note is that there by an open fire at night. netball, the club were delighted to restrictions just coming into force. is now an agreement in place that finish top of the league in the Redditch the School is to incorporate the Pushing the winter theme in March winter league 2019/2020 and securing Cancelled matches continued right Bromsgrovian Club, including its assets. 2020, Jon Badger and Tom Thompson promotion when the league resumes. through the summer, as having all the The OB Golf Secretary had, shortly endured snow storms and sunshine At the start of the year, we also fixtures arranged well in advance, it was before lockdown, a convivial meeting in the Cairngorms around Aviemore. It managed to organise a great day out a case of ‘when’ to cancel, instead of ‘if’. with both the Bursar and Assistant is a long drive but for some excellent to watch netball at the highest level Therefore, we were not able to play the Head, where they undertook to continue winter mountaineering experience, it is at Superleague Sunday. We’ve also Grafton Morrish Qualifiers at Olton in to assist with the funding of OB Golf, unbeatable in the UK. welcomed a few new babies into the OB May and our own OB day at Edgbaston, as appropriate, similar to how the family, who we are hoping to turn into in June the Midland Public Schools’ Bromsgrovian Club has done previously. Inevitably, our spring meet staying in netballers when the time comes. match at Little Aston was cancelled, as There was a hint that this may well be the cottage in the Llanberris Pass was was our OB invitation day at Ombersley more conducive than before and the cancelled. This was a great shame as it The most important thing is that we all in August. In October, the Welsh School are keen to continue to work is usually very well attended, sponsored remain fit and healthy, and we hope Public Schools’ Edward Harris Cup at closely with Old Bromsrovians Golf by excellent weather and we enjoy New members are very much welcome that everyone in the wider OB family is Porthcawl was also off, which in fact Society. outside dining with some excellent and encouraged - you only need some keeping safe and well. very nearly made it. socialising. A date has been booked for appropriate hill walking equipment and Here’s hoping 2021 will see things back May 2021. a sense of fun. Please look us up on If anyone is interested in joining the to normal, if ever anything can be called Facebook (search for OBEC) or visit OB netball team or finding out more, normal after COVID-19! And so it followed that the September www.facebook.com/groups/5287969489 then please get in contact with us via 2020 AGM was cancelled. However Facebook “OB Netball (Bromsgrove)”. Anthony Webb (Lyttelton 1955-1959) the Tyn Y Coed Hotel were able to host Jon Badger (Walters 1985-1990) Hon. Secretary for OB Golf a few guests (such as Robin Smith, Phil Secretary of OBEC Becky Alton and the OB Netball Team Gibbs, Tony Blacker and Mark Gunton) with appropriate social distancing (including camper vans and some dedicated few visiting only for the day) an event of sorts was achieved. Wedding Bells Congratulations to Mason Loades (Lupton 1989-1997) who married Congratulations to the following Old Kathy Gilburn (Hazeldene 1992-1997) Bromsgrovians who were married this at the Edgbaston Old Church on 12th year. Do let us know if you’d like to October 2019, with the reception at the feature in the next issue. adjoining Golf Club. They honeymooned in Mauritius. Alexander Wheelock-Lines (Lyttelton 1996-2006) married Veronique OBs who were in attendance included Elizabeth Merriam Barbosa on 21st Matthew Bailey (Chief Usher, Lyttelton September 2019 in Sintra, Portugal. 1989-1997) and his wife, Elisa They married on their 10 year McAlindon (1992-1997 Bridesmaid, anniversary. Alexander and Veronique who read 13 1 Corinthians), Mason’s currently live in London together brother, Spencer Loades (Usher, with their small dog, Soda. OBs in Elmshurst 1986-1990) and sister attendance included Avnish Kalra Claudia Roberts (Oakley 1987-1992), (Lyttelton 2001-2006 and Alexander Nick Allman (Lyttelton, who read 11 Fletcher (Wendron-Gordon 2001-2006). Isaiah), Adam Jones (Lyttelton) and his wife Harriet Jones (née Soper, Bridesmaid), Nick Grove (Lyttelton) and his wife, Sarah Grove, Robert Gough (Elmshurst), James Wilson (Lupton), James Clement (Lyttelton), Sally Wright (Hazeldene) - all at School with Mason from 1992-1997, Mark Gunton (Walters 1977-1982) and Helen Gunton (née Brooks, Mary Windsor 1981-1983).

Would you like your wedding featured in the next issue?

Contact the Bromsgrovian Office [email protected] or Tweet us @OldBromsgrovian The Bridge Programme Thank you to all our OBs who helped with our online programme for Upper Sixth pupils, designed and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frederica Robbins (Thomas Cookes 2008-2015) led the very first OB panel session on LinkedIn and how to make your profile pop.Adam Robertson (Lyttelton 2001-2013) and Polly Fletcher (Oakley 2006-2012) led on ‘Living the City Life’ - both studied, set up businesses and live in London. Adam held a further session on entrepreneurial skills.

