2 0 1 0 / 1 1 The Old Pocklingtonian Note from From the Headmaster’s Desk the Editors

It has been another busy year in the OP Office with lots of new initiatives starting to take off in addition to our established programme of activities and events. Joan Gough (née Sawyer, 1975-1977) joined the OP Office in October last year to look after theOP database, keeping it up to date and helping us to grow it as we re-establish links with OPs we have lost touch with over the years. She has also been helping out with the administration of events and reunions and in a short space of time Joan is already proving to be an excellent addition to the OP team. We have made a real effort this year to be better at keeping in touch with OPs with the introduction of a monthly OP e-mail news bulletin. It is a great Dear Old Pocklingtonians placement with Tidy Productions. David Peet (OP) way of keeping in touch and has prompted many and now MD of Tidy Productions gave our son a OPs to contact us with offers or requests for help “Excellent school with sound values that create challenging phone interview, which he followed up by with careers, contacting contemporaries, organising well-rounded individuals who are ready to meet sending some of his own ideas for a programme. He reunions, or just up-dating us with your news. If you the challenges of the outside world. I have seldom will begin a placement with Tidy in April. It appears do not receive the e-mail news bulletin it probably seen such happy and good comradeship from other to be a match made in heaven for James, who has means that we don’t have your e-mail address on our schools compared to Pocklington. Keep up the good some very alternative ideas and loves comedy. We database. Please contact Joan if you would like it to work...” will let you know how it all goes.’ be added. This is not the quote of the Headmaster seeking to You can read further up-dates about how James is Another area that is really starting to develop is the getting on later in the magazine. If you can offer advice OP Careers Network. Both the Headmaster and the promote the school of which he is very proud, but the words of a parent in a recent confidential survey. They and/or work opportunities please do contact Rachel President refer to it in their messages to you opposite Dare, OP Liaison Officer. and you can read some examples of how it is working reflect the good rounded education that Pocklington later in the magazine. Thank you for your support so has provided and will continue to provide its pupils. This is particularly important in an environment Following the successful appeal, work has now started far with this initiative and please do contact us if you on the Archive room. If you do have any memorabilia can offer help or advice, or if you need it! in which one in five 16-24 year olds in the United Kingdom are without work. We have a duty to ensure of Pocklington School that you would be willing to Although you have only just received this magazine that Pocklingtonians are able to access work and give permanently or on a temporary basis, please we are already planning the next issue! So please enjoy their adult lives. We will continue to be a school do make contact with the School Archivist, Angie send in your news, photos, up-dates or suggestions that is welcoming, rounded and supportive, a school Edwards. for articles (don’t be shy!). In fact if you would like with the ability to provide strong academics whilst to write an article for the next issue of the Old still achieving a truly rounded education, all within an Finally, Fiona and I were truly inspired by the Pocklingtonian we would be very pleased to receive inclusive and positive environment. However, we must company of OP John Hughes (1928-1934) at the it. You can contact the OP Office as follows: challenge ourselves to improve further to be a world dinner organised by Malcolm Milne (1955-1962) to celebrate 50 years of the Pixies Cricket Club. If I have OP Office class school so that Pocklingtonians can gain access to the same energy and passion for life at 92 I will be Pocklington School the best universities and/or career opportunities. I am delighted. We do hope to meet up with more Old West Green therefore really appreciative of the work initiated by Pocklingtonians at future events as we move closer to Pocklington, YO42 2NJ Tom Nash, President of the OPA, and his committee our 500th celebrations in 2014. Tel: 01759 321307 in encouraging Old Pocklingtonians to support our Rachel: [email protected] current pupils in providing advice and opportunities Joan: [email protected] beyond school. This is clearly valued as expressed in David: [email protected] the following letter to Rachel from a current parent:

Keep in touch! ‘We are so grateful for your help in finding a Best wishes work placement for our son James. Television and radio broadcasting is a difficult industry to break into, particularly when you have no connections. Mark Ronan Prior to your help our son had written over 30 Headmaster applications and had received only one short Rachel Dare placement with Yorkshire Radio, broadcasting some OP Liaison Officer rugby league matches! Thanks to your work with the Old Pocklingtonians he has struck gold with a

 From the Headmaster’s Desk The President’s View

Look out throughout the magazine for OP achievements across the board – we have such OPA diverse talents out there from climber Ed Hamer (2002-2009) pictured in action on the front cover through to the OP golf team who won the prestigious Committee Birkdale Bucket. The school has had records numbers of OPs visiting both on open days and privately, with many amazed both at how some things are exactly as Members they remember them and also at how much has been invested in and improved. OP Elected President: Tom Nash (1968-1977) I would like to thank all the volunteers who have come Vice President: Andrew Wilson (1989-1999) forward this year to offer their support, ideas and Treasurer: Mark Longley (1969-1979) contacts. I hope this is something that we can come to rely on more going forward as an active tradition Jessica Farmer (1993-2000) with more involvement across the board in the OPA. Beth Goodliff (née Binks, 1993-2000) Greater interaction, assistance and help from OPs to Henry Mitchell (1991-2002) OPs and with the School is what we are about after David Moore (1978-1982) all, especially as we warm up for the 500th. Duncan Goodyear (1980-1985) OPs have also helped the school this year in donations, legacies and raising money – including £1,000 towards School Appointed the Archive Appeal from sales of Old Pock Founders Mark Ronan (Headmaster) Ale which helped tip the balance and the scheme can Rachel Dare (OP Liaison Officer, OPA Secretary) now begin in the Summer holidays and should be Phil Donaldson (Teaching staff) open by the end of the year. Sheena McNamee (Teaching staff) Our telephone legal helpline operated by Law Express Ex Officio has helped and assisted a growing number of OPs Mark East (1972-1976, immediate Past President) Dear OPs, (all in the strictest confidence) in matters relating to health, business, property and employment. Obviously I hope that you do not have a legal problem but if We have had a busy calendar again and lots of Can you help? you do they are a great source of FREE advice and activity across the board. I would like to welcome We are always seeking more help on the committee we have had some excellent feedback from OPs so Joan Gough née Sawyer (1975-1977) back as OP and if anybody feels they can usefully contribute please give it a try. Database Administrator after several years on the either by being on the committee or helping out in committee. Together with Rachel and David we have support of the committee please contact Rachel or On the careers side you will also see the growing a first class team and they can organise reunions for Tom directly. We are particularly keen to find OPs number of school leavers and OPs for whom we you and regularly send out bulletins – so please make who could become year group reps for their leaving have secured placements, work experience and sure that they have your e-mail address, or that you year. As a year group rep you would act as the even full time jobs. This is a new positive ambition are registered on the OP groups on Linkedin and communications co-ordinator for your leaving year that the committee has for the OPA and the School Facebook. group and help get people together for reunions and to work closely together on. This will greatly benefit events. Please get in touch if you can help. 6th formers in building strong personal statements The annual summer “Do” was the best yet according to accompany their UCAS further education to many OPs who came. We were once again blessed applications and for OP Undergraduates and Post with glorious weather and in a nail biting final ball of Graduates in what is a difficult jobs market. Please the 1st X1 match OPs just lost out to the School read the case studies carefully and think about how – look elsewhere in the magazine for the details and 2 0 1 0 / 1 1 YOU might be able to offer something through your a report on the OP tennis matches! We had a well work and experience. attended London dinner with everyone looking very grand in black tie, suitably attired for the fine setting The school is really vibrant and now that all OPs of the Inner Temple, and kindly arranged by OP Simon are members for life, I sincerely hope you will feel Spence QC (1974-1981). This November, Friday 25 increasingly drawn to come back and muck in! I am November to be exact, we go on tour again to the sure you will be pleased to keep the connection alive Cavalry & Guards Club on Piccadilly through OP as more and more are finding. David Parker’s (1975-1984) links with the club. Kind regards This year’s biannual Oxbridge dinner fell to St John’s College, Cambridge and was little short of a riot with a great year group reunion of ‘68 leavers organised by Roger Kohn (1964-1968). Leeds and Newcastle were also well attended as we have good contingents of OPs at work and play, or should I say study, in both cities. The annual Boxing Day rugby match was hit by ice and snow but both the Pock Easter 7’s and the Tom Nash Cover Story Ed Hamer (2002-2009), OP hockey went off well with a record turnout and President Many thanks to OP new kit! OPA current BLCC National Climbing Champion, for allowing us to use this dramatic photo of him on the front cover. See the feature later articlein the onmagazine Ed and for his brother Sam (2001-2008) more news about their climbing achievements.  The Old Pocklingtonian Welcome to the Old Pocklingtonian Association

The OPA is pleased to welcome the 2011 school leavers to its membership. Above is a photo of the U6th leavers on their last day at school before the exams. See what happened to the 2010 leavers by reading through the destinations list below.

Georgia Allenby Gap Year Rebecca Helmn Winchester University George Pollard Gap Year Grace Andrews Guildhall School of Business Management Jasper Poon Hong Kong University Music and Drama with Marketing Social Sciences Acting Alex Horncastle Royal Agricultural College, Miranda Rabone Newcastle University Robert Andrews De Montfort University Cirencester Dentistry Foundation Diploma in Property Agency and Millie Rae Aberdeen University Art and Design Land Management English Katie Atkinson Newcastle University Alice Horne Nottingham University Alice Ramsay Lancaster University Marketing with Management Veterinary Medicine Criminology Matthew Axup Gap Year James Kelly Gap Year Frances Rickatson Royal Veterinary College William Axup Gap Year Rachel Kendall Newcastle University Bioveterinary Sciences Emma Baarda Gloucestershire University Physiological Sciences Jonathan Rowland Reading University Events Management Henry Laverack Gap Year Agriculture (2011) Hugh Barlow Bath University Deaglan Lloyd Cardiff University Lydia Rowland-Greenstone Gap Year Biology Law Conor Sacks Bath University Catherine Barnes Huddersfield University Louis Los Northumbria University Economics Criminology Biomedical Sciences Rebecca Sedcole Edinburgh University Alastair Bax Gap Year Rob Martland De Montfort University Medicine Matthew Bedford Gap Year Music Technology Richard Skowronek Newcastle University Joseph Bevan Ravensbourne Peter Massie Newcastle University History (2011) Scriptwriting Economics and Louis Smith Sheffield Hallam University Jessica Blake Northumbria University Business Management (2011) Business Economics Law LLB (Exempting) Laura Mather Leeds University James Spence York University Daisy Brown Brunel University Japanese Artificial Intelligence Journalism Amelia May Exeter University Natasha Stageman Bath University Toby Brown Sheffield Hallam University French and Italian Chemical Engineering Business and Marketing (2011) Tynam McNeill CGA York James Stewart De Montfort University Charles Cawood Northumbria University Trainee Accountant Music Technology and Business with Marketing Natasha McVey Nottingham University Performance Benjamin Chandler Gap Year Nursing Science Robert Stokes Lincoln University George Coates Nottingham University Craig Meakin Glasgow University Business Management Medicine Product Design Engineering Christopher Suddaby Northumbria University Ashleigh Cooper Cumbria University Sarah Megginson Oxford Brookes University Building Surveying Primary Education with Business Studies Kathryn Swan Coventry University Specialism in Inclusion/SEN Joshua Miller Sheffield Hallam University Sport Management Charlotte Croshaw York University Business and Marketing (2011) Carmen Tang Leeds University Sociology Roger Moorhouse Bristol University Geological Sciences Rebecca Daniel De Montfort University Engineering Design with Benjamin Taylor-Lyte Bournemouth University Media Production Study in Industry Film Production and Ben Dawes Bath University Tarek Mursal Gap Year Cinematography Politics with Emma Nesom Sheffield University Charles Thompson Newcastle University International Relations (2011) French and Hispanic Studies Geography Jacob Dixon Northumbria University Stuart Pearce University of Plymouth Rosanna Van Dijk Sheffield University Business and Marketing (2011) Geology (2011) Speech Science Lydia Edwards Gap Year Katherine Peeke-Vout Newcastle University Jessica White University of Durham Allison Felicidario Kings College, London Economics and Anthropology Classics Business Management James Wilkinson Leeds Metropolitan University Katherine Forsyth Essex University Becky Perry Leicester University Business and Management Criminology with Medicine Daniel Williams Bath University Social Psychology (2011) Alexander Peters Sheffield University Integrated Mechanical and Louise Goodwin Cardiff University Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Psychology Helena Pillmoor Lancaster University Sam Wood Bucks New University Sophie Guest Manchester Metropolitan History and Politics Film and TV Production (2011) University Adam Plotka Gdansk University Jack Young Leeds City College Hospitality with Medicine Photography Events Management Felicity Pocklington Sussex University Anthropology (2011)  London Club Opportunities especially perhaps to younger members (nearly 40% of the club’s members are under 25). For OPs Noel Ferrand (1943-1952) reminded the OPA joining within 18 months of leaving school there is recently that there are Clubs in London where just a one-off fee which gives full membership until membership is available to OPs. The East India aged 25.. Women are welcomed as guests at the East Club in St. James Square, close to Piccadilly, has a India but female school leavers may be interested in special relationship with HMC schools and offers joining the University Women’s Club in Mayfair on membership to gentlemen OPs of all ages. A number similar terms and indeed ladies and gentlemen do, of of OPs are already members of the East India including course, partake in social events at both clubs. Another James Sweeting (1981-1988) to whom the OPA is club in Mayfair, the Lansdowne, offers broadly the very grateful for having very generously funded the same facilities and again has attractive rates for commemorative plaque of the School crest which is younger members. Recent school leavers who will now on display at the club. be based in and around London may well find the club membership offers of great interest. Further The facilities at the East India Club include dining information including costs are available from the room, bar, library, gymnasium, snooker room and 67 OP Office. bedrooms. It also offers superb social opportunities; Spotlight on Careers OP Careers Network Takes Off Sixth Former Looks to Law In last year’s magazine the OPA announced that one As well as helping OPs, the OP Careers Network has Don’t forget if you are planning to go travelling of its key objectives was to develop the OP Careers also been able to offer support to current pupils with as part of a gap year, or indeed at any time, visit Network to provide more support, advice and work their career choices. James Reckitt who starts in the Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation web site for top tips opportunities for recent leavers, undergraduates, U6th in September featured in the July issue of the and advice on travel safety before you go. The web postgraduates or indeed OPs at any stage in their OP e-mail bulletin. He was looking for experience site address is www.carolinesrainbowfoundation.org career. Through the OP monthly e-mail bulletin and with a law company and a number of OPs came and it is packed with invaluable advice for travellers the ‘Pocklington School Alumni’ group on Linkedin, forward with offers of help from barristers through of all ages including specific safety tips for different the OP Careers Network has really started to take to commercial lawyers and solicitors. “In September countries, current travel risks in different areas of the off. There have been numerous offers and requests I will be starting my last year at Pocklington and, world, general tips for travelling and helpful contacts for help in various professions from Law to Marketing assuming my results are as predicted, I will be applying in each country, and what to do to make sure you and Music to IT. As well as OPs coming forward with to Cambridge in October to read Law. My long-term travel as safely as possible. offers of help, the OPA has welcomed support from ambition has been to become a criminal defence parents of current pupils who have also been able to barrister. I thought it would be useful to both my offer work placements or advice. career and my university application to have some real-life, hands-on experience of Law to verify that The OPA is pleased to report a number of success this is what I really want to do and to help with my stories such as undergraduate James Pratt’s work personal statement when I apply to university. I also First Class Honours placement with OP David Peet (1975-1984) at wanted to have some experience of different types Congratulations to the following OPs who Tidy Productions and more recently another of Law to give me a head start when choosing which have recently gained a 1st class honours: undergraduate, Max Rayner, was offered an IT areas to specialise in later on in my career. The OP Lucy Bennett-Baggs (2003-2007) placement with Aviva through a current parent. The Careers Network has been fantastic in helping me to