Ella Cardinali (Oakley 2004-2015) and Josh King (School 2006-2013) spoke on the importance of giving. They both spent time volunteering through gap placements. Ella’s experience Each contributor discussed their area would like to get involved, please Bromsgrovians in Property with ICS (International Citizen Service) Haris Nazir (Lyttelton 2017-2019) Old Bromsgrovians Jess Williams (née of expertise in the sector, followed by a contact Zia Leech, Head of Futures: gave her the opportunity to present to discussed how technology is playing Kingston, Thomas Cookes 2004-2009), Q&A session. [email protected] the UN in New York. Josh spent time a part in the fight against COVID-19. Richard Brookes (Lupton 1961-1965) at Bromsgrove School and Haris’ takeaway message was that ‘this and James Brookes (Wendron-Gordon The Futures Department hopes to volunteered in Nepal through ICS. may look like a time of recession, but I 1991-1996) hosted a Bromsgrovians in facilitate more of these sessions with believe some of the biggest innovations Property event for current pupils and OBs and pupils, either in person (if Charlotte Campbell (Oakley 2004- of the century will come out of this parents in the Hospitality Suite. restrictions allow) or online, so if you 2018), Andreaa Mihaescu (Oakley outbreak, and everyday people are 2013-2017), Alex Nisbet (Lyttelton working on fighting this virus. It truly is a Sporting Connections 2005-2016) and Ed Drayson (School really interesting time.’ Well done to Bromsgrove Hockey Club 2008-2017) discussed degree courses Laura Brunning (Mary Windsor 2000- Ladies’ 1st Team who are celebrating in Business, Management, Finance, Abbah Abbah (Housman Hall 2015- 2008) and Jacob Matthews (Walters promotion for the second consecutive Economics and Accounting. 2017), Harriet Goucher (Hazeldene 2011-2016) discussed what it is like to season in the Midlands Feeder West 2011-2016) and Paolo Romanengo study a sports-related degree. hockey league. The team includes a Sasha Johnston (Hazeldene 2006- (Housman Hall 2017-2019) discussed number of Old Bromsgrovians: Anna 2017), Freddie Owen (Lupton 2014- degree courses n Law, Politics and James Prince (Lupton 2009-2017) and Perrott (Hazeldene 1998-2007), Lily 2018) and Alex San (School 2012- Psychology. Kara Doyle (Hazeldene 2001-2017) Alsop (Thomas Cookes 2004-2013), 2017) spoke about universities in the spoke about their experience of studying Victoria Burton (Thomas Cookes 2009- South West. Alex Evans (Oakley 2007-2016) worked Real Estate and Geography at university. 2011) and Heather Nunnerley (Thomas with our Design Technology students to Cookes 1994-1999). Will Nadin (Lupton 2011-2018), Ed create innovative pieces of technology Finally, Hannah Brock (Housman Mooney (School 2011-2018), Oscar that might help someone through a Hall 2017-2019), Emily Coleman The team finished fourteen points clear Chou (Wendron-Gordon 2015-2017) pandemic. In addition, Alex, along with (Hazeldene 2012-2017) and Erica of their nearest rivals when the season Lifelong Friendships and Dominic Gardner (Lupton 2004- Mike Matthews (Lupton 2012-2016), Halley (Oakley 2013-2015) talked about Rob Mitchell and Amyn Haji (Wendron- finished with one game unplayed at 2018) discussed what to expect and and Paige Maddox (Thomas Cookes what it is like to be a student at the Gordon/School House and Elmshurst the end of March. Bromsgrove striker, how to prepare for studying a science 2008-2016) spoke about studying universities of Manchester, Leeds and respectively, 1989-1994) were best Anna Perrott, ended the season as degree. design-related courses at university. Nottingham. friends at School and, despite living at the highest goalscorer in all midlands opposite ends of the UK now, still catch leagues with 20 goals. Alex Moore (Walters 2007-2014) held Jonathan Finn (Lupton 1978-1983) is If you are happy to be considered for up as much as they can. Amyn is a ‘Parliamentary Question Time’ for his a Teaching Fellow at Aston Law School. any similar sessions that the School consultant surgeon in London, and Rob As a result of their success, Bromsgrove session. He explained the basics of He kindly led a session on Indirect might run online for its current students, works for the Scottish Environmental are looking forward to playing in British politics, gave an overview of how Discrimination in Employment Law please email the Bromsgrovian Office Protection Agency in Edinburgh. Midlands Division 2 next season for the a general election works and spoke – usually a first year seminar for Law with details of your subject matter and first time in the club’s history. about the current parliamentary stand students. university course/job sector. Email us at on Covid-19. oldbromsgrovians@bromsgrove-school. Alexa Downs (née Guy, Thomas James Fouracre (Elmshurst 2004-2005) co.uk Cookes) and Sharon Lewis (née Davies, focussed on why ‘knowing your brand’ is Hazeldene and a former Prep School key for career success. academic member of staff) met at Bromsgrove and are still in touch today. Andrii Iermolaev (Wendron-Gordon 2015-2019) is currently studying at Cornell University, USA and kindly took time out of his schedule to speak about Computer Science. The build up to the end of the war was Some OBs were in different parts of the Experiences from other parts of the VE Day 75th Anniversary remembered by David Idwal Jones: country. Glen Smith shared his memory world and how the war in the East was The 8th May 2020 marked 75 years “Not quite VE Day (9 months before) but of VE Day in London: “On VE Day they not yet over until August 1945 were also since the end of WWII in Europe. I have a distinct memory of my Mother drove the family car, a Ford Prefect, mentioned by several OBs. Although we were not able to meet as sending me across the lawn to give my to the London Embankment, at the a School and local community to mark Grandmother the message “The Allies time I was seven. Having parked there One OB, James Whittaker, shared his the occasion and pay tribute to the Old have taken Paris”, I had no idea what we made our way through to Trafalgar family’s experience of the War carrying Bromsgrovians who had died during my message meant!” Square, I was hoisted by members of on: “Whilst the U.K. celebrated VE Day the War, we reached out to our School the crowd up onto the back of one of on 8th May 1945, the war continued in community to discover their families’ Mike Perkins was the first in his the lions, from where I had an incredible the Far East. My mother, aged 22, and memories of that time and to current household to hear the news and recalls, view of the crowds of people both her parents were interned by the pupils to share their experiences of “I was fiddling with the dial on our Radio celebrating.” Japanese in Stanley Camp, Hong Kong. marking this occasion, many of whom when at about 3pm on the fateful day I My father, as a serving officer, was a decided to commemorate the day at picked up a scratchy broadcast which Peter Hales shared his VE Day memory POW imprisoned in a separate camp. home. Back at Bromsgrove, a street seemed to be saying that the War in spent in Wales: “I was at home in They all survived until their freedom in party was put on for the children of our Europe was over. I told my parents Llangynidr. My parents had arranged to August 1945.” key workers in the grounds of the Prep but they said I must have got it wrong. meet in the local Pub. Many American School. Captain Farnes asked his Upper Nevertheless, I rushed out into the High troops were there and they invited many Hugh Furber recalls, “I was a child of Fourth Cadets to design a piece of work Street yelling the ‘news’.” back to our house for lunch. They were four and a half at the time and I have no to display on VE Day, and he received As the only two remaining NCOs in that John Gittins recalled being at another very grateful and wished to buy many memories of VE Day. However, I do have some very impressive entries, including regiment, they were needed as school in Worcester at the time: “We The end of the blackout was a common drinks. I cycled home but then went to memories of VJ day on August 15th. these two pieces of written work by pupil instructors, for many other NCOs had to were sent back to classes - high tea - theme in the memories sent in by Old bed. I still remember the room This date is often overlooked as was the Harrison Brown. pass a test to uphold their current army small break - evening prep, then to the Bromsgrovians. Tim Powell recalled circulating.” 14th Army (the forgotten army) in which rank. This meant Arthur was luckily dormitories. We were however given the spending VE Day with parents at his Capt. Tom Moore served. For the first A Toddlers View: It was so bright enough to be at home and with his day off the next day which included a grandmother’s house in Leamington Harry Shirley’s rather sobering time, I was taken on holiday that August Having been born in December 1943, family on VE day. He said he couldn’t service at the cathedral.” Spa, “The Jephson Gardens were all lit account of his train journey on VE Day to Llanfairfechan by the sea. I remember my Grandma didn’t realise she re- really remember much about the day up in the evening. It was the first time from Bromsgrove School to Rugby the Union Flags and bunting. I had my membered VE Day until she was much itself, as it was all blurred together as a Peter Valder also referred to Prep that I saw floodlights on that evening via Coventry gave an insight into the first experience of a beach and a strong older and she asked her mum about an mixture of celebration, uncertainty and School experiences: “Alas, I was still at as everything was blacked out prior to devastation of the bomb damage: “The memory of a man walking out of the sea overwhelming memory she had of lots of nerves as there was still a war going prep school on VE day, and as it came then.” Chapel Service was the only celebration in his bathing trunks and having only lights, some brighter than others, some on – one that he nearly had to fight in upon us unexpectedly, I don’t think at Bromsgrove but we were all excited at one arm.” that looked like two eyes and some that and had already lost many friends and anything happened, except that we Philip Hill commented on what his the thought of going home to celebrate. were fire. It would appear that she had family to. were given a day off. The anniversary School experience of the end of My Father was an officer in the RAF Thanks to the many Old Bromsgrovians been taken up to the top of the road - Harrison Brown (Current Pupil) in 1946 meant more, in that we had a blackout meant for him: “I do recall I and, unfortunately, my home at that who shared their VE Day memories and they lived on in Harborne on the evening day when we were allowed to go home, had been doing a blackout check after time was in Inverness. Luckily, I had family experiences with us and to the of VE Day and it was all the lights that The Bromsgrovian 1945 mentions a which had far more impact.” dark, making sure there were no lights made friends with John M. B. Cawood, members of CCF and other students she saw. Having spent the first eight- Thanksgiving service in the Memorial showing.” whose Father was also in the Services. who took time to commemorate the day een months of her life with blackouts Chapel and a two-day holiday for the Michael Roberts told us of his memory John kindly invited me to come with him with their thoughtful pieces of work. Old and war time, life suddenly seemed so boys, in line with the National Holiday. of the Chapel Service and Headmaster, Bonfires and street parties were also to his home in Rugby. We caught the Bromsgrovian Emrys Evans completed bright with the lights on in houses and We heard from Old Bromsgrovians who David Walters’ address: “Once we had recalled. John Hitchon wrote, “Although train from Bromsgrove to our week long tweeting of memories, the street lights lit up - and the two eyes were at Bromsgrove School, at other attended Chapel where DJW announced I was only three and a half on VE Day, I Birmingham and from there to Rugby. and his final statement sums up the coming towards her were buses and schools and at home at the time, as to the good and tremendous news, I was remember it well. After years of The train stopped for a few minutes at feelings of many that were shared with cars. As they looked right from the top what VE Day meant for them. fourteen and I imagined that there blackout, the street went wild with Coventry so I jumped off to have a look us: of their road there was a huge bonfire at would be no more addresses by Wal- excitement and lit a huge bonfire in the at the result of the “Blitz”. The Station the top of Barnes Hill. Philip Hill shared his memory of the ters informing the congregation at daily middle of the road. The heat was so Building no longer existed. There were “Street parties were a big thing along day at Bromsgrove School: “I remember Chapel that yet another OB had been A Soldier’s Day fierce that I vividly remember the paint no buildings to be seen for hundreds with bonfires. It is a long time ago but it being a nice morning and admiring killed. In his statement a two-day holiday on the nearest house to the bonfire of yards except for the remains of a the relief at war’s end was genuine.” I spoke to Arthur Kennedy, my was announced commencing straight grandparents’ neighbour who is now 95, the trees walking across the Green from being blistered.” couple of the Coventry Cathedral walls. Gordon House to the Chapel for the away. So a quick walk to the bus stop… I was absolutely shattered. I had seen about his experience of VE Day – this is I was on my way with one or two local his story: service, always looking their best in early Bob Cook recalled, “My memory of the the results of raids on Birmingham, and May. And of course, that we were now boys, excited yes as people were joyous, day before VE Day was seeing the Glasgow and other towns but nothing Arthur, who was 21 at the time, was free of war.” full of smiles and laughing.” enormous bonfire that had been erected like that. It is a memory that has stayed based in the Midlands with his regiment, on the Clent Hills. Even before its in my mind.” the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engi- Sir Robert Hastie recalled that the Prep ignition, the pyramidal construction was neers. About a week before VE Day, his School was not allowed home for VE an awe-inspiring sight. As a 15-year-old, Andrew Clark described his memories battalion were informed they were being Day, “On May 8th 1945 I was at the my abiding memory of VE night was of as “not a ‘bundle of fun” as his family relocated to Nottingham, and they were Prep School, not long returned from the fierce heat of the fire and its were separated due to the war: “Family- to prepare to be shipped out to the Far Llanwrtyd Wells where I joined in 1943. unforgettable sound, light and smell; a wise, my elder brother, DJR Clark was East. A day before he was due to leave We had all been excitedly following the beacon of wood and tar. The already at Bromsgrove and my father, for the Philippines, Arthur and another news and when the great day dawned atmosphere of jubilation was tempered a GP, was still serving with the RAMC NCO were sent to a Tech School close a holiday was declared. We were given by the worry that we still had to win the in Hamburg. Mother was working as an to where they were based in Nottingham the day off and were taken by bus to war in Japan.” eye specialist with Coventry and North and told they were being kept behind in Malvern where we had a very enjoyable Warwick Eye Department and my sister England. day.” was with an aunt in Berkhamstead.” Commemorative Cycle Ride We were not able to hold our planned celebrations in Llanwrtyd Wells due to the COVID-19 restrictions, but some of our staff members dusted off their cycling helmets and set off for a ride with a difference.