University of Newcastle OP careers network has also helped postgraduates gain this experience and build some valuable contacts Marketing Rob Larard (1995-2000) and Richard Gough (1996- in the profession,” explained James. Emma Brumfield (1999-2006) 2005) to secure full-time employment with Shepherd University of Newcastle Modern Languages (French & Spanish) Group Properties Ltd and Knight Frank respectively. James’ mother was also delighted with the service, Even current pupils, particularly those in the 6th form “Initially we thought that the subscription fee for Sarah Burton (2001-2008) such as James Reckitt opposite, are starting to see lifetime membership of the OP Association was Nottingham University Classics the benefit of using the OP careers network to help quite expensive, especially as James was new to the build their experience which in turn feeds into their 6th form so the whole membership fee was payable Lucinda Cawood (1997-2006) Sheffield Hallam University personal statements and university applications. over 6 terms rather than over 15 which is the norm Business and Marketing if a pupil joins lower down the school. With the help The OPA committee is extremely grateful for the James has received from the OP network so far, the Mark Denness (1999-2003) Harper Adams University College support it has received from Old Pocklingtonians lifetime membership has more than paid for itself Agricultural Sciences (and parents) for the OP Careers Network so far. If already, we just couldn’t have got this kind of help Sarah Denness (1999-2006) there are any OPs out there who have a company or without it and you can’t put a price on that. We are Loughborough University are part of a company that could offer help to an OP so grateful to all the OPs and parents for their time Management Sciences or a current 6th former via the OP Careers Network, and assistance.” James has had offers of help from or you have any ideas on how the service could be OPs Andrew Wilson (1989-1999), Simon Spence Fawn Walters (2002-2008) Kent University developed further, please contact Rachel Dare in the QC (1974-1981), Nick Lumley (1980-1987), Victoria English and American Literature OP Office. Similarly if you need help from the OP Latham (1992-1994) and current parents Kirsty Do let us know if you recently graduated Careers Network please contact Rachel with details Purkis and Adrian Strong. with a 1st class honours degree so that of the type of help you are looking for. we can add your name to the Honours Boards in the Music School.

 The Old Pocklingtonian Spotlight on Careers (cont.) Rebecca Rises to the Challenge

James second from left talking to James Experiences TV Production for Real ‘Benidorm’ Director, Sandy Johnson Rebecca Helm (1999-2010) has just finished her first It feels a long time since I was sat in my house in spirit that I believe will make the drama itself a huge year studying Business Management with Marketing Leeds finishing off yet another online application for success. The week went so quickly and I made many at the University of Winchester. Together with a three work experience that was probably destined for friends as well as learning more about the television of her fellow business students she entered the 2011 somebody’s junk mailbox. My second year at Leeds industry in 5 days than I had in 2 years at university. CIMA Global Business Challenge achieving notable University was drawing to a close and I was desperate I obviously sought more work from Tidy and on the success as she reports here: for a placement in the ever competitive TV industry. basis of the feedback about me I was offered another It seemed almost impossible to get a foothold in the four week contract later in the shoot as an assistant I entered the CIMA Global Business Challenge as industry and I realised it was time for a change of to the camera trainee. I accepted on the spot! I knew it would give me a unique opportunity to tactics. I contacted Rachel Dare in the OP office and present and network with top business leaders and asked whether, in the next OP Bulletin, she could post It wasn’t long before I found myself driving back executives from a wide range of companies and a link containing some of my work with a few lines down to Cardiff. The entire team at Tidy was just as organisations such as Barclays, CIMA, Miss Selfridge explaining my predicament in the hope that there was I remembered. It was as though I had never left and and Milkround Online. We also got the chance to an OP out there who might be able to help. before long I began to feel like a useful part of the meet with major employers such as Arcadia Group, team, really embracing the responsibilities entrusted Coca Cola, RBS, Centrica, Quintiles, Ford and JP The response from Old Pocklingtonians was fantastic to me. As the weeks passed I learned a phenomenal Morgan. It was a fantastic experience and an ideal way and it made me realise how lucky I was to have access amount and started to appreciate the true art of to build contacts and start thinking about potential to such a fantastic network. I had several replies television drama. As well as being on set, I was also career paths. and although not all came to fruition in terms of a lucky enough to spend time in Head Office, an placement, the advice I received via emails and phone experience which really helped me get a rounded For the first step of the competition we were given a calls was in itself extremely helpful. But there was one view of what it takes to produce a TV drama. 20-page case study about a dynamic fashion industry. reply that particularly caught my eye and that was We had to analyse a company called CeeCee, from TV producer David Peet (1966-1971). He read As I sit in Cardiff writing this article I cannot believe prioritising and making recommendations in order my CV, viewed my short film online, and asked the that my assigned time with Tidy Productions is for them to be successful. This was then condensed school to get me to contact him at Tidy Productions. drawing to a close. But perhaps the best thing of all into a 3,000 word report and submitted to the Tidy Productions is a comedy and comedy drama is that David has invited me back to work on the judging panel. Out of 70 teams, we were 1 of only company created by David and his wife, Gavin final 2 episodes of the shoot. I have become very 5 selected to go through to the UK final where each and Stacey star, Ruth Jones. This opportunity was attached not only to the team at Tidy but also to the team would be given the opportunity to present their immensely exciting, not only as a fan of Ruth Jones but production itself and cannot wait to return. recommendations at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf, also because of my love of comedy (in school drama London. I relished playing roles such as Khelestekov in Gogol’s Of course none of this could have been possible Government Inspector and Feste in Twelfth Night). without the generosity of David. The opportunities For this stage of the competition we were also asked he created for me are something I cannot thank to make a video, to introduce ourselves and CIMA’s On the basis of the short film, I had a telephone him enough for. A huge thank you also to Rachel values. We are proud to say we went on to come interview with David. I was nervous and he certainly Dare who was instrumental in letting people know 1st in this category as the judges found our video put me through my paces but I was offered a week’s about my short film which resulted in such a brilliant innovative with a clever play on words. Overall we work experience. At the time Tidy was well into a 5½ opportunity. The OP Association is a fantastic network, came 3rd in the UK final which considering we were month shoot for a 10 part comedy drama series for particularly in these tough economic times when jobs a team of first year students competing against final Sky called ‘Stella’, set in the Welsh valleys starring Ruth and placements are few and far between. Without the year students was a major achievement. It was a Jones and produced by David. I was very nervous on placement at Tidy, my CV would be looking very bare great experience and has helped me to start thinking day one but both the crew and cast on Stella could indeed. about organising work placements for my third year not be further away from the clichéd image of the of university to further enhance my CV ready for the TV industry I had built up in my head. Everyone was For now it looks as though I will be spending the rest world of work when I graduate. so welcoming and I was never made to feel stupid of my summer here in the Welsh capital although I because of my lack of knowledge or experience. The do have a week off between shooting blocks to nip amount of ambition that was present and actively back up to Yorkshire for my 20th birthday and a much encouraged was truly inspiring. Tidy, it struck me, was a needed catch up with family and friends. company that wanted to give young people the chance to prove themselves in the industry. The eclectic mix Report by James Pratt (OP 2001-2009), ‘STELLA’ is of ages and personalities gelled wonderfully to create due to be aired on Sky1 in January 2012. a superb atmosphere; a real energy and communal

 OP Business Networking Events Careers Network In Action Rocio Mondaca (2004-2011) did a mini pupillage at the beginning of her upper 6th year with OP The OPA is to hold its first business networking Here are just a few more examples of how the OP barrister Andrew Wilson (1989-1999) of Wilberforce event in London this September. The property Careers Network has helped OPs and current pupils Chambers in Hull to help her decide whether law networking lunch takes place at the Iron Duke Pub, in recent months. If you need help or you can offer was definitely for her and to gain practical experience Avery Row, London W1 on Thursday 15 September help please get in contact with the OP Office. to assist her with her university applications. 2011 from 12 noon to 2pm. It is aimed at all OPs or Tynam McNeil (1999-2010) secured a job with 6th formers working in or interested in the property Max Rayner (1998-2006) is studying a BSc in Ethical the help of the OP careers network as a trainee development, investment and consultancy world and Hacking for Computer Security at Northumbria accountant with Stacey McVeighty (1993-1998) at her related professions. If you are an undergraduate/ University. He secured a two week IT work placement accountancy firm CGA in York. He decided against postgraduate, employed/unemployed, in the business at Aviva in York through a current parent. The aims of going to university due to fears about the amount or retired please contact the OP Office to book a the placement were: to experience the world of work of debt he may accrue and with no guarantee of a place or to make enquiries about future networking in IT, to understand the component parts of an IT training contract at the end of it. He recently registered events focussing on other professions such as law, function and how it contributes to business success, with the ACCA and is now looking to enrol on a few finance, marketing etc which are planned in London and to meet with recent graduates to understand courses to complete the exams he needs (14 in total) and in the North. Please also get in touch if you can how their programmes have worked and how their to get his full qualification. help organise a networking event by suggesting a careers have developed. venue or offering the use of a function room at your “I am still very much enjoying CGA and feel it was Charlie Smith (1998-2009) is studying Music at place of work. the right decision for me. I am now being given Manchester. He received offers of help and advice access to full sets of accounts to work on and feel to pursue his ambition of becoming a singing teacher that I am contributing in a good way to the firm. and choral conductor from a number of OPs including The first few months were tricky adjusting to the Jason Carr (1980-1985). OPs on Linkedin very technical side of the office with it being entirely paperless but I feel a lot more confident with jobs Sophie Chidley (2000-2009) is studying Psychology Join the official OP group when I get them now. A major help was the variety of at Liverpool. She wants to be an accountant and work I have been given whilst here, from manual and the OP careers network helped her to find a one ‘Pocklington School Alumni’ on computerized bookkeeping in a variety of formats to week placement with a Local Authority Finance Linkedin (www.linkedin.com) VAT and accounts work,” explained Tynam. Department through a current parent.

Stop preSS Specialist Legal Advice - whatever Free legal helpline service now available your circumstances, wherever you are.

The OPA was very pleased to announce in September 2010 that under its new enhanced Welfare programme, all OPs would have Free and UNLIMIteD access to a wide range of legal advice. The service is provided by Law Express, one of the UK’s leading providers of telephone legal advice, on-line legal information and legal support services to membership organisations, corporate employers, small businesses, company employees and members of the public. Law Express has already received many enquiries covering a wide range of issues from tenancy agreements and student loans to employment law and neighbour disputes These are examples of questions that have been raised to the Helpline: My son/daughter is at university and renting a property, they are now having problems with the landlord, what can we do? Will my student loan repayments affect my ability to get a mortgage? I am facing redundancy and know the facts but need a sounding board. -´ZI[SVOIHJSVXLIWEQIGSQTER]JSV½ZI]IEVWERH-LEZIERI[QEREKIV It couldn’t be easier, just call... who wants to change my working practices, are they able do that? 8LMWMRZEPYEFPIRI[FIRI½XXLEXMWFIMRKSJJIVIHXS34WQIERWXLEX[LIRIZIV 0800 092 1980 you are faced with a legal problem or require information on a legal matter, quoting reference opA11 for expert advice no matter how small or how complex it may seem to you, please call the on any of the following legal issues Law Express team of legal advisors and they will explain your rights and ˆ*EQMP]0E[ ˆ&IVIEZIQIRX0E[ ˆ4VSTIVX]0E[ ˆ)QTPS]QIRX0E[ ˆ0ERHPSVHERH8IRERX ˆ'SRWYQIV0E[ ˆ1SXSVMRK0E[ ˆ8E\-RJSVQEXMSR Working in partnership with OPA members

 The Old Pocklingtonian Hamers’ Head for Heights

represented Great Britain at both European and World Youth championships. He was ranked 9th overall in the former series for 2010 and finished a creditable 17th in the latter. He competed in the British Lead Climbing Championships at Ratho in Edinburgh, winning both Youth and Senior male categories, which gave him two National titles the same weekend. He currently has four sponsors, and will be starting this year’s competition series in Austria, hoping to achieve that European podium finish that he is seeking. However Ed isn’t the only member of the Hamer family to be adept at climbing. His brother Sam (2001-2008) is also a talented climber and the pair have just spent three months Sport Climbing in France, Italy, Austria and Spain this summer. They make a formidable team. “As brothers our strong family relationship provides us with a powerful bond that gives us an added level of confidence in each other’s abilities in a sport that requires considerable mutual trust and support,” explains Ed.

Ed Hamer takes 1st place at the BLC Championships in Edinburgh Their passion for climbing began in their early As featured on the front cover, OP Ed Hamer (2002- childhood with family rock climbing trips in Zimbabwe 2009) is climbing to new heights, quite literally, in where their father was instrumental in pioneering pursuing his ambition to become a professional a number of first ascents. As the boys grew older, climber. Attracted by the proximity of both outdoor stronger and fitter whole family excursions into the and indoor climbing, Ed and his family relocated mountains became more challenging culminating in a from Pocklington to Derbyshire in 2009 to the trip to the Andes in 2005 when the boys along with village of Over Haddon in the heart of the Peak their family reached the summit of four of Ecuador’s District National Park - ideal territory for a climbing highest peaks, including the glaciated stratovolcano, enthusiast. The move has given Ed the opportunity Cotopaxi. Whilst at Pocklington School Ed and Sam to really focus on improving his climbing skills. He has were also given huge support and encouragement gone from strength to strength competing in both the with their climbing which helped spur them on to UK and overseas and winning! new challenges and gave them confidence to pursue their climbing ambitions. You can follow their vertical Ed recently finished his BTec in Outdoor Education exploits at www.hamerboys.blogspot.com or via their at nearby Buxton College, part of the University of web site which is currently under construction www. Derby, but aside from his studies Ed’s life is focused hamerbrothers.com. almost exclusively on rock climbing. He has now Sam Hamer climbing in Spain

The Hamer brothers climbing in Germany  Treading the Boards with Richard Vergette From reading the great plays by Shaw, Wilde, Ibsen was in was ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ in 1980 directed The ethos behind Ensemble 52 is to promote et al as a school boy and acting in numerous school by a young master called Kevin Riley,” he recalls. challenging new writing as well as presenting classic productions, OP Richard Vergette (1974-1981) has Interestingly Kevin features in the Personalia section works in an exciting and accessible way. In addition made a career out of his passion for the theatre, first of the magazine having recently been appointed to directing and organising the touring side of the as a drama teacher and Head of Performing Arts in Headmaster of Bradford Grammar School. operation (the company has presented its work at Lincolnshire and more recently as a freelance training venues all over the country), Andy has worked hard consultant, award-winning playwright and co-founder After school Richard went into teaching Drama to secure a permanent venue for Ensemble 52 at the of Hull-based theatre company Ensemble 52. making his way up the ranks to become Head of former fruit market in Hull, aptly named ‘Fruit’. This Performing Arts at a sixth form college in Lincolnshire. now provides them with a regular base from which Richard’s love of the dramatic arts started as a During these years he met Andy Pearson, a fellow to showcase their work. Richard has also been busy boarder at Pocklington School in the mid 1970s theatre enthusiast. They did a couple of plays together writing two new plays. ‘The Last Soldier’, a story about when English master Charles Martin introduced and worked on various theatre projects. By this stage war and its impact, premiered at Fruit in December him to reading plays from an early age. However Richard had also started writing and Andy encouraged 2010 and was well received despite the snowy his biggest influence at school came from another him to enter one of his play scripts ‘An Englishman’s weather conditions. Richard’s latest work ‘Nice’ is a master, Terry Hardaker, who Richard describes as “a Home’ in the 24:7 Theatre Festival in Manchester at thought-provoking political thriller set in the world of real theatre enthusiast who fired my own enthusiasm which point the two formed the Ensemble 52 theatre journalism. The play premiered at Studio Salford as and love for the theatre”. As a boarder there were company. The play met with ‘good critical acclaim’ and part of the ‘Not Part Of’ Festival. Watch out for more frequent trips to the theatre. One such trip that so Richard decided to write another one, ‘As We of Richard’s work with Ensemble 52 in the coming Richard remembers well was in 1974 to see his first Forgive Them’, which he entered into the 2009 24:7 months or why not take a trip to Fruit and see for ever professional production. It was Robert Bolt’s Festival. This time he achieved even more success yourself! “A Man For All Seasons” in the impressive setting of winning the ‘Audience Choice’ award. The play then York Minster which as an 11 year old boy he found went on to be nominated for four Manchester More information about Richard’s work, Ensemble 52 “mesmerizing”. As well as reading and watching plays, Evening News (MEN) theatre awards eventually and Fruit can be found on the following web sites: Richard was also inspired to have a go at acting winning the MEN Best Fringe Production of 2009 and www.ensemble52.com and www.fruitspace.co.uk himself. He thoroughly enjoyed it, taking part in a making its London stage debut at the Arcola Theatre number of school productions during his time at earlier this year. Pocklington. “Perhaps one of the best productions I

Richard Vergette outside Fruit in Hull  The Old Pocklingtonian Development All Change in Boarding It’s all change in Faircote House too as Housemistress Anna Hallam steps down and Helen Alexander- A number of changes are afoot in the boarding Hymers and husband Tristan take over the reins as community as Pocklington gears up for a new era Housemistress and Housemaster from September in its boarding provision. From September 2011 the 2011. Helen is Head of ICT and has been with Foundation will provide age-appropriate pastoral care the school since September 2005. She also has and support consistent with the developmental and considerable pastoral experience as Gruggen 6th social needs of the pupils in four high quality single Form Housemistress although she now relinquishes sex boarding houses. This will enhance the parity of this role to focus on her boarding responsibilities. experience across the houses and age groups within Tristan is a qualified PE teacher and has been involved the two schools. with sport at Pocklington School over the last year and is already a familiar face within the school St John’s House, the school’s junior boys’ boarding community. house closed at the end of the summer term as Andy Towner retired as Boarding Housemaster. From September all the junior boys will transfer to a newly formed junior wing within Dolman House. The house will also have a Middle School wing for Tom Nash presents a donation from the OPA to the Headmaster older boys in years 9 and 10 (3rd and 4th year). All Year 11 (5th year) Dolman boarders will move to OPA Archive Donation Fenwick-Smith House which will focus on supporting older pupils preparing for external examinations and Many of you will have read in the Pocklington 500 university entrance. Orchard House will continue to newsletter recently that the school has almost reached accommodate Year 5 to Year 9 girls and Faircote Year its target for the Archive Appeal and the project has 10 to U6th girls. been given the green light for work to commence. Thank you to everyone who has supported the A number of staff changes are being made to support The final change will take place from September 2012 project so far including the Old Pocklingtonian these developments. Tom Taylor retires as Director when Trevor Loten (1970-1980) will be retiring from Association. The OPA was able to make a donation of Boarding and David Dyson has been appointed his role as Housemaster of Fenwick-Smith House of £1000 towards the Archive from sales of Old Assistant Head (Boarding and Pastoral). Tom also after 12 years in the post. Patrick Dare, Head of Pock ale brewed for the Quincentenary by Tom retires as Housemaster of Dolman House after 9 years MFL and a long-serving non-resident Fenwick-Smith Mellor (1970-1978) at Wold Top Brewery. “I am at the helm. His successors will be the husband and House Tutor has been appointed as his successor. delighted by the support of the OP Association for wife team of Ian and Wendy Wright who have been Patrick will relinquish his role as Head of Department the Archive Appeal,” said Mark Ronan, Headmaster, appointed Dolman Housemaster and Housemistress on taking up his new position in Fenwick-Smith as he accepted the cheque on behalf of the School respectively from September. House. Patrick and his wife Rachel (your very own from OPA President Tom Nash. Tom commented “It OP Liaison Officer!) who are both well known to the Wendy, herself a qualified teacher, will be responsible is fantastic that the OPA is able to support the School school community will move in with their two boys for the day time care of boarders and the management in this way. The archive is an important resource for during the summer holidays next year. of the house. She will also take on the role of the School, especially one that has almost 500 years Overseas Student Co-ordinator from Sue Bosworth For further information about boarding at Pocklington of history behind it. The OPA is very proud to be who retired at the end of the summer term (see Staff School please visit the school web site www. associated with the project.” It is hoped that the new Annexe on page 26). Ian will continue in his role as pocklingtonschool.com or contact David Dyson archive facility will open in the late Michaelmas term Head of Lyndhurst and, as Housemaster, will focus on [email protected]. 2011 or early Lent term 2012. after school and weekend care of Dolman boys. The couple have two children both of whom currently attend Pocklington and Lyndhurst Schools. School News A good way of keeping up with school news and events is by visiting the ‘news’ page on the school web site www.pocklingtonschool.com. From the Home Page click on the red ‘News and Sports Results’ tab on the left hand side of the screen to go straight there. You will find a wide range of interesting news items and photos from across Pocklington School Foundation including house events, pupil and OP achievements, staff news, sport, music, concerts and much more. You might be quite surprised at how much goes on!

 Lyndhurst Launches Pre-Prep

Wednesday 6 September was an historic day for Pocklington School. For the first time in its 500 year history the school welcomed 39 new pupils aged 4 to 7 to its brand new Pre-Prep Department. Located Bunker Ball Success who lead the organising committee for the event said in Lyndhurst School the new department is lead by Jo “It was an excellent night and well worth all the hard Denison who is an experienced Early Years specialist The Pocklington 500 committee joined forces recently work that everyone has put into it. We managed to and teaches the combined Reception/Year 1 class. Jo with the OPA, Friends of Pocklington School (FOPS) raise over £4.5k in total which is a fantastic effort.” is supported by colleagues Sarah Cobb (née Pimm, and Friends of Lyndhurst School (FOLS) to put on Sponsors included: Guest & Philips Jewellers, Aunt 1995-1997) and Vicky Peart who teach two separate a unique and exciting Foundation event. The Bunker Bessie’s, Rodgers of York, Specsavers, Yorkshire Wolds Year 2 classes. Ball took place on 2 July to help celebrate the School’s Cookery School, GWN Properties, S J Appleyard military history as it approaches it’s Quincentenary in Builders & Contractors, Wold Top Brewery, Tom The pre-prep pupils are taught in a purpose designed 2014 and to raise funds for both the Archive Appeal Chambers, A Laverack and Son, Raisthorpe Manor teaching facility with direct access to its own outdoor and other FOLS and FOPS projects. The evening Fine Foods, Paul Argent, JWPCreers Chartered play and learning area. The facilities are being further started with a drinks reception in Wilberforce Court Accountants, Steve Wilcock Plumbing and Heating, extended over the summer to allow the school to accompanied by live jazz from the ‘Antigua’ band. The Oaks Golf Club and Spa, York Racecourse, David run separate Reception and Year 1 classes from Guests were dressed to impress in vintage 1940’s or Byas Cricket Academy, GT Graphics, and Wetherby September 2011. Reception and Year 1 will also have military style outfits assembling in the ‘Air Raid Shelter’ Racecourse. access to their own secure garden area in addition Sports Hall for dinner and dancing to Mr Swing. “It to separate specialised outdoor learning facilities. To was a truly fabulous evening, thoroughly enjoyed by For future Foundation or Pocklington 500 events further support their learning, Pre-prep pupils benefit all,” commented OP Andy Holloway (1992-2000) please check the ‘forthcoming events’ page on the from access to all the Foundation facilities appropriate who was amongst the 230 guests in attendance. Pocklington 500 area of the school web site www. to this age group such as the Tom Stoppard Theatre Former parent and current Governor Jill Atkinson pocklingtonschool.com and the campus sports facilities and swimming pool.

Head of Lyndhurst Ian Wright commented “I am delighted to see so many happy and cheerful young children busy within the Pre-Prep classrooms. The enthusiasm and energy they bring with them is tremendous and it is great to see them enjoying all the new facilities.”

With the emphasis on creativity and enjoyment the Pre-Prep curriculum reflects the demands of the Early Years Foundation Stage as well as the Primary School Review. Class sizes are restricted to 16 pupils or fewer for all classes in the Pre-Prep department to maximise learning opportunities. The response so far from both pupils and parents has been extremely positive. The Pre-Prep is very much a natural extension to the educational experience at Lyndhurst School and the wider Pocklington School Foundation and one which looks set to thrive for many years to come.

The next Lyndhurst open morning is on Saturday 5 November 2011. The next Lyndhurst ‘Come See Us at Work’ is on Friday 9 March 2012. If you would like to attend on either of these dates or for all other enquiries please contact the Lyndhurst Office on 01759 321228.

10 The Old Pocklingtonian From the Archives From the Magazine Archives

On our delve back into the past we look at what was in the magazine 75, 50 and 25 years ago.

In 1935... Dr Temple, Archbishop of York, was the chief guest at Commemoration. Ian Hay’s comedy “The Safety Match” was the play. OP Allen Foxley who designed the WW1 Memorial and also the Assembly Hall (now the Music School) retired. In sport P Slater, father of Tim Slater (55-66) set a new record for the 100 yards in 10.2 seconds. OP T F Smailes took 70 wickets for Yorkshire and in rugby J S Mellor and P A Giovetti Far East, and there may be some which have been played for Yorkshire and D M Craven played for The archives have had a busy year, with enquiries collected rather than taken by Major Stewart. Visitors Lancashire. from many OPs and the wider community. I have from Burnby Hall Museum and a Lecturer from Hull been particularly busy with two projects. The first University South East Asian Studies Department came In 1960... is very exciting, and has now been completed. It to see the originals before they went to Beverley, and concerns Major P M Stewart who was a master at were tremendously excited, as they are not aware More than 230 boys took part in the annual cross- Pocklington from 1895 - 1902. By all accounts he was of any other existing collection of photos associated country race which was won by R J Allen. Science an eccentric addition to the School, frequently taking with Major Stewart. It also seems that these photos master Reggie Allen led a skiing trip of 49 boys to lessons dressed in full pink hunting regalia. Most OPs are not those which appear in the books of the Les Marécottes in Switzerland. The School play was will know that he was famous as an explorer and a Major’s adventures: ‘Around the World with Rod and “Julius Caesar”. Eight pupils gained Oxbridge entry. hunter. He travelled extensively around the world in Rifle’, ‘Travel in Many Lands’ and ‘Tales of Travel and Trevor Bailey came and lectured on the most recent the early part of the 20th century, fishing and game Sport’. There is speculation that they may have been England cricket tour to Australia. M H Rose scored hunting and capturing many of his experiences on put together to illustrate a talk about the Major’s three 100s for the 1st X1 and also won the Fives camera. He wrote three books about his travels, sister who was a missionary, and who was killed in the competition from an entry of 68. A M R Burgin set a illustrating them with many of his own photos. The Huashan Massacre in China during 1895. A selection new School record for the shot put of 53’ 5’’. Later in school is extremely fortunate in possessing a box of is reproduced here to illustrate this article. the year he increased it to 56’ 1.5’’ in the British Youth many of his glass slides. They have been kept away championships. The record still stands. from prying eyes and danger, being briefly celebrated The second project referred to above will take a in the 1990s when Chris Solomon displayed some of little more time. With the help of three members In 1985... them for an exhibition at the school. of the Lower 6th, we have been trying to compile a definitive list of all known OPs up to 1900 using the One of Pocklington’s legendary masters, Reggie Allen, census records at the local public library, as well as the sadly died. He had been appointed in 1936 by Percy admission lists of St John’s College, Cambridge. These, Sands to cover chemistry, games and careers. During cross referenced with the entries in the ancient his long and distinguished career he also developed a Vellum Book, have started to build an interesting list. passionate taste for gardening. He retired in 1974. The It will be put into an excel spreadsheet so it can be 1st XV won 14 of their 17 matches with John Wells added to or amended as more information comes to playing for England Schools. Over 120 pupils, OPs, and light. This should provide us with a really useful tool Staff attended the rugby supper which was addressed for research. by the RFU President. Snow in the summer term led to tennis fixtures against Ashville and Bootham being Angie Edwards cancelled. In athletics seven boys became county Librarian and Archivist. champions and the team won seven of their eight matches. From an entry of 130 Alistair Dixon reached the last six in the UK Schools fencing championships. 11 pupils gained Oxbridge entry and the senior play was the war play “Journey’s End” by R C Sheriff. In September a professional photographer came to evaluate the slides. He has done much work with museums, the British Library and the Borthwick Missing Photos Institute in York, so when he got excited it became The school archive holds copies of whole school apparent that we had something very special in photos going back over the years. The dates we hold our possession. We were advised that glass slides photos for are as follows: 1924, 1926, 1930, 1932, can become unstable, and are highly flammable, so 1934, 1936, 1938, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1957, our first consideration was storage. After consulting 1959, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1972, 1980, 1993, 1996, 1999, further, we decided to have each slide photographed 2003, 2007. However there are one or two years and recorded digitally. Once this was completed that could be missing particularly during the 1970s we were able to deposit the box containing all the and 1980s. If you have a whole school photo from material with the County Archives, where it is now a year not listed above please could you let us know stored in proper conditions. for the record. Even better, if you no longer need it, please consider donating it to the school archive. The slides themselves are a delight, and can now be It would be very much appreciated and cared for. viewed on a computer. We have not yet had time Contact Angie Edwards if you can help edwardsa@ to evaluate them fully, as there are 232 of them. pocklingtonschool.com. They seem to be predominantly of China and the