Their aim was to cycle from Llanwrtyd Wells to Bromsgrove School to remember the time that we spent in the small Welsh town when the School was evacuated in WW2 and to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Preparatory School.

Fourteen cyclists took on the challenge, and four of those – Mr Riley, Mr Felton, Mr Holdsworth, and Mr Brinkley from Winterfold, decided to complete the 180-mile round trip.

Thank you to Mr Jones, Head of Boys’ PE and Games at Bromsgrove Preparatory School for organising the event, and well done to all the cyclists who took part. Bromsgrove School’s Scout Troop Record Book 1935 to 1944 including the move to Wales. Bromsgrove Junior School, founded in Llanwrtyd Wells in September 1940, is mentioned in this extract from The Bromsgrovian, December 1940. Future Frontiers Vision 2020 Katie Leather (Prep School & Oakley Thank you to everyone who offered 2003-2014) is a Programme Manager their support to the Prep School at Our News to You for Future Frontiers, a charity that works the Vision 2020 careers event in with young people from disadvantaged February. The pupils gained lots backgrounds to transform their from talking to OBs, parents and NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE BROMSGROVIAN OFFICE. relationship with learning by supporting guests about their careers and it them with the guidance and networks made them think about job sectors they need to make clear connections that they might not have considered between their aspirations and before. education.

Katie is asking for a few minutes of your time, and her message is below:

“We are always looking to expand our network of professionals, in any industry, and are building a bank of these contacts. Being part of this network is an opt-in process which you can sign up to here and, if you do, coaches on our programme will be able to contact you should they have a pupil who wants to find out more about your School Shop Our newly refurbished and expanded job.” Who remembers the School Shop shop was opened during the (or ‘Binger’ as it was known to some) Michaelmas Term. “The pupils prepare questions with their Mike was delighted with how the during their time at Bromsgrove? National Archives School Badge coach in advance of the conversation, building looks and we cannot wait to We were delighted to welcome Mike Does anyone recognise this School which would take place over 10-20 show everyone more when Goverment Rogers, Sector Development Manager badge? minutes in their final Future Frontiers restrictions allow. (Transport & Schools) from the National session. It can take place in person Archives for a sneak peek tour of our We have received a request from a or, more often, via a phone or video new Archive and Heritage Centre before family in Australia who are trying to call and usually at some time between it opened in the summer. trace where one of their relatives was 12:00 and 15:00 on a weekday.” before coming to Bromsgrove School. You can help out by: If you are able to help identify the 1. Joining Future Frontiers’ professional School badge, please email our expert bank - Archivist, Nikki Thorpe: www.futurefrontiers.org.uk/get-involved [email protected] 2. Circulating the opportunity amongst your networks.

#ThrowbackThursday If you happen to be a regular follower of our social media accounts, you will probably know that we often post Usually, the Headmaster hands out an images for ‘Throwback Thursday’. TBT, Class of 2020 Graduation News as it is often referred to, is an internet A warm welcome to our most recent OB tie or label pin to each U6 leaver in Happy Graduation to all our OBs who trend where users post nostalgic photos leavers, the Class of 2020, who we look a special ceremony during their final received their degree classification from various eras. forward to welcoming to OB events in Routh Assembly, but with the enforced results over the Summer. the near future. School closure, these items were posted If you have any archive images or to each Upper Sixth pupil instead. Do let us know what you are up to now, anecdotes relating to the School that we so we can include your news in the next can use online, we’d love to hear from Alumni magazine. you - please email Oldbromsgrovians@ bromsgrove-school.co.uk with the photograph, the year and a brief description. From the Archives... As always, what the exhibition demonstrated was the richness of What has been a challenging time The Michaelmas and Lent Terms were November 2019 was an excitingly busy material that the School Archive has and from March to September of this last spent in the preparation and move of month for us with the movement of our what a debt we owe to the donors and academic year has also presented archives from the Old Chapel to our new newly conserved Antarctic sledge to its keepers of this material over hundreds of opportunities in the world of School bespoke Archive and Heritage Centre in bespoke cabinet in the heritage centre, years. It is wonderful that we now have Archives, giving us time to reflect on past Big School. our annual visit to Llanwrtyd Wells to the Heritage Centre to display many of challenges in the School’s history and the remember the School’s evacuation these items and show the development wider world. Obvious parallels with the there in WW2 and the launch of Philip of Bromsgrove School across so many Spanish Flu of 1918 and other serious Bowen’s book, Bromsgrove School at generations. influenza cases have been drawn and War and in Wales 1939-1945, with we were able to read how these illnesses the accompanying archive exhibition, caused disruption at School in the as well as, of course, the Year 8 and Bromsgrovian and Junior Bromsgrovian. Lower Fourth workshops on Bromsgrove School WW1 archives for the now annual creative writing competition.

They provided inspiration to our students to reflect on their own experiences of We have had some fantastic and timely Our Digitisation programme has proved a pandemic and see the importance donations from OBs, their families and its worth this year, providing material to of documenting their experiences for former staff this year. Our Ottilie Hild work on remotely so we can continue the School Archive for the future. From Pre-Prep Collection has been added to to respond to enquiries about the Liza Vasilyeva we had a poem about by items donated by Mrs Sue Pickering, collections and commemorate important her uncertainty of the decision to leave former Headmistress of Ottilie Hild and events such as VE Day 80 years ago, the Bromsgrove to go home during the Archive Club Students provided Bromsgrove Pre-Prep, enabling us to put much missed 2020 Commemoration pandemic. Her opening lines are a invaluable support with repackaging, another exhibition in the Headmaster’s Day and the anniversary of the opening powerful reminder of the personal impact organising and catalogue listing of the Dining Room to mark the opening of the of Bromsgrove Prep School in Llanwrtyd of the global incident. archives, finding new homes for items new Day Girls’ House at Bromsgrove, Wells eighty years ago, using our that previously had lived on dusty shelves named after the Pre-Prep founder, this School records. The programme of “Leaving Bromsgrove and in cabinets. While there is still many September. digitisation will continue so we can more archives to list and catalogue, the preserve our most vulnerable records the Spaniards announce their departure; students have made a great contribution We were delighted to receive a copy and so we can provide greater access Monday. to this and particularly Upper Sixth of the exhibition book about Old to our archive collections to our whole student, Ellen Kitchen who won the Archive Club students also curated Bromsgrovian Sir Lionel Whitby who School community. All of our digitised the air’s taste sours Bromsgrove Service award for her work an exhibition in the Headmaster’s fought in WW1, had a leg amputated material will in time be online through in archive club over three years, much of Dining Room on the ‘Roaring 20s’ after injury and went on to form the Bromsgrovians Connected site, using the the prospect of change is painfully real.” it spent repackaging and listing items on as they uncovered from the archive, Army Blood Transfusion Unit for WW2. OB login. We are interested to find out if the catalogue. menus, theatre programmes, uniform, An exhibition of his life was at Downing there are particular items OBs would like Further extracts of the poem can be read sports medals and even photographs College, Cambridge earlier in the year us to digitise for their own memories and in the Bromsgrovian 2020. of students to show how Bromsgrove and his grandson kindly sent us a copy research so please do let us know. School looked a hundred years ago. of the accompanying book. We are so Interviews with boarding house staff pleased to be back in touch with Whitby’s Nikki Thorpe and students are also part of our family and will be sharing our archives School Archivist documenting of this period of time and relating to Lionel with them and in our Tel: 01527 579679 ext 365 will become part of our oral history heritage centre. We do have Lionel’s [email protected] archive. Organic Chemistry note-book from 1911.

With apologies to Dr Mervyn Bramley OBE (Wendron 1959-1964) for incorrectly listing his title and not including his Boarding House in last year’s article. Obituaries OLD BROMSGROVIANS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2019/20.