11 Down Memory Lane Photo Mysteries Revealed 1st XV 1986-1987 Many OPs wrote in or e-mailed with suggestions for Can anyone name the players in this 1st XV photo from the academic year 1986-1987 please? Answers to the missing names in the photos of the 2nd XV of [email protected]. 1953, the Speech Day prize winners (not Wilberforce House sports trophy winners as we originally thought) and the Festival of Britain School Trip which featured in the last magazine. The answers you came up with are as follows (all left to right): 2nd XV Rugby Team 1953 Back Row 1. Peter Fullager (1948-54), 2. James R Bancroft (1947-55), 3. Tony Ashurst (1948-55), 4. Michael J Ward (1948-55), 5. John Malcolm Grace (1947-56), 6. David J Richardson (1946-53), 7. Tim W Beard (1946-56), 8. Barry Peers (1946-56) Middle Row 1. David W Garside (1947-55), 2. T Geoffrey Currey (1947-55), 3. J David B Wood (1947-54), 4. David D Hall (1947-54), 5. Robert W Horner (1947- 55) Front Row Geoff (Tom) W Kelly (1948-56), Christopher J Derbyshire (1945-55) 2nd Form Trip to London 1951 (Festival of Britain Trip) Derek Drescher and Peter Nettleton are to the left Mystery Team 1982-1983 of the flagpole. Apart from ‘Boomer’ Pearson (not ‘Bulmer’!!), the two other masters who went on the Can anyone tell us which team this is and the names of the players please? trip were Messrs Eggleshaw and E A Eldred (in cap). Answers to [email protected] Speech Day Prize Winners Back Row (behind) 1. Barry Pears 2. Robin Gladman (1947-54) or P A C Jackson (1947-54), 3. Gus Weedon (1942-49), 4. George Dixon (1945-51) 5. Keith Muir (1940-51), 5. Bramley (?) or Johnson (?), 6. Keith Silburn, 7. Brian Wise (1946-52), 8. Brian Belt (1948-53)? In front of Keith Muir David Hargreaves (1943-47)? Middle Row (standing with cups) 1. Tom W Dawson (1948-52), 2. Bryan Scaife (1939-40), 3. AGI (Gerald) Wood (1939-49), 4. Michael G Panton (1943-49), 5. David B Fletcher (1945-50), 6. George N Mainwaring (1943-47) or Franklyn Lennie Carr (1941-47), 7. K E Mann (1944-52) or Leslie Kitchen (1942-49), 8. Ken Tadman (1946-53), 9. Ernie Kendal (1945-53) Front Row (crouching) 1. Michael Lumley (1948-54), 2. David Derbyshire (1946-57), 3. Charles or Tony Atkins, 4. Brian Meynell ((1947-52) 5. Edward Cretney (1946-55), 6. Chris Derbyshire (1945-55), 7. ?, 8. John (Whacker) Leighton (1947-53) 9. Michael G Horner (1947-56), 10. John Adamson (1945-54) Hunt for the Oldest OP

The school is very interested to discover more about Lost Boys and Girls its vast history and with the Quincentenary on the horizon a lot of work has already been done to The OP Office would very much like to get back in unearth new information about the school’s past. touch with the following OPs. If you know of their Much of the school’s WWII wartime and post-war whereabouts please encourage them to get in contact Reunions and history has been richly added to from both verbal so the OP database can be up-dated. and written accounts, anecdotes and reminiscences from OPs of that vintage who have visited the David Norton (1961-1964) school in recent times. Talking to these OPs made Major John M F Norris (1959-1964) calendar of us wonder who the oldest surviving OP could be? Mark Eaton (1979-1984) The Headmaster mentioned earlier in the magazine Richard J F Robinson (1987-1989) his encounter with veteran OP John Hughes who Nigel H S Wellings (1979-1989) events - p19 attended the Pixies dinner earlier this year. John was Mark R Holmes (1987-1994) born in 1918 and attended school between 1928 Alistair Swan (1999-2004) and 1934. Could he be the oldest surviving former Hollie Walls (1999-2004) pupil? If anyone can help with the search or has any Jonathan Aconley (1993-2004) information please contact the OP Office. Sophie Parkinson (1997-2004)

12 The Old Pocklingtonian OP Sport Season’s Results

Local Pocklington Pixies 241 for 2 declared (A Inns 100 not out, M Atkinson 60, R Bradley 29, P Balderson 26 not out). Yorkshire Gentlemen 178 for 5 (P Balderson 3 for 9)

23rd Worsley Cup Pocklington Pixies 187 all out (S Houltham 58, P Balderson 21). Pocklington CC 89 all out (P Balderson 4 for 20, A J Clarke 3 for 24, A Iyer 2 for 7)

September match Pocklington Pixies 211 for 7 (40 overs) (M Picknett 56, A Iyer 45 not out, J Bolam 27, A Clarke 22) Men of Derwent 214 for 2

55th Tour The Pixies tourists at Hastings Pocklington Pixies 123 all out (J Bolam 45, A. Inns 31) Pocklington Pixies CC 2010 dismissed for only 123 and the hosts easily won by 8 Holmesdale 125 for 2 wickets! The strength of the teams was later justified Pocklington Pixies 189 for 8 (40 overs) (P Balderson Sadly we have to start with the news of the death of as all the other games were won with the exception 54, Q Hughes 52). Eastbourne 144 all out (P Balderson Sefton Cottom in January 2011. Sefton was a founder of the totally abandoned match at Haywards Heath. 6 for 23, C Suddaby 3 for 12) member along with MHS in 1956 and was on that first tour to North Wales in the same year. Many The highlights were Jack Bolam’s maiden century at Match v Haywards Heath – abandoned without a ball more followed, including the early tours to Kent and Hastings and Tom Townend’s first wickets at Marden bowled - rain Sussex. As Assistant Secretary for nearly fifty years he put him in contention for the longest hat trick by a provided valuable help along with Isobel, particularly Pixie as he has to wait at least a year for his next Pocklington Pixies 218 for 6 (M Picknett 68, M in the circulation of members with details of Dinners delivery! Quentin Hughes and Phil Balderson both Atkinson 61, A Clarke 37, J Bolam 20). Marden 109 and tours. Members realised that his health had taken took a fifty at Eastbourne. Miles Picknett and Matthew all out (C Suddaby 5 for 52, A Inns 3 for 5, T Townend a turn for the worse when he had to miss his first Atkinson repeated the feat at Marden and Jack Bolam 2 for 5) Dinner last November. An obituary appears later on was top scorer with 50 at Ashford. With the ball Phil in the magazine. Balderson made it a good personal day at Eastbourne taking 6 wickets, Chris Suddaby claimed 5 wickets at Pocklington Pixies 207 all out (J Bolam 112, A Inns 25). Hastings 168 all out (A J Clarke 5 of 54, C Suddaby 2 The 55th year was another busy, successful and Marden and A J Clarke took 5 wickets at Hastings. for 19, M Picknett 2 for 33) enjoyable one. 33 players and officials represented the Ashford saw a Pixie first with skipper Matthew Club on the field and in November over 80 attended Atkinson and the Duckworth/Lewis method making Pocklington Pixies 144 for 8 (off 30 overs) (J Bolam the Dinner. It was 40 years since the first official for an exciting game. 50, J Moore 21). Ashford 127 all out (I Moorhouse 3 Dinner, held to celebrate the appearance in the CKO for 18, A Clark 2 of 43) final at Edgbaston. Thanks are extended to Andrew In the final match of the season against the Men of D’Arcy and his staff for putting on a fine meal, to the Derwent played at Woodhouse Grange 211 was not Report by Malcolm Milne School’s Pocklington 500 committee for running the quite enough as the hosts won by 8 wickets with 2 show, to Michael Simpson who generously donated overs to spare. a cricket bat to raffle for the Quincentenary funds and especially to the two guest speakers, Mike Cowan Thanks to so many for their support on and off the and David Byas, who generously gave up their time field and hopefully 2011 will be more of the same! to entertain members and guests. All contributed to making the evening a very special one and it was OP Record Breakers particularly good to see Biddy and Peter Stevenson and maybe in 2011 we may see Biddy’s grandson on Records, of course, are always there to be broken. the field? One that has so far survived the years is the cricket ball throwing record. In 1929 Charles Back to the cricket, it started in style with Andy Inns Ludwig set a new record when he threw a ball getting a century against the Yorkshire Gents in a 106 yards and 7 inches. This astonishing distance has only been beaten once, when in 1949 Gerry dream game. This was followed by a victory in the threw the Worsley Cup against Pocklington CC. Unfortunately, Wood (AGI Wood, 1939-1949) the Pocklington Post lost the pictures and reports ball 108 yards and nine inches (98.98 metres). submitted for this game (and also the tour!) which He, incidentally, still lives locally and is often to be seen on the PRUFC touchline. Nobody has was even more disappointing as it coincided with Brian got close to these two, though in 1954 the death of the donor Oliver Worsley. In this the managed just 23rd Cup game Sean Houltham batted beautifully on Fenwick-Smith (1943-1954) a bowler friendly wicket to top score with 58, Phil over 88 yards. At the OP Summer Reunion in Balderson with 4 wickets and A J Clarke with 3 meant June a number of current School 1st X1 cricketers Alex Torkington (2007-2011) that Pocklington CC were never in with a chance. had a go and came closest with 83 metres. Can anyone beat it In August a strong side assembled at Holmesdale between now and 2014? for the opening tour fixture and was surprisingly Jack Bolam after his maiden century 13 OP Cricketers on Scorching Form OP Golf Society Round Up Old Pocklingtonians and the The Old Pocklingtonian Golf Society has had a mixed Birkdale Bucket Blessed with scorching summer weather, good pitch but very enjoyable year. Towards the end of 2010 and no World Cup football disruptions, this year’s OP The Birkdale Bucket is a schools golf event, first played they were disappointed not to reach the final stages cricket matches were back to their usual length of 50 for in 1957. Originally, a handful of players from each of the Grafton Morrish for the first time in more overs each. In the 1st XI match the OPs won the toss of 3 schools played at Royal Birkdale and the hastily- than twenty years. However 2011 has started with and Captain Charlie Lambert opted to bat. Richard acquired trophy is a tin beach bucket, now mounted a bang where at Woodhall Spa the team outplayed Readman fell early to Dan Atkinson but Adam Iyer, on a plinth. The event is now played for on a Saturday all entrants including Oundle, Sedbergh, Stowe and Charlie Lambert and Charlie Rook all scored quite in March at Woodhall Spa and the weekend includes Uppingham to win the prestigious Birkdale Bucket. freely in making 201 for 5 in their 50 overs. a dinner, two lunches and two rounds of golf. This now makes eight wins for OPs in over fifty years of the tournament. So, this was another marvellous For the School 1st XI, Isaac Green played his best It was in 1980 that Pocklington was first admitted to result for the players including tournament organiser innings for the season making an attractive 54 and the Birkdale Bucket. For the first 10 years, the then- and team captain Stephen St.Quinton (1964-1974). received good support from Adam Richardson (35) organiser would only allow a maximum of 4 players and Tom Brader (25). However, even a late rally from Pocklington and we continued to turn up each from Jack Sowersby (20) still left the School 14 runs year but limited our ‘team ambition’ to avoiding the wooden spoon. short of victory at the end of the final over. It was an excellent game of cricket and the School will be eager In 1996, we turned up with 6 players and despite still to gain revenge in 2012. having a numerical disadvantage, Pocklington won the Birkdale Bucket for the first time. The following year An executive decision also allowed the OPs to bat we won it again. Since our second victory in 1997, we first in the 2nd XI match. David Phelan (43) and Tom have usually managed to field a team of 5 or 6 players Axup (38) got off to a blazing start before School and have competed strongly for the Bucket, chiefly skipper Eamonn Bedford bowled the six-hitting because what we lack in quantity, we make up for in Phelan. From then on the pace slowed and only Will quality and in team spirit; a spirit that was forged in Axup (30), Peter Massie (22) and guesting Johnny adversity during the early years. Sykes (12 not out) got into double figures. The final score was a respectable 165 all out with Jerome We won the Birkdale Bucket again in 2004, 2006, Remblance taking three wickets. 2007, 2009 and again this year 2011. There have been several individual triumphs recently; Alex Lewis (twice John Skinner on the left receiving his award The School’s reply faltered initially but good knocks inc this year) Denton Guest and Stephen St.Quinton from Liam Hessay (42), Jake Claughton (34), Eamonn John Hits a Six in Cricket ‘Oscas’ have each won ‘The Spade’ in the last decade and Bedford (17) and Tom Benthall (16) saw the unbeaten several Sunday 4-somes wins have been achieved.

2nd XI through to their fifth consecutive victory Estate Agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has won a wide I have taken over the running of the weekend and winning by two wickets. The game was played with range of excellence awards in the property industry would like to count on the support of as many OP wonderful spirit in glorious conditions. in recent years and now John Skinner (75-82) has golfers as possible in terms of attendance. We have picked up an award in recognition for services to a small squad and just a few absences can leave our young people’s cricket coaching. John, who is Finance ranks depleted but can I put forward a few aspects in Director at the company, saw off competition from favour of the weekend? across the county to be presented with a prestigious ‘Outstanding Service to Cricket Award’ (OSCA) by Golf Value One of the finest inland courses in the the Yorkshire Cricket Board. He started coaching 6 British Isles and rated as the 19th best course in youngsters at North Stainley Cricket Club in 2002 the world is played for £42 x 2 rounds (total £84). and the group has now grown to more than 70 girls Accommodation at the historic Petwood Hotel is and boys aged between 3 and 14 years old. He has only £52 per night. It must be one of the best value since enlisted the help of several other parents and golf breaks anywhere.

between them they now manage six indoor winter Duration Most players arrive on Friday (some play a teams, four summer teams and a girl’s team. practice round) but for those who don’t want to stay John said: “Since I began coaching at North Stainley 2 nights, you can travel to Woodhall Spa on Saturday it’s incredible how quickly the group has grown and morning and you’ll be allocated a late tee-time. By how popular it has become. Everyone involved finds mid afternoon on Sunday, you are leaving so the event doesn’t take up much time. it extremely rewarding to give something back to the village and encourage children to participate in Timing The mid-March date means it falls at a time sport. To see the youngsters continually improving when few of us are playing much competitive golf their game is also fantastic and some of them go on and it allows us to sharpen our game for the season to play at regional level and even have aspirations to ahead. play at a professional level which is great for both the sport and North Stainley. I was first introduced Format We can play off our handicaps.

to cricket at the age of 5 and even though I still play I know there are other factors competing for your regularly now it was a natural progression to do my precious leisure time but the Birkdale Bucket is a coaching qualifications and to now receive this award special weekend with a rich history and hopefully and have my efforts recognised in this way by the more golfing OPs of any vintage can enjoy the unique sport’s governing body is a real honour.” camaraderie of the event and share in some more glorious Pocklington triumphs in the future. North Stainley’s coaching academy runs every Sunday evening from Easter until the middle of August and The dates for 2012 are 17th 18th March. If you want further information is available by contacting John on to register interest or know more, just email me, 07968 826404. Steve St.Quinton on [email protected].

14 The Old Pocklingtonian OP Sport OP Tennis Take Up Grows

There was a good turnout for the OP tennis matches this year as interest in this event continues to grow. Players were: Louis Los, Max Los, Trevor Loten, Andy Pearce, Ed Sweeting, James Sweeting, Lucinda Cawood, Georgina Chapman, Sarah Denness, Charlotte Flint and Jenny Owen.

The OP men’s tennis match finished 1st VI 3-6 OPs. It was a closely-fought contest on a perfect afternoon weather-wise, with a slightly below-strength 1st VI just coming up short against the OP team of Max and Louis Los, Stuart Pearce and Trevor Loten, and James and Ed Sweeting; all three OP pairs won two of their three sets. In the ladies matches the results were fairly even. Charlotte Flint and Jenny Owen won one and lost one, a pattern repeated by the OPs second pairing of Georgina Chapman and Sarah Denness swapping up with Lucie Cawood so each got a game, leaving the final result for the ladies at 2-2. The date for next year’s OP Tennis fixture is Sunday 24 June 2012 so please make a note in your diary if you would like to play. Stuart Pearce and Trevor Loten in action

School Triumph at OP Hockey

This year’s annual OP hockey fixture against School was the best yet as the event continues to grow in popularity. The OPs were once again able to put out two full strength teams, ladies and men’s, to take on the respective School 1st XI teams. Sporting new kit in the OP colours, the ladies were particularly hopeful of a win this year as a number of leavers from last year’s unbeaten School side came back to play for OPs. The game started off well with the OPs matching the opposition goal for goal up to half time. However in the second half the fitness levels started to tell as the School team edged in front to win the game comfortably.

The OP Men’s match was played simultaneously on From left to right: Laura Horne (2001-2008), Jenny Owen (1997-2008), Charlotte Flint (1997-2008), Catherine an adjacent pitch in what was to be the closest OP Hebdon (1997-2008), Alice Horne (2003-2010), Sophie Guest (2003-2010), Katie Peeke-Vout (2002-2010), v School hockey match for a very long time. After Becky Sedcole (2003-2010), Jess Blake (2003-2010), Fran Rikatson (1999-2010), Rachel Kendall (1999-2010) several years of narrow losses the School 1st XI were determined to put the record straight and played with unwavering doggedness throughout the match despite some strong and competitive play from OPs. The match went to the wire and was one of the most exciting OP matches in recent years, testing both sides to the limit. The School’s resolve held firm in the end as they scored the winning goal in the closing minutes of play to steal a well-fought victory.

After the match players and supporters retired to the pavilion for some well-deserved refreshments and a catch up. The umpires were Peter Horne, Martin Davies, Sarah Metcalfe and Headmaster Mark Ronan.

Keep in touch! From left to right back row: Ed Smith (1990-2001), Richard Gough (1996-2005), Ben Gray (1994-2005), Join the ‘Old Pocklingtonian Andrew Welton (1996-2006), Mark Robson (1993-2000), George Pollard (2003-2010), James Izzard (1993- 2000), Dan Walters (2004-2009), Front row left to right: Stu Boneham (1998-2005), David Norton (1998- Association’ group on Facebook. 2005), John Skinner (1975-1982) www.facebook.com

15 OP 7s team 2011 (standing left to right) Cory Neighbour (2002-2009), James Tyson (2001-2009), Ed Marshall (1996-2007), David Hill (1990-1997), James Watkins (1998-2009), Fraser Deas 2002-2009), Tom Hardy (2001- 2009), Fergus Purtill (1994-2003), Ryan Duncan (1999-2007) (crouching left to right) Josh Papa (1996-2003) and Sean Houltham (i/c Rugby), plus, not pictured, Sami Eggleston (1999-2007) OP Rugby weather. The OP committee was also pleased to their first round matches to get through to the plate welcome Master i/c Rugby Sean Houltham’s help in competition this year. Unfortunately they were drawn It has been a mixed year for OP rugby with the annual organising the OP 7s team at this year’s event which against last year’s winners, 7s specialists Raging Bull Boxing Day fixture cancelled due to snow. However, included amongst other things the loan of modern Ronin, and lost but a good time was had by all and the Pock 7s more than made up for this with a record style rugby shirts for the occasion and taking to the there were plenty of OP spectators to cheer them attendance largely due, by contrast, to the sunny field himself to play for the OPs. The team did well in on.

OP Heads Up Leeds Carnegie game for developing and nurturing some of the young players again. Of the current first team squad, country’s best young talent as Academy Manager at half of them came through the Academy during my Leeds Carnegie, bringing on a number of 1st team time there and our job as coaches is to make sure players and leading the club’s U19 team to Yorkshire that they maximize their potential this season,” he Cup success. explains.

Diccon, who made 76 appearances for the club in After leaving Pocklington School in 1991 Diccon went four seasons and was an integral part of the side that on to gain a BSc in Economics and Accountancy at climbed up from National Division Three, is delighted Loughborough University and has spread his playing to be back at Leeds. “I feel that I have developed a acumen as a centre around six clubs. He played for great deal in the last twelve months at Twickenham Wakefield from 1992-94 and 2000-02, was also and I will always be grateful for the chance to work with Leicester Tigers (1994-96), Castleford Tigers RL with the top players and coaches in this country. The (1996-97) and Leeds Carnegie (1997-2000) having achievement of helping the England U20s achieve a first played at Selby RFC at the age of six. Grand Slam this season was a particular highlight for me. However, the chance to come back to my club and help return us to the top flight was too good to Diccon Edwards (1981-1991) recently agreed a resist and I feel the timing is right for me as a coach. three year contract to become the new Head Coach Having been part of the club as a player and coach for at Leeds Carnegie following Neil Back’s departure. nearly 15 years, it has been disappointing to see the Diccon, who is an RFU Level 4 coach, re-joins the club side relegated last season. We now have the chance from the RFU where he held the position of National of a fresh start and the opportunity to build a team Academy Coach and England U20 Assistant Coach. that the supporters and the Yorkshire public can be Prior to this he had built up a reputation within the proud of. I am also excited to be working with our

16 The Old Pocklingtonian OP Social Events and Reunions OP Social Events Highlights

As well as the London Dinner, events were also held in Leeds, Newcastle, Cambridge (including 1968 leavers reunion) and back at School for the OP Summer Reunion (including Rob Peel’s Faircote reunion). Here are some photographic highlights. Can you recognise anyone?

Left to right, David Hoggard, Ed Farrer (behind), Nick Greenhalgh (kneeling), Jon Beckett, John Westmoreland, John Skinner, Richard Olsen, John (Henry) Patchett. Class of ’71 Reunion 40 Years On Black Tie Sets the Tone for London Rachel’s OP email bulletin, saying that the group Dinner of earnest youngsters who left Pocklington in the summer of 1971 had now enjoyed 40 years of the The OP London Dinner is now well established as big wide world, came as a surprise to me. Not the a highlight of the OP social calendar and the 2010 arithmetic, just the gulf of time that seemed to have event was no exception with over 80 OPs and guests passed in the blink of an eye. I thought back to all the in attendance including the Headmaster and his wife, things I’ve done, places I’ve seen and people I’ve met the OPA President and a handful of both current and since that summer, and I wondered how the years had former teaching staff. This year the dress code was treated my old friends. Black Tie which really lifted the evening and added to the special atmosphere created by the grand I’d seen some of them from time to time, increasingly surroundings of the Inner Temple. As in previous years infrequently as the years wore on, but there were the tables were arranged by year groups to maximise some good friends I couldn’t recall seeing for the enjoyment with OPs spanning the decades from 1943 entire length of those 40 years. So I sent Rachel an to 2010. Thank you again to OP Simon Spence QC email saying that, if anyone organised anything, I’d like (1974-1981) for arranging the venue. to know, and would join in. The next event was a general email from Rachel saying that I’d agreed to organise something. Well, that wasn’t really the plan, but I’m glad I did. In a fairly short timescale, 8 of the “Class of ‘71” were able to get to the Feathers (see photo) which was pretty good. Far more impressive, though, was the response in phone calls and emails from classmates from far and wide who couldn’t come to Pock, but wanted to get in touch. We assembled in the Feathers at 12:30 on the baking hot Sunday afternoon. Thirsty, of course. After dealing with the beer order, the first task was to figure out who was who (whom? Sorry, JBB/TWH). Of course we were all at school with a bunch of young chaps, and here was a bunch of old geezers assembling. But the amazing thing was that we really were the exact same people, inside, that we had been all those years ago. We had different memories to share – sometimes, Book Now for London 2011 Year Group Reunions different memories of the same events! But there and OP Events was a sense of goodwill to each other and those far- This year the London Dinner will take place at the off days that gave me, anyway, a very positive feeling. prestigious Cavalry and Guards Club in Piccadilly on Nostalgia, I guess. We strolled off to the school and In this section there are reports submitted by OPs Friday 25 November 2011. This historic and elegant wandered around the new and old places, trying to who have organised or attended their own year building is located in the heart of Mayfair at the Hyde figure out what had been where 40 years ago, and group reunions. They may inspire you to start thinking Park Corner end of Piccadilly and is very easy to who had committed what outrage against school about organising a reunion for your year especially get to. The cost of the dinner is once again £40 per rules in various parts of the grounds. person to include a welcome drink and a 3-course if it is coming up to a significant anniversary since dinner with coffee which represents excellent value you left school. If would like help contacting your We all thought that the place was looking very smart for money. The OPA is very grateful to OP David contemporaries or advice on where to start please and prosperous, and certainly it all had a very happy Parker (1975-1984) for securing the venue this year. get in touch with Joan or Rachel in the OP Office atmosphere. And guess what – there are girls there To reserve your place or to make a group booking/ who would be happy to help. You can organise your now! How different would things have been in the reserve a table of 10, please contact Rachel Dare in own reunion or tie it in with an existing OP event ‘60’s if that had been the case. On parting, we all the OP Office ([email protected]). If you which is what Roger Kohn (pictured above) did agreed that it had been an excellent afternoon, and need help contacting your contemporaries to invite when he booked a group of 1968 leavers to come that we should put in an effort to get as many as them to come along please get in touch with the OP to the OP Cambridge dinner in March. Check out possible of “our year” to the 500th anniversary in Office who will be happy to assist. We hope to see the calendar of forthcoming OP events on page 19 2014. I’ll help but I won’t fly solo on that project – any you there! to see which one would suit your year group. offers? Contact [email protected]. Article submitted by David Hoggard

17 ’93 Leavers’ Reunion 2011

After last year’s reunion for ’93 leavers in York, we thought that we would head to London this time. The beer garden at the Engineer Pub in Primrose Hill fitted the bill perfectly, though the Northern- resident contingent seemed slightly rueful that their £20 contributions to the kitty didn’t cover 9 hours of drinking and a curry to boot. A strong turnout of 13 (Henry Ogram, Dan Peel, Alcuin Johnson, Phil Hudson, Charlie Howe, Adam Martin, Chris Radley-Gardner, Chris McNeil, Andrew Burston, Richard Moor, Nick Patterson and us) meant that half a lifetime had passed since some of us last met. A particularly good showing from the original Lyndhurst J3 intake of 1983 hinted strongly at the school’s pre- co-ed past, and we’d very much hope to see some OPs of the fairer sex at the next event.

Father Time, given physical form only a couple of miles down the road at Lord’s cricket ground, is known for his cruelty as we men start counting down the years 1980s Leavers Reunion Many people were kind enough to bring school to 40, and often saves his most exotic punishments photos from 1976 and 1980, and Rich Beachell had for the hair and waistline. Though many present had First to arrive at The Feathers were myself and Simon painstakingly blown up and copied each section, ‘stoutly’ resisted his ravages, others, having lost the Hodgson at lunchtime on Saturday. Just before the putting white labels above everyone’s heads to be battle already, merely sought to divert the attention Rugby kicked off, Rich Beachell dropped in briefly filled out with names! This took ALL night, until well through craft and guile, albeit with varying degrees of with his daughter Rosie, just to say hello, and then after midnight, but the final name was dredged out success. Perhaps least convincing were the assorted Nige Berragan arrived to watch the match. of a memory with the aid of one of the Blue Books scraggly beards, but Andrew B’s “vintage” hat drew brought along. There was a LOT of laughter, not a admiring glances from locals of every persuasion; most Simon Hodgson and I then walked down to the little drinking, and bags of reminiscing. Trevor Loten distracting of all were Adam’s outrageous turquoise school where we were met by David Agar and Bob managed to pop his head in for an hour before going loafers, which are regrettably absent from all audio- Peel, who had very graciously agreed to give up some back on duty at Fenwick Smith house. visual evidence from the day, but provided one of its of his Saturday afternoon to show us round the now most recurrent talking points. For those interested, vastly altered facilities. Duncan Haddow joined us, At the end of the evening, and over a recuperative photos can be viewed without a password at http:// and Mr Peel walked us round School House, where breakfast the next day it was decided that we should www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53757898666. very little of the original internal layout was familiar, not wait another 20 – 30 years (some of us won’t with doors having been bricked in and internal walls make it that far!). So in line with the School’s 500 Having forcefully extracted Henry from his intensely moved. Dorm 1, now the 6th form common room, year celebrations, David Agar and I will be organising meaningful conversation with another customer’s looked basically the same, but without the iron a re-match in 2014. With this much notice there’s no pet mongrel, the remaining survivors headed on beds and partitioning. Even the classrooms had new excuses for you all not to attend! for some well-deserved food at Camden’s “Masala windows, whiteboards, and soft flooring!!! Whole Zone”, followed by a few final drinks at a local bar areas have been completely remodelled with the old Those who came along this time were David Agar, where we were serenaded by the finest musical talent changing rooms and bath areas vanishing to make Ian Nisbet, Jon Gregory, Duncan Haddow, Graham that the Eastern Bloc has to offer, as the Eurovision way for common rooms and changing areas. Branton, Carl Franklin, Sean O’Byrne, Andrew Curtis, Song Contest was on the wide-screen. Being good Girvan Nicholl, Christopher Parker, Nige Berragan, family men, we don’t get out much and, given that None of us had seen the new dining hall, now Jonny White, Simon Hickey, Rich Bradley, Dave we started drinking at 3pm, our memories of what fairly old hat I know, and we were impressed by Broadley, George Ramshaw, Gavin Dove, Jeremy happened after the curry are a bit vague; but suffice the imposing facade of the Tom Stoppard Theatre. Stubbins, Tony Allison, Hugh Seaborn, Nicky Boulton to say that we were very appreciative of the short Dolman and Wilberforce were both recognisable, but (née Chinn), Dave Hutchinson, Andy Green, Mark journey back to Rob’s place (although we did have to the integration of Lyndhurst onto the site has created Smith, Jon Quarmby, Liz Harper, Dave Jenkins, Rich put up with Alcuin’s snoring in the cab). another building. Beachell, Guy Bredenkamp, Simon Hodgson, Keith Lander, and Trevor Loten. It was great to see everyone and we’ll have to meet However, on turning the corner, we were truly Report submitted by Jon Gregory up again soon at one of the OPs events around the amazed by the Fenwick Smith boarding house, and country or in a pub somewhere – it’s the North’s Trevor Loten was kind enough to show us round turn next year. Give us a shout if you want to be sent what to us, seemed like a 4 star hotel....not a boarding Organising a Reunion? details: [email protected] house! Single or double rooms and large ones at that, Let us know if you need help Article submitted by Andy (Reg) Rose and Rob Marshall all ensuite, with common rooms with flat screen TVs, • pool tables, and self service food prep areas! We were planning it or contacting your VERY impressed. contemporaries

We then returned to The Feathers where people had started arriving. 33+ of our year group gathered in • Don’t forget to tell us about the the function room and I think pretty much everyone reunion however large or small was pleasantly surprised how instantly familiar they and send us your photos for were with everyone else. Most had not seen each other for 20 years and in some cases 30 years since the magazine walking out of those School gates in July 1980. E: [email protected] T: 01759 321307 18 The Old Pocklingtonian Announcements and Notices Engagements Rob Parsons (84-94) to Louise Summerscale, August 2010 at Allerthorpe Church OP Calendar of Events Richard Jobling (97-02) to Layla Robinson 2011-2012 Rebecca Prest (91-97) to George Davidson, Paul Nesom (95-02) to Helen Jones bridesmaids Lucy Dobson (96-00) and Victoria