Revd. J Michael Brierley Colin Broomfield Andrew Cox On his return from Africa, he attended choirs with his not insignificant bass voice. (School 1960-1966) Aberdeen University. Most weekends were In the garden, he strove prodigiously for (School 1946-1949) (School 1974-1984) spent climbing in the Cairngorms, the Glen the perfect lawn, but generally threw this d. 18th October 2019 d. 1st February 2020 d. 13th March 2020 Nevis Range and in Sutherland; before he obsession out of the window if it meant graduated, he had bagged fifty Munros. getting out the cricket stumps. Andrew was born in Evesham, and he Ordained Deacon – Trinity Sunday 1960 Colin James Bowen Broomfield died During university vacations, he worked as a peacefully at home on 1st February and his brothers boarded at Hillstone volunteer with the National Trust, repairing He loved the role of grandfather to his four Preparatory School in Great Malvern. In Priested – Trinity Sunday 1961 2020, aged 52. Fruit farmer and owner the rooves of crofts on Fair Isle. He also precious grandchildren, supporting them of Broomfield’s Holt Heath. Adored by 1960 he came to Bromsgrove School worked with the International Voluntary from the touchline or the boundary. and it was here that the seeds of the Both at Worcester Cathedral his family. The world is a poorer place Service constructing roads in the Atlas as a result of his untimely death. He future extraordinary adventurer, keen Mountains and in his last summer he spent Sustained by his faith, he died peacefully sportsman and passionate Geographer Rev. Brierley ministered in four very lived respected and died regretted. two months in Israel working in a number in his local Cottage Hospital on Friday, 13th were sown. different parishes in the Worcester of Kibbutzim. March 2020, a day described in The Times Diocese and helped wherever he could, A brilliant orator and a charismatic, kind as ‘The Day Sport Fell Silent’. Andrew was, He enjoyed sport, music and drama, of- even through retirement. One of his in- and loving man who endeared himself After graduation, completed his as ever, the meticulous timekeeper. ten taking to the stage to perform solos terests was Church music and he wrote to everyone. Postgraduate Teacher Training and was and lead dramatic roles. His several new hymn tunes and anthems awarded his Winter Mountain Leadership - Joan Cox (wife) and daughters, Emma abiding love of mountains and travel in the late 1950s and early 1960s. One Certificate after intensive training in the and Jennie. began at Bromsgrove where he was a such tune was Camberwell At the Name Cairngorms. founding member of the School’s of Jesus, which became well known Expedition Club. He attended throughout the world. He achieved a BD Andrew taught at Repton School from undergraduate lectures in the Sixth (Bachelor of Divinity) in August 1970. 1976-2006. It was a job which he loved, Form, enjoying lectures in Practical becoming Head of Geography and later a Geology at Aston University twice a He leaves Ann to whom he was Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. week. Andrew was Head Boy and on his married for almost 60 years, sons John His belief that classroom geography is final day at school he was presented to and Paul, six Grandchildren and seven greatly enhanced by field trips meant that the visiting Queen Mother, having been Great Grandchildren. generations of pupils benefited from his made a Queen’s Scout. many overseas as well as local places of - John Brierley (son) interest. He took field trips to Egypt, In the summer of 1966, he went as a Morocco, Jordan, the USA and China. Volunteer Service Overseas student to When granted a sabbatical by the teach English and Geography at Governors in 1989, he travelled overland Abeokuta Boys in from Kigali to Cape Town. He also Nigeria. At the end of the first term he organised major school expeditions to set off with two other volunteers, Tanzania, Morocco, the Indian Himalayas hitching lifts from lorries and finally and the Peruvian Andes. reaching Timbuktu on New Year’s Day 1967. During the course of the next A great sports enthusiast, he coached two terms he also helped at weekends cricket, hockey and rugby. He was also doing odd jobs at a nearby Leprosy very involved in the CCF, attending fifty Settlement, joining the patients for their army camps and organised many Sunday services. The joy and long-distance walks including the Coast to enthusiasm of the patients as they sang Coast and the West Highland Way. was so wonderful that Andrew said it was something he would never forget. He and Joan headed to North Berwick, At every opportunity while in Nigeria he just round the coast from Edinburgh. grabbed the chance to make journeys Travels continued to New Zealand, South on his trusty Honda 50 motorbike. By Africa, the Baltic, Iceland as well as many June, the Biafran War had broken out walking holidays in the Alps and the Inner and he was evacuated, along with other and Outer Hebrides. volunteers, because the forces from the east were rapidly advancing on Lagos. Andrew held a sincere and active Christian faith. He was very involved in the life of St Andrew’s Blackadder church as well as the wider community of North Berwick. He led heartily from the back in two local Obituaries OLD BROMSGROVIANS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2019/20.

Ian Grant Fraser became one of the top soloists in Cape after the briefest of pauses, continued) Bernard Hall-Mancey In 1972, Bernard took up the post of Bernard gained a great deal of satisfaction Town during the 1960’s. As a member of one never does”. He never gave up Director of Music at Hinchingbrooke in giving back through the generosity of his (Gordon 1953-1956) “The Companions” he featured regularly hope, never gave in to despair, he held (Former Academic Staff) School. It was during this time that he also time, experience and knowledge. In later d. 28th January 2019 on radio singing the backing to to the faith right to the very end. My d. 2nd April 2020 received tuition in conducting from Sir years, he gave freely of his time to help at commercials. He remained a member Mom remained the love of his life; my Adrian Boult, whom he had met during his Bromsgrove School. He adjudicated of the excellent ‘Cape Town Philharmonic sister the apple of his eye. studies at the RCM, which would hold him brilliantly for numerous music competitions Choir’ to his dying day - Handel’s in good stead throughout his life. He used and accompanied staff and students on unsurpassed ‘Messiah’ being his most his skills to conduct the Huntingdonshire many cathedral trips with the Chapel Choir. beloved work to perform. Choral Society and Orchestra, as well as Bernard was also hugely supportive of the serving as a committee member on the orchestral and chamber concerts. Many Without a tertiary education, my father Huntingdonshire Music Society. A of the students appreciated being able to achieved a great deal in business before particular high note in 1973 was Bernard’s seek his advice and thoughts at the end of his unexpected retrenchment in 1984, appearance as the conductor and choir these concerts and trips. which hit the family hard. Prior to that, master of the first trial of a new format for he excelled as right hand man, and was the TV programme, Songs of Praise, from Bernard also remained actively engaged in intimately involved in establishing several Godmanchester. Bernard ensured that the music within his local community and was of the premier coastal town developments Bernard was borm in September 1942, trial was a success, which led to it being committed to helping musical youngsters. in South Africa. He ended up as a and his formative years were spent at Early commissioned in full by the BBC to be He was a very enthusiastic supporter of the director of some 20 companies / sub Grammar School, near Reading, and it was presented in the programme format we orchestra at St John’s Church in companies, dealings with the full while at sixth form that his love of music know today. Bromsgrove and joined their organising spectrum of society from cabinet developed fully. He went on to graduate committee as a valued and hugely ministers and movie stars, to industry from the Royal College of Music as an In 1975, Bernard moved to Bromsgrove knowledgeable contributor. He also leaders, and many humble but Associate with an ARCM diploma, as well School as Director of Music. Bernard assisted the David Morgan Trust, a body set comparatively regal co-workers. It came The three operations in as many years as holding the GRSM qualification. This created opportunities for all pupils and up to help young musicians in the with the associated stresses and took their toll and he became very frail provided Bernard with a high level honours parents to sing in choral works in a very Bromsgrove and Worcester area and he On 28th January 2019, Ian Grant Fraser frequent gymnastics required to hold following the second aneurism degree in music and he also graduated to ‘inclusive’ School society, open to all. He was also the secretary, right up until his (class of 1956) went to be with the Lord. onto ones integrity, 1 Corinthians 15:33 operation. Paralysed suddenly two be an Associate of the Royal College of Or- often spoke about pupils he met later in life untimely passing, of Bromsgrove Concerts. Not a perfect man, but a great man. His ESV. weeks to the day before his passing, the ganists. During weekends, he would travel who said the experience of being able to character, manners, sense of decency were future did not look promising but he back from London to Reading to support take part in singing sparked a love of music His love of music has inspired the many founded in a strong Christian faith and My father dodged more than one remained resolved to fight to recover local music organisations and in his final in them and in some cases caused their thousands of students he has taught moulded by a bygone era swept away by near miss; the most notable of which and stay with us and we had some year, he took up the temporary post of choir lives to go in a different direction. over his lifetime. He was a fanatical fan of the two devastating and unnecessary World was when he was sent to Ex Mouth wonderful moments. He took the grim master and organist for Trinity Methodist Edward Elgar and took great solace from Wars. He trusted in a man’s word and a to ‘escape’ the blitz in Birmingham. diagnosis of his condition with utter Church. During this period, he was also the listening to his music. handshake was all that was required. The reprisal attack for the bombing dignity and resolve. He fought to the conductor of the Brierley Hill Choral Society of Cologne Cathedral targeted Exeter end, receiving his last rights’ three After attaining his degree, Bernard went on and many members remember him as Above all, Bernard was one of the Educated at Bromsgrove, he loved his cathedral. The result was that a bomb times. For us it makes this great sad to Birmingham University where he gained a clear and courteous conductor with kindest and most generous people you school days excelling at sport, and singing. literally went through the roof of the loss a celebration and less woeful his DipEd teaching qualification. His first plenty of anecdotes to keep the musicians could wish to meet. He got along with He remained an extremely proud Old house they were staying in but did not because we know Jesus received him job as a music teacher was at Fitzharrys focused and ‘on message’. everyone, no matter their station in life, and Boy and could not be more impressed explode. In a crisis, when you just could with open arms and he had nothing to School in Abingdon in 1965. The had the ability to light up a room with his with how the school has grown and not take another step; dad would step fear. Renewed, restored, perfect with following year, he moved to Abingdon During summer holidays, he was an wit and anecdotes, often accompanied by developed over the last sixty odd years. in - calm, considered, consistent, and his angelic voice. He is survived by a School where he created the junior choral examiner for the Associated Board. hilarious impressions. He was adored and He formed strong friendships at school persistent. His persistence made him son, daughter-in-law, daughter, and five society and brought them up to a Following his departure from loved by his daughters Susan and Gillian, that lasted his lifetime, and took brilliant with Details and fact finding, not beautiful grandchildren. One of the last particularly high standard. He also ran the Bromsgrove in 1987, Bernard became a their husbands Elliot and Mark, his wider pleasure in the success of others. Sent even the most slothful and reclusive civil pleasures he enjoyed in hospital was a senior orchestra and as the school was full-time examiner. He relished his trips family and especially his grandchildren - out to the colonies at 18, he arrived in servant could hide from his inquiries for good shave. I was five minutes late for linked with St Helen’s church, Bernard was abroad, not only helping thousands of Tom, Eleanor, Edward, Robyn and George South Africa on the 28 February 1957 long. My dad was late for EVERYTHING, his passing. also the choir master and organist at the children to develop their music skills and - his wide circle of friends and numerous aboard the Stirling Castle. The news of except for heaven. church. In 1968, a service with Bernard qualifications but making friends wherever past students, many of whom had stayed his father’s passing, just weeks after he - Rowen Fraser conducting was broadcast from St Helen’s he went. Many remember him as cutting in touch with Bernard some 40 years after had arrived in Cape Town was a He LOVED to laugh and remained a on Radio 4. Using his considerable music a very distinguished figure with smart jet being taught by him. He is very much shattering blow. Very active in United relationship healer all of his life. Dad’s talents, he formed the Corallian Singers black hair and neat beard. Eventually he missed by all who knew him and the world Party Youth with Sir de Villiers Graaf, all greatest loss and sadness was losing his group which received rave reviews. It is became a co-ordinator for the Board and, has lost a true gentleman. things community were my father’s point marriage. The week before his also worthy of note that during this period before retiring, was involved in training of interest. A passionate climber, dad operation he expressed at pains how Bernard had two major operations on his ABRSM examiners as part of a scheme - Elliot Rose (son-in-law) loved God’s creation and in South Africa much he loved his grandchildren: “I so knee, resulting in months of considerable that ran in the 1990s. He would spend his Scottish highland roots enjoyed it in want to see them grow older, I haven’t pain. This would normally be hard enough many hours regaling all of his hilarious full measure. His greatest passion was had enough of them... (looking forlornly to bear, but one can only imagine how stories and experiences whilst working music, in particular oratorio, and painful it must have been for him as an overseas. organist. Obituaries OLD BROMSGROVIANS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2019/20.