OPs and their guests are welcome! Prest (93-02) To book or for further details please contact Alex Stuart (91-98) to Susannah Bird (98-00) Rachel or Joan in the OP Office Matthew Stephenson (87-97) to Morika Echeverria, ([email protected] or Marriages July 2011 at Goodmanham. Best man was his cousin [email protected]) Alison Dale (96-03) to Jimmy Stephenson (87-97). Ushers were Alex David Barker, June 2011 at Cowdy (94-97), Jonny Giles (92-97) and Charles Property Networking Lunch Rook (87-97). OP guests included Fraser Bales, Peter Thursday 15th September 2011, 12 to 2pm Scampston Hall. Rebecca Beachell, Rich Milne, Martin Rumbelow, Matthew The Iron Duke Pub, Avery Row, London W1 Hart (95-02) and Lucy Smith, Ollie Smith and Gareth Webster Price to be confirmed, c. £10-£15 per person Dale (99-06) were bridesmaids. Other OP Nikki Whatford (91-98) to Alistair Scott-Somers, guests included Caroline July 2011 in Cornwall. OPs Sian Davies and Anna Dinosaurs Club Lunch Dale and Jennifer Dale. Jackson were in attendance. (For OPs who left between 1950 and 1960) Andrew Wilson (89-99) Thursday 29th September 2011, Phil Donaldson (Staff) to Rajeshree Shukla, October to Lucy Ordidge, July 12.00 noon for 12.30pm 2010 at Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington 2011 at Westow near The Bridge Hotel, Walshford, Wetherby LS22 5HS Malton. Best Man was £22.00 per person Adam Pears (92-99), Anna Graves (91-98) ushers were Sandy (89- OP Leeds Reunion to Adam Carlyle, March 00) and Henry Mitchell October 2011, evening 2008 at Swinton Park, (91-02), Ed Heppel (88- Venue and price to be confirmed Masham 99), and Jonathan Dixon (88-99). Guests included OP London Reunion Mark Biggin, Joe Bryant, Friday 25th November 2011, 6.30pm for 7.00pm Jess Farmer, Joe and Jack The Cavalry and Guards Club. www.cavgds.co.uk Holborough, and David £40.00 per person Sarah Hebden (94-05) Birch. to Richard Harlington, August 2010 at the KP Births Club, Pocklington. Sarah’s sister Catherine Hebden Lucy Dobson (96-00) née Prest, and Richard, (97-08) was bridesmaid. a son, Joseph, June 2010 OP Boxing Day Rugby Becky Gascgoine, née Sleeman (91-97) a daughter, OP XV v Pocklington RUFC XV Hannah, March 2010 12 noon, Monday 26th December 2011 Lydia Kemp (95-02) Chris Gilpin (82-93) and Alison, a son, Spencer Pocklington Rugby Club, Percy Road to James Pike, August Thomas, February 2011 2010 in Melbourne, York. Tony Gilpin (80-89) and Jane, a daughter, Molly, OP Newcastle Reunion OP guests included: February 2012, evening October 2010 Kate Henderson Further details to be confirmed (now Sweeting), Alex Richard Milne (90-97) and Liz, a son, William James, Mole (now Turner), July 2010 OP Oxford Reunion Ed Sleeman, Benjamin March 2012 Andrew Pennock (85-95) and Jo, a daughter, Bevan and Robert Caley Further details to be confirmed Harriet Rose, October 2010 Alex Marshall (97-04) to Frances Poet, née Stirk (97-97) and Richard, Nyundo Armitage, April a son, Peter Rosthorn, July 2010 2011 at the Maramba OP Hockey River Lodge, Victoria Falls. Oliver Radley-Gardner (89-95) and Colleen, Sunday 18th March 2012, Pocklington School The bridesmaids were her a daughter, Maeve, February 2010 two sisters, Lizzie (99-06) OP ladies and OP men’s v School 1st XI Matthew Richardson (88-98) and Donna, teams. Further details to be confirmed and Jessica (01-08), and Katie Moulds (97-04). a daughter Juliet Hope, May 2011 OP Rugby at Pock 7s Charles Rook (98-97) and Julie, a son, Harry, Good Friday, 6th April 2012 February 2011 Pocklington Rugby Club, Percy Road Ailsa McDermid (93-04) to Richard Victoria Selby-Jerrold (90-97) née Selby, and Stuart, a daughter Amelia, July 2010, a sister for Lucas OP Summer Reunion (including OP Hunt, March 2011 at Cricket and OP Tennis) Scrayingham near York Philip Smith (85-95) and Jen, a son, Jake, September Sunday 24th June 2012 2010, a brother for Lara 11am onwards at Pocklington School Further details to be announced Drew Southcott (89-98) and Liz, a son, William, November 2010 Sandy Mitchell (89-00) to Rebecca Whitehead, August 2010 at Maske on Sea Sarah Wass (current teaching staff) and Andrew, a son, Isaac Henry, February 2011

19 Deaths and Obituaries uncomplaining courage. Sefton was as unique as his name. We shall always remember his presence amongst us and what he inspired in us by his talent and courage and integrity.

Jonathan Carr (1956-1965) very sadly for Jonathan both his parents died when he was barely into his teens and perhaps as a result he became a boarder for nearly all of his time at school. He often spoke warmly of the pastoral care he had from Geoffrey Deaths “Boomer” Pearson and others. He was involved in a Terry Dixon (83-93) died in his sleep in August wide range of activities including cricket and 1stXV 2010 from complications after surgery. School Andrew Peter Antoniak (60-65) rugby. He enjoyed Drama, one appearance being in contemporaries will remember him for his warm of Nottinghamshire, August 2010 Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”. In 1964 he and personality and his enthusiasm for everything he Anne Beer (former staff) of Pocklington, January Alec Sabin (56-65) were assistant producers of the became involved in. He was captain of a successful 1st 2011, widow of Bill, former Deputy Headmaster School Pageant (celebrating 450 years). The following XV, a very talented hooker and gained a number of Jonathan Carr (56-65) year he played the part of lawyer Cromwell in Robert Yorkshire caps in this position. He continued to play of Brough, East Yorkshire, December 2010 Bolt’s “A Man for all Seasons”. He went on to read law rugby at Cambridge where he read Japanese. He later at St.John’s College, Cambridge, eventually becoming used this language to great success in the world of Sefton Cottom (former staff) finance, joining JP Morgan. He went on to become of Pocklington, January 2011 a solicitor in Hull. Jonathan married Susie and they had three children, settling near Brough where, after one of their youngest ever Managing Directors and Terry Dixon (83-93) August 2010 the tragedy of losing his parents when so young, also hosted many OPs passing through Japan. Peter Warwick Dixon (51-56) he immersed himself fully into family life which was Bradshaw (84-93) who has kindly helped us with this of Cabourne, Lincolnshire, August 2010 especially precious to him. obituary recalls Terry’s Yorkshire accent in Tokyo and the discovery they both made that Wetwang sounds Anthony Dunn (47-55) funny in any language! of Swanland, East Yorkshire, December 2010 John Michael Cockburn Evans (43-50) of Walkington, East Yorkshire, April 2010 Peter William Ewart (59-67) of Cambridge, February 2009 Matthew John Jackson Good (87-97) of Hemingbrough, East Yorkshire, June 2011 Martin Thompson Moffatt Gradon (43-50) of Hare Hatch, Reading, February 2011 Roger George Highmoor (53-63) of York, October 2010 Drummond Arthur Lamont Kelsey (59-65) Sefton Cottom was educated at York Minster Song of Hepworth near Huddersfield, June 2011 School and in his late teens became Acting Assistant Tony Dunn (1947-1955) always recalled his years Nicholas Ian McLean (57-66) Organist at the Minster. He came to Pocklington in at Pocklington with much pleasure where he was of Kilham, East Yorkshire, December 2010 1951 and soon made his mark as a talented musician, composer and arranger, as an inspiring teacher and certainly remembered as a good all-rounder, not Alexander George Moir (51-56) tutor in music, as a successful cricket coach of the just on the games field but in all the wider aspects of York, November 2010 under 13s, and as a very proud housemaster of of school life. He was in a strong Cricket X1 coached William Preston (37-42) Hutton Day. David Nutall remembers Sefton in this by Gerald Thornton, a Marksman in the Shooting of Frinton on Sea, October 2010 fitting tribute: “It is impossible to look back over the VIII and in the Athletics team. He started working Sir Charles Hugh Reece (38-42) recent history of Pocklington School or indeed of the life as an articled clerk in a local accountant’s office of Graffham, West Sussex, November 2010 town without seeing vivid glimpses of Sefton. He was and then spent the next twenty three years pig and poultry farming. In 1976 he was chosen to represent Michael Richard Southcoat (64-71) once a familiar sprightly figure going to and fro from Great Britain in the four man team for Olympic Trap of Pocklington, 2010 the music room in school smoking his pipe and always looking cheerful, as he still did latterly when, pipeless, at the European Grand Prix. Then in the mid 1980s Guy Royston Stephens (61-68) he traversed the town on his buggy. Not only was he set up a company importing/exporting sporting of Driffield, March 2011 Sefton an outstanding pianist and organist who by guns. In retirement he had the time to watch rugby Melvyn John Theakston (61-65) his teaching coaxed polished musical performances and cricket and fish – this latter one being his great of Driffield, November 2010 from generations of pupils, but his life was fulfilled by love. He spent many hours trout fishing on the Spey, Tweed and Beaulieu – with an accompanying G & T Joseph Green Thompson (23-33) music. Even when in poor health Sefton continued never far away. One of his friends, Brian Haigh (51- of Brough, East Yorkshire, March 2011 to compose music with undiminished natural 55) who lives in Southern Victoria, Australia recalls Robert Neil Willis (Former Staff) pleasure and it was inspiring to hear him talk of his latest composition with his innate modesty and Tony being a talented, impromptu pianist who kept of Hayton, East Yorkshire, May 2011 contemporaries well amused with his playing of

20 The Old Pocklingtonian

Winifred Attwell tunes. Sadly, in his late fifties Tony Matthew Good (1987- Sir Charles Reece (1938- contracted Parkinsons disease which he fought 1997), older brother to 1942) born in South for eighteen years with cheerful good humour and Timothy Good (88-97), Shields had a long and stoicism. He was very proud of his wife Pamela, two died suddenly whilst distinguished career as a daughters and five grandsons (three grandsons are competing in the charity chemist, much of which OPs). fundraising Humber was spent with ICI whom Bridge Half Marathon at he joined as a research John Michael Cockburn Evans (1943-1950) the end of June this year. chemist in Blackley Michael Evans left Pocklington to become articled After Business Studies following his doctorate to a solicitor in Birkenhead. During this time he at Teeside he joined at Leeds University. He joined the Parachute Regiment and gained his wings. the family business, progressed through On qualifying he did national service 1956-58. He John Good Shipping in 2001, becoming the sixth management to become head of their medicinal passed out from Mons officer cadet school as a generation of the family to do so in what is one of process division and after further promotions joined Second Lieutenant and was posted to 151 AckAck the UK’s largest shipping companies. He was running the main board in 1979 as director responsible for Reporting Battery. After national service he worked to raise money for “Volunteer Uganda” which helps the company’s science, as well as its business on the as a solicitor in Willet Bullough & Boardman, a firm provide education in that country. Contemporary Indian subcontinent. During this tenure he established in Warrington, soon to become a partner. He was OPs send their heartfelt condolences to his wife strategy groups which brought together managers president of Warrington Law Society and president Isabel and brother Timothy. from the various research divisions to identify areas of the Association of North West Law Societies with both commercial and scientific potential. in addition to his role as president of the Chester Michael Gradon (1943- and North Wales Legal Aid Committee. In 1983 1950) was initially brought As the company’s chief scientific adviser it was he was appointed to the bench and moved to Hull up in Blanchland where his priority to show why ICI’s huge £600 million as a District Judge, retiring in 2002 although he did his parents ran the well- annual investment in R & D would improve its continue to sit when he was called upon until 2006. known Lord Crewe Arms competitiveness. One of his proudest achievements Whilst living in Beverley he developed a great love for hotel. They later moved was to persuade his colleagues to invest in agricultural croquet being a member of three clubs. He assisted to Dartmouth and then seeds, based on his conviction that huge opportunities all those clubs with occasional legal issues and wrote a Ilfracombe. After School lay ahead in the emerging field of biotechnology. He new constitution for the Croquet Association. Playing he went to the Bristol persuaded the board to enter this new business on for the Welsh representative side was a source of School of Architecture an international scale. great fun and pride. During his retirement he travelled and eventually spent widely visiting his sisters in Australia and South Africa. most of his career with Although sometimes described as a blunt northerner, Michael and his wife Mary were celebrating their 50th Michael Lyell Associates in Charles had a distinct sense of fun and approachability. wedding anniversary in the Lake District when he was London. He and his wife lived for over thirty years in On his many visits to every part of ICI’s R & D effort, taken ill and did not survive emergency surgery in Hare Hatch near Reading and had four children. In including overseas, he always took the trouble to April 2010. He leaves his wife and three sons. retirement he was able to continue and expand upon talk to junior scientists so he could get the real “low his great hobby of furniture restoration. down” – something that did not always go down well Peter William Ewart (1959-1967) was born in with senior managers. Stockton onTees and the family moved soon afterwards Nick McLean (1957- to Hawes. When he started here as a boarder he met 1966) was brought up In the 1980s he became an influential figure in national his lifelong friend Richard Lyon (57-67) and on leaving, in Nafferton where his policy-making, mainly through his membership of both proceeded to Cambridge, Peter reading Law. A father was in Agriculture. ACOST (The Advisory Council on Science and short spell teaching at a Prep School convinced him In the summer that he Technology) based in the Cabinet Office. In 1986 he he could have been very happy as a teacher but Law left school Nick was a chaired a highly influential study of the exploitation won. He then trained at Macfarlanes in London and member of the school of science, which proposed a process for identifying in addition to law much enjoyed Scottish Dancing. He expedition that drove those areas which showed some certainty of making a met his future wife Fiona in 1974 and they married through France and Spain national economic contribution. In 1989 he published on a snow bound January day in 1976. They settled to Morocco and back. a report arguing that defence research spending in Islington but after the advent of children decided For five and a half weeks should provide greater benefits to civil industry. London was not the place for a young family and they home was mostly in a converted ex-army ambulance. He was knighted in 1988. He remained a passionate moved to Cambridge where Peter joined Hewitsons, Christopher Hird (56-66) recalls the visual impact of gardener at home in Petworth. He was also a keen specialising in Charity and Tax law. He was a Private the landscape after crossing the Pyrenees – the red- sailor and kept a yacht in Lymington. His wife Betty Client Solicitor and soon became a partner, helping stone pinnacles, circled by vultures, bringing to mind survives him with their two daughters. to develop the business into a firm of more than 300 Peru or Arizona and then along a deserted road, a people. He and his family fully embraced Cambridge shack of a bar with a toothless card playing priest and Guy Stevens (1961-1968) born in Malta had an life – he loved socialising and parties but above all he finally Morocco. His time was cut short at school as itinerant childhood as in his early days his father was was a strong family man. He took a particular interest his father was seriously injured in a car accident and an army officer and homes included Harrogate, Devon in teaching his children to sail on the River Cam. This so he went home to run the business. He had been and Germany before the family settled in Driffield. early instruction was later followed by holidays in in the U.16 XV and continued his enthusiasm for From Pocklington he went on to read Political Science Ireland during which sailing was always included. He rugby by playing for Driffield – his skill on the field at Loughborough University. He moved to London also found time to be a school governor, be an active earning him the nickname “Golden Hands!” He was where he was an Educational Welfare Officer for the member of the local Rotary Club and serve on the also a prominent percussionist in the school CCF LEA. Eventually returning to East Yorkshire he became committee of Friends for a local hospital. Band passing on his musical talents to Will (95-00), a Social Worker. He also developed his own business Ned (95-00) and Polly (01-08). Sadly Nick became as a bookseller, opening the Driffield Bookshop. His seriously ill in April 2010 and died in December. special interest was military history. He also loved music and was particularly passionate about rugby which he had played with enthusiasm and later enjoyed watching.

21 Personalia In this section read up-dates and ‘tweets’ from Old gig crew. They rowed five mens races between the 1970 -1989 Pocklingtonians around the globe and from all walks islands and achieved promotion to a higher Division. Richard Beachell (73-79) who of life. Don’t forget to send us your news for the The race involves 119 gigs measuring 11 metres by farms at Bainton joined up a few monthly OP e-mail bulletins and the next issue of the 1.5 metres and are open to men aged 18 and over. years ago with another farmer to magazine. boost productivity and together Brian Madderson (55-63) who lives in Sevenoaks they grow wheat, malting barley, oil Pre 1970 recently retired as MD of the shipping services seed rape and vining peas spread Michael Elsworth (41-51) sends greetings from company George Hammond plc. He is currently over 1,000 acres. A qualified Christchurch, NZ. He extends a welcome to any OPs chairman of the trade association, RMI Petrol. This agronomist he is well placed to ensure they maximise coming over for the Rugby World Cup. He has fond brings him into regular contact with government ordering and use of agrochemical products and memories of Olive and Eric Eldred who were always ministers where issues on taxation, licensing and equipment. marvellous hosts to OPs after sports matches in the product grades are discussed. He frequently appears 50s and 60s. on TV newstations to discuss fuel prices and industry Helena Bristow (86-88) is now married, with two developments. He has fond memories of Mike children and living in Florida. At School she was a Noel Ferrand (43-52) was one of many who Stevenson who encouraged him to take up acting talented pianist under Sefton Cottom and has recently attended the London Dinner and knowing the whilst at school. He says the training and experience started teaching piano . committee’s interest in finding different venues each has proved invaluable in his career. year in London suggested we should consider the East Jason Carr (80-85) wrote the music and lyrics for a Ted Maidment (55-61) India Club for a reunion. Accordingly Noel very kindly keeps very busy in retirement. new adaptation of Dicken’s ‘Christmas Carol’ which invited OP President Tom Nash and David Smith to He is Chairman of the Kenyan based Sanchat Trust was performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, visit the club and have lunch there. The walls on the which has a boys and a girls school in Gigil, providing Leeds and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. main staircase are filled with school shields and ours education for over 500 children. He was formerly is now amongst them. Headmaster of Shrewsbury School and in March Giles Castleton (81-86) has moved his car business 2011 the new Music Faculty was named after him GC Motors to Harrogate where it now operates Mark Fisher (58-65) his international reputation and opened by Prince Charles. He also finds time to from a £2m flagship showroom. He specialises in for creating spectacular live entertainment remains indulge in his love of Opera. the sale and servicing of luxury cars and employs 25 undimmed. Following on from the Beijing Olympics people. Ian Richardson (68-77) Mark has been appointed executive design producer was rumoured to be involved for the opening and closing ceremonies of the with the Allam family in a consortium bid to take over Adrian Edmondson (69-75) London Olympics. Between times he is still involved Hull City AFC at the end of 2010 but the family finally continues to tour with his band with designing the major Rock concerts. went ahead alone. Ian currently runs two businesses, ‘The Bad Shepherds’. He has also Swindon based Skincity – a healthcare & beauty returned to television, hosting a Michael Gardiner (52-60) was present at a mini OP company and travel business Takemetoo. After school 12 part documentary series for Dinner in Borneo in January 2011, along with Mike a law degree was followed by time with Eversheds ITV called ‘The Dales’. The series Hastie (52-60) and Robert Hastie (87-96). in Leeds where he eventually headed up corporate gives the viewer an opportunity finance. A few years ago he went into business himself to look at this particularly beautiful part of England Michael Hardwick (56-63) has now retired after a forming Covenant Healthcare which was eventually through the eyes of those who live and work there. career in Librarianship in Hull and East Riding. He lives sold to Cognetas. His co-stars are farmers, hotel workers, stately home in Beverley with his wife and two daughters and is still owners, gamekeepers and shopkeepers with the Edwin Swarbrick (55-62) an avid follower of cricket. is taking part in the round backdrop of the Dales National Park. He and Rik the world Clipper race. He has just finished an Mayall are also planning a television series set in an Robert Horner (47-55) visited Pocklington at the intensive training course and will join his boat ‘Visit old peoples’ home. end of March to help cut the tape and officially open Finland’ in California in April 2012 where he will race the new changing rooms at the town’s rugby club. The to New York via Panama and the Caribbean over Duncan Goodyear (80-85) continues to work new complex has six changing rooms, physio suite, 6000 miles and 5 weeks of sailing. He is doing the as a Chartered Surveyor in London. He is an OP new kitchen and club shop. At the ceremony, Robert race as a personal challenge and for the adventure as committee member and focuses particularly on the who was RFU President when England won the 2003 well as raising money for the John Dolman Trust and autumn London reunion. For those living there and World Cup, spoke of his memories of playing at the the archive project. Find out more by visiting www. the South-East Old Pock ale is available from Duncan. School in the 40s and 50s. He was officially welcomed justgiving.com/edwin-swarbrick. He can be contacted on 07775921118 or e-mail: by Pocklington RUFC President Tim Slater (55-66) [email protected]. Peter Walker, Air Marshall CB and Phil Gilbank (67-74). CBE (69-78) who lives in North Joan Gough (75-77) née Sawyer Malcolm Johnson (58-63) came out of retirement Devon has been appointed is one of the founder members of after being Deputy Minister of the Architectural/ Governor of Guernsey, effective the White Rose Polo Club which Construction side of Alberta Government, and joined from April 2011. He served in the is now the largest club in Yorkshire. with his youngest son Joe and another partner to RAF for 32 years where his final During the season, which runs form a design and architectural company - www. post was Director of the Joint from April to September, members weareallconnect.com (click on Architecture and there NATO Warfare Centre based in Norway. In May he meet up three times a week to play Xavier Pick (82-90) is a photo of the 3 partners). Malcolm and his wife met fellow OP who was working chukkas and also compete in tournaments, both at Sallie spend 6 months of the year at their home in on an art project in Sark. home and at clubs nationwide. They play host to the Alberta and 6 months of the year in France where prestigious ‘Summit Cup’ in June, the ‘Yorkshire Open’ Alistair Woodhead (68-73) they are restoring their house www.ruemontbel.com. sent his apologies for not tournament in August, and hold a further tournament being able to attend the Pixies Dinner in November. at Castle Howard near Malton, all of which attract Bob Loveridge (52-58) took part in the World Gig He has finally had to give up playing league hockey at several hundred spectators. Championships held at the Isles of Scilly in May 2010. the age of 56 followed shortly too by cricket. News Chris (64-70) He rowed in the gig ‘Corsair’ with the Flushing and of brother is that aged sixty he is still Simon Hickey (75-80) is a Judge assigned to the Mylor Pilot Gig Clubs ‘Supervets’. With an average managing to play cricket. North Eastern circuit and has recently presided over age of over 70 years they are the oldest competitive a number of high profile cases in Yorkshire.

22 The Old Pocklingtonian

John Kaye (77-82) wonders if he and Tim Bradshaw years.” With his helpers John manages six indoor Helen Bayram (03-07) has cycled the 1000 miles (74-80) are the oldest OPs still playing rugby – any winter teams, four summer teams and a girls team, from John O’ Groats to Lands End to raise money for offers? all at North Stainley. In working life John is Finance Marie Curie. Helen recently completed a Vet Science Director for Dacre, Son & Hartley. degree and has now started a PhD at Liverpool Robert Kyffin (70-79) now retired from the RAF, has University. spent time in the USA as a Squash Pro in Washington Paul Stephenson (69-79) After reading History at and also worked as Transport Manager for the British Nottingham he started his career at Northern Foods Helen Bedford (99-06) recently gained her degree Embassy there. He is now in Nairobi where his wife where Nick Horsley, father of Sebastian Horsley (78- in Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from Tracey is Finance Manager for the British Peace 81) was Chairman. He moved into HR with a series Manchester. She is currently working at Preston Support Team. of posts in the Food industry before joining Warwick General Hospital in her first year as a doctor. Her University as Director of HR and Commercial, moving long term aim is to become a GP. Chris Lamb (73-80) has been made a Fellow of to Surrey University as their HR Director. He lives in the Royal Society of Arts in recognition of his work Farnham. Chris Beaumont (94-05), pictured, in architectural regeneration in Hull where he was was recently commissioned Executive Director of arc and more recently in James Sweeting (81-88) still runs the successful into the Prince of Wales’s Kent where he is the Chief Executive of the Kent private label coffee company “Lincoln and York” and Own Regiment of Yorkshire at Architecture Centre. Chris has an MSc in Architecture also “Pipers” crisps. James played tennis for the OPs a commissioning ceremony at and has practised as an architect for several years. in 2010 and 2011. Sandhurst in December 2010.

Jonathan Loney (75-82) moved to Seoul, Korea Robin Telfer (72-77) is the Theatre Director in Hannah Booth (92-02) is currently at Oxford’s in January 2011 with his wife, Edith, and daughters, Stuttgart. One of his productions this year was John Radcliffe Hospital working in the Trauma unit. Savannah (12) and Megan (10), to take up the Brecht’s ‘Threepenny Opera’. She also works in the Redgrave Sports clinic doing position of Managing Director for MH Champagnes physiotherapy. and Wines Korea Ltd. The company is owned by Brian Veitch (72-81) has been in Frankfurt, Germany Moet Hennessy International and supplies Moet & since 1991. After stints with private equity firms 3i, Robert Boyes (83-90) having graduated from Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Dom Perignon and Legal & General Ventures and Cognetas (formerly Southampton University worked at Lucas in Solihull Krug champagnes to the Korean market. Electra) Brian took some time out in 2010 before for a few months before moving to Rolls Royce as a joining Steadfast Capital (also in Frankfurt) as a Stress Engineer in the Combustion Department. He James Morley (79-84) made contact to say he would Partner in April 2011. Brian lives with his wife Janet then moved to his current job as a Vibration Engineer be unable to join some of his fellow 1984 Leavers at and their two children, Callum (16) and Helena which involves component and engine testing from the OP Summer reunion at School. He recalls Bob (10). He is in contact with Richard Vergette (74-81), the design stage right through to service support. Rob Peel with affection and the enjoyment he derived Tim Brear (73-81) and David Muir (76-81) and a is married to Hazel and has two boys David (7) and from biology. He got an Honours degree in Agriculture few other OPs via Facebook etc but would like to William (5). from Seale Hayne in Devon and joined John Deere make contact with anyone who still remembers him! Ltd the leading manufacturer of agricultural, turf and (Please contact the OP Office if you would like to be Victoria Carver, née Sweeting (88-90) has, together garden equipment. He and his wife Rachel have 2 in touch with Brian) with her husband Christian, launched ‘Estate Escapes’, children and live in Melton Mowbray. upmarket holiday accommodation in Hotham. The 1990s to Present hard work to take the properties to their desired high Nick Pedley Colonel (71-78) has retired from the Natasha Alderslade (89-96) continues to combine standard is paying off as they have been awarded five army. Much of his Intelligence Corps career was spent stage and television work. She was at the Leeds Grand star status by ‘Visit England’. Anyone wishing to book in African countries including Nigeria, Liberia and Theatre in Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce and was the please visit www.estateescapes.co.uk Sierra Leone. He has now taken up a civilian post female lead in the iconic John Lewis TV advertising Charles Clark (88-97) near Cape Town. campaign Always a Woman. master of the Holderness Hunt is one of the country’s youngest Huntmasters Tim Pedley (73-80) lives in Bishops Stortford and is Vlad Andriescu (97-98) was one of the first of our and a keen point to point rider. He is also an arable an associate editor for Mirror newspapers. Romanian scholars. He has returned home, qualifying farmer at Wistow, near Selby. as a lawyer in 2005. He then went on a Magistrates Kevin Riley (ex Staff 78-82) Alex Cowdy (94-97) has been appointed training programme and is now a Judge in Targu Mures has been working as a football Headmaster of Bradford Grammar School with effect dealing with criminal cases. He has also recently got agent since 2004. His company, Touchline Soccer, from September. He is currently Head of the Harrow married. He has stayed in touch with Tom Maitland represents professional footballers from the English International School in Bangkok. At Pocklington he (91-98). Premier League down to League Two, as well as taught English and was a House Tutor. abroad. He is happy to offer advice to any school Tom Axup (96-07) recently completed the Level 1 leavers or OPs who are interested in a career in Andy Robinson (70-78) is still Association of Cricket Officials (ACO) Umpiring Professional Sports Management/Marketing. Alex can working in London for Shell, the course and says he would definitely recommend it be contacted by e-mail: [email protected]. same company he joined after to anyone interested in umpiring. Tom also graduated Alexandra Dariescu (01-03) leaving school. After a successful this summer with a degree in International Business following on from her heart operation in 2007, he is now and Economics from Aston University. He is currently CD release last year Alexandra has been awarded the competing in triathlons again. In working as a Cash Equity Data Analyst at Markit prestigious 2011 Wigmore Recital prize. Her recital 2010 he competed in the European Group in London. there in the Spring will include pieces by Bartok, age-group championships in Schumann and Wagner. She will also play at the Ireland in July and World age-group championships in Andrew Barrett (95-06) recently took part in the Beverley Chamber Music Festival in September. Hungary in September. Mongol Rally 2011, a 10,000-mile over-land race from Sandra Daroczi (06-07 London to Ulan Bataar in Mongolia to raise money ) Romanian Academic Scholar John Skinner (75-82) redoubtable OP hockey player for charity. Andrew and his team mates opted to is studying Politics and French at Exeter University. She is also a cricketer and won the 2010 Yorkshire Cricket undertake the journey in a 7-ton Carmichael Fire is also project leader for an international Community Board’s award for outstanding services to cricket for Engine which they donated to the people of Mongolia Action project in Ghana. his coaching of young people. His citation says “he is upon completion of the race. For further details of a coach who has inspired young people over many their epic journey google ‘Let’s get ready to Mongol’.