The Revd Peter Hammersley Before he could take up a place at Lincoln Peter had an extraordinary ability to make Colin Rawson Hill Joanna Keeble Dr Jeffrey Lewins Theological College, he strug¬¬gled to be all the people he met feel special. He (Wendron 1949-1954) taken seriously by ACCM; he was appalled energised a parish in such a way that (Gordon 1956-1962) d. 21st March 2020 (Former Governor) by how many obstacles seemed to be put people wanted to make their contribution, d. 9th June 2020 d. 3rd June 2020 It is with great sadness that we report the d. 23rd August 2019 in the way of an applicant from Africa. whether that was to arrange flowers, look death of Joanna Keeble, wife of the late Reproduced from an article published in Eventually, he arrived at a selection after the church accounts, or offer Colin sadly passed away after a short stay Dr Jeffery Lewins (1985), died on Friday, Hugh Keeble (Housemaster of Abernant the Church Times, written by The Revd conference and, before registering, he themselves for ordination. in hospital. He had recently moved to 23rd August 2019 in hospital. He had during the School’s time in Llanwrtyd Wells John Watkins. went to gather himself together at the local Sunrise care home in Shirley as the been ill for some time, but he suffered a and of Gordon House back at hostelry. He fell into con¬versation with In Tarrington, the village where he and Alzheimer’s he’d been suffering from for stroke on Wednesday from which he did Bromsgrove). Joanna passed away The Revd Peter Angus Ragsdale another customer; only later did he Peggy had lived for 20 years, there were the last ten years progressed. Until then he not recover. peacefully at home on 21st March 2020 Hammersley died at home in Tarrington, discover that his drinking companion was few who didn’t know him. He moved had been living independently in Broadway aged 100. Herefordshire, on 9 June, aged 84. With one of the selectors. On hearing this story, so easily among people from diverse thanks to enormous family support. Jeffery joined Magdalene after a him were his wife, Peggy, and their two none of us were surprised that it all worked backgrounds that all those who met him, distinguished career in the University of sons, Andy and Nick. out so well. Spending only a short time with church-goers or not, would feel that they In 1952, aged 8, he couldn’t wait to join his London. After Sandhurst (where he was Peter could seriously affect one’s thoughts. had a unique connection. two older brothers, Norman and Keith, at awarded the Gold Medal), he held a Peter was part of a Worcestershire family Bromsgrove. First at the old Prep School commission in the Royal Engineers, serving that had founded E. R. Hammersley, a His ministry began in Stafford, before he Peter had been receiving treatment for (Oakley) then moving up to the Senior in Korea, Germany and Scotland. While in successful firm of men’s clothing took up a post in working-class parish in myeloma for some several years. Each time School. He became a school monitor and the army, he studied Mechanical Science manufacturers. From Bromsgrove School, West Bromwich. From there, in 1988, it looked as if the treatment choices had head of Gordon House. He captained the at Cambridge and then gained his PhD he gained a place at Jesus College, Oxford, he became Vicar of Streetly, not too far come to an end, there would be just one Hockey 1st X1, played Rugby for the 1st in Nuclear Engineering at MIT. Later he to read Classics. It was not for any lack of away, but a rather stark contrast. He also last thing available, and he would have a XV and captained the 2nd X1 Cricket. On gained a further PhD from Cambridge and academic ability that his time at Oxford was served as Rural Dean of Walsall. Among his year or two more. leaving school he studied horticulture at a London DSc (Eng). His work was in the curtailed, but it became clear to him and to experiences was becom¬ing the training Pershore College. application and interpretation of everybody else that he wasn’t actually incumbent to a certain Giles Fraser. Peter, The service at the Hereford Crematorium mathematical methods to nuclear power doing much work, and so he it seems, was carefully selected, prepared, was conducted by his friend, Prebendary In 1967 he joined the Ministry of problems and he published many books undertook National Service. He trained and warned by the College Principal. The Nicola Seabright. She reflected on how Agriculture and Fish as an advisor. This and articles in this field, becoming for a commission at Eton Hall, joined the biggest challenge, reportedly, was not to Peter saw in all people the image of the took him to Taunton where he played for editor of several prestigious academic Worces¬ter¬shire Regiment, went on educate his curate with regard to doctrine, God who had created him. The assistant the 1st XV at Taunton Rugby Club. He series and serving as President of the second¬ment to Africa, and then finished but to give him serious advice on matters cur¬ate referred to Peter’s firm belief in the moved to Sleaford, then Luddington. He Institute of Nuclear Engineers. his time in the forces with the SAS. more sartorial. ministry of humour. Having asked Peter for was a founder member of Spartans RUFC advice on projector screens in church, and in Sutton Coldfield, which was formed After leaving the military, he took up a It was possibly his easy way with people The last six years of Peter’s licensed the current guidance involving the use of originally from Old Bromsgrovians. post as the first Warden of Hughes Parry rather than being part of a fighting force ministry were in group of rural parishes in these, not hymn books or service sheets, Hall and as a lecturer in the University of which accounted for his success. In his Herefordshire, where he was an assistant and a screen over the coffin, the curate In 1977, he opened Hill’s Nurseries in London in 1968. Jeffery joined Magdalene self-deprecating way, Peter told the story curate in the Ledbury Team Ministry. This pronounced Peter’s response: “Not over Wickhamford near Broadway which he ran College and took on many roles within the of how, after parachute drops, his task was an entirely deliberate move to remain my dead body.” until his retirement. Colin was Chairman College including a memorable stint as was to gather up the troops and lead them in parish ministry; he could have easily of the Wickhamford Gardening Club for Praelector. After retirement, he became a forth. This it seems did not always work followed a more glitter¬ing path, but he - The Revd John Watkins many years. The Gardening Society was a Life Fellow. particularly well and even¬tu¬ally it was was never in any doubt about what big part of his life and he was a respected the sergeant who advised him: “When you mattered to him, those around him. member until only a few months ago. - Compiled and published by Magdalene land, sir, stay right where you are, and we’ll College, Cambridge come and find you.” There would be very few who would not Despite being very popular with the find his services deeply moving: there opposite sex, he remained a bachelor. He At the end of his commission, Peter chose were no wasted words, and it all added was much loved and will be greatly missed not to join the family clothing firm, but together to finish up much more than the by his two brothers, all their families and moved, with Peggy, to Zambia, where he sum of its parts. He never used notes when his many friends. took up a senior job in a textile firm. It was preaching; he might have tried to give the during his time in Africa, in par¬ticular impression that he had come up with his - Keith Hill in Ndola Cathedral, where he led some words while walk-ing up the church path, services, that his sense of vocation bubbled but his congregations came to know that it up; he had spoken lightly of ordination would all have been well thought out in the before joining the army. Peter described gardening moments. Gardening was the how he tired of balance sheets and “the great relaxation, along with Mahler, family, bottom line”, and came to see with a new friends, and his study of the clarity that what really mattered were the Peninsular Wars. people in the whole opera¬tion, all those around him. Obituaries OLD BROMSGROVIANS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2019/20.

Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith Dick Noake As a School boy, Dick was captain of Alfred Norman Piddock In 1949, Norman married his wife, Peter Simpkiss swimming, a member of the water polo and Dorothy, thereby also acquiring two young (School 1964-1968) (Elmshurst 1959-1964, 1st VIII shooting teams, Hon. Sec of the (Wendron 1930-1934) step-children whom he always treated as (School 1953-1956) d. 8th August 2020 Former Governor and Golf Club and VP of the Debating Society, d. 5th December 2019 his own. He and Dorothy went on to have a d. 15th September 2019 Foundation Trustee) 1963 and 1964. He was a member of the further four children. Reprinted from the Wye & Usk Foundation Choir throughout his career at Bromsgrove, Probably one of Bromsgrove’s older Peter Simpkiss died at Beaconsfield Tower website, as requested by the Marsh-Smith d. 21st April 2020 made it to the rank of Corporal in the CCF alumni, Norman died at the age of 103, Norman worked hard to support to support Nursing Home, Ramsey, in his 87th year. family. and, upon leaving the School, received having led a very full and, indeed, fulfilled the family. He expanded the factory in He passed away after a long illness borne an English Speaking Union Scholarship life. Wordsley. Over the years, fashion knitwear with exceptional courage and dignity. Stephen leaves a long-lasting legacy to the to America. Dick was House Monitor in gave way to school knitwear, Bromsgrove Wye & Usk Foundation as well as to the his beloved Elmshurst and received the Norman was born on 28th August 1916 being amongst his customers. Elder son of the late Mr and Mrs F.D rivers trust and environmental movement. Milliken-Smith Cup. The Drama Review in Kingswinford, where he grew up with Simpkiss, J P S Breweries Ltd, Brierley Hill, In 1995, it was he, along with other river of 1964, his final year, talks of the “Dick his mother, father and two older brothers, He loved his work, but nevertheless still Staffordshire. Former husband and friend Wye owners, who came together to take on Noake Combo”, a group of three students Geoffrey and Hurley. The Piddocks were found time to spend hours with the other to Jo. Loving father to Guy and his partner the problems facing the rivers and spe- who made popular appearances on stage already a well-established family in the love of his life – his magnificent garden. Debbie, daughter Zelda and her husband cifically, their Atlantic salmon, giving up a to, we are sure, rapturous applause. village, having both a clothing shop and He was also a keen long-term supporter of Stewart. Proud grandfather of Spencer, successful dentistry career in the process. It manufacturing facility there. the Brierley Hill Concert Society, Wordsley Luke and Samuel Footer. was his determination, ambition, innovation The Executive team know that they echo Community Centre, the Dudley Piano and relentless energy that was essential in the sentiments of all in the School family, In 1930, he followed his brothers to Festival and the Church. With gratitude to the Health Service of the Stephen signing the agreement to buy off It was with great sadness that we learnt of past and present, in expressing their deep Bromsgrove School, where his musical Isle of Man, in particular the staff of the estuary nets in 2000, setting up our the death of Dick Noake (Elmshurst 1959- sadness at the loss of a great servant to the talents developed, often playing the piano He finally retired in 1995 aged 79! He and Beaconsfield Tower Nursing Home, organisation and for driving improvements 1964, Former Governor and Foundation School, who supported our every in concerts together with his brother, Dorothy went on to pass many milestones Ramsey, who gave unstinting care to Peter for rivers and fish. His ethos of getting Trustee) during lockdown on 21st April endeavour with wisdom, passion and Hurley. He was also a keen athlete and and had been together for 66 years when during his last years. The Funeral Service things done will always be the basis of how 2020. We take some comfort knowing that endearing humility. enjoyed his initial taste of military matters in she died in in 2015. Her death in 2015 was held on Friday, 27th September 2019 the Wye & Usk Foundation operates. he was with his wife, Helen and children, the school cadet force. came as a serious blow to him, but he at Jurby Parish Church, followed by James and Rebecca, at home. remained determined to stay in the family cremation at Douglas Borough In 2011, Stephen was awarded an OBE for On leaving Bromsgrove, he went to the home they had created together. Crematorium. services to the environment and Dick left the School in the same year School of Dress Design in Handsworth in conservation of the Wye and Usk. Five (1964) that R.G. Routh (former preparation for starting work in the family His death marked the end of the Piddock - Published in Isle of Man Today on years later, he stepped down as our Chief Headmaster) died. Routh was the true clothing business. However, his career in presence in Kingswinford and he will be 19/09/2019 and sent in by his daughter Executive to become the head of Afonydd embodiment of a Bromsgrovian – loyal, the family firm was soon interrupted by the greatly missed. Cymru, the umbrella organisation for Welsh disciplined and faithful to the School, and outbreak of war. rivers trusts. However, he still retained a visionary for the future. The same can - Anthony Hopkins (brother) an important role as Advisory Director, be said for Dick, one of our most loyal He joined the army, serving in the Royal representing the Wye & Usk Foundation and devoted OBs – as School boy, parent, Artillery from 1940. When the army first at ministerial level and guiding its staff and Governor, Trustee and latterly as Chairman got the idea of putting aeroplanes up (Air trustees with his wealth of experience and of our own Foundation, his commitment to Observation Posts) to see where the expertise. Bromsgrove was unparalleled. artillery shells were landing, he was one of the first to volunteer. This was not a job An avid salmon angler, Stephen lived life to He was an Endowment Trustee, joining in for the faint-hearted, as attrition rates were the full. In his youth, he was a member of 1996, and when the School was high, often as a result of friendly fire. He the England international fly fishing team, incorporated as a limited company in June landed in Normandy on D-Day plus 3 and although he always gave the impression he 2003, Dick came on board as one of our went on through Belgium and Holland, would have much preferred to represent original Governors. He retired from the eventually reaching Kiel in Germany. Wales. Board in 2015 after 21 years’ service to the School. As Chairman of the Foundation, On returning home, he had to work hard His immense presence will be very much he drove forward events, regularly hosting to re-establish the family business, which the popular Foundation Lecture at his club had ceased to trade during the war, and to missed by all those who knew and worked with him. To many, it will be of no surprise in London, and was an early pioneer of the re-connect with the work force which had to hear that up until a couple of days before life-changing bursaries scheme for children been decimated by the demands of his death, Stephen was still working from who would ordinarily not be able to attend munitions factories and other wartime his hospital bed, designing fish passes and the School. When he resigned as activities, but, with his customary writing his monthly salmon fishing report. If Foundation Chairman in 2016, the trustees determination, this was achieved. any testament to his dedication to the rivers lost a true leader and friend. was needed, this was it. Obituaries OLD BROMSGROVIANS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2019/20.

John Thomas Old Bromsgrovians who also died in 2019/20: (Former Groundsman) d. 17th May 2020 Mike Buswell (School 1950-1955) d. 1st May 2020

Janet Cerrone (Former Staff 1974-2004 – Housekeeping Department) d. 4th April 2020

BrIan Cox (Elmshurst 1942-1944) d. 24th November 2019

Nick Franklin (Wendron 1962-1966) d. 16th August 2020 We are sad to report the death of John Thomas who was Head Groundsman at Andrew Gotla (School 1958-1963) the Preparatory School for twenty years d. April 2019 before his retirement in 2007. Often to be seen chatting to pupils, parents and staff John Holyoak (School 1937-1940) his practical skills and willingness to help d. 19 February 2020 were much appreciated by all. Coming from a family of nine his early years were W.B. Lancaster (Former Academic Staff) spent working on a farm in Welshpool and d. March 2020 when the family moved to the Midlands John’s successful application to join the James Leek (Elmshurst 1957-1962) School’s ground staff led to him being d. 6 April 2020 based at the Prep School. Dr Jo May (née Ogston, In retirement kidney failure complications Academic Staff 2008-2016) and dialysis three times a week severely d. November 2019 restricted his life but he remained cheerful and positive to the end. His funeral was Julie Mihailovic (Catering Department) held in Westall Park, a natural burial site set amid the trees, where a small gathering of Tolu Mumuni (Lupton 1980-1981) friends and family paid tribute to a friendly d. 9 February 2020 and outgoing man. Jim Page (Headmaster of the Prep School1982-1989) David Paul (Gordon 1938-1942) represented the School. d. 18 May 2020

- Jim Page Anthony Walters (School 1952-1955) d. 5 March 2020 The Foundation Donor Roll THANKING OUR DONORS, LEGACY MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS. THANKING OUR DONORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT DURING 2019/20. (GIFTS RECEIVED FROM SEPTEMBER 2019 - SEPTEMBER 2020)