23 Tolfriga (Katie) Davies (93-95) is an early years Ashley Hamer (99-06) spent the first six months Alex Marshall (97-04) is now based in Johannesburg teacher at St. Dunstans College, an independent of the 3rd year of her Modern Languages degree with her new husband Nyundo (see marriage school in South London. at Bristol, working as an intern journalist with a announcements earlier). The pair met in Kitwe, Dutch-run, internet-based news agency in Medellin, Zambia, when Alex was working at a school there Sarah Denness (99-06) congratulations to her on Colombia. She spent the second half of the year in on her GAP year (shows the impact a GAP year can gaining first class honours at Loughborough university Paris with Le Monde. Having now just graduated she have on your life!). Alex is a social impact assessor in Management Sciences. She has now joined aspires to be an investigative journalist and hopes to and Nyundo an environmental impact assessor. Their AB Foods as a graduate trainee and is based near do a Masters in Journalism in London. company is called in by mining companies as a legal Maidenhead. requirement. Andrew Hargreaves (93-97) completed his PhD Lucy Dobson (96-00) née Prest lives near Gateshead in War Studies at King’s College London in 2009 Rob Milne (88-95) Head of English at Madgalen where she is a GP. Her sister Rebecca (91-97) is and is now working as a Visiting Professor at the College School, Oxford has been appointed Deputy a Registrar in A & E in Leicester. Her wedding is Georgia State University in Tblisi, teaching History and Headmaster (Pastoral) at Kings School, Wimbledon reported earlier. Victoria (93-02) has graduated from Academic Writing. He also is working on turning his starting in September. Strathclyde University with an M.Litt in journalism. PhD thesis on US and British Special Forces in WW2 into a book. Christopher Mole (90-97) works for Young’s Kyle Edmund (02-06) continues Brewery in London. He is also a member of the to pursue his tennis career at the Joe Healey (96-06) has just completed his law T.A. In this capacity he has just completed a tour of Junior level. Following on from degree in Newcastle, Tom (93-03) works in London Afghanistan where he was seconded to the Royal the French Open he caused an in property and Ben (03-10) has started at Bishop Marine Commandos in Sangin. He was asked to upset at Wimbledon by beating Burton College. write an account of his time on the frontline and 11th seeded Brazilian Joao Sorgi his commanding officer was so impressed with his in straight sets – “I overcame my Hannah James (01-07) is completing her Masters in account that it is now on display in the Royal Artillery nerves and once I got an early break it was just another Psychology at Leicester University and the results Museum in Woolwich. match after that”. He was eventually eliminated by the of her study into attitudes towards exonerees were Belgian Julien Cagnina. presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual Victoria Minns (97-05) completed her studies in conference in May 2011. Medicine to gain an MBBS and qualify as a medical Diccon Edwards (81-91) has been appointed head doctor. She recently started working at Gateshead coach of Leeds Carnegie in succession to Neil Back. Peggy Hodgson (97-04) has set up a cut flower A&E as a first year doctor. Prior to this his most recent role was at Twickenham co-operative with her mother Gillian on the family as a National Academy coach with the U20’s who farm, in Everingham. ’Fieldhouse Flowers’ sell from Oliver Moore (88-99) works as a Business Rental achieved a Grand Slam in 2011. A former premiership April to October at local famers’ markets as well Sales Manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, overseeing player with Leicester (with whom he won a league as at the farm. In July the business was asked by the the rental needs of the TV, Film and Media production championship medal) and Leeds Diccon played for National Farmers’ Union to make a buttonhole and industry. He recently represented the UK at the England U16, U18, U19 and U21 as well as English corsage for HRH Prince of Wales and the Duchess of World Paddle Tennis Championships in Mexico. He and British universities. Cornwall who were visiting the Great Yorkshire Show lives in Bagshot, Surrey with his fiancée Jaimie Ford, in Harrogate. Peggy, who presented the buttonhole and baby daughter Alana. Michaela Fodor (00-01) better and corsage to the royal couple herself, was later known here as Georgiana returned interviewed for Look North and appeared on the Olivia Morris (89-96) has been teaching fashion and to Pocklington in May to give a local evening news! For more information about the design at Bishop Burton College since 2008 and joins piano recital in the Tom Stoppard business visit the web site www.flowersfromthefarm. Pocklington School in September 2011 as part-time theatre. co.uk. teacher of art.

Chris Gallon (97-04) is a police detective in Sally Ireland (91-98) is well Tim Nettleton (98-03) is based in Pisa working Wolverhampton. He is still a keen (off scratch) golfer known in Yorkshire as a talented as a pilot for Ryanair. His sister Emma Nettleton who would welcome the possibility of involvement in horsewoman and this reputation (94-05) has qualified as a vet and works in Market OP golf activities. was enhanced on St.Patrick’s Day Harborough. when she won Britain’s oldest Chris Gladstone (90-00) recently moved to horse race, the Kiplingcotes Derby. Lewis Papa (96-03) completed his training as a London to take up the post of Events Manager with It was her third attempt and was commando and has now deployed to Afghanistan. experiential marketing company RPM. all the more satisfying as last year she fell and broke He has fond memories of the School rugby tour to her wrist. The horse, Charlie, is owned by Liz Stubbins, Australia where they were unbeaten. Brother Josh Richard Gough (96-05) and Emma Baarda (03-10) mother to three OPs. Papa (96-03) runs his own Finance company near attended Bishop Wilton Show in July, braving the Nottingham and plays rugby for West Bridgford. He torrential rain to sell punnets of strawberries and Elena Marchione (90-97) continues her singing career and his brother have also played in the Easter 7s for strawberries and cream. Richard started The Fruit and after several months on large cruise ship is now the OPs. Yard business, www.fruityard.co.uk, in June this year. touring the Far East in a “Supremes” Tribute act. The business is based at the Strawberry Field, Driffield James Pennock (88-95) has moved from London to Road, Shiptonthorpe. Philippa Marsden (97-02) recently Sheffield with Price Waterhouse for whom he isa went to Thailand for 3 months tax adviser. Jennifer Gray (95-02) has been in touch to say she to perfect her kickboxing skills. has completed her PhD at Durham. She was based Representing the Sasiprapa gym Eszti Pontone (95-97) sadly lost her twin babies last in the Physics department and her research area was in Bangkok, Philippa’s training year when they were born at just 5 months and were the history of astronomy. She has now transferred culminated in a full contact fight too young to survive. She has since set up a web site to the Mathematics department as a Research and with a Thai girl taking the fight to 5 for the Hull branch of Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Training administrator. rounds and winning on points (see Philippa in action Deaths charity and support network) to help other above). Now back in Edinburgh, Philippa is working as families in similar situations. Eszti lives in Hull with her a Pastry Chef in Tom Kitchin’s exclusive Castle Terrace husband James and their 3 year old son Archie. restaurant.

24 The Old Pocklingtonian

Oliver Radley–Gardner (89-95) is a Barrister with both dressed from head to hoof in cow costumes for Philip G Smith (85-95) is enjoying life in the Lake Falcon Chambers in London who are specialists the journey. The pair made it to Paris in 32 hours and District where he supplies ready built and build in property law. He has recently appeared in two raised £1250 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. yourself boat kits along with accessories. His firm substantial proprietary estoppels cases and is sponsored Anthony Emmett (87-94) in this year’s described by the UK Chambers 2011 Guide as ‘a Victoria Selby-Jarrold (90-97), née Selby, is currently annual international kayak race from Devizes to bright and very practical barrister’. enjoying maternity leave from the Foreign & Westminster. He is based in Kendal where the address Commonwealth Office where she works as Senior is www.fyneboatkits.co.uk Ramona Racovicean (04-05) Press Officer to the Europe Minister, after recently performed in the String Quartet, giving birth to her daughter, Amelia. Fran Stubbins (95-06) graduated with a 1st in Natural Senior Strings, House Music Science from Cambridge and went on to study an and Music Society during her Robert Slater (88-98) is currently working on MSc in Biology and Control of Disease Vectors at the time at Pocklington. She is now documentary about the life of Jesus for the BBC. He London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. a professional violinist and was remembers teacher Harry Orr at school who was a Fran is currently based in Tanzania researching a new involved in the X-Factor final as particular inspiration to him. mosquito control method. one of the violinists accompanying Matt Cardle and Katie Sweeting (97-02) née Henderson Rebecca Ferguson. Barnaby Smith (94-99) passed out from Sandhurst in can now be December and is now in Germany and is likely to go regularly seen as a Current Affairs reporter on BBC Stephanie Room (96-07) has recently completed her to Afghanistan in 2012. Look North. graduate nurse training and is now working in A & E Lee Vickers (85-95), National Hunt jockey, broke in Newcastle. Ben Smith (94-99) is a Surveyor in the Retail his back in a race in 2006 and put his nine month Management sector for Capita Group plc based in Mark Rowe (ex Staff 84-06) immediately after leaving London. enforced break to good use by investing in the first here Mark spent time completing his biography of the part of a BA Hons Degree in Journalism at Lincoln virtuoso violinist Heinrich Ernst. This was published in Ed Smith (90-01) was awarded a Master in Education University. He is now back racing, finishing second at 2009 and he is now writing full historical notes for the from the University of Birmingham in July 2010. He Kempton in the 2010 Autumn Maiden Stakes and has each of the six CDs of Ernst’s complete music for violin has recently accepted a new post at the English School a full season planned for 2011. and piano. In 2008 he joined the University of East of Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus starting in September 2011 where he will be working on introducing Andrew Welton (96-06) has joined one of the Anglia as Senior Lecturer in Philosophy. He also has a UKs largest housebuilders, Redrow Homes Ltd as a strong interest in the poet Larkin and was delighted PSHE and the Theory of Knowledge section of the International Baccalaureate to the school. graduate trainee. This follows on from a BSc in Business to hear confirmation of Larkin’s visit to Pocklington Property Management at Sheffield. Immediately prior in 1960 when he spoke to the Literary Society. John Harriet Smith (97-06) to starting work Andrew spent two months touring Emms (56-66) has been reading about the event in who studied Music at the Royal Holloway Australia and New Zealand. He also played for the the book” Larkin’s letters to Monica” where the great OPs in the Hockey match. man described it as quite a pleasant occasion though College gave a vocal recital in the Music School in the summer. it was a bore when he had to talk about poetry! Dan Williams (03-10) Her performance included songs is attempting to climb Which boys met Larkin, wonders John? Mount Everest with friends from Bath University in by Handel, Mozart, Rodrigo and Rogers and Hammerstein. Harriet September to raise money for charity Childreach Jonjo Sanderson (85-95) who is chief executive at International. Wetherby racecourse has frequently appeared on who has been working as a resident boarding assistant television to update racegoers on the state of the in St John’s House at Pocklington is leaving the school Fiona Witty (89-97), née Clancy was featured in the Course during all the bad weather. On the track he to begin a PGCE course in September 2011. Yorkshire Post in a review of the new horseracing has managed in these straightened times to protect season. She is currently the Assistant manager at Matthew G Smith (87-97), saxophonist, launched his flagship races and keep the prize pot at 100k. Beverley Racecourse where she has worked for nine second album last October at Hull Truck Theatre. The years. She reports to chief executive Sally Iggulden CD is a mixture of soulful melodies and evocative Tom Screeton (98-09) and Becky Sedcole (03-10) whose partner is East Yorkshire farmer Philip harmonies which blend together encompassing jazz, took part in an annual hitchhike race to Paris from Megginson (87-92) who is also a race sponsor. Edinburgh as part of a university charity week. To soul, pop and blues. He plays at weddings, birthdays make the challenge a little bit more interesting they and balls all over the UK and also teaches clarinet and saxophone around the region including here at School. OP Merchandise The OP Association is currently reviewing the range of merchandise on offer and would welcome your ideas or suggestions, particularly for items that would appeal to our female OPs. Please e-mail your ideas or Got any news? requests to [email protected]. To order tie slides, cufflinks or ties please send a Contact the OP Office with cheque payable to ‘Old Pocklingtonian Club’ for the your news, announcements or just correct amount (including p&p if applicable) along an up-date to go in the next issue with your order to: OP Office, Pocklington School, West Green, Pocklington YO42 2NJ. of The Old Pocklingtonian Cufflinks £12.00 (plus £1 p&p) E: [email protected] Tie slide £8.50 (plus £1 p&p) OP tie (navy with gold crests, £8.50 (plus £1 p&p) T: 01759 321307 not pictured) Old Pock pint glasses £2.50 each (not pictured) (collection only)

25 Staff Annexe

Farewell Goodbye Henry! After 32 years of cleaning at Pocklington School, The school bids farewell to the following staff: most of which have been spent in Dolman House, Jenny Bean (1978-2010), Support Staff, retiring Jennifer Bean finally packed her Henry the Hoover away for the last time in December. She has been Sue Bosworth (1987-2011), EAL, retiring an immensely popular figure in the house over those Jane Iddon (2009-2010), History, years and will be fondly remembered by Dolman moved to Hull University lads of today and yesterday. Tom Taylor, Director of Boarding and Dolman Housemaster commented Rob Peel (1972-2011), Biology, retiring “Jenny’s retirement is the end of an era. She will be Brenda Wilson (1974-2010), Learning Support, missed by the house team and the boarders and we retiring wish her well in her retirement.” In the photo, Charles Jude, outgoing Head of House and recent leaver, presenting Jenny with a bouquet of flowers.

Former colleagues welcome Rob into retirement (back left to right: Stephen Bosworth, David Stanton, David Nuttall, Malcolm Woodruff, Rob Peel, Chris Solomon, Alec Ramsden, Derek Whilesmith, David Rumbelow, front left to right: Grahame Sutton, Malcolm Milne)

Bob Finally Does a Bunk totally committed and endlessly enthusiastic as these calmly, again not an easy feat I’m sure. Thirty nine comments from OPs confirm: years is an incredible achievement and the School is Rob first found himself at Pocklington School on extremely lucky to have had Rob on the team. “ Steve “He is certainly one of those teachers I enjoyed and teaching practice from York University under the Towse (1990-1994) guidance of Geoffrey Currey. So dynamic was Mr I did enjoy biology. Perhaps it was just because we Peel that he was later poached from King Edward’s, got to watch the David Attenborough “Life on Earth” “I have really fond memories of Rob as a fantastic Stourbridge and began full-time employment here in series, though I think there was more to it than that teacher and a warm human being at school; someone 1972. - he made biology fun!” James Morley (1979-1984) who had real passion for his work and a great zest for life. He is one of the teachers my brother (Sanjay) and “I have very fond memories of Biology GCSE and A As well as his teaching and a stint as Housemaster I have never forgotten.” Ajay Saggar (1977-1984) of Wilberforce and Faircote, Rob has been fully level with Mr Peel. It was both fun and appropriately involved in school life including running the Scouts, serious at the same time, something I think few, even “I remember Rob as a true gentleman and an inspiring coaching 2nd XV rugby, initiating conservation work seasoned teachers, are able to achieve with merit. I Master. He was my House Master in ‘The Block’ as at Allerthorpe Common, skiing, bird watching and enjoyed every minute of it and it was only that which it was called in around 1982 if I recall correctly, but starting the Natural History Club. Many pupils and triggered me to go on and do a Human Movement more importantly dragged me through my Biology A staff have greatly benefited from Rob’s positivity and Science degree. Rob was a friendly engaging teacher level.” Charlie Gelder (1979-1984) expertise in these fields over the years. He is always and managed the classes of challenging young adults

26 Then...School Gym in 2005 before conversion

Now...School Library 2007

Pocklington School, West Green, Pocklington YO42 2NJ Tel: 01759 321307, E-mail: [email protected] www.pocklingtonschool.com