Appreciation Lunch Sir Thomas Cookes Legacy Cookes Gordon Lupton John Adkins (1959-1966) William Jordan (1966-1972) David Walters 1981-1986, School Unfortunately, due to the School Society Julian Blount (1964-1969) Stefan Law (1960-1964) Governor) closure imposed by the Government, The Sir Thomas Cookes Legacy John Butler (1971-1974) Nevil Malin (1948-1953) Matthew Watson (1981-1986) we were unable to hold our annual Society acknowledges and thanks all Ian Clements (1964-1969) Hugh Mason (1960-1966) Peter West (1965-1972) Appreciation Lunch during the 2019/20 those who have made a gift in their Nigel Clements (1964-1969) Christopher Noble (1964-1969) Hugh Westlake (2002-2010) academic year. We hope to be able to wills to Bromsgrove. Members are Kim Daniels (1960-1965) John Palmer (1965-1970) welcome back our donors and legacy invited to an annual lunch and a new Philip Dawson (1962-1969) Graham Sim (1969-1974) Lyttelton society members next year if COVID-19 legacy board listing those who have Gareth Doyle (1963-1968) Charles Sowden (1962-1967) John Butler (1971-1974) restrictions are relaxed. made bequests over the years will be Matthew Horton (1962-1967) Tony Spackman (1944-1949) Mark Davey (1974-1979) Would you like to know more about the erected around the School. Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham John Vine (1945-1955) Hamish Docherty (2005-2012) Foundation? (1969-1974) William Downing (1993-1998) Paul Duffy (1983-1988) Email: If anyone is interested in making a gift Alex Kay (1967-1970) Hazeldene Emily Coleman (2012-2017) Nick Grove (1992-1997) [email protected] in their will to Bromsgrove, please John Moody (1963-1968) contact the Foundation Office: Paul Ormerod (1964-1969) Kara Doyle (2001-2017) Will Lockhart (2005-2016) Lucia Evans (2017-2019) Mark Merten-Jones (1978-1983) Post: Bromsgrove School Foundation, [email protected] or Clive Parkes (1966-1971) Harriet Goucher (2011-2016) R. Gareth Morgan (1953-1958) Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, telephone 01527 579679 ext 366. Nick Pearson (1971-1975) Sasha Johnston (2006-2017) Haris Nazir (2017-2019) Worcestershire, B61 7DU Adrian Powell (1967-1972) Ian Sanders (1961-1966) Claire Lawson (1990-1995) Richard Neale (1959-1962) Nigel Sherwood (1966-1970) Sophie Spurgin (2002-2010) Alex Nisbet (2005-2016) An opportunity to own a limited edition print of the historic quarter of Bromsgrove School Martin Smith (1961-1965) Adam Robertson (2001-2013) Housman Hall Michael Sneath (1982-1987) Thank you to everyone who has Or maybe you are one of the School’s Charles Sowden (1962-1967) Matthew Taylor (1968-1973, Chairman Abbah Abbah (2015-2017) purchased a limited edition print so eldermen who is able to recall Hannah Brock (2017-2019) far. If you haven’t managed to get your running along the famous tunnel that of the Foundation) Mary Windsor Haotian Cui (2015-2017) Laura Brunning (2000-2008) hands on one yet, there is still some lies out of sight, underneath the centre Ian Yates (1966-1969) Robyn Davies (2016-2018) Fiona Bryce-Johnston (1981-1983) time - do not miss out on your of the scene whose origin and reason Paolo Romanengo (2017-2019) Meera Bushell (1976-1986) opportunity to own one of these for construction dates from the time the Elmshurst Andrew Bagshaw (2000-2005) Sally Horton (1990-1995) stunning prints depicting the historic painting was commissioned. Andy Beadsworth (1979-1985) Lupton Sharon Jones (1978-1986) quarter of Bromsgrove School (painted Sandy Blair (1959-1963) John Barnes (1966-1971) Katie Palmer-Reid (2011-2018) in 1884). By claiming one of just 500 available, David Cory (1957-1962) Will Bolton (2000-2010) Nikki Pinder (1982-1987) you will not only have your own special Bernd Dittmann (1997-1999) Richard Brookes (1961-1965) Victoria Underwood (1982-1987) Beautifully capturing the scene of 135 memento of Bromsgrove School, but Adrian Drewry (1980-1985) Kim Daniels (1960-1965) years ago, this one-off print is from an you will be making a most worthwhile Jonny Ellis (1988-1993) Frank Dunne (1960-1965) Oakley original painting by the Birmingham contribution to the Foundation. Since Hugh Furber (1952-1957) David Dutton (1956-1961) Emilie Birks (2001-2006) artist Walter Reeves - depicting its inception in 2007, the Bromsgrove Richard Grindal (1959-1964) Simon Edwards (1980) Charlotte Campbell (2004-2018) Hazeldene and Cookes House (the then Foundation’s foremost objective is to Philip Hall (1972-1977) Jonathan Finn (1978-1983) Ella Cardinali (2004-2015) Headmaster’s house), Big School and provide life-changing bursaries to Philip Hobson (1948-1952) Paddy Firminger (1943-1947) Emily Douglas-Osborn (2004-2009) the old School Chapel (once the drama current and future pupils who are Michael Jones (1970-1975) Fraser Foster (2005-2016) Alex Evans (2007-2016) studio). in need and determined to succeed Victor Matts (1963-1973) Dominic Gardner (2004-2018) Polly Fletcher (2006-2012) against all odds. Rob Marshall (1986-1991) David Hawkins (1951-1959) Erica Halley (2013-2015) With the original painting having Nick Pearson (1971-1975) Jonathan Hill (1982-1992) Andreaa Mihaescu (2013-2017) recently been donated back to the Each limited edition print is numbered All funds raised from the sale of these Greville Rossiter (1961-1966) Rufus James-Moore (1953-1958) Violetta Onishchenko (2002-2007) School after an absence of nearly fifty and signed by Headmaster, Peter prints will be donated to Bromsgrove John Ruck (1950-1953) Jeff Jones (1959-1964) Claudia Roberts (1987-1992) years, the Foundation has Clague and accompanied by a history of School Foundation to provide life- Philip Shaw (1963-1969) Ian King (1952-1956) Ellie Robinson (2015-2017) commissioned 500 high-quality prints the buildings by former Deputy changing bursaries to those who would Chris Warfield (1975-1980) Caroline Lynch (1976-1981) - and this is your opportunity to own a Headmaster, Philip Bowen. For those not otherwise afford to come to the Topper Webb (1972-1973) James Prince (2009-2017) School rare souvenir of your time at who are keen to have the very first print School. Mike Matthews (2012-2016) Charles Bowen (1963-1968) Bromsgrove. (1/500), there will be an opportunity to Gordon Kelvin Morris (1976-1981) Robert Brownsdon (1963-1968) bid for it in an online auction later in the Once your order has been received, we Colin Butterworth (1962-1965) Will Nadin (2011-2018) Miles Burke (2001-2015) Perhaps your nostalgia will be stirred by year. will contact you to confirm the method Robert Collins (1962-1967) Felicity Melley (1977-1979) Andrew Clark (1947-1952) your memories of time spent at School, of delivery (courier or collection from Edward Dowler (1960-1965) John Mountford (1959-1964) John Cutler (1956-1961) Cookes or Hazeldene Houses? Or for By visting our online shop at School) and let you know when it is Barry Dumughn (1950-1955) Freddie Owen (2014-2018) Ed Drayson (2008-2017) those whose love of art, drama and the www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/categories, ready. But be quick - once the 500th Gordon Harvey (1957-1961) Simon Pancheri (1959-1963) Rhoderick Drury (1958-1966) humanities/literature was kindled in one you can purchase your print at a modest print has been sold, there will be no Keith Hill (1954-1959) Christopher Porter (1958-1963) David Evans (1955-1960) of the buildings shown? £135 for a mounted but unframed more. Jeremy Hilton (1950-1955) Philip Powell (1962-1967) Nicholas Evans (1963-1968) edition, or £185 for a mounted and Clive Gummow (1952-1957) David Reeve (1950-1954) Tony Feek (1977-1982) framed print (plus p&p or free collection Thank you in anticipation of your (1963-1967) John Steveni (1975-1980) Tony Friel (1962-1967) from the School). support for a most worthy cause. Julian Jenkins (1966-1971) Stewart Towe CBE DL (1965-1970, James Garrett (1970-1974) Steven Jordan (1964-1969) Foundation Trustee, President of the Geoff Godsall (1956-1959) School) Donor Roll THANKING OUR DONORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT DURING 2019/20. (GIFTS RECEIVED FROM SEPTEMBER 2019 - SEPTEMBER 2020)

School Wendron / Wendron-Gordon Friends of the School Friends of the School Parents Andrew Goodrick-Clarke (1952-1957) James Aktas (1997-2002) Andrea Davis Bonnie Siviter Vicki Kitchen Myles Griffiths (1957-1961) Michael Beard (1960-1964) Andrew Davis Denise Smith Howard Kordansky Bill Harvey (1956-1960) James Brookes (1991-1996) Emily Davis Kathryn Smith Caroline Leather Matthew Horton (1962-1967) Oscar Chou (2015-2017) Mandeep Deo Michelle Smith Darren Lloyd Tony Horton (1955-1957) David Cure (1959-1971) Jacqui Deval-Reed James Sommerville Jane Lodge (Foundation Trustee) Martin Hoskins (1962-1967) Rodney Embley (1953-1958) Lucy Dorrien-Smith Anna Sutherland Michael Luckman (Foundation Trustee) J. Roy Hughes (1945-1950) Adam Foster (2009-2014) Annika Eaton J. D. Symonds Peter McCullagh Gordon Irving (1967-1972) John Gittins (1944-1948) Chris Edwards Ann Taylor Joanne Miners Tom Jude (1997-2004) David Harrison (1947-1950) George Elliott Tim Taylor David and Nenita Mogg James King (1985-1990) Ashley Hutton (1967-1970) Mr and Mrs Embley Maria Travell Alan Nolan Josh King (2006-2013) Andrii Iermolaev (2015-2019) Collette Evans Serena Trowbridge Sarah Phillips-Dines Grayson Leversha (2014-2019) Freddie Kirk Patrick (2012) Gwyn Evans Ian Walters Anne-Louise Pridden Stephen Marsh-Smith (1964-1968) Justin Landon (1982-1987) Sheila G. Farrell Robert Warner Ian Prust John Massey (1962-1967) David Laver (1962-1967) Rob Faulkner Alison Webb David Robertson Ed Mooney (2011-2018) Jeff Lomax (1949-1954) Anthony Finn Rachael Whitbread Jonathan and Morag Ross Richard Neale (1959-1962) Greg Morrall (1987-1992) Susan Fletcher Richard Widdop Jenni Schutt Chris Parker (1985-1990) Mark Perrins (1968-1973) Louise Fountain Jonathan Williams Judith Shah Christopher Price (1939-1944) Alan Ross (1979-1989) Andrea Gait Gareth Young Michelle Stafford David Roberts (1953-1958) John Scotton (1960-1965) Rebecca Goodwin Sharon Stirling David Rowlands (1966-1972) Adam Sheppard (1988-1995) Nick Grey Parents Angela Strangward Alex San (2012-2017) Roy Smith (1953-1957) Kim Hands Anjali Agrawal Ian Stringer (School Governor( Michael Stirk (1960-1964) Charles Travis (1969-1975) Martin Hare Brian and Judith Alcock Sharon Symonds Duncan Walsh Atkins (1987-1992) Martin Trott (1972-1977) Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ruth Al-Nakeeb Axine Taylor Alastair Willcox (1991-1998) Carole Heath Brad Ashton Mervin To Robert Williams (1963-1968) Day Boy (no House listed) Charles Helle David Atkinson Philippa Turner Kenneth Barton (1921-1929) John Hever Chris and Justine Batham-Read Catharine Walker Thomas Cookes Kate Hewitt Penelope Belcuore Ian Walter Cathryn Bloomfield (née Winnett, 1997-2007) Friends of the School Joanne Horridge Lizzy Bernthal Jayne Wisniewski Alexa Downs (1992-1995) Old Bromsgrovian Lodge C. Howdell Sally Beswick Michael and Kate Wormington Paige Maddox (2008-2016) Jane Ainsworth Frances Howell Vishal Bhardwaj Jodie Poole (2004-2009) Brian Allen Mehroze Jamil Emma Bond Frederica Robbins (2008-2015) Marion Astill Helen Jones Neil Booth Samantha Smith (2007-2011) Mark Atkins Kelly Kenward Jim Bridgman Ally Taft (1988-1993) Mark Ballard Anthony King Andrew Bull Alice Walters (2004-2009) Mrs Barber-Fray Christopher Knowles Clive Bullock Jessica Williams (née Kingston, 2004-2009) Fran Bateman Tim Langlois Lisa Callaghan Carole Bayliss Sue Lee-Smith Cormac Campbell Walters Ciara Bird Zia Leech Karen Clegg Tim Boffey (1971-1981) Ian Black Jane Lodge Lisa Costello Kieran Brinn (2004-2019) Kirsten Blackford Saskia Mackenzie Mrs V. A. Cottman Tom Dyson (1998-2003) Michelle Bickerton Peter May Richard Cox Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham Philip Bowen Geraldine McLean Jeff Doak (1969-1974) Richard Bromwich Michael Measey Jane Edgington Jacob Matthews (2011-2016) Lesley Brookes Philip Molloy Richard and Claire Evans Alex Moore (2007-2014) Alison Buckley Nick Moore Trudi Faulkner Petrova Adrian Powell (1967-1972) Karl Burkes Charlotte Neale Andrew Foster Luke Simonds (2003-2008) Charles Cameron Bev Needham Kate Gallimore Aden Symonds (1997-2011) Stephen Challoner Martyn Parsons Adrian Hall Matthew Taylor (1968-1973, Chairman Shirley Cheevers Andrew Perkins Robert and Ruth Heggett of the Foundation) Peter Clague Pauline Perry Tim Holder Richard Windmill (1980-1985) Neil Collett Anne Peters Jo Horridge Vicki Conway Anne Phillips Michelle Humphries Richard Cook Elizabeth Pittaway Kate Ison Dan Corcoran Margaret Purdy Rachel Jeynes James Cosh Caleb Reed Mark and Claire Jones Venetia Cosier Philippa Richardson Nicola Kavanagh Jo Courtney John Rogers Barbara King Julie Cross Rachel Scannell Steve and Louise Kingston Events Update Form

WHAT’S ON AT BROMSGROVE DURING 2021 AND BEYOND. NOTIFY US OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR DETAILS BY COMPLETING THIS FORM.

Whilst we hope that we will be able to hold alumni events in 2021, due to current Goverment restrictions, it is impossible to say if and when these will be lifted in the near future. Please detatch and complete this form in CAPITALS. Further details of how to return the form can be found overleaf.

May 2021 September 2021 To find out more about any of these Personal Details Appreciation Lunch 2000-2009 Leavers’ Reunion events, or if you have suggestions of Monday, 17th May 2021 Saturday, 11th September 2021 your own, please email us at: Title: ______First Name: ______Donors from the current and last Venue: Bromsgrove School [email protected] academic year and members of the Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Surname: ______Honours (e.g. CBE, FRS): ______Sir Thomas Cookes Legacy Society are If you left School between 2000 and Tel: +44(0) 1527 579679 ext 357/366 invited to a special lunch with the 2009, this reunion is not to be missed. Or contact us the good old-fashioned way: Preferred First Name: ______Surname on Leaving: ______Headmaster. All eligible Old Invitations for eligible OBs will be sent Bromsgrove School | Worcester Road Bromsgrovians, parents and friends of out at the beginning of the Summer Bromsgrove | Worcestershire | B61 7DU Marital Status: ______Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY): _____ / _____ / ______the School will be sent invitations in the Term. Lent Term. Box Office: bromsgrove-school.co.uk/whats-on Online Alumni Events Diary: School Details July 2021 On-going bromsgrove-school.co.uk/alumni-events Upper Sixth Class of 2020 Dinner Bromsgrove Futures & OB Networking Senior School House: ______Friday, 2nd July 2021 In conjunction with the careers As we were unable to properly say department, we are looking for Old Preparatory School House: ______Additional House? ______goodbye to our Upper Sixth Class of Bromsgrovians who would be willing to 2020 leavers, we intend to host a dinner undertake mock interviews with current Start Year (YYYY): ______End Year (YYYY): ______(If you started in Pre-Prep or Prep, you can begin with this date) at the School on the evening before pupils, typically the type of interviews Commemoration Day. Further details will you would have for university entrance be communicated during the Lent Term. or a leavers’ work programme. In addition, the Bromsgrove Futures Contact Details department are always looking for guest Commemoration Day speakers to give a presentation or advice Home or Correspondence Address: ______Saturday, 3rd July 2021 to small groups of current pupils. Old Bromsgrovians, families and their ______guests are warmly invited to the OB Marquee on Lower Charford between ______City/Town: ______1.00pm and 5.00pm. Invitations will be emailed in the Summer Term and OBs County/State: ______Postcode/Zipcode: ______are encouraged to sign up to register their attendance. Country: ______

Email Address: ______

Mobile Number: ______Home Phone No: ______

If you have your own website, please specifiy it here: www.______

Twitter Username: @______Facebook Profile: ______

LinkedIn: ______Instagram: ______

Professional Membership

I am a Non-executive Board Member: ______

I am a member of a livery company: ______

facebook.com/oldbromsgrovians Old Bromsgrovians @BromsSchool @OldBromsgrovian Other details you wish to share: ______www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk | [email protected] | +44 (0) 1527 579679 ext 357 / 366 Higher Education

1. Degree Subject: ______Degree Type (BA, BSc etc): ______

Grade: ______Year of Graduation: ______Institution: ______

College (if applicable): ______City: ______

Country: ______Please Circle: Undergraduate / Postgraduate / Further

2. Degree Subject: ______Degree Type (BA, BSc etc): ______

Grade: ______Year of Graduation: ______Institution: ______

College (if applicable): ______City: ______

Country: ______Please Circle: Undergraduate / Postgraduate / Further

3. Degree Subject: ______Degree Type (BA, BSc etc): ______

Grade: ______Year of Graduation: ______Institution: ______

College (if applicable): ______City: ______

Country: ______Please Circle: Undergraduate / Postgraduate / Further

Occupation Details

Position: ______Industry: ______

Employer’s Name: ______Location: ______

Events and Communications Where provided, we will use your email (and occasionally postal address), as given by you, to send you news, invitations and information we believe to be of importance to our Alumni. You can opt-in or out of communications yourself by logging on to www.bromsgrovians.com. To view a copy of our Alumni Privacy Notice, please visit www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/PrivacyPolicy

How you can help

There are many ways in which you can help the Alumni Office and School. Please tick the box where relevant.

I can offer careers advice or insight into university courses

I am happy to offer my services as a speaker on my chosen career/university subject

I can suggest work placement or recruitment opportunities

You can pass my contact details and occupation to the School Careers Department

I would like information about leaving a legacy

I have pledged a legacy to the School

Data Protection Statement: All data is held securely and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your details will not be passed to external organisations or used for any purpose other than promoting the welfare of The School. Please note that core data, which is in the public domain and consists of your name/s, your year of admission, your House, your year of leaving and a photo, if you have uploaded one, is automatically made available to other alumni on the OB database. You can change any of these settings at any time to make your data visible or not visible to other alumni - just visit www.bromsgrovians.com Please detatch and complete this form in CAPITALS, and then post it to: Bromsgrovian Office, Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs. B61 7DU. Or email: [email protected] If you require more than one form, you can download additional copies from www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/bromsgrove-alumni You can also update your own details instantly by logging on to www.bromsgrovians.